Good Morning

                      

I just had to do a morning entry today.  Lisa Jo always sends me the cutest graphics and many of them are good morning ones.  As most of you know, my morning starts at 4:30 a.m. during the week.  Of course, I have to sign on as soon as I get up but never have time to do much of anything let alone make an entry.  So...whoo hoo, it's still the a.m. and I can say good morning instead of goodnight to all.

My BF and I did go to Day's Inn last night and left about 12:30.  People were getting way too crazy and the alcohol was flowing out of control.  The police were patrolling the parking lot which was a good thing.  I'm betting the police officer I know too well was in one of the cars.

I know I've been getting many comments mentioning Megan's trip to Asia.  I did quite a bit of thinking during the week after the incident.  Megan is 20.  She was not thinking, obviously, and made a terrible mistake but thankfully, no damage was done.  I spoke with an attorney about the case; not because I want Megan to beat any rap.  I think she needs to learn a lesson.  I needed to know what she was facing as far as ramifications from her university, her schooling, etc.  She was always a good kid.  She has worked two and sometimes three jobs.  Management loves her because she is dependable and a hard worker.  Not making excuses one bit for the fact that she got behind the wheel of my car after drinking.  I also needed to know a ballpark figure of the fines she is facing.  She will need to petition the courts for a waiver to drive to and from work this summer when her license is suspended.  I cannot pay her fines; nor would I if I could.  They will set up a payment plan for her.

She will enter a very tough, restrictive probation program for a year.  She will be urine tested, report to a probation officer monthly and take some brutal classes.  She will not be permitted to imbibe whatsoever during that time.  She turns21 in June but that makes no difference.  She has a preliminary hearing in April; a court appearance in May.  She can get a continuance from the courts for the trip because it is school related.

If she tows the line for that year and follows every single rule; not breaking one ever, she will not have a conviction.  The DUI will remain with the State for 7 years.  Should she have a repeat offense or break any of the probation rules...30 days in jail...period.  Then it will turn into a conviction.

She has already paid $4,000 of her own money for this trip and took a loan for the remaining $1,200 plus spending money.  She worked long hours waitressing to get the extra money.

I prayed much over this.  We've all made mistakes...some larger than Megan's; some not remotely as bad.  I'm a firm believer in second chances.  I'm also a firm believer in owning up to the consequences of actions.  Quite frankly, when she returns from Japan and China, she will face the biggest struggle she has ever faced.  I pray that she follows through and comes out a much better person for it.  I also believe things happen for a purpose.  Had she not got caught, she would have continued spiraling out of control.

She has been going to church with her big sister.  The laying of hands in this church is quite powerful.  I've said many times that church is a hospital for sinners; not a shrine for saints.  I'm also planning on attending with them now that the weather will be breaking soon.

Bottom line is Megan was a wonderful kid in high school; went away to college and got into a terrible lifestyle.  My prayers for Megan were answered; not in the way I expected but, nonetheless, taken care of.

Oh, and, by the way, I went to my Verizon store yesterday.  It was a bad battery.  It was replaced free of charge because the phone is less than a year old.  I'm not sure about all Verizon stores but our local is tops in fixing things or replacing at no charge or a $12 tech fee.  I was prepared to argue about buying a $40 battery.  In the end, I didn't have to.

The sun is shining; most of the snow has melted, and I absolutely need to get some cleaning done before I run some errands. 

Blessings to all.....