So this morning, I'm ready to leave and the news says that there's an over turned garbage truck in the road on my way to work. "Great!" Says I. Traffic starts slowing down but never completely to a halt but you could smell the garbage long before you were at the wreck. How gross!
If that's not odd enough for you, read on.
On my way HOME from work, I could barely get onto the interstate because it was so jammed. I called Brooks and asked if he had heard anything or was this just normal 4 o'clock traffic. Without missing a beat, my lovely husband's reply was, "oh, I bet it's dead chickens." Ummm....what? Dead chickens? There's dead chickens on the road?!
Yes, there was yet another wreck today. This time a truck carrying dead, plucked chickens was going too fast around a curve and swung all of it's cargo onto the road. Hazmat had to come out and hose the area down b/c of the risk of sal manila. I mean really. Is someone worried a driver might stop their car at that exact location, lick the road and get sick?
To read more info about the wreck, read on: The Tennessean
My favorite line is the article about the wreck is: "It's fowl!"
Which reminds me, we need a few jokes & puns. Help me add to these.
What did the chicken say when he tried to cross the road in Nashville?
SPLAT!
Who let the chickens out?
The driver did. The driver did.
The wreck could have been tragic....if the cargo hadn't already been dead.
I-24 has temporarily turned into an all you can eat KFC - sushi style. Come while it lasts.
Ahhh... I could go on and on but I wont.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
More Stories From My Crazy Kids
Oh, kindergarteners how adorable they can be....
Last week we were talking about friends and some activities we like to do. I let them pair up and share their ideas and then we'd share as a group. When we shared as a group, Beth, my quiet, slightly speech impaired friend, says "likes to play with dolls". "Oh," I said, "who likes to play with dolls?" She turns around and points at someone completely unexpected - my little boy who is ALL boy. Again, without even thinking, I busted out laughing! I couldn't help myself. That was NOT who I was expecting her to point to! All the while he's saying: Nuh uh. I didn't say that! After I composed myself I had to explain to the two of them that I wasn't laughing at them that I was just surprised and they were okay with my outburst!!
This week, we've had snacks all week which is unusual b/c I can't afford snacks for 20 kids every day so parents provide them. This week was those "Cheeze It Sticks" They're pretty good but individually tiny. I'm making my rounds and get to the last table and give each of them one little stick and walk away. Here were there responses:
HEY!!!!!!!
Uh, only ONE?!!!
Mrs. Whitlow!!!!
And my favorite: one look of absolute disbelief by the quietest kid in the whole class. - Priceless!
I love my kids. They're the best! Oh, by the way, they got two compliments in a row today for doing a great job in the hallway! (It's a big deal!)
Last week we were talking about friends and some activities we like to do. I let them pair up and share their ideas and then we'd share as a group. When we shared as a group, Beth, my quiet, slightly speech impaired friend, says "likes to play with dolls". "Oh," I said, "who likes to play with dolls?" She turns around and points at someone completely unexpected - my little boy who is ALL boy. Again, without even thinking, I busted out laughing! I couldn't help myself. That was NOT who I was expecting her to point to! All the while he's saying: Nuh uh. I didn't say that! After I composed myself I had to explain to the two of them that I wasn't laughing at them that I was just surprised and they were okay with my outburst!!
This week, we've had snacks all week which is unusual b/c I can't afford snacks for 20 kids every day so parents provide them. This week was those "Cheeze It Sticks" They're pretty good but individually tiny. I'm making my rounds and get to the last table and give each of them one little stick and walk away. Here were there responses:
HEY!!!!!!!
Uh, only ONE?!!!
Mrs. Whitlow!!!!
And my favorite: one look of absolute disbelief by the quietest kid in the whole class. - Priceless!
I love my kids. They're the best! Oh, by the way, they got two compliments in a row today for doing a great job in the hallway! (It's a big deal!)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Highlight of the Year
Last weekend I went back home to Sandersville, GA. It's a small little town in middle GA that usually no one has heard of. In my home town, Kaolin is King. What is Kaolin? I'll tell you. Kaolin is unrefined chalk; it's what comes straight out of the ground. It is also found in shiny paper, make up and of course the chalk you write with. It's "mined" by digging a big hole to get to the layer of white gold and scooping it up. Georgia is second in kaolin mining only to China. Anyways....
Every year we have a Kaolin Parade. It's kind of a homecoming also. It's not a fantastic parade but it's fun. They turn the square into a big tented smorgasborg that everyone walks to after the parade is over. You can buy anything from quilts to soul food to home made ice cream and whatever else. Mainly, you walk around looking for people you know, talk for a while, promise you'll see them later, walk a few steps, talk to someone else and the cycle continues.
The best part of the parade is seeing all my friends and family. I love coming home. I love seeing people I haven't seen in forever and catching up on life. And you always feel at home.
Sandersville will probably always stay a small town but none of us would have it any other way!
Also, just wanted to say one more thing: Hey, Aunt Vicki!!
Every year we have a Kaolin Parade. It's kind of a homecoming also. It's not a fantastic parade but it's fun. They turn the square into a big tented smorgasborg that everyone walks to after the parade is over. You can buy anything from quilts to soul food to home made ice cream and whatever else. Mainly, you walk around looking for people you know, talk for a while, promise you'll see them later, walk a few steps, talk to someone else and the cycle continues.
The best part of the parade is seeing all my friends and family. I love coming home. I love seeing people I haven't seen in forever and catching up on life. And you always feel at home.
Sandersville will probably always stay a small town but none of us would have it any other way!
Also, just wanted to say one more thing: Hey, Aunt Vicki!!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
They're Watching Me
Tuesday & Wednesday I went to a training session - Classroom oragnization management & procedures aka COMP. It was so good. I picked up so many ideas and came back to the classroom ready to try out my new ideas.
One of the ideas is to give every student in the class a "job" such as line leader, in charge of putting up chairs at the end of the day, room cleaner..... I've done the "jobs" for two days now and it really works. The kids really like helping and they take more ownership of the classroom AND it teaches teamwork. What a great idea!!
One of my jobs I gave to a quiet, shy girl we'll call Susan was noise monitor. If I have to step away to answer the phone or while standing in line, she keeps the students in line.
While I was walking back from my phone back to the kids I see Susan snap her fingers at a student and say "NO!". I just stopped. I couldn't believe this quiet, shy girl just did that. She looked so empowered and in control. Also it was like looking at a mirror. Instead of stopping a lesson to call out someone's name, I snap my fingers to get a student's attention. She obviously had seen me do this and mimicked my behavior....scary.
One of the ideas is to give every student in the class a "job" such as line leader, in charge of putting up chairs at the end of the day, room cleaner..... I've done the "jobs" for two days now and it really works. The kids really like helping and they take more ownership of the classroom AND it teaches teamwork. What a great idea!!
One of my jobs I gave to a quiet, shy girl we'll call Susan was noise monitor. If I have to step away to answer the phone or while standing in line, she keeps the students in line.
While I was walking back from my phone back to the kids I see Susan snap her fingers at a student and say "NO!". I just stopped. I couldn't believe this quiet, shy girl just did that. She looked so empowered and in control. Also it was like looking at a mirror. Instead of stopping a lesson to call out someone's name, I snap my fingers to get a student's attention. She obviously had seen me do this and mimicked my behavior....scary.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Hibbie Jeebbies
Not too many words have a powerful effect on people. One in particular immediately gives me the hibbie jeebies - lice. One of my students has a case of them and a pretty bad one at that. For the rest of the day, my head has been itching like crazy. I can't tell if I have been infected or if it is completely psychological. Oh, the joys of being a teacher!!!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
My Kindergarteners - So Funny
Working with 5 year olds can be challenging at times. Yesterday was no exception but in the midst of learning times, there comes moments that just need to be cherrished. Let me share some things that happened yesterday. (Students names have been changed)
Bobby is one of my more determined students and likes to be his own boss at times but still a really sweet kid. During morning time, while sitting on the floor supposed to be listing to me, Bobby lifts of both of his feet to show me that mysteriously he had tied his shoes together. "How did you do that?" I asked. "I don't know!!" he says with this concerned look on his face. I tell him to come here and I'd undo it for him. He tries to lift one foot to my lap only to learn that it would not lift all the way b/c his shoes are tied together. He pauses for a second and lifts the other foot only to find the same results. He looked down at his feet wondering what he was going to do. I couldn't help it. I busted out laughing right there in the middle of my lesson!! It was the funniest sight in the world. I look over at Bobby and he's laughing too and so is the rest of the class. What a fun moment!
Another student, Josh, came to school Thursday looking like he had cut his own hair. So I asked him who did it and he admitted that he had in fact cut his own hair. Well, Friday, he came in looking even worse. According to Josh, his older sister cut his hair w/ the hair trimmer. The poor kid had a spot right in front of his hair that was an inch wide about 3 inches long. I asked him if he was mad and he said, "YEAH!! I kicked her out of my house!!" Again, I couldn't help but laugh.
Later in the day, we were sitting on the carpet again and the same Josh was leaning over and Pete, a sweetie, was trying to help tuck Josh's shirt in for him b/c the back was untucked. Without even looking behind him, Josh yells out, "GET OUT OF MY UNDERWEAR!" Poor Pete was so embarrassed he started crying. I had to explain to Josh that you don't yell out and that Pete needs to keep his hands to himself.
I love my class. They are a wonderful bunch of kids. I'm amazed every day at what they learn. I can't believe that it's the end of September already. The school year is going to be over with before I know it. And I know that I need to remember days like this on the days when I'm ready to give up and quit. I have had a few already and it's no fun. I think moments like these come around to recharge the teaching battery.
Bobby is one of my more determined students and likes to be his own boss at times but still a really sweet kid. During morning time, while sitting on the floor supposed to be listing to me, Bobby lifts of both of his feet to show me that mysteriously he had tied his shoes together. "How did you do that?" I asked. "I don't know!!" he says with this concerned look on his face. I tell him to come here and I'd undo it for him. He tries to lift one foot to my lap only to learn that it would not lift all the way b/c his shoes are tied together. He pauses for a second and lifts the other foot only to find the same results. He looked down at his feet wondering what he was going to do. I couldn't help it. I busted out laughing right there in the middle of my lesson!! It was the funniest sight in the world. I look over at Bobby and he's laughing too and so is the rest of the class. What a fun moment!
Another student, Josh, came to school Thursday looking like he had cut his own hair. So I asked him who did it and he admitted that he had in fact cut his own hair. Well, Friday, he came in looking even worse. According to Josh, his older sister cut his hair w/ the hair trimmer. The poor kid had a spot right in front of his hair that was an inch wide about 3 inches long. I asked him if he was mad and he said, "YEAH!! I kicked her out of my house!!" Again, I couldn't help but laugh.
Later in the day, we were sitting on the carpet again and the same Josh was leaning over and Pete, a sweetie, was trying to help tuck Josh's shirt in for him b/c the back was untucked. Without even looking behind him, Josh yells out, "GET OUT OF MY UNDERWEAR!" Poor Pete was so embarrassed he started crying. I had to explain to Josh that you don't yell out and that Pete needs to keep his hands to himself.
I love my class. They are a wonderful bunch of kids. I'm amazed every day at what they learn. I can't believe that it's the end of September already. The school year is going to be over with before I know it. And I know that I need to remember days like this on the days when I'm ready to give up and quit. I have had a few already and it's no fun. I think moments like these come around to recharge the teaching battery.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sick
Being a new teacher, my immune system is not as strong as I thought it was and so I have caught my first cold of the season. Colds are usually reserved for the winter months but due to weeks of triple digit temperatures, we have been kept inside. Friday - Sunday I was feeling pretty icky. Sunday night I tried to get a sub b/c I still felt awful but I wasn't set up yet in the "sub system". I wound up having to go to the school until they could get a sub for my room. Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long. 8:00 came around and a man poked his head in and said "Mrs. Whitlow?" And I horsly said "Are you the sub!!?" Got things together for him and headed home. If only this story stopped here.
On my way home, my front tire blew. It was completely shredded. It made this loud rumbling noise and the the car started slowing down. I pulled over and tried to change the tire but I couldn't get the lug nuts off. I called the police and Officer Sanchez of Franklin Police changed my tire on the side of the interstate. My car had been driving funny for a week but we didn't associate it w/ the tire. We won't make that mistake again. I drove home, took a nap and then went to wal-mart to get a new tire. You know, it wasn't a terrible ordeal - a little inconvenient but not the end of the world. I think a few months ago it would have sent us into a tizzy but not now. I think I've learned to relax a little and trust God a whole lot. :)
Today I feel a lot better but sound a lot worse. I had to call out again today because I cannot speak. It's hard to communicate w/ kindergarteners using sign language when neither parties know sign language!
Hopefully tomorrow will be back to normal.
On my way home, my front tire blew. It was completely shredded. It made this loud rumbling noise and the the car started slowing down. I pulled over and tried to change the tire but I couldn't get the lug nuts off. I called the police and Officer Sanchez of Franklin Police changed my tire on the side of the interstate. My car had been driving funny for a week but we didn't associate it w/ the tire. We won't make that mistake again. I drove home, took a nap and then went to wal-mart to get a new tire. You know, it wasn't a terrible ordeal - a little inconvenient but not the end of the world. I think a few months ago it would have sent us into a tizzy but not now. I think I've learned to relax a little and trust God a whole lot. :)
Today I feel a lot better but sound a lot worse. I had to call out again today because I cannot speak. It's hard to communicate w/ kindergarteners using sign language when neither parties know sign language!
Hopefully tomorrow will be back to normal.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Thank God for the Heat
Last week, in Nashville, we hit temperatures of 103-106 every day. The buses have no AC and some schools didn't either which made students sick. Fortunately, my school does have AC but because of the heat, Metro decided to do half days this week because the didn't want to chance it that temperatures can get that high again. All of this week we will have the students for half of the day!!!!!!
This has been such a blessing!! I was so incredibly overwhelmed last week. I felt like I couldn't get my feet back under me! This week will give me the opportunity to do just that and to get more organized and a chance to plan.
I'm telling you. This is truly a gift straight from God. I really feel like He is taking care of me. On my way home from work today, Nicole C. Mullins' song "Call on Jesus" came on the radio. The chorus says:
This has been such a blessing!! I was so incredibly overwhelmed last week. I felt like I couldn't get my feet back under me! This week will give me the opportunity to do just that and to get more organized and a chance to plan.
I'm telling you. This is truly a gift straight from God. I really feel like He is taking care of me. On my way home from work today, Nicole C. Mullins' song "Call on Jesus" came on the radio. The chorus says:
But when I call on Jesus,
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles' and soar
When I call on Jesus,
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles' and soar
When I call on Jesus,
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call
I couldn't help but praise Him and thank Him for the half days. It's also been a confirmation that 1. I'm in the right place and that 2. He WILL take care of me & you!
Thank you so much for your continued prayers. It's been such an interesting ride so far. I wonder where things will go next. :)
Thank you so much for your continued prayers. It's been such an interesting ride so far. I wonder where things will go next. :)
Saturday, August 11, 2007
A Strange Journey of Employment
Two weeks ago the saga of trying to find a teaching job began. It has been a strange and crazy journey that I had to document. It's really too crazy to make up, too. It's a little long but it's because there's so much to tell. It's kind of a compolation of emails I'd sent to my family as updates.
My interview at Longview for the Kindergarten position went pretty well. I was pleasantly surprised at some of the answers I had given them. They were really good answers. :) I was really calm and looked GOOD in my new suit. :) The ladies seem nice and it was really nice to finally meet the principal in person after emailing & talking on the phone so much. There was a lot of laughing which is a good sign.
As of right now, I haven't heard back from them. I called a few minutes ago and the secretary said that the principal has stepped out of the building. I'm hoping to hear back in the next few hours. Please, please help me pray about this. If it's God's will, I know it will work out but if it doesn't it would be pretty disappointing.
A little update on the Metro job, Metro told the principal that I wasn't highly qualified to teach and so the principal interviewed other candidates and offered someone else the job. I found out that somehow on my online application, it showed that I was an English teacher and I was not highly qualified to teach K-6. I really don't know how that happened. I can't imagine that I would put down that I was an English teacher!! I was pretty disappointed at the news but was also looking for a way to gracefully opt out of the metro job in case Longview did work out. Well, it doesn't feel like a very graceful way to opt out of it and I'm still not sure if Longview has worked out or not. :)
Wednesday Night, Aug 8:
Well, I didn't get Longview. They offered it to someone else. Big bummer! I got my application fixed for Metro and the HR lady sent a metro wide email to principals letting them know I was available. I had JUST found out about Longview and was crying on the couch when a principal from a metro school called me and wanted to interview with me today. (When she called, I didn't even realize the "metro wide" email had been sent.) I interviewed with her and started crying in the middle of it and told her all that had happened. I also told her that I don't know specifics or step by step ways to teach reading but I love kids and I'm ready to learn. I just need a chance. Despite my crying, she offered me the position anyway.
I am now a kindergarten teacher at Hattie Cotton Elementary School. Can you believe the week I've had?! I think I'm still in shock. Oh, and I start tomorrow, Thursday. We have a 1/2 day meeting then I have to go to the board and pick up a packet & I have to go back to the board on Friday. I'm not sure when I'm going to set up my room. But hey, I have a room to set up.
Today, Saturday, Aug 11:
Now for another update, the teacher that was in the room had an hour's notice before I was hired to move out of her room and that she would be teaching 3rd grade. The room was in shambles! She had lots of stuff. She moved some stuff Thursday & Friday and today, Saturday, Brooks & I and Cathy organized and cleaned and moved furniture for about 4 hours. Cathy was my organizer and Brooks was my beef cake!!! :) We took out: a double sided book shelf, 2 desks, 2 tables, 10 chairs and lots of trash! I couldn't believe how much stuff she had! It look so much better. I really couldn't have done it without them. I am so grateful for their help. I should take pictures to share. :)
You know, God is just so incredibly good. It took a lot of twists and turns but I believe this is where God wants me and where I need to be. It makes me so excited to know that. God can take us on some crazy adventures and through it all, He's in control and I trust Him to take care of it all.
School starts Monday. Please pray for me and my students and all the other teachers and students starting.
Monday, Aug 6:
Saturday before last, my friend called me and said "Just wanted to let you know, there's a 1st grade ELL position open at my school. Not sure if you're interested but if you are contact the principal." She also said that she would love to sit in on the interview to give me support but she could only do it on Friday. I emailed the principal my resume and the principal contacted me back asking if my application was complete. In order to double check, I tried to contact HR at Metro with absolutely no luck at all. I couldn't get a hold of them at all. All week I have been frantically trying to get in touch with them and following up with the principal hoping to get everything cleared for the possibility of having an interview on Friday.
I took Friday off and it was busier than if I had gone into work. I was calling and emailing and working on straightening up everything. Unfortunately, no interview on Friday. Fortunately, I got a call from another school (the one 1.2 miles from my house that's brand new) Friday afternoon wanting to interview with me Tuesday @ 2:30 for a Kindergarten position. Yippee!!! Friday night we went to Ka Lin's birthday party and had so much fun playing pictionary it should be illegal. :)
Here comes the crazy part!!! Saturday morning I checked my email. I had an email from the principal saying "Hey, I'll be at the school today from 8-12. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood." What does this mean? Is this an interview? Is this a casual get together? Do I wear my suit? I called my friend and she said that it was an interview but I didn't need my suit but bring my resume. I run upstairs, get dressed and head out the door. I got on the interstate and was met with ridiculous traffic!!! Traffic! On a Saturday! Apparently the Williamson County Fair has more visitors than I realized and was clogging up the road. I was so angry. I had done so much to get this interview only to be stuck in traffic!
I called the principal to let her know my situation and she said to call her if it looked like I couldn't make it by noon. 15 minutes later and only up to the next exit, I called the principal to let her know I certainly couldn't make it by noon. She asked me a few questions and we talked for a little bit and then said "well this is what we've come up with [my friend] can do the interview... and make sure she shows you the room." I was floored! This is so cool! My friend is going to be doing the interview!! God stuck me in traffic for that very reason! :) The interview went great and the room is very spacious. And, best of all, they can't hire me on the spot because it has to come through HR but they want to offer me the position!!
I'm still going to do the interview for the kindergarten position at the brand new school right down the road from my house. It's an opportunity I can't pass up. It's been overwhelming for all of this to come out of the blue. I have to remind myself though, it might be out of the blue for me but God knew. It's so nice to feel wanted and to do teaching interviews again and to be able to wear my snazzy suit. :)
Wednesday, Aug. 8:My interview at Longview for the Kindergarten position went pretty well. I was pleasantly surprised at some of the answers I had given them. They were really good answers. :) I was really calm and looked GOOD in my new suit. :) The ladies seem nice and it was really nice to finally meet the principal in person after emailing & talking on the phone so much. There was a lot of laughing which is a good sign.
As of right now, I haven't heard back from them. I called a few minutes ago and the secretary said that the principal has stepped out of the building. I'm hoping to hear back in the next few hours. Please, please help me pray about this. If it's God's will, I know it will work out but if it doesn't it would be pretty disappointing.
A little update on the Metro job, Metro told the principal that I wasn't highly qualified to teach and so the principal interviewed other candidates and offered someone else the job. I found out that somehow on my online application, it showed that I was an English teacher and I was not highly qualified to teach K-6. I really don't know how that happened. I can't imagine that I would put down that I was an English teacher!! I was pretty disappointed at the news but was also looking for a way to gracefully opt out of the metro job in case Longview did work out. Well, it doesn't feel like a very graceful way to opt out of it and I'm still not sure if Longview has worked out or not. :)
Wednesday Night, Aug 8:
Well, I didn't get Longview. They offered it to someone else. Big bummer! I got my application fixed for Metro and the HR lady sent a metro wide email to principals letting them know I was available. I had JUST found out about Longview and was crying on the couch when a principal from a metro school called me and wanted to interview with me today. (When she called, I didn't even realize the "metro wide" email had been sent.) I interviewed with her and started crying in the middle of it and told her all that had happened. I also told her that I don't know specifics or step by step ways to teach reading but I love kids and I'm ready to learn. I just need a chance. Despite my crying, she offered me the position anyway.
I am now a kindergarten teacher at Hattie Cotton Elementary School. Can you believe the week I've had?! I think I'm still in shock. Oh, and I start tomorrow, Thursday. We have a 1/2 day meeting then I have to go to the board and pick up a packet & I have to go back to the board on Friday. I'm not sure when I'm going to set up my room. But hey, I have a room to set up.
Today, Saturday, Aug 11:
Now for another update, the teacher that was in the room had an hour's notice before I was hired to move out of her room and that she would be teaching 3rd grade. The room was in shambles! She had lots of stuff. She moved some stuff Thursday & Friday and today, Saturday, Brooks & I and Cathy organized and cleaned and moved furniture for about 4 hours. Cathy was my organizer and Brooks was my beef cake!!! :) We took out: a double sided book shelf, 2 desks, 2 tables, 10 chairs and lots of trash! I couldn't believe how much stuff she had! It look so much better. I really couldn't have done it without them. I am so grateful for their help. I should take pictures to share. :)
You know, God is just so incredibly good. It took a lot of twists and turns but I believe this is where God wants me and where I need to be. It makes me so excited to know that. God can take us on some crazy adventures and through it all, He's in control and I trust Him to take care of it all.
School starts Monday. Please pray for me and my students and all the other teachers and students starting.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
THE BACONATOR
Out of the blue, my lovely husband, emails me this message:
He really needs to learn to like vegetables.
I went to Wendy’s for lunch today and they had a new sandwich. So I gave it whirl, and I have found a sandwich that is greater than all others………THE BACONATOR. I am not making this up. It has two patties, real cheddar cheese, and about a pound and a half of bacon. After I got it, I almost began to spontaneously sing God Bless America .
If you are like me and have never heard of this heart stopping sandwich. It's really called that and it really has 6 slices of bacon. It's also an 830 calorie sandwich !! (I looked it up on Wendy's website)
He really needs to learn to like vegetables.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Newest Family Member
We have welcomed our newest family member into the world. Dennis & Ka Lin have had their second baby boy!!!!
His name is Landen Lee
Born July 23rd, at 11:24 pm
7 lbs & 9 & 3/4 oz
20 inches long
Mom & baby are doing very well. I will be posting pictures of my new nephew very soon. We are all so excited. :)
His name is Landen Lee
Born July 23rd, at 11:24 pm
7 lbs & 9 & 3/4 oz
20 inches long
Mom & baby are doing very well. I will be posting pictures of my new nephew very soon. We are all so excited. :)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
God Speaks
As you know, I've been waiting on God for a teaching position. I really feel like He's been teaching me a lot through this situation. And as hard as it is at times, I love it that He loves me enough to take the time to teach me. There comes a real connection when you teach someone something they didn't understand before.
Anyways, Sunday before last, Pastor Marvin preached and it was about when the Israelites were waiting for Moses when he went up the mountain to speak with God. At first they were okay with it and as time when on, they became a little nervous and confused, then it turned into anger - "Moses, where are you?! When are you coming back?!" Finally, that turned into panic - "Moses has left us! We're in the desert alone!" In their panic, they disobeyed God and created an idol for themselves.
Pastor Marvin's question at the end of his sermon was this:
What do you do when you are in the midst of a "divine pause"? The answer?
Be still and know that I am God.
All you have to do is wait.
When nothing is happening, something is happening.
And again today, I feel like God was giving me another reminder. I read a devotional online and yesterday & today's were just what I needed. I would love for you to read them as well. They are just chopped full of so much encouragement and so many reminders. I hope that they encourage you as much as they did me.
July 17, 07: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/11548046/
July 18, 07: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/11548253/
If you're waiting on God, too, don't be discouraged, & don't give up. God is working.
Anyways, Sunday before last, Pastor Marvin preached and it was about when the Israelites were waiting for Moses when he went up the mountain to speak with God. At first they were okay with it and as time when on, they became a little nervous and confused, then it turned into anger - "Moses, where are you?! When are you coming back?!" Finally, that turned into panic - "Moses has left us! We're in the desert alone!" In their panic, they disobeyed God and created an idol for themselves.
Pastor Marvin's question at the end of his sermon was this:
What do you do when you are in the midst of a "divine pause"? The answer?
Be still and know that I am God.
All you have to do is wait.
When nothing is happening, something is happening.
And again today, I feel like God was giving me another reminder. I read a devotional online and yesterday & today's were just what I needed. I would love for you to read them as well. They are just chopped full of so much encouragement and so many reminders. I hope that they encourage you as much as they did me.
July 17, 07: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/11548046/
July 18, 07: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/11548253/
If you're waiting on God, too, don't be discouraged, & don't give up. God is working.
Monday, July 16, 2007
My Hero
Thursday morning something terrible happened! On my way to work, I ran out of gas!!!!!!!!!! I didn't even make it to the next exit when my car started sputtering and pulling. I looked down at my gas hand and it was kissing the E. I was on empty! I had been on the interstate for about 10 minutes. I have NEVER run out of gas before. Never! I had been so busy the weeks before, I hadn't even thought of putting gas in my car!
I called Brooks, crying and let him know what had happened. He works in Lebanon which is an hour's drive. He assured me that it was okay and that he would pick up some gas and would come rescue me. "Just don't forget, it's going to take me an hour to get there."
What do you do on the side of the interstate for an hour? Well, I watched traffic come at me through my rear view mirror, noticed that the traffic really does come in waves or bunches, cried, observed that state troopers or cops wont necessarily help a stranded driver, talked to myself, talked to my mom on the phone, & listen to the radio. There's lots of fun things to do while waiting.
An hour later, after sitting in the hot car on the side of a busy interstate, Brooks came with the much needed gas. The minute he pulls up behind me, it starts raining!!! It hadn't been raining or even cloudy the whole time I was waiting on him. He's standing there putting gas in my car in the rain. I felt awful! As soon as my car is filled up and it's safe to start the car, we drive away, and it stops raining!!! Can you believe that!? It was some sort of tragic comedy!
I got to work an hour and a half later than expected and Brooks got an unexpected 2 hour break from his work!
I am so thankful for my white, shiny knight - with gas!!!
I called Brooks, crying and let him know what had happened. He works in Lebanon which is an hour's drive. He assured me that it was okay and that he would pick up some gas and would come rescue me. "Just don't forget, it's going to take me an hour to get there."
What do you do on the side of the interstate for an hour? Well, I watched traffic come at me through my rear view mirror, noticed that the traffic really does come in waves or bunches, cried, observed that state troopers or cops wont necessarily help a stranded driver, talked to myself, talked to my mom on the phone, & listen to the radio. There's lots of fun things to do while waiting.
An hour later, after sitting in the hot car on the side of a busy interstate, Brooks came with the much needed gas. The minute he pulls up behind me, it starts raining!!! It hadn't been raining or even cloudy the whole time I was waiting on him. He's standing there putting gas in my car in the rain. I felt awful! As soon as my car is filled up and it's safe to start the car, we drive away, and it stops raining!!! Can you believe that!? It was some sort of tragic comedy!
I got to work an hour and a half later than expected and Brooks got an unexpected 2 hour break from his work!
I am so thankful for my white, shiny knight - with gas!!!
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Family Filled Week
Things that I did last week:
Thursday night -Had a visit from Brooks' cousin, Amy and her family
Saturday/Sunday - Went to Atlanta for a cousins wedding
Sunday - Spent days with Daddy, Jane & Ben
Monday - swam & ate grilled food cooked by Daddy
Tuesday - shopped at Opry Mills &
Celebrated Cathy's 30th birthday w/ all her friends & family
Wednesday - Celebrated the 4th of July w/ friends & family - ate left overs from party & swam again. :)
Thursday night - ate at Catfish House w/ family. yum.
Friday & Saturday - absolutely nothing. ahhhh.
As busy as it was, I had a blast each minute of every day. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with family. I am so very blessed and extremely thankful to have such a wonderful family. I love you guys!!!
Thursday night -Had a visit from Brooks' cousin, Amy and her family
Saturday/Sunday - Went to Atlanta for a cousins wedding
Sunday - Spent days with Daddy, Jane & Ben
Monday - swam & ate grilled food cooked by Daddy
Tuesday - shopped at Opry Mills &
Celebrated Cathy's 30th birthday w/ all her friends & family
Wednesday - Celebrated the 4th of July w/ friends & family - ate left overs from party & swam again. :)
Thursday night - ate at Catfish House w/ family. yum.
Friday & Saturday - absolutely nothing. ahhhh.
As busy as it was, I had a blast each minute of every day. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with family. I am so very blessed and extremely thankful to have such a wonderful family. I love you guys!!!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Elevators
Every day I go to work on the 8th floor, the top floor. Every day I get on an elevator and soar gracefully up to the destined floor. At the end of the day, I go down 8 floors without incident.
Today I realized what an amazing feature an elevator is. You can go up 80 feet, even more impressive is that you can go DOWN 80, in roughly 10 seconds without a scratch. No huffing & puffing. No screaming. No near death experience. Just a relaxing trip up and down the elevator.
Today I realized what an amazing feature an elevator is. You can go up 80 feet, even more impressive is that you can go DOWN 80, in roughly 10 seconds without a scratch. No huffing & puffing. No screaming. No near death experience. Just a relaxing trip up and down the elevator.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
My Husband's Back
Wednesday Brooks had to go to Missouri to get his car fixed by someone we trust. We took it to a place here and after spending a thousand dollars with no change we decided to try someone else! I was unable to go with him because of my new job. I'm glad I have a job but I hated not being able to go.
I'm okay being by myself until it's time to go to bed. That's the hardest part. One night I had a really hard time sleeping and so I waited until I was sleepy enough just to fall right asleep. The second I turned off the TV, I couldn't go to sleep. I wound up having to fall asleep with the TV on which I never do.
Brooks is so sweet. He knows I have a hard time sleeping w/o him and so to give me company, he put a pillow from the guest room in his pillow's place and put Malcomb & Eyore (two sentimental stuff animals) on the bed. It was really sweet. He does little stuff like that and it just makes me melt.
He came back yesterday with a car full of stuff from his home - childhood stuff - lots of leggos - gobs of leggos to be exact and lots of books. Our children are going to have a hard time NOT reading around here.
I must admit that it was nice to have an evening to myself but after that the fun was over. I wanted him home. I'm so glad he's home!!
Distance really does make the heart grow fonder.
I'm okay being by myself until it's time to go to bed. That's the hardest part. One night I had a really hard time sleeping and so I waited until I was sleepy enough just to fall right asleep. The second I turned off the TV, I couldn't go to sleep. I wound up having to fall asleep with the TV on which I never do.
Brooks is so sweet. He knows I have a hard time sleeping w/o him and so to give me company, he put a pillow from the guest room in his pillow's place and put Malcomb & Eyore (two sentimental stuff animals) on the bed. It was really sweet. He does little stuff like that and it just makes me melt.
He came back yesterday with a car full of stuff from his home - childhood stuff - lots of leggos - gobs of leggos to be exact and lots of books. Our children are going to have a hard time NOT reading around here.
I must admit that it was nice to have an evening to myself but after that the fun was over. I wanted him home. I'm so glad he's home!!
Distance really does make the heart grow fonder.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Quotable Quotes
We have this calendar that has daily quotes. They're the stupid stuff people say. Here are just a few of my favorites:
From the game show "You Say, We Pay":
Game show host Richard Madeley:
It stands in a field and it shouts moo.
Contestant:
A sheep.
___________________
We have very hazardous conditions due to a five-year drought, and the lack of rain hasn't help any, either. KABC-7 reporter, L.A.
___________________
At the risk of being simplistic, what you're looking at is a quasi-neural matrix of synthetic RNA molecules. Dr. Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver), in Demon Seed (1977)
____________________
Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8pm in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King. church bulletin listing
From the game show "You Say, We Pay":
Game show host Richard Madeley:
It stands in a field and it shouts moo.
Contestant:
A sheep.
___________________
We have very hazardous conditions due to a five-year drought, and the lack of rain hasn't help any, either. KABC-7 reporter, L.A.
___________________
At the risk of being simplistic, what you're looking at is a quasi-neural matrix of synthetic RNA molecules. Dr. Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver), in Demon Seed (1977)
____________________
Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8pm in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King. church bulletin listing
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Kaden loves Smokey, Cathy Doesn't!!
Sunday was Mother's Day! To celebrate my family came to our house and ate lunch. I absolutely love being with my family. We always have such a good time - lots of fun and lots of laughter. Yesterday was no exception. Two notable events happened yesterday both involving my two year old nephew.
First Funny Moment:
Our love seat is in the shop being repaired and so there is lots of open space for Kaden to run and play in. Numerous times, he would stand in from of the oven and run as fast as his little legs would go and plow right into our ottoman. After a few times of doing this, he began to try to jump onto the ottoman without the running start which was a pretty tough feat for him considering he's barely taller than it is. On one jump, he hit the ottoman with his little shoulder and bounced off! Cathy & I stopped - silent. Once we heard Kaden giggle, obviously not hurt, we burst into convulsive laughter. Imagine. It was like slow motion: Kaden hit the ottoman, rolled/bounced onto the floor and being concealed as he descended behind the ottoman. Then - silence - followed by roars of laughter.
Second Funny Moment:
Brooks has a UT Smokey doll. You push it's hand and it sings "Rocky Top" or chants "I say it's great to be a TN vol" over and over and over and over and over again. Kaden used to be deathly afraid of this doll. Dogs are not supposed to dance and sing. Now I wish he were still afraid of it! He, unknowingly and innocently, tortured us with the two chants coming from this synthetic dog! Over and over - until Kaden left the room. Cathy quickly snatched up Smokey and hid him. Poor Kaden, heartbroken he asks "Where Smokey?" The response, "He went to sleep." Smokey's nap didn't last long because Kaden found him. When Kaden left the room again, Cathy found an even better hiding spot. Here's where & how Smokey wound up:
Poor Smokey!
New Job, Busy Week
I have been at my new job for a week now. Boy, is it interesting! I'm working in claims for MedSolutions. There are 10 temps training and it's nice to be a part of a group all learning and sometimes struggling together.
Last week was training and it seemed like what could go wrong would go wrong. We constantly had issues with the computers and just snags that kept getting in the way. Also, it's a lot of information to learn. So in addition to the computer glitches, feeling overwhelmed plagued the training room.
Friday was a better day. We were paired up with a "buddy" who showed us the ropes of the systems and how to do procedures that we had heard about in training. It helped boost our confidence and our notes.
Today was an even better day. They were kind enough to supply us with someone who stayed in the training room to help us with questions and procedures. It's a lot of info to learn and it just can't be done in one day.
It can be a monotonous job but I'm getting paid and it's temporary and so I don't mind so much. I'm actually very glad that I have a job and it's just a bonus that it pays so nice.
Last week was training and it seemed like what could go wrong would go wrong. We constantly had issues with the computers and just snags that kept getting in the way. Also, it's a lot of information to learn. So in addition to the computer glitches, feeling overwhelmed plagued the training room.
Friday was a better day. We were paired up with a "buddy" who showed us the ropes of the systems and how to do procedures that we had heard about in training. It helped boost our confidence and our notes.
Today was an even better day. They were kind enough to supply us with someone who stayed in the training room to help us with questions and procedures. It's a lot of info to learn and it just can't be done in one day.
It can be a monotonous job but I'm getting paid and it's temporary and so I don't mind so much. I'm actually very glad that I have a job and it's just a bonus that it pays so nice.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
The Twists & Turns in Life
As some of you know, I have been "working" as a substitute teacher for the past few months. I use the term "working" very loosely because it is a very sporadic job. One week I'll work two or three days and then will go weeks without any calls. In order to have more consistency, I began looking into secretary jobs since I have some experience in that field. I had a few interviews, ran into two jerks and finally found something.
Wood Personnel is a temp agency that deals with jobs in just that field. I emailed them my resume, had a very pleasant interview with them, and they are placing me in a job that starts this coming Monday. It will be a data entry job for a company in Cool Springs. I am very excited about getting out of the house, making money, helping our family, feeling helpful, making money... Did I mention I'll be making money? The job will pay very nicely and will run until the end of July, which is perfect. It was supposed to start last Monday but had to be postponed due to technical difficulties. The delay worked out because it has given me extra time to follow up on teaching jobs.
I still really want to teach but am hitting an emotional wall. I am just tired of the whole process. I just want something that is for certain. Right now the temp job is for certain and a teaching job is not. I've been looking and hoping for a teaching job for a year and a half. I never thought it would be this difficult finding a teaching position. It's been one of the hardest things I've ever dealt with. A big part of me just wants to move on and find and office job. I'm so tired of being in this situation. Even if it means moving on from teaching, I just want this situation to be over with.
I'm sure I just need to keep waiting and remember that God is still working. I know that God is with me and I am very thankful for that. I am also thankful for the job He has given me, the lessons He has taught me, and for friends and family that love me. I'm super thankful for Brooks, my partner in crime, for his constant encouragement when wanted and prodding even when unwanted.
Wood Personnel is a temp agency that deals with jobs in just that field. I emailed them my resume, had a very pleasant interview with them, and they are placing me in a job that starts this coming Monday. It will be a data entry job for a company in Cool Springs. I am very excited about getting out of the house, making money, helping our family, feeling helpful, making money... Did I mention I'll be making money? The job will pay very nicely and will run until the end of July, which is perfect. It was supposed to start last Monday but had to be postponed due to technical difficulties. The delay worked out because it has given me extra time to follow up on teaching jobs.
I still really want to teach but am hitting an emotional wall. I am just tired of the whole process. I just want something that is for certain. Right now the temp job is for certain and a teaching job is not. I've been looking and hoping for a teaching job for a year and a half. I never thought it would be this difficult finding a teaching position. It's been one of the hardest things I've ever dealt with. A big part of me just wants to move on and find and office job. I'm so tired of being in this situation. Even if it means moving on from teaching, I just want this situation to be over with.
I'm sure I just need to keep waiting and remember that God is still working. I know that God is with me and I am very thankful for that. I am also thankful for the job He has given me, the lessons He has taught me, and for friends and family that love me. I'm super thankful for Brooks, my partner in crime, for his constant encouragement when wanted and prodding even when unwanted.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Hummingbirds!
I have had my hummingbird feeder out for several months now but because of the cold snap during half of April, no hummingbirds have visited - until now!
Saturday was the first day that we were visited by the beautiful creatures. The feeder is right outside our living room window so I can watch them from the chair. I have never seen a hummingbird so close up so it's been a real treat for me to see them. They are really cool to watch and they are so tiny! It feels like Christmas every time one comes and eats!!
Saturday was the first day that we were visited by the beautiful creatures. The feeder is right outside our living room window so I can watch them from the chair. I have never seen a hummingbird so close up so it's been a real treat for me to see them. They are really cool to watch and they are so tiny! It feels like Christmas every time one comes and eats!!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Another Waiting Scripture
Psalms 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
If you, O lord should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is
steadfast love,
and with him is great power
to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
From the New Oxford Annotated Bible
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
If you, O lord should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is
steadfast love,
and with him is great power
to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
From the New Oxford Annotated Bible
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Waiting
I hate waiting. Hate it, hate it, hate it. It feels like I've been in a season on waiting and man have I struggled. As painful as it has been though, God is still good and He uses every situation to teach me to be a better daughter of His.
I recently read a book titled When God Takes Too Long. It really helped me change how I viewed God. I would become so angry with God because I wasn't getting my prayers answered when and how I wanted them to be. Ouch. What a selfish brat I realized I was being. God is still God in the waiting. "If we allow our faith and our actions to fade in and out according to the difficulties we face, then we'll spend our whole lives getting knocked off course and flailing around spiritually." (p.131) That blew my mind. Looking back at my spiritual life, I realized I had been doing just that. My spiritual life has waxed an waned with the tides of life. (I know that sounds cheesy) If life has been hard then I've gotten mad at God, pouted and stopped talking with Him; when life is going good I have a great spiritual life. I think God wants more than that for us and from us. We have to trust that He knows and He is working whether we can see it or not.
I also had gotten to the point where I didn't expect much from God anymore. I hadn't realized it until I read this from the book:
If you are in the waiting room. Keep waiting. I know that sounds cruel and not very helpful at all but keep waiting. Hang in there. More than likely, you don't see God working in your life. You feel frustrated and left all alone. Don't give up! Keep Waiting! God IS working in your life. Just because things don't work out the way we would like for them to does not mean that God is any less powerful, any less caring, any less loving. I have learned that in my own waiting room.
I'm reminded of the Scripture "In my Father's house there are many rooms..." Maybe in addition to a waiting room, there's a living room and a bedroom and a parlor and a kitchen... In the waiting room, you can only see that one room. You can't see what's happening in the rest of the house. It's still God's house and He's still working in it. Maybe He's cleaning up another room getting it ready for you to join Him in it next. Right now though, it may not be ready for you - the timing's not right. Right now, you just need to wait.
The past two weeks have been stressful for me. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I believe the waiting is coming to an end. I still worry. I'm still anxious. I'm still afraid. How is it going to work out? What if it doesn't work out? I know. I forget what I've learned. For the past few nights as I'm trying to drift to dream land I've had those gnawing questions come up. And each time, I've prayed for God's help and have been flooded with Scriptures. I would like to share a few of them with you now. I hope they will help you in your time of waiting.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Also, I looked up "do not be afraid" on Bible Resources. According to this site, there are 65 verses throughout the Bible where God says to His people or servant "do not be afraid". I hope these will help encourage you in your time of waiting.
I recently read a book titled When God Takes Too Long. It really helped me change how I viewed God. I would become so angry with God because I wasn't getting my prayers answered when and how I wanted them to be. Ouch. What a selfish brat I realized I was being. God is still God in the waiting. "If we allow our faith and our actions to fade in and out according to the difficulties we face, then we'll spend our whole lives getting knocked off course and flailing around spiritually." (p.131) That blew my mind. Looking back at my spiritual life, I realized I had been doing just that. My spiritual life has waxed an waned with the tides of life. (I know that sounds cheesy) If life has been hard then I've gotten mad at God, pouted and stopped talking with Him; when life is going good I have a great spiritual life. I think God wants more than that for us and from us. We have to trust that He knows and He is working whether we can see it or not.
I also had gotten to the point where I didn't expect much from God anymore. I hadn't realized it until I read this from the book:
We interpret "not yet" to mean "never". We begin to believe this vague disappointment with God is a permanent condition. He'll take us so far, He'll raise our hopes, but we'll always be left stranded in the end. We don't give up exactly. We don't renounce our Christian commitment and publicly turn away from God. Instead, we belive in Him, but we don't expect much from Him. We'll continue to call ourselves His, but we don't intend to dream big anymore or put ourselves on the line for Him. (p.59,60 emphasis added)
If you are in the waiting room. Keep waiting. I know that sounds cruel and not very helpful at all but keep waiting. Hang in there. More than likely, you don't see God working in your life. You feel frustrated and left all alone. Don't give up! Keep Waiting! God IS working in your life. Just because things don't work out the way we would like for them to does not mean that God is any less powerful, any less caring, any less loving. I have learned that in my own waiting room.
I'm reminded of the Scripture "In my Father's house there are many rooms..." Maybe in addition to a waiting room, there's a living room and a bedroom and a parlor and a kitchen... In the waiting room, you can only see that one room. You can't see what's happening in the rest of the house. It's still God's house and He's still working in it. Maybe He's cleaning up another room getting it ready for you to join Him in it next. Right now though, it may not be ready for you - the timing's not right. Right now, you just need to wait.
The past two weeks have been stressful for me. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I believe the waiting is coming to an end. I still worry. I'm still anxious. I'm still afraid. How is it going to work out? What if it doesn't work out? I know. I forget what I've learned. For the past few nights as I'm trying to drift to dream land I've had those gnawing questions come up. And each time, I've prayed for God's help and have been flooded with Scriptures. I would like to share a few of them with you now. I hope they will help you in your time of waiting.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Also, I looked up "do not be afraid" on Bible Resources. According to this site, there are 65 verses throughout the Bible where God says to His people or servant "do not be afraid". I hope these will help encourage you in your time of waiting.
Friday, April 20, 2007
African Violet
I am so proud of my African Violet. It is doing really well. It's even starting to bloom.
My friend Carol's African Volet looks a lot different from mine. I have never seen a plant look so funky before. She has it in her office and it is trying to get more sunlight!
My friend Carol's African Volet looks a lot different from mine. I have never seen a plant look so funky before. She has it in her office and it is trying to get more sunlight!
Man, mine looks so boring compared to her's! :) Her's does look like some abstract art doesn't it.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Innocence Lost
My heart breaks for the VA Tech family. There are so many speculations about how this could have been avoided and who is to blame but for right now is the time to simply grieve. Grieve for the loved ones who lost their lives, and those that lost their loved ones (including the shooter's family), and grieve for innocence lost.
Personally, I think I was finally beginning to become comfortable again after 9/11 but again we are reminded of the carnage that man is capable of. How can this happen again? How can human beings continually treat each other with such brutality? I'll never understand how genocides can go on unnoticed or shy students can erupt like an angry volcano with out it being prevented or avoided.
I believe that this is a reminder to pray. Not only does VA Tech need prayer but also our nation and our world. I believe that every human being is looking for acceptance and love and that can only be found through Jesus Christ. Let this be a reminder for us to intervene through intercessory prayer. Also, let us be the walking example of Jesus and embody the love and acceptance so many are yearning for.
Personally, I think I was finally beginning to become comfortable again after 9/11 but again we are reminded of the carnage that man is capable of. How can this happen again? How can human beings continually treat each other with such brutality? I'll never understand how genocides can go on unnoticed or shy students can erupt like an angry volcano with out it being prevented or avoided.
I believe that this is a reminder to pray. Not only does VA Tech need prayer but also our nation and our world. I believe that every human being is looking for acceptance and love and that can only be found through Jesus Christ. Let this be a reminder for us to intervene through intercessory prayer. Also, let us be the walking example of Jesus and embody the love and acceptance so many are yearning for.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Bowling
Saturday the family went bowling! We were celebrating my dad's birthday while they were here. We were going to go golfing but, of course, the weather didn't cooperate. That's fine with me b/c I've never been golfing in my life! And I doubt I would have won like I did in bowling!!! That's right. I won! I bowled a 128. I think that might be my highest score. I can't remember though since it's been such a long time since I've gone bowling.
We bowled two games. The first game was as individuals and it took a long time to go through a game of 7 people. Oh, did I mention I won that game? The second game went much quicker because we played pairs. My little brother, Ben, asked my sister, Cathy, to play with him. He was not a happy camper when at the end of the game he and Cathy were dead last! Cathy felt terrible that she was "letting Ben down" and I think Ben thought he had made a bad decision! Cathy & Luis won that round. I had to give someone else a chance, right?
We bowled two games. The first game was as individuals and it took a long time to go through a game of 7 people. Oh, did I mention I won that game? The second game went much quicker because we played pairs. My little brother, Ben, asked my sister, Cathy, to play with him. He was not a happy camper when at the end of the game he and Cathy were dead last! Cathy felt terrible that she was "letting Ben down" and I think Ben thought he had made a bad decision! Cathy & Luis won that round. I had to give someone else a chance, right?
TNT@TNU
WOW! Did I have a busy weekend!
Every year Nazarene teens from all around the southeast come to Trevecca (TNU) and compete in all sorts of categories: sports, singing, puppets, sign language, Bible quizzing... It's called "Top Nazarene Talent at Trevecca Nazarene University" - TNT@TNU. Hundreds of teens come and invade the college campus and hundreds of Trevecca students hide from said teens.
This year, my little brother who is not so little anymore, Ben, competed with his church teen group in puppets . So to support him, I hung out Friday at Trevecca. I had so much fun. It felt like a big family reunion, running into old friends and catching up on life. It was great fun. I laughed so much this weekend!
I think the book store and the meteorologists were in cahoots with one another though. It was bitterly cold Friday. I had on a short sleeved shirt and a zip up hoodie. I was still so cold I had to go buy a $37 sweat shirt from the book store. You know, this is the first ever article of clothing I've had with "Trevecca" on it. While in college, I was too poor to buy one. Plus, I figured they had enough of my money to begin with!
This weekend was also a tribute to time as well. I lived 5 years of my life at that school and now it is filled with a new generation of students busying around just as I had done many times. This time though, I was no longer in that role of "Trevecca student". Being able to look back at that time in my life made me appreciate that experience and it also made me appreciate my life right now. I gained so many life long friendships through Trevecca and it was only fitting that I would be reunited with some of them this weekend at Trevecca.
Oh, by the way, Ben's group won 1st place in puppets! Go Team!
Every year Nazarene teens from all around the southeast come to Trevecca (TNU) and compete in all sorts of categories: sports, singing, puppets, sign language, Bible quizzing... It's called "Top Nazarene Talent at Trevecca Nazarene University" - TNT@TNU. Hundreds of teens come and invade the college campus and hundreds of Trevecca students hide from said teens.
This year, my little brother who is not so little anymore, Ben, competed with his church teen group in puppets . So to support him, I hung out Friday at Trevecca. I had so much fun. It felt like a big family reunion, running into old friends and catching up on life. It was great fun. I laughed so much this weekend!
I think the book store and the meteorologists were in cahoots with one another though. It was bitterly cold Friday. I had on a short sleeved shirt and a zip up hoodie. I was still so cold I had to go buy a $37 sweat shirt from the book store. You know, this is the first ever article of clothing I've had with "Trevecca" on it. While in college, I was too poor to buy one. Plus, I figured they had enough of my money to begin with!
This weekend was also a tribute to time as well. I lived 5 years of my life at that school and now it is filled with a new generation of students busying around just as I had done many times. This time though, I was no longer in that role of "Trevecca student". Being able to look back at that time in my life made me appreciate that experience and it also made me appreciate my life right now. I gained so many life long friendships through Trevecca and it was only fitting that I would be reunited with some of them this weekend at Trevecca.
Oh, by the way, Ben's group won 1st place in puppets! Go Team!
Friday, April 6, 2007
Snow in April
I can't believe it! It is snowing in April! Tuesday it was 83 degrees and the temperature plumeted that night 50 degrees lower to a low of 30-ish.
Today - it is snowing! Snowing, people, in April! It's not enough to stick but it's still snowing!
Man, that "Global Warming" is KILLING us!
Today - it is snowing! Snowing, people, in April! It's not enough to stick but it's still snowing!
Man, that "Global Warming" is KILLING us!
Thursday, April 5, 2007
The Jungle - Killing Lawn Mowers Everywhere
Our neighbor, L.D., has mowed our lawn ever since we moved into our house. He does a great job and we appreciate his hard work. This afternoon he was mowing the back yard and I noticed that his lawn mower had stalled out. I asked him if everything was okay and he said "Ms. Veronica", which is very unnerving to hear from a 15 year old since I'm not old enough to be a 'Ms.', "this hill is too much for my lawn mower. I can't mow it. Do you think the home owner's association can come out and mow it?" I explained to him that they had already come out and mowed half the stupid thing but wouldn't mow the other half b/c they say it's on our lawn. It's been a huge issue going back and forth with these people. "Well, didn't they put it here?!", he said indignantly. "Yes, they did but they are very difficult to deal with and don't do any more than necessary." L.D. said, completely seriously & sterned faced, "Ms. Veronica, you want me to talk to them about it for you." Trying not to crack up in his face, I politely told him "no". His sincerity meant a lot to me. :)
Fortunately for us, we now have a new home owner's association. Hopefully, they will be a whole lot better than the last group. Maybe they will come mow our massive hill.
Fortunately for us, we now have a new home owner's association. Hopefully, they will be a whole lot better than the last group. Maybe they will come mow our massive hill.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
It's a Jungle Out There
We bought our home a few years ago with a beautiful view of a drainage pipe looking right at us. We really didn't mind because we were going to fence in our yard.
Before we had a chance to do so, last April a huge storm came through the area and almost flooded our neighbor's yard. In order to make sure this never happens a gain, the drainage pipe was reconstructed. The home owners association came in, dug a big trench, put a big hill in our yard ("a retaining wall"), and put the drain underground.
Now that spring has sprung and the grass has grown we have a rolling hill of tall, tall grass in our back yard. It feels like we're on a prairie when the wind blows over it and it ripples like an ocean wave. This beautiful grass makes hitting practice golf balls quite challenging to find when Brooks hits them into this grass. When he has to go look for a ball he has to swing his golf club like a machete. To give you an idea of just how tall it is - Brooks & I are both 5'6" and the grass comes up above our knees!
This picture is to show how big the contrast is between a cut and uncut section of the grass.Oh, and if you look at the before and after you'll notice before there were no houses. We left for a trip and were gone for two weeks and when we came up a subdivision was in our back yard!
Monday, April 2, 2007
I Moved
As many of my friends and family know, I had a blog on 360.yahoo.com - yahoo's blog space. I just didn't like it. It was easy to post blogs but there were just so many other things I didn't like. I have many friends on blogger and really liked the look of their pages. So I have come to join the masses on blogger. I am going to move all my stories from my other blog onto here and then so long yahoo blog page.
Kittens for Maebel
My sister, Cathy, lives in an apartment with her husband Luis. One uneventful day Cathy came home to be greeted by a very friendly cat. The cat had been abandoned by it's owners and so decided to adopt Cathy. She followed her new pet into the apartment, like it was her new castle, and made herself at home.
As the weeks went by, Maebel, (who was originally called Maple for the color of her fur but was mispronounced constantly by Luis) started getting heavier and eating a lot more. It was soon discovered that Maebel was pregnant. What joy came into the apartment!
The time came for Maebel to have her kittens. Sadly, tragedy struck and she gave birth to two stillborn kittens. Maebel was rushed to the doctor to have an emergency c-section to remove the remaining three stillborn kittens. All of her kittens were lost.
She couldn't get over her pain of losing her kittens crying constantly and so Maebel again adopted Cathy and Luis. This time as her surrogate kittens. Since she had already picked out a spot to raise her kittens and since Cathy & Luis were now her kittens, she began to corral Cathy & Luis to her spot: a nook at the computer desk.
After three days of heart-wrenching crying, Maebel finally convinced her new human kittens to sleep on the floor on an air mattress in front of her spot. It was the best sleep they had in three days!
Whenever her new human kittens would move or leave the apartment, Mama Maebel, would become very upset. No work was to be done, no errands to be made. And when her human kittens returned she would fuss profusely at them!
Four days had passed since she lost her kittens and the human kitties were losing their minds! Cathy called everywhere looking for kittens for Maebel. She finally learned that a stray cat had given birth to five kittens, just like Maebel, on the same day Maebel had.
The stray had them up in a tree but they fell out and she only retrieved two leaving the other three on the ground. The owner of the tree was very happy to give the kittens to Cathy hoping that Maebel would accept them.
Cathy came home with her box of kittens for Maebel and since Cathy was still a human kitten Mable fussed at her for leaving without permission. In mid "Meow", Maebel smelled the kittens. So it was: "Meow, Meow, Me". They put the box down anxious that she would accept the new kittens. They didn't have to wait long! Maebel immediately crawled over the side of the box, hanging half in and half out, trying to get to the kittens. Then there was a frenzy of excited licks and rubs from Maebel for her new kittens. Moments later, she took her kittens and placed them in her special spot and began feeding them and taking care of them not as if they were her own. They were her own.
First published: Monday April 2, 2007 - 04:49pm (CDT)
As the weeks went by, Maebel, (who was originally called Maple for the color of her fur but was mispronounced constantly by Luis) started getting heavier and eating a lot more. It was soon discovered that Maebel was pregnant. What joy came into the apartment!
The time came for Maebel to have her kittens. Sadly, tragedy struck and she gave birth to two stillborn kittens. Maebel was rushed to the doctor to have an emergency c-section to remove the remaining three stillborn kittens. All of her kittens were lost.
She couldn't get over her pain of losing her kittens crying constantly and so Maebel again adopted Cathy and Luis. This time as her surrogate kittens. Since she had already picked out a spot to raise her kittens and since Cathy & Luis were now her kittens, she began to corral Cathy & Luis to her spot: a nook at the computer desk.
After three days of heart-wrenching crying, Maebel finally convinced her new human kittens to sleep on the floor on an air mattress in front of her spot. It was the best sleep they had in three days!
Whenever her new human kittens would move or leave the apartment, Mama Maebel, would become very upset. No work was to be done, no errands to be made. And when her human kittens returned she would fuss profusely at them!
Four days had passed since she lost her kittens and the human kitties were losing their minds! Cathy called everywhere looking for kittens for Maebel. She finally learned that a stray cat had given birth to five kittens, just like Maebel, on the same day Maebel had.
The stray had them up in a tree but they fell out and she only retrieved two leaving the other three on the ground. The owner of the tree was very happy to give the kittens to Cathy hoping that Maebel would accept them.
Cathy came home with her box of kittens for Maebel and since Cathy was still a human kitten Mable fussed at her for leaving without permission. In mid "Meow", Maebel smelled the kittens. So it was: "Meow, Meow, Me". They put the box down anxious that she would accept the new kittens. They didn't have to wait long! Maebel immediately crawled over the side of the box, hanging half in and half out, trying to get to the kittens. Then there was a frenzy of excited licks and rubs from Maebel for her new kittens. Moments later, she took her kittens and placed them in her special spot and began feeding them and taking care of them not as if they were her own. They were her own.
First published: Monday April 2, 2007 - 04:49pm (CDT)
Men's Bathroom
I got this forward from my dad and I don't know if this is true but it was so creative and so funny to me I decided to share it.
Edge Designs is an all-women run company that designs interior office space. They had a recent opportunity to do an office project in NYC. The client allowed the women of this company a free hand in all design aspects. The client was a company that was also run by all women execs...
The result.........well.....We all know that men never talk, never look at each other....and never laugh much in the restroom.... The men's room is a serious and quiet place...........
But now.....with the addition of one mural on the wall...... lets just say the men's restroom is a place of laughter and smiles....
Tell me what you think!
The result.........well.....We all know that men never talk, never look at each other....and never laugh much in the restroom.... The men's room is a serious and quiet place...........
But now.....with the addition of one mural on the wall...... lets just say the men's restroom is a place of laughter and smiles....
Tell me what you think!First Day of Spring
Today is the first day of spring. This is a bitter/sweet moment for me. I am very excited that color will be coming back to our world after a dreary, monochromatic winter but it also means pollen is back. For the million of us that suffer from allergies we are torn between wanting to frolic outside and wanting to be comfortable.
Oh, to be able to play carefree in the newness of spring. No runny nose, no sneezing, no itchy eye, no allergy medicine side effects. All you would have to worry about is being tired at the end of the day from your accomplishments: picking dandy lions (we have plenty in our yard), and just simply playing until your heart's content. Ah, I miss those days.
I went out today to spray weeds & dandy lions and I would just like to share with you the biggest weed I've ever seen in my life. This thing has got to be 1 1/2 ft to 2 ft in diameter. I sprayed it with weed be gone stuff. Hopefully that will kill it before it takes over our house!
First posted on: Wednesday March 21, 2007 - 12:43pm (CDT)
Oh, to be able to play carefree in the newness of spring. No runny nose, no sneezing, no itchy eye, no allergy medicine side effects. All you would have to worry about is being tired at the end of the day from your accomplishments: picking dandy lions (we have plenty in our yard), and just simply playing until your heart's content. Ah, I miss those days.
I went out today to spray weeds & dandy lions and I would just like to share with you the biggest weed I've ever seen in my life. This thing has got to be 1 1/2 ft to 2 ft in diameter. I sprayed it with weed be gone stuff. Hopefully that will kill it before it takes over our house!
First posted on: Wednesday March 21, 2007 - 12:43pm (CDT)
Build Me Up Jonnacles
I never knew there was another name for buttercup flowers until I met my mother-in-law, Regina. She and her husband disagree about the name of this flower every spring. He calls them buttercups and she calls them "jonnacles".
When I her the term "Jonnacles" the image of pirates and "RRRRR" and "Ahoy, Mates" run through my mind. I don't know why, but the term always sounds like something more associated with pirates and their ships than a beautiful yellow flower.
Then talking about buttercups always makes me start singing: "Why do you build me up (build me up) buttercup baby when you let me down (let me down)... I need you (I need you) more than anyone baby la la la from the start So build me up (build me up) buttercup Don't break my heart" And this tune never fails to run relentlessly through my mind for days. Even now as I type this I can't help but to sing this song!
No matter what you call them, they're still such fun little flowers. But I don't think the song would flow as well if it were called by another name.
Windy Day
We had some college friends, Brad & Angela, come into town last weekend and we went to Amanda's soccer game. It was a gorgeous day Saturday but it was so windy. It was one of the windiest days with 24mph wind gusts. We sat outside for about 5 minutes and were frozen solid. I couldn't feel my butt when I stood up. We decided to move the car so we enjoy the game in the warm, cozy car. As we were sitting there, the wind would be so bad at times it was rocking the car. Sorry Amanda but we didn't see much of the soccer game.
Brooks & Brad saw more of the game than we did because they decided to sit outside for the duration of the game. They said that at one point a ball rolled by them and they couldn't move they were so cold. Also, Brad made the comment that he knew what I meant about not being able to feel his butt. Then when the game was over their hands were ice which they tried to torture their poor wives with by touching us with them.
Because of sitting outside, my lovely husband never completely dethawed. The ride home was quite interesting. We were wanting to head south on the interstate and he almost went north. He kept telling me about conversations that I was a part of. I was constantly saying, "Yes, honey, I was there, remember?" Even when we were going to bed he was still cold. This is phenomenal because my husband is a human heater. He's never cold!
It was a fun, fun day though despite the cold. It's always so much fun to hang out with our college friends.
Originally posted on: Tuesday March 6, 2007 - 02:48pm (CST)
Brooks & Brad saw more of the game than we did because they decided to sit outside for the duration of the game. They said that at one point a ball rolled by them and they couldn't move they were so cold. Also, Brad made the comment that he knew what I meant about not being able to feel his butt. Then when the game was over their hands were ice which they tried to torture their poor wives with by touching us with them.
Because of sitting outside, my lovely husband never completely dethawed. The ride home was quite interesting. We were wanting to head south on the interstate and he almost went north. He kept telling me about conversations that I was a part of. I was constantly saying, "Yes, honey, I was there, remember?" Even when we were going to bed he was still cold. This is phenomenal because my husband is a human heater. He's never cold!
It was a fun, fun day though despite the cold. It's always so much fun to hang out with our college friends.
Originally posted on: Tuesday March 6, 2007 - 02:48pm (CST)
"Thomas, Kitty"
My mom has had two cats for about 7 years now. They're names are Charlie & Sandie, two sisters that are almost identical except for a few markings that tell them apart. They're lovely cats and my two nephews love to pet them whenever the cats let them.
On Christmas, my youngest nephew, Kaden, got a whole Thomas the Train set from his older cousin, Eyan, and loves it. For the rest of the day all we saw was the back of his head as he stooped down over his trains. Well, one moment he decided to grace us with a glimpse of his cute face.
Brooks & I were sitting on the couch and Charlie was sitting in my lap. Kaden comes up to us, looks at Charlie, shows the cat his train, and says, "Thomas, Kitty." totally expecting Charlie to acknowledge him and Thomas. Well, when the cat doesn't, he gives her a confused look, walks back over to his trains, picks up another, walks up to the cat again and says, "Freight train, Kitty?" and just looks at her like "hello, did you hear me?" He couldn't seem to understand why Charlie wasn't as excited about his trains as he is. It was hilarious. Brooks & I laugh about that every time we think about it. I can't believe he's about to turn two this weekend.
First posted on: Wednesday February 28, 2007 - 04:34pm (CST)
My Favorite Childhood Book
The internet can be a great tool. It is so much easier to find information on the internet than any "old fashion way". For instance, when I was in elementary school, I read this book that I really enjoyed. All these years later, the memory of that book has stuck with me. Unfortunately, the name of the book didn't.
The book was set in the Revolutionary War and a young girl dresses up as a boy to send secret messages in loaves of bread to the patriots. That's all I could remember. I looked all over the web for this book and to no avail came up empty handed. What's a girl to do next?
I turned to Answers! on Yahoo!, typed my question with a description of the book and got an answer!!! I was so excited I started screaming at the computer, "Yes! That's It!!" Brooks thought I was a little nuts but what's new.
In case you're curious, the name of the book is Toliver's Secret by Esther Wood Brady. It's a good book. You should check it out.
Thank you wide world of web for making finding information from complete strangers so easy to do!
First published on Tuesday February 20, 2007 - 06:47pm (CST)
The book was set in the Revolutionary War and a young girl dresses up as a boy to send secret messages in loaves of bread to the patriots. That's all I could remember. I looked all over the web for this book and to no avail came up empty handed. What's a girl to do next?
I turned to Answers! on Yahoo!, typed my question with a description of the book and got an answer!!! I was so excited I started screaming at the computer, "Yes! That's It!!" Brooks thought I was a little nuts but what's new.
In case you're curious, the name of the book is Toliver's Secret by Esther Wood Brady. It's a good book. You should check it out.
Thank you wide world of web for making finding information from complete strangers so easy to do!
First published on Tuesday February 20, 2007 - 06:47pm (CST)
Tennessee Snow
I hate Tennessee weather!! I've lived here a number of years and and just can't get used to it! I'm from Georgia and Georgia weather is hot but it's consistently hot. We would pull out our heavy coats, if we had one, if it got below 50.
Here in TN, we had "snow" Saturday & Sunday and today we will have a high of almost 60 degrees!! That's around a 20-30 degree change in just 24 hours.
I use the term "snow" lightly, too. First, the weather people insight riots all over town and cause grocery stores to go out of milk and bread. (Maybe the weather people are being paid by the grocery stores to do so, hummm...) Anyway, then when "snow" finally comes it's a "dusting" which means two snow flakes come down and 57 wrecks occur spontaneously all over town! Then schools are closed for the next day. Children are so excited to play in the snow when they wake up only to look out their windows and find... NO SNOW! What's worse is that they don't even get to bundle up and face the cold weather because chances are a warm front has come through and it's 73 degrees. But despite this warm up, the weather people say things like "Is there more snow in the future?" Are they psychics or weather people? Both are pretty inaccurate! They have it rough here in TN though. It's hard to know what's going to happen around here.
There's a saying around here that fits so well: "If you don't like it (the weather), give it a few hours and it will be completely different." Amen!
First posted on Monday February 19, 2007 - 01:34pm (CST)
Here in TN, we had "snow" Saturday & Sunday and today we will have a high of almost 60 degrees!! That's around a 20-30 degree change in just 24 hours.
I use the term "snow" lightly, too. First, the weather people insight riots all over town and cause grocery stores to go out of milk and bread. (Maybe the weather people are being paid by the grocery stores to do so, hummm...) Anyway, then when "snow" finally comes it's a "dusting" which means two snow flakes come down and 57 wrecks occur spontaneously all over town! Then schools are closed for the next day. Children are so excited to play in the snow when they wake up only to look out their windows and find... NO SNOW! What's worse is that they don't even get to bundle up and face the cold weather because chances are a warm front has come through and it's 73 degrees. But despite this warm up, the weather people say things like "Is there more snow in the future?" Are they psychics or weather people? Both are pretty inaccurate! They have it rough here in TN though. It's hard to know what's going to happen around here.
There's a saying around here that fits so well: "If you don't like it (the weather), give it a few hours and it will be completely different." Amen!
First posted on Monday February 19, 2007 - 01:34pm (CST)
I like Birds - From a Distance
I got a new bird feeder about a month ago. This reminded me: I like birds. I like them a lot more when there is glass and a wall in between us. They're very pretty to look at but if one came in my house and started flying around me, that little birdie and I would no longer be friends.
I remember when I was a little girl my mom screaming like a banshee because a bird was in the house. At the time, I couldn't understand what her problem was but now I do. The bird was her problem!
I have a lot of visitors to my bird feeder. My favorite is a family of the fattest gray doves. My most interesting one has been an orange cat! And don't you know, I was so concerned for those birds I ran that cat off. He gave me this look like "what?" then promptly ran off. Oh, and another visitor we have just spotted has been a chipmunk. I had to take a picture of it and zoom in to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
My apologies to those who have birds as a pet but there's now way I would ever do that. I think that it's just gross. It would make me very paranoid to think that any moment I could be apart of a Kamikaze attack from something the size of my thumb. It's just my opinion.
I remember when I was a little girl my mom screaming like a banshee because a bird was in the house. At the time, I couldn't understand what her problem was but now I do. The bird was her problem!
I have a lot of visitors to my bird feeder. My favorite is a family of the fattest gray doves. My most interesting one has been an orange cat! And don't you know, I was so concerned for those birds I ran that cat off. He gave me this look like "what?" then promptly ran off. Oh, and another visitor we have just spotted has been a chipmunk. I had to take a picture of it and zoom in to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
My apologies to those who have birds as a pet but there's now way I would ever do that. I think that it's just gross. It would make me very paranoid to think that any moment I could be apart of a Kamikaze attack from something the size of my thumb. It's just my opinion.
House Plants
For Valentine's Day, Brooks got me purple irises. They're my favorite flowers. He told me that he almost got me some in a pot but he wanted something that would die in a week. Isn't that so morbid? When I asked him why he said that if we had one more house plant this place would turn into a greenhouse. I don't know what he's talking about. I only have 10 house plants around here!
In my defense, three of them were bought for 25 cents each. You can't beat that. One of them is a fern and the poor thing is naked from the bottom of the stems to about 3 inches up. But they're all growing like weeds. (They're not weeds.) I also have an African Violet that I got from Brooks' mom. It was in bad shape but is doing great now.
I like plants. All you have to do is water them and put them in the right spot and they'll grow.
In my defense, three of them were bought for 25 cents each. You can't beat that. One of them is a fern and the poor thing is naked from the bottom of the stems to about 3 inches up. But they're all growing like weeds. (They're not weeds.) I also have an African Violet that I got from Brooks' mom. It was in bad shape but is doing great now.
I like plants. All you have to do is water them and put them in the right spot and they'll grow.
Peter Pan Crashes
Last night I was watching the news and apparently it’s a slow news night because they only have 3 stories to repeat over and over and over again. One of them has been the Peter Pan salmonella outbreak. (In case you were in a coma or don’t own a TV, if you own Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter it’s been recalled. Return it to your grocery store.) As I was watching this story unfold, time and time again, one of the news reporters said this: “Sources say that the birds and rats in the peanut butter had nothing to do with the salmonella outbreak.” I promise they said that!
I don’t know about you but that makes ME feel better to know that the salmonella didn’t come from the birds and rats in the peanut butter. Apparently they were well cleaned and sterilized before being put in the peanut butter. Well, I guess we now know what really makes crunchy peanut butter crunchy.
For clarification, because I know some of you will loose sleep, what they later said was that birds and rats get into the peanut silos all the time and the peanut butter process has two separate steps to sanitize the peanuts and peanut butter. I like my explanation much better; it’s much more interesting!
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