Oh the Places We Go

This was the fourth weekend in a row of being out of town for at least part of the weekend. We were in Portland for the Run Like Hell half-marathon. Next weekend, I GET TO STAY HOME! Jason is going on a retreat, but I'll be home.

I had been looking forward to this trip for awhile. The kids would stay in Eugene with my parents and it would just be Jason and me. Last year we had a great time together, so I really had my hopes up for the weekend. About a week ago, Jason wasn't sure if he would run. He has been running on an injury for awhile and it seemed to really be hurting him. Selfishly (because I wanted the weekend in Portland), I pushed him towards running and praise God, he did really well in the race despite the injury. We are also low on money (who isn't) but decided to go anyway. Cheap hotel, cheap food, free baby/dog-sitting = acceptable expense.

We drove up on Friday and were pleasantly surprised by the hotel. It was actually quite nice. Saturday morning we slept late, had breakfast and were on our way to go pick up the registration packet for Sunday's race and as Jason walked around the car to get in I heard "uh-oh." Our back corner window was smashed. Again, PRAISE GOD, we did not have anything of real value in the car but the violation of theft hits deep in one's soul. Our easy, relaxing morning became phone calls to insurance, glass repair, police, hotel managers and expedia people. From there we had to track down some way to cover the window (it won't be fixed until tomorrow). Our "morning" plans didn't start until afternoon so being a mental plan person, I felt off all day.

Everyone was as helpful as they could be. The hotel agreed to comp our room and even though insurance can't help with payment because it is under the deductable they were helpful in getting the repair set up. The event cast a shadow over my weekend. We continued our plans and had a nice time together. That afternoon we had agreed that Jason would nap/football at the hotel while I went to IKEA. I can spend hours at that store, but in my current state I could barely get through the short list of things I had come prepared to buy. I had a total meltdown in the warehouse section. I went back to my car to bawl in private for about an hour, then I went back to the hotel and crashed.

The bright spot of the weekend was taking Jason to Uptown Billiards. Stacie and I had been there on our trip to Portland in March and I couldn't wait to show it off to Jason. He enjoyed it as much as I had hoped he would. Sunday's race was great for Jason, but I never really was able to shake the shadow.

God knew all this would happen. He knew about the break-in. He knew that would send me over the emotional edge where I've been residing lately. I think He was trying to tell me not to go...but I blatantly ignored Him. I know I will pay more attention in the future. Everything has a spiritual aspect to it and when I ignore that, things tend to crumble around me. Remember, Melinda, Remember!