CSR Convention

Jamie sent me to the Auto Owner's CSR Convention in Lansing, MI this week.  It was a lot of fun.  They had skits and games and entertainment and prizes and great food.  I traveled on Monday and the convention lasted from Tuesday morning through Thursday late morning.  I'm now home and glad to be here.  I love to travel, but I also love to come home.

I'd say the highlight of the trip was the tour of the home office.  It is huge!  It was neat to see the place that I call A LOT. The executives were very friendly and made a point to meet us and talk with us.  They also held round table discussions this morning.  The point of the round table was not only for us to ask questions, but for them to get ideas on how to improve.

Overall, it was a good week.  I'm ready to head back in to the office in the morning.

Woooo Hooooo!

I passed!!!  It's finally over!!!!  Not only did I pass, but I did much better than I anticipated.  I'm so thankful for God's direction and help.  He gave a lot of grace today.  Thanks for all your prayers!

I went to the mall afterward to find a wedding present for a friend and discovered they have Chic-fil-A.  And you all know how much I love Chic-fil-A!  So I celebrated by having the Chicken Strip Salad...my very favorite!  I almost got another one to bring home and have later.  I knew the people at the counter would think I was weird, so I didn't.

I also stopped and got a cinnamon crunch bagel from Panara's for breakfast tomorrow.  All in the name of celebration.  I think that's enough celebrating.  Unless of course some of you want to send flowers or a cake or something.  Just kidding....please don't do that.

Thanks again for your prayers.  God is good!!!!!!

It's Been a Long, Long Time

...since I've taken a test.  I graduated from college in 1999 and don't think I've taken any kind of test since then.

All that will change next week.

I need to get my insurance license for my job.  I've been studying a bit here and there, but not like I'd like to or need to.  I guess all the painting and house projects have been distracting me a bit.  Jamie sent Tara and I to a class today to prepare us for the test.  Let me tell you...this guy was amazing!

I wanted to go and take the test right after class was done!  I've been so concerned that I'm not going to be ready for it, but he gave us such good information and in a way that even I could understand it.  I was really surprised by all that I already knew even with my little bit of studying.  We took practice quizzes and I only missed two on all of them put together.  YIPPEE!!!!!!!

The test is scheduled for Wednesday at 2:00.  Please pray for me!  Even though I feel I'm more prepared after taking the class, he did tell us that only 53% of people pass and that includes people that are repeating the exam.  BUT out of those that take his test, eight out of ten pass the first time.

First Day

Today was my first day working at Hometown Insurance. I can sum it up in one phrase (but you know I won't)...I'm gonna love it! I really enjoyed working again and the interaction with people. I have sooooooo much to learn, but it is so evident that this is where God wants me. I'm really excited to dive in and can't wait till I'm a pro at insurance.

Thanks so much for all your prayers. And please don't stop praying!

On a side note, every time I answered the phone at work today I had to keep myself from saying, "Iowa Regular Baptist Camp, this is Erin." I seriously had to stop and think before I answered EVERY TIME! I'm sure it will start to come naturally soon.

Potpourri

So do you guys remember that stuff that your mom had in a bowl that smelled like a perfume counter? Yep, that was potpourri. This title has nothing to do with that smelly stuff. It's just gonna be a bunch of stuff that isn't related at all...a little update of the "this and that's" of my life in a bowl.

Today was supposed to be my appointment at this clinic. Due to a family emergency, the doctor had to cancel. They couldn't reschedule until the middle of February, and that won't work for my schedule. God has definitely closed the door to that clinic and I'm not sure what He has around the corner. I believe that since I'm going to be moving, He has some plans for me that will be closer to Creston.

My next bit of potpourri is about Creston. I'm headed back there on Thursday with my parents to do some house hunting. This is both exciting and scary at the same time. I'm excited because I'll possibly be buying my first house. I'm scared because I'll possibly be buying my first house. I'm sure every one of you is familiar with these feelings. I'm very thankful my parents can go with me.

Thanks so much for your prayers and kind words. I know that God has great things in store for the future. Just as He put the perfect job along my path, I know He'll guide me to the perfect house in the right time. I'm so thankful for such a mighty and caring God.

Big News!

You may wonder why you are looking at the welcome sign for Creston. Well, it's because that's where I'm going to be moving. Yep, you heard right. What can I say, I love Iowa!

Through much prayer and God's leading, I've taken a position at Hometown Insurance that will begin in March. I spent some time there yesterday and today and am very excited. It's one of those God things. Hearing how God was leading on their end and on mine just confirmed that this is where God is directing. After I left camp I prayed that God would drop what was next right into my lap when it was the right time. And He did! Why am I surprised when God answers my prayer in such an amazing way?

Thanks for all your prayers! I'll keep you posted on all the new developments.