My five year old niece, Alexis, was asked what all she got for Christmas. Her reply was "I don't know." My sister-in-law said, she can't remember what she did five minutes ago to which Alexis replied, "I have short term memory loss." I think I almost broke a rib when I heard that! Out of the mouth of babes...
One of my goals for the future is to put together a couple of scrapbooks that will show generations to come what our life is like and what Brandon and I were like growing up. Being the third of four children, I don't have a baby book that is filled out. Instead there is a clipping from my first hair cut and some dates written on the lid of my first milestones (walking, talking, tying shoes, snapping fingers, etc.) My goal is to be able to tell stories and flip through these scrapbook pages, not open a random drawer and go from one decade to the next trying to remember what was happening at the time. Got any good, low cost places on where to start this journey?
This past weekend I had quite a bit of trouble falling asleep. I went to the couch in my parents' sunroom and picked up a book that was on the end table. It was Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, which I read until 5:00 a.m. Brandon and I certainly fit the "average" mold he refers to time and time again. We're sitting down as soon as he gets his payplan for the year and attacking like gazelles! The tenative plan is to be debt free within a year ~ snowballs will soon start rolling in the Hale house.
Tidings of Joy... and avalanches! :)
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Without this, we'd have no hope...
Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
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Luke 23
44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
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Luke 24
6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”
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I hope you all take the opportunity to reflect on the wonderful gift, for without this, we'd have no hope...
Tidings of Joy... and a very Merry Christmas to you all!
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Happy Birthday Dede!
On this day in 1964, Daneela Renee Walden came into the world. In 1993, she married my dad and took Jonathan and me as her children to love, spoil, laugh, and cry with.
One of my best / worst memories was before she and dad were married. One July day Dad and Jonathan were gone (to a car show, I think) and Dede with her brand new car (a Buick something or other) and I went driving. Let me make that more clear, she was in the passenger seat and a 14 year-old freshman-to-be was driving. We took all the back roads and everything was fine and dandy for the first hour or so. Then, on the way home, I took a 90 degree curve on a little country road a bit too quickly, slammed on the brakes, tried to correct the direction of the car and ended up flipping it into a ditch where it rested on the driver's side. Yep, at 14, I had my first of several car wrecks! We were wearing our seat belts and by the grace of God neither of us was injured other than some bruises. A man and his teenage grandson were behind us and stopped to make sure we were ok. The grandson climbed up onto the car (with his left leg in a cast from above his knee to his toes) and pulled us both out. I ran about a tenth of a mile to one of my best friends' houses to call Daddy, a friend with a wrecker, and then the police (someone else had to take over the whole talking part after the first ring to Dad's cell phone ~ a big, burly black one that came with it's own carrying case and battery about the size of two large print Bibles stacked together). Needless to say, we were both a bit shaken. If you read the police report, I was a passenger and Dede was the driver... uh huh, she took the hit and I didn't drive again for a l-o-n-g t-i-m-e! Just an example of what a mom is willing to do for her child.
Enough nostalgia for the day. Dede, I hope your 40th is wonderful. I love you and am so thankful that you are in our lives. Happiest of happy birthdays! :)
One of my best / worst memories was before she and dad were married. One July day Dad and Jonathan were gone (to a car show, I think) and Dede with her brand new car (a Buick something or other) and I went driving. Let me make that more clear, she was in the passenger seat and a 14 year-old freshman-to-be was driving. We took all the back roads and everything was fine and dandy for the first hour or so. Then, on the way home, I took a 90 degree curve on a little country road a bit too quickly, slammed on the brakes, tried to correct the direction of the car and ended up flipping it into a ditch where it rested on the driver's side. Yep, at 14, I had my first of several car wrecks! We were wearing our seat belts and by the grace of God neither of us was injured other than some bruises. A man and his teenage grandson were behind us and stopped to make sure we were ok. The grandson climbed up onto the car (with his left leg in a cast from above his knee to his toes) and pulled us both out. I ran about a tenth of a mile to one of my best friends' houses to call Daddy, a friend with a wrecker, and then the police (someone else had to take over the whole talking part after the first ring to Dad's cell phone ~ a big, burly black one that came with it's own carrying case and battery about the size of two large print Bibles stacked together). Needless to say, we were both a bit shaken. If you read the police report, I was a passenger and Dede was the driver... uh huh, she took the hit and I didn't drive again for a l-o-n-g t-i-m-e! Just an example of what a mom is willing to do for her child.
Enough nostalgia for the day. Dede, I hope your 40th is wonderful. I love you and am so thankful that you are in our lives. Happiest of happy birthdays! :)
Monday, December 20, 2004
No funkus among us...
I am feeling much better. I guess I just needed a few days to wallow in Mae-ness and be a pessimistic, granny-grumps, pain-in-the-derriere. It feels good to be past the blahs.
Yesterday my dad's side of the family celebrated Christmas at his grandmother's, Mrs. Mattie Jane Tenpenny's (is that the cutest name in the world for a 90 year old 4'8'' woman or what??!!). It's really nice and very non-stressful. There are so many of us that no gifts are exchanged (Ma Penny, as we call her, gives out some $$$ to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren ~ I can't even name everyone!) and we all just sit around, nibble on some fantastic food, and chat away. It's a lot of fun to visit with family and then say good bye after a couple of hours of picking on everyone.
I just got a call from Brandon, apparently his work Christmas party is going to be a Valentines weekend trip for the co-workers and their wives to Tampa ~ for FREE! Last year we all went to Cancun, but had to pay half (that was such a fun trip and worth every penny!). I love the perks of his job! I've never been to Tampa, and February is usually so cold and rainy in TN ~ it'll be a BLAST!
Speaking of blasts, the weather has changed to BUURRR-UH cold. It was 9 degrees last night, after being almost 50 just Saturday. Daddy always says, "If you don't like the weather in Tennessee, just hang around for a couple of days and it'll change." Hello? No kidding! It's supposed to be back up in the 50's on Tuesday and then snow on Thursday. Craziness I tell ya.
Hope your Christmas week is off to a wonderful start.... cold or not.
Tidings of Joy!
Yesterday my dad's side of the family celebrated Christmas at his grandmother's, Mrs. Mattie Jane Tenpenny's (is that the cutest name in the world for a 90 year old 4'8'' woman or what??!!). It's really nice and very non-stressful. There are so many of us that no gifts are exchanged (Ma Penny, as we call her, gives out some $$$ to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren ~ I can't even name everyone!) and we all just sit around, nibble on some fantastic food, and chat away. It's a lot of fun to visit with family and then say good bye after a couple of hours of picking on everyone.
I just got a call from Brandon, apparently his work Christmas party is going to be a Valentines weekend trip for the co-workers and their wives to Tampa ~ for FREE! Last year we all went to Cancun, but had to pay half (that was such a fun trip and worth every penny!). I love the perks of his job! I've never been to Tampa, and February is usually so cold and rainy in TN ~ it'll be a BLAST!
Speaking of blasts, the weather has changed to BUURRR-UH cold. It was 9 degrees last night, after being almost 50 just Saturday. Daddy always says, "If you don't like the weather in Tennessee, just hang around for a couple of days and it'll change." Hello? No kidding! It's supposed to be back up in the 50's on Tuesday and then snow on Thursday. Craziness I tell ya.
Hope your Christmas week is off to a wonderful start.... cold or not.
Tidings of Joy!
Friday, December 17, 2004
In a funk
I've never been like this before. It's an oddly pesssimistic, negative, whiney, nausous, tired, irritable, everyone go away and please don't slam the door and make the chandeliers rattle, just plain bah humbug mood. It's not fun, for me, Brandon or anyone else I may be around. Yesterday I hid it pretty well I guess. I took Gran to the doctor to have her hot pink cast taken off and to finish up her Christmas shopping. It took a lot of tounge bitting, but I think I did pretty well. I'm just ready for it to leave and never return.
On to happier things. My two youngest nieces turned 5 and 2 last week. Alexis was 5 on 12/9, and Halle was 2 on 12/10 (see the pictures above). Happy growing girls! I love you both to pieces!
Brandon and I talked with his boss, Brad, last week about the possible move to Bowling Green. He can pay to move us, but not buy the house. We'll know in late January whether the plant is staying open or shutting down. It's up to the bankruptcy judge who is supposed to decided what will be best for the community. (FYI Briggs and Stratton just put in a $150 Million dollar bid ~ 25 Mill. more than Murray was worth before the bankruptcy.) There's no telling what will happen. I think we'll be moving ~ I almost hope so b/c I can't find a job here to save my life. I'm sure my chances would be better in a larger town. Selling the house wouldn't be a big deal. The last few that have been built in our small neighborhood have sold before construction was finished.
The Christmas cards sitting in the floor are mocking me, I guess it's time to kick them out of the house. Happy freakin' holidays.
On to happier things. My two youngest nieces turned 5 and 2 last week. Alexis was 5 on 12/9, and Halle was 2 on 12/10 (see the pictures above). Happy growing girls! I love you both to pieces!
Brandon and I talked with his boss, Brad, last week about the possible move to Bowling Green. He can pay to move us, but not buy the house. We'll know in late January whether the plant is staying open or shutting down. It's up to the bankruptcy judge who is supposed to decided what will be best for the community. (FYI Briggs and Stratton just put in a $150 Million dollar bid ~ 25 Mill. more than Murray was worth before the bankruptcy.) There's no telling what will happen. I think we'll be moving ~ I almost hope so b/c I can't find a job here to save my life. I'm sure my chances would be better in a larger town. Selling the house wouldn't be a big deal. The last few that have been built in our small neighborhood have sold before construction was finished.
The Christmas cards sitting in the floor are mocking me, I guess it's time to kick them out of the house. Happy freakin' holidays.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Today my life is sad...
Not sad as in full of sorrow, pain, or loss, but sad as in ~ having no desire to move, function, or be sociable. In fact, I didn't even speak today until 1:30 when I called to check on Brandon. He usually calls me by 10:30 just to harass me. When I didn't hear from him by lunch time (he always comes home, which helps break up the monotony of my day) I was sure that he'd been abducted on his way to work, taken hostage and was being held for tons of $$$. Why was this pertinent information not on the news? Why hadn't an eyewitness called to inform me of his immediate danger? Why hadn't I gotten a phone call from his abductors?!! Well, because he was in a meeting until 2:00 that's why. Hmmm, ok, so we don't live in a highly dangerous place, it's a bit out of the ordinary for things such as 30 year old men being abducted, but still, it could happen.
As I type, my living room floor is covered with presents and packaging which have yet to be united as one and honeymoon under the tree. I just can't get motivated to wrap anything. I'm perfectly content to let it stay in the floor until we have to leave for Manchester next week.
Want to know how a gal can make an A in a graduate class and still only have a 2.0 gpa for the semester? It's called dropping a class and taking an incomplete in another. Yeah, Mae great streak your on with the gpa, keep up the lousy work.
I have somewhere b/t 50 and 60 Christmas cards ready to send out, but b/c my middle name is "Anal retentive" I can't send them out until I have matching holiday stamps and return address labels. At the rate I'm going, it'll be Easter before they reach their individual destinations.
Bah humbug.
As I type, my living room floor is covered with presents and packaging which have yet to be united as one and honeymoon under the tree. I just can't get motivated to wrap anything. I'm perfectly content to let it stay in the floor until we have to leave for Manchester next week.
Want to know how a gal can make an A in a graduate class and still only have a 2.0 gpa for the semester? It's called dropping a class and taking an incomplete in another. Yeah, Mae great streak your on with the gpa, keep up the lousy work.
I have somewhere b/t 50 and 60 Christmas cards ready to send out, but b/c my middle name is "Anal retentive" I can't send them out until I have matching holiday stamps and return address labels. At the rate I'm going, it'll be Easter before they reach their individual destinations.
Bah humbug.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Thursday, December 09, 2004
On this day in 1949...
My sweet momma, Nancy Elaine Morgan, was welcomed into the world by her parents, Ernest and Gladys, and her brother Terry. She was born in middle Tennessee and raised in Warren county. She had dear friends who love her to this day, she was a cheerleader and a member of the 4H club, she showed prize winning cattle and during the summers worked at an Easter Seals camp with physically and mentally handicapped teens. She had a laugh that was incredibly beautiful. I remember being little and wanting to hear her laugh, see her throw her head back so far that I could see the fillings in the back of her mouth. No matter the situation, she could always make me smile. Her motto was "always keep a smile on your face." She loved with all of her heart, made the smallest things seem like the biggest adventures, and served God to the best of her ability. She loved each of her four children and her husband with all of her being. Her life was cut short ~ only 40 years old when she lost her battle with cancer. We were all so young ~ Jay 18, Lynette 15, me 11, Jonathan 7, and Daddy 34.
I sometimes wonder what she would say to me and about me if she were still here. Or, if my life would be any different than it is now. Would my relationship with my parents be better? Would we all live within a block of each other and have Sunday dinner together? Would she be proud of the different lives all four of us lead? Would she be the kind of grandmother that couldn't stay away from her grandbabies? I bet she'd be the person who pulls an entire scrap book out to show pictures to everyone who's around. Would she call me everyday just to say "I love you"? Would she drive 100 miles just to help me bake something? Or pick out an outfit for an interview?
I don't know why Momma was taken away, it's in the file of questions to ask when I meet Jesus. I do know that the time I had with her was wonderful and full of so many precious memories... especially singing DollyParton, Judds, and K.T. Oslin songs in our old brown Oldsmobile. Or days when she'd been shopping for us and had our outfits laid out on or beds when we came home from school. You could always tell she was excited about the things she bought for us. Putting cashews in a Dr. Pepper, eating popcorn cuddled up on the couch under a warm blanket watching the ABC Sunday night movie, making the best chocolate oatmeal cookies on the face of the earth, cooking pancakes on a huge griddle on Saturday mornings w/ each of us having a special size... so many beautiful little moments that I am incredibly thankful to have.
Happy 55th birthday Momma. Good night, sweet dreams, I love you...
I sometimes wonder what she would say to me and about me if she were still here. Or, if my life would be any different than it is now. Would my relationship with my parents be better? Would we all live within a block of each other and have Sunday dinner together? Would she be proud of the different lives all four of us lead? Would she be the kind of grandmother that couldn't stay away from her grandbabies? I bet she'd be the person who pulls an entire scrap book out to show pictures to everyone who's around. Would she call me everyday just to say "I love you"? Would she drive 100 miles just to help me bake something? Or pick out an outfit for an interview?
I don't know why Momma was taken away, it's in the file of questions to ask when I meet Jesus. I do know that the time I had with her was wonderful and full of so many precious memories... especially singing DollyParton, Judds, and K.T. Oslin songs in our old brown Oldsmobile. Or days when she'd been shopping for us and had our outfits laid out on or beds when we came home from school. You could always tell she was excited about the things she bought for us. Putting cashews in a Dr. Pepper, eating popcorn cuddled up on the couch under a warm blanket watching the ABC Sunday night movie, making the best chocolate oatmeal cookies on the face of the earth, cooking pancakes on a huge griddle on Saturday mornings w/ each of us having a special size... so many beautiful little moments that I am incredibly thankful to have.
Happy 55th birthday Momma. Good night, sweet dreams, I love you...
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Lasts
I'm grateful this week for the lasts that I am experiencing.
Last night was my last night of class at Freed. I went with mixed emotions. For all of the religious differences b/t FHU and other c of C schools, it's really a great place filled with people who love Christ and want to share that with others. I will miss the fantastic professors I've had in the past six months (has it really only been that long?) and the camaraderie of the people who all want to help others as a counselor. BUT, I am excited about the amount of $$$ we will be able to put into a baby account, and the time I'll have to put into my marriage, my relationship w/ God, my church, and my family. It feels good.
Today is my last progesterone check and this marked our last month on Provera and Clomid. I can not express the relief I feel from knowing that I won't have to live my life according to a 28 day calendar any more!!! For the first time in six months (again, only that long?) I'll just be Mae, not Mae on all kinds of wacky drugs (the legal kind of course!). It too feels good.
With that said, I'm off to Columbia for that last vile of blood to be drawn, I think this calls for a celebratory chocolate chip cookie dough blizzard from the DQ (or in L'burg speak, the Day-ree Quh-ween)!
Tidings of Joy... and a happy week of lasts! :)
Last night was my last night of class at Freed. I went with mixed emotions. For all of the religious differences b/t FHU and other c of C schools, it's really a great place filled with people who love Christ and want to share that with others. I will miss the fantastic professors I've had in the past six months (has it really only been that long?) and the camaraderie of the people who all want to help others as a counselor. BUT, I am excited about the amount of $$$ we will be able to put into a baby account, and the time I'll have to put into my marriage, my relationship w/ God, my church, and my family. It feels good.
Today is my last progesterone check and this marked our last month on Provera and Clomid. I can not express the relief I feel from knowing that I won't have to live my life according to a 28 day calendar any more!!! For the first time in six months (again, only that long?) I'll just be Mae, not Mae on all kinds of wacky drugs (the legal kind of course!). It too feels good.
With that said, I'm off to Columbia for that last vile of blood to be drawn, I think this calls for a celebratory chocolate chip cookie dough blizzard from the DQ (or in L'burg speak, the Day-ree Quh-ween)!
Tidings of Joy... and a happy week of lasts! :)
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Having a moment
On Saturday nights after the Suze Orman show goes off, I make a trip to the closet to pick out church clothes for both Brandon and myself. I usually have to iron at least two or three pieces of clothing, make sure that our outfits look nice, and that we match to a degree. Tonight I just can't do it. It's one of those "nothing in my closet works anymore" "I just wore that last week" "I need a new wardrobe" nights, which sucks, b/c it just means I'll have to do everything in the morning. Oh well ~ here's to procrastinating until tomorrow!
Monday night at 9:00 my time at Freed-Hardeman University will come to an end. I am really looking forward to starting classes at Southern Christian. The classes I am taking have already been filmed and are archived, so technically I could take one whole week and do an entire class. I don't plan on doing that, but it's a nice idea! I do however, plan on hitting things hard and getting ahead while I'm motivated, that way when the lovely spring weather starts to creep in, I won't get panicky and behind with school. Yep, that's the plan ~ ask me in April how well I've stuck to it...
Things with Brandon's job seem to be heading in a Bluegrass state direction. The big company that is currently looking to buy Murray is Briggs and Stratton. Murray owed them $40 million before they claimed bankruptcy last month. According to the Tennessean, Briggs and Stratton is considering buying parts of Murray for liquidation, not moving into the plant. Buh-by Lawrenceburg ~ this place is going to be a ghost town when that plant shuts down, and an incredibly poor one at that. I am doing pretty well with the thought of moving north. In many ways, I am ready to be in a town that has a mall, movie theater, Target and Starbucks all in one place. Plus, we've been checking Bowling Green out on the internet and from what I gather it's not that big of a city (think smaller than Memphis, lower crime rate, less chance of being attacked by a hoodlum who wants your faux Vuitton purse). It's only about an hour north of Nashville, so we'll still be pretty close to home, it'll all be good. And the real estate seems to be attainable, especially if we get the good moving package that includes GE buying our house if it doesn't sell after a few months.
I'm pooped and the clothes aren't going to iron themselves, so this tired gal is gonna hit the sack. I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend and have a relaxing and Spirit filled Sunday (along with the rest of the week).
Tidings of Joy... and ironed clothes! :)
Monday night at 9:00 my time at Freed-Hardeman University will come to an end. I am really looking forward to starting classes at Southern Christian. The classes I am taking have already been filmed and are archived, so technically I could take one whole week and do an entire class. I don't plan on doing that, but it's a nice idea! I do however, plan on hitting things hard and getting ahead while I'm motivated, that way when the lovely spring weather starts to creep in, I won't get panicky and behind with school. Yep, that's the plan ~ ask me in April how well I've stuck to it...
Things with Brandon's job seem to be heading in a Bluegrass state direction. The big company that is currently looking to buy Murray is Briggs and Stratton. Murray owed them $40 million before they claimed bankruptcy last month. According to the Tennessean, Briggs and Stratton is considering buying parts of Murray for liquidation, not moving into the plant. Buh-by Lawrenceburg ~ this place is going to be a ghost town when that plant shuts down, and an incredibly poor one at that. I am doing pretty well with the thought of moving north. In many ways, I am ready to be in a town that has a mall, movie theater, Target and Starbucks all in one place. Plus, we've been checking Bowling Green out on the internet and from what I gather it's not that big of a city (think smaller than Memphis, lower crime rate, less chance of being attacked by a hoodlum who wants your faux Vuitton purse). It's only about an hour north of Nashville, so we'll still be pretty close to home, it'll all be good. And the real estate seems to be attainable, especially if we get the good moving package that includes GE buying our house if it doesn't sell after a few months.
I'm pooped and the clothes aren't going to iron themselves, so this tired gal is gonna hit the sack. I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend and have a relaxing and Spirit filled Sunday (along with the rest of the week).
Tidings of Joy... and ironed clothes! :)
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
On this day in 1978...
At 5:39 p.m. I came into the world weighing in at 8 lbs. 1 oz., 21 inches long, and a week and a half later than expected. My parents named me Mae Anne (which according to my mother should never be considered seperate names, even though my first name is Mae and my middle name is Anne, she'd pass out if she knew there were more people who shortened my name then there are people who don't!) for several great grand mothers ~ everyone in our family is named after someone, I'm just named for several different someones.
Now, it's twenty-six years later. I have to say that I've accomplished quite a bit in those 26 years, with even more goals to reach in the years to come. I'm not looking forward to being in my late 20's (my friend Vette and I decided that your aren't technically in your late 20's until 28, so we've got a couple of years left to go yet!) but I am looking forward to seeing what my future has in store. It's a great day to be alive, and an even better one to celebrate being loved and having a wonderful family (blood relatives, Christian family, and blog family).
Tidings of Joy... and celebrating life!
Now, it's twenty-six years later. I have to say that I've accomplished quite a bit in those 26 years, with even more goals to reach in the years to come. I'm not looking forward to being in my late 20's (my friend Vette and I decided that your aren't technically in your late 20's until 28, so we've got a couple of years left to go yet!) but I am looking forward to seeing what my future has in store. It's a great day to be alive, and an even better one to celebrate being loved and having a wonderful family (blood relatives, Christian family, and blog family).
Tidings of Joy... and celebrating life!
Sunday, November 28, 2004
I'm the #1 fan of a man from Tennessee
I can't express enough the love that I have for my husband. Brandon is so giving, unselfish, sweet, funny, loving and generous. He's my rock and my heart and I am so thankful that God brought the two of us together. He constantly puts others before himself, he always tries to make everyone around him comfortable. He loves, laughs and gives with all of his heart. He is the salt to my pepper, the peaches to my cream, the light to my darkness. He is truly a gift from God.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Gobble Gobble Goo and Gobble Gobble Giggle
The Turkey Song by Adam Sadler is hillarious, I wish I knew where that cd was.
My list of thanks for this coming weekend:
* Gran is home from rehab and is getting along fantastically. She LOVES her new floor and frig and was just excited to be at home.
* Since our schedule is finally returning back to normal, B and I can enjoy a Wednesday night chruch service on being thankful.
* We only have two dinners to attend this weekend as opposed to the usual 5 or 6.
* My step-mom had kidney stone surgery yesterday and is feeling fine.
* For the most part, everyone in the family is healthy and happy.
* This is our last month on Clomid ~ 'nuff said.
* Early bird shopping on Friday with my sister and sis-in-law.
* My husband is having his 30th birthday on Friday!!! Happy Birthday B!
* We're coming home on Friday night and relaxing for TWO WHOLE DAYS!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving Blog family. I am thankful for the friendships God has given us through technology. Everyone be safe on your travels and enjoy this time to be with friends, family and God.
Tidings of Joy... and "tuurrkeeyy" (in your Best Adam Sandler immitation)!
My list of thanks for this coming weekend:
* Gran is home from rehab and is getting along fantastically. She LOVES her new floor and frig and was just excited to be at home.
* Since our schedule is finally returning back to normal, B and I can enjoy a Wednesday night chruch service on being thankful.
* We only have two dinners to attend this weekend as opposed to the usual 5 or 6.
* My step-mom had kidney stone surgery yesterday and is feeling fine.
* For the most part, everyone in the family is healthy and happy.
* This is our last month on Clomid ~ 'nuff said.
* Early bird shopping on Friday with my sister and sis-in-law.
* My husband is having his 30th birthday on Friday!!! Happy Birthday B!
* We're coming home on Friday night and relaxing for TWO WHOLE DAYS!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving Blog family. I am thankful for the friendships God has given us through technology. Everyone be safe on your travels and enjoy this time to be with friends, family and God.
Tidings of Joy... and "tuurrkeeyy" (in your Best Adam Sandler immitation)!
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
Was John Lennon really the greatest rock and roller of all time? On our drive back from the Big Easy today, I heard that he was. In this song to his son Sean (which Celine Dion has done a beautiful cover of, funny faces, accent and all), he makes such a profound statement about life. Are we really so busy doing everything that we let it slip silently away? Ok, deep thought section over.
Mae is back to her old self. Thank you all for the comments, prayers, and e-mails last week. (I honestly don't think I have ever been so ready for a week to come to its end, praise God for passing time!) Brandon and I just got back from New Orleans, where we were visiting w/ my FU roomie and her family ~ Netta, Jared and Kaleb (along w/ her crazy dad, mom, brother, mawmaw, and pops). It was so wonderful and relaxing.
The reason for the trip was a Jewelry Shoe at the Convention Center ~ complete bliss!!! I racked up on some sweet Christmas gifts and also some fantastic rewards for myself (Louis Vuitton and Coach handbags and wallet, yummy! Knock offs, but the ole wallet isnt' bare after those purchases! We are SOO making this a tradition ~ the guys played golf, we shopped, ate fantastic Cajun seafood, got lost in the ghetto, saw some homeless people, drove by the levee (btw, it wasn't dry), saw the movie Elf ~ too funny!, and had lots of good old friend time. Just what I needed!
Gran's house is still a work in progress. They had a heck of a time getting the linoleum up, apparently my uncle put it down w/ tar. Part of the sub-flooring had also been eaten away by termites, they were still working on putting down the hardwood floors at 7:00. The new GE frig from Sears (and now K-Mart?) is being delivered at 11:00 tomorrow morning, so I hope the floor is finished by then. Gran will be released some time early this week. I hope and pray that it isn't until Tuesday or Wednesday, still lots to chuck and burn and we just won't be able to if she's there. God has answered so many prayers in this area already ~ it's all going to be fine, it's just a bit more than we had anticipated.
I have all week off from school ~ definitely something to be thankful for! Just one little paper to turn in, a project on how to give workshops (any info would be GREATLY appreciated) and a take home final and my days at FHU will come to an end. And it's all going to be fine ~ I'm glad B and I were able to make the decision, it still aches a bit, but I have so much less stress it's just plumb amazing! My new semester at Southern Christian starts January 10 ~ it'll be here b4 I know it!
I'll get to see my sweet babies this week (Halle wanted to talk to her "Meme" early on Thursday morning, but that mean old mommy thought it was too early ~ hello ~ is it EVER too early to hear a precious niece blabber into the phone?!!! I think NOT!), go early bird shopping w/ my sisters on Friday, celebrate my husband being on earth for three decades, and look towards heading into the late 20's (my 26th) just a few days later (Dec. 1). After that, I have two nieces who will turn 2 and 5, a step mother who will turn 40, Christmas, New Years and goodness knows what else! So many blessing, so much to be thankful for. Praise God for seeing the mountain's top after an exhausting treck through the valley!
Tidings of Joy... and seeing people shop and drink hard liquor at the same time ~ only in New Orleans!!!! :)
P.S. Massive awakening this weekend. I really thought that my southern accent had slipped to a non-accent, but after being submerged into crazy Cajun land, it made a surprising come back ~ southern roots to the end!
Mae is back to her old self. Thank you all for the comments, prayers, and e-mails last week. (I honestly don't think I have ever been so ready for a week to come to its end, praise God for passing time!) Brandon and I just got back from New Orleans, where we were visiting w/ my FU roomie and her family ~ Netta, Jared and Kaleb (along w/ her crazy dad, mom, brother, mawmaw, and pops). It was so wonderful and relaxing.
The reason for the trip was a Jewelry Shoe at the Convention Center ~ complete bliss!!! I racked up on some sweet Christmas gifts and also some fantastic rewards for myself (Louis Vuitton and Coach handbags and wallet, yummy! Knock offs, but the ole wallet isnt' bare after those purchases! We are SOO making this a tradition ~ the guys played golf, we shopped, ate fantastic Cajun seafood, got lost in the ghetto, saw some homeless people, drove by the levee (btw, it wasn't dry), saw the movie Elf ~ too funny!, and had lots of good old friend time. Just what I needed!
Gran's house is still a work in progress. They had a heck of a time getting the linoleum up, apparently my uncle put it down w/ tar. Part of the sub-flooring had also been eaten away by termites, they were still working on putting down the hardwood floors at 7:00. The new GE frig from Sears (and now K-Mart?) is being delivered at 11:00 tomorrow morning, so I hope the floor is finished by then. Gran will be released some time early this week. I hope and pray that it isn't until Tuesday or Wednesday, still lots to chuck and burn and we just won't be able to if she's there. God has answered so many prayers in this area already ~ it's all going to be fine, it's just a bit more than we had anticipated.
I have all week off from school ~ definitely something to be thankful for! Just one little paper to turn in, a project on how to give workshops (any info would be GREATLY appreciated) and a take home final and my days at FHU will come to an end. And it's all going to be fine ~ I'm glad B and I were able to make the decision, it still aches a bit, but I have so much less stress it's just plumb amazing! My new semester at Southern Christian starts January 10 ~ it'll be here b4 I know it!
I'll get to see my sweet babies this week (Halle wanted to talk to her "Meme" early on Thursday morning, but that mean old mommy thought it was too early ~ hello ~ is it EVER too early to hear a precious niece blabber into the phone?!!! I think NOT!), go early bird shopping w/ my sisters on Friday, celebrate my husband being on earth for three decades, and look towards heading into the late 20's (my 26th) just a few days later (Dec. 1). After that, I have two nieces who will turn 2 and 5, a step mother who will turn 40, Christmas, New Years and goodness knows what else! So many blessing, so much to be thankful for. Praise God for seeing the mountain's top after an exhausting treck through the valley!
Tidings of Joy... and seeing people shop and drink hard liquor at the same time ~ only in New Orleans!!!! :)
P.S. Massive awakening this weekend. I really thought that my southern accent had slipped to a non-accent, but after being submerged into crazy Cajun land, it made a surprising come back ~ southern roots to the end!
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
It's the End of the World as I Know it & I Feel... Exhausted
So many times in my life (and in yours too?) I find that things are going along at a speed and level that I find comforting and then BAM (do the Emeril thing) it all changes.
I'll start with school. Last week in my Psycho class we had the option of looking at our test results. Dr. Morris kind of had a mini break down / cry session in class b/c basically our grades as a whole didn't improve over last time and she was upset over how we were learning and studying the information. I put in hours upon hours of studying for that test (literally 15 - 20 hours), and still ended up making a 69. I have been so frustrated since then because I know the information that she has taught us! I can tell the difference b/t an anxiety disorder and mood disorder, if I were to see someone with schizophrenia I would be able to diagnose it. For my grades not to reflect what I know, and even worse to be failing the class has been really upsetting. I've cried every day over the fact that I am failing a course. That has never happened to me before and I am having a lot of trouble dealing with it. With everything else that is going on right now, though school is not that important. In the whole scheme of things, it isn't going to make a difference whether I take this class once or twice to pass it. I sat down with the head of the department last night and we talked for a good while about everything. He has no problem with me dropping the class, and apparently there are several others who are in the same boat. He was very frustrated over the complaints he's gotten about her and said that obviously things were going to have to change. "Graduate school isn't the place to make a student's life horrible, if you're going to challenge them to the extreme, do it in undergrad." Thank you Dr. Cravens!
In one of my cry fests, Brandon was at home. I usually try to hide petty little things like this from him b/c it makes me feel weak and idiotic to get so stressed out over something so miniscule. He is so wonderful. He obviously knew that I was stressing, but thought it had more to do with Granny than school (which in a way is true, but yesterday it wasn't about her). He just held me in his arms and let me cry and talk and wipe my face on his shirt. He did the thing he always does, he loved on me and made me feel better. We came to a decision about school, a very long, thought out, prayed over decision. I'm not returning to Freed next semester (it hurts to read that). I feel guilty about it costing so much to drive back and forth and have dinner there and just for being gone so much when I could be at home with my husband and be happy with what I can accomplish with the degree that I have. It's almost as if I feel like I'm asking God for too much. I feel guilty and selfish and I just want those feelings to go away. The hours in the car take a toll on me, by the time I get home from class, I've put in an entire work day sitting and driving. I want to find a job and have a feeling of accomplishment towards our financial future, right no it just feels like I'm depleting it.
I did find a program through Southern Christian University out of Montgomery, AL. It's online and is a Marriage and Family Therapy program, fully accredited and in line with Tennessee's licensure requirements. I can do everything from the comfort of my own home and still get a good education (even Dr. Cravens agreed with me on that). Of course, it costs quite a bit more than Freed, but the tuition can still be covered by loans that I'm getting now and living off of. This will allow me to get a job and not have to worry about leaving early to make it to class. I have access to classes 24/7. It will add a semester to what I had to have at FHU, but we'll make it work out.
In Grandmother land things are working out as well. We all have spent numerous hours cleaning out her house. I have cried over that too. It was very sad to do (and we're still not finished) and I felt guilty that we had let her house get in the condition that it is in. It's looking good, but we've still got quite a bit of work to do. The PT's and OT's at the rehab unit keep telling her she won't be in there for very long and may not even need a home health nurse when she gets out. I just keep praying that she'll be there long enough for us to get things done. I told her that we are all doing it out of love and trying to put ourselves in her place. I would have a hissy fit if I were hospitalized and someone came in and threw away my things and rearranged my home. I understand that she'll be upset, but she really couldn't continue to live the way she was. It just hurts to have to do such things, I can't and don't want to imagine how it will be when she passes away.
On to things in fertility world. Still no luck. The deadline that B and I originally set to start the adoption process is quickly approaching (January). So many other things have been going on that this has taken a back burner to even school. I'm almost ready to give up and concentrate on other things. It just kind of comes in waves. I don't know, we'll see how it goes.
That's my life right now ~ full of changes, cleaning, failing, going different directions, and making more decisions that I signed up for when I entered this thing we call "adulthood." I did have another interview today (I'm getting really good at telling people what they want to hear!). It was for a math teaching position at a special school for mentally retarded children (ages 7 to 22). I'll hear by the end of the week. The head master has to prove to the state that she tried to hire someone with a CDC endorsement before she can hire someone without it (like me). I'm not keeping my fingers crossed about this on, but it's worth a try.
I'm stopping now, this is way too long, I almost never read any blog over five paragraphs. Hope you stuck it out to here.
Tidings of Joy... and changes.
I'll start with school. Last week in my Psycho class we had the option of looking at our test results. Dr. Morris kind of had a mini break down / cry session in class b/c basically our grades as a whole didn't improve over last time and she was upset over how we were learning and studying the information. I put in hours upon hours of studying for that test (literally 15 - 20 hours), and still ended up making a 69. I have been so frustrated since then because I know the information that she has taught us! I can tell the difference b/t an anxiety disorder and mood disorder, if I were to see someone with schizophrenia I would be able to diagnose it. For my grades not to reflect what I know, and even worse to be failing the class has been really upsetting. I've cried every day over the fact that I am failing a course. That has never happened to me before and I am having a lot of trouble dealing with it. With everything else that is going on right now, though school is not that important. In the whole scheme of things, it isn't going to make a difference whether I take this class once or twice to pass it. I sat down with the head of the department last night and we talked for a good while about everything. He has no problem with me dropping the class, and apparently there are several others who are in the same boat. He was very frustrated over the complaints he's gotten about her and said that obviously things were going to have to change. "Graduate school isn't the place to make a student's life horrible, if you're going to challenge them to the extreme, do it in undergrad." Thank you Dr. Cravens!
In one of my cry fests, Brandon was at home. I usually try to hide petty little things like this from him b/c it makes me feel weak and idiotic to get so stressed out over something so miniscule. He is so wonderful. He obviously knew that I was stressing, but thought it had more to do with Granny than school (which in a way is true, but yesterday it wasn't about her). He just held me in his arms and let me cry and talk and wipe my face on his shirt. He did the thing he always does, he loved on me and made me feel better. We came to a decision about school, a very long, thought out, prayed over decision. I'm not returning to Freed next semester (it hurts to read that). I feel guilty about it costing so much to drive back and forth and have dinner there and just for being gone so much when I could be at home with my husband and be happy with what I can accomplish with the degree that I have. It's almost as if I feel like I'm asking God for too much. I feel guilty and selfish and I just want those feelings to go away. The hours in the car take a toll on me, by the time I get home from class, I've put in an entire work day sitting and driving. I want to find a job and have a feeling of accomplishment towards our financial future, right no it just feels like I'm depleting it.
I did find a program through Southern Christian University out of Montgomery, AL. It's online and is a Marriage and Family Therapy program, fully accredited and in line with Tennessee's licensure requirements. I can do everything from the comfort of my own home and still get a good education (even Dr. Cravens agreed with me on that). Of course, it costs quite a bit more than Freed, but the tuition can still be covered by loans that I'm getting now and living off of. This will allow me to get a job and not have to worry about leaving early to make it to class. I have access to classes 24/7. It will add a semester to what I had to have at FHU, but we'll make it work out.
In Grandmother land things are working out as well. We all have spent numerous hours cleaning out her house. I have cried over that too. It was very sad to do (and we're still not finished) and I felt guilty that we had let her house get in the condition that it is in. It's looking good, but we've still got quite a bit of work to do. The PT's and OT's at the rehab unit keep telling her she won't be in there for very long and may not even need a home health nurse when she gets out. I just keep praying that she'll be there long enough for us to get things done. I told her that we are all doing it out of love and trying to put ourselves in her place. I would have a hissy fit if I were hospitalized and someone came in and threw away my things and rearranged my home. I understand that she'll be upset, but she really couldn't continue to live the way she was. It just hurts to have to do such things, I can't and don't want to imagine how it will be when she passes away.
On to things in fertility world. Still no luck. The deadline that B and I originally set to start the adoption process is quickly approaching (January). So many other things have been going on that this has taken a back burner to even school. I'm almost ready to give up and concentrate on other things. It just kind of comes in waves. I don't know, we'll see how it goes.
That's my life right now ~ full of changes, cleaning, failing, going different directions, and making more decisions that I signed up for when I entered this thing we call "adulthood." I did have another interview today (I'm getting really good at telling people what they want to hear!). It was for a math teaching position at a special school for mentally retarded children (ages 7 to 22). I'll hear by the end of the week. The head master has to prove to the state that she tried to hire someone with a CDC endorsement before she can hire someone without it (like me). I'm not keeping my fingers crossed about this on, but it's worth a try.
I'm stopping now, this is way too long, I almost never read any blog over five paragraphs. Hope you stuck it out to here.
Tidings of Joy... and changes.
Saturday, November 13, 2004
The Naugahyde Chair from Hadees
Time 3:15, Day: Wednesday, Occasion: Grandmother's trip down pain lane.
My house ~ Ring, ring: Hey, what's going on? (Isn't caller id grand? It's my sister.)
Lynette: (Almost crying, very stressed) I just got a call from some man who said that Granny fell and is at the ER in McMinnville with broken arm and possibly a broken back. I'm on my way to pick up Jay (our oldest brother) and we're heading over there.
Me: Ok, calm down, she'll be alright. Do you want me to go ahead and get on the road?
Lynette: No, I'll call you when we find our more. One of us (meaning me, the unemployed, childless sibling) will need to stay with her overnight.
Me: OK, I'll go ahead and pack and be ready when you call back.
Several hours and a 2 1/2 hour drive later, I am at River Park "Hospital" in a private room w/ my 81 year old grandmother. She has a cast on her left arm from above her elbow to her knuckles. Her forearm is broken (both bones) and she crushed a vertebrate in her lower back. What happened you ask? Well, she had been to town with a friend (apparently visiting 5 different grocery stores for the bet prices on food ~ uh, I guess you have to have great-grandchildren to get the why's of that one) and while she was putting her items in her car, stepped off of the garage floor wrong and fell backwards onto her back. Everything is ok, no surgery required, but it's not going to be a fun recovery process.
The "hospital" (more stories to follow, I'll just say that some people in Warren County who have taken care of my grandmother are a few fries short of a happy meal) room has a light green naugahyde recliner that reclines on it's own, must be propped up against the wall to stay up-right, and has a foot rest that comes up high enough for a bulemic snake to slither under. Mae, welcome to your bed for the next two nights. After sleeping for about a total of 7 hours in two nights, I am convinced that after death people in the hadeean realm who will spend their eternity in hell will sleep in chairs just like this. Isn't that a happy thought?
Gran's doctor told her yesterday that she could go home if she wanted, or she had the option to go to the Rehab Unit for a while. He asked if she had anyone to help her out (since she lives alone) and she told him NO! I was madder than a cat in a burlap sack! I told her doctor she most certainly did have grandchildren to watch after her, but we'd need home health to come at least every other day to help with her bath and to give us breaks. Later Granny and I were talking and after consulting with a nurse, 4 friends, and a previous patient of the Rehab unit, we decided it would be better for her to go there for a few days. Her "nurses", friends and a social worker all thought it was a wonderful idea. Plus, I was selfishly thinking it would give all of us time to clean up her house enough for her to walk around with her walker, move her washer and dryer up from the basement that resembles Hannibal Lecter's holding pen, get her tub in working order, seal the door to the basement, and get her leaky refridgerator repaired (all things that we've been trying to do for the last 7 years, but that she wouldn't allow, now is THE time!). The average stay in the Rehab unit is 10 days ~ God willing and the creek don't rise, we'll be able to get everything done.
When I got home last night I took off my shoes and noticed that my ankles were as big around as an elephants. Yep, just what I need. They've been tingling for a couple of days, but not enough to really bother me. Apparently the nauga from hadees did something to my circulation, if the tingling and pain worsen I have to go to the er... I'm thinking it can wait. There's enough going on right now. If it gets to the point that I can't walk anymore, then I'll head to the ER, until then it's lots of water, Alleve, and a propped up leg for me!
Speaking of tingling, it's up to my knees now, so I must head back to my recovery chair. I hope your week has been healthier than mine!
Tidings of Joy... and rehab! :)
My house ~ Ring, ring: Hey, what's going on? (Isn't caller id grand? It's my sister.)
Lynette: (Almost crying, very stressed) I just got a call from some man who said that Granny fell and is at the ER in McMinnville with broken arm and possibly a broken back. I'm on my way to pick up Jay (our oldest brother) and we're heading over there.
Me: Ok, calm down, she'll be alright. Do you want me to go ahead and get on the road?
Lynette: No, I'll call you when we find our more. One of us (meaning me, the unemployed, childless sibling) will need to stay with her overnight.
Me: OK, I'll go ahead and pack and be ready when you call back.
Several hours and a 2 1/2 hour drive later, I am at River Park "Hospital" in a private room w/ my 81 year old grandmother. She has a cast on her left arm from above her elbow to her knuckles. Her forearm is broken (both bones) and she crushed a vertebrate in her lower back. What happened you ask? Well, she had been to town with a friend (apparently visiting 5 different grocery stores for the bet prices on food ~ uh, I guess you have to have great-grandchildren to get the why's of that one) and while she was putting her items in her car, stepped off of the garage floor wrong and fell backwards onto her back. Everything is ok, no surgery required, but it's not going to be a fun recovery process.
The "hospital" (more stories to follow, I'll just say that some people in Warren County who have taken care of my grandmother are a few fries short of a happy meal) room has a light green naugahyde recliner that reclines on it's own, must be propped up against the wall to stay up-right, and has a foot rest that comes up high enough for a bulemic snake to slither under. Mae, welcome to your bed for the next two nights. After sleeping for about a total of 7 hours in two nights, I am convinced that after death people in the hadeean realm who will spend their eternity in hell will sleep in chairs just like this. Isn't that a happy thought?
Gran's doctor told her yesterday that she could go home if she wanted, or she had the option to go to the Rehab Unit for a while. He asked if she had anyone to help her out (since she lives alone) and she told him NO! I was madder than a cat in a burlap sack! I told her doctor she most certainly did have grandchildren to watch after her, but we'd need home health to come at least every other day to help with her bath and to give us breaks. Later Granny and I were talking and after consulting with a nurse, 4 friends, and a previous patient of the Rehab unit, we decided it would be better for her to go there for a few days. Her "nurses", friends and a social worker all thought it was a wonderful idea. Plus, I was selfishly thinking it would give all of us time to clean up her house enough for her to walk around with her walker, move her washer and dryer up from the basement that resembles Hannibal Lecter's holding pen, get her tub in working order, seal the door to the basement, and get her leaky refridgerator repaired (all things that we've been trying to do for the last 7 years, but that she wouldn't allow, now is THE time!). The average stay in the Rehab unit is 10 days ~ God willing and the creek don't rise, we'll be able to get everything done.
When I got home last night I took off my shoes and noticed that my ankles were as big around as an elephants. Yep, just what I need. They've been tingling for a couple of days, but not enough to really bother me. Apparently the nauga from hadees did something to my circulation, if the tingling and pain worsen I have to go to the er... I'm thinking it can wait. There's enough going on right now. If it gets to the point that I can't walk anymore, then I'll head to the ER, until then it's lots of water, Alleve, and a propped up leg for me!
Speaking of tingling, it's up to my knees now, so I must head back to my recovery chair. I hope your week has been healthier than mine!
Tidings of Joy... and rehab! :)
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Book Review
In the spirit of Matt Elliott, I thought I'd give a glimpse into the current book I am reading. It's called We're Just Like You, Only Prettier: Confessions of a Tarnished Southern Belle written by Celia Rivenbark. Here is an excerpt that made me snort (I'm ok w/ who I am, snorting is part of me, take it or leave it!)...
How to be a Hands-On Parent Using Field Trips, Dead Butterflies, and Beefaroni
On day four [of her five years old's kindergarten year], I got a mean look from a skinny woman wearing a Greenpeace T-shirt and I knew she was cheesed because I was sitting in the carpool line, AC cranked up on high, reading People magazine and eating God knows how much ozone. Oh, sue me. The carpool line is the most fabulous "me time" I've had in five years. You're doing something useful and important, but you're all alone, icy air blasting, diet Coke in hand, and a terrific article about how much Brad Pitt likes mission-style furniture just waiting to be devoured. Life is good...
The truth is, I honestly like kindergarten, and not just for the Beefaroni. My favorite part? The communication via backpack thing. It's so efficient. Class pictures or T-shirts or announcements or report cards are sent home in the backpack: payment or comments or signatures are sent back the same way. Sort of like some wonderful Pony Express only with Powerpuff Girl saddlebags.
The whole thing makes me think that we should all communicate via backpack in this great nation using sweet little flower shaped notes.
Bush to Saddam: "Do you like me? Check one, yes or no."
Don't thank me now. Just send me that Korbel Peace Prize.
How to be a Hands-On Parent Using Field Trips, Dead Butterflies, and Beefaroni
On day four [of her five years old's kindergarten year], I got a mean look from a skinny woman wearing a Greenpeace T-shirt and I knew she was cheesed because I was sitting in the carpool line, AC cranked up on high, reading People magazine and eating God knows how much ozone. Oh, sue me. The carpool line is the most fabulous "me time" I've had in five years. You're doing something useful and important, but you're all alone, icy air blasting, diet Coke in hand, and a terrific article about how much Brad Pitt likes mission-style furniture just waiting to be devoured. Life is good...
The truth is, I honestly like kindergarten, and not just for the Beefaroni. My favorite part? The communication via backpack thing. It's so efficient. Class pictures or T-shirts or announcements or report cards are sent home in the backpack: payment or comments or signatures are sent back the same way. Sort of like some wonderful Pony Express only with Powerpuff Girl saddlebags.
The whole thing makes me think that we should all communicate via backpack in this great nation using sweet little flower shaped notes.
Bush to Saddam: "Do you like me? Check one, yes or no."
Don't thank me now. Just send me that Korbel Peace Prize.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Signs
On the oh-so-long drive I take to and from school each week, I see some very interesting sights ~ namely church signs. Break into the Tesla song, "Signs, signs, everywhere the signs. Blockin' up the scenery, makin' my mind. Do this don't do that, can't you read the signs..."
Ok, top four:
4. Don't Wait on the Hearse to Get You to Church.
3. Dirty Bibles Lead to Dusty Lives.
2. Stop, Drop, and Roll Won't Work in Hell
1. My Last Name Isn't Damn It - God.
I kid you not. These are the words that are supposed to invite people in to learn about the LOVE of Jesus? Come on!
Tidings of Joy... and better signs that that! :)
Ok, top four:
4. Don't Wait on the Hearse to Get You to Church.
3. Dirty Bibles Lead to Dusty Lives.
2. Stop, Drop, and Roll Won't Work in Hell
1. My Last Name Isn't Damn It - God.
I kid you not. These are the words that are supposed to invite people in to learn about the LOVE of Jesus? Come on!
Tidings of Joy... and better signs that that! :)
Recent Discoveries by Mae :)
Ok, so some of you our there in blogland may already be onto these, but I tend to get VERY excited over little things so here goes!
* Coffee ~ Yes, I know, it's sad. Growing up, neither of my parents drank this caffeinated gift from God, so I never really had an interest in it. Holy crap ~ the energy I have from just one cup is down right amazing!! My mom-in-law bought me a little two cup coffee maker last weekend. I've found that I really enjoy plane jane stuff w/ two spoonfuls of sugar and enough french vanilla creamer to look like caramel ~ yummy and energy in one!!!
* Cut & Paste ~ it's sad. I have grown up the in technology age, even been forced to take computer classes since middle school and just recently really got (translate ~ light bulb moment ~ OH!) how to use this function on the computer. Since I take no responsibility for my own faults, I'll blame this one on my dear pal Kevin Farrar. We had a computer class together at FU and he'd do all my work for me, send it to my computer and I'd print it out as my own work. Yep, I was a cheater!
* Shrimp on the Bar~b ~ Brandon and I were watching an episode of Monster House the other day, they were doing an Australian Outback home and of course the family got a new grill (that's what we call 'em down here, apparently in other parts of the US and Down Under they are called Bar-B-q's (Bar~b's) ~ OH! I get it ~ shrimp on the bar-b-q a.k.a. bar-b! Brandon almost fell out when I said that out loud ~ he just called it a "Lynette moment." I guess you really have to know my sister to get that joke, but believe me, it's funny!
* The Last button on the remote ~ Yep, you can go back and forth from one channel to another without having to remember the # of either channel! Laziness at it's best!
* Lysol ready brush toilet cleaner kit ~ It's pretty neat, all there for you to clean away the funk. Also, it's fairly heavy so you be a good bicep/tricep workout too!
* Egyptian Cotton Sheets ~ This on I've known about for a while. We received a set as a wedding gift, and until we're rich, it'll be the only set we'll own. Pure, undisturbed, blissful luxury!
* Armoral Glass Wipes ~ We almost never clean the windows on our vehicles, but they're great for cleaning the mirrors in the bathroom. Quick, efficient, and streak free!
* Fresh Linen anything from Bath & Body Works ~ I discovered this in the early college years. Simply the most delicious smell for your home, car, office, living room, any room you'll ever be in. It comes in candles, room sprays, car fresheners, and wall flowers. I'd buy every bit they keep in stock if I could afford it.
That's all that's on the list for today. I must delve into some case studies for class tonight. Feel free to add to the list. Share, share alike!
Tidings of Joy... and recent discoveries! :)
* Coffee ~ Yes, I know, it's sad. Growing up, neither of my parents drank this caffeinated gift from God, so I never really had an interest in it. Holy crap ~ the energy I have from just one cup is down right amazing!! My mom-in-law bought me a little two cup coffee maker last weekend. I've found that I really enjoy plane jane stuff w/ two spoonfuls of sugar and enough french vanilla creamer to look like caramel ~ yummy and energy in one!!!
* Cut & Paste ~ it's sad. I have grown up the in technology age, even been forced to take computer classes since middle school and just recently really got (translate ~ light bulb moment ~ OH!) how to use this function on the computer. Since I take no responsibility for my own faults, I'll blame this one on my dear pal Kevin Farrar. We had a computer class together at FU and he'd do all my work for me, send it to my computer and I'd print it out as my own work. Yep, I was a cheater!
* Shrimp on the Bar~b ~ Brandon and I were watching an episode of Monster House the other day, they were doing an Australian Outback home and of course the family got a new grill (that's what we call 'em down here, apparently in other parts of the US and Down Under they are called Bar-B-q's (Bar~b's) ~ OH! I get it ~ shrimp on the bar-b-q a.k.a. bar-b! Brandon almost fell out when I said that out loud ~ he just called it a "Lynette moment." I guess you really have to know my sister to get that joke, but believe me, it's funny!
* The Last button on the remote ~ Yep, you can go back and forth from one channel to another without having to remember the # of either channel! Laziness at it's best!
* Lysol ready brush toilet cleaner kit ~ It's pretty neat, all there for you to clean away the funk. Also, it's fairly heavy so you be a good bicep/tricep workout too!
* Egyptian Cotton Sheets ~ This on I've known about for a while. We received a set as a wedding gift, and until we're rich, it'll be the only set we'll own. Pure, undisturbed, blissful luxury!
* Armoral Glass Wipes ~ We almost never clean the windows on our vehicles, but they're great for cleaning the mirrors in the bathroom. Quick, efficient, and streak free!
* Fresh Linen anything from Bath & Body Works ~ I discovered this in the early college years. Simply the most delicious smell for your home, car, office, living room, any room you'll ever be in. It comes in candles, room sprays, car fresheners, and wall flowers. I'd buy every bit they keep in stock if I could afford it.
That's all that's on the list for today. I must delve into some case studies for class tonight. Feel free to add to the list. Share, share alike!
Tidings of Joy... and recent discoveries! :)
Sunday, November 07, 2004
He really 'nose' I love him...
Last weekend, one of our elder's wives came up to me and asked how long Brandon and I had been married. "Oh, about 3 1/2 years." to which she replied, "Really? Well the two of you could've fooled me, you act like newlyweds." Another man who had been listening in on the conversation said, "Yep, I was sure you hadn't been married for more ' n a year or so." That makes me feel good. :)
Then we get home. Standing in the bathroom, B is at his sink and I am at mine. B is trimming his nose hairs and I am plucking my eyebrows, Mrs. Becky's comment comes back to me and I laugh so hard that tears are streaming down my face! As a newlywed, I'd've never been able to partake in either de-hairing scenario w/ him by my side~ ah, a toast to love and marriage!!!
Now I must begin a paper that is due tomorrow on some disorder... Not sure which one I'm gonna enlighten my professor on. I think I'll just open the DSM to a random page and begin there.
Happy restful Sunday afternoon to all. Tidings of Joy... & the removal of facial hair w/ your spouse! :)
Then we get home. Standing in the bathroom, B is at his sink and I am at mine. B is trimming his nose hairs and I am plucking my eyebrows, Mrs. Becky's comment comes back to me and I laugh so hard that tears are streaming down my face! As a newlywed, I'd've never been able to partake in either de-hairing scenario w/ him by my side~ ah, a toast to love and marriage!!!
Now I must begin a paper that is due tomorrow on some disorder... Not sure which one I'm gonna enlighten my professor on. I think I'll just open the DSM to a random page and begin there.
Happy restful Sunday afternoon to all. Tidings of Joy... & the removal of facial hair w/ your spouse! :)
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Prayers for all involved w/ this horrific disease.
By RON FOURNIER and RANDOLPH SCHMID
WASHINGTON (AP) - Elizabeth Edwards, wife of former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards, was diagnosed with breast cancer the day her husband and Sen. John Kerry conceded the presidential race.
Spokesman David Ginsberg said Mrs. Edwards, 55, discovered a lump in her right breast while on a campaign trip last week. Her family doctor told her Friday that it appeared to be cancerous and advised her to see a specialist when she could.
She put off the appointment until Wednesday so as not to miss campaign time.
The Edwards family went straight to Massachusetts General Hospital from Boston's Faneuil Hall after Kerry and Edwards conceded on Wednesday.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Elizabeth Edwards, wife of former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards, was diagnosed with breast cancer the day her husband and Sen. John Kerry conceded the presidential race.
Spokesman David Ginsberg said Mrs. Edwards, 55, discovered a lump in her right breast while on a campaign trip last week. Her family doctor told her Friday that it appeared to be cancerous and advised her to see a specialist when she could.
She put off the appointment until Wednesday so as not to miss campaign time.
The Edwards family went straight to Massachusetts General Hospital from Boston's Faneuil Hall after Kerry and Edwards conceded on Wednesday.
Mrs. Edwards had a needle biopsy performed at the hospital, where Dr. Barbara Smith confirmed the cancer, Ginsberg said.
He said the cancer was diagnosed as invasive ductal cancer. That is the most common type of breast cancer, and can spread from the milk ducts to other parts of the breast or beyond.
More tests were being done to determine how far the cancer has advanced and how to treat it, he said.
Ginsberg said spirits are high at the Edwards household. ``Everybody feels good about it, that this is beatable,'' he said.
Edwards, who leaves his North Carolina Senate seat in January, said in a statement, ``Elizabeth is as strong a person as I've ever known. Together, our family will beat this.''
The American Cancer Society estimated that nearly 216,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
Treatments have been getting better. The current five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 87 percent, up from 78 percent in the mid-1980s. About 40,000 women die of breast cancer annually.
Overall, the society says about one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Invasive ductal cancer accounts for 65 percent to 80 percent of all breast cancers, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information.
Treatment usually begins with surgery, according to the National Cancer Institute. This could involve removal of the cancer itself and usually nearby lymph nodes. Lumpectomy, just removing the cancerous mass, is becoming more common, though sometimes removal of the whole breast is done.
Surgery can be followed by chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy.
Radiation can focus on a cancer site from a machine outside the body or use a radioactive substance placed near the cancer in ``seeds'' or via needle.
Chemotherapy uses drugs that can stop or slow the growth of cancer that may have spread.
Hormone therapy removes or blocks hormones that can encourage growth of cancer cells.
In early stages of cancer a combination of the drug tamoxifen and hormone therapy is commonly used, the Cancer Institute reports.
The Edwardses married in 1977. They have two daughters, Cate and Emma Claire and a son, Jack. Son Wade died in a 1996 traffic accident.
Mrs. Edwards, born in Jacksonville, Fla., grew up hopscotching between the United States and Japan. She met her future husband at University of North Carolina law school.
She juggled a successful legal career and family for 19 years. Then - stunned by Wade's death - she quit work to have more children at an age when many contemporaries were easing toward grandmotherhood.
On the campaign, she dubbed herself the ``anti-Barbie,'' a quick-witted, down-to-earth political wife who connected particularly well with mothers and fathers.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
The Amish sleep in the nude and other things I've learned at church...
I have indeed been learning interesting things from the ladies at our Ladies Bible Class. As mentioned before, I am the youngest LBCer by about 40 years. Usually after the class is over a group will go to luch at Dutch Country and then go visiting the shut-ins, shopping, or just galavant around the Ethridge community (It has a general store, some Amish shops and a bus stop ~ so galavanting doesn't really take that long!)! Today some of the girls decided that they wanted to visit an Amish lady who sells herbal supplements in order to get healthy. (The health kick usually lasts at least two days before it is decidedly unrealistic or causes problems with the other medications that these ladies take.) Today the goal was for a "system clean out," so we went to the place and got the stuff, got to go in two Amish homes (one of which was preparing for a wedding and serving all 160+ guests two full course meals). The largest difference in the Amish homes and my own little place is the absence of bathrooms, color and decorations, and the presence of barefooted and pregnant young women, pumps for water, chickens roaming in the yards, lawn mowers like the Bradys' used, iron stoves like you would see on an episode of Little House on the Prairie, lots of beds, and very long tables to seat large families (like on the Waltons). It was interesting and incredibly informative! I'd've taken pictures, but our digital camera is in China on loan to one of Brandon's friends, and they won't let their pictures be taken ~ can't remember the reason.
The Amish also sleep in the nude. I know this b/c we have a blood drive at church every other month (which I keep meaning to participate in, but always forget about) and of course, with every pint of blood you give, your reward is some juice, a cookie, and a t-shirt. Well, the Amish are big contributers, but they won't take the t shirt (b/c of their lack of color and all that jazz). When one of the ladies said, "Here, take it, you can sleep in it or something." One of the men (named Corneilous, Neil for short) said, "Umm, well miss, if we slept in clothing, I'm sure it would come in handy." Just imagine the buzz that got going in the little circle! Ahh, priceless!!!
I'm glad this election stuff is over with. Anon person from Monday, glad you're enthusiastic about the fact, but there is a difference in having an opinion and forcing it on others. Steph, thank you for taking the big sister role in things, and Brew, welcome to the blog family. Brew is an ol' pal from the Faulkner U days who is currently living in France with his wife Amy. Check out his space in blogland.
I got over the Psycho test on Tuesday night ~ whew! It paid off to have studied so intently for a week and a half. There were a few multiple choice questions that I was on the fence about the answer, but I definitely exhausted every aspect in the essays. I know I didn't fail, hoping for an A, expecting a B, and will even be content w/ a C (depending on how strict she is w/ the essay part). I do know that I passed it though! Now I have to focus on studying for a final on Saturday morning (we get to make out the test in this class, it's just a matter of finding the answers and committing them to memory) and write a ten page paper on a disorder for Monday. The paper is only worth 25 points, so I'm not going to worry too much about it.
In the career area, things aren't looking so well. I got a call Monday saying that the board who decides who can and can not be hired (bascially, the people who pay TennCares bills) declined all four people on the basis of lack of experience (yep, makes sense, all I have is the educational aspect). Then I got another call today saying that that decision was being appealed and that I may have a chance. I did find a part time discharge/social work postion at Maury Regional (pronounced Murry Reejnul), it's only two days per week which sounds much more appealing to my lazy bum!
Lots going on here ~ my life almost sounds exciting on paper, the reality seems so much the opposite!
Tidings of Joy... and naked (pronounced nekkid) snoozing Amish! :)
The Amish also sleep in the nude. I know this b/c we have a blood drive at church every other month (which I keep meaning to participate in, but always forget about) and of course, with every pint of blood you give, your reward is some juice, a cookie, and a t-shirt. Well, the Amish are big contributers, but they won't take the t shirt (b/c of their lack of color and all that jazz). When one of the ladies said, "Here, take it, you can sleep in it or something." One of the men (named Corneilous, Neil for short) said, "Umm, well miss, if we slept in clothing, I'm sure it would come in handy." Just imagine the buzz that got going in the little circle! Ahh, priceless!!!
I'm glad this election stuff is over with. Anon person from Monday, glad you're enthusiastic about the fact, but there is a difference in having an opinion and forcing it on others. Steph, thank you for taking the big sister role in things, and Brew, welcome to the blog family. Brew is an ol' pal from the Faulkner U days who is currently living in France with his wife Amy. Check out his space in blogland.
I got over the Psycho test on Tuesday night ~ whew! It paid off to have studied so intently for a week and a half. There were a few multiple choice questions that I was on the fence about the answer, but I definitely exhausted every aspect in the essays. I know I didn't fail, hoping for an A, expecting a B, and will even be content w/ a C (depending on how strict she is w/ the essay part). I do know that I passed it though! Now I have to focus on studying for a final on Saturday morning (we get to make out the test in this class, it's just a matter of finding the answers and committing them to memory) and write a ten page paper on a disorder for Monday. The paper is only worth 25 points, so I'm not going to worry too much about it.
In the career area, things aren't looking so well. I got a call Monday saying that the board who decides who can and can not be hired (bascially, the people who pay TennCares bills) declined all four people on the basis of lack of experience (yep, makes sense, all I have is the educational aspect). Then I got another call today saying that that decision was being appealed and that I may have a chance. I did find a part time discharge/social work postion at Maury Regional (pronounced Murry Reejnul), it's only two days per week which sounds much more appealing to my lazy bum!
Lots going on here ~ my life almost sounds exciting on paper, the reality seems so much the opposite!
Tidings of Joy... and naked (pronounced nekkid) snoozing Amish! :)
Monday, November 01, 2004
Hmm, really?!
Are you interested in watching the national election results with your friends next Tuesday night? If you are, come to the Student Center from 7:00 p.m. until curfew. Food will be provided. Come out and show your support for your country. Everyone on campus is invited!
We hope you will participate!
~College Republicans
I received the above e-mail at my FHU account this morning. Funny that there isn't a College Democrats Club to offer the same t hing...
In other news...
* Both the UT Vols and the TN Titans won in fantastic, incredibly exciting games this weekend. Woo~hoo!! :)
Happy Monday to all and to all a happy day beofore this election stuff is over (hopefully)!
While I study, I am listening to Radio Margartiaville and eating Smarties in hopes of allowing more information to seep in. Think that'll help?
We hope you will participate!
~College Republicans
I received the above e-mail at my FHU account this morning. Funny that there isn't a College Democrats Club to offer the same t hing...
In other news...
* Both the UT Vols and the TN Titans won in fantastic, incredibly exciting games this weekend. Woo~hoo!! :)
Happy Monday to all and to all a happy day beofore this election stuff is over (hopefully)!
While I study, I am listening to Radio Margartiaville and eating Smarties in hopes of allowing more information to seep in. Think that'll help?
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Someday, when this is all over, we'll look back & laugh about it...
... But until that day comes, I'll continue to stress and wonder why in the world I decided to go back to grad school.
We've had a very busy weekend. Our church has had it's sixth annual Youth Rally, hosting around 550 teens in a weekend of praise and worship and focusing on baptism. It was great, but incredibly tiring!
I have yet another Psycho test this coming Tuesday. I've been studying for it since last Monday and the information is slowly seeping into my head, but I still have my doubts about my testing ability for this woman ~ her tests are lethal! In order for me to have a B in the class, I have to make a 90 or above on the remaining tests and assignments ~ ugh! Lord be with me when I get those grades!
Our fun money bank account is drastically low ~ much lower than we expected it to be at this point in the year. I'm about to go nuts waiting for Centerstone to call to officially offer me this job, which would obviously alleviate the situation. God always provides when we're in tight financial situations and I'm positive this one will go accordingly, it's just uncomfortable right now. Phooey, I hate having to have $$$.
I'm ready for this election to be over with. It'll be both mine and Brandon's first time to vote and apparently we differ greatly in opinion on who will do a better job of leading our nation. Maybe things will change, or maybe they'll stay the same for another four years. Regardless, I'll still be a happy person and a child of God ~ He has my true allegiance.
Tidings of Joy... and the election year coming to an end! :)
P.S. Brandon's making me french toast for dinner. I'll top it off w/ Kayro syrup and be a much happier woman in a little while. Sorry if this is a negative post, but things are on my mind and I needed to vent a bit...Now back to those anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders. <3 ~ :)
We've had a very busy weekend. Our church has had it's sixth annual Youth Rally, hosting around 550 teens in a weekend of praise and worship and focusing on baptism. It was great, but incredibly tiring!
I have yet another Psycho test this coming Tuesday. I've been studying for it since last Monday and the information is slowly seeping into my head, but I still have my doubts about my testing ability for this woman ~ her tests are lethal! In order for me to have a B in the class, I have to make a 90 or above on the remaining tests and assignments ~ ugh! Lord be with me when I get those grades!
Our fun money bank account is drastically low ~ much lower than we expected it to be at this point in the year. I'm about to go nuts waiting for Centerstone to call to officially offer me this job, which would obviously alleviate the situation. God always provides when we're in tight financial situations and I'm positive this one will go accordingly, it's just uncomfortable right now. Phooey, I hate having to have $$$.
I'm ready for this election to be over with. It'll be both mine and Brandon's first time to vote and apparently we differ greatly in opinion on who will do a better job of leading our nation. Maybe things will change, or maybe they'll stay the same for another four years. Regardless, I'll still be a happy person and a child of God ~ He has my true allegiance.
Tidings of Joy... and the election year coming to an end! :)
P.S. Brandon's making me french toast for dinner. I'll top it off w/ Kayro syrup and be a much happier woman in a little while. Sorry if this is a negative post, but things are on my mind and I needed to vent a bit...Now back to those anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders. <3 ~ :)
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Handwriting Analysis:Eerily on Target
This stuff is crazily true... All from writing a paragraph about a people eater! You can play too at this site.
Here is your analysis.
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Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Not necessarily "as seen on tv"
My first ever ultrasound was earlier this afternoon. Before I got ready to leave I sat and watched an episode of "A Baby Story" on TLC. The current couple had been put on Clomid and ended up having TRIPLETS!!! I hope it was a sign from God. Anyway, just having seen a woman on tv have an ultrasound, I was expecting the same thing. Not so! Big surprise way of checking out the ovaries (which btw are looking good), I'll stop there w/ the details. :)
In my consultation w/ Dr. B, she said everything looks good and to keep on keepin' on. The next step if another round of 100 mgs of Clomid is unsuccessful is to go to 150 mgs. That level is playing dangerously with having multiples. She said twins would be fine, I was excited about more, her reply was "Emphatically no!" Hey, if we only have to go through all of this once and come out of this experience with more than one baby, I'll consider it "more bang for my buck" and shout "hallejuah"!!!!
Now I must get back to studying Mood, Anxiety, Depression, and Psychosis Disorders. Interesting to learn about, not interesting to study...
Tidings of Joy... and multiples! :)
In my consultation w/ Dr. B, she said everything looks good and to keep on keepin' on. The next step if another round of 100 mgs of Clomid is unsuccessful is to go to 150 mgs. That level is playing dangerously with having multiples. She said twins would be fine, I was excited about more, her reply was "Emphatically no!" Hey, if we only have to go through all of this once and come out of this experience with more than one baby, I'll consider it "more bang for my buck" and shout "hallejuah"!!!!
Now I must get back to studying Mood, Anxiety, Depression, and Psychosis Disorders. Interesting to learn about, not interesting to study...
Tidings of Joy... and multiples! :)
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Where have all the bloggers gone?
"Hello, is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone at home?" Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" asked it the best.
Just checking in. Get back on the blog~wagon people!
Tidings of Joy.... & all being "just visitors here..." :)
Just checking in. Get back on the blog~wagon people!
Tidings of Joy.... & all being "just visitors here..." :)
Monday, October 25, 2004
Rally Round the Church
This weekend is Ethridge Church's Youth Rally. It's going to be AWESOME. If you or any part of your youth group (Grades 5 - 12) want to come, just call Jeff Johnston @ 931-829-2152. Take the Plunge and be there!
Take a look at Travis' post today on racism in our churches. It's a good one!
I registered for spring classes this morning. FHU is finally making it's way into the 21st century and we got to register on line for the first time. Woo ~ hoo! Go Freed!
Shelby has gone back home. We had a great time and did all kinds of fun stuff. We also watched every recent girlie movie made (Cinderella Story, Ella Enchanted, & New York Minute) and went to see Shark Tale. We all enjoyed it, but see Clarissa's post on it for a different perspective.
Time to get some work done around the house (we may be hosting a youth group in our home b/c there aren't enough hotel rooms in L'burg to house everyone) and finish up an assignment for class tonight.
Tidings of Joy... and a fantastic week! :)
Take a look at Travis' post today on racism in our churches. It's a good one!
I registered for spring classes this morning. FHU is finally making it's way into the 21st century and we got to register on line for the first time. Woo ~ hoo! Go Freed!
Shelby has gone back home. We had a great time and did all kinds of fun stuff. We also watched every recent girlie movie made (Cinderella Story, Ella Enchanted, & New York Minute) and went to see Shark Tale. We all enjoyed it, but see Clarissa's post on it for a different perspective.
Time to get some work done around the house (we may be hosting a youth group in our home b/c there aren't enough hotel rooms in L'burg to house everyone) and finish up an assignment for class tonight.
Tidings of Joy... and a fantastic week! :)
Friday, October 22, 2004
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
From Shelby
Dear Blog Family,
I had a great day. And I got to watch t.v. all day because my dad was asleep (he is working 3rd shift, he's NOT lazy!). And I got to watch Lazy Town. And that show is great!!! But then my dad woke up and got mad at me because I had all this time and did not clean up my room. But then he made me clean it up.
LOVE,
Shelby :>) <3
From Mae:
Now we are at my house. Tomorrow we're going to go pick out a pumpkin and carve it and then put it out on the front proch. Lots to do so we're going to watch a movie (Cinderella Story) and go to sleep.
Nighty night! :)
I had a great day. And I got to watch t.v. all day because my dad was asleep (he is working 3rd shift, he's NOT lazy!). And I got to watch Lazy Town. And that show is great!!! But then my dad woke up and got mad at me because I had all this time and did not clean up my room. But then he made me clean it up.
LOVE,
Shelby :>) <3
From Mae:
Now we are at my house. Tomorrow we're going to go pick out a pumpkin and carve it and then put it out on the front proch. Lots to do so we're going to watch a movie (Cinderella Story) and go to sleep.
Nighty night! :)
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Weather Vain
I woke up around 2:00 this morning to one of the most beautiful shows of lightening I think I've ever seen. I love to sleep while it rains, the constant sound is so soothing, but during storms, I've always been a looker/watcher. They fascinate me. Today, things have calmed down. Brandon heard that a tornado touched down in Lawrence County (although we can never be sure of the validity of things he hears at work!) and they cancelled school for today. If I hadn't taken a sick day from class yesterday, I'd definitely stay home tonight and just cuddle up on the couch and wait for the lightening show to play. I hope that you are all safe and enjoying mother nature in the comfort of your home.
Tomorrow I am off to pick up Shelby so she can spend the rest of her Fall Break with Brandon and me. I asked her what she wanted to do, apparently she's looking forward to taking a picture of B and putting him in girl's clothes (some gift she got for her birthday). Hey, whatever keeps us laughing (she snorted just thinking about it, yep, she's my niece alright!)! We may go to see Shark Tale or get our toes done, or both. She's at the age where a pedicure is a good treat, heck, I'd take a pedicure any day as a treat! The next time I blog will probably be through an 8 year old ~ it'll be interesting to say the least! (We may even do the phone blog so you can hear her cute little accent, I can sit and listen to her talk all day. It helps that she can talk incessantly for hours on end. Hmm, wonder where she gets that from...)
Next week I have to go for an ultrasound (to check on my ovaries and make sure they are working properly) and another consultation w/ Dr. Bullard ~ yea rah. (Can you hear the LACK of enthusiasm?) The nurse called earlier this morning to tell me when to come in and what to expect. This stuff is crazy, but at least it's covered by our insurance ~ thank you United Healthcare! I can't imagine having to pay for everything that we're doing. We get two more rounds of Clomid before we go to the Nashville Fertility Clinic, it's frighteningly getting closer and closer.
I'm outie. Gotta go over notes and a case study for class tonight and see if my noodle can absorb some of this stuff so that I can hopefully pass the class.
Tidings of Joy... and fun times w/ the fam! :)
Tomorrow I am off to pick up Shelby so she can spend the rest of her Fall Break with Brandon and me. I asked her what she wanted to do, apparently she's looking forward to taking a picture of B and putting him in girl's clothes (some gift she got for her birthday). Hey, whatever keeps us laughing (she snorted just thinking about it, yep, she's my niece alright!)! We may go to see Shark Tale or get our toes done, or both. She's at the age where a pedicure is a good treat, heck, I'd take a pedicure any day as a treat! The next time I blog will probably be through an 8 year old ~ it'll be interesting to say the least! (We may even do the phone blog so you can hear her cute little accent, I can sit and listen to her talk all day. It helps that she can talk incessantly for hours on end. Hmm, wonder where she gets that from...)
Next week I have to go for an ultrasound (to check on my ovaries and make sure they are working properly) and another consultation w/ Dr. Bullard ~ yea rah. (Can you hear the LACK of enthusiasm?) The nurse called earlier this morning to tell me when to come in and what to expect. This stuff is crazy, but at least it's covered by our insurance ~ thank you United Healthcare! I can't imagine having to pay for everything that we're doing. We get two more rounds of Clomid before we go to the Nashville Fertility Clinic, it's frighteningly getting closer and closer.
I'm outie. Gotta go over notes and a case study for class tonight and see if my noodle can absorb some of this stuff so that I can hopefully pass the class.
Tidings of Joy... and fun times w/ the fam! :)
Monday, October 18, 2004
Buick
The word "buick" in my family means much more than an automobile. When Shelby (my niece) was about two, she had a stomache virus. That night when Lynette (my sister) was asking her how she was feeling Shelby said, "I most (almost) buicked (puked)." Imagine the most precious little two year old in the world battling a virus and trying to relay very pertinant information, and you having to refrain from laughing when she's being so serious! Since that night, buick has taken on an entirely new meaning for me, my siblings and their children.
Today, I feel like I could buick.
How's your Monday?
Today, I feel like I could buick.
How's your Monday?
Friday, October 15, 2004
Weary Traveler
Monday: Columbia,Nashville, home, Henderson, home Tuesday:Nashville, home, Henderson, home Thursday: Columbia, home Friday:Fayetteville, Huntsville, Tullahoma, home... Since Monday I have traveled almost 1,000 miles. There should be a rule against that.
On a positive note, it is so wonderful, tearful, and bone chilling awesome to see God work in someone's life. Nikki and her husband were blessed yesterday with a gift that could only come from Him. Stop by, offer a congrats, and keep them in your prayers.
I have almost 1/2 of the Christmas shopping finished. My goal is to be done before thanksgiving so I can take the entire Christmas to celebrate the birth of our Savior and just decorate the house. School will be over Dec. 7 and I'll have a long break to enjoy and maybe even help plan out the festivities.
This verse from Isaiah really spoke to me. "Pay attention...I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget to help you." ch. 44, v. 21. Soothing words to my ears and heart.
Happy weekend blog family.
Tidings of Joy... and blessings! :)
On a positive note, it is so wonderful, tearful, and bone chilling awesome to see God work in someone's life. Nikki and her husband were blessed yesterday with a gift that could only come from Him. Stop by, offer a congrats, and keep them in your prayers.
I have almost 1/2 of the Christmas shopping finished. My goal is to be done before thanksgiving so I can take the entire Christmas to celebrate the birth of our Savior and just decorate the house. School will be over Dec. 7 and I'll have a long break to enjoy and maybe even help plan out the festivities.
This verse from Isaiah really spoke to me. "Pay attention...I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget to help you." ch. 44, v. 21. Soothing words to my ears and heart.
Happy weekend blog family.
Tidings of Joy... and blessings! :)
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Relief!
Brandon and I are back from the Dr's office (plus a Lowes and Office Max run). My anxiety was for nothing (you were right Nikki!). She just likes to have both parents-to-be (soon or current) in for the consultation and so that she can answer any questions. I was so full of emotion and so tense that when she said everything was looking great and we were on the road to reproduction (or as I like to refer to it "producing a little Hale!") (sorry if I'm oversharing!) that I started to cry. I could literally feel every ounce of anxiety flow out of my body and into the trash can. I had to give more blood (left arm wouldn't cooperate, Nurse Needle didn't want to use the same vein from last week b/c it's still bruised, and so I got stuck in both arms) and I'll get more results in tomorrow. Thank you all so much for your prayers and concern ~ love shout out to the blog family!
With all of this stuff going on, I realized today that I am starved for God. The thing is, that it's a sporadic, short term starvation. I take time out of my day to do so many other things other than "hunger and thirst for righteousness." With the hunger that Brandon and I have for this child(ren) to come, I can't even imagine the hunger that God has for us to recognize and love Him. Sitting in the car at the last red light before the Dr's.'s office, it all just hit me in the face like a cold splash of water ~ the love and compassion that I have for a baby is but a speck compared to the love and compassion that God has for me.
Thank you Father, for your love, compassion, grace and forgiveness. Thank you for moments of realization and recognition of mixed up priorities. Thank you for the possibility of being a parent and the chance to see your heart and what it must have felt like for you to create this world and everything in it. Please forgive me for being so foolish and self-centered.
Tidings of Joy... and good results! :)
With all of this stuff going on, I realized today that I am starved for God. The thing is, that it's a sporadic, short term starvation. I take time out of my day to do so many other things other than "hunger and thirst for righteousness." With the hunger that Brandon and I have for this child(ren) to come, I can't even imagine the hunger that God has for us to recognize and love Him. Sitting in the car at the last red light before the Dr's.'s office, it all just hit me in the face like a cold splash of water ~ the love and compassion that I have for a baby is but a speck compared to the love and compassion that God has for me.
Thank you Father, for your love, compassion, grace and forgiveness. Thank you for moments of realization and recognition of mixed up priorities. Thank you for the possibility of being a parent and the chance to see your heart and what it must have felt like for you to create this world and everything in it. Please forgive me for being so foolish and self-centered.
Tidings of Joy... and good results! :)
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
The Psycho Talking Clique
Last night I got in trouble, I'm sure you'll be incredibly surprised to find out that it was b/c of my mouth (I think I'm a direct descendant of Peter ~ foot-in-mouth has been firmly handed down throughout the generations). Anyway, there are about 3 or 4 of us that sit up in the back of the room, last night we were just commenting on aspects of bi-polar disorder and manic depression ~ not being rowdy or disturbing anyone, just making comments. After class, the professor came up to us and said (very kindly, w/ no attitude at all) "Would you all mind keeping it down? I think you're getting too cliquish back here. Maybe you should spread out a bit more to keep from talking so much." Ummm, sure, sorry 'bout that Dr. M. We'll do better next time. What?!! I haven't gotten in trouble for talking in class since the 8th grade! Note to self... "Shut the trap when in psycho."
I'm not looking forward to tomorrow. It's back to the OB/GYN for a consultation about some test results. The nurse (Johnnie, who has purple hair and is very straight forward, but fun) called to ask if we (both Brandon and I) could come in as soon as possible to talk about the latest news. I asked if everything was ok and she said she couldn't tell me over the phone, but that Dr. Bullard wanted us in asap. From past experiences (mainly, my mom's loss to cancer) I know that a next day appointment/consultation w/ the doc is not generally good news. So, please keep us all in your prayers. It's not looking like a lot of sleep will take place tonight. Our appointment is at 3:30, so if you can, just lift us up to God sometime around then?
Friday is Sisters day out. I am meeting Lynette in Fayetteville and we're gonna head down to Huntsville for some good, no child with, just the two of us shopping. I don't think that's happened since Shelby was born eight years ago. I am VERY ready for it.
Speaking of Shelby, her fall break is next week. If I am not employed by then, she'll come and spend a few nights w/ me and her "Uhnkul Braundun". It'll be loads of fun, we'll go shopping and four wheeling and watch movies and eat in the living room floor. Then I'll send her back home to her momma who won't be able to put up w/ her for at least two weeks. I LOVE being an aunt (or as we say ~ aint)!!!
I'm off to attempt to get some sleep, anxiety has definitely crept in since this afternoon.
Tidings of Joy... & hopefully some good news from the doc! :)
I'm not looking forward to tomorrow. It's back to the OB/GYN for a consultation about some test results. The nurse (Johnnie, who has purple hair and is very straight forward, but fun) called to ask if we (both Brandon and I) could come in as soon as possible to talk about the latest news. I asked if everything was ok and she said she couldn't tell me over the phone, but that Dr. Bullard wanted us in asap. From past experiences (mainly, my mom's loss to cancer) I know that a next day appointment/consultation w/ the doc is not generally good news. So, please keep us all in your prayers. It's not looking like a lot of sleep will take place tonight. Our appointment is at 3:30, so if you can, just lift us up to God sometime around then?
Friday is Sisters day out. I am meeting Lynette in Fayetteville and we're gonna head down to Huntsville for some good, no child with, just the two of us shopping. I don't think that's happened since Shelby was born eight years ago. I am VERY ready for it.
Speaking of Shelby, her fall break is next week. If I am not employed by then, she'll come and spend a few nights w/ me and her "Uhnkul Braundun". It'll be loads of fun, we'll go shopping and four wheeling and watch movies and eat in the living room floor. Then I'll send her back home to her momma who won't be able to put up w/ her for at least two weeks. I LOVE being an aunt (or as we say ~ aint)!!!
I'm off to attempt to get some sleep, anxiety has definitely crept in since this afternoon.
Tidings of Joy... & hopefully some good news from the doc! :)
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Sometimes you just have to sit back & laugh!
Since the beginning of the year, Brandon's company has been talking about changing the company car policy (currently they all drive Taruses) to include trucks and SUVs. We waited and waited to see if they would actually change the option, or if they were just hem-hawing around. We decided they were just hem-hawing, and bought the Expedition.... Low and behold, yesterday, B got an e-mail saying that when the current lease is up (in about 4.000 miles) he'll have the car/truck/SUV option (only this time w/ Chevy). When he told me that last night, I laughed until there were tears rolling down my face. Oh well! I guess we'll have the Ex and a new four door Silverado too!
I found a new verse to add to my favorites list. (Along w/ fave #1, Proverbs 31:18 "She watches for bargains.") This one is Judges 16:16 (the Samson and Delilah story) "So day after day she nagged him until he couldn't stand it any longer." Too funny!
Brandon and I are off to Franklin (just outside of Nashville) again today. We decided late in the game to add and extended warranty onto the Ex, just in case! For the third time in 5 days I'll get to make the three hour trip to and from Fanklin (w/ a possible stop at "Coo Sprangs Mawl") and then a four hour roundtrip drive to FHU. I am so ready to be at home for a few days!
Thursday I had to get some bloodwork done and for the first time, the nurse couldn't find my "good blood giver" vein. Instead of hitting one she could see, she decided she'd just feel around for the "good blood giver", unfortunately, g.b.g. was p.m.s.ing and is now a huge bruise on my arm. Ahhh, the joys of fertility challenges!
Tidings of Joy... and laughter! :)
I found a new verse to add to my favorites list. (Along w/ fave #1, Proverbs 31:18 "She watches for bargains.") This one is Judges 16:16 (the Samson and Delilah story) "So day after day she nagged him until he couldn't stand it any longer." Too funny!
Brandon and I are off to Franklin (just outside of Nashville) again today. We decided late in the game to add and extended warranty onto the Ex, just in case! For the third time in 5 days I'll get to make the three hour trip to and from Fanklin (w/ a possible stop at "Coo Sprangs Mawl") and then a four hour roundtrip drive to FHU. I am so ready to be at home for a few days!
Thursday I had to get some bloodwork done and for the first time, the nurse couldn't find my "good blood giver" vein. Instead of hitting one she could see, she decided she'd just feel around for the "good blood giver", unfortunately, g.b.g. was p.m.s.ing and is now a huge bruise on my arm. Ahhh, the joys of fertility challenges!
Tidings of Joy... and laughter! :)
Friday, October 08, 2004
Parsimonious Amalgamation
I have no idea what amalgamation is, but parsimonious means "it makes sense". So essentially, my title o' the day is "it makes sense to not have meaning" ~ at least to me! (I like to make people think I actually know what I'm saying, when in actuality, I just got those words from some articles for school!)
The Hale family has had such a great and busy week. First and most importantly, Brandon's dad, Ron, is in full remission! He got the good news on Monday, and is undergoing two additional chemo treatments and will still have stem cell replacement for precautionary reasons. So thank you God, good work Vanderbilt cancer doctors and just all over halleluah!!! :)
Do you remember a few weekends ago when I posted about us selling the truck and getting out of debt? Well, sometimes things change and we make decisions that are a bit odd. You can see the end result here. Laugh, call us young and dumb, call us debtors, it's all ok ~ we're happy and we'll work our way out of debt at a slower pace.
Yesterday Brandon took the day off and we headed to Nashville and Franklin to do some SUV shopping ~ you know, for the future football team that I'll be trotting happily around town! It was a good day, we had lunch at Macaroni Grill, and we got to meet some interesting salesmen. Today B worked the long hours of 8:30 - 10:45 and we're taking a clean house and relax day. (If that's actually possible!) I do know that my bathrooms are much cleaner, the dirty laundry is lessening, the clean laundry is waiting to be folded and put away, the dishwasher is going full blast, and now my fingers are a blur on the keyboard.
Two pop culture things. 1. Martha went to prison this morning for her five month visit. Hmmm, lying isn't cool Marti, guess we'll make a difference decision next time, eh? 2. Britany Spears did a remake of Bobby Brown's "It's My Perogative". Is that really a person who's steps you want to follow Brit? Decisions, decisions, decisions....
Happy weekending blog family. We are resting tonight and plan on going to Florence tomorrow to watch Ladder 49 ~ John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix together, not too shabby!
Tidings of Joy... and SUV's! :)
The Hale family has had such a great and busy week. First and most importantly, Brandon's dad, Ron, is in full remission! He got the good news on Monday, and is undergoing two additional chemo treatments and will still have stem cell replacement for precautionary reasons. So thank you God, good work Vanderbilt cancer doctors and just all over halleluah!!! :)
Do you remember a few weekends ago when I posted about us selling the truck and getting out of debt? Well, sometimes things change and we make decisions that are a bit odd. You can see the end result here. Laugh, call us young and dumb, call us debtors, it's all ok ~ we're happy and we'll work our way out of debt at a slower pace.
Yesterday Brandon took the day off and we headed to Nashville and Franklin to do some SUV shopping ~ you know, for the future football team that I'll be trotting happily around town! It was a good day, we had lunch at Macaroni Grill, and we got to meet some interesting salesmen. Today B worked the long hours of 8:30 - 10:45 and we're taking a clean house and relax day. (If that's actually possible!) I do know that my bathrooms are much cleaner, the dirty laundry is lessening, the clean laundry is waiting to be folded and put away, the dishwasher is going full blast, and now my fingers are a blur on the keyboard.
Two pop culture things. 1. Martha went to prison this morning for her five month visit. Hmmm, lying isn't cool Marti, guess we'll make a difference decision next time, eh? 2. Britany Spears did a remake of Bobby Brown's "It's My Perogative". Is that really a person who's steps you want to follow Brit? Decisions, decisions, decisions....
Happy weekending blog family. We are resting tonight and plan on going to Florence tomorrow to watch Ladder 49 ~ John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix together, not too shabby!
Tidings of Joy... and SUV's! :)
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Lost Thoughts
I'm not sure if it's the combination of medications that I am on, or the fact that I'm aging, but my memory has gone to pot lately. For instance....
Last week I sent off several packages to friends around the country. One of them was to a dear friend, Netta, who lives in New Orleans for her birthday and a little noisey toy for her 18 month old son, Kaleb (isn't that what aunties are for? loud, annoying toys?!). I also gave her a phone call (had to leave a message) and sent a corny e-card. I get VERY excited about giving gifts, almost to the point of being prideful, b/c I really am a pretty good gift giver (although my sister can almost always one-up me. I guess it's genetic.). I got a voice mail from Net yesterday saying thank you and that she had something hillarious to tell me. At that moment, it all clicked, her birthday isn't until the end of October! Yep, I'm an idiot. We laughed until I had tears rolling down my face over that, and she had had a really bad day and the package helped improve on that, but still, I reached a new level of dork status with that one!
Losing my memory and having to memorize so many theories and theorists for school isn't exactly a good combination. On Saturday I got up at 4:30 to get to school early and make sure that my power point was working well, get note packages from other group members together, and make sure that we were all on the sams page as to what each person was doing with their part (control, I like it a lot!). Sunday was church and to reward myself on a job well done w/ the presentation and getting through a mid-term, I did a little shopping, watched the Titans get horrendously smothered (what' s up w/ Tennessee sports lately? come on boys, you can do it!) studied for more tests, did two journal reviews and woke up again to study more all day yesterday. Needless to say, I was exhausted last night in class. Usually I think I can do a pretty good job of faking energy, but my teacher asked 2 or 3 times if I was ok. Then on the way out, he gave me a hug and said if I needed anything to call and he'd help me with whatever I needed. Is that not the sweetest thing in the world??!!!Dr. Cravens, you ROCK!
Do any of you know things I can do to help improve my memory? It's gotten really bad, I'm quickly tunring into my gran ~ not finishing sentences and repeating myself a lot. Did I tell you I'm having memory problems? The other day I... oh wait, I can't remember if it was last week or last year... umm, who was that guy in that movie where he did that thing?... I know you just told me something, but I have no idea what it was... I said I'd do what? When?... For the love ~ make it stop!
Gonna study for my Psycho class ~ I will come out of it with at least a B, even if I end up re-taking it next sememster w/ a different teacher!
Tidings of Joy... and remembering... anything! :)
Last week I sent off several packages to friends around the country. One of them was to a dear friend, Netta, who lives in New Orleans for her birthday and a little noisey toy for her 18 month old son, Kaleb (isn't that what aunties are for? loud, annoying toys?!). I also gave her a phone call (had to leave a message) and sent a corny e-card. I get VERY excited about giving gifts, almost to the point of being prideful, b/c I really am a pretty good gift giver (although my sister can almost always one-up me. I guess it's genetic.). I got a voice mail from Net yesterday saying thank you and that she had something hillarious to tell me. At that moment, it all clicked, her birthday isn't until the end of October! Yep, I'm an idiot. We laughed until I had tears rolling down my face over that, and she had had a really bad day and the package helped improve on that, but still, I reached a new level of dork status with that one!
Losing my memory and having to memorize so many theories and theorists for school isn't exactly a good combination. On Saturday I got up at 4:30 to get to school early and make sure that my power point was working well, get note packages from other group members together, and make sure that we were all on the sams page as to what each person was doing with their part (control, I like it a lot!). Sunday was church and to reward myself on a job well done w/ the presentation and getting through a mid-term, I did a little shopping, watched the Titans get horrendously smothered (what' s up w/ Tennessee sports lately? come on boys, you can do it!) studied for more tests, did two journal reviews and woke up again to study more all day yesterday. Needless to say, I was exhausted last night in class. Usually I think I can do a pretty good job of faking energy, but my teacher asked 2 or 3 times if I was ok. Then on the way out, he gave me a hug and said if I needed anything to call and he'd help me with whatever I needed. Is that not the sweetest thing in the world??!!!Dr. Cravens, you ROCK!
Do any of you know things I can do to help improve my memory? It's gotten really bad, I'm quickly tunring into my gran ~ not finishing sentences and repeating myself a lot. Did I tell you I'm having memory problems? The other day I... oh wait, I can't remember if it was last week or last year... umm, who was that guy in that movie where he did that thing?... I know you just told me something, but I have no idea what it was... I said I'd do what? When?... For the love ~ make it stop!
Gonna study for my Psycho class ~ I will come out of it with at least a B, even if I end up re-taking it next sememster w/ a different teacher!
Tidings of Joy... and remembering... anything! :)
Monday, October 04, 2004
Harried!
Mid-terms.
Busy.
Over whelmed.
Messy house.
Loving husband.
Information overload.
Dirty clothes.
Dirty dishes.
Dirty bathtubs.
No fall break.
More meds.
Why do I do this to myself?
Delirium?
In the words of the Beatles... "Help me if you can I'm feelin' down. And I do appreciate ya bein' 'round. Help me get my feet back on the ground. Won't you please, please help me?!"
Tidings of Joy... and mid-terms being over tomorrow at 9:00 p.m.! :
Busy.
Over whelmed.
Messy house.
Loving husband.
Information overload.
Dirty clothes.
Dirty dishes.
Dirty bathtubs.
No fall break.
More meds.
Why do I do this to myself?
Delirium?
In the words of the Beatles... "Help me if you can I'm feelin' down. And I do appreciate ya bein' 'round. Help me get my feet back on the ground. Won't you please, please help me?!"
Tidings of Joy... and mid-terms being over tomorrow at 9:00 p.m.! :
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Thank you google.com for making me laugh.
I've had a pretty stressful few hours. Allow me to fill you in.
A few weeks ago I posted about Brandon's customer, Murray, and how they have been having problems lately. Last week they eleminated 100 positions and tomorrow they are supposed to do the same thing. Brandon asked his regional manager about our future if the plant closes down. We'll be relocated to Bowling Green, KY. There's a blow from right field if I've ever seen one. We never even thought of that as a possibility, always assuming that we'd just head back home to Manchester or Tullahoma after our three years here, and after I finish my masters (you know what assuming does for a gal, right?). I realize it's nice to know that his position with in GE is safe, it's just a bit of a shock at this moment... I mean really, Bowling Green?!! Kentucky?!! What the crap?!!
I have also been preparing for 1/ 2 of a mid-term and a presentation on Saturday. One word... STRESS! I know that I'll do fine, it's a great class w/ my favorite,GPA boosting professor, but it's still a lot to handle in one day. In a two hour period I'll have 45 % of my overall grade to deal with, and deal with well.
My panic attack coping skills are currently keeping a massive tension headache / What About Bob? leaving his apartment for the first time alert / nervous breakdown at bay. This lead me to google my self. I know that I have an incredibly southern name and this proved it. The only other Mae's Anne's McCullough's and Hale's were in the south. Then I did just Mae Anne and guess what... there are a few other Mae Anne's in the world (at least that g0ogle recognizes)! They happen to be a horse, a cat, a Japanes grill in Reno, and a street in Reno. It made me chuckle.
Oh how I wish I was at the ZOE conference right now. I'm feeling a bit deserted in blogland. Pity party for one at table 13... check please!
Deep healing breaths... calmness, peace and tranquility in... scattered, nervous breakdown thoughts out...
Tidings of Joy... but not Bowling Green, KY. :\
A few weeks ago I posted about Brandon's customer, Murray, and how they have been having problems lately. Last week they eleminated 100 positions and tomorrow they are supposed to do the same thing. Brandon asked his regional manager about our future if the plant closes down. We'll be relocated to Bowling Green, KY. There's a blow from right field if I've ever seen one. We never even thought of that as a possibility, always assuming that we'd just head back home to Manchester or Tullahoma after our three years here, and after I finish my masters (you know what assuming does for a gal, right?). I realize it's nice to know that his position with in GE is safe, it's just a bit of a shock at this moment... I mean really, Bowling Green?!! Kentucky?!! What the crap?!!
I have also been preparing for 1/ 2 of a mid-term and a presentation on Saturday. One word... STRESS! I know that I'll do fine, it's a great class w/ my favorite,GPA boosting professor, but it's still a lot to handle in one day. In a two hour period I'll have 45 % of my overall grade to deal with, and deal with well.
My panic attack coping skills are currently keeping a massive tension headache / What About Bob? leaving his apartment for the first time alert / nervous breakdown at bay. This lead me to google my self. I know that I have an incredibly southern name and this proved it. The only other Mae's Anne's McCullough's and Hale's were in the south. Then I did just Mae Anne and guess what... there are a few other Mae Anne's in the world (at least that g0ogle recognizes)! They happen to be a horse, a cat, a Japanes grill in Reno, and a street in Reno. It made me chuckle.
Oh how I wish I was at the ZOE conference right now. I'm feeling a bit deserted in blogland. Pity party for one at table 13... check please!
Deep healing breaths... calmness, peace and tranquility in... scattered, nervous breakdown thoughts out...
Tidings of Joy... but not Bowling Green, KY. :\
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
The "F" word.
No, it's not the massively illegal potty mouth word you are thinking of, instead it's a descriptor for what I did on my first Psycho test. That's right, for the first time since high school, I FAILED a test. We're not just talking missed it by a few points here either. My grade was 2 1/2 points from being the lowest grade in the entire class (FYI, not one person made an A, and the average grade was in the D range. In my best Chandler from Friends immitation, "Could it BE the teaching?!"). Can you say "reality check"??!!!!!! It has seriously made me get into grad student mode. No more goofing off, I'm hitting the books, articles, journals, case studies, and notes and I'm hitting them hard!
I have a friend who has a shop where she makes all kinds of crafty things: candles, soaps, body wash, shampoo, deoderant, baskets, herbs and teas. It's such a neat little place. She even grows her own herbs and spices to make everything with. Yesterday I went to stock up on some more candles, the last one I bought in February just ran out last week. I got an apple cinnamon one that smells divine! Fall is here, inside and out!
Wednesday mornings the ladies at church have a Bible class. I've been going for about a month and it is one of the funniest things I take part in on a regular basis. Out of 15 or so women, I am the youngest by about 40 years. No matter which book we are studying, every verse pertains to (you must say this in your best Scarlett O'Hara /Steel Magnolias / southern bell accent) "These young people today just don't want to work like we did. My grandsons expect to have what we have now right out of high school. It's just pittiful that they don't know how to work in the fields or put up a garden like we did. I'm just afraid of how it's going to be when they have grandchildren." Keep in mind, I am sitting inthe middle of all of these women with a grin on my face... Hello! I keep them on their toes with comments and give them a different perspective of life as a twenty something. It's definitely interesting!
I got a call yesteday about the job. I have been approved of by "the board" and now must go through one more meeting of some other board to make sure that my references check out and that I'm not a past axe murderer or anything like that. That meeting is Oct. 13, and then it looks like I'll be employeed on a full time basis. The timing really works out well, b/c it gets me through mid-terms and a presentation at school. Yea ~ I almost have a job!
That's all the news for now. I have to make notes and a power point presentation for my project on Saturday ~ biological theries of personality, here I come!
Tidings of Joy... and even the "F" word! :)
I have a friend who has a shop where she makes all kinds of crafty things: candles, soaps, body wash, shampoo, deoderant, baskets, herbs and teas. It's such a neat little place. She even grows her own herbs and spices to make everything with. Yesterday I went to stock up on some more candles, the last one I bought in February just ran out last week. I got an apple cinnamon one that smells divine! Fall is here, inside and out!
Wednesday mornings the ladies at church have a Bible class. I've been going for about a month and it is one of the funniest things I take part in on a regular basis. Out of 15 or so women, I am the youngest by about 40 years. No matter which book we are studying, every verse pertains to (you must say this in your best Scarlett O'Hara /Steel Magnolias / southern bell accent) "These young people today just don't want to work like we did. My grandsons expect to have what we have now right out of high school. It's just pittiful that they don't know how to work in the fields or put up a garden like we did. I'm just afraid of how it's going to be when they have grandchildren." Keep in mind, I am sitting inthe middle of all of these women with a grin on my face... Hello! I keep them on their toes with comments and give them a different perspective of life as a twenty something. It's definitely interesting!
I got a call yesteday about the job. I have been approved of by "the board" and now must go through one more meeting of some other board to make sure that my references check out and that I'm not a past axe murderer or anything like that. That meeting is Oct. 13, and then it looks like I'll be employeed on a full time basis. The timing really works out well, b/c it gets me through mid-terms and a presentation at school. Yea ~ I almost have a job!
That's all the news for now. I have to make notes and a power point presentation for my project on Saturday ~ biological theries of personality, here I come!
Tidings of Joy... and even the "F" word! :)
Monday, September 27, 2004
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Erasing with Mr. Clean
The rewards for diligently searching for a Mr. Clean Majic Eraser are simply endless! Tonight B came home with groceries and 2 boxes of THE BEST cleaning tool that has ever come into contact with my little hands! I have been happily rubbing away at spots all over my house... I didn't even have to put any elbow grease into getting the shoe marks beside the washer (where we toss all of our outdoor shoes that I don't allow to come past the laudry room)! I see a new addiction coming into my life.... and it's lookin' c-l-e-a-n!
Today was so great. The last Sunday of each month we have lunch in the family life center and then the young men do a 1:00 service and so our entire afternoon and night are free to do whatever we please. It was such a beautiful day. Fall is in full force. I am basking in the moon light, enjoying the breeze from my open window and I'm being serenaded by the crickets, locusts, and the babbling of a nearby stream. Isn't God's handy work something spectacular??!!
Thursday and Friday I went down to Huntsville to help Vette put up pictures and stuff in her apartment. While I was there we took advantage of her Costco membership. I hadn't ever been to a Costco before, but boy howdy, it was something to behold! I stocked up on Chritstmas cards and the cutest gift tags EVER!
Speaking of Christmas, it's just around the corner. Last week I went to Ross and got all four neices and nephew outfits (Osh Kosh, Tommy, Guess, Lmtd. 2 ~ non ghetto & non too mature pieces for the girls), two paris of shoes, linen place mats, and a Nine West bag (as a Christmas gift for either my sis or sis-in-law) for $150. It averaged out to a little bit less than $10 per item. Hello! I love the savings! I had to really get in and dig to be able to piece the outfits together (b/c you most certainly can not put non matching labels together for an outfit. BIG no-no!), but it was so rewarding to get such wonderful deals AND be finished with their gifts so early! Go Me!
Tomorrow I'll hopefully find out about the case management position. I've been thinking a lot lately about how fast we'll be able to get rid of all of our debt with the extra cabbage I'll be bringing in ~ that will just be FANTASTIC! Here's to paying in cash and setting up our children for generations to come.... we hope!
Happy Monday to you all, and as always...
Tidings of Joy... and serenading insects (as long as they stay outside)! :)
Today was so great. The last Sunday of each month we have lunch in the family life center and then the young men do a 1:00 service and so our entire afternoon and night are free to do whatever we please. It was such a beautiful day. Fall is in full force. I am basking in the moon light, enjoying the breeze from my open window and I'm being serenaded by the crickets, locusts, and the babbling of a nearby stream. Isn't God's handy work something spectacular??!!
Thursday and Friday I went down to Huntsville to help Vette put up pictures and stuff in her apartment. While I was there we took advantage of her Costco membership. I hadn't ever been to a Costco before, but boy howdy, it was something to behold! I stocked up on Chritstmas cards and the cutest gift tags EVER!
Speaking of Christmas, it's just around the corner. Last week I went to Ross and got all four neices and nephew outfits (Osh Kosh, Tommy, Guess, Lmtd. 2 ~ non ghetto & non too mature pieces for the girls), two paris of shoes, linen place mats, and a Nine West bag (as a Christmas gift for either my sis or sis-in-law) for $150. It averaged out to a little bit less than $10 per item. Hello! I love the savings! I had to really get in and dig to be able to piece the outfits together (b/c you most certainly can not put non matching labels together for an outfit. BIG no-no!), but it was so rewarding to get such wonderful deals AND be finished with their gifts so early! Go Me!
Tomorrow I'll hopefully find out about the case management position. I've been thinking a lot lately about how fast we'll be able to get rid of all of our debt with the extra cabbage I'll be bringing in ~ that will just be FANTASTIC! Here's to paying in cash and setting up our children for generations to come.... we hope!
Happy Monday to you all, and as always...
Tidings of Joy... and serenading insects (as long as they stay outside)! :)
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