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!
Friday, March 31
Monday, March 27
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 22
"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....
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....
Wednesday, March 15
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!
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!
Thursday, March 9
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 8
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.
