Wow! A lot of stuff has been squeezed into the past 366 days, and a lot of stuff has just been there of its own accord too. It's been good, it's been fun, it's been challenging and there have been heartaches, but so many joys as well...
I'm not a hugely goal-oriented person, as I've mentioned before, but I do like to think ahead and plan. This year the Lord has worked some amazing things in my life... some were things I knew I wanted to work on and others were a suprise. I'm glad to be able to look back at 2008 and see that He really has grown me in so many ways and that to me is so much more than being able to check off a list of goals!
Christ has drawn me closer to Him this year through some difficult personal times and I'm thrilled to be where I am. He continues to pursue me and show me how much He loves me and I'm blessed for it. I've also been able to gain some self-discipline with His help and have done much better this year with spending time in His word, and with being more moderate in my eating habits. As a result of both of these, I've lost about 20 pounds since June, and continue to eat less and in a much more healthy way.
I've been blessed as always to do some traveling and even managed to keep up my stint of international travel (once a year for 4 years now) with my Thanksgiving trip to Mexico. I enjoyed a beautiful week with my parents out in Utah and Wyoming - always love being in the mountains. And have just returned from a long-awaited week with the whole immediate family for Christmas - the last time all 6 of us were together was Thankskgiving 2005.
God has blessed me with expanding my "Nashville Family" by placing me in the best (IMHO) singles Sunday school class in the area. We have an unusually close group of folks who would do just about anything for each other and we function more like a family than any group I've been part of in a long time. We grow, serve, live and laugh together throughout the year and it's humbling to be part of this giving group of folks.
And certainly not the least of my blessings this year has been having my parents back stateside! It was really hard to believe when they returned in February that they had already finished 3 years of foreign service. They've been traveling the US since their return and begun planning the building of their house (to start next fall). It's been great to have them in and out here, as well as being able to go out and meet them wherever they happen to be. I've enjoyed being able to introduce them to my new "family" members too. If you want to check in and see what they've been doing you can connect to their blog (Twotravel) in the margin to the left.
I hope you too, have had a great 2008 and can look back and see all the blessings the Lord has given you. It brings to mind this little verse by Rick Warren that I keep posted on my bulletin board by my desk at the office...
"Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD."
And when you look back...
it all comes down to that...
memories...
of moments...
Thank Him for your "moments" of 2008 and submit to Him the "moments" to come in 2009 and may He bless you richly for it.
Wednesday, December 31
Thursday, December 18
'Twas an Abaco Christmas
Well, I don't get to go this year... but my mind is there part of the time anyway. It's been 4 years which is twice as long as usual and I'm really longing for my "time away from the world", but will have to wait another year. However, thought I'd share this just for some memories. A friend and I wrote this together back in 2000... hope you enjoy!
‘Twas an Abaco Christmas
'Twas an Abaco Christmas and all down the beach,
White sand stretched as far as it could reach.
The flippers were hung on the balcony with care,
In the hopes that Santa soon would drift there.
The Texans were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Key Lime pie danced in their heads.
Bahama mama in her grass skirt and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long tropical nap.
When out in the night there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my hammock to see what was the matter.
Away to the screen door I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains and let out a gasp.
The moon on the water, how it did glow,
Giving a luster of midday to palm trees below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature yacht out past the pier.
With a little old captain so lively and quick,
I thought for a moment, "Could it be St. Nick?"
More rapid than the waves, the dolphins they came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.
"Now Flipper, now Moby, now Sebastian and Willy,
On Flounder, on Orca, on Jaws and Charlie -
From the end of the pier to our port 'o call,
Now swim away, swim away, swim away all!"
And then in a twinkling I heard on the beach,
The chirping and chattering and splashing of each.
As I redrew the curtains and was turning around,
Through the front door St. Nicholas came with a bound.
Dressed in his trunks with a Kalik in his hand,
His feet were all covered with snow-like white sand.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a tourist just opening his pack.
His eyes - how they twinkle, his dimples how merry,
His cheeks were sunburned, his nose like a cherry.
His droll little mouth cracked a big smile,
The goatee on his chin, showed he could be kinda wild.
The snorkel he held tight in his teeth,
The mask it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a red face and a sunburned belly,
That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.
Trunks and a cold “Gold”, a strange old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A flash of the peace sign and a nod of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the flippers, then turned with a jerk.
Now laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, out the door he goes.
He sprang to his yacht to his team gave a call,
And away they swam past the lighthouse and all.
But I heard him exclaim as he traveled out of sight,
"Christmas in Abaco, now that's doin' it right!"
-- Nick Campbell & Debby Midwood
'Twas an Abaco Christmas and all down the beach,
White sand stretched as far as it could reach.
The flippers were hung on the balcony with care,
In the hopes that Santa soon would drift there.
The Texans were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Key Lime pie danced in their heads.
Bahama mama in her grass skirt and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long tropical nap.
When out in the night there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my hammock to see what was the matter.
Away to the screen door I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains and let out a gasp.
The moon on the water, how it did glow,
Giving a luster of midday to palm trees below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature yacht out past the pier.
With a little old captain so lively and quick,
I thought for a moment, "Could it be St. Nick?"
More rapid than the waves, the dolphins they came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.
"Now Flipper, now Moby, now Sebastian and Willy,
On Flounder, on Orca, on Jaws and Charlie -
From the end of the pier to our port 'o call,
Now swim away, swim away, swim away all!"
And then in a twinkling I heard on the beach,
The chirping and chattering and splashing of each.
As I redrew the curtains and was turning around,
Through the front door St. Nicholas came with a bound.
Dressed in his trunks with a Kalik in his hand,
His feet were all covered with snow-like white sand.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a tourist just opening his pack.
His eyes - how they twinkle, his dimples how merry,
His cheeks were sunburned, his nose like a cherry.
His droll little mouth cracked a big smile,
The goatee on his chin, showed he could be kinda wild.
The snorkel he held tight in his teeth,
The mask it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a red face and a sunburned belly,
That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.
Trunks and a cold “Gold”, a strange old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A flash of the peace sign and a nod of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the flippers, then turned with a jerk.
Now laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, out the door he goes.
He sprang to his yacht to his team gave a call,
And away they swam past the lighthouse and all.
But I heard him exclaim as he traveled out of sight,
"Christmas in Abaco, now that's doin' it right!"
-- Nick Campbell & Debby Midwood
Friday, December 12
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!
Anyone who knows me well, knows that this time of year I go around singing this little refrain in my head quite often....
In fact, it really becomes a prayer, more than a phrase from a song....
And it doesn't usually take much to satisfy my longing for the white stuff...
Usually once a year God answers my little prayer - even if it doesn't stick and even if it doesn't last for 24 hours....
Last night He sent a love note just to me (OK, maybe for some others too, but I don't know many of them)....
I sat on the floor inside my front door (yes, I changed from screen to glass a week ago while Dad was here to help me) for over half an hour just watching it come down and praising God for the beauty in His creation of all things....
I've been learning lately, that He pursues me and loves me and yearns to spend time with me, as well as longs for me to seek Him out and long for time with Him. It's a concept that doesn't seem all that difficult, but in reality is much deeper if not different than anything I've experienced before. He really and truly is my first and best love and sitting there last night watching it snow was just like having Him next to me and wrapping His arms around me and whispering, "see how much I love you and enjoy seeing you smile, I've brought you next to me to enjoy you're own snowfall in peace and quiet. Rest in me." What a blessing....
P.S. I wasn't sure what would be left, but I waited to take pictures in the daylight this morning. Now as I look out my office window it's all gone, but the real gift is that my Lord did it for me and He is still right here. Many blessings upon you this weekend - don't rush through it too much to enjoy Him!
Tuesday, December 9
Thanksgiving in Mexico
Well, November kinda slid into December without much notice or difficulty... funny how that happens. I look forward to the holidays and then they just seem to be gone.
When we got back down to the level we started on, we followed it downstream for awhile and saw even more! The Spanish moss in the trees with the sunlight streaming through was beautiful too. We spent time just enjoying being out in God's creation.
I did have a fantastic Thanksgiving. I enjoyed spending time with my friends, Tom and Laura, in Doctor Arroyo, Nueva Leon, Mexico. It was a week but it really flew by and just wasn't enough, though for me that's usually the case with any vacation I take (Grin!).
I flew down to McAllen, Texas on Saturday the 22nd and that afternoon we rode motorcyles around the area for about 3 hours or so. I rode behind Laura and it was different being able to see ahead of me - as she pointed out... her shoulders aren't as broad as Daniel's! We stopped in a few places and actually found a really nice small wildlife sanctuary. We also stopped along the road and picked a few grapefruit which were delicious - ruby reds, which are the ones I like the best. It was dusk going on dark when we got home and we were ready for dinner.
Sunday morning we packed up our suitcases and Tom packed up the Suburban and we headed south of the border. We also had Marvin with us, he had been hired by Dayspring to go down and do some IT/networking work in Dr. Arroyo and would be there all week as well, he had come in on the same flight from Houston with me on Saturday. We stopped in General Bravo for lunch - tacos. They are different though than what we know as tacos, they are not necessarily hard shells and taco is more of a general term in Mexico.
YUMMY! I put the onions on and used the lime juice... it was delicious. Later in the meal I even tried a slice of avocado and realized that I like it. The rest of the drive was uneventful, lots of scenery changes the further we went as we got closer to the mountains. They were beautiful.
We arrived in Dr. Arroyo after dark and stopped by the grocery store on the way to the house.
We unloaded a few things, took care of the fountain that had sprung in the bathroom, had dinner, and then took Marvin up the hill to where he would be staying. When we got back we were tired and it was bedtime.
Most of the week, Tom spent working with Marvin on the IT stuff. Laura and I did our thing and kept in touch with them for most meals and such. Monday we spent some time in the bookstore that they own and we went to the pulga which is the weekly market in the plaza just around the corner from the store. Lunch was enchiladas which again were different from what they are here, but muy bien! Monday night was an ESL class and a birthday celebration for one of the youth they know well, Tavo. He turned 17 and we got to try Tres Leches which is a traditional cake and it was delicious.
Tuesday we went to the mission house down the street (they have a Vonage phone there) and did some online stuff and then while Laura was taking care of some business with her cell phone I spent the time journaling, which is very relaxing for me. Tuesday night was another ESL class and then back to the house for dinner when we were done.
Wednesday, Tom made arrangements for Marcus to help Marvin so that the three of us could go to El Salto. I had been looking forward to this for some time, but even what they told me couldn't compare to actually being there and seeing it. It's a park about an hour and a half from Dr. Arroyo and it is full of cascading waterfalls... I've never seen so many cascades one after another in such a small area in any other place I've been... it was amazing!
We had a picnic lunch and then explored. One of the trails led 1000 meters up to the source of the falls and stream. We went up, but didn't go all the way, I really wanted to and I tried, but it was just too much and I wasn't in shape to do it. I thoroughly enjoyed all we saw though.
When we got back down to the level we started on, we followed it downstream for awhile and saw even more! The Spanish moss in the trees with the sunlight streaming through was beautiful too. We spent time just enjoying being out in God's creation. The roar from the water was constant, and loud but soothing, not deafening. Only twice during our time there did we see another family of people, so we basically had the place to ourselves. This is definitely on my list of places to which I would go back. Given the time, I'd have enjoyed choosing a comfy spot and reading a book or drawing a picture.
Wednesday night when we got home, we started preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. We baked the pumpkin cake and the pecan pie (Tom's favorite), and mixed up the rolls. Thursday morning we put the turkey in. Then began on the other things, cleaning house, setting the table, the fruit salad, the corn casserole, the sweet potatoes, the gravy, the rolls... Marcus and Vero brought cheesecake and mashed potatoes and all the rest of the guests. We weren't quite ready when they arrived so we got out the games and played until it was time to eat.
After lunch, Marvin and Tom and Marcus went off to continue the IT projects. We did some singing with Tavo playing his guitar and Lalo, Laura and I playing here and there on the keyboard. It was neat to sing some in Spanish and some in English... a very enjoyable afternoon, but I was sorry that Tom had to miss it, I know he was looking forward to it.
Friday morning we loaded up the car and headed north. Part way out, we stopped and Marvin switched cars and rode with Marcus who was going out to the rancho where Vero is from to drop her off before heading out himself. I rode up front after that and did better. We stopped at the pollo place for lunch and I also tried a Gloria which was really yummy. Similar to our caramels, but much softer and not near as sticky. I did a load of laundry when we got to the guesthouse and went to bed at a decent time.
Saturday mornig we rode motorcycles again, this time out to South Padre Island and back before I had to catch my flight. This time I rode behind Tom and was back to peeking around a shoulder ;o) but saw plenty. It was about a 5.5 hour trip with time out to have lunch at Chili's in Port Isabel before returning. I had a blast and enjoyed every minute out it! These are the bikes - Tom's on the left and Laura's on the right.
So that should catch you up on my life. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are preparing for a blessed Christmas season with friends and/or family. I'm heading back south to South Padre Island for the week with Mom and Dad. I'd love to hear from you!
Thursday, November 13
Fall... after all!
I was out for a drive with a friend about 3 and a half weeks ago… up in southwestern Kentucky in an area known as Land Between the Lakes…
Now those of you that know me well, know that Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I’m thrilled when the temps start dropping below 75… I bask in the crispness of the air… I’m overjoyed at being able to pull out my jeans and sweatshirts… and I stand in awe of the colors that God paints the leaves… every year… every … year.
Well, anyway, we were driving through the woods, just enjoying the day, (I was ecstatic that for one of the first times this year it was cool enough to be dressed in my new sweatshirt from my visit to Yellowstone this summer) but I was a telling my friend that I was sorely disappointed in the colors this year. There wasn’t much of anything… a lot of trees were still green, some I were a little on the light yellow or cream-colored side, and some browns… but nothing like the brilliant colors I usually wait and long for. And this was on October 19! The temps were down, but where was Fall, really??
Now I’m trying to figure out why it is that I ever doubt the faithfulness of my God… just because He doesn’t seem to be on my timetable – oh what a lesson I’m learning in many facets of life right now, but that’s another topic altogether – I’ve been blessed beyond measure in the last 2 weeks or so as the colors have really come in… bold and outstanding reds… brilliant oranges… bright yellows… and even the browns when blended with the rest are just beautiful! Thank you Lord for your creativity and variety even within the cycle and repetition of the seasons You have given us.
P.S. Now I'm just patiently awaiting some more drops in the temps and the snow to come! :o)
Now those of you that know me well, know that Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I’m thrilled when the temps start dropping below 75… I bask in the crispness of the air… I’m overjoyed at being able to pull out my jeans and sweatshirts… and I stand in awe of the colors that God paints the leaves… every year… every … year.
Well, anyway, we were driving through the woods, just enjoying the day, (I was ecstatic that for one of the first times this year it was cool enough to be dressed in my new sweatshirt from my visit to Yellowstone this summer) but I was a telling my friend that I was sorely disappointed in the colors this year. There wasn’t much of anything… a lot of trees were still green, some I were a little on the light yellow or cream-colored side, and some browns… but nothing like the brilliant colors I usually wait and long for. And this was on October 19! The temps were down, but where was Fall, really??
Now I’m trying to figure out why it is that I ever doubt the faithfulness of my God… just because He doesn’t seem to be on my timetable – oh what a lesson I’m learning in many facets of life right now, but that’s another topic altogether – I’ve been blessed beyond measure in the last 2 weeks or so as the colors have really come in… bold and outstanding reds… brilliant oranges… bright yellows… and even the browns when blended with the rest are just beautiful! Thank you Lord for your creativity and variety even within the cycle and repetition of the seasons You have given us.
P.S. Now I'm just patiently awaiting some more drops in the temps and the snow to come! :o)
Monday, October 27
# 100
Wow! I came over to write this morning, I've been meaning to for over a week know, and realized that this will be the 100th post on my blog!
Lots going on since my last writing so I'll try not to leave anything out...
The last weekend of September I drove to Indiana and spent the weekend with Grandpa. We had a great time. Saturday morning we went to chapel for me to rehearse with Joetta - she plays so beautifully, I really enjoyed singing the hymn medley I'd chosen with her accompanying. We played several games of pool - he still beats my socks off! He has more time to practice than I do, though so I'll stick with that. After having tenderloins for lunch at Nick's in downtown Huntington, we both napped for a couple hours that afternoon. That evening we went to the community theater there in Warren and saw a brand new show by the same guy who wrote "Lend Me a Tenor". This one was called "" and was a great show - extremely funny! Sunday morning we went to chapel and then to Cracker Barrel for lunch. I stopped in Indy for about 2 1/2 hours on my way south to visit with my friend Anita whom I hadn't seen in several years. It was really great to catch up with her and I'm so glad that ours is a friendship that we can always just pick back up... that's one of the many things that having a foundation in Christ will do for a friendship!
Friday night, Oct 3 had been set aside for several weeks for the boys to come spend the night with me. They had been asking and we were finally able to sync our schedules and make it happen. Went to Marc & Susannah's for dinner and some adult catching up and then we headed home to Aunt Debby's! Since the weekend before I had brought home my new aggravation board that Grandpa made me, I taught the boys to play and they had a blast. What little boy doesn't love a game that uses marbles and dice and landing on someone to send them back! We started a new book ("Mary Poppins Comes Back") before bed and then I putzed around a little while they went to sleep. We have a routine of choosing a video before bedtime and setting it up so then can watch it in the morning when they get up and it allows Aunt Debby to sleep until 7am. Then I get up and shower and fix breakfast. This time it was buttermilk blueberry pancakes with homemade syrup - they were delighted!
After breakfast we headed back to their house to pick up Anna. It was her first time to get to go with us to the puppet show. Our main branch of the Nashville Public Library, does puppet/ marionette shows for free. They have 5 or 6 show a year and they have a really nice stage. This too has become a tradition for me and the boys and we were really glad to have Anna along with us this time too. She did a great job behaving and was just as enthralled as her brothers with watching the show. This time it was about the Native American tale of how the constellations were formed. They always do a great show and this time was no different.
Unfortunately, when I took the kids home, I was headed down to the basement to check on a mounting sibling situation and I fell down the stairs. I hit pretty hard with the edge of a stair right across my tailbone and the one above it hit about an inch below my waist. I was OK, but very, very sore. And my singles group was going rollerskating that night! For the second time this year when it was scheduled I didn't get to skate - not a happy girl! I did go though, my dear friend Amber was kind enough to pick me up so I at least got to visit with everyone. And fortunately I have many other kind friends as well that chauffeured me around for that weekend and even part of the next one. It didn't hurt to walk, but sitting was a definite challenge and just in the last couple days have I noticed it's mostly back to normal.
Friday night the 10th we enjoyed an evening of dinner and games at Jill's house and got to see all the fruits of her hard work on the house. It's beautiful - she did a great job!! Curt fixed us mexican buffet - all the fixings to have burritos or salad. And the chicken was great - not spicy at all :o) I think we played 3 different games and had a blast. The next day, I had grocery shopping to do, sewing to do and dinner to make. Beef and barley stew with beer cheddar bread for a group of 9 of us before going to the Stars game (oh yeah, it was here so they were playing the Preds). We had a great time, though wrong team won.
On the 17th it was time for the theater again... "Little Shop of Horrors". It ended up being a girls' night out and we had a great evening. It was definitely the strangest show I've ever seen, but as usual they did a great job. I was not really tired when I got home so I ended up staying up reading until about 1am or so. Which also meant I slept in the next day. That afternoon, Jennifer and I went to Amber's to help begin the painting process. She was redoing her bedrooom and bath. We started about 1:30 and worked until 10pm, with time out for a run to Wal-Mart for more tape and for dinner. We got everything cleaned, prepped, taped and 2 coats of primer on the bedroom. So we accomplished alot and the best part was we really laughed alot!!
Sunday was a beautiful day and I felt like driving (for the first time since my fall actually) and I needed to get out of the city. So while at lunch at sent a message to a friend and made arrangements for me to drive about an hour northwest to Ft. Campbell. I got there a little after 3pm and we drove around until 7:45pm. He gave me a tour of part of the base and then we drove over to Land Between the Lakes, which I'd never been to, and drove up The Trace. It was great to be out, though I was surprised that we really couldn't see the lakes. The fall colors this year are not near as nice as some I've seen, but that's OK. We had a good time talking and laughing. We ate dinner at Cheeseburger Charley's and it was a good burger (it was a fast food place), but we could have gone to a sit down/service place for not much more. Afterward, we tried to find a place his friend had told him about that had cheesecake and once we finally found it, it was closed on Sundays. So we went back to Coldstone Creamery and had some ice cream instead.
I've had lunch or dinner with several friends over the last couple weeks that I don't get to see very often and that has been great. It's nice to catch up every so often with those I don't see regularly. And this past Friday night I had Sarah and Leigh Ann over and we visited and did some scrapbooking. It's hard to believe that it had been over a year since I'd seen Leigh Ann and several months since I'd seen Sarah. We had a great time catching up and laughing!
Saturday morning, some of the guys from our group had invited all the ladies to a campfire breakfast! What a treat! Jennifer and I had planned to ride together and she was due at my house at 7:45. My alarm was set for 7 and I woke up about 6:45am - annoying! especially when I'd not gone to bed until 1:30am. Anyway, I got up and wandered around for a few minutes, then a little before 7 realized that I had no water. I went and called the company and their recording said they aware there were problems in my area, named a bunch of streets some of which I recognized, and they were working on it. Well that didn't help me, so I called Sus to see if they had water, which they did. I shifted into overdrive, gathered my stuff, drove over there, showered, drove back and was just finishing with my contacts and make-up when Jen got there.
I told her what was going on and asked what her plans were for the day and if she minded if I hung out with her since I had no idea when my water would be back. She said no problem, she had some grocery shopping to do and some cleaning, but that was it. Daniel was with her, in fact she told me she had brought a chauffeur! He had talked to Lee about helping with the breakfast, but they evidently were good so he didn't go early and drove us instead. Wow, chauffeured to a campfire breakfast, where the guys did all the cooking serving and clean-up! Does it get any better than that?! We had scrambled eggs and hash browns with cheese, bacon, sausage, and biscuits... tea, coffee, hot chocolate and OJ. What a spread!
So after breakfast we went to Jennifer's and she headed to the store. I thought I was going to take a nap, but then couldn't actually go to sleep - I hate that - but did lay and rest for quite awhile. We hung out for the afternoon and then had dinner before we left again to meet the group at the church to go down to the corn maze, hayride and bonfire at the Ring Farm. We had a great time again this year and Jennifer and I found all the points once again. We managed to not get too scared each time the guys (Daniel and Greg) were lurking in the corn or jumping out at us.
And now, it's back to work on Monday... hard to believe that October is almost over.
Lots going on since my last writing so I'll try not to leave anything out...
The last weekend of September I drove to Indiana and spent the weekend with Grandpa. We had a great time. Saturday morning we went to chapel for me to rehearse with Joetta - she plays so beautifully, I really enjoyed singing the hymn medley I'd chosen with her accompanying. We played several games of pool - he still beats my socks off! He has more time to practice than I do, though so I'll stick with that. After having tenderloins for lunch at Nick's in downtown Huntington, we both napped for a couple hours that afternoon. That evening we went to the community theater there in Warren and saw a brand new show by the same guy who wrote "Lend Me a Tenor". This one was called "" and was a great show - extremely funny! Sunday morning we went to chapel and then to Cracker Barrel for lunch. I stopped in Indy for about 2 1/2 hours on my way south to visit with my friend Anita whom I hadn't seen in several years. It was really great to catch up with her and I'm so glad that ours is a friendship that we can always just pick back up... that's one of the many things that having a foundation in Christ will do for a friendship!
Friday night, Oct 3 had been set aside for several weeks for the boys to come spend the night with me. They had been asking and we were finally able to sync our schedules and make it happen. Went to Marc & Susannah's for dinner and some adult catching up and then we headed home to Aunt Debby's! Since the weekend before I had brought home my new aggravation board that Grandpa made me, I taught the boys to play and they had a blast. What little boy doesn't love a game that uses marbles and dice and landing on someone to send them back! We started a new book ("Mary Poppins Comes Back") before bed and then I putzed around a little while they went to sleep. We have a routine of choosing a video before bedtime and setting it up so then can watch it in the morning when they get up and it allows Aunt Debby to sleep until 7am. Then I get up and shower and fix breakfast. This time it was buttermilk blueberry pancakes with homemade syrup - they were delighted!
After breakfast we headed back to their house to pick up Anna. It was her first time to get to go with us to the puppet show. Our main branch of the Nashville Public Library, does puppet/ marionette shows for free. They have 5 or 6 show a year and they have a really nice stage. This too has become a tradition for me and the boys and we were really glad to have Anna along with us this time too. She did a great job behaving and was just as enthralled as her brothers with watching the show. This time it was about the Native American tale of how the constellations were formed. They always do a great show and this time was no different.
Unfortunately, when I took the kids home, I was headed down to the basement to check on a mounting sibling situation and I fell down the stairs. I hit pretty hard with the edge of a stair right across my tailbone and the one above it hit about an inch below my waist. I was OK, but very, very sore. And my singles group was going rollerskating that night! For the second time this year when it was scheduled I didn't get to skate - not a happy girl! I did go though, my dear friend Amber was kind enough to pick me up so I at least got to visit with everyone. And fortunately I have many other kind friends as well that chauffeured me around for that weekend and even part of the next one. It didn't hurt to walk, but sitting was a definite challenge and just in the last couple days have I noticed it's mostly back to normal.
Friday night the 10th we enjoyed an evening of dinner and games at Jill's house and got to see all the fruits of her hard work on the house. It's beautiful - she did a great job!! Curt fixed us mexican buffet - all the fixings to have burritos or salad. And the chicken was great - not spicy at all :o) I think we played 3 different games and had a blast. The next day, I had grocery shopping to do, sewing to do and dinner to make. Beef and barley stew with beer cheddar bread for a group of 9 of us before going to the Stars game (oh yeah, it was here so they were playing the Preds). We had a great time, though wrong team won.
On the 17th it was time for the theater again... "Little Shop of Horrors". It ended up being a girls' night out and we had a great evening. It was definitely the strangest show I've ever seen, but as usual they did a great job. I was not really tired when I got home so I ended up staying up reading until about 1am or so. Which also meant I slept in the next day. That afternoon, Jennifer and I went to Amber's to help begin the painting process. She was redoing her bedrooom and bath. We started about 1:30 and worked until 10pm, with time out for a run to Wal-Mart for more tape and for dinner. We got everything cleaned, prepped, taped and 2 coats of primer on the bedroom. So we accomplished alot and the best part was we really laughed alot!!
Sunday was a beautiful day and I felt like driving (for the first time since my fall actually) and I needed to get out of the city. So while at lunch at sent a message to a friend and made arrangements for me to drive about an hour northwest to Ft. Campbell. I got there a little after 3pm and we drove around until 7:45pm. He gave me a tour of part of the base and then we drove over to Land Between the Lakes, which I'd never been to, and drove up The Trace. It was great to be out, though I was surprised that we really couldn't see the lakes. The fall colors this year are not near as nice as some I've seen, but that's OK. We had a good time talking and laughing. We ate dinner at Cheeseburger Charley's and it was a good burger (it was a fast food place), but we could have gone to a sit down/service place for not much more. Afterward, we tried to find a place his friend had told him about that had cheesecake and once we finally found it, it was closed on Sundays. So we went back to Coldstone Creamery and had some ice cream instead.
I've had lunch or dinner with several friends over the last couple weeks that I don't get to see very often and that has been great. It's nice to catch up every so often with those I don't see regularly. And this past Friday night I had Sarah and Leigh Ann over and we visited and did some scrapbooking. It's hard to believe that it had been over a year since I'd seen Leigh Ann and several months since I'd seen Sarah. We had a great time catching up and laughing!
Saturday morning, some of the guys from our group had invited all the ladies to a campfire breakfast! What a treat! Jennifer and I had planned to ride together and she was due at my house at 7:45. My alarm was set for 7 and I woke up about 6:45am - annoying! especially when I'd not gone to bed until 1:30am. Anyway, I got up and wandered around for a few minutes, then a little before 7 realized that I had no water. I went and called the company and their recording said they aware there were problems in my area, named a bunch of streets some of which I recognized, and they were working on it. Well that didn't help me, so I called Sus to see if they had water, which they did. I shifted into overdrive, gathered my stuff, drove over there, showered, drove back and was just finishing with my contacts and make-up when Jen got there.
I told her what was going on and asked what her plans were for the day and if she minded if I hung out with her since I had no idea when my water would be back. She said no problem, she had some grocery shopping to do and some cleaning, but that was it. Daniel was with her, in fact she told me she had brought a chauffeur! He had talked to Lee about helping with the breakfast, but they evidently were good so he didn't go early and drove us instead. Wow, chauffeured to a campfire breakfast, where the guys did all the cooking serving and clean-up! Does it get any better than that?! We had scrambled eggs and hash browns with cheese, bacon, sausage, and biscuits... tea, coffee, hot chocolate and OJ. What a spread!
So after breakfast we went to Jennifer's and she headed to the store. I thought I was going to take a nap, but then couldn't actually go to sleep - I hate that - but did lay and rest for quite awhile. We hung out for the afternoon and then had dinner before we left again to meet the group at the church to go down to the corn maze, hayride and bonfire at the Ring Farm. We had a great time again this year and Jennifer and I found all the points once again. We managed to not get too scared each time the guys (Daniel and Greg) were lurking in the corn or jumping out at us.
And now, it's back to work on Monday... hard to believe that October is almost over.
Tuesday, September 23
Fall is coming!
And oh I'm getting excited! Last week was much cooler - I went home 3 evenings in a row and opened all my windows to enjoy the fresh air. It's gone back up some this week, but is supposed to be headed back down again this coming week. And I'm going 6 hours north this weekend! Jeans and sweatshirts! The leaves haven't started turning yet, but they should any day now.
Our yard sale earlier this month was a great success. It was a fundraiser that my singles group did for a class member who is serving in Capetown, South Africa for a year. I believe we raised close to $3000 over 3 days. We are happy to be able to bless her and are grateful to all those that participated with donations, time and purchases!
I'm currently working on 2 different projects for others... I'm making an afghan for my friend Sarah that's going to be just beautiful. She chose blue (almost teal) and chocolate brown and a variegated that has both colors. The afghan itself is a simple zigzag pattern she found and liked. I can't wait to finish it and give it to her - she chose well! Then I'm also doing curtains for another friend. The fabric has come in and I picked it up from her last week. Since I'm going out of town this weekend, I'll be starting on it next weekend and aim to be done by the end of October at the latest. I have two other friends that I'm doing some smaller alterations for and hope to accomplish those next week as well.
I even managed to get a new skirt made for me this past Saturday as well. I've gone a few times with some friends to go dancing - mostly swing, but we are learning other things as well... foxtrot, rumba, waltz, etc. Our intent is to continue to go when we can and learn and practice. Anyway, we were planning to go on Saturday night so I decided to make myself a "twirly" skirt for dancing. I got it done and we had a blast! I'm going to have to keep my eye out for other fabric on sale so I can make one or two more :o)
Mom and Dad are doing well and still enjoying their travels. They are up in the northwest and have been for several weeks. This week they are way out on the tip of a peninsula in southern Washington - they can walk to the shore from their place. If you want to catch up on their specifics check out their blog - you can get there through the link (TwoTravel) on the left of mine!
The small group that I'm in, that meets at my house on Monday nights has just started a new study. There are 6 of us now and we are going to be working through A Woman of Moderation by Dee Brestin. It is going to be challenging, but we are all looking forward to it. If you feel so inclined, we welcome your prayers!
And I guess that's about all for now... Showers of blessings on you and yours! Drop me a note and let me know how things are with you and how I can be praying for you!
Our yard sale earlier this month was a great success. It was a fundraiser that my singles group did for a class member who is serving in Capetown, South Africa for a year. I believe we raised close to $3000 over 3 days. We are happy to be able to bless her and are grateful to all those that participated with donations, time and purchases!
I'm currently working on 2 different projects for others... I'm making an afghan for my friend Sarah that's going to be just beautiful. She chose blue (almost teal) and chocolate brown and a variegated that has both colors. The afghan itself is a simple zigzag pattern she found and liked. I can't wait to finish it and give it to her - she chose well! Then I'm also doing curtains for another friend. The fabric has come in and I picked it up from her last week. Since I'm going out of town this weekend, I'll be starting on it next weekend and aim to be done by the end of October at the latest. I have two other friends that I'm doing some smaller alterations for and hope to accomplish those next week as well.
I even managed to get a new skirt made for me this past Saturday as well. I've gone a few times with some friends to go dancing - mostly swing, but we are learning other things as well... foxtrot, rumba, waltz, etc. Our intent is to continue to go when we can and learn and practice. Anyway, we were planning to go on Saturday night so I decided to make myself a "twirly" skirt for dancing. I got it done and we had a blast! I'm going to have to keep my eye out for other fabric on sale so I can make one or two more :o)
Mom and Dad are doing well and still enjoying their travels. They are up in the northwest and have been for several weeks. This week they are way out on the tip of a peninsula in southern Washington - they can walk to the shore from their place. If you want to catch up on their specifics check out their blog - you can get there through the link (TwoTravel) on the left of mine!
The small group that I'm in, that meets at my house on Monday nights has just started a new study. There are 6 of us now and we are going to be working through A Woman of Moderation by Dee Brestin. It is going to be challenging, but we are all looking forward to it. If you feel so inclined, we welcome your prayers!
And I guess that's about all for now... Showers of blessings on you and yours! Drop me a note and let me know how things are with you and how I can be praying for you!
Wednesday, September 3
I did it!!
Yay! I did it! My first 5K on Labor Day in Franklin, TN in support of Mercy Children's Clinic. Now, hold on, let you should get too excited, for those of you who know me well - no, I've not started running! I walked it. I had 3 friends that were doing it, they of course were running or a combination of running and walking, but I decided to sign up and do and I was pleased with what I did!
I did jog very briefly at the beginning to let most of the folks behind me get around, and then when I set my walking pace I stuck to it the entire way and never stopped. I slowed slightly only twice near the end on a couple of inclines, but I must say for a 5K (3.1 miles) in middle Tennesse it was a fairly flat course overall, which I was very glad of. I was almost to the 2 mile mark before absolutely everyone passed me and I finished in under an hour. I'm going to continue walking each day and my friends and I are intending to do another one in Clarksville on October 18.
Just had to share my good news!!
I did jog very briefly at the beginning to let most of the folks behind me get around, and then when I set my walking pace I stuck to it the entire way and never stopped. I slowed slightly only twice near the end on a couple of inclines, but I must say for a 5K (3.1 miles) in middle Tennesse it was a fairly flat course overall, which I was very glad of. I was almost to the 2 mile mark before absolutely everyone passed me and I finished in under an hour. I'm going to continue walking each day and my friends and I are intending to do another one in Clarksville on October 18.
Just had to share my good news!!
Thursday, August 28
The Big Project!!
Well, my big project is done and finished and was worn last week! It fit well and was just what he was looking for...
Yes, it's a silver lame suit! Yes, I made it! Now it's on to curtains for a friend in Franklin and I've started on an afghan for another friend. And yes, I'm still behind on a few baby afghans, but I'm progressing!
Wednesday, August 20
Vacation - Part 2
It was a long drive up to Yellowstone, but not unpleasant. I worked on a crocheting project, dozed a little and of course, we stopped for lunch. We drove through Idaho, a small piece of Montana and then into the park and into Wyoming. The park is so large - it took us almost another 2 hours once in the boundaries to get to where we were staying. We saw many wildlife that evening and during the rest of our stay. The bison were in mating season so they were definitely in abundance! Many times we had to stop (along with lots of other people) while the crossed the road or ambled down it a ways! We saw an elk, some deer, Canadian geese, but no moose or bear. The cabins we stayed in were nice, small but clean and adequate. The lake was beautiful.
Saturday we went one direction and stopped at an area called the West Thumb Geyser Basin. We learned a lot about and saw many thermal spots, hot springs, mud pots and such. Some of the colors these things produced were really pretty. Then we traveled on to Old Faithful. We watched a couple films in the Visitor Center and saw it erupt. We had reservations for dinner that evening in the Inn dining room, so after perusing the gift shops, we headed that direction to relax in the lounge for a couple hours. Turns out the Old Faithful Inn is acutally a huge log lodge! I was ecstatic! I explored a bit, took some pictures and then we sat in big comfy chairs near the huge stone fireplace (no, there was no fire in it this time of year, but I'd love to see it in fall or winter). I even took a nap for about 45 minutes. Then we explored the gift shop there and it was about time to eat. Dinner was good, we had the buffet... trout, chicken, roast beef, peel 'n eat shrimp.
Sunday we went north to explore the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone area. This was my favorite part of the park (at least the part of it I saw). No, it's not anywhere near the size of the Grand Canyon, but it is spectacular, nonetheless. Again all the colors were beautiful and just the depth of it was extraordinary. The falls, of course were magnificent! Most of you know how much of a lighthouse fanatic I am, well, waterfalls run a close second in my book to lighthouses! We did a little hiking on one side of the canyon - as much as Mom and I (my toe was bothering me some by then as it was my second full day in tennis shoes) could handle. It wasn't a lot, but it was definitely worth it to do what we could. I also enjoyed our picnic lunches both days. It was so nice to be out in the forest and enjoy the breeze and the sunshine and the lack of city noise!
Monday we left early to drive south to the airport. In retrospect, I was glad I used the Jackson Hole Airport, because that afforded us the opportunity to drive through Grand Teton National Park. What an awesome display of the beauty and grandeur of our Creator God! They were absolutely breathtaking and the sheer size of them as we continued to get closer was astounding. It was a beautiful day and one stop we made by a lake was just amazing how peaceful it was with the wind blowing and the sun shining on the mountains and the water. I've told everyone I could have just put out a blanket and sat there all day just watching it!
Well, we made it to the airport in plenty of time and it definitely rivals the smaller airports I've been to in my life, but that was kind of nice because it was easy. Both flights were good, running a little behind due to wind sheers in Denver, but less than an hour late overall and in my book that barely counts as late. As my Dad says, "any flight that lands wheels down is a good one!" Thanks to my friend Leslie for being there to bring me home and for having turned the A/C down before she came to pick me up - that's a true friend!
It was a great vacation and I enjoyed seeing a small part of this great nation that I had not yet had the privilege of visiting. The time away from the office was much needed and treasured and as always, any time I get to spend with my parents is time well-spent! Thanks Mom and Dad for a great week. I miss you!
Saturday we went one direction and stopped at an area called the West Thumb Geyser Basin. We learned a lot about and saw many thermal spots, hot springs, mud pots and such. Some of the colors these things produced were really pretty. Then we traveled on to Old Faithful. We watched a couple films in the Visitor Center and saw it erupt. We had reservations for dinner that evening in the Inn dining room, so after perusing the gift shops, we headed that direction to relax in the lounge for a couple hours. Turns out the Old Faithful Inn is acutally a huge log lodge! I was ecstatic! I explored a bit, took some pictures and then we sat in big comfy chairs near the huge stone fireplace (no, there was no fire in it this time of year, but I'd love to see it in fall or winter). I even took a nap for about 45 minutes. Then we explored the gift shop there and it was about time to eat. Dinner was good, we had the buffet... trout, chicken, roast beef, peel 'n eat shrimp.
Sunday we went north to explore the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone area. This was my favorite part of the park (at least the part of it I saw). No, it's not anywhere near the size of the Grand Canyon, but it is spectacular, nonetheless. Again all the colors were beautiful and just the depth of it was extraordinary. The falls, of course were magnificent! Most of you know how much of a lighthouse fanatic I am, well, waterfalls run a close second in my book to lighthouses! We did a little hiking on one side of the canyon - as much as Mom and I (my toe was bothering me some by then as it was my second full day in tennis shoes) could handle. It wasn't a lot, but it was definitely worth it to do what we could. I also enjoyed our picnic lunches both days. It was so nice to be out in the forest and enjoy the breeze and the sunshine and the lack of city noise!
Monday we left early to drive south to the airport. In retrospect, I was glad I used the Jackson Hole Airport, because that afforded us the opportunity to drive through Grand Teton National Park. What an awesome display of the beauty and grandeur of our Creator God! They were absolutely breathtaking and the sheer size of them as we continued to get closer was astounding. It was a beautiful day and one stop we made by a lake was just amazing how peaceful it was with the wind blowing and the sun shining on the mountains and the water. I've told everyone I could have just put out a blanket and sat there all day just watching it!
Well, we made it to the airport in plenty of time and it definitely rivals the smaller airports I've been to in my life, but that was kind of nice because it was easy. Both flights were good, running a little behind due to wind sheers in Denver, but less than an hour late overall and in my book that barely counts as late. As my Dad says, "any flight that lands wheels down is a good one!" Thanks to my friend Leslie for being there to bring me home and for having turned the A/C down before she came to pick me up - that's a true friend!
It was a great vacation and I enjoyed seeing a small part of this great nation that I had not yet had the privilege of visiting. The time away from the office was much needed and treasured and as always, any time I get to spend with my parents is time well-spent! Thanks Mom and Dad for a great week. I miss you!
Thursday, August 7
Park City, Utah
Hello from Park City, Utah! It's been a great trip so far. Friday night I arrived on time, but by the time we drove back to the condo, I unpacked and we talked for a short bit, bedtime was about 2:00am (which is 3:00am CST). Yes, I can stay up late occasionally :o) (I did sleep on the plane for a little over an hour, which helped).
Saturday we slept in, went for our walk and then did some shopping at the outlet malls. I got a few new things that were 50% off and some more jewelry (still building my stock back up from the break-in). We went to bed fairly early, we were all tired and were planning an early morning.
Sunday we did the morning routine (walk, devotions, shower and eat) and headed to Salt Lake City. We went to hear the rehearsal for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was done by 9am so we then decided to go ahead and do the tour of Temple Square. We finished that and decided we had enough time to tour the Beehive House (Brigham Young's) and make it back to the tabernacle for the organ recital at noon. So we did, but about 11:55am we realized that there wasn't a noon recital that day, only the 2pm. That meant it was lunch time. I had a great meal of fish and shrimp!
We went back and relaxed in the comfy seats of the south visitor center for about half an hour and then headed to the tabernacle for the organ recital. It was awesome! 11,623 pipes! We stopped back by the north visitor center to watch one more film of a historical story of their move west. The whole day was very interesting and very eye-opening! I knew that they were considered a cult and were off-base in their beliefs, but I didn't know much of why or how and hearing them speak all day was very sad in some ways. To hear that they claim to believe the Bible and yet are SO deceived. Wow.
Monday we drove 2 1/2 hours up northwest of Salt Lake City to the site where the Golden Spike was driven. There wasn't a lot there, but it was neat to see and learn a little about it. We also were going to stop at the Great Salt Lake, but decided on the way home we were ready to just be back. Tuesday after our morning routine we went to speak with one of the timeshare guys. He was nice and we had a good conversation, but were not going to purchase any more. We spent the rest of the day just relaxing in the room. I even took a nap, which was really nice.
Yesterday, morning routine, then we were off south to see the Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine. One of the world's largest copper strip mines. It is so huge a hole in the ground now that it can be seen with the naked eye from outer space. 17% of the nation's copper is mined from here. We also learned that they gain many other minerals and such from the process as well (gold, silver, sulfuric acid and many other things I can't remember at the moment). After that we came back and grilled hot dogs to go with our homemade baked beans! Yum!
We had originally intended to go to the Utah Olympic Park in the afternoon, but we lazed around long enough that we didn't go. So this morning after our normal routine (by the way I'm currently walking 2 miles, in less than an hour, not flat and in the high altitude - not bad), we headed out to Olympic Park, which is just up the road from us. There wasn't a whole lot to do there, but we saw the ski jumps and bobsled track, and went through the museum. The best part was watching them practice ski jumping - they do it into a pool... of water!! It was very cool and we spent quite a bit of time sitting there watching the different levels of athletes practicing! Hopefully got some good picturs.
After lunch today, we went across the street in downtown historic Park City and rode the city chair lift. It was threatening storms in the distance, and the upper end was down in a small valley so we didn't get off at the top, but just rode on around and back down. It was about 40 minute ride and was peaceful and gorgeous! I even wished at one short spot that I had my jacket!
This evening we packed. I took a nap, trying to get rid of a headache too. Dad has the car mostly loaded and after our normal routine in the morning, we'll hit the road for Yellowstone! From all weather reports we've been seeing it will be even cooler up there. We are expecting about an 8-9 hour trip tomorrow in a fully-packed van, so say a little prayer for me!
Don't know what the connection options will be up there, so I will probably not write again until I return home. Hope you and yours are doing well this summer! Drop me a line sometime and let me know what you are up to!
Saturday we slept in, went for our walk and then did some shopping at the outlet malls. I got a few new things that were 50% off and some more jewelry (still building my stock back up from the break-in). We went to bed fairly early, we were all tired and were planning an early morning.
Sunday we did the morning routine (walk, devotions, shower and eat) and headed to Salt Lake City. We went to hear the rehearsal for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was done by 9am so we then decided to go ahead and do the tour of Temple Square. We finished that and decided we had enough time to tour the Beehive House (Brigham Young's) and make it back to the tabernacle for the organ recital at noon. So we did, but about 11:55am we realized that there wasn't a noon recital that day, only the 2pm. That meant it was lunch time. I had a great meal of fish and shrimp!
We went back and relaxed in the comfy seats of the south visitor center for about half an hour and then headed to the tabernacle for the organ recital. It was awesome! 11,623 pipes! We stopped back by the north visitor center to watch one more film of a historical story of their move west. The whole day was very interesting and very eye-opening! I knew that they were considered a cult and were off-base in their beliefs, but I didn't know much of why or how and hearing them speak all day was very sad in some ways. To hear that they claim to believe the Bible and yet are SO deceived. Wow.
Monday we drove 2 1/2 hours up northwest of Salt Lake City to the site where the Golden Spike was driven. There wasn't a lot there, but it was neat to see and learn a little about it. We also were going to stop at the Great Salt Lake, but decided on the way home we were ready to just be back. Tuesday after our morning routine we went to speak with one of the timeshare guys. He was nice and we had a good conversation, but were not going to purchase any more. We spent the rest of the day just relaxing in the room. I even took a nap, which was really nice.
Yesterday, morning routine, then we were off south to see the Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine. One of the world's largest copper strip mines. It is so huge a hole in the ground now that it can be seen with the naked eye from outer space. 17% of the nation's copper is mined from here. We also learned that they gain many other minerals and such from the process as well (gold, silver, sulfuric acid and many other things I can't remember at the moment). After that we came back and grilled hot dogs to go with our homemade baked beans! Yum!
We had originally intended to go to the Utah Olympic Park in the afternoon, but we lazed around long enough that we didn't go. So this morning after our normal routine (by the way I'm currently walking 2 miles, in less than an hour, not flat and in the high altitude - not bad), we headed out to Olympic Park, which is just up the road from us. There wasn't a whole lot to do there, but we saw the ski jumps and bobsled track, and went through the museum. The best part was watching them practice ski jumping - they do it into a pool... of water!! It was very cool and we spent quite a bit of time sitting there watching the different levels of athletes practicing! Hopefully got some good picturs.
After lunch today, we went across the street in downtown historic Park City and rode the city chair lift. It was threatening storms in the distance, and the upper end was down in a small valley so we didn't get off at the top, but just rode on around and back down. It was about 40 minute ride and was peaceful and gorgeous! I even wished at one short spot that I had my jacket!
This evening we packed. I took a nap, trying to get rid of a headache too. Dad has the car mostly loaded and after our normal routine in the morning, we'll hit the road for Yellowstone! From all weather reports we've been seeing it will be even cooler up there. We are expecting about an 8-9 hour trip tomorrow in a fully-packed van, so say a little prayer for me!
Don't know what the connection options will be up there, so I will probably not write again until I return home. Hope you and yours are doing well this summer! Drop me a line sometime and let me know what you are up to!
Thursday, July 31
Waiting...
I'm getting anxious to be on my way! My plane leaves tomorrow for the west and I'm very excited about that.
A little over a week with Mom and Dad...
a little over a week in the mountains...
a little over a week in the cooler weather...
a little over a week from the daily monotony of the office!
Plus I'll be adding 4 new states to my repertoire!
Some of you may have noticed a few new things on the sidebar. Something I'd been wanting to do but just am not 'puter savvy enough to have figured out - thanks a million, Daniel, for your time and talents! He spent a couple hours on Saturday at the house helping me with this and a few other computer-related things I needed help with. Anyway, one of the things I've added here are a few links, and I invite you to try them out when you get some time and have nothing better to do with it :o)
Lots of things going on... Last Friday night we went to the DCI show and as always it was worth the price! We are already looking forward to going again next year and actually getting our tickets all together so we can sit together! I was sad that I wasn't able to take Ethan, though, we'll try again next year and see what happens. Saturday I worked all day in the sewing room and by the end of August I'll have taken pictures of the finished project and will be able to share with you what I've been working on... stay tuned, you'll love it! I'm still behind on baby afghans, but I'll get caught up eventually. Speaking of babies, Maggie is now approaching 6 lbs and is working on the last hurdle of being able to eat completely on her own and then she'll be able to go home! Praise God for keeping her well and healthy throughout this difficult start to her life - she's doing fantastic!
I've also been doing alot of serious reading, studying, contemplating, praying and growing lately. I can't say every step has been "fun", but I'm thankful He thinks so much of me that He grows me and stretches me toward the woman He's called me to be. If you want to read more bits of that, you can read some of my entries over at Simple Walk.
I'm sure I'll have more next week - I'll have to report in on all the stuff I'm getting to enjoy. Until then...
A little over a week with Mom and Dad...
a little over a week in the mountains...
a little over a week in the cooler weather...
a little over a week from the daily monotony of the office!
Plus I'll be adding 4 new states to my repertoire!
Some of you may have noticed a few new things on the sidebar. Something I'd been wanting to do but just am not 'puter savvy enough to have figured out - thanks a million, Daniel, for your time and talents! He spent a couple hours on Saturday at the house helping me with this and a few other computer-related things I needed help with. Anyway, one of the things I've added here are a few links, and I invite you to try them out when you get some time and have nothing better to do with it :o)
Lots of things going on... Last Friday night we went to the DCI show and as always it was worth the price! We are already looking forward to going again next year and actually getting our tickets all together so we can sit together! I was sad that I wasn't able to take Ethan, though, we'll try again next year and see what happens. Saturday I worked all day in the sewing room and by the end of August I'll have taken pictures of the finished project and will be able to share with you what I've been working on... stay tuned, you'll love it! I'm still behind on baby afghans, but I'll get caught up eventually. Speaking of babies, Maggie is now approaching 6 lbs and is working on the last hurdle of being able to eat completely on her own and then she'll be able to go home! Praise God for keeping her well and healthy throughout this difficult start to her life - she's doing fantastic!
I've also been doing alot of serious reading, studying, contemplating, praying and growing lately. I can't say every step has been "fun", but I'm thankful He thinks so much of me that He grows me and stretches me toward the woman He's called me to be. If you want to read more bits of that, you can read some of my entries over at Simple Walk.
I'm sure I'll have more next week - I'll have to report in on all the stuff I'm getting to enjoy. Until then...
Wednesday, July 23
Caves & books
Have you ever been to Mammoth Cave National Park? I had been in the park before with Gram and Grandpa, but had never had a chance to actually go in the caves. This past weekend a small group of us from my Sunday School class went and did a tour and then had a picnic. We had a great time! The best place to go hiking in the middle of the hot summer is in the caves where it is a nice steady 54 degrees! Coming out the door at the end was not so much fun.
What else have I been doing lately? Well, mostly hanging out with my friends and doing some serious reading. I've also begun work on a large sewing project that I have to have done by the end of August. I need to keep going on it or I'm going to get myself in a corner I don't want to be in. I've read "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge and it was really good for me. Since finishing it a little over a week ago, I've also acquired the companion journal that they've done and I'm planning to go back through it using the journal to digest some of it more in depth and really work through some things that I just glossed over while just reading the book. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be doing it simultaneously as some friends, which I'm looking forward to as well. I'm also continuing with the "Forsyte Saga", and trying to get the National Geographics read before I have to deliver them to Mom and Dad in a couple weeks now.
I'm heading out west in just over a week to spend 10 days with Mom and Dad. I'm looking forward to getting away and to seeing them. Especially as it's the mountains I'm heading for! We are hoping to do some hiking, but it will depend partly on how Mom is doing. I'll be in both Park City, Utah and then a few days in Yellowstone! I get to add 3 new states for sure and maybe Montana as well, depending on what we decide to do.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. Need to get back to work. Hope all is well with you and yours, please drop me a comment or an email and let me know what's going on with you! Happy Wednesday!
What else have I been doing lately? Well, mostly hanging out with my friends and doing some serious reading. I've also begun work on a large sewing project that I have to have done by the end of August. I need to keep going on it or I'm going to get myself in a corner I don't want to be in. I've read "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge and it was really good for me. Since finishing it a little over a week ago, I've also acquired the companion journal that they've done and I'm planning to go back through it using the journal to digest some of it more in depth and really work through some things that I just glossed over while just reading the book. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be doing it simultaneously as some friends, which I'm looking forward to as well. I'm also continuing with the "Forsyte Saga", and trying to get the National Geographics read before I have to deliver them to Mom and Dad in a couple weeks now.
I'm heading out west in just over a week to spend 10 days with Mom and Dad. I'm looking forward to getting away and to seeing them. Especially as it's the mountains I'm heading for! We are hoping to do some hiking, but it will depend partly on how Mom is doing. I'll be in both Park City, Utah and then a few days in Yellowstone! I get to add 3 new states for sure and maybe Montana as well, depending on what we decide to do.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. Need to get back to work. Hope all is well with you and yours, please drop me a comment or an email and let me know what's going on with you! Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, July 8
Good times and accomplishments
It was a good weekend! Friday was a nice day off, I got the laundry done, I exercised, I made a new pair of shorts to wear that night and I had a wonderful time with my friends at the park. There were 25 of us their and the weather was beautiful! We played UNO until it got too dark to see the cards and then we just enjoyed the music and the fireworks.
Saturday, a small contingent of our group went to work on a house all day that we are helping make repairs to for a group called Reconstruct. I painted outside trim all day - I lost track of how many times I climbed up and down the ladder :o) but luckily ladders and heights don't bother me. We were able to be in the shade all morning and that made it not quite so bad to be in the sun in the afternoon, but we were all worn out by the time we were done! A couple friends came over to my house for dinner. I started to help, but I had gotten a headache (probably just from the heat) so one of them fixed dinner while I talked with my parents and then after we were done the other one cleaned up for me and then we sat and chatted for awhile.
Sunday was a good day of worship and Bible Study. The rest to the day was spent with a friend who first fixed a brake light for me (that I didn't even know was out), then we went and played pool for a couple hours. Watch out, Grandpa, I'm practicing now! I even learned a new game - I had never played Nine Ball before. When we came back to my house we had leftovers from the night before for dinner and then hung out and talked till about 10:30pm. I think I was asleep before 11:00pm!
Coming back to work was difficult yesterday morning, but here we are with 2 days of the week almost gone again. I've got to work on some sewing this week in the evenings. I'd like to go help again Saturday for Reconstruct (the same house), but it will depend on how much I accomplish before then. I have a suit I'm needing to have done for a friend from class by August 23. So we'll see how it goes. I also still have afghans that need finishing, but I haven't watched TV or movie since June 18th - and that is usually when I work on the crocheting. Oh well, I'll have get back in gear!
A lot of things to contemplate right now, so my brain is keeping busy as well. I've not had much reading time lately either and I'm missing that. Boy does working every day make it hard to accomplish all the things I'd rather be doing! I am looking forward to vacation in a few weeks though - I'm going to meet up with Mom and Dad out west. I fly to Salt Lake City on Friday the 1st and we'll stay in Park City for the week. Then on the 8th we'll drive up to Yellowstone and they will be there for the week, though I will fly home on Monday the 11th. I get to add at least one state to my list and I'm looking forward to seeing part of Yellowstone - it will be my first time there.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. I need to get back to work and finish some things up before the end of the day. Many blessings this week on you and yours!
Saturday, a small contingent of our group went to work on a house all day that we are helping make repairs to for a group called Reconstruct. I painted outside trim all day - I lost track of how many times I climbed up and down the ladder :o) but luckily ladders and heights don't bother me. We were able to be in the shade all morning and that made it not quite so bad to be in the sun in the afternoon, but we were all worn out by the time we were done! A couple friends came over to my house for dinner. I started to help, but I had gotten a headache (probably just from the heat) so one of them fixed dinner while I talked with my parents and then after we were done the other one cleaned up for me and then we sat and chatted for awhile.
Sunday was a good day of worship and Bible Study. The rest to the day was spent with a friend who first fixed a brake light for me (that I didn't even know was out), then we went and played pool for a couple hours. Watch out, Grandpa, I'm practicing now! I even learned a new game - I had never played Nine Ball before. When we came back to my house we had leftovers from the night before for dinner and then hung out and talked till about 10:30pm. I think I was asleep before 11:00pm!
Coming back to work was difficult yesterday morning, but here we are with 2 days of the week almost gone again. I've got to work on some sewing this week in the evenings. I'd like to go help again Saturday for Reconstruct (the same house), but it will depend on how much I accomplish before then. I have a suit I'm needing to have done for a friend from class by August 23. So we'll see how it goes. I also still have afghans that need finishing, but I haven't watched TV or movie since June 18th - and that is usually when I work on the crocheting. Oh well, I'll have get back in gear!
A lot of things to contemplate right now, so my brain is keeping busy as well. I've not had much reading time lately either and I'm missing that. Boy does working every day make it hard to accomplish all the things I'd rather be doing! I am looking forward to vacation in a few weeks though - I'm going to meet up with Mom and Dad out west. I fly to Salt Lake City on Friday the 1st and we'll stay in Park City for the week. Then on the 8th we'll drive up to Yellowstone and they will be there for the week, though I will fly home on Monday the 11th. I get to add at least one state to my list and I'm looking forward to seeing part of Yellowstone - it will be my first time there.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. I need to get back to work and finish some things up before the end of the day. Many blessings this week on you and yours!
Tuesday, July 1
Just stuff...
So, 2008 is now half over, is that hard for anyone else to believe, or is it just me? Well, anyway, I have been very thankful that so far this summer has been very mild and much more tolerable! This morning I walked out to leave for the office and actually wondered if I'd missed a couple months, it felt like an early fall morning and I praised the Lord on the spot!
Lots of things going on in the past week and I feel like I've been through a whirlwind (or maybe two). God is good at stretching me when I least expect it and I'm just trying to keep up. I have once again been blessed with good friends that were there when I needed them and gracious enough to listen to my crazy rantings! It also humbles me to have so many praying for me right now, including some mighty warriors from unexpected places - may God bless you richly for your faithfulness. One thing I have learned this week that gives me peace is that though I first thought so, He doesn't ask me to give up the desires of my heart, but just to continue to hope and rest in Him. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33.
On another note, happy birthday America! A few days early... I'm looking forward to our picnic in the park. My Sunday school class is going to a local park for free music and fireworks and taking picnic. It was great last year and I'm looking forward to it again this year. I'm also hoping to get some sewing done this weekend as well.
Guess that's really it for now. Happy Tuesday!
Lots of things going on in the past week and I feel like I've been through a whirlwind (or maybe two). God is good at stretching me when I least expect it and I'm just trying to keep up. I have once again been blessed with good friends that were there when I needed them and gracious enough to listen to my crazy rantings! It also humbles me to have so many praying for me right now, including some mighty warriors from unexpected places - may God bless you richly for your faithfulness. One thing I have learned this week that gives me peace is that though I first thought so, He doesn't ask me to give up the desires of my heart, but just to continue to hope and rest in Him. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33.
On another note, happy birthday America! A few days early... I'm looking forward to our picnic in the park. My Sunday school class is going to a local park for free music and fireworks and taking picnic. It was great last year and I'm looking forward to it again this year. I'm also hoping to get some sewing done this weekend as well.
Guess that's really it for now. Happy Tuesday!
Wednesday, June 25
June is almost gone...
It's been a busy month. I have gotten everything repaired and/or replaced, except the jewelry and I haven't decided for sure yet how and what I'm going to do about that, but I have time. I also had a great visit with my parents. They were here for over a week and we had a good time. I took them out for their anniversary to a really nice place and we were blessed to have quite a few family and friends join us. Dad put up 3 new sets of shelves (2 in closets and 1 in the kitchen) and mom helped me go through some things and reorganize to make use of the newly claimed storage space. That was a huge accomplishment and something I'd been wanting to do for awhile - thanks for your help guys!
I continue to be highly involved with choir, though we are now on break for the summer, and with my class. One Saturday I went and work with some friends on a Habitat for Humanity house. This was my first time to ever do this and I enjoyed it. It was hot, but not too bad yet. I had a birthday dinner for one of my friends who's become very dear to me. I let her decide what she wanted and then her cousin and I did the prep, cooking and grilling. It was lot of fun. After dinner we played her favorite card game and laughed a lot! We also went to another play this month. This time it was Annie Get Your Gun. Once again they did a fantastic job and we are looking forward to the next one in August (The Foreigner).
This past weekend I spent with my grandfather and also saw some longtime family friends. It was a good weekend. Grandpa and I played some pool and lots of card games and made our usual trip for Saturday lunch at Ivanhoe's. I'm planning to return the end of September to go with him to the current play at the small theater there in Warren. I can't remember the name at the moment, but it sounds really funny, so I'm looking forward to it. I also enjoy singing for the Sunday service when I go as all of the folks there from the home that attend really are gracious and enjoy having me. In fact, Grandpa often gets asked when I'm coming next!
Mom and Dad are currently in Branson, MO and enjoying an Elderhostel week that James has joined them for. They are getting to see quite a few show as well as having some behind-the-scenes tours and workshops from performers. I chatted with her some yesterday on IM and it sounds as if they are enjoying it. She continues to make slow progress in recovery of the ankle and the back, so if you think of her, please pray that this will continue and more quickly if it be God's will. She is frustrated with the 6 months of not feeling well.
I've accomplished a few things in and around all the activities. I've made a dress for me, altered a bridesmaid dress for a friend, hemmed up some pants for a couple people and finished an afghan. I've got a wedding dress to hem up by this weekend and then I'm going to start on a suit for a friend from class. I also have 2 more afghans I need to finish and some pants I need to make for me and 2 more pair of pants to hem for friends. I think I'm going to spend Saturday in the sewing room! I can't wait!
Well, I guess that's most of the gist for now. Hope you're feeling great about how things are going in your world, is so praise the Lord for it, if not, He'd still like to hear from you! Until next time...
I continue to be highly involved with choir, though we are now on break for the summer, and with my class. One Saturday I went and work with some friends on a Habitat for Humanity house. This was my first time to ever do this and I enjoyed it. It was hot, but not too bad yet. I had a birthday dinner for one of my friends who's become very dear to me. I let her decide what she wanted and then her cousin and I did the prep, cooking and grilling. It was lot of fun. After dinner we played her favorite card game and laughed a lot! We also went to another play this month. This time it was Annie Get Your Gun. Once again they did a fantastic job and we are looking forward to the next one in August (The Foreigner).
This past weekend I spent with my grandfather and also saw some longtime family friends. It was a good weekend. Grandpa and I played some pool and lots of card games and made our usual trip for Saturday lunch at Ivanhoe's. I'm planning to return the end of September to go with him to the current play at the small theater there in Warren. I can't remember the name at the moment, but it sounds really funny, so I'm looking forward to it. I also enjoy singing for the Sunday service when I go as all of the folks there from the home that attend really are gracious and enjoy having me. In fact, Grandpa often gets asked when I'm coming next!
Mom and Dad are currently in Branson, MO and enjoying an Elderhostel week that James has joined them for. They are getting to see quite a few show as well as having some behind-the-scenes tours and workshops from performers. I chatted with her some yesterday on IM and it sounds as if they are enjoying it. She continues to make slow progress in recovery of the ankle and the back, so if you think of her, please pray that this will continue and more quickly if it be God's will. She is frustrated with the 6 months of not feeling well.
I've accomplished a few things in and around all the activities. I've made a dress for me, altered a bridesmaid dress for a friend, hemmed up some pants for a couple people and finished an afghan. I've got a wedding dress to hem up by this weekend and then I'm going to start on a suit for a friend from class. I also have 2 more afghans I need to finish and some pants I need to make for me and 2 more pair of pants to hem for friends. I think I'm going to spend Saturday in the sewing room! I can't wait!
Well, I guess that's most of the gist for now. Hope you're feeling great about how things are going in your world, is so praise the Lord for it, if not, He'd still like to hear from you! Until next time...
Wednesday, May 28
Continuous Student
Just because I quit college after 2 years doesn't mean I quit learning... not by a long shot.
I've learned many small and large things since then.
Some things were trivial and I probably don't even remember that I learned them, let alone would be able to repeat them back to you (unless it was from this morning-grin!).
Some things were more important and I've written them down...
somewhere...
hopefully to remember them more readily.
But there are some things that are life lessons or lessons of the heart that Holy Spirit is continuously teaching me and I hope that someday, I'll receive the words from God my Father, "well done, good and faithful servant."
These lessons are more like a journey, not just a couple hours in a classroom, and I've chosen that journey for the rest of my life. Sometimes they are the results of much prayer and sometimes they come out of nowhere. Sometimes, I'm not even sure what all I'm supposed to learn, I just keep praying that I won't hinder my own learning process and that He will make sure that I get what I'm supposed to get. Recently, I've finished reading Stormie Omartian's Power of a Praying Woman and am trying to be more diligently in prayer at every opportunity... for myself, for my family, for my friends, for those around me who are without the salvation of Christ. I have found overall, that the more I listen to Bible teaching and music from my daytime radio station, and the more I "pray without ceasing" the more I really feel in His presence. And the more that happens the more I tend to dwell on His word and serving and helping others instead of worrying about me, where I am in life and what I want. This, for those of you that may not realize it, is really a good thing, though not always easy.
I've recently been through an event that has forced me to put some of these newly learned things and thoughts to the test and my hope is that by my feeble human attempts at being faithful, somewhere, someone will see Christ for who He is.
On Friday, while I was at work, my house was broken into and some things were stolen. This is the second time in 2 1/2 years, and thus added an additional layer of frustration and attack. It was a rough go to begin with, but God has blessed me with a church family that stepped up and filled in the gaps, some gaps that I didn't even know were there. I have 3 very faithful Christian sisters that made sure that I was not alone for the first 48+ hours.
They helped me straighten things out,
they hugged me,
they offered me bed and board
and in general just kept me on an even keel,
letting me grieve,
but not letting me wallow,
helping me begin to deal with (again) that feeling of violation that someone had been in my space and in my stuff.
I didn't sleep real well those first couple nights as I couldn't get my mind to turn off. Though I did have a sweet time of conversation with my God during the second night. As He reminded me that He was in control I was able to begin to pray for all the details of the situation and He began to release my frustration and anxiety and as I continued I was able to sincerely pray for those who had done this and to forgive them. Oh, what sweet release He gives when we follow His ways and turn it all to Him.
I had two more huge blessings during these first few days as well. The first was that when I spoke with my parents they decided to change their plans and come two days earlier, so they will be here tomorrow. The second was from another class member who gave in a way that I would never have expected, but that was extremely helpful to me and removed one more detail that I didn't have to concern myself with in the midst of the crisis.
The biggest thing in all of this, is that I really am at the point of praising Him for it all, not easily gained, I'll admit. I'm physically fine. My cat was not in the house that day, but outside so he is fine. Though it's disappointing that I lost some sentimental family jewelry, everything I lost are just "things" and I have good insurance - not to mention that I came into this world with nothing and know that I'll leave it the same way, everything I have is the Lord's anyway. My house is still standing, I still have food and clothes and transporation and a job.
Mostly, I have an opportunity to handle this situation in such a way that His love shines through me...
and maybe...
just maybe, someone will see that there is something different about me and be drawn to Him. I want to be found faithful to Him in how He expects me to carry myself as His child, His student.
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."
I Peter 1:6-9
I've learned many small and large things since then.
Some things were trivial and I probably don't even remember that I learned them, let alone would be able to repeat them back to you (unless it was from this morning-grin!).
Some things were more important and I've written them down...
somewhere...
hopefully to remember them more readily.
But there are some things that are life lessons or lessons of the heart that Holy Spirit is continuously teaching me and I hope that someday, I'll receive the words from God my Father, "well done, good and faithful servant."
These lessons are more like a journey, not just a couple hours in a classroom, and I've chosen that journey for the rest of my life. Sometimes they are the results of much prayer and sometimes they come out of nowhere. Sometimes, I'm not even sure what all I'm supposed to learn, I just keep praying that I won't hinder my own learning process and that He will make sure that I get what I'm supposed to get. Recently, I've finished reading Stormie Omartian's Power of a Praying Woman and am trying to be more diligently in prayer at every opportunity... for myself, for my family, for my friends, for those around me who are without the salvation of Christ. I have found overall, that the more I listen to Bible teaching and music from my daytime radio station, and the more I "pray without ceasing" the more I really feel in His presence. And the more that happens the more I tend to dwell on His word and serving and helping others instead of worrying about me, where I am in life and what I want. This, for those of you that may not realize it, is really a good thing, though not always easy.
I've recently been through an event that has forced me to put some of these newly learned things and thoughts to the test and my hope is that by my feeble human attempts at being faithful, somewhere, someone will see Christ for who He is.
On Friday, while I was at work, my house was broken into and some things were stolen. This is the second time in 2 1/2 years, and thus added an additional layer of frustration and attack. It was a rough go to begin with, but God has blessed me with a church family that stepped up and filled in the gaps, some gaps that I didn't even know were there. I have 3 very faithful Christian sisters that made sure that I was not alone for the first 48+ hours.
They helped me straighten things out,
they hugged me,
they offered me bed and board
and in general just kept me on an even keel,
letting me grieve,
but not letting me wallow,
helping me begin to deal with (again) that feeling of violation that someone had been in my space and in my stuff.
I didn't sleep real well those first couple nights as I couldn't get my mind to turn off. Though I did have a sweet time of conversation with my God during the second night. As He reminded me that He was in control I was able to begin to pray for all the details of the situation and He began to release my frustration and anxiety and as I continued I was able to sincerely pray for those who had done this and to forgive them. Oh, what sweet release He gives when we follow His ways and turn it all to Him.
I had two more huge blessings during these first few days as well. The first was that when I spoke with my parents they decided to change their plans and come two days earlier, so they will be here tomorrow. The second was from another class member who gave in a way that I would never have expected, but that was extremely helpful to me and removed one more detail that I didn't have to concern myself with in the midst of the crisis.
The biggest thing in all of this, is that I really am at the point of praising Him for it all, not easily gained, I'll admit. I'm physically fine. My cat was not in the house that day, but outside so he is fine. Though it's disappointing that I lost some sentimental family jewelry, everything I lost are just "things" and I have good insurance - not to mention that I came into this world with nothing and know that I'll leave it the same way, everything I have is the Lord's anyway. My house is still standing, I still have food and clothes and transporation and a job.
Mostly, I have an opportunity to handle this situation in such a way that His love shines through me...
and maybe...
just maybe, someone will see that there is something different about me and be drawn to Him. I want to be found faithful to Him in how He expects me to carry myself as His child, His student.
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."
I Peter 1:6-9
Monday, April 28
Encouraged
I'm hanging in there, how about you?!
Work has been trying, the situation with my challenging employee has continued to evolve - I'd fill you in on the details but you'd be appalled at half of it and not quite believe the other half, so suffice it to say that there aren't many of these but the one there are you want to stay far, far away from you. They know all the rules back and forth and use them trying to find any and all holes even where there are none, they also wave the "lawsuit" and "EEOC" flag as often as possible because they think it helps them get their way. The good news is that this employee is now on written warning for attendance issues, and had a fairly rough performance eval recently that laid out things that need to be improved upon. The Lord has not moved me on, so therefore I know He has a reason for why I am in a position I dislike and am having to deal with an employee situation that should have been termintated many, many months ago before it was ever transferred to me. So lately, I've come to really lean on these words from one of my favorite artists...
Hard as it seems
Standing in dreams
Where is the dreamer now
Wonder if I
Wanted to try
Would I remember how
I don't know the way to go from here
But I know I have made my choice
And this is where I stand
Until He moves me on
And I will listen to His voice
This is the faith
Patience to wait
When there is nothing clear
Nothing to see
Still we believe
Jesus is very near
I can not imagine what will come
But I've already made my choice
And this is where I stand
Until He moves me on
And I will listen to His voice
Could it be that He is only waiting there to see
If I will learn to love the dreams
that He has dreamed for me
Can't imagine what the future holds
But I've already made my choice
And this is where I stand
Until He moves me on
And I will listen to His voice
~ Twila Paris
Work has been trying, the situation with my challenging employee has continued to evolve - I'd fill you in on the details but you'd be appalled at half of it and not quite believe the other half, so suffice it to say that there aren't many of these but the one there are you want to stay far, far away from you. They know all the rules back and forth and use them trying to find any and all holes even where there are none, they also wave the "lawsuit" and "EEOC" flag as often as possible because they think it helps them get their way. The good news is that this employee is now on written warning for attendance issues, and had a fairly rough performance eval recently that laid out things that need to be improved upon. The Lord has not moved me on, so therefore I know He has a reason for why I am in a position I dislike and am having to deal with an employee situation that should have been termintated many, many months ago before it was ever transferred to me. So lately, I've come to really lean on these words from one of my favorite artists...
Hard as it seems
Standing in dreams
Where is the dreamer now
Wonder if I
Wanted to try
Would I remember how
I don't know the way to go from here
But I know I have made my choice
And this is where I stand
Until He moves me on
And I will listen to His voice
This is the faith
Patience to wait
When there is nothing clear
Nothing to see
Still we believe
Jesus is very near
I can not imagine what will come
But I've already made my choice
And this is where I stand
Until He moves me on
And I will listen to His voice
Could it be that He is only waiting there to see
If I will learn to love the dreams
that He has dreamed for me
Can't imagine what the future holds
But I've already made my choice
And this is where I stand
Until He moves me on
And I will listen to His voice
~ Twila Paris
Monday, March 24
Spring is creeping in...
I don't mind the early spring when the early flowers like daffodils and hyacinths bloom. The Bradford Pear trees are gorgeous and there's some kind of bush that's bright almost mustard yellow flowers and are terrific too! There are a few folks that are just beginning to mow the lawn and there's a hint of its aroma in the air. It's also still in the temps that I like best high 60's and maybe a few into the 70's during the day. So, I'm enjoying it because I know it won't last long, it will quickly move along to the 80's and 90's and I'll be staying inside. I enjoyed having my windows open on Friday evening while I did some things around the house.
HAPPY EASTER!
Things at the office are par for the course that's been set for me lately. Today is quiet as my challenging employee is off on a vacation day. I also have some days off coming up so I'm looking forward to that. I have a full week this week, then only 3 days in the office next week and only Friday the week after that. I'm taking 4 vacation days to spend some time with Mom and Dad while they are here and a few days with them in Gatlinburg, then I also have a conference for 2 days here in Nashville that I'm attending for work.
Mom and Dad will be here in 5 days!! Approximately 122 hours and I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival. They've made it to Indiana and were to be unpacking the truck this morning and then heading to Grandpa's anytime now. I'm sure that's he's been anxiously awaiting their arrival as well.
We are scheduled for our next upcoming play in the season - Lost in Yonkers. I was thrilled with the theater after being there the first time. It's a lovely small venue which I've always enjoyed because you feel more a part of the story and don't miss a thing. They did a fantastic job with Lend Me a Tenor - a great comedy, if you ever get a chance to see it - and I'm ready for more.
Not much else to relay for now and I must get back to the tasks at hand. Have a terrific week and enjoy your springtime!
HAPPY EASTER!
Things at the office are par for the course that's been set for me lately. Today is quiet as my challenging employee is off on a vacation day. I also have some days off coming up so I'm looking forward to that. I have a full week this week, then only 3 days in the office next week and only Friday the week after that. I'm taking 4 vacation days to spend some time with Mom and Dad while they are here and a few days with them in Gatlinburg, then I also have a conference for 2 days here in Nashville that I'm attending for work.
Mom and Dad will be here in 5 days!! Approximately 122 hours and I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival. They've made it to Indiana and were to be unpacking the truck this morning and then heading to Grandpa's anytime now. I'm sure that's he's been anxiously awaiting their arrival as well.
We are scheduled for our next upcoming play in the season - Lost in Yonkers. I was thrilled with the theater after being there the first time. It's a lovely small venue which I've always enjoyed because you feel more a part of the story and don't miss a thing. They did a fantastic job with Lend Me a Tenor - a great comedy, if you ever get a chance to see it - and I'm ready for more.
Not much else to relay for now and I must get back to the tasks at hand. Have a terrific week and enjoy your springtime!
Friday, February 29
Happy Leap Year!
And a belated happy Valentine's! I had a great Valentine's - on Friday night my Sunday school class had a potluck dinner with the widows group that we help serve. It was delicious and a joy to visit and play games with the ladies. And we even gave them each a bag of homemade cookies and a rose as the left for the evening. What a blessing to be able to bless others!
The rest of the month has gone along. Work has been a chore day after day, but I keep at it. Today has been particularly frustrating - more complaints from the problem employee I inherited. I'm just glad it's Friday and I'm going home for the weekend in less than two hours!
We are actually having a make-your-own-pizza and game night tonight and I'm hoping my energy level will pick back up when I'm in a better environment, because I want to have a good time and enjoy my friends, but right now I'm exhausted.
The best news of all is that Mom and Dad are home on US soil!! I think they are almost over the jet lag and have already been busy accomplishing all the things that need doing so they can hit the road. They've got a phone, the computers are ready to go, they picked up their new van yesterday and it supposedly has it all!! Mom said they are going to start organizing and repacking tomorrow as she wants to have it done before the shipment from Thailand arrives.
A couple weeks ago I got 3 dresses cut out and also made a trip to Jo-Ann's Etc. to get some sewing supplies (thread, zippers, ribbon) and some yarn - I have several baby afghans to be working on. Tomorrow I intend to cut out 2 more dresses and some pairs of pants and begin sewing some new clothes! I'm looking forward to it.
I finished some pillows for a friend and I'm going to crochet an afghan for another friend so I'm keeping busy. I've also finished 3 audio books in the last 2 weeks and look forward to some more this weekend. Well I guess that's about all I know for now. I need to wrap up the week. Have a great weekend all!
The rest of the month has gone along. Work has been a chore day after day, but I keep at it. Today has been particularly frustrating - more complaints from the problem employee I inherited. I'm just glad it's Friday and I'm going home for the weekend in less than two hours!
We are actually having a make-your-own-pizza and game night tonight and I'm hoping my energy level will pick back up when I'm in a better environment, because I want to have a good time and enjoy my friends, but right now I'm exhausted.
The best news of all is that Mom and Dad are home on US soil!! I think they are almost over the jet lag and have already been busy accomplishing all the things that need doing so they can hit the road. They've got a phone, the computers are ready to go, they picked up their new van yesterday and it supposedly has it all!! Mom said they are going to start organizing and repacking tomorrow as she wants to have it done before the shipment from Thailand arrives.
A couple weeks ago I got 3 dresses cut out and also made a trip to Jo-Ann's Etc. to get some sewing supplies (thread, zippers, ribbon) and some yarn - I have several baby afghans to be working on. Tomorrow I intend to cut out 2 more dresses and some pairs of pants and begin sewing some new clothes! I'm looking forward to it.
I finished some pillows for a friend and I'm going to crochet an afghan for another friend so I'm keeping busy. I've also finished 3 audio books in the last 2 weeks and look forward to some more this weekend. Well I guess that's about all I know for now. I need to wrap up the week. Have a great weekend all!
Tuesday, January 29
No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, at least not yet!
Well, I'm sure that many of you gave up on me months ago, but I really am still here. There are many times that I've had things to write about or wanted to say and I just didn't get it done. No excuses.
So in an attempt to catch you up a little, or for those of you new to this to give you a little background...
The fall season here was glorious once it finally arrived, but I can't say as much for the winter. Though it's been cold - I'm enjoying that - we've had almost no snow. A couple weeks ago it did snow for several hours and I got to enjoy it driving to and from the church and walking into and out of choir rehearsal - mostly everyone thought I was crazy, but it energized me! Yes, I truly think I'm an Eskimo at heart!
The holidays were good, though the were spent, once again, far away from my parents. I went on a week's vacation by myself to the Jersey shore for the week of Thanksgiving. I spent the weekend before with my Sara & Dan (cousin and her husband) in the Philly area and got to see Aunt Karen & Uncle Barry as well. Then for the holiday itself I drove up to visit family from my Mom's side, Sandy & Frank, Kathy & Garrett and Matt and his girlfriend. It was a very nice day and I enjoyed it tremendously.
Christmas week I spent with Aunt Mavis & Uncle DeVon. Grandpa came down for a couple days and Matthew & Melissa and Jeremy & Emily were all there for most of Christmas day itself. We enjoyed the food, doing puzzles and playing some games. It was nice to be able to spend more than just a weekend up there, which is all I usually get.
Part of my absence from here has been the busyness that I have gained from now being back to church and very actively involved in choir, my Sunday School class and serving on a Food Team through the Ladies Ministry. I've made many new friends as we've been bowling, to a hockey game, many meals, serving widows by doing yard work, making a meal for a local shelter and on our fall retreat and so much more. I can't tell you how much more content I am to be back into a church that really feels like home. I wish I'd forced myself to do it sooner. If you are one of those on the edges, searching or just out of the habit of being involved in a local church, I strongly encourage you to just jump in! You'll not regret it!
My job on the other hand is still something I really want to change. We did finish, this month, the 2 1/2 years worth of backlog that we had to enter into the imaging system and the boxes have all been hauled off by the Shred-It folks! There have been some challenges with personnel things and we are still working through them. However, I have been able to get back to some of the other smaller projects that I had been putting off due to overload with the backlog files. The overall gist is still that I run an electronic filing department and it is repetitious, tedious and boring. I really long for returning to executive assistant or office manager type work where it is always different and quite often fast-paced.
My creative side has kept busy as well. I made Christmas wreath ornaments from canning jar lids and buttons this year. I also made a baby shower gift (for a couple here at the office) of buttons on a picture frame that really turned out sweet. I have finished two other baby afghans plus a shawl and another full size afghan. The one I'm currenly working on will probably be finished within 2 weeks or less. This past weekend I made two bedroom decorative pillows for a friend and have one more to finish. I've not done my scrapbooking, but I'm hoping to get back to it sooner than later. My stuff has been packed away because I've had people over quite a number of times in the last couple months (including New Year's Eve), and it's either packed away and sitting on the floor in my hobby room (which is a small bedroom that also contains my sewing maching, my computer, one entire wall of bookshelves, a wardrobe full of fabric and a 4-drawer file cabinet) or out on the kitchen table. I do miss it, but I enjoy it more when I have someone to work with and chat with while I'm working. I will also be narrowing down some of my stash in a couple months because Mom and Dad will take back most of their tools once they are here so that may make it more manageable, we'll see.
As always, I'm continually reading. I kept track last year of the books that I finished and intend on doing the same this year. I believe I read over 60 last year. This year I'm off to a good start as I've already finished 3. I'm currently reading The Maltese Falcon as my main book, though those of you who know me well know that I'm never reading just one book at a time. I'm also reading one that has four stories in it called Chesapeake, and am ready to start The Forsyte Saga off of the classics list that our family keeps and reads from. I also need to take a trip to the library soon to pick up some audio books for the car or projects around the house.
Well I suppose that's enough of a shock (for being back) and to absorb (from such a long absence) for now. My intentions are to be writing more frequently, so if you haven't written me off, please give me a second chance! If you have questions or even topics you wonder my opinion on, please feel free for leave me a comment and I'll see what I can do.
God bless you!
So in an attempt to catch you up a little, or for those of you new to this to give you a little background...
The fall season here was glorious once it finally arrived, but I can't say as much for the winter. Though it's been cold - I'm enjoying that - we've had almost no snow. A couple weeks ago it did snow for several hours and I got to enjoy it driving to and from the church and walking into and out of choir rehearsal - mostly everyone thought I was crazy, but it energized me! Yes, I truly think I'm an Eskimo at heart!
The holidays were good, though the were spent, once again, far away from my parents. I went on a week's vacation by myself to the Jersey shore for the week of Thanksgiving. I spent the weekend before with my Sara & Dan (cousin and her husband) in the Philly area and got to see Aunt Karen & Uncle Barry as well. Then for the holiday itself I drove up to visit family from my Mom's side, Sandy & Frank, Kathy & Garrett and Matt and his girlfriend. It was a very nice day and I enjoyed it tremendously.
Christmas week I spent with Aunt Mavis & Uncle DeVon. Grandpa came down for a couple days and Matthew & Melissa and Jeremy & Emily were all there for most of Christmas day itself. We enjoyed the food, doing puzzles and playing some games. It was nice to be able to spend more than just a weekend up there, which is all I usually get.
Part of my absence from here has been the busyness that I have gained from now being back to church and very actively involved in choir, my Sunday School class and serving on a Food Team through the Ladies Ministry. I've made many new friends as we've been bowling, to a hockey game, many meals, serving widows by doing yard work, making a meal for a local shelter and on our fall retreat and so much more. I can't tell you how much more content I am to be back into a church that really feels like home. I wish I'd forced myself to do it sooner. If you are one of those on the edges, searching or just out of the habit of being involved in a local church, I strongly encourage you to just jump in! You'll not regret it!
My job on the other hand is still something I really want to change. We did finish, this month, the 2 1/2 years worth of backlog that we had to enter into the imaging system and the boxes have all been hauled off by the Shred-It folks! There have been some challenges with personnel things and we are still working through them. However, I have been able to get back to some of the other smaller projects that I had been putting off due to overload with the backlog files. The overall gist is still that I run an electronic filing department and it is repetitious, tedious and boring. I really long for returning to executive assistant or office manager type work where it is always different and quite often fast-paced.
My creative side has kept busy as well. I made Christmas wreath ornaments from canning jar lids and buttons this year. I also made a baby shower gift (for a couple here at the office) of buttons on a picture frame that really turned out sweet. I have finished two other baby afghans plus a shawl and another full size afghan. The one I'm currenly working on will probably be finished within 2 weeks or less. This past weekend I made two bedroom decorative pillows for a friend and have one more to finish. I've not done my scrapbooking, but I'm hoping to get back to it sooner than later. My stuff has been packed away because I've had people over quite a number of times in the last couple months (including New Year's Eve), and it's either packed away and sitting on the floor in my hobby room (which is a small bedroom that also contains my sewing maching, my computer, one entire wall of bookshelves, a wardrobe full of fabric and a 4-drawer file cabinet) or out on the kitchen table. I do miss it, but I enjoy it more when I have someone to work with and chat with while I'm working. I will also be narrowing down some of my stash in a couple months because Mom and Dad will take back most of their tools once they are here so that may make it more manageable, we'll see.
As always, I'm continually reading. I kept track last year of the books that I finished and intend on doing the same this year. I believe I read over 60 last year. This year I'm off to a good start as I've already finished 3. I'm currently reading The Maltese Falcon as my main book, though those of you who know me well know that I'm never reading just one book at a time. I'm also reading one that has four stories in it called Chesapeake, and am ready to start The Forsyte Saga off of the classics list that our family keeps and reads from. I also need to take a trip to the library soon to pick up some audio books for the car or projects around the house.
Well I suppose that's enough of a shock (for being back) and to absorb (from such a long absence) for now. My intentions are to be writing more frequently, so if you haven't written me off, please give me a second chance! If you have questions or even topics you wonder my opinion on, please feel free for leave me a comment and I'll see what I can do.
God bless you!
