Sharing a song

I'm really missing this place this year! I'll try to enjoy my memories, though. Hopetown beach and lighthouse in Hopetown, Abaco, The Bahamas.

I really enjoy music, but Christmas music is even more special to me and those of you who know me well, know I thoroughly enjoy singing. Most people know most Christmas songs, but there are some from my childhood that we don't seem to hear much anymore. There is one in particular that I remember learning out of a big Christmas piano book that mom had. I don't remember ever hearing it anywhere else, recorded or sung by anyone but I still to this day remember all the words and like the style of it. Sorry I can't convey the tune here, but I will give you the words as they are something to think about...

C is for the Christ child born on Christmas day,
H for Herald angels in the night,
R is our Redeemer,
I means Israel,
S is for the Star that shone so bright.
T is for three wise men, they who traveled far,
M is for the manger where he laid,
A's for all He stands for,
S mean shepherds came,
and that's why there's a Christmas day.

Simple but so full of meaning. If you have any favorites that really touch your heart, please feel free to share them... whether they are well known or not. A few of my favorites include The First Noel, O Holy Night and Joy to the World.

My Holiday Season... so far...

Well, some of you may think that because I haven't blogged in awhile that I've been caught up in the frenzy of the season... the rushing here and there... and the feeling that it's all passing me by too quickly. And that's been the case in years past way more often that it ought to have been. However, this year, due to my particular, unique and unusual (for me at least) set of circumstances I've actually felt like time was dragging by and can't believe we're still 4 days away from Christmas Day itself.

I bought my parents' gift several months ago when I saw something that I thought they'd like that was comparatively small and lightweight and had it wrapped and sent across the world before Thanksgiving. Wanted to take no chances near the holidays of it not getting there (besides I was sending some other things they needed anyway). Most of the gifts for friends I'm making and so have been working on them since sometime in August. My brother, sister-in-law and nephew I shopped for online and had them delivered to the house, except one thing I'm making for my SIL and that is not quite finished, so I will wrap and mail all of those the end of next week. They are actually going to be out of town all next week anyway so won't be there to receive them until after that. I celebrated Christmas with my "local" family this past Saturday because they left Tuesday for Susannah's parents' for 10 days. I got puppets for the boys so they were again an online order and Anna got a hat and mittens, just in time to head north!

Once I found I would be heading to Houston for about 5 days to spend Christmas with some very dear friends (read more extended family - yes I seem to have them everywhere!) I was able to order gifts for that niece and nephew and have them shipped straight to their house so I don't have to haul them in the suitcase, and for their parents I have a small gift that I can carry that I got in Thailand. I gave my neighbors (the ones who graciously watch my house the many times a year I travel) a meal and dessert in a jar and they seeme to love it!

So that covers any and all shopping issues - there weren't any!

As far as activities go, I'm in the process of looking at a new church, so I didn't have a SS class party to go to, nor was I in the choir this year so no rehearsal or performance times to deal with. I chose not to go to my office party - I'm just not usually fond of those types of things and I don't really have anyone I'd really call "friend" from the office (for the first time ever in my career, actually). As it turns out it was a God-lead decision for sure as I spent that day/afternoon/evening at the Sammons' residence and ended up staying with 3 of the kids that evening while Mom and Dad took the other to the ER after a fall on the concrete floor. All is well and everyone was fine, but we also praise God, for his orchestration of my time.

I've done a few other babysitting evenings for a couple other friends that I don't usually do for and it was fun! I went to a crop at a new Scrapbook store (with 2 friends I usually crop with) on the 8th and that was enjoyable. We took my nephews and niece to see Charlotte's Web on it's opening night and had fun. That next morning I took the boys shopping for gifts for their parents and that did a terrific job and we had a lot of fun picking things out!

The biggest, busiest thing I've had to do the past couple weeks is try to keep up with my parents! They spent a wonderful, much-needed, relaxing week at a resort down in Phuket (Thailand). But found out just before they left for that, that they would be gone 4 days of the following week as well. They had to make a trip to Vientianne (sp?), Laos to do some paperwork. So Mom called me this morning and they have safely returned home from that trip. Last Saturday I also received a box from them with all sorts of treasures for Christmas from Nepal and Thailand. I'm thrilled with them all! It's so neat to see the things made in such different cultures. It's hard to believe that they've been over there almost 2 years already! Time does fly, even when you aren't always having fun!

So I'll be leaving tomorrow to head to Houston and Christmas with another family. What a blessing to be invited in to the habits, traditions and celebrations of another family and to be considered part of that family. I must also thank Sarah for her gracious offer to spend that day of days with her family had I not been able to travel. The offer itself means as much to me as the actual event - to know that I actually had my pick of which family to be claimed part of so that I would not be alone. I am truly blessed to have such loving and caring friends! In addition, I get to see another friend of mine, who also lives in the greater Houston area, for an afternoon while I'm there - we're going to the Cheesecake Factory! This is one of my favorite places on earth!

I've been enjoying the Christmas music as always - sometimes I wish we'd mix in a little of it all year round. Maybe I'll just try that this year, regardless of what some people might think or say! It's just that some of the music and words are so beautiful and bless me tremendously. So it's home to pack up the suitcase and after I work several hours tomorrow I'll hit the air. I'm praying that I'll stay healthy - that's really the one issue I have with flying this time of year! Up the dose of Vitamin C!!

Have a very merry Christmas and please try to take some quiet moments not just with your family or friends, but with the Lord Jesus Christ. After all, it is his birth we remember and celebrate... if He'd not come as a child to earth, He'd not have been able to die on the cross some thirty years later, thus paying the price for all my sins, 2000 years before I even came to be. And the good news is He didn't do it just for me, but for you too. Remember to thank Him and praise Him for loving you that much. If for some reason (and the possibilities are many and diverse) this holiday season is a little harder for you than it has been previously - let Him heal your heart. May God bless you richly and show you His Joy this year.

Merry Christmas!

25 Christmas tidbits!

Got this from a friend this afternoon and thought I'd share my answers with you! Feel free to leave me comments with your answers or email them to me!


1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?? Hot chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Currently there are no Santa presents, as most recent years there hasn't been a tree either - but when we were little, Santa always wrapped our presents, unless it was something big!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Always been colored

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No

5. When do you put your decorations up? Ususally right after Thanksgiving if I do at all.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Don't know that I have one, we usually have everything from our holiday throughout the year too, so we don't really have any true "holiday" dishes.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child. That I lived far enough north to have some white Christmases!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't ever remember believing in Santa. We had gifts from Santa, but always knew it was Mom and Dad.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Once or twice we did growing up, but mostly all on Christmas morning. Now we do it anywhere from Thanksgiving to the end of January - whenever we are able to be together.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? I haven't put up a tree since 2001, but the decorations I have are a lot of old ones from when I was a kid and some that I've made since then.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it with every fiber of my being!! Wish I had more of it every year!!

12. Can you ice skate? Yes

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? It's changed over the years and I'm not sure I remember all of them, but in the last few years I've come to treasure "time" with my parents, brother sister-in-law and nephew, grandparents, aunts uncles and cousins, whether at Christmas or any time of the year. Since I don't have a family of my own, these are the people I'm closest to and I don't get to see any of them nearly as often as I'd wish.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Remembering the birth of my Savior. He chose to be born a man that He might save us all from our sins that once we accept His gift we might dwell with Him forever.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Cheesecake, homemade cookies

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas music and being with family

17. What tops your tree? An angel

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving - I always love to see the look of happiness on someone's face when they are surprised!

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night, The First Noel, Silent Night and Joy to the World - it's really hard to pick favorites, I love them all

20. Candy Canes! yuck or yummy? They're alright, not too much or they get too sweet really quickly

21. Fave Christmas Movie? Don't know that I have one

22. When do you take your Christmas decor down? Sometime in January when I get to it

23. Do you have your Christmas shopping finished or even started? Lacking only one item - I'm usually done by Thanksgiving or shortly thereafter, I shop throughout the year as I see things - it spreads the cost out.

24. What are you wishing for Santa to bring you this year? The husband He's chosen for me

25. What special way will you allow the Lord to Touch others with His Fingerprints this Christmas Season? I'm spending some time with friends this year and hoping that I can bring some smiles and help a little to share their burdens - they've had some rough times the last several years and her parents are overseas on the mission field too. Hopefully people will always notice something different about me through my words and actions, throughout the year, even if they don't realize at first that it's Christ in me.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Mine was great! I drove to the Dayton, Ohio area on Wednesday night to stay with my aunt and uncle for the duration. The traffic was a little hectic in spots and the KY state cops were out with a vengeance, but I stuck to the speed limit and had no problems. When I got there and unloaded the car, we visited as we rolled out cinnamon rolls - for breakfast the next morning. My uncle and I spent a 1/2 hour in the hot tub then before bed. I was up at 6:00 the next morning and read for a couple hours while they slept in. Then we made all the preparations (we weren't having our dinner and celebration until Friday), a quick trip to the store, and even worked at organizing my aunt's office. After a late dinner and some conversation, I enjoyed the hot tub once again before I went to bed. Uncle DeVon was up early Friday and did some shopping and returned just as I was getting up. Grandpa came in about 10:30 or so during our continued preparations. We were ready to eat by around 1:00pm, when 2 of my 3 cousins arrived with their wives. The oldest one and his wife live in San Antonio and had actually had another aunt and uncle and 2 other cousins (also living in the San Antonio area) over the day before for fried turkey. Anyway, plenty of food was had by all and everything was delicious. We spent the afternoon and evening playing games, chatting, watching old videos that Grandpa brought and munching on leftovers, snacks and desserts. Later in the evening we all go to talk to my parents over the computer as well.

Saturday we slept in, lounged around, watched another video from Grandpa and had lunch. Grandpa left shortly after lunch and we spent the afternoon working in my aunt's office and then started a puzzle. After dinner, we didn't stay up too late - we were all pretty tired! I did take advantage of the hot tub again for the last evening. Sunday morning I went to church with my aunt while my uncle was working at the museum. I packed up everything when we got home and then when my uncle got back we headed over to the mall to have lunch at bd's Mongolian Barbecue (http://www.gomongo.com/). It was good! After we got back to the house I worked on the puzzle a little more before loading up the car and heading out.

I was a little tired and stopped about 1/2 hour before Louisville. I got gas and then slept for a little over and hour. That's what I needed, when I got back on the highway, I was not tired the rest of the way. I got home and was bushed though by the time I'd unloaded the car and unpacked. It was bedtime. All in all it was a really good holiday, I was thankful to spend the time with this part of my family, especially since my parents are on the other side of the world.

Now I'm going to try to stay thankful and upbeat as we go into this Christmas season. I've been offered the opportunity just a few days ago, to fly to Houston to spend a few days over Christmas with my very dear friends (read adopted family) Bill & Dana-Susan and their children and I'm greatful for that as I've not seen them all in over 3 years. I am also thankful to Sarah and her family who were prepared to have me join their family here for Christmas before I found out I could travel. It's the first time ever I've spent both holidays away from my parents (who are currently still my closest family since I don't have a husband or children of my own) in the same year and it's very trying. When I found out that Marc & Susannah and the kids were going to PA to spend Christmas with her parents, and then that my aunt and uncle were going to San Antonio, I really wasn't sure what to do. I felt kind of awkward inviting myself anywhere, but did send a note to several close friends that I knew wouldn't mind - it was better than spending it alone and finding out afterward that I should have just asked. Thanks Sarah - hope I didn't disappoint you too much by changing my plans after your generous kindhearted offer!

Well, I hope that you all had a restful and thankful holiday and that you will remember to continue to be thankful as we head into the Christmas holidays. Remember to take time to enjoy your family and praise and celebrate the Savior!

Election Day and other tidbits!

I tried a couple times last week to write, but one time Blogger was messing with me and another, my work computer blitzed out just as I was ready to hit post! It's so hard to write a nice long post and then have it gone - I began to rewrite, but it's really tough to write all over what you've just finished, so I gave up.

Halloween was good, I went to Franklin with some friends and the boys went trick-or-treating - they were a knight, a pirate and Scooby Doo! I brought some special treats from the Cocoa Tree in Franklin. If you've never tried them, and you live in the area, you've got to look them up! They are on 3rd, north of the circle about a block on the left. They are expensive, but ohh so worth it.

Not much going on at the moment. It's rainy and dreary and has been since sometime yesterday, but at least the temperatures are reflecting fall now - thankfully!! Natures beautiful canvas has turned a corner though, unfortunately the fire is gone from the reds and the glint from the golds. It was gorgeous while it lasted and I enjoyed it immensely as I do every year...

driving around or just standing looking out my door...
able again to take a deep breath...

of colder... cleaner... crisper air...
then letting it out on a sigh...
and a smile...
joyous... just to see God's handiwork.

I'm continuing to work on Christmas gifts and reading quite a bit. I've been re-reading some old books from my childhood recently. Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Borrowers, The Boxcar Children. I started in on it a couple months ago when I started taking The Borrowers and the Boxcar Children books to Ethan to read. I decided that I'd re-read them too so that I could talk to him about them and just for the enjoyment. Of course, they are much easier now and don't take real long. I've finished all of The Borrowers series and am up to the 7th Nancy and the 3rd Trixie. I also bought some used books of older mysteries too - Ellery Queen, Lord Peter Whimsey and also a few of the Bobbsey Twins (more kids' easy reads).

I also took the boys bowling this past Saturday and yes, we finally got there when they had some open lanes! We bowled one game, Isaac 118, me 101, Elijah 76 and Ethan 64. Of course, the little ones had the help of the ramp or Aunt Debby and Ethan did his all by himself!! Oh, and we all had the help of the bumpers and thus, no gutter balls. Little did I think though, about how exhausting it would be for me. Am I that out of shape? I guess so - but it was a blast none the less! The boys had fun and Mom and Dad got a little bit of a break.

I also began watching a history series that Mom and Dad bought and gave me when they were done with it. It's on the Civil War. I'm not too far into it (have only listened to the first two), but so far it seems pretty good. Each lecture is 30 minutes. I'll keep you posted as I go along.

It's Election Day today. I so hope that you exercised your privilege of living in this great country of ours and went to the polls. Democracy only works if we all take the responsibility to make our voices heard. There is a lot at stake right now in our country, and though I'd never be confused with a "politically-minded" person by any stretch of the imagination, I do think it is important to know the issues on the ballot and vote on them. I also think it is a good reminder that we definitely need to be in prayer for our nation, for our nation's leaders, and our nation's law makers. I'm in agreement with Dr. James Dobson, when he said that he still believes that God's word is true and He will keep His promises, and if we would get down on our knees, as individuals and as a nation, in humility and cry out to Him, He will heal our nation (II Chronicles 7:14).

And, it's almost Thanksgiving - who'd have believed it! With the turn of the month it also became official... I've now lived in the same house for 5 years, which by the way is the longest I've ever lived in one abode in my entire 37+ years. This is quite an accomplishment, let me tell you. As you might gather from this... "home" to me is not a place, but a gathering of the people I call family, wherever we happen to be at the time. Over the years I've learned to appreciate this more and more. I guess I still have a small amount of envy of those who grew up in the same place, with the same people all their lives, they always seem to have a connectedness that I've never known. But I also know that it reminds me much more often that this world is not my "home", I'm just an alien here and am passing through. I'm looking forward, more with each new day, to going where I know that I'll feel more "at home" than I ever could have here, even if I'd lived in the same house every day of my earthly life. Christ is preparing my mansion in His "home" and I can't wait to see it and to have the privilege of singing His praises around the throne for eternity.

All that said, I've had several rough weeks lately and though I won't bore you or bring you down with all of it here, if you think of me say a little prayer for me. I'm struggling with a few very heavy things right now. I'm trying to stay focused on the blessings, but they are seeming far outweighed these days. Thanks.

Last Week's News Today

I tried to post this last Thursday, but blogger wasn't cooperating with the pictures. So I got a chance to try again today. Sorry for the delay...

Well, I had a good weekend with Grandpa! We played a lot of games and that was great - it's one thing I definitely miss about living alone. We played 6 dice, Kings-on-the-Corners, Sequence and we even played several games of pool up at the "big house". It was gorgeous weather (IMHO) and their leaves were prettier than ours, though ours have made tremendous progress in the past week. The drive to and from was uneventful.

I did find an excellent radio station on my way home going through Anderson/Indianapolis. They were playing some great Christian music and I liked it because it was quite a bit of older or lesser known songs - not just the "what's hot right now" pop Christian tunes. Don't get me wrong, I like those too, but there are sooooo many songs out there from the past that I get frustrated at hearing the same things over and over day after day. Anyway, I made note of the station number and when I got to work on Monday I brought up my good friend "Google" and found the station. I can play it through the computer here at the office, which is great because ever since I moved to my new office several months ago, my usual "pop Christian" station hasn't come in very well on the radio, so I've just been doing without. The extra bonus is that as I've listened this week, I've found that this new station also has many excellent Bible-based talk shows each day... Midday Connection, Focus on the Family, etc. and I've found that since my work requires little to no thought processes, I'm able to listen all day as I work. This has really been helpful this week and I'm learning alot.

Also over the weekend, we finally made it over the last hurdle in my home computer saga!! WOOHOO!! Marc, my incredibly patient and muchly appreciated resident computer expert, put in the new power supply (yes, they finally sent us the correct replacement part). I talked to Mom on Tuesday night and as far as I can tell, it's working like a dream! Praise God, this 6-month journey is finally over.

I found out today that the other big thing that I had in the works I did not get. I'm wrestling through receiving that news. Although I didn't necessarily get my hopes too high, I really wanted it - as it sounded exactly like what I've wanted to do for several years - and therefore, it was really a let-down. I will now begin my own search in the next day or two. So please continue praying about this in general and I'll update you when anything happens.

Mom and Dad had a good trip last week to Delhi and accomplished what was needed. Dad did catch a cold though and has missed at least half the week of work once they were home. He did go to the doc and is taking some meds and getting quite a bit of rest. I'm hoping he's back in the office tonight and I'll get to talk to him and see how he's feeling. We are praying that he recuperates quickly and that Mom keeps from catching it as well. Mom told me that they bought two different sets of fabric for me while they were there and we will have them made up into salwar kameez's when I'm over there in February. Today she sent me pics of the fabric - take a peek...

Reflections

Well, it's been a terribly long time since I've updated this and I've been meaning to for some weeks now, but just hadn't made the time. So here I am... I've skipped an entire month and am watching October rapidly disappear as well!

September was busy, but nothing really significant going on. The first weekend of the month (Labor Day weekend) I took another scrapbook store tour with my friends on Saturday. We went to 2 stores in Cookeville and then headed to Bowling Green for a third one. During the ride I made arrangements with one of the girls to buy her used QuicKutz blue handle and cradle for $15 - for those of you not in the SB (ScrapBook) world, this is a terrific deal! So at the first store we went to they were having a sale on the QK and I purchased the Marisa font alphabet/numbers in the classic size, includes both upper and lower case. I also bought a binder to store them in. I've since purchased a Phoebe skinni mini on Ebay for $70 - again a terrific deal for upper, lower and numbers. They have all kinds of shapes for die cuts, but I don't plan to do very many of those - at least not right now due to the expense. But the alphabets are a tremendous addition to my supplies and will be used a great deal I'm sure. Anyway, we had a lovely day and all spoke of doing it again when possible!

My aunt and uncle and my aunt's parents were in town for a week during September and I enjoyed playing tour/restaurant guide in the evenings. My uncle's yearly conference was being held at the Opryland hotel so we operated out of there. I was lucky enough to join them on a Saturday night for dinner and a performance at the Grand 'Ole Opry. We also had dinner 4 other nights, so if you are ever wanting a recommendation for a nice dinner out on the town here in Nashville, please let me know - I've now had a chance to try some of them out! It was great to be able to chat and catch up each evening as well and I enjoyed spending some time with them all!

I enjoyed two Pampered Chef parties - one the end of August and one in September. These are always fun for me! Whether I'm able to buy anything or not, just getting together with friends, and talking about kitchen stuff and sharing tips is a blast for me. Probably because I love to cook and bake. Speaking of which, I tried 2 new homemade soup recipes the end of September that are absolutely scrumptious - in fact I'm still finishing them up for lunches! One was a creamy tomato basil and the other a cream of asparagus, but I liked the fact that neither really has a lot of cream in them, they are mostly thickened by pureeing the veggies. The asparagus one also had leeks in it, which was a yummy combination. So if you love soup like I do, and are looking for something new, let me know, I'd be glad to share! Tonight for dinner is a leg of lamb roast with garlic and rosemary and sweet potatoes and parsnips - can't wait!

The last weekend of the month I went to Croptoberfest in Sevierville, TN (east over by Gatlinburg in the mountains), which was a scrapbooking retreat at a Baptist Youth Camp. It started on Thursday, but since I had to work on Friday, I arrived at the place late on Friday night. I loved the scenery and being in the mountains and woods! I got quite a bit accomplished and enjoyed my time with the others as well.

You will all be happy to know that after so many months of frustration my home computer is 95% back. It has been up and running well for the last several weeks on it's old power supply waiting for the 2nd new one to come in (the 1st new one having died in less than 30 days, I was able to exchange at no extra charge, but the first time they sent me a motherboard instead of a power supply). The 2nd new one is here now and is just waiting on Marc to have a few minutes to come and change it out for me. YEAH!!!

The weather here has been unseasonably hot until this past weekend, which was gorgeous. I was able to have the windows open all weekend long and really enjoyed it. I also spent several hours out working with the pool trying to prepare it for winterizing and covering. It still needs some work, but I'm progressing. It's a challenge as the water is already pretty cold. These past couple days it's been back up in the 80's again, but I've heard it's supposed to drop back to fall weather again by week's end. I hope so. Our leaves have not really begun to color yet, but are beginning to fall, we really need a visit from Jack... Frost that is. I'm hoping for a really nice winter this year and praying for at least one good bout of snow, if not a couple.

Last week I tried once again to take my nephews bowling, but "I'm sorry we don't have any open lanes until 9pm" and since their bedtime is between 7:30 and 8:00, this was not going to work again. We've been trying on Wednesday nights (that's when we went last year when I took just Ethan) because they have a special - $0.99 per game! Well, needless to say, we were disappointed and returned home. The boys did a great job in understanding and not being too upset. I promised them we would try again, maybe this time we'll try a Saturday and plan to be there when they open. I was just so proud of their reaction and flexibility - they are growing up so fast and learning all the time. Elijah is beginning to read now - it's so exciting! He also told me a couple weeks ago that he was "a Christian with God". Indeed, he has recently prayed that special prayer and accepted Jesus as his Savior! Praise His name for another soul saved!

This weekend I'm heading to Grandpa's and am looking forward to spending some time with him. I'm hoping for good weather for the drive as well as looking forward to maybe seeing a little more color up that way than we currently have. Did I ever mention this is my favorite time of the year?!?! I don't know if he has any plans for us or not, but I'm looking forward to playing some games at least. I'm singing in church on Sunday morning and really need to get some practice time in before then.

I've begun on some Christmas gifts and am making great progress so far. I can't mention what they are, of course because I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise for anyone reading this, but I'm enjoying myself that's for sure. It's coming faster than you think!

I have one other big thing in the works, that I emailed some of you about a week and a half ago. It is still in process, so please continue praying for me. From what I can tell the possibilities are very good, I'll keep you posted. While you are at it, please keep my parents in your prayers. Two things - one is an administrative issue that actually effects two of the company offices in their city, theirs and another. I musn't give any other details, but this could potentially be serious (though no one is in danger) and is time critical - this has nothing to do with the recent events and all are safe. Please pray for the Master Organizer to be at the center and work out all the details according to His plan and in His timing. The second is they are actually out of their country right now on a business trip into one of the countries they support. They arrived there this morning (US time) and will return home Sunday evening (US time). Please pray for their safety as well as the accomplishment of His agenda. There are some peculiarities of their location that could make their tasks challenging as well. Thanks so much for your pleas to the Father on their behalf!

Speaking of travel, that's one other thing that we've gotten accomplished in my absence from here. My ticket is purchased and I plan to spend the last 2 weeks of February with them in their city. We intend to do some sightseeing in the area, take another cooking class, and possibly take a couple side trips to neighboring countries (a day or two each), then at the end of the trip they are going with me to Bangkok for a couple days before I leave to come home, so I will get to see some of that city as well. I'm also looking forward to attending church with them this time, which I was unable to do last time I was there.

Well, I guess that's about it for now. I think this hits the highlights of activities and news that has occurred during my sabbatical. Please leave me comments, I really enjoy hearing from you too! Have a great rest of the week!

Computer Saga, Take Two!

Hello all. I've been very remiss of late and not getting things up here, and I'm going to try to do better. But most of what's been going on of late is just more struggles with electronic equipment and customer service reps. Just when I thought the tide was turning - we got my computer back to working status and Marc hooked it all up for me. Less than a week later, I was leaving for a 4-day weekend and so I turned it off before I left, which is my usual modus operandi when leaving for a trip. Two days after I returned I went in after dinner to do a little work on catching up from the 4-months without a computer and it wouldn't turn on. I tried everything, for 10 minutes and it's simply dead... as a doornail... dead. I'll admit at this point I broke down and cried for half an hour I was so frustrated. Though most of you know I'm not a violent-natured person at all, I had vivid thoughts of throwing the whole thing through the window! But I didn't want to have to pay to fix a window, so then I thought about dropping it in my big trash container! Those thought passed quickly and then I was flooded with the familiar series of what if it can't be fixed, we've done everything Marc knows to do and it ran fine for just under a week while it was on. So I've done some exploring and know what I'll probably be getting, but I held off. Marc & Sus and the kids were on vacation and I didn't want to ruin it by calling or emailing to tell them the news. They arrived home last night, so I will talk with them sometime today or tomorrow about it. I'm giving us probably a week or so and if nothing happens in that span of time, then I'll be ordering a new one and this time I'll be paying for the 4-year warranty!!

In other news, the 4-day weekend mentioned above was to see my parents while they were stateside. I got a full 3-days with them (and 2 partials) in Indiana just before they left to head home to Thailand. It was way too short, but good to see them. My Dad had unexpected surgery while they were in Dallas to remove a cancerous spot from his nose, but all went well and he's continuing to heal well. We were just thankful that God's timing allowed for this to be discovered and taken care of while they were here as it much more of a "plastic surgery" (for lack of a better term) type surgery than the spot on his head that he had removed in Thailand. He is continuing to heal well and they arrived home safely. We are working on vacation plans now for Februrary.

I've finished another afghan and started on a sweater, which is the first fitted (with the exception of baby Anna's sweater) item I've attempted. Mom and I went through some more stuff in the storage room at Grandpa's and along with tons more yarn, I brought home a few pattern books. I found one I liked and decided to try it, we'll see how it goes. Seemingly slower than the afghans at that moment. I've also started on a Christmas present for friends this weekend. I know it's still in the 90's outside, but the fall is coming and I'm anxiously anticipating it! I've also been reading and listening to audio books per usual. I'm hooked on a series of mysteries about an archaeologist that my parents started me on, they are by Elizabeth Peters. I also listened to All Quiet on the Western Front and finished two books by Nora Roberts. She's one of my favorites as well.

This past Friday night I was at Sarah's for scrapbooking with friends. I finished 8 more pages in my "life" book and we talked alot about the upcoming Octoberfest that I'm attending with some of them. It is basically a retreat for scrapbooking and this one is held at a camp in Sevierville, TN. It is the first time I will have paid to scrapbook somewhere, but I thought that $90 for 2 nights and 6 meals was a pretty good deal! I'm even going to participate in the friendship page swap. I had decided originally I wasn't going to and I was just going to kind of soak it all this first time, but Sarah talked me into it. And, over the rest of this weekend, not only did I get my design for my page all planned out, but I've already begun working on the pages! I've got to keep slowly chipping away at it... the weekend is just over 5 weeks away!

Well, I suppose that's enough for the moment, I should get back to the daily grind. Please pray for my computer if you think about it... and my sanity. Have a great week and hopefully I'll be back sooner than later :o)

WOW! It's the end of July?!

I can't believe it's been over a month since I last sat and wrote. Things have been frustrating to say the least. We are still working on the home computer - we have a third part on order that should be here this week and if you could say a little prayer that this will make it all work, I'd be much obliged. If not, I'll return all the parts (minus a restocking fee) and have to begin looking at new computers - this I don't really want to do.

I've also been struggling with my pool cleaner for the last couple weeks. I got some new parts put on the old one and it still wasn't really doing the job so I ordered a spiffy new one that should really be great and it came on Friday. When I went to put it in on Sunday I realized one of the major parts is missing! So I called the place yesterday, they are going to pick up the old one today and ship a new - hopefully it will be here by the end of the week. Meanwhile the ladybug is struggling along doing her best.

And last but not least, my TV went out on Friday. I'm currently leaning on the graciousness of friends who are letting me borrow one of theirs. But as soon as the computer issue is settled then, I will have to see about getting a new TV. Not a good summer for electronics and finances!

In other news, I have almost finished 3 afghans that I'm making for my nephews. They each got to choose their own colors and I will eventually get pictures taken and up here so you can see. I'm 8 rows from finishing the last one! I've progressed some in my scrapbooking as well. I got to play with the tools of a friend and cut out letters for all of the title pages in my portfolio book and got some of them done at the last crop I attended. Always more work to do though.

My parents are in the US (Dallas, right now) and I'm supposed to get to see them in a little over a week. However my Mom called last night and I'd appreciate your prayers for timing and medical issues. Dad is having a biopsy today and our doc is pretty sure that they will then need to remove a spot. However, the oncologist will not remove until they have the biopsy results. The hard part is that they are supposed to fly back to Indiana a week from today and the results usually take that long to receive and then they would have to schedule and so forth. They are due to fly back to Thailand from Indiana on the 8th. We really need God's hand to move things along more quickly and efficiently than normal in this situation. But above all we stand in His will and the knowledge that His timing is best and we will deal with whatever He brings us.

That's about it for now. Work is hectic and nerve-wracking, but I'm doing it day-by-day.

I'd love to hear from any of you and how things are going for you!

A List About Me

I'm going to take a clue from a dear friend of mine and instead of sending it all around email land this time I'm just going to post it here. Please feel free to email me if you'd like to share yours!

1. FIRST NAME? Deborah - buy I go by Deb or Debby (yes, it's always been with a "y")
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? yes - from the Bible
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Monday
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? yes - unless I get in a hurry
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? smoked ham - NOT with honey flavor
6. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? No - I'm still waiting for a husband, first things first
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? probably
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? off and on, plus this blog
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? occasionally
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Never
12. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? if they have laces, yes - but I only have one pair that does - my tennies
13. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? not on my own - but when my God is with me, watch out!
14. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate or Cookies & Cream w/hot fudge on it
15. SHOE SIZE? 6 1/2 EE/EEE
16. RED OR PINK? of these two it would have to be red - but I really prefer any shade from lavendar to deep purple!
17. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? That I haven't yet asserted the self discipline to stick on a better eating and exercise plan.
18. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My parents.
19. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Huntington, IN 1969
20. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? black, brown
21. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? pistachios
22. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? 94.1 The Fish Radio (contemp Christian)23. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? purple
24. FAVORITE SMELL? baby lotion, lilacs, fresh homemade bread baking, grilling steak
25. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED WITH ON THE PHONE? Susannah
26. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU MEET? Whether they smile easily and their eyes
27. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Singing, sewing and handcrafts of many types, cooking/baking, being a listening ear
28. FAVORITE DRINK? Diet Sprite
29. FAVORITE SPORT? Baseball
30. HAIR COLOR? brown
31. EYE COLOR? brown
32. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes
33. FAVORITE FOOD? a tender steak, fresh corn, fresh strawberries, fresh peaches
34. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? No scary movies - I like them when they have unique or rarely used storylines/plots, but they don't always have to be happy ending
35. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Harry Potter - 1st one
36. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? black
37. SUMMER OR WINTER? Absolutely winter - always!
38. HUGS OR KISSES? both whenever I can get them
39. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake!
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Sarum, Silmarillion, One Too Many Corpse, The Final Crumpet, S is for Silence, Crime and Punishment
41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? At work - don’t use one; at home - my parents.
42. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Quiet, laughter, good music, the forest, the ocean
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? not really either that I know of
44. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME Brisbane, Australia or Chiang Mai, Thailand…I’m not sure which is further.
45. IF YOU COULD PICK ANY TWO PEOPLE TO HAVE DINNER WITH, WHO WOULD THEY BE? My parents

Catching up... or trying to!

Well....

It's been longer than I thought it had. My home computer saga continues. I talked to my "guy" this past weekend and he's going to find out how and where and then order a new mother board - I have the money to pay for it at the moment, which is a good thing. He was able to get my brakes taken care of and the oil change done. Praise the Lord, I didn't have to get new anything! They are still looking really great - must have just needed the good cleaning, etc.

Lots going through my head of late, I think of all kinds of things I could write throughout the day, but of course I'm supposed to be working so I don't. Then I forget them, or don't get around to doing it since it would mean staying late at the office and right now the office is the last place I want to be even during the day, so especially staying overtime! Speaking of work... they almost have our new space done and I've been told they'll be moving me to my new office on Thursday night this week. Then I believe they'll be building the cubes in our space for either next week or the week after. I'm upgrading - I'll now have a narrow, floor-to-ceiling window in my office! Of course, it gets the afternoon sun, so I'll probably have the blind shut most of the time, but it's a window nonetheless. It will also mean that our group/department will now be all together in the same immediate vicinity for the first time ever. Mike works with me full time and Fredericka does too, but she is actually a temp. It should be interesting, but I'm hoping for the best.

In home news... the pool is open for the season and we've been in a couple times! I'm thinking it is even calling my name tonight unless the storms move in. It's horribly hot and humid out - I did a Sam's run at lunch today. I've got to run to Wal-Mart and then check out the new Publix after work tonight and then we'll see what's what. Tomorrow night I'm taking my 3 nephews bowling! I can't wait, it's going to be a blast.

I've been working diligently at projects around the house. I've progressed several pages in my portfolio scrapbook. I've finished afghans for 2 of my nephews and am working on the third one. They saw me working on one earlier this spring and asked if they could each have one. How could Aunt Debby say no?! Elijah's is "ocean blue" as requested - I accomplished this by using 5 different colors of blue together as if they were one strand of yarn with a much larger hook. Isaac's is yellow, 3 different shades, per his request - I used a pattern that has 6 granny squares in the middle and then one in each corner. Those were both crocheted. Now I'm working on Ethan's and he requested red, I found a brighter red with some speckles of blue, green, white, etc. I'm knitting his because I've been crocheting for awhile and was ready to do some knitting. Then I'll go back to finishing the one I was working on which is the plaid pattern. I had initially told them they had to wait till I was done with it, but I ran out of yarn for it and had to go get something to finish it.

I was also able to swipe Susannah for an evening a couple weekends ago and take her (and Anna too, of course - it was her first ever "girls night out") with me to JoAnn's Etc. so she could pick out a counted cross stitch pattern. I've been wanting to do something for them for their bedroom for a long time, but I knew I wanted her to choose so she'd have something she really liked. Now I've just got to wait till I have the money to get the cloth and the threads. I'm going to change the tones of the colors slightly, per her request, so it will take me a little time at the store to make sure I get the right things. Things are lining up. I still need to finish the reorg of the sewing room too, but haven't gotten back around to it yet. Maybe this weekend... I've also got to get some time to get over to Marc & Susannah's and use their floor to get my quilt top, batting and backing pinned together so I can get it done. I have another one to do that I'm way behind on and I found our recently that another cousin is engaged and is planning to elope in November! Yikes! I need to get hopping!

We are currently thinking on and exploring vacation options for next year. Leaning towards the other side of the world somewhere nearer my parents. Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia... I did some online looking, but I haven't pulled out the books yet. I need to do that. If you've ever been over there somewhere that you loved, please do tell!

Alright, break is over and I need to finish up so I can get out of here on time. Have a great rest of the week and please don't forget to leave me your thoughts and comments - I enjoy hearing from you!

I treasure...

... my relationship with my Father, my Savior, my Counselor. Above all else this is the most meaningful part of my life. Indeed without it I would have no life. It is something once gained, can never be lost or thrown away. It is something that no matter how many times I unintentionally get caught up in the rush of this world is always waiting for me when I realize I've been missing it. It is more than just church or Sunday School. It is more than just reading my Bible or praying. It is more than just being kind to others or doing a good deed. It is a living, breathing reality of a relationship with the God of all Creation and the King of Kings. I am His daughter and He loves me just as I am. He waits for me to join Him and I wait to sing His praise before His throne forever!

... time with my family and friends. Time is one of those things that you can never get back. However you spend it the first time around is unchangeable. You can do the same THINGS again or different ones, you can say WORDS over and over or you can say new ones, but whichever you choose the TIME is different. You can mentally scroll through memories - good and bad, but the TIME you will never get back. I don't really remember actually learning this specifically as a principle, I just know it has always been very important to me to spend as much time as possible on any and every occasion with those I love. I will neglect housecleaning, laundry, dishes and many other tasks that may horrify others, if it means meeting up with loved ones. Whether it be for a planned event, some spontaneous outing, a time of hilarity and laughter or a serious discussion regarding major decisions or life events. So you may not always find my place spic and span or up to the white glove test, but you can be assured that you are always, always welcome to come in the door and stay for as long as you need or like.

A friend had challenged me to write this several weeks ago and I finally got around to doing it - thanks Sarah! I treasure many other things but these are the top two on the list. Tell me what you treasure and why - I'd enjoy hearing from you!

Time flies by...

OK, I'm a bad blogger. Yes, we are still waiting for parts to get my home computer up and running and I don't have much time at the office to get on here as often as I'd like. So let me see if I can catch things up...

First of all, Dad's surgery went fine and he's already been back for one check up and goes again tomorrow for the second one. Mom's been able to help him wash his hair all around the site and he's been glad for that at least. It has hurt some, but not too bad overall. Thanks for all your prayers for this - they are appreciated.

Last weekend I began some spring cleaning and was really pleased with the progress I made. I went through my bedroom closet, all of my dresser drawers and all of the floor-to-ceiling shelves I have on one wall of my bedroom. I have a couple bags and a suitcase full of items to donate and filled up my huge (city-given) trash can with stuff that wasn't worth donating. I added all of the puzzles I brought home from my grandfather's house and I still have four completely empty cubes that I will be able to use, which was the goal because my sewing room/office is overflowing! I also reorganized and found more space on the shelves in my laundry room and my linen closet. Such a good feeling when everything has a place and everything is in its place - especially in one's bedroom!

So this weekend the coat closet, utility closet and sewing room are on the agenda! It will take another full day of work here as I also have a full wall of floor-to-ceiling shelves in there. (Thanks to my wonderful Dad who has built all these shelving units!!) I need to decide what to move to the empty spaces in the bedroom, get rid of things that I don't need or want anymore and then organize what's left and hope that everything will have a place and the floor will be empty - which it hasn't been since I moved in almost 5 years ago! It's a good thing it's a 3-day holiday weekend because we are also planning to spend either tomorrow or Monday outside working at cleaning up the pool and then filling it so that it will start warming up - the boys are very anxious to begin swimming. I've also asked Marc if he will help me put the new mailbox up that I bought. I think I can figure out how, but whether I have the strength and/or the proper (read power) tools to do it is another question. I also remembered that I have all brand new locks for the doors to change out and might take advantage of the power tools being there to accomplish that as well. Then we are planning to hang out and grill out and enjoy being together! So we have a full weekend planned and thought I'd love to just enjoy it and read a book or do something fun - I know that I will enjoy many more weekends of that once things are organized and cleaned up!

Maybe I'll reserve Sunday afternoon for relaxation... I've got a book I'd love to make some headway on - Sarum. It's a huge novel of England that I've been reading off and on (more off, apparently) for several years now and I'd really like to get it finished. I'd also like to make some more headway with my scrapbooking. On Mother's Day I went through all my old photos from 1990 to current - just reminiscing, but also found some pics that needed to be added to my portfolio stack which I'd like to make tracks on. I also may try to run down to JoAnn's Etc. in Cool Springs for a quick trip tomorrow. My friend was kind enough to send me the 40% off one item coupon and I'd like to get a Japanese awl. Since it is regularly close to $100.00, now would be a good time to purchase it. I need to pay bills this afternoon to make sure whether I have the money in my account to do it or not, before I drive down there. Payday is Wednesday, but I'm also scheduled for a perm next Saturday and I need to have Marc do my brakes and oil change real soon. Plus I'm still not sure how much, if any, I'm going to have to spend to get the computer back up and running. So I don't want to run myself down to the wire.

That's what this learning to live on cash only is all about - learning to plan and budget for things and only being able to spend if it's there! Which I must say I'm doing very well at so far. It's been 5 months since I last used a credit card and it still feels really great! As far as the rest of the things I said in January that I'd like to accomplish I'm doing pretty well on some and not so good with others. I've done well at my daily Bible reading and devotion time, though I'm a few days behind now, I have plans to catch up this weekend without any problems. I've done well with my tythe from each paycheck also. I've not done so well on the exercise front, but am planning to change that soon. I'd really like to do it in the morning, so I've got to force myself into an earlier schedule (earlier to bed, earlier to rise), maybe this weekend I'll be able to make that happen. Also, I've been eating way more sugar and bad carbs than I should and intend to cut that off this weekend as well. The house is now empty of all such things and I just need to pick up some veggies this weekend to start eating correctly. The key here is planning for me and maybe I'll be able to get a plan done on Sunday so I can move forward this coming week.

Well, I guess that's about all for now. One of my other friends challenged us in her blog (well over a week ago now) to write about something we treasure. I haven't forgotten her challenge and am planning to write it. I've been mulling it over and think I've decided what I want to write about so you should see that coming soon. Also there is something else going on in my life that I can't write about quite yet, some of you know as you've heard from me by email, but hopefully soon, it will be the right time and I'll be able to post about it. Stay-tuned... there's always more to come! I hope you all have a blessed holiday weekend!

Minor change

Mom called me this morning and they had a call today changing my Dad's surgery to noon Wednesday (tonight at midnight US Central). Evidently they had scheduled too many surgeries and were needing to change some. I actually got to talk to them both briefly last night and Dad said his head is not really hurting, which is good. Anyway, Mom is to call me in the morning and let me know how it went. I'm sure it will all be fine, it's just hard being half the world away at a time like this. The medical care there in their city is very good and I have no concerns in that vein, just the normal anxiety. Please just pray Philippians 4:5-7 over all of us right now, I'm constantly reminding myself to just rest in His peace.

Thanks all!

The Usual

As is probably obvious, the computer situation is still in limbo. They think it might be the motherboard and my "tech guy" is working at getting me a new one.

Work is still busy... scanning... counting... indexing... auditing... not much else. I've been putting in some extra hours, but it still doesn't seem to progress very fast.

During the week I was able to spend some time with my family here and got to snuggle with new baby Anna for most of an evening! It was good for my soul and the highlight of my week. I can tell it had been a couple weeks since I'd been around much, the boys are growing like crazy. They seem to be inches taller than the last time I saw them - crazy I know.

Friday night I went to a scrapbooking crop with a friend of mine at a store up in Hendersonville. I got 5 pages and done and a sixth one ready to do. Then I spent some time on Saturday working at home too. I did the page I had ready to do plus a couple more, these were all for my big (12x12) "this is my life" book. Then I also completed a few more pages for my little (8x8) portfolio book. I also realized that there were some pictures that I was missing that should be in my portfolio stack. I did some reading and even took a nap. Then yesterday I spent most of the day looking through all my pictures from about 1996 on. Just did a lot of reminiscing and was also able to pull out several sets of the pictures I was missing for my portfolio project. The nice thing about that project is that each project is individual, so I can add to it anytime, even if I find more later that I was missing. Then at the end of the evening I watched some TV and worked on my afghan. I realized that I'm going to run out of the one color that I'm working with and so now I have to make a determination on what to do - probably the first option is to see if I can find something that matches, but it won't be easy. Second option would be to finish without it, but I'm not sure I will be happy with the results of that. Third option would be to take out part of what is done and change the pattern enough to accomodate the amount of yarn I have. Not really what I look forward to doing either, but will probably end up being the case.

So, being frustrated with it and not wanting to decide last night, I started a new one while watching a movie - The English Patient. It was good, but I never figured out who the guy was without the thumbs - until near the end, I thought he was the one that had the affair with Mrs. Clifton, then I found out that was actually the patient. So I'm still lost, I got that they called him Moose, but in all the flash backs I don't know who he was and why he'd come back to find the patient and wanted to kill him. Can anyone help me out?

So tomorrow night I'm going to my next play - Forever Plaid. I've never seen it, but it's musical and comedy so promises to be a good show. I'll let you know...

I guess that's really about all for now. I know there are many of you that I owe emails to and I promise to make good on those as soon as I can. I was really wishing for my computer this weekend to do some of those, but patience is a virtue they tell me, so hang in there with me!

God bless and may you all have a blessed week. For those of you who may not know, please pray for my dad this Wed night (US time) he is having surgery to have a surface cyst removed from the top of his head. It has been infected and he's been on antibiotics since they returned from Australia and the doc thinks it best to go ahead and remove it. They are doing it outpatient, but he will be put completely under. Remember my mom too as she will be waiting during the procedure. Thanks.

Catching up!

So, as you can tell by my lack of posting, my computer at home is still on the outs. I'm patiently waiting for my "tech guy" to see what he can figure out. Gotta give him a break, since they just had their 4th child 2 weeks ago today. He's been home on paternity leave helping out since then. Anyway, I'm at the office this evening. I had few things I wanted to catch up on for work and also wanted to check me email and do a few computer things that I've been too busy to do during the week (such as write a post here and send a few emails).

Things at the office are very busy. Just before I left on vacation the results of a preliminary audit done by an outside source indicated that our scanning process was a little lacking. Mostly not human error, but the scanner taking more than one page at once and therefore we are missing whole pages - and this happened more frequently than we can tolerate for an error rate. So when I returned we began our own audit process where we are now going back through every box we had entered to that point, file by file, page by page to make sure that they got in the system and scan in any that didn't. We are also fixing any mis-indexed documents during this audit. The guy that works with me (under me) is doing this one week and I'm doing it the next and we will continue trading off until we're finished. In the meantime, the person not auditing is keeping up with all of the new things that are created daily by the operations/sales team and the accounting/credit team. We also have changed the way we do the initial process to include an audit procedure up front so we will not have to go back through any boxes done since my return from vacation. However, to give you an idea of this audit... we began scanning in documents initially a year ago, so you can imagine how many boxes we have and how long it will take us to do this!!

OK, enough about the office. I had an enjoyable weekend last weekend... Mom called me on Friday night, the first and only time we've been able to talk since we parted in Australia (again the computer situation). It was great to talk to her and catch up. I really miss being able to catch them a couple times a week, but am doing OK. Anyhow, then Saturday and Sunday I really just played hermit! I finished a couple books, did some Bible study, watched some TV and took several naps. It was the first weekend I'd spent at home with no agenda since some time in March!

This weekend is a bit busier. Last night I went and had dinner with a friend who was recently married and got to catch up with her and keep her company while her new husband was on his way home from a conference. I wasn't necessarily planning to stay late, but we ended up talking till almost 1:00a.m. before we both realized that we were then getting tired. It was really nice to relax and chat. Then today I met two friends at 10:00a.m. and we visited 4 scrapbook stores in our area - none of which I'd been to before. I got several things that I had been needing (new blades, some brads and some ribbon), plus quite a few things that I know what I will use them for. I didn't really do any random buying and felt really good about my control over my spending. At them same time, doing very well with what I got for the money I spent. Can't wait to put them to good use! I'm actually going to a crop at a shop for the first time this coming Friday night. It's free and I'm going with my friend Sarah (her house is where I usually go to crop)!

So, on the books for tomorrow is doing some laundry and either doing some scrapbooking or reading. I'll probably also watch one movie, since I have two sitting at home waiting to be watched. I'd like to finish the quilt I'm working on while watching something. The plan is to get to bed early because Monday morning I start my new routine of "up early for exercise and quiet time BEFORE work". Those of you who know me well can be praying for me about this. It's something I really want to do and have the best intentions of doing, but I have a really hard time rolling out of bed early! I'm hoping that if I force my self to do it until it is routine, it will actually get easier!

Well, since it is now 9:15p.m. I probably should wrap this up and get home to bed. It's church and Sunday school in the morning. I'm looking forward to it! Hope you are all having a great weekend. My God bless you richly!

I have a new niece!!

Yes, I had a great weekend! My new niece, Anna Charis, was born Saturday night at 9:37pm at 6lbs 9oz, 20 1/4" long. She is beautiful - just like the rest of her family! She and Mom both did a great job and had a relatively short labor and delivery time. They were to go home from the hospital sometime yesterday afternoon and Susannah's family is due in town tomorrow.

What a blessing that God and this family of friends has allowed me to really be a part of their family since mine is so far away and seen so infrequently. It is so thrilling to me to be able to be part of a family on a day-to-day basis as well as sharing in these special times. It makes the sometimes loneliness of being a single bother me a whole lot less often. I love to show up at their house and have the boys coming running hollering my name and giving me hugs! My God is awesome!

Praise Him for the miracle of life and family!

Home Again

Wow! What an exciting trip! We really had a great time and I will get some thoughts and pictures up as soon as I can. I returned Saturday late afternoon and spent that evening with my "local" family. Sunday was spent doing some things around the house and taking a nap, trying to get my body back on US time since I had to come back to work on Monday.

It's been a busy week at work and I was going to try to write some things down here on Wednesday night, but when I went to my computer room the Dell and I had a fight. And I lost. First thing yesterday morning I sent an email to my computer doc and he came by last night. It may be a bigger problem than he can fix. He's going to do some more checking today, but I may have to extend my warranty (yes, it ran out just a month ago) so I can send it in to Dell. But until further notice I'm out of a home computer. For those of you who are praying folk, please pray for this to be resolved quickly and smoothly and at the least expense possible. This is my main means of communication with my parents and pretty much means I don't talk to them again until it's fixed and I've not talked with them since we all got home from Australia. I know they made it home safely as we've traded emails we just haven't talked. It also has all my Quicken info, etc. Luckily, I have all the pictures that were on it backed up to CD, but I had not done so yet with the Quicken info that I have been faithful to keeping up-to-date since the beginning of the year. The only things not entered are from when I was on my trip and since (that was the other thing I was intending to do Wednesday night when the problem occured). So, I may not get the details up here in the near future, but I promise they will eventually get done.

In the meantime, I continue to amuse myself in the evenings. I've been reading and watching some TV. I'm working on an afghan that I'm really excited about. The pattern has you do the crocheting in a certain pattern, just like any afghan, and the stitch is done in such a way that it leaves holes in a regular pattern. Then when you finish you go back and weave through the holes of what's already done in such a way that when you completely finish it looks like plaid! I'm doing it in red, black and cream (the red and black both have a little cream running through them too, they aren't completely solid so they blend nicely with the cream). I've got 2 rows to go on the first part and I'm ready to start the weaving. I'm also a little antsy to work on some scrapbooking, so I may try to do some of that this weekend.

Well, I must get back to the pile sitting here on my desk. Hope you are all well, I'd love to hear from you so please send me a comment or an email when you get some time. God bless!

Off we go, into the wild blue yonder...

So today's the day.
I board the plane in 7 hours.
I stop in LA.
I board another bigger plane.
And when I get off it, I'll be in the other hemisphere of the world for the first time ever!
By then I will have spent 24 hours in transit, but it will be 7am Sunday morning there (3pm Sat here).

Australia!
It's always sounded so far away - OK, it is far away.
But you know what I mean, it's one of those places that you hear about, you know it exists because they say it does and because you've seen pictures.
But really, haven't you heard the same about Middle Earth or even Narnia!
Anyway, it's a place where I've always wanted to go, but realistically thought I'd probably never get to go.
Thanks to my parents, when I get off that plane in 31 hours from now, that's where I'll be! We plan to spend 2 weeks in 2 different parts of the continent, relaxing, exploring and just spending time together!

I'm mostly packed and the first thing in the suitcase was my camera - can't wait to share when I return. I'm excited and must finish some things here at the office so I can be on my way, but just wanted to say hello and don't worry if you don't hear from me for a couple weeks. I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, just gone to the backside of it!

G'day mate!

Let it go, move on...

There are so many things about our world today that just amaze me when I hear about them. First, let me just say that I'm am the world's worst when it comes to watching/reading/listening to the news... of any kind. I'm just not a "keep-up-to-date" kind of person when it comes to world, national, or even local news. I hear things when people are discussing them so I kind of know of some of the bigger events and I pay attention to weather related items when they are in an area that affects people I know and care about, but that's usually the extent.

Now, this morning despite the above disclaimer, I just happened to skim the headlines that pop up on my default home page and decided to read the one about the 9/11 trials and Moussaoui saying he was to hi-jack the 5th plane. I, of course, have not been following any of the previous trial coverage and really have no idea what has occurred so far, but the article talked about this guy taking the stand in his own defense. This is not the part that got me, according to the title of the article I was expecting it to be about this. What got me was the number of times in this medium size article that it talked about our government agencies accusing each other of being at fault (prior to 9/11/2001) for not sharing information.

Now I'm not naive enough to think that all branches of our government work together all the time, but come on people! What exactly is the point in this arena (deciding the fate of Moussaoui) to argue amongst ourselves? Or in any arena for that matter, to argue the "you should have told us" thus and so and we might have been able to prevent it. It's done, it's over, and it's almost 5 years in the past. So move on, set new regulations if you want about sharing information, but stop complaining and trying to decide who did what wrong 5 years ago. It won't change the outcome or bring anyone back.

Besides, had you gotten the right information and thwarted the efforts, they would have just begun planning on something new. Terrorists are just that, they thrive on terrorizing other people and unfortunately, in this fallen and corrupt world you will never be able to stop them all. Only God can do this when He sends His Son to return for His own one day! Now, I'm not saying we shouldn't do all we can to protect people, but be reasonable, stop complaining and work together. Call on God and accept His free gift of Salvation and then you will have nothing to worry about, you can live each day to the full and enjoy what we have because you'll know in a personal way that God has already won!

"To the theater!"

If you are in the Nashville area and you enjoy live theater, but on a small and inexpensive level, you need to check out The Boiler Room Theater. It is at The Factory in Franklin. It's absolutely delightful. A charming little theater built in the old boiler room (thus the name) and there isn't a bad seat! It's small so you don't miss anything and they do musicals as well as plays. This is my third year in a row to get season tickets, and I really appreciate how they do the season tickets. You don't have to pick say every 2nd Friday performance or every first Sunday matinee for the entire year up front. Before each play opens they send you a postcard with all the performance dates (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) and you call in to reserve your date for that particular play only. Then they send you a postcard when it's time to reserve for the next show. It really is great for flexibility and I've never not been able to get in on the night I chose.

The actors and actresses do a fantastic job and the prices for the season tickets come out to be about $12 a seat per play! This is great! It allows me to see 7 shows a year instead of one or two shows at some big fancy theater. Last season's finale was Disney's Beauty and the Beast and I was a little unsure about how they were going to pull it off on the small stage, but they did a truly phenomenal job! This year I've already seen Anything Goes (which was hysterical) and last night was Angel Street (for those who don't know, this is the play that the old movie Gaslight was done from). Once again I had a terrific evening.

I wouldn't be caught dead going to a movie theater by myself, but I've been going to the real theater by myself off and on for 8 or 9 years. I did a couple seasons at a theater in Fort Worth when I lived there also. So if this is your kind of thing, be sure to check it out - or if you know of any other similar places in the area, please share your info!!

Forever Plaid... coming next....

Two bits, four bits... No my tidbits are free today!

I just have to say, I'm feeling pretty good today. I got a really good night's sleep last night - 10 hours and I only got up once of my own accord. The cat slept inside all night, but didn't disturb me even once which is unusual but really great!

Also, I took time last night to catch my finances up electronically (since today is payday) and things are going really well. Thanks to my wonderful parents, I have now paid off every last penny of credit card debt and have cancelled all the cards except the one I share with my Mom to be used for emergencies or things I need to pay for on their behalf. Though I will now begin paying on the loan from them, it is a tremendously great feeling that the debt will begin decreasing instead of continuing to grow. In 5 years, I will be debt free and with the added bonus that I will have learned to live on cash only! It's a very exciting journey I'm beginning, I know I'll hit rough spots and bumps, but it is really worth it to have that constant weight off my shoulder! Thanks Mom and Dad for your willingness to help me achieve this!

I've just finished a job of alterations too. I made some minor adjustments to a friend's wedding dress and her sister's bridesmaid dress. And I finished the afghan I was working on during the week I was in Indiana and have started another one. I went scrapbooking last Friday night and started a new project too. I've gotten an 8"x8" album that is to become my portfolio of all my talents... crochet, knit, counted cross stitch, sewing, upholstering/covering, quilting, alterations, etc. I'm kept pictures of most of my projects over the last 15 years and am going to scrapbook them into my portfolio so that it may help me gain more projects. If you know anyone who needs any of the above, please send them my way, my services are available!

My parents are on their way home, they had a glitch in the very first leg of the trip which made the entire rest of it obsolete. We got things taken care of though and after spending an extra 15-16 hours in LA (at least they got a hotel room and were able to sleep for the night), they should currently be somewhere between Taipei and Bangkok and will have another long layover there until the first flight out in the morning (which is 5:25pm CST tonight). This will be there last flight and it's only an hour, then about a half hour cab ride to the apartment. Now we are praying that there luggage has arrived or will arrive with them, but we have no idea what will happen with it!

Well, I suppose that's all the tidbits for now. Work is busy and I need to get back to it! Have a great Wednesday everyone, and think about what's going well for you today or this week - then remember to thank the Father for it!

How Do I Get in a Good Mood?

So I read a challenge on friend's blog this morning that I thought would be good for me to answer. She got it off the 2Peas site which is an online scrapbooking community from what I know. Anyway, the challenge is to list 10 things guaranteed to put me in a good mood... so while you are thinking of your own, here are mine:

1. Seeing my family and spending time with them
2. Baking something that smells great
3. Receiving flowers, cards or letters (snail mail or email) from friends or family
4. Making or buying gifts for my friends and family
5. Making someone smile in passing just by saying hello or giving a compliment
6. Enjoying God's creation - sitting oceanside, hiking in the forest or mountains or both
7. Watching my nephews and enjoying their chatter (James, Ethan, Elijah and Isaac), also my niece and nephew (Morgan and Dylan) though I get to see them less often
8. Singing - anytime, anywhere to any kind of hymns, praise songs, gospel, or contemporary Christian
9. Reading a good book
10. Getting on a plane to go (yes, it doesn't really matter where, anywhere will do)

So, please share your list with me! I'd love to know the things that make you happy! Have a great day.

Grammy

Lavona May (Jackson) Myers
April 3, 1925 - February 24, 2006

This picture was taken in July of 2004, less than a month before we found out she had breast cancer, when we all stayed at a B&B in northern Indiana. We were celebrating her 80th birthday 9 months early because my parents were leaving for overseas and it was the best time for us all to get together.

The following is a poem written by my aunt that tells a very small glimpse of the person Gram was. This along with some scriptures (Proverbs 31, Psalms 121) chosen by my mother were read at her service, Thursday, March 2, 2006.


Lavona May

A wonderful grandmother, mother and wife,
Full of love and full of life,
Always going, here and there
Traveling, traveling everywhere.
Enjoying nature at its best
Happy memories, from east to west.

Spending time with family
Grandchildren resting on her knee.
Was Uno or Tic her favorite game?
Maybe Euchre, Skipbo or Mexican Train?
Pool trophies she did win
And for golf (she was the only one!)

Music was a special passion,
Singing and playing the chimes her fashion,
Hymns and organ music caused her tears,
Square-dancing she enjoyed for years.

Being with people was her wealth,
Thinking of others before her self.
Thanking God the Father above,
For Jesus His Son and all His love.

Hands that were busy with endless tasks
Willing to help whoever asks,
Giving support for each endeavor
Loving us all both now and forever.

- Mavis Franklin


They would have celebrated their 59th anniversary in April and she would have turned 81 just before that. Last week, most of our family was able to gather during this time of grieving and we shared together in supporting, comforting and reminiscing. Though the cause for our gathering was not one we wished for, we were thankful for the time we were able to have. Gram would have been pleased and happy as she was always wanting to have everyone together in one place as often as possible. She is survived by her husband, 4 children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren (3 with spouses), and 1 great-grandson. She will be greatly missed and dearly remembered. She is at peace and no longer suffering and that is the blessing in the heartache.

"Blessed Assurance"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blessed Assurance
Words by Fanny Crosby, 1873
Music by Phoebe P. Knapp, 1873

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Refrain
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OK, so this is an old hymn and many of us have heard it more times than we can count, but when is the last time you took a moment to really read and pay attention to the words? Me? Longer ago than I'd like to admit. I do love old hymns and though I like all the new stuff too, I really wish we heard more of the older hymns and gospels.

I'm lucky enough to have the privilege to play what I like at the office and usually have it tuned in to a local Christian music station. Most of the time it just serves as background music and a lot of that time I'm singing along more out of habit than really paying attention, but even then on some level it is soothing and a blessing to my day. Anyway, occasionally something will really catch me to the point of grabbing my full attention. Today it was a newer version of the above hymn (sorry, I don't know for sure who was singing it) and I stopped what I was doing to really listen to the words and got so absorbed that I had to "google" them and read them through several times...

Am I resting in that most blessed assurance that Jesus is mine?
Do I realize just by the foretaste how sweet the divine glory is really going to be?
I am His heir through salvation and purchased at a very dear price by the God of the universe.
Am I telling my story and singing my song of praises to my Savior all the day long? Especially in the hearing and presence of others that may not know the tune or the words?

Am I delighting in and submitting to my King of kings in every area of my life?
Am I choosing to look toward the coming of Christ with the angels surrounding Him?
Am I listening to His soft and gentle voice whispering love to me and tending me with mercy?
Am I resting in my submission to His plan and recognizing the blessings of being happy just to be in Him?
Am I being diligent in my watchkeep? Waiting and looking above to such an extent that I'm so full of His goodness that there is room for nothing else?
Am I truly lost in His love?

I lot of you know the things that my family is going through right now and let me just say that I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit was the one to grab my attention and guide me through this. It very definitely spoke some peace into my heart this afternoon to be reminded that no matter what I'm walking through, I'm His. And no matter what is going on around me He is there whispering to me of His eternal love and the plans He has for me. And that no matter the outcome of these worldly days, He is coming again and when He does I'll be going with Him!

I hope that you too, have accepted Christ as your Savior through the precious gift of His blood shed on the cross as payment for your sins. If you have, please sing with me of our "Blessed Assurance". If you have not made this decision, He waits for you, He wants to give you all these things and more. I'll be honored to listen if you have any questions, please send me a note.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Busy, busy, busy!

OK, so it's still Februray, but it is flying by! I've been busy...

Busy at the office... I'm officially a manager as of Feb 1 and it hasn't really changed much in the way of my daily norm. I did spend one afternoon with our HR rep just talking through some of the recordkeeping type things and some of the things that I think will be challenging for me if and when they occur. We are making progress though as far as the department. By the end of this week we will be done with one group of active files and should be done with the other group of active files by the end of the month. This is the massive project that we started the 1st of April last year and have done with me, a full time employee that started the beginning of July, a temp that has been full time with us since the beginning of September and 2 very loyal employees working lots of extra OT. We've had others come and go doing extra OT as well. So we are now beginning to move into the inactive side of things, but some prep work has already been done on these and we are not having to label them as extensively, so they should go much quicker. Feelings of accomplishment are coming soon!

Busy at home... I've been working on several projects at home. This weekend I was able to complete my quilt top and the back (I did not have enough fabric to do the whole thing one color so I had to improvise), now I'm just waiting for payday to go buy the batting so I can begin putting it together. I was able to finish one book on CD and start another - I pop them in to the computer and listen to them while I sew. I even took some time to sit and read an actual book which I finished and have started another since them. Yes, I'm a reading addict, bookaholic, (choose your term and enter it here) of the worst kind! The cruelest thing to me is being in a foreign country and walking by a book store knowing that I can't read a darn thing inside!

I'm still progressing on the afghan I'm crocheting and only have about 30 more rows to go. I'm hoping to finish it in the next week or so. I've recently acquired a ton and a half of yarn (OK, so I didn't actually weigh it, but it's a lot!) from my grandmother and am thinking of researching what it takes and how to do it to become a seller on Ebay. Then dig in and just keep knitting and crocheting and selling the finished projects on Ebay. I'd make a little money and put the yarn to good use. I've also thought of donating finished projects, but I'm not sure who could put them to good use. I don't know if there are organizations that could give them to fire victims, abuse victims, hospital patients. If any of you have connections or ideas, I'd love to hear them. Just searching for a place to give - I enjoy doing them and now that I have a seemingly endless supply of yarn, I can really do more!

Busy out and about... My friend Susannah was with her family last week after the loss of her grandmother and she came home Friday evening. So, I went over and shared the ride to the airport with Marc and the boys and heated up the dinner I'd brought when we returned to the house. Saturday I went to a free scrapbooking crop with some friends that I usually gather with once or twice a month. I spent four hours that morning and finished 4 whole pages as well as cutting all the pieces for Susannah's baby shower invitations. I just have to print the wording on the vellum (thanks to Sarah I didn't have to go buy this!) and then cut them and assemble and address. I'm intending to get them in the mail this weekend. I do have to pick up another pack of envelopes. Then from the crop I went to a Stampin' Up party that a friend from Sunday School was having. I had a delightful time hanging out there and chatting with friends. I even got a prelook at the wedding dress I'm going to do minor alterations on for a friend who is getting married April 1. We had Bible Study last night at Susan's instead of my place so that she could participate, since her DH was out of town. I definitely enjoy hostessing, but it was nice to get out this once too. We have one more lesson in the book we are using now and then we are going to do Beth Moore's The Patriarchs.

Well, I guess that brings things up-to-date and is all the news that's fit to print for now. Hope you are all having a lovely Valentine's Day!

It's February?! Really?! It can't be!

Another week has flown by and I can't believe we are in February already. Wasn't Thanksgiving just yesterday?!

My grandpa turned 83 on Thursday and I went up to Indiana this weekend to spend some time with he and Gram. (Yes, this means that the doorframe did get fixed last week on Tuesday and all the paperwork has been sent in to the insurance company, so I'm hoping to get the final check in the next week or two). As of the last weekend in January, Gram is back in a health care unit in the main building, but a different one that where she was before, so that hospice will still be able to come. They tried about a week and a half with her in the townhouse, but she is just too weak to stay there. Some days are OK, but others, she was too weak to even get out of bed. Plus she fell again and since Grandpa doesn't have the strength to get her up then he had to call for someone to come out and help her up. No damage or anything broken this time, but is just a really big risk for both of them for her to be home. She had a rough week and was very disoriented and not knowing what was going on. Grandpa said she had a good day on Friday though and was much more with it. However, Saturday when I was there was not a good day. She is physically quite a bit stronger, but though she knew me, she didn't really know what day it was, or why she was where she was. Her sense of time is really mixed up. The little bit of time I spent with her yesterday before I left, she seemed much more with and we even walked around a bit with me pushing her wheelchair. One day at a time, she is at least not in any type of pain right now and that's the good thing.

The best part of the weekend was it began snowing very early Saturday morning and continued through the entire day, then got really cold on Sunday and snowed a little more here and there, but really was more windy and so we had some drifting. There was probably a total of 1-2 inches, but part of it melted away on Saturday as it was still above freezing until late evening. But it was enough that I really enjoyed it a lot!

In other family news, my cousin and his wife have gotten moved to San Antonio and are in the process of buying a house. They have also found out that they are expecting their first child on August 20!

I'm very much looking forward to this coming weekend too. I'm going to a scrapbooking crop at a local high school with some friends of mine in the morning - it's free! And then in the afternoon I'm going to a Stampin' Up party that a friend from Sunday School is having. So I'll be having a very creative and enjoyable day! Then hopefully on Sunday I'll get some more work done on the quilt I'm currently doing. I've got two different colors of border to put around it then the top is done and I'll be able to prepare and start quilting it!

I'm also going to attempt to get my taxes done in the next week or two. A friend of mine was blogging about that very subject on Friday. I do not dread it per se, because most of the time I actually end up with a refund. I just dread the process - I'm not an accounting type person and don't enjoy this sort of stuff. I have to go out and buy the TurboTax and get it put on my machine. Then just make myself sit down and do it. It's just time consuming and I'd much rather be doing something else... sewing... reading... scrapbooking. Oh well, it must be done!

That's really it for now. Happy Monday to all and a terrific rest of the week. Feel free to comment anytime you want, I enjoy hearing from you all!

Accomplishing lots of things!

Wow!
What a great and productive weekend!
(picture me doing the happy dance here)

I got 5 loads of laundry done, I'll finish the last one tonight.
I did a little bit of reading each day.
I fixed and delivered a meal to some friend.
Continued crocheting on an afghan that I'm working on.
Almost finished a full-size quilt top while finishing one book on CD and starting another.
Packed up two boxes to start resending stuff to my parents that was supposed to have gotten to them about 4 months ago!
And I even watched a movie and some TV and did an entire 500-piece puzzle over the two days!

I feel so good about all I got done and enjoyed doing. I'm always really glad when I'm done and have put my nose to the grindstone, kept on keeping on, etc. I just wish I would convince myself to do it more often. On my way home now to continue this roll I'm on. Not sure what I'll work on tonight. Probably some crocheting since I'll be calling my parents in a couple hours.

I challenge you all to work on something you've been putting off forever - you'll love the feeling when you are done and it's accomplished!

Bits 'n Pieces

So.... I've jumped off the cliff,
walked the plank,
(insert your own favorite cliche here).

I've decided, with much help from some very close and very wise friends and family, that this manager position at the office is really an open door from the Lord and that for His own reasons... which I may or may not ever know and don't need to know... He wants me in this position. And I've given my decision to my boss this week - he was very glad to hear it!

It's a little scary, but I'm going to do it. I feel better having made the decision.


* In other news, my grandmother is now home and staying in the town house and they have got arrangements made and have the hospice care as well. She is glad to be home and more comfortable being there. She still tires easily and doesn't have a lot of energy.


* I've just about got things cleared up with the house. I've replaced everything that I needed to buy and there is a gentleman coming tomorrow to repair the door frame. Then all I have to do is send in the final receipts to the insurance company so they will send me the remainder of the money.


* The long lost boxes that I sent to Mom and Dad last fall with things they were needing, that were subsequently refused at customs and being returned to me.... they have finally arrived!! The postman brought them to me (postage due, of course) on Tuesday night during Bible study. Much praise resounded, because we weren't really sure they'd ever make their way back. All the contents appeared to be there and in good condition. So now I will have to begin packaging them back up again (in smaller boxes this time) and send them one at a time every few days. I'm hoping that I can make it in 4 or 5 shipments total. I'm intending to start the first one tomorrow.


Well, this has been some random hit and miss stuff today, but I just felt like I needed to tie up some loose ends. Hope everyone is having a great week so far!