It's the last day of 2013. I can not believe it. I say that every year, but more often now the older I get. I remember my dad once telling us kids that the time just seemed to fly by and that we would understand one day what he meant by that. I think I'm finally understanding! December 31, 2013 - 365 days of 2013 gone by...how does that happen?! I'd by lying if I said that I'm sorry to see 2013 go. In actuality, I'm ready to be done with it. I'm ready to start fresh with 2014 and see what all God has in store for me and my family and my friends.
2013 brought with it some of the most devastating times and yet, God is faithful, and sprinkled in between the devastating times were also memory-making, happy times. The main theme this year of my life has been being refined by fire. I see how God is refining me through the fire. Everything that doesn't kill me, strengthens me. This year wasn't all good. It was hard. It was messy. It was sad. It was LIFE. But, at the same time there were moments of pure joy. Celebrations years in the making. Laughter so hard, I'm surprised it didn't kill me! LIFE!! I'm thankful for the year that I had because it only served to help me grow. Sometimes, the fire of life is so hot, even if you don't want to be refined, you're forced to do so :) With growing comes growing pains. I've been shown in glaring light my shortcomings and failures and the things that I need to work on the most. But God's shown me grace. When I didn't think I could take another breath, God was there. While, I'd rather not have the massive wild fires running through my life, they do serve a purpose. What I've learned this year is that God isn't a "reactive" God. By that I mean, He doesn't spare us from heartache just because we are "good" nor does He heap it upon us because we are "bad". We live in a sinful world and because of that bad things happen. It's by His grace that we experience the good things. I have always, always believed that everything happens for a reason. Nothing is random. God's got all the "balls in the air" and not one of them drops without Him knowing about it and having a plan for it. I'm alive because God's not done with me yet - He's got a plan for me. You're alive because God's not done with you either and He has a plan for you too. Nothing happens without Gods ordaining of it. I, of all people, need to be reminded of this time and time again, especially in the depths of despair.
My dad wrote a story for this year's Advent service sermons at our church. It was titled: "Josh and Kate's Absolutely Horrible, Miserable, Downright Depressing Holiday Season". I feel like that was my year. My life isn't perfect. It has cracks in it. My life is bitter. My life is sweet. My life is being refined by the One who created it. LIFE is worth living, even when it's hard. I came across this Bible verse the other day and it's going to be my "it" verse for 2014: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12 NIV)
I'm ending 2013 knowing that I'm still being refined, but I'm also in the palm of Jesus' hand and in that, I will rest!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
A Magical Night
There's only one word to describe tonight: magical. Two of my favorite things: Amy Grant and figure skating combined to create one spectacular show and a night that I'll never forget.
It all started at the beginning of November when I read in the paper that Scott Hamilton and Friends on Ice was coming to Knoxville. I couldn't believe it!! I really didn't think much about it though, because I didn't think there would be a chance that I could go. That is, until I was talking to Mom on the phone one night and mentioned it to her. She asked if I would like for that to be one of my Christmas presents. Without even hesitating, I said yes! A few days later she told me that we were going. A mother/daughter outing I could not wait for!! The news only got better when, a few weeks later, I found out that the skaters would be skating to Amy Grant music and not only that, but Amy would be there in person to sing. Figure skating plus an Amy Grant concert equals one magical night in my book.
It all started at the beginning of November when I read in the paper that Scott Hamilton and Friends on Ice was coming to Knoxville. I couldn't believe it!! I really didn't think much about it though, because I didn't think there would be a chance that I could go. That is, until I was talking to Mom on the phone one night and mentioned it to her. She asked if I would like for that to be one of my Christmas presents. Without even hesitating, I said yes! A few days later she told me that we were going. A mother/daughter outing I could not wait for!! The news only got better when, a few weeks later, I found out that the skaters would be skating to Amy Grant music and not only that, but Amy would be there in person to sing. Figure skating plus an Amy Grant concert equals one magical night in my book.
So tonight finally came. I was beside myself with excitement! Not even the pouring down rain could dampen my spirits. Mom and I got off to a little later start then we had planned on, but we still had plenty of time to get to the Knoxville Coliseum, or so we thought. The rain plus the Knoxville Christmas Parade being held at the same time meant that we were delayed. We had to take a detour, but eventually found our way to the parking garage with five minutes until show time. But it wasn't as easy as just walking into the building. No, we had to walk down these long steep ramps and over a crosswalk and through the woods (OK, maybe not that last one!!) to get to the Coliseum. I was almost in tears, knowing that we were super late. I even exclaimed that we would miss half the show (I can be a little dramatic every once in awhile - ha!) Mom kept me focused on the task at hand though - which was getting inside. To most people, this would not have been a problem, but to me it seemed like we would never make it in time. Mom even exclaimed that one day we would look back on this and laugh, but at the time it was not funny! But, with Mom's help we finally did make it inside, only to be met by the realization that we had to walk down several steep rows with no railing on them to get to our seats. I left my walker at the top of the row and with the help of Mom and my cane made it precariously down to our seats. God knew that I wanted to see this show from start to finish and it's only by His grace that for whatever reason the show did not start until literally 30 seconds after Mom and I took our seats. Mom looked at her watch. It was 6:10 and the show was to have started at 6pm. All I can say is, Thank you, Jesus!! :)
The show itself was absolutely magical in my eyes. I was transported back to being a little kid seeing everything with wonder and amazement. It truly was a spectacular evening. I loved spending it with Mom and will treasure it always in my heart. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. About a half an hour into the show I looked over the railing down to the lower level and spotted a familiar bald head. I nudged Mom and she looked too. Scott Hamilton was standing right below us watching the show from the side lines. Then I turned into stalker lady and started taking pictures of him. I wasn't the only one though. I was sitting next to a husband and wife and the wife started taking pictures too. Her husband called us the paparazzi. I sang along to all the songs and was enthralled by all the skaters. It was a truly blessed night in which I will forever remember.
 |
| Amy Grant and her band (which included her stepdaughter, Jenny Gill) |
 |
| The stalker picture I took of Scott Hamilton :) |
 |
| The entire cast of figure skating performers: Katia Gordeeva (my favorite!), Ilia Kulik, Paul Wylie, Jozef Sabovcik, Michael Weiss, Nicole Bobek, Caryn Kadavy, Alissa Czisny, Ryan Bradley, Lindsay Davis and Rockne Brubaker, and Kim Navarro and Brent Bommentre |
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
November in Review
Wow - November completely got away from me and I had absolutely no time to post a blog entry. So sorry! Some have asked when a new blog post would appear, so here it is!
November marked 20 years that my family and I have lived in Tennessee. That is, minus the four years I spent in Kentucky for college, but since that wasn't year round and I wasn't a resident of Kentucky, I don't count that :) Twenty years!! I have to admit that I was the one who did NOT want to move from my birthplace of Alabama. Dad reminded me that I was the sole person who gave him the most grief about moving. I remember even declaring that he amd Mom and the boys could move, but I would stay in Alabama. To that he responded that since I was only 13 the law would not allow that! I did not quickly warm up to Tennessee either. It took a few years (maybe a little longer!). There were things I liked about it, for sure, but if you asked me those first few years, I would proudly declare that I was not from Tennessee, but Alabama. While I'm still proud to be Alabama born and bred (up to age 13!) I am truly a Tennessean now. I love my Smoky Mountains and Knoxville is home. While I love, love, love the people of Gardendale, Alabama, now - after 20 years - Knoxville, Tennessee is home. I returned to Gardendale a few years ago - driving myself for the first time and it struck me that it was the very first time I had actually ever driven in Gardendale. It's a whole different ball game when you're in the driver's seat instead of the passenger seat. Places, I thought I knew how to get to, I didn't! But in actuality, that's not saying a whole lot, because even after 20 years in Knoxville, I get lost regularly! I have NO sense of direction and unfortunately, I don't think it would matter where I lived, I'd still get lost! But after 20 years, I finally have embraced the orange and white Tennessee Volunteers. I love the Smoky Mountains. I truly believe that I live in one of the most beautiful places in the nation, if not the world. I love with all my heart the people of my church and now I have a place to "go home to" in Gardendale! It's the best of both worlds. I am so thankful that Mom and Dad, in their wisdom, decided to move our family to Tennessee. It has been a huge blessing on my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
I hope the family doesn't kill me for posting this picture, but this was us, 20 years ago:
November was an extremely busy month for me. The real reason I haven't posted for so long is that I was trying to write a novel. Truly. I'm not joking. November was National Novel Writing Month. A couple of my co-workers told me about this website: http://nanowrimo.org/ in which they encouraged you to write a novel within a month. To write a novel to their specifications, it had to be 50,000 words. Unfortunately, I didn't make it :( But in all honesty, I didn't know about the site or the competition until November 7, so in my mind, I still have time! The "prize" was 1.) the satisfaction that you wrote a novel 2.) You got a coupon to Amazon.com to get a discount for getting your novel published. So far, I've got 28, 266 words. I would have made my goal (I think!), but life got in the way - haha- and I didn't force myself to write. However, I'm not giving up just because the month is over. I'll continue with it and refine it and who knows - maybe someday I'll be a famous book author! We'll see about that :) But, again, that was the real reason I didn't write a blog post in November - I was tired of writing!!
Here's some highlights of the month:
The beginning of November saw my brother Stuart moving in with me. Yes, after 8 years of living by myself, I've once again had to learn how to close the bathroom door, share the TV, and so much more! This is only temporary, just 2-3 months. He is a commercial real estate appraiser and is taking certification classes. These classes are a week long and he has to take 4 of them. That, along with some other reasons led us to the decision that it would be wise for him not to have to worry about rent for awhile and focus on his studies, so he moved in. I'll admit, I was a little leary of this, but it's actually been a blessing. He's helped out a lot around the house. He's even cooked me a couple of meals and I have to admit, he's a pretty good cook. It's also brought back the feeling that I've always had: even if we aren't in the same room or even talking to each other, just knowing there is someone else in the house is very comforting to me. As much as I love having my own space, I also love having someone around. He might be moving out at the end of the month, but more likely in January.
Mom, Dad, my grandmother (Oma) and I went to a piano recital at the beginning of November. In all honesty, I didn't want to go, but it turned out to be a really fun night. It was at the Clayton Center on Maryville College's campus. The pianist was a guy named Emile Pandolfi and he infused humor with his piano playing. I had no expectations for this concert at all. I thought it would be boring, actually. But surprisingly, it was not! It was a great night and I am glad that I got to go and spend it with Mom, Dad and Oma.
November also brought with it the "I have so much PTO (paid time off) that I have to use before I lose it" freak out that I always do around this time at work. That meant, I started taking days off - one per week to be exact! Next year, I have to spread my time out more during the year and use it more wisely. Although, I mudt admit that I do like this time off that I have now :)
I saw my neurologist, Dr. Matthiessen on November 11. I had every intention of telling him about all my problems (like he didn't already know them!), but the waiting room was a huge wake up call for me. Usually, when I go in for an appointment, the waiting room isn't all that full and when it is, it's people that I think, "why are they here?" because they show no outward signs of being sick, but this time it was different. There were several patients in the waiting room and they were all much, much worse off than me. There was one guy in a wheelchair and several using walkers (as was I). The ones using walkers had major problems walking with them. It struck me that I shouldn't be having a pity party for myself. I had NOTHING to complain about. And that's exactly what I told Dr. Matthiessen and his nurse. His nurse came and got me for the appointment and asked how I was. I responded that I actually didn't know why I was there, because compared to the people that were in the waiting room I was doing excellent. She completely understood and said that even she marvels at what she sees in the waiting room and that she knows she is blessed. We talked more than we ever had before and she told me that she's used up 2 of her 9 lives. She is a breast cancer survivor and she had been in a car accident 6 months before and had just gotten back to work that week. She was echoing my sentiments on how blessed we truly are and how much worse it could really be. When Dr. Matthiessen came in he remarked that he saw me whip right into the exam room, exclaiming that he thought I was walking pretty well. He asked how I was doing and I again said that in comparison to the people in the waiting room, I was doing excellent. He liked my "redo" of the walker (I reupholstered it!) and he wanted to know again if my weight loss was on purpose. I assured him it was. He asked how I was getting along and I told him that I still have issues, but they haven't gotten any worse and I manage. We decided that the dose of medicine I'm on now is the right dose for now. It was all in all a great appointment and I left feeling encouraged and more determined than ever not to let this disability get me down. I have to use a walker and that's what it is. I shouldn't be ashamed of that, even though at times I am. It is what it is. I love my life, cracks and all. I still have hope that there will eventually be a cure or a surgery that would fix my walking issues, but I'm determined not to be a hermit in the meantime :)
I also had a dentist appointment. No cavities - yay!!! But, I am parent's daughter - ha :) I have one tooth on each side of my lower jaw where the gums are receeding. The last time I was at the dentist, the hygentist mentioned that I should take it easy on my lower left side tooth and not brush so hard or floss so hard. This time around, that side looked better, but it was my right side that she was concerned about. She and the dentist discussed sending me to specialized dentist to get a skin graft, but in the end - thankfully - they decided to give me another 6 months to see if it would heal, since the left side did. The hygentist came so, so close to telling me not to floss, but then at the last minute said "I don't want to tell you not to floss at all!" That would have been a first! I told the dentist, I'm a little agressive (to say the least!) when I brush and floss. In my mind, the harder you brush, the more germs you kill. But he told me to go easy and be gentle on my teeth. Dad has told me this too, so I think I'm finally listening!
Stanton and Aubrey (my brother and sister-in-law) came in to town on Novemer 23-24. Stanton is a resident in Emergency Medicine at Erlanger in Chattanooga and had to work on Thanksgiving, so he and Aubrey made the hour and half trip the weekend before to spend some time with us. It was a fun weekend. Vanderbilt (where both Stanton and Aubrey graduated from) played Tennessee in football, so we watched the game and Vanderbilt won. Stanton and Aubrey cooked dinner for Mom, Stuart and I on Saturday night. Dad was in San Antonio for a conference. Mom had lunch for us on Sunday after church. It was a great weekend. Stanton told me stories of his adventures on the Trauma Unit. I loved it!!
Thanksgiving was awesome. Two of my Mom's three brothers (yes, history repeated itself with me and my three brothers!) came in from Michigan and Wisconsin respectively. My Uncle Chris and Aunt Edith came with their two sons, Markus (10) and Lukas (5) and my Uncle Danny came with his son, Jakub (10). They all stayed at Oma's house. Steven (my youngest brother) came in from Birmingham, Alabama where he goes to college at Samford. And Aubrey drove in from Chattanooga. The surprise of the day (or should I say night?!) - Stanton drove in after a 12 hour shift arriving at 8:30pm just so that the whole family could be together for Thanksgiving!! We had eaten Thanksgiving dinner without him, but there was still plenty of food left over for him to have a Thanksgiving meal and then we ate dessert together. He came in his scrubs. I know, I'm weird, but I thought that was so cool!! :) I still can't believe my little brother is a doctor!!! He was in Knoxville for a grand total of two hours. He had to be back in Chattanooga for a 5:30am shift, but would be back in Knoxville as soon as his shift ended on Friday.
My Mom's yummy pumpkin pie:
Thanksgiving day was spent watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade at Mom and Dad's while Mom made all the sides for our Thanksgiving meal. Then we watched the National Dog Show and talked and just got to be together. Then we headed over to Oma's house and spent the rest of the day and night hanging out with all the relatives. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. This was the first year without Opa, as he passed away in April, but even so, Thanksgiving was a truly blessed day and memories were once again made (like the fire alarm going off at Oma's 5 times, but not because of the cooking!!) The day after Thanksgiving, Mom, my Aunt Edith and I went shopping. But not the crazy, midnight, Black Friday shopping!! We left the house at a respectable 10 am hour and went to Kohl's in search of gifts for my cousins. Kohl's was a madhouse, but there was a method to the madness and even though the check-out lines wrapped around the entire store, the wait was surprisingly not that lon; we moved along very quickly! We also went to a shoe store, where I ended up getting 2 pairs of Clark's shoes for $35 each. If you know about Clark's you know that $35 is an amazing price for them :) We dropped my Aunt Edith back off at Oma's house and then Mom, Oma and I went to a funeral at church that my Dad was officiating. Then Mom and I ran to a few more stores, before heading home where everyone beat us there (Stanton and Aubrey arrived from Chattanooga, Stuart and his girlfriend, Katie were there too). We had a fun, fun family night with just the eight of us: Mom, Dad, me, Stuart and Katie, Stanton and Aubrey, and Steven. And since we were even again, we had the perfect scenario for playing games. We played Catchphrase all night. It was boys against girls. The girls won over and over and over again - ha! I will say, the guys did win a couple of times :) It was a great, fun night and again memories were made to last a lifetime. Saturday, I ran to the grocery store for Mom and then Aubrey and I wrapped presents for Mom and ran an errand to pick up Christmas presents for my cousins. Halfway through our Christmas gift wrapping, Aubrey commented that she was sorry she wasn't talking much. I realized then, that I hadn't been talking either. We were so engrossed in our wrapping that we couldn't talk and wrap at the same time :) It was still fun though! I'm a horrible present wrapper, so I gave Aubrey all the hard to wrap presents, but still managed to get my fair share of them. I have to say, little kid's toys are very hard to wrap sometimes!! We were laughing at the horrible job we did. I should say, that I did. Aubrey did fantastic :) When we were done with the wrapping, we emerged to boys engrossed in the Alabama/Auburn game. I did mention at the beginning of this blog post that we are from Alabama, right?! Well, Stuart is a die-hard Alabama fan. Die-hard. There was screaming and talking and on-the-side-lines coaching coming from the living room. He and Steven and Stanton and Dad and Stuart's girlfriend, Katie were all focused on the game. It was fun watching them watch the game. We even delayed dinner with the relatives (they were coming over) because of the game. They all came over and we began dinner and then there was silence. And that's when the unthinkable happened - Alabama lost! What?!! Did that just happen?! I saw the national news this morning and they are still talking about the game. Needless to say, Stuart was not happy, not happy at all. But despite the loss, Saturday night was fun, fun, fun - filled with food, people and laughter. Sunday, we all went to church where Dad preached a fabulous sermon (I may be a little biased!) and then it was time for professional family pictures. We haven't done this in years. There could have been blood shed, but alas we survived and got some great pictures to prove it!! Mom thinks it's harder now to get pictures made of all of us then it was when we were kids. We each have our own opinions of what we should wear and how we should pose and what we should do. To cut down on the "what to wear", she provided us our "uniforms"!! I'm secretly, very happy she did so, because that meant I didn't have to think about it :) Her one request was that I get a hair cut, which I haven't had in a long while - probably two years (I know, I know, that's super bad!) So I got 3 inches cut off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
This was the madness of the picture taking adventure:
This isn't all that happened in November, but I have to keep some things close to my heart. I was, however, reminded again how blessed I truly am. Through the good times and the struggles in life, I know that I have a purpose. I may not know what that purpose is yet, but I know, God is refining me and molding me and showing me how much He loves me. I learned much in the month of November. I laughed a lot; I cried a lot; I thought a lot. I am thankful. I hope your November was blessed and that your December will be one filled with praise for the Lord. It is, after all the month we celebrate His birth. So much has happened in December already and it's only the 3rd day. I will definitely write another blog post soon to tell you all about it!
November marked 20 years that my family and I have lived in Tennessee. That is, minus the four years I spent in Kentucky for college, but since that wasn't year round and I wasn't a resident of Kentucky, I don't count that :) Twenty years!! I have to admit that I was the one who did NOT want to move from my birthplace of Alabama. Dad reminded me that I was the sole person who gave him the most grief about moving. I remember even declaring that he amd Mom and the boys could move, but I would stay in Alabama. To that he responded that since I was only 13 the law would not allow that! I did not quickly warm up to Tennessee either. It took a few years (maybe a little longer!). There were things I liked about it, for sure, but if you asked me those first few years, I would proudly declare that I was not from Tennessee, but Alabama. While I'm still proud to be Alabama born and bred (up to age 13!) I am truly a Tennessean now. I love my Smoky Mountains and Knoxville is home. While I love, love, love the people of Gardendale, Alabama, now - after 20 years - Knoxville, Tennessee is home. I returned to Gardendale a few years ago - driving myself for the first time and it struck me that it was the very first time I had actually ever driven in Gardendale. It's a whole different ball game when you're in the driver's seat instead of the passenger seat. Places, I thought I knew how to get to, I didn't! But in actuality, that's not saying a whole lot, because even after 20 years in Knoxville, I get lost regularly! I have NO sense of direction and unfortunately, I don't think it would matter where I lived, I'd still get lost! But after 20 years, I finally have embraced the orange and white Tennessee Volunteers. I love the Smoky Mountains. I truly believe that I live in one of the most beautiful places in the nation, if not the world. I love with all my heart the people of my church and now I have a place to "go home to" in Gardendale! It's the best of both worlds. I am so thankful that Mom and Dad, in their wisdom, decided to move our family to Tennessee. It has been a huge blessing on my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
I hope the family doesn't kill me for posting this picture, but this was us, 20 years ago:
November was an extremely busy month for me. The real reason I haven't posted for so long is that I was trying to write a novel. Truly. I'm not joking. November was National Novel Writing Month. A couple of my co-workers told me about this website: http://nanowrimo.org/ in which they encouraged you to write a novel within a month. To write a novel to their specifications, it had to be 50,000 words. Unfortunately, I didn't make it :( But in all honesty, I didn't know about the site or the competition until November 7, so in my mind, I still have time! The "prize" was 1.) the satisfaction that you wrote a novel 2.) You got a coupon to Amazon.com to get a discount for getting your novel published. So far, I've got 28, 266 words. I would have made my goal (I think!), but life got in the way - haha- and I didn't force myself to write. However, I'm not giving up just because the month is over. I'll continue with it and refine it and who knows - maybe someday I'll be a famous book author! We'll see about that :) But, again, that was the real reason I didn't write a blog post in November - I was tired of writing!!
Here's some highlights of the month:
The beginning of November saw my brother Stuart moving in with me. Yes, after 8 years of living by myself, I've once again had to learn how to close the bathroom door, share the TV, and so much more! This is only temporary, just 2-3 months. He is a commercial real estate appraiser and is taking certification classes. These classes are a week long and he has to take 4 of them. That, along with some other reasons led us to the decision that it would be wise for him not to have to worry about rent for awhile and focus on his studies, so he moved in. I'll admit, I was a little leary of this, but it's actually been a blessing. He's helped out a lot around the house. He's even cooked me a couple of meals and I have to admit, he's a pretty good cook. It's also brought back the feeling that I've always had: even if we aren't in the same room or even talking to each other, just knowing there is someone else in the house is very comforting to me. As much as I love having my own space, I also love having someone around. He might be moving out at the end of the month, but more likely in January.
Mom, Dad, my grandmother (Oma) and I went to a piano recital at the beginning of November. In all honesty, I didn't want to go, but it turned out to be a really fun night. It was at the Clayton Center on Maryville College's campus. The pianist was a guy named Emile Pandolfi and he infused humor with his piano playing. I had no expectations for this concert at all. I thought it would be boring, actually. But surprisingly, it was not! It was a great night and I am glad that I got to go and spend it with Mom, Dad and Oma.
November also brought with it the "I have so much PTO (paid time off) that I have to use before I lose it" freak out that I always do around this time at work. That meant, I started taking days off - one per week to be exact! Next year, I have to spread my time out more during the year and use it more wisely. Although, I mudt admit that I do like this time off that I have now :)
I saw my neurologist, Dr. Matthiessen on November 11. I had every intention of telling him about all my problems (like he didn't already know them!), but the waiting room was a huge wake up call for me. Usually, when I go in for an appointment, the waiting room isn't all that full and when it is, it's people that I think, "why are they here?" because they show no outward signs of being sick, but this time it was different. There were several patients in the waiting room and they were all much, much worse off than me. There was one guy in a wheelchair and several using walkers (as was I). The ones using walkers had major problems walking with them. It struck me that I shouldn't be having a pity party for myself. I had NOTHING to complain about. And that's exactly what I told Dr. Matthiessen and his nurse. His nurse came and got me for the appointment and asked how I was. I responded that I actually didn't know why I was there, because compared to the people that were in the waiting room I was doing excellent. She completely understood and said that even she marvels at what she sees in the waiting room and that she knows she is blessed. We talked more than we ever had before and she told me that she's used up 2 of her 9 lives. She is a breast cancer survivor and she had been in a car accident 6 months before and had just gotten back to work that week. She was echoing my sentiments on how blessed we truly are and how much worse it could really be. When Dr. Matthiessen came in he remarked that he saw me whip right into the exam room, exclaiming that he thought I was walking pretty well. He asked how I was doing and I again said that in comparison to the people in the waiting room, I was doing excellent. He liked my "redo" of the walker (I reupholstered it!) and he wanted to know again if my weight loss was on purpose. I assured him it was. He asked how I was getting along and I told him that I still have issues, but they haven't gotten any worse and I manage. We decided that the dose of medicine I'm on now is the right dose for now. It was all in all a great appointment and I left feeling encouraged and more determined than ever not to let this disability get me down. I have to use a walker and that's what it is. I shouldn't be ashamed of that, even though at times I am. It is what it is. I love my life, cracks and all. I still have hope that there will eventually be a cure or a surgery that would fix my walking issues, but I'm determined not to be a hermit in the meantime :)
I also had a dentist appointment. No cavities - yay!!! But, I am parent's daughter - ha :) I have one tooth on each side of my lower jaw where the gums are receeding. The last time I was at the dentist, the hygentist mentioned that I should take it easy on my lower left side tooth and not brush so hard or floss so hard. This time around, that side looked better, but it was my right side that she was concerned about. She and the dentist discussed sending me to specialized dentist to get a skin graft, but in the end - thankfully - they decided to give me another 6 months to see if it would heal, since the left side did. The hygentist came so, so close to telling me not to floss, but then at the last minute said "I don't want to tell you not to floss at all!" That would have been a first! I told the dentist, I'm a little agressive (to say the least!) when I brush and floss. In my mind, the harder you brush, the more germs you kill. But he told me to go easy and be gentle on my teeth. Dad has told me this too, so I think I'm finally listening!
Stanton and Aubrey (my brother and sister-in-law) came in to town on Novemer 23-24. Stanton is a resident in Emergency Medicine at Erlanger in Chattanooga and had to work on Thanksgiving, so he and Aubrey made the hour and half trip the weekend before to spend some time with us. It was a fun weekend. Vanderbilt (where both Stanton and Aubrey graduated from) played Tennessee in football, so we watched the game and Vanderbilt won. Stanton and Aubrey cooked dinner for Mom, Stuart and I on Saturday night. Dad was in San Antonio for a conference. Mom had lunch for us on Sunday after church. It was a great weekend. Stanton told me stories of his adventures on the Trauma Unit. I loved it!!
Thanksgiving was awesome. Two of my Mom's three brothers (yes, history repeated itself with me and my three brothers!) came in from Michigan and Wisconsin respectively. My Uncle Chris and Aunt Edith came with their two sons, Markus (10) and Lukas (5) and my Uncle Danny came with his son, Jakub (10). They all stayed at Oma's house. Steven (my youngest brother) came in from Birmingham, Alabama where he goes to college at Samford. And Aubrey drove in from Chattanooga. The surprise of the day (or should I say night?!) - Stanton drove in after a 12 hour shift arriving at 8:30pm just so that the whole family could be together for Thanksgiving!! We had eaten Thanksgiving dinner without him, but there was still plenty of food left over for him to have a Thanksgiving meal and then we ate dessert together. He came in his scrubs. I know, I'm weird, but I thought that was so cool!! :) I still can't believe my little brother is a doctor!!! He was in Knoxville for a grand total of two hours. He had to be back in Chattanooga for a 5:30am shift, but would be back in Knoxville as soon as his shift ended on Friday.
My Mom's yummy pumpkin pie:
Thanksgiving day was spent watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade at Mom and Dad's while Mom made all the sides for our Thanksgiving meal. Then we watched the National Dog Show and talked and just got to be together. Then we headed over to Oma's house and spent the rest of the day and night hanging out with all the relatives. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. This was the first year without Opa, as he passed away in April, but even so, Thanksgiving was a truly blessed day and memories were once again made (like the fire alarm going off at Oma's 5 times, but not because of the cooking!!) The day after Thanksgiving, Mom, my Aunt Edith and I went shopping. But not the crazy, midnight, Black Friday shopping!! We left the house at a respectable 10 am hour and went to Kohl's in search of gifts for my cousins. Kohl's was a madhouse, but there was a method to the madness and even though the check-out lines wrapped around the entire store, the wait was surprisingly not that lon; we moved along very quickly! We also went to a shoe store, where I ended up getting 2 pairs of Clark's shoes for $35 each. If you know about Clark's you know that $35 is an amazing price for them :) We dropped my Aunt Edith back off at Oma's house and then Mom, Oma and I went to a funeral at church that my Dad was officiating. Then Mom and I ran to a few more stores, before heading home where everyone beat us there (Stanton and Aubrey arrived from Chattanooga, Stuart and his girlfriend, Katie were there too). We had a fun, fun family night with just the eight of us: Mom, Dad, me, Stuart and Katie, Stanton and Aubrey, and Steven. And since we were even again, we had the perfect scenario for playing games. We played Catchphrase all night. It was boys against girls. The girls won over and over and over again - ha! I will say, the guys did win a couple of times :) It was a great, fun night and again memories were made to last a lifetime. Saturday, I ran to the grocery store for Mom and then Aubrey and I wrapped presents for Mom and ran an errand to pick up Christmas presents for my cousins. Halfway through our Christmas gift wrapping, Aubrey commented that she was sorry she wasn't talking much. I realized then, that I hadn't been talking either. We were so engrossed in our wrapping that we couldn't talk and wrap at the same time :) It was still fun though! I'm a horrible present wrapper, so I gave Aubrey all the hard to wrap presents, but still managed to get my fair share of them. I have to say, little kid's toys are very hard to wrap sometimes!! We were laughing at the horrible job we did. I should say, that I did. Aubrey did fantastic :) When we were done with the wrapping, we emerged to boys engrossed in the Alabama/Auburn game. I did mention at the beginning of this blog post that we are from Alabama, right?! Well, Stuart is a die-hard Alabama fan. Die-hard. There was screaming and talking and on-the-side-lines coaching coming from the living room. He and Steven and Stanton and Dad and Stuart's girlfriend, Katie were all focused on the game. It was fun watching them watch the game. We even delayed dinner with the relatives (they were coming over) because of the game. They all came over and we began dinner and then there was silence. And that's when the unthinkable happened - Alabama lost! What?!! Did that just happen?! I saw the national news this morning and they are still talking about the game. Needless to say, Stuart was not happy, not happy at all. But despite the loss, Saturday night was fun, fun, fun - filled with food, people and laughter. Sunday, we all went to church where Dad preached a fabulous sermon (I may be a little biased!) and then it was time for professional family pictures. We haven't done this in years. There could have been blood shed, but alas we survived and got some great pictures to prove it!! Mom thinks it's harder now to get pictures made of all of us then it was when we were kids. We each have our own opinions of what we should wear and how we should pose and what we should do. To cut down on the "what to wear", she provided us our "uniforms"!! I'm secretly, very happy she did so, because that meant I didn't have to think about it :) Her one request was that I get a hair cut, which I haven't had in a long while - probably two years (I know, I know, that's super bad!) So I got 3 inches cut off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
This was the madness of the picture taking adventure:
This isn't all that happened in November, but I have to keep some things close to my heart. I was, however, reminded again how blessed I truly am. Through the good times and the struggles in life, I know that I have a purpose. I may not know what that purpose is yet, but I know, God is refining me and molding me and showing me how much He loves me. I learned much in the month of November. I laughed a lot; I cried a lot; I thought a lot. I am thankful. I hope your November was blessed and that your December will be one filled with praise for the Lord. It is, after all the month we celebrate His birth. So much has happened in December already and it's only the 3rd day. I will definitely write another blog post soon to tell you all about it!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
An Adventure
It started with a text on Thursday night from my co- worker Sarah. She asked if I remembered her talking about workshops her mom did with the trauma nursing students at UT where she needs people to come in and be pretend patients. Of course I did. I thought it sounded like lots of fun. She said that her mom was in kind of a bind because someone had called and couldn't make it this Saturday and she asked if I wanted to do it. Something came over me and I immediately said yes! I said something came over me, because this is way, way out of my comfort zone. I would love to be an actress, however the logical part of my brain takes over and I immediately cause myself to back out of anything remotely close to acting! But I said yes to this and there was no backing out!! I immediately called my mom and told her what I had committed to. She said that it sounded like what Stanton (my brother) had to go through when he was in medical school. So, I immediately called him and he knew all about the training and the actors that were brought in to play patients. We talked awhile and he said he wanted to know what my ailment was and wanted to see pictures. By the time Friday rolled around, I was starting to get nervous and wonder what I had signed myself up for, but convinced myself that the worst that could happen was I go and they didn't need me to do anything and I would just turn right back around and go home!
Today, I woke up and was really nervous. Again, I was really wondering what I had gotten myself into :) But it turned out to be the most fun thing I have done in a long time!! It was a blast!!!!! I had so much fun. I got to the hospital at 12:30 pm and they had lunch for us. There were going to be two groups: one group would be patients of nurses and one group would be patients of physicians. I got to be in the group of patients being seen by doctors. There were 6 of us patients, 3 guys and 3 girls. We were all taken back to exam rooms and given scrubs to change into. Depending on our injury, we got scrubs to fit that (mine had a hole in it where a chest wound would be) Then we got makeup. My scenario was intially a man having been stabbed by his wife, but of course that was changed to a wife having been stabbed by her husband in the left chest with a butcher knife. I was brought to a rural county hospital (not a trauma center).
My Part:
I got an AWESOME stab wound applied to me:
All of us "patients" bonded with each other over our various injuries. I had a stab wound, one guy had a head and leg injury, one girl was shot twice, another guy got in a motorcycle accident, another girl was thrown from the car after an accident and the last guy had fallen from scaffolding and had injuries from that. We had lots of time to talk with each other and hang out and admire our injuries! Eventually, we each had a doctor assigned to us who was the doctor who would be administering the test to the physicians renewing their certifications. My doctor was Dr. Lee. She's 30 and she's a 5th year general surgeon. She was totally cool! She's a tiny, spitfire, ball of energy surgeon :) We went over what I was to do and how to react to the physicians coming in to examine me. My symptons behind the sucking chest wound were that I could not breathe and had distended neck veins, my BP was low and my heart rate high. I was in shock and had cyanosis. I was alert though (but I later become unresponsive). The doctors were to start with addressing my wound and making sure they covered their ABC's (airway, breathing and circulation). Then they put a needle into my left chest and then a chest tube. That makes my breathing a little easier , but does not significantly improve it. I become (acting, remember!) unresponsive and then they do an endotrachal intubation because they need to secure an airway. Eventually, a pericardiocentesis (sticking a needle into the pericardium - the sack around the heart - and draining fluid/blood from it) is needed. I'm able to breathe again! But not too much longer after that, I start exhibiting the same symptoms and they have to drain the pericadium again and get me to a trauma center stat! (OK, stat is my word, but I'm channeling my inner "ER" persona!)
Me in full make-up:
The way that the afternoon worked was two physicians would come in at the same time. One was being tested and the other was observing. There were several practice runs. Then one physican would come in at a time and be tested. In between physicians coming in and out, I asked Dr. Lee what the treatment was for my wound beyond them getting me to a trauma center. She said that it would be to get me to the operating room and open my entire chest and do heart surgery, because I had a hole in my heart. Wow - this is a lot more serious then I initially thought :)
There were some interesting situations...one doctor came in and wanted to intubate me when I was still alert and Dr. Lee said that by doing that they would have killed me because of making something else worse (and since I'm no doctor, I can't even begin to remember what it was!) Another doctor didn't know how to do a pericardiocentesis and stopped in her tracks. Dr. Lee kept telling her, "she's getting worse" "She's dying..." And I guess I would have, if I didn't get the pericardiocentesis. Another doctor kept having to do the pericardiocentesis because Dr. Lee said it kept filling up and I kept getting worse...even when I got into the helicopter to go to the trauma center - that's when this doctor said, "I'm not in the helicopter with her!" :) Thankfully these scenarios were all in the practice runs and not the actual test. I did the same scenario over and over again and I began hoping that every doctor would get it right but when they skipped something or forgot something, I would wince and want to say "No! You forgot to put the chest tube in!" Or, "Don't forget to give me a tetanus shot!" Or, "Remember to cover me up so I don't get hypothermia!" I might have started thinking I was a doctor ;) Dr. Lee told me that the pericardiom would continue to fill up with fluid/blood until surgery, so they'd have to keep sticking the needle into my heart and draining it (again - all pretend, I wasn't actually stuck with any needle!) That's not really possible because to get me from the ER to the helicopter to the trauma center, they couldn't physically keep doing that, so that's where putting a catheter into the wound would save the day. It would do the job of draining the fluid until surgery. I'm probably not explaining this all correctly, so if you're a doctor and reading this, you're probably laughing! The main takeaway was that I didn't die - although Dr. Lee said I came close a couple of times (during the practice runs!) and all the physicians passed their recertification. And in the end - that's all that matters! Of course for me, all that matters is that I had fun!!! And fun is exactly what I had. It didn't hurt that I got paid for it as well :) I met some amazing people too. There were also some cute doctors :) I was really happy the cutest doctor of all, was the one who (after many doctors before him forgot) said that I would need lots of blankets to prevent hypothermia. Hey - it's the little things and I'm all about staying warm! Of course - this was all pretend. The conditions were real and what they would do to treat the conditions were real and the physicians tests were real, but I wasn't hurt or otherwise injured and all my wounds were fake. And so my acting debut came to end. From 12:30-7:30 I was a trauma patient and loved every minute of it!! Acting is so much fun and hanging out with doctors - totally awesome! One of the doctors who was being tested said that I looked exactly like one of the doctors on "Grey's Anatomy" - that was definitely a highlight of the day :) As I was leaving, there was a doctor there (dressed in full scrubs, mask, badges...everything) that saw me walking with the walker. He asked what was wrong and I got to tell him about dystonia. It turns out he is one of the trauma surgeons at UT. He said he didn't know that much about neuro and had never heard of dystonia, but he seemed fascinated by it. I have to say, it was kind of cool telling a trauma surgeon all about my neurological problem and knowing more about it than he did! Today was an awesome adventure!!
The set up:
Saline IV:
Me with distended neck veins (the blue on my face is supposed to represent cyanosis):
Today, I woke up and was really nervous. Again, I was really wondering what I had gotten myself into :) But it turned out to be the most fun thing I have done in a long time!! It was a blast!!!!! I had so much fun. I got to the hospital at 12:30 pm and they had lunch for us. There were going to be two groups: one group would be patients of nurses and one group would be patients of physicians. I got to be in the group of patients being seen by doctors. There were 6 of us patients, 3 guys and 3 girls. We were all taken back to exam rooms and given scrubs to change into. Depending on our injury, we got scrubs to fit that (mine had a hole in it where a chest wound would be) Then we got makeup. My scenario was intially a man having been stabbed by his wife, but of course that was changed to a wife having been stabbed by her husband in the left chest with a butcher knife. I was brought to a rural county hospital (not a trauma center).
My Part:
I got an AWESOME stab wound applied to me:
All of us "patients" bonded with each other over our various injuries. I had a stab wound, one guy had a head and leg injury, one girl was shot twice, another guy got in a motorcycle accident, another girl was thrown from the car after an accident and the last guy had fallen from scaffolding and had injuries from that. We had lots of time to talk with each other and hang out and admire our injuries! Eventually, we each had a doctor assigned to us who was the doctor who would be administering the test to the physicians renewing their certifications. My doctor was Dr. Lee. She's 30 and she's a 5th year general surgeon. She was totally cool! She's a tiny, spitfire, ball of energy surgeon :) We went over what I was to do and how to react to the physicians coming in to examine me. My symptons behind the sucking chest wound were that I could not breathe and had distended neck veins, my BP was low and my heart rate high. I was in shock and had cyanosis. I was alert though (but I later become unresponsive). The doctors were to start with addressing my wound and making sure they covered their ABC's (airway, breathing and circulation). Then they put a needle into my left chest and then a chest tube. That makes my breathing a little easier , but does not significantly improve it. I become (acting, remember!) unresponsive and then they do an endotrachal intubation because they need to secure an airway. Eventually, a pericardiocentesis (sticking a needle into the pericardium - the sack around the heart - and draining fluid/blood from it) is needed. I'm able to breathe again! But not too much longer after that, I start exhibiting the same symptoms and they have to drain the pericadium again and get me to a trauma center stat! (OK, stat is my word, but I'm channeling my inner "ER" persona!)
Me in full make-up:
The way that the afternoon worked was two physicians would come in at the same time. One was being tested and the other was observing. There were several practice runs. Then one physican would come in at a time and be tested. In between physicians coming in and out, I asked Dr. Lee what the treatment was for my wound beyond them getting me to a trauma center. She said that it would be to get me to the operating room and open my entire chest and do heart surgery, because I had a hole in my heart. Wow - this is a lot more serious then I initially thought :)
There were some interesting situations...one doctor came in and wanted to intubate me when I was still alert and Dr. Lee said that by doing that they would have killed me because of making something else worse (and since I'm no doctor, I can't even begin to remember what it was!) Another doctor didn't know how to do a pericardiocentesis and stopped in her tracks. Dr. Lee kept telling her, "she's getting worse" "She's dying..." And I guess I would have, if I didn't get the pericardiocentesis. Another doctor kept having to do the pericardiocentesis because Dr. Lee said it kept filling up and I kept getting worse...even when I got into the helicopter to go to the trauma center - that's when this doctor said, "I'm not in the helicopter with her!" :) Thankfully these scenarios were all in the practice runs and not the actual test. I did the same scenario over and over again and I began hoping that every doctor would get it right but when they skipped something or forgot something, I would wince and want to say "No! You forgot to put the chest tube in!" Or, "Don't forget to give me a tetanus shot!" Or, "Remember to cover me up so I don't get hypothermia!" I might have started thinking I was a doctor ;) Dr. Lee told me that the pericardiom would continue to fill up with fluid/blood until surgery, so they'd have to keep sticking the needle into my heart and draining it (again - all pretend, I wasn't actually stuck with any needle!) That's not really possible because to get me from the ER to the helicopter to the trauma center, they couldn't physically keep doing that, so that's where putting a catheter into the wound would save the day. It would do the job of draining the fluid until surgery. I'm probably not explaining this all correctly, so if you're a doctor and reading this, you're probably laughing! The main takeaway was that I didn't die - although Dr. Lee said I came close a couple of times (during the practice runs!) and all the physicians passed their recertification. And in the end - that's all that matters! Of course for me, all that matters is that I had fun!!! And fun is exactly what I had. It didn't hurt that I got paid for it as well :) I met some amazing people too. There were also some cute doctors :) I was really happy the cutest doctor of all, was the one who (after many doctors before him forgot) said that I would need lots of blankets to prevent hypothermia. Hey - it's the little things and I'm all about staying warm! Of course - this was all pretend. The conditions were real and what they would do to treat the conditions were real and the physicians tests were real, but I wasn't hurt or otherwise injured and all my wounds were fake. And so my acting debut came to end. From 12:30-7:30 I was a trauma patient and loved every minute of it!! Acting is so much fun and hanging out with doctors - totally awesome! One of the doctors who was being tested said that I looked exactly like one of the doctors on "Grey's Anatomy" - that was definitely a highlight of the day :) As I was leaving, there was a doctor there (dressed in full scrubs, mask, badges...everything) that saw me walking with the walker. He asked what was wrong and I got to tell him about dystonia. It turns out he is one of the trauma surgeons at UT. He said he didn't know that much about neuro and had never heard of dystonia, but he seemed fascinated by it. I have to say, it was kind of cool telling a trauma surgeon all about my neurological problem and knowing more about it than he did! Today was an awesome adventure!!
The set up:
Saline IV:
Me with distended neck veins (the blue on my face is supposed to represent cyanosis):
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
October Baby
If you know me, you know I love movies and TV. This is not a secret! I love all kinds of movies and TV shows. Some I'm not afraid to say I watch and others I'd be a bit more embarrassed to admit that I watch :) But there is one movie I'm not ashamed in the least bit to say that I love. It's "October Baby".
There are many reasons I love it; some are superficial, but others are most definitely not! If you have not seen it, I encourage you to do so. I've had this movie for a year now and I've watched it so many times that I can recite the dialogue in certain scenes from memory. I've watched it so much, that the DVD is getting worn out! I just re-watched the movie last night (after all, it is titled "October Baby" and it is October; I say it's the perfect time to watch it!) There are many reasons why I love this movie, but to break the ice, I'll start with a couple of the superficial ones :) I love the fact that this movie was filmed in Alabama (my home state!), in Birmingham (my hometown!) on the campus of Samford University (where my brother goes to college!) The funny thing about this is that I had no idea of any of that when I first watched the movie. I kept thinking that certain places or buildings looked very familiar, but it wasn't until I watched the "extras" on the DVD that all the puzzle pieces fell into place! I also love that it stars John Schneider - "The Dukes of Hazzard", John Schneider. While I never actually watched "The Dukes of Hazzard" (I knew him from "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman"), I've always thought John Schneider is cute! So, I have a few superficial reasons why I like the movie!
But - I also have real reasons I love this movie. The movie is about a girl (Hannah) who discovers that not only is she adopted, but that she is the survivor of a botched abortion. The issue of abortion has always been close to my heart. From a young age on, my parents instilled in me and my brothers that as the tag line of this movie states, "every life is beautiful". Abortion is murder, plain and simple. In this country, those who take the life of another person are either executed or spend the rest of their life in prison for their crime, but when an unborn child's life is cut short, it's said to be the mother's choice. That's not right. From the time of conception a baby is just that: a baby - a living, breathing, feeling, human life. I am not afraid to say that I am 100% pro-life. Now there is forgiveness for all sins and I do believe that with all my heart. I am not here to judge, point fingers or act like I am "holier than thou". I don't mean to preach, but this is how I feel about the issue. I will never - ever see it as a woman's choice. A life is a life is a life. It's not a inconvenience or a mistake - it's a baby, a human life. I won't back down from that. I won't pretend to know what it's like to be in a situation where a woman thinks the only option is abortion. All I can say is that there is grace and forgiveness. And now, I'll step down from my soap box :) Back to the movie.... there are two different scenes in the movie that stand out to me as my favorites. One is when Hannah (having found and been rejected by her birth mother) leaves her birth mother a note with only these words written on the paper "I forgive you". She leaves it with the hospital bracelet her mother wore the day she was born. This scene was so moving to me because not only did you see it from Hannah's perspective, but also from the birth mothers. And, the scene becomes even more special if you watch the DVD extras and hear the story of the woman who played the birth mother in the movie. And my other favorite scene is at the very end of the movie. Hannah is speaking with her (adopted) father when she tells him thank you and he asks for what. She replies "for wanting me". I get teary eyed just typing that! But how much more does our Heavenly Father want us? He gave His one and only Son for us, because he wants us so much! I am reminded again that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made". And so are you! How awesome is our God?! "October Baby" is a wonderful reminder of how messy life is, how beautiful life is, how much three simple words whether they be "I forgive you", "I love you", "I want you" can mean and most importantly how very much our Heavenly Father loves, adores and wants each one of us.
There are many reasons I love it; some are superficial, but others are most definitely not! If you have not seen it, I encourage you to do so. I've had this movie for a year now and I've watched it so many times that I can recite the dialogue in certain scenes from memory. I've watched it so much, that the DVD is getting worn out! I just re-watched the movie last night (after all, it is titled "October Baby" and it is October; I say it's the perfect time to watch it!) There are many reasons why I love this movie, but to break the ice, I'll start with a couple of the superficial ones :) I love the fact that this movie was filmed in Alabama (my home state!), in Birmingham (my hometown!) on the campus of Samford University (where my brother goes to college!) The funny thing about this is that I had no idea of any of that when I first watched the movie. I kept thinking that certain places or buildings looked very familiar, but it wasn't until I watched the "extras" on the DVD that all the puzzle pieces fell into place! I also love that it stars John Schneider - "The Dukes of Hazzard", John Schneider. While I never actually watched "The Dukes of Hazzard" (I knew him from "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman"), I've always thought John Schneider is cute! So, I have a few superficial reasons why I like the movie!
But - I also have real reasons I love this movie. The movie is about a girl (Hannah) who discovers that not only is she adopted, but that she is the survivor of a botched abortion. The issue of abortion has always been close to my heart. From a young age on, my parents instilled in me and my brothers that as the tag line of this movie states, "every life is beautiful". Abortion is murder, plain and simple. In this country, those who take the life of another person are either executed or spend the rest of their life in prison for their crime, but when an unborn child's life is cut short, it's said to be the mother's choice. That's not right. From the time of conception a baby is just that: a baby - a living, breathing, feeling, human life. I am not afraid to say that I am 100% pro-life. Now there is forgiveness for all sins and I do believe that with all my heart. I am not here to judge, point fingers or act like I am "holier than thou". I don't mean to preach, but this is how I feel about the issue. I will never - ever see it as a woman's choice. A life is a life is a life. It's not a inconvenience or a mistake - it's a baby, a human life. I won't back down from that. I won't pretend to know what it's like to be in a situation where a woman thinks the only option is abortion. All I can say is that there is grace and forgiveness. And now, I'll step down from my soap box :) Back to the movie.... there are two different scenes in the movie that stand out to me as my favorites. One is when Hannah (having found and been rejected by her birth mother) leaves her birth mother a note with only these words written on the paper "I forgive you". She leaves it with the hospital bracelet her mother wore the day she was born. This scene was so moving to me because not only did you see it from Hannah's perspective, but also from the birth mothers. And, the scene becomes even more special if you watch the DVD extras and hear the story of the woman who played the birth mother in the movie. And my other favorite scene is at the very end of the movie. Hannah is speaking with her (adopted) father when she tells him thank you and he asks for what. She replies "for wanting me". I get teary eyed just typing that! But how much more does our Heavenly Father want us? He gave His one and only Son for us, because he wants us so much! I am reminded again that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made". And so are you! How awesome is our God?! "October Baby" is a wonderful reminder of how messy life is, how beautiful life is, how much three simple words whether they be "I forgive you", "I love you", "I want you" can mean and most importantly how very much our Heavenly Father loves, adores and wants each one of us.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
A Splendid Day
I'm wrapping up a most splendid day! There was nothing extraordinary about this day; nothing special or life-changing happened...it was just a day where LIFE happened :) It was a splendid day because God chose to wake me up this morning and give me another day to enjoy. If you're reading this, that means He gave you the same gift!! Rejoice :) It's a most awesome gift indeed!
I took the day off of work (after realizing that if I don't start taking days, I'm going to lose vacation days!). Taking the day off did not mean sleeping in though! Well, OK, I'll admit, I slept in 10 minutes past when I usually get up for work :) It was a big splurge. I had a doctor's appointment at 9:20 am so before heading there I exercised. I usually exercise when I come home from work on Tuesdays and Thursdays and sometime during the day on Saturdays and Sundays. But today, I did it first thing and it definitely got me going! I went to my doctor's appointment and then decided to do the all-so-thrilling task of getting my cars oil changed. It was a blast! OK, maybe that's an overstatement, but it was a lot of fun. I went to my usual place and this time, they said I could stay in the car. I've never actually stayed in the car when they've changed the oil! I got to drive the car into the work bay and then had my window rolled down, so I just talked with the guys changing the oil. I have to say, it was one of the most enjoyable, fun experiences I've ever had getting the oil changed in my car!!
After my thrilling oil change, I headed to Aldi's where I wanted to buy some fruit. I spent a grand total of $4.70 on apples and pears. I know, I know...I'm a huge spender ;) I ran into (not literally, although that would have made for an interesting story!) someone from my church. I am my mother's child and had a 25% off coupon for the Christian book store that expired today, so I swung by there. I found the perfect gift for my best friend for her birthday. And, it's not the day before her birthday or 5 days after, so I'm doing great!! Now, if I can get it in the mail to her in time for her birthday, I'll be set!
I thought Tuesday would be the perfect day to go to the grocery store. It was, but I was very surprised at how many people there actually were there in the middle of the day. I know you're dying to know what I bought, so I'll tell you: ice cream and frozen vegetables - hey it's all about a balanced diet ;)I ran into two more people from my church. It's always great seeing people I know out and about in their daily lives. I also found a 2014 calendar on...wait for it...Outhouses!! Seriously, what will they think of next? The most ornate toilets?! But the calendar made me smile and of course I had to take a picture of it!
I came home and ate lunch, threw some laundry in the washer and then took a little nap on the couch. I love Tuesday's because House reruns come on TV. I really only thought they came on at night (because that's when I'm home), but nope they come on during the day too! So I snoozed while one episode was on. I actually own every season of House on DVD, but there's something about it coming on TV, I can't help but watch (or in this case, just listen while I "rested" my eyes). I finally made it off the couch after an hour and decided to go to the dump. I know, I live a most glamorous life :) You all are so envious of me right now, aren't you?! I dropped my trash off and came back home, only to realize that while I had turned the lights off, I neglected to turn the TV off!!! Oh well :)
I got the strangest feeling later in the afternoon: I got the urge to clean. Where that feeling came from, I do not know! It was a God thing :) It was me channeling my Mom! I had just bought some new Swiffer dusting pads and I was thrilled to clean. One thing you should know: while I love vacuuming, I loathe dusting. I blame this on my Mom and Dad (not really, but...) It was my weekly job at home growing up to dust the entire house. So naturally, now that I have my own house, dusting does not rank in my top three most favorite things to do :) But dusting is a needed thing! And I was super excited to use my new Swiffer dusting pads. So I dusted the entire house. Then I vacuumed the entire house. Then I mopped the kitchen. What has gotten into me?! And now, I am enjoying the fruits of my labor: a clean house that smells wonderful. Oh and I didn't slip, trip, fall or otherwise injure myself when I mopped. This is a huge accomplishment :) I also remembered that the floor was wet and didn't walk on it until it was dry (I've had a problem in the past of forgetting this simple fact and almost causing a huge disaster!) It's a great day people!!!!
Some may look at this and think, "Eww...what a dirty house!" But I choose to look at it and think, "Boy, that was a good clean, a very, very good clean!"
I'm getting ready to eat dinner, I'll have ice cream later tonight and I get to watch Chicago Fire!!
It's truly been a wonderful, simple, splendid day indeed and once again, I'm "happy, happy, happy"!! I hope your Tuesday was just as good, if not even better than mine!
I took the day off of work (after realizing that if I don't start taking days, I'm going to lose vacation days!). Taking the day off did not mean sleeping in though! Well, OK, I'll admit, I slept in 10 minutes past when I usually get up for work :) It was a big splurge. I had a doctor's appointment at 9:20 am so before heading there I exercised. I usually exercise when I come home from work on Tuesdays and Thursdays and sometime during the day on Saturdays and Sundays. But today, I did it first thing and it definitely got me going! I went to my doctor's appointment and then decided to do the all-so-thrilling task of getting my cars oil changed. It was a blast! OK, maybe that's an overstatement, but it was a lot of fun. I went to my usual place and this time, they said I could stay in the car. I've never actually stayed in the car when they've changed the oil! I got to drive the car into the work bay and then had my window rolled down, so I just talked with the guys changing the oil. I have to say, it was one of the most enjoyable, fun experiences I've ever had getting the oil changed in my car!!
After my thrilling oil change, I headed to Aldi's where I wanted to buy some fruit. I spent a grand total of $4.70 on apples and pears. I know, I know...I'm a huge spender ;) I ran into (not literally, although that would have made for an interesting story!) someone from my church. I am my mother's child and had a 25% off coupon for the Christian book store that expired today, so I swung by there. I found the perfect gift for my best friend for her birthday. And, it's not the day before her birthday or 5 days after, so I'm doing great!! Now, if I can get it in the mail to her in time for her birthday, I'll be set!
I thought Tuesday would be the perfect day to go to the grocery store. It was, but I was very surprised at how many people there actually were there in the middle of the day. I know you're dying to know what I bought, so I'll tell you: ice cream and frozen vegetables - hey it's all about a balanced diet ;)I ran into two more people from my church. It's always great seeing people I know out and about in their daily lives. I also found a 2014 calendar on...wait for it...Outhouses!! Seriously, what will they think of next? The most ornate toilets?! But the calendar made me smile and of course I had to take a picture of it!
I came home and ate lunch, threw some laundry in the washer and then took a little nap on the couch. I love Tuesday's because House reruns come on TV. I really only thought they came on at night (because that's when I'm home), but nope they come on during the day too! So I snoozed while one episode was on. I actually own every season of House on DVD, but there's something about it coming on TV, I can't help but watch (or in this case, just listen while I "rested" my eyes). I finally made it off the couch after an hour and decided to go to the dump. I know, I live a most glamorous life :) You all are so envious of me right now, aren't you?! I dropped my trash off and came back home, only to realize that while I had turned the lights off, I neglected to turn the TV off!!! Oh well :)
I got the strangest feeling later in the afternoon: I got the urge to clean. Where that feeling came from, I do not know! It was a God thing :) It was me channeling my Mom! I had just bought some new Swiffer dusting pads and I was thrilled to clean. One thing you should know: while I love vacuuming, I loathe dusting. I blame this on my Mom and Dad (not really, but...) It was my weekly job at home growing up to dust the entire house. So naturally, now that I have my own house, dusting does not rank in my top three most favorite things to do :) But dusting is a needed thing! And I was super excited to use my new Swiffer dusting pads. So I dusted the entire house. Then I vacuumed the entire house. Then I mopped the kitchen. What has gotten into me?! And now, I am enjoying the fruits of my labor: a clean house that smells wonderful. Oh and I didn't slip, trip, fall or otherwise injure myself when I mopped. This is a huge accomplishment :) I also remembered that the floor was wet and didn't walk on it until it was dry (I've had a problem in the past of forgetting this simple fact and almost causing a huge disaster!) It's a great day people!!!!
I'm getting ready to eat dinner, I'll have ice cream later tonight and I get to watch Chicago Fire!!
It's truly been a wonderful, simple, splendid day indeed and once again, I'm "happy, happy, happy"!! I hope your Tuesday was just as good, if not even better than mine!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
The Art of Forgiveness
My dad had a fantastic sermon today. I should point out that I know it's not his words, but the Lord's and the Lord's words really, really hit home for me today. I hope this is one sermon that I can remember all my life. The title of it was: "Warnings You Need to Heed: A Hard Heart" but in a nutshell it was all about forgiveness. I'll be the first to admit, I can hold a grudge with the best of them, but I'm determined to change my ways. I know I can not do this without Jesus and without lots and lots of prayer, but today's message really convicted me. I don't want to live with a chip on my shoulder, with a grudge, with hate in my heart and I certainly do not want to have a hard heart, but in certain circumstances I find myself leaning farther and farther that way. In my dad's sermon he outlined three steps to take in the Art of Forgiveness. I wrote them down (yes, I take notes every once in awhile!) and wanted to share them:
The Art of Forgiveness
1. Go First
2. Trust God
3. Strive to become more like Jesus
That's it! Just three steps, but those three steps pack a punch!!
Go First - Who ever wants to be first in admitting they were wrong and asking for forgiveness or on the opposite end, who ever wants to be first in giving forgiveness to someone we think has wronged us? We want them to be the first to come to us and say that they are sorry. I'm convicted. I hate being wrong. I really do, so I'll stick it out to the bitter end, determined not to cave. So, I don't know that I will necessarily remember, in the heat of the moment, to abide by the "Go First" rule, but I sure hope that the Lord will (gently!) remind me that I need to be the bigger person, put pride aside and "Go First" in asking for forgiveness.
Trust God - definitely, 100% easier said than done!! I will testify to that :) Sometimes, I have faith that could move mountains and other times, I'm not even sure I have a mustard seeds worth of it. It's something I have to daily pray about. Trust God. Trust God. Trust God. I have to say it over and over and over again to remind myself to do it. It's a muscle that I must exercise every day. Just do it - trust God!
Strive to become more like Jesus - Wow, this is just as hard as the first two!! Daily and sometimes hourly, and yes - even some times by the minute, I'm asking Jesus for forgiveness of some stupid thing I've done or said or thought. This becoming more like Jesus is HARD!!! It's a full time job. I often wonder (being human and all) how God can keep on forgiving me when I do the same stuff over and over and over again. Being like Jesus entails not always getting my way, forgiving when forgiving is the last thing I want to do, being kind, being compassionate, giving of my heart, my time, my earthly possessions. It means inconveniencing myself for the sake of others, having mercy on others, loving those I don't want to love, going places I don't want to go and the list could go on and on and on. Do I really want to do this?! YES! I'm telling you this is what I want to do. That's a scary, scary sentence to write, because now my feet need to be held to the fire. I know I will falter and fail at this, but I really, really want to strive to become more like Jesus. I need to be reminded daily, hourly, minute-by-minute to forgive like Jesus forgives, love like Jesus loves and strive in every way possible to be just like Him.
If you'd like to hear my dad's sermon, you can! Just visit the church's website at Visitgrace.org and click on the media tab and then on "Sermons and Teachings". This sermon should be up in a few days.
I also wanted to leave you with a powerful act of forgiveness as told by CBS News. My dad also had this as part of his sermon. I first heard of this in a "People" magazine article. It's worth watching. It is a beautiful story on the power of forgiveness:
The Power of Forgiveness
May you be blessed mightly this week!
The Art of Forgiveness
1. Go First
2. Trust God
3. Strive to become more like Jesus
That's it! Just three steps, but those three steps pack a punch!!
Go First - Who ever wants to be first in admitting they were wrong and asking for forgiveness or on the opposite end, who ever wants to be first in giving forgiveness to someone we think has wronged us? We want them to be the first to come to us and say that they are sorry. I'm convicted. I hate being wrong. I really do, so I'll stick it out to the bitter end, determined not to cave. So, I don't know that I will necessarily remember, in the heat of the moment, to abide by the "Go First" rule, but I sure hope that the Lord will (gently!) remind me that I need to be the bigger person, put pride aside and "Go First" in asking for forgiveness.
Trust God - definitely, 100% easier said than done!! I will testify to that :) Sometimes, I have faith that could move mountains and other times, I'm not even sure I have a mustard seeds worth of it. It's something I have to daily pray about. Trust God. Trust God. Trust God. I have to say it over and over and over again to remind myself to do it. It's a muscle that I must exercise every day. Just do it - trust God!
Strive to become more like Jesus - Wow, this is just as hard as the first two!! Daily and sometimes hourly, and yes - even some times by the minute, I'm asking Jesus for forgiveness of some stupid thing I've done or said or thought. This becoming more like Jesus is HARD!!! It's a full time job. I often wonder (being human and all) how God can keep on forgiving me when I do the same stuff over and over and over again. Being like Jesus entails not always getting my way, forgiving when forgiving is the last thing I want to do, being kind, being compassionate, giving of my heart, my time, my earthly possessions. It means inconveniencing myself for the sake of others, having mercy on others, loving those I don't want to love, going places I don't want to go and the list could go on and on and on. Do I really want to do this?! YES! I'm telling you this is what I want to do. That's a scary, scary sentence to write, because now my feet need to be held to the fire. I know I will falter and fail at this, but I really, really want to strive to become more like Jesus. I need to be reminded daily, hourly, minute-by-minute to forgive like Jesus forgives, love like Jesus loves and strive in every way possible to be just like Him.
If you'd like to hear my dad's sermon, you can! Just visit the church's website at Visitgrace.org and click on the media tab and then on "Sermons and Teachings". This sermon should be up in a few days.
I also wanted to leave you with a powerful act of forgiveness as told by CBS News. My dad also had this as part of his sermon. I first heard of this in a "People" magazine article. It's worth watching. It is a beautiful story on the power of forgiveness:
The Power of Forgiveness
May you be blessed mightly this week!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Favorite Day of the Week
Today, I was thinking about what day of the week is my favorite. I was thinking this because I woke up with a song in my heart and a smile on my face. It's Tuesday which means it's "Chicago Fire" day (it's a TV show for those that don't know!) I also exercise on Tuesday. It's so many things, so I thought, maybe "Tuesday is my favorite day of the week." It was settled, until I started thinking about Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and Saturday and Sunday and Monday!! And then - I just couldn't pick one day of the week to be my favorite. I didn't want the other days to get their feelings hurt! I guess it's like having multiple children (I'm guessing, because I can't say from experience!) - you can't just pick one to be your favorite - they're all your favorite!! And here's some reasons why, each day of the week is my favorite:
Sunday - it's the Lord's day. It's a day set aside for worshipping the King of Kings, Jesus! Growing up, it was never an option and never a question where we would be on Sunday morning. And now that I'm grown, it's still not an option! The only place I will be, the only place I want to be is in church worshipping the Lord! Sunday afternoon is made for catching up with family and of course the ever important nap! My mom was born on Sunday. Sunday is a day of rest and this is why Sunday is my favorite day of the week.
Monday - it's the beginning of a school week or a work week! Yes, Monday gets a bad rap and I'm the first to jump on that bandwagon, but I have to admit that Monday is a good day. Afterall, it's a fresh start. Whether it was going to school or now, going to work - it is a day to begin anew. My dad was born on Monday. My brother, Steven was born on Monday. Monday is a good day to go grocery shopping: you have all the coupons from the Sunday paper and not all the crowds of the weekend! Monday nights are when Jay Leno has his "headlines" piece on "The Tonight Show". This is why Monday is my favorite day of the week.
Tuesday - it's not Monday!! HA - I gotcha there ;)Tuesday is when you've settled into the work week. You know for the most part what the week's going to look like work wise and it's just an all-around great day. As mentioned before, "Chicago Fire" comes on TV on Tuesdays (as did "House" in years gone by!)It's still a great day to go grocery shopping as no one thinks to go on a Tuesday :) As stated before, I exercise on Tuesday and get the endorphins going! It's an awesome day to serve the Lord and that's why Tuesday is my favorite day of the week.
Wednesday - it's HUMP DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, Wednesday is an awesome day, because it's the smack-dab middle of the work week. I've got two days behind me and two in front of me and a Wednesday to make me smile :) Wednesday is also when "Duck Dynasty" comes on TV. Wednesday is when I get to have my mid-week recharge at church. I get to see people at both work and church! Wednesday has it's own animal dedicated to it (the camel of course!) It's fun to say the word Wednesday. I love Wednesday in every way. That's why Wednesday is my favorite day of the week.
Thursday - it was my previous "favorite day of the week" (before all the days became my favorite!) because it was when "ER" came on TV. Now, "Doc Martin" and "The Michael J. Fox Show" come on TV on Thursday. It's also another exercise day for me. It's the anticipation of the weekend. I was born on Thursday (which yes, made the next day, Friday the 13th!). My brother, Stuart was born on Thursday. Lots of awesome stuff happens on Thursday and that's why it's my favorite day of the week.
Friday - it's the end of the work week! It's more "casual" than the other work days. Growing up, I loved Friday because it was my dad's day off. It still is his day off. He cuts the grass on Fridays and I love the look and the smell of freshly cut grass! Now, I have my own lawn and it's cut on Friday! "People" magazine comes in the mail on Friday. I try to stay up late on Friday, knowing that I can sleep in the next day. It usually doesn't work though ;) My brother, Stanton, was born on Friday. Fridays are fun days and that's why my favorite day of the week is Friday.
Saturday - it's the weekend!! I can sleep in (but usually don't). I can get chores done. I can leave chores to be done another day! Saturday is a day to catch up on what needs to be caught up on, or just throw caution to the wind and do whatever I want to do and that's why Saturday is my favorite day of the week.
So - as you can see, I can't pick one day as my "favorite"! I think every day that the Lord gives me breath to breathe, should be my favorite! Life isn't always fun. Some days seem to drag on, but in the scheme of things, life is all too short and every day should be and is my favorite day of the week!! I hope you can say the same.
Sunday - it's the Lord's day. It's a day set aside for worshipping the King of Kings, Jesus! Growing up, it was never an option and never a question where we would be on Sunday morning. And now that I'm grown, it's still not an option! The only place I will be, the only place I want to be is in church worshipping the Lord! Sunday afternoon is made for catching up with family and of course the ever important nap! My mom was born on Sunday. Sunday is a day of rest and this is why Sunday is my favorite day of the week.
Monday - it's the beginning of a school week or a work week! Yes, Monday gets a bad rap and I'm the first to jump on that bandwagon, but I have to admit that Monday is a good day. Afterall, it's a fresh start. Whether it was going to school or now, going to work - it is a day to begin anew. My dad was born on Monday. My brother, Steven was born on Monday. Monday is a good day to go grocery shopping: you have all the coupons from the Sunday paper and not all the crowds of the weekend! Monday nights are when Jay Leno has his "headlines" piece on "The Tonight Show". This is why Monday is my favorite day of the week.
Tuesday - it's not Monday!! HA - I gotcha there ;)Tuesday is when you've settled into the work week. You know for the most part what the week's going to look like work wise and it's just an all-around great day. As mentioned before, "Chicago Fire" comes on TV on Tuesdays (as did "House" in years gone by!)It's still a great day to go grocery shopping as no one thinks to go on a Tuesday :) As stated before, I exercise on Tuesday and get the endorphins going! It's an awesome day to serve the Lord and that's why Tuesday is my favorite day of the week.
Wednesday - it's HUMP DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, Wednesday is an awesome day, because it's the smack-dab middle of the work week. I've got two days behind me and two in front of me and a Wednesday to make me smile :) Wednesday is also when "Duck Dynasty" comes on TV. Wednesday is when I get to have my mid-week recharge at church. I get to see people at both work and church! Wednesday has it's own animal dedicated to it (the camel of course!) It's fun to say the word Wednesday. I love Wednesday in every way. That's why Wednesday is my favorite day of the week.
Thursday - it was my previous "favorite day of the week" (before all the days became my favorite!) because it was when "ER" came on TV. Now, "Doc Martin" and "The Michael J. Fox Show" come on TV on Thursday. It's also another exercise day for me. It's the anticipation of the weekend. I was born on Thursday (which yes, made the next day, Friday the 13th!). My brother, Stuart was born on Thursday. Lots of awesome stuff happens on Thursday and that's why it's my favorite day of the week.
Friday - it's the end of the work week! It's more "casual" than the other work days. Growing up, I loved Friday because it was my dad's day off. It still is his day off. He cuts the grass on Fridays and I love the look and the smell of freshly cut grass! Now, I have my own lawn and it's cut on Friday! "People" magazine comes in the mail on Friday. I try to stay up late on Friday, knowing that I can sleep in the next day. It usually doesn't work though ;) My brother, Stanton, was born on Friday. Fridays are fun days and that's why my favorite day of the week is Friday.
Saturday - it's the weekend!! I can sleep in (but usually don't). I can get chores done. I can leave chores to be done another day! Saturday is a day to catch up on what needs to be caught up on, or just throw caution to the wind and do whatever I want to do and that's why Saturday is my favorite day of the week.
So - as you can see, I can't pick one day as my "favorite"! I think every day that the Lord gives me breath to breathe, should be my favorite! Life isn't always fun. Some days seem to drag on, but in the scheme of things, life is all too short and every day should be and is my favorite day of the week!! I hope you can say the same.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Blessed!
I can't believe I haven't updated this blog since Tuesday...there is so much to write about and it all comes down to one word: blessed! I am SO blessed. From little things to big things, I am one incredibly blessed girl. So let's get right on it....
First, since I love, love TV, let's start there. I loved the season premiere of "Chicago Fire" on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I watched reruns of "Duck Dynasty". I can't wait for new episodes of that show this week, but I loved the reruns as well. Thursday was the much anticpated premiere of "The Michael J. Fox Show"!! I was so excited about it. I love Michael J. Fox. I loved him in "Family Ties". My favorite movie of his is "Doc Hollywood". (I know, you are now all saying, "That's her favorite?! What about "Back to the Future"? But...I'm sticking with "Doc Hollywood"!!) I love that movie and him in it :) Anyway, I was super excited to watch his new show, however, I had an already planned "date" with my grandmother to watch "Doc Martin" at the same time it premiered. So, I just recorded it - or so I thought! When I got home, I realized, I had done something wrong and the show had NOT recorded!! I was so sad. Until, I realized it was going to be shown again on Friday night. Then sadness turned to happiness :) On a side note - I love my Thursday night "date" nights with Oma watching "Doc Martin". We just found the show this year. I know it's been on for awhile (PBS, 9pm on Thursdays), but it's brand new to me. Oma found it first and started watching it and then she told me about it and I started watching it. Then I started going over to her house to watch it and now we have a weekly "date" night. It's fun! Now, back to "The Michael J. Fox Show" - I ended up watching it on Friday night and I loved it. Yes, it's really different from "Family Ties". Yes, he's "shakey" because of his Parkinson's, but what I got out of it is: follow your dreams. Don't let something like Parkinson's or dystonia or anything else keep you from doing what you want to do. If it's acting - then act! I am so glad he's back on TV. I know, I may be seeing his return to TV in a different light then everyone else. I hope I'm not though. I don't see him as this guy we have to have pity on because of his circumtances. I like him because I like him. It's not because he does or does not have Parkinson's. I am so happy he's back, Parkinson's and all. It gives me hope and makes me realize, we are the only ones that put boxes around ourselves and say we can or can't do something. Fear overtakes us and keeps us from fulfilling our dreams. I know, heavy stuff, right?! And you're thinking, "she got this all from watching "The Michael J. Fox Show"?" And to that I say simply: yes!
Speaking of boxes we put around ourselves, a topic came up between myself and co-workers this week and it got me thinking about how I put God in a box. My God - Jesus - is the biggest thing out there. He created the world, you and me!! So why on earth do we put limitations on what we think He can do?! The topic of conversation between me and my coworkers was what I wanted in a husband. Yes, it really was! I'm not quite sure how we got on this topic, but nevertheless, we did! It was silly and crazy, but it also got me thinking. One co-worker asked what my top 5 requirements would be in a husband. I spouted off 5 requirements. I think my co-workers were surprised and amused and thought I had gone nuts :) It was all done in fun and silliness, but the more I thought about my 5 requirements, the more I thought, why not?! My 5 requirements were silly and superficial for the most part, but they are what I like in a guy and God knows that. So no matter how silly or superficial they may be, my co-workers may have to eat crow at my wedding, if God so deems to grant me a Christian, Australian-accented, medical doctor who looks like Jesse Spencer and lives in the south! A co-worker did also challenge me to see beyond my own expectations. What if God has something bigger than I can even imagine?! Then, so be it!! I can't wait to see what God has in store. I'm not limited to my 5 requirement silly list. God's bigger than that! I know that God has it all under control and has a perfect plan. Whether I get married or stay single, I know I'll be in the palm of God's hand. My dad reminded me of that on Wednesday as I took communion. So rest in that friends - we are in the palm of God's hand!!
Another adventure that happened this week: I got to hold an Emmy!!!! Back to the whole TV thing, I did tell you I love TV, right?! Well, I have always dreamt of winning an Emmy, a Golden Globe, a People's Choice Award, an Oscar (an Academy Award) and any other award out there for anything TV and/or movie related. Silly dreams, I know, but we all have them :) So Friday, I got to hold a real, authentic, Emmy award!!! It was awesome. I wanted to give an acceptence speech. It was heavy. Yes, it was HEAVY!!! That award must of weighed 10 pounds! I had to hold it with both hands. I have no idea how all the actors and actresses wave these awards above their heads and hold more than one at a time! It could also be dangerous - the wings on the award, well, they are sharp!! It took me 33 years, but I finally held an Emmy. The only thing that would make it even better were if it had my name engraved on it and I was in a fancy dress on stage in L.A. accepting it with a speech I had prepared in front of family and of course the world. But for now, holding my bosses Emmy in Knoxville, TN on a Friday afternoon in my work clothes, with no speech prepared will have to do!
From Emmy Award to driving a lawnmower powered train at my church - Grace Lutheran's - fall festival - it doesn't get any better than that!! That is how I spent my Saturday. It was awesome. It was epic. I was right where I wanted to be, celebrating the love of Christ and driving the lawnmower train. I said more than once, I am pretty darn sure I had the cushiest job there! I loved, loved, loved every minute of it :) I saw so many people, so many kids and I was happy, happy, happy like my shirt (and Phil Robertson) said! I lathered on the sunscreen, got my "Jesus lights my way" hand tatoo and went to town. I didn't wreck, no one fell off or got hit, and we didn't run out of gas - it was a smashing success! I drove that train for 4 hours straight at a rate of 5 minutes per ride. It was pure joy. The wind in my hair, the sun above and kids laughing in the train - nothing better, I say, nothing better! I was reminded once again, how much I truly, deeply love the people that go to my church. It was the perfect day - the weather was gorgeous, the festival was awesome, and the people came! I have to give a huge shout out to all who made it happen. I can't even imagine the hours of prep and the hard, hard work that went into making it another smashing success. You all rock and because of you, people in our community saw Jesus. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me take a small role in that and for letting me have a blast! Again - I tend to (unfortunately) put God in a box, thinking that because I have to use a walker to get around, I can't do things - WRONG!!!! I drove a lawnmower train for 4 hours and didn't have to use the walker to do it! God is so good and amazing. And once again, I am reminded of how truly blessed I am!!
Here's my wheels for the day :)
Here's evidence that I actually was at the wheel of the train. It's the only picture I got using my phone, but I know there's more evidence out there that I was actually driving it!
Since I was driving the train, I didn't get to take many photos, but here's one of some of the crowd :)
First, since I love, love TV, let's start there. I loved the season premiere of "Chicago Fire" on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I watched reruns of "Duck Dynasty". I can't wait for new episodes of that show this week, but I loved the reruns as well. Thursday was the much anticpated premiere of "The Michael J. Fox Show"!! I was so excited about it. I love Michael J. Fox. I loved him in "Family Ties". My favorite movie of his is "Doc Hollywood". (I know, you are now all saying, "That's her favorite?! What about "Back to the Future"? But...I'm sticking with "Doc Hollywood"!!) I love that movie and him in it :) Anyway, I was super excited to watch his new show, however, I had an already planned "date" with my grandmother to watch "Doc Martin" at the same time it premiered. So, I just recorded it - or so I thought! When I got home, I realized, I had done something wrong and the show had NOT recorded!! I was so sad. Until, I realized it was going to be shown again on Friday night. Then sadness turned to happiness :) On a side note - I love my Thursday night "date" nights with Oma watching "Doc Martin". We just found the show this year. I know it's been on for awhile (PBS, 9pm on Thursdays), but it's brand new to me. Oma found it first and started watching it and then she told me about it and I started watching it. Then I started going over to her house to watch it and now we have a weekly "date" night. It's fun! Now, back to "The Michael J. Fox Show" - I ended up watching it on Friday night and I loved it. Yes, it's really different from "Family Ties". Yes, he's "shakey" because of his Parkinson's, but what I got out of it is: follow your dreams. Don't let something like Parkinson's or dystonia or anything else keep you from doing what you want to do. If it's acting - then act! I am so glad he's back on TV. I know, I may be seeing his return to TV in a different light then everyone else. I hope I'm not though. I don't see him as this guy we have to have pity on because of his circumtances. I like him because I like him. It's not because he does or does not have Parkinson's. I am so happy he's back, Parkinson's and all. It gives me hope and makes me realize, we are the only ones that put boxes around ourselves and say we can or can't do something. Fear overtakes us and keeps us from fulfilling our dreams. I know, heavy stuff, right?! And you're thinking, "she got this all from watching "The Michael J. Fox Show"?" And to that I say simply: yes!
Speaking of boxes we put around ourselves, a topic came up between myself and co-workers this week and it got me thinking about how I put God in a box. My God - Jesus - is the biggest thing out there. He created the world, you and me!! So why on earth do we put limitations on what we think He can do?! The topic of conversation between me and my coworkers was what I wanted in a husband. Yes, it really was! I'm not quite sure how we got on this topic, but nevertheless, we did! It was silly and crazy, but it also got me thinking. One co-worker asked what my top 5 requirements would be in a husband. I spouted off 5 requirements. I think my co-workers were surprised and amused and thought I had gone nuts :) It was all done in fun and silliness, but the more I thought about my 5 requirements, the more I thought, why not?! My 5 requirements were silly and superficial for the most part, but they are what I like in a guy and God knows that. So no matter how silly or superficial they may be, my co-workers may have to eat crow at my wedding, if God so deems to grant me a Christian, Australian-accented, medical doctor who looks like Jesse Spencer and lives in the south! A co-worker did also challenge me to see beyond my own expectations. What if God has something bigger than I can even imagine?! Then, so be it!! I can't wait to see what God has in store. I'm not limited to my 5 requirement silly list. God's bigger than that! I know that God has it all under control and has a perfect plan. Whether I get married or stay single, I know I'll be in the palm of God's hand. My dad reminded me of that on Wednesday as I took communion. So rest in that friends - we are in the palm of God's hand!!
Another adventure that happened this week: I got to hold an Emmy!!!! Back to the whole TV thing, I did tell you I love TV, right?! Well, I have always dreamt of winning an Emmy, a Golden Globe, a People's Choice Award, an Oscar (an Academy Award) and any other award out there for anything TV and/or movie related. Silly dreams, I know, but we all have them :) So Friday, I got to hold a real, authentic, Emmy award!!! It was awesome. I wanted to give an acceptence speech. It was heavy. Yes, it was HEAVY!!! That award must of weighed 10 pounds! I had to hold it with both hands. I have no idea how all the actors and actresses wave these awards above their heads and hold more than one at a time! It could also be dangerous - the wings on the award, well, they are sharp!! It took me 33 years, but I finally held an Emmy. The only thing that would make it even better were if it had my name engraved on it and I was in a fancy dress on stage in L.A. accepting it with a speech I had prepared in front of family and of course the world. But for now, holding my bosses Emmy in Knoxville, TN on a Friday afternoon in my work clothes, with no speech prepared will have to do!
From Emmy Award to driving a lawnmower powered train at my church - Grace Lutheran's - fall festival - it doesn't get any better than that!! That is how I spent my Saturday. It was awesome. It was epic. I was right where I wanted to be, celebrating the love of Christ and driving the lawnmower train. I said more than once, I am pretty darn sure I had the cushiest job there! I loved, loved, loved every minute of it :) I saw so many people, so many kids and I was happy, happy, happy like my shirt (and Phil Robertson) said! I lathered on the sunscreen, got my "Jesus lights my way" hand tatoo and went to town. I didn't wreck, no one fell off or got hit, and we didn't run out of gas - it was a smashing success! I drove that train for 4 hours straight at a rate of 5 minutes per ride. It was pure joy. The wind in my hair, the sun above and kids laughing in the train - nothing better, I say, nothing better! I was reminded once again, how much I truly, deeply love the people that go to my church. It was the perfect day - the weather was gorgeous, the festival was awesome, and the people came! I have to give a huge shout out to all who made it happen. I can't even imagine the hours of prep and the hard, hard work that went into making it another smashing success. You all rock and because of you, people in our community saw Jesus. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me take a small role in that and for letting me have a blast! Again - I tend to (unfortunately) put God in a box, thinking that because I have to use a walker to get around, I can't do things - WRONG!!!! I drove a lawnmower train for 4 hours and didn't have to use the walker to do it! God is so good and amazing. And once again, I am reminded of how truly blessed I am!!
Here's my wheels for the day :)
Here's evidence that I actually was at the wheel of the train. It's the only picture I got using my phone, but I know there's more evidence out there that I was actually driving it!
Since I was driving the train, I didn't get to take many photos, but here's one of some of the crowd :)
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Tuesday's Tales
Today started off in grand fashion: I washed my hair with body wash. This was NOT on purpose :) Of course, I didn't even notice that I had just lathered my long locks up with Herbal Essences' Hello Hydration Body Wash, until I started to get more out of the bottle. It was one of those moments where I thought, "I can't believe I just did that!" But I had to laugh!! I wasn't quite sure if, after washing it out of my hair, I should use shampoo and conditioner on top of it or not, but I did go ahead and use them. I must say though that my hair has had an awesome coconut extract smell to it all day :)
At work, I got the flu shot! Yes, I'm super excited about this because it was free and now I'm as protected as I can be against the flu. And it was made even more awesome by the fact that I got a Captain America band-aid!
I also got my work badge picture retaken. This was highly needed as now the company is using these badge pictures, not only for our badges but also on our e-mails. My old picture was just that - old, as in 8 years old. It was also 65 pounds ago. I should have my new badge photo in a few days and I can't wait!!
I am so excited because "Chicago Fire" premieres tonight!!!!! I've been waiting for the premiere since the season finale last year and tonight's the night. You should watch it too. It's on NBC and 10pm EST.
Once again, it's the simple things that happened today that added up to make today what it was. I'm just blessed I got to live it. Not every day is great. I get that, I do! Yesterday was one of those days for me. I fell almost right off the bat (first thing in the morning) and couldn't get my footing at all after that. I had a horrible walking day. Other things went awry as well - it was just a Monday - nothing to write home about. But, God gives us do-overs and He calls them the next day :) And today, was full of grace and goodness and laughter. So, I do get that every day is not going to be a bed of roses and I hope you don't think that I don't feel bad for what other people are going through. I just hope that through this blog you can laugh a little (or maybe a lot) because of the silly things I do. Or maybe you can just smile because of the simple things that make me happy :) Whatever is, I hope you keep reading. I'll keep writing if you do!
At work, I got the flu shot! Yes, I'm super excited about this because it was free and now I'm as protected as I can be against the flu. And it was made even more awesome by the fact that I got a Captain America band-aid!
I also got my work badge picture retaken. This was highly needed as now the company is using these badge pictures, not only for our badges but also on our e-mails. My old picture was just that - old, as in 8 years old. It was also 65 pounds ago. I should have my new badge photo in a few days and I can't wait!!
I am so excited because "Chicago Fire" premieres tonight!!!!! I've been waiting for the premiere since the season finale last year and tonight's the night. You should watch it too. It's on NBC and 10pm EST.
Once again, it's the simple things that happened today that added up to make today what it was. I'm just blessed I got to live it. Not every day is great. I get that, I do! Yesterday was one of those days for me. I fell almost right off the bat (first thing in the morning) and couldn't get my footing at all after that. I had a horrible walking day. Other things went awry as well - it was just a Monday - nothing to write home about. But, God gives us do-overs and He calls them the next day :) And today, was full of grace and goodness and laughter. So, I do get that every day is not going to be a bed of roses and I hope you don't think that I don't feel bad for what other people are going through. I just hope that through this blog you can laugh a little (or maybe a lot) because of the silly things I do. Or maybe you can just smile because of the simple things that make me happy :) Whatever is, I hope you keep reading. I'll keep writing if you do!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Simply happy
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
Here's what I'm rejoicing in today:
I'm ALIVE!!!!!! Have you ever just stopped to thank Jesus that you are alive?! I have! I mean, it's not a given. He brought me into this world and He can take me out! So I'm thankful for another day of life :)
It's SUNDAY!!!! I got to go to church and heard an awesome, God-inspired sermon and got to fellowship with believers. (On a funny note and, I really hope he doesn't mind me saying this, Dad overslept! Yep, even pastors oversleep sometimes. And yes, he did take a shower, brush his teeth and still made it to church on time!)
I got to have lunch with Mom and Dad at their house after church. It was breakfast for lunch and it was really good; but the company and conversation was even better!
I didn't run into any pythons while at Mom and Dad's. Supposedly there's one that got loose and may be in their neighborhood. Umm...who keeps pythons as pets?!!!
I exercised. It still amazes me that I have actually grown to love exercising and that I can actually do it without dying ;)
Mom gave me this shirt as a gift:
It is awesome and of course makes me "happy, happy, happy"!!!
Mom getting me the above T-shirt, makes me think that she and Dad read this blog because I don't think she would have known that I watch Duck Dynasty otherwise :)
I watched America's Funniest Home Videos and it always makes me laugh out loud.
I got these new dishes this past week:
I have Mom to thank for finding them. She actually got some in a golden rod color (or maybe mustard? It's some sort of very pretty yellow!) and I liked them so much, I wanted some for myself (but in the color that fit my kitchen). I love them!!
I'm watching the Emmy's. As stated in an earlier post...I love TV and award shows are right up my alley. Plus all the pretty dresses and who knows, maybe George Clooney ;)
Speaking of TV...it's season premiere week!!! Chicago Fire and the Michael J. Fox show are first on my list to watch. I can't wait!!!! Hot guys (hey, I'm not afraid to admit that's why I watch!!) on Chicago Fire and my all-time favorite actor, Michael J. Fox on his new show...what could be better?!
It's officially fall, ya'll!!!
Someone (Sue!) told me at church that she loved reading my blog. Thank you for that!! I'm glad people are actually reading (and thank you to all of those who have told me on FB that you are doing so!)
Now, I must devote my full attention to the Emmy's (because you know, it's very important that I do!)...so until next time, be blessed and have an awesome first week of fall!
Here's what I'm rejoicing in today:
I'm ALIVE!!!!!! Have you ever just stopped to thank Jesus that you are alive?! I have! I mean, it's not a given. He brought me into this world and He can take me out! So I'm thankful for another day of life :)
It's SUNDAY!!!! I got to go to church and heard an awesome, God-inspired sermon and got to fellowship with believers. (On a funny note and, I really hope he doesn't mind me saying this, Dad overslept! Yep, even pastors oversleep sometimes. And yes, he did take a shower, brush his teeth and still made it to church on time!)
I got to have lunch with Mom and Dad at their house after church. It was breakfast for lunch and it was really good; but the company and conversation was even better!
I didn't run into any pythons while at Mom and Dad's. Supposedly there's one that got loose and may be in their neighborhood. Umm...who keeps pythons as pets?!!!
I exercised. It still amazes me that I have actually grown to love exercising and that I can actually do it without dying ;)
Mom gave me this shirt as a gift:
It is awesome and of course makes me "happy, happy, happy"!!!
Mom getting me the above T-shirt, makes me think that she and Dad read this blog because I don't think she would have known that I watch Duck Dynasty otherwise :)
I watched America's Funniest Home Videos and it always makes me laugh out loud.
I got these new dishes this past week:
I'm watching the Emmy's. As stated in an earlier post...I love TV and award shows are right up my alley. Plus all the pretty dresses and who knows, maybe George Clooney ;)
Speaking of TV...it's season premiere week!!! Chicago Fire and the Michael J. Fox show are first on my list to watch. I can't wait!!!! Hot guys (hey, I'm not afraid to admit that's why I watch!!) on Chicago Fire and my all-time favorite actor, Michael J. Fox on his new show...what could be better?!
It's officially fall, ya'll!!!
Someone (Sue!) told me at church that she loved reading my blog. Thank you for that!! I'm glad people are actually reading (and thank you to all of those who have told me on FB that you are doing so!)
Now, I must devote my full attention to the Emmy's (because you know, it's very important that I do!)...so until next time, be blessed and have an awesome first week of fall!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
I'm happier than a duck in water :)
When I think of all my blessings, I can't help but be happier than a duck in water!
Here are some of those blessings that happened just today....
I slept in, listening to the rain on the roof, thankful I had a warm bed to lie in and a sturdy roof over my head to keep the rain out!
I exercised and loved every minute of it. I am so thankful, that even with dystonia, I can exercise. I had always heard of that "runner's high", but I thought it was a joke and people who got it were crazy. That is, until I experienced it myself. I may not be running (I bike on a stationary bike), but I definitely get that high that runners get. The endorphins are amazing and exercising - well it makes me feel awesome!!!
I cleaned my bathroom. Yep, even cleaning the bathroom makes me happy! I also didn't mind doing it because I knew I wasn't missing out on outside activites because of the rain (hey, you have to find a silver lining in everything!)
Not sure if you can actually tell that I cleaned it, but trust me, I did!! The before picture is on the left and the after is on the right ;)
I got to read more of an awesome book - "Sum It Up" by Tennessee Lady Vols (former) head coach, Pat Summitt. I actually gave this book to my Mom for Mother's Day because she said she would love to read it. She did (read it and love it) and even got it autographed! Now she's letting me borrow it :) It's an awesome book, made that much better, because I know some of the people Pat speaks about in the book (LaTina, Dean...) Nothing better to do on a rainy day than read a book!
I washed all my bed sheets, my comforter and all my rugs. I'm telling you, freshly washed sheets and rugs are the absolute best! They bring a smile to my face.
Speaking of smiles, this sure brings one to my face:
I like to call it the redneck fix :) As you can tell, I still have an old school TV in my bedroom and after years of sitting on the shelf with no problems, the shelf gave way and the TV - well it came toppling down. It's dinged up pretty bad, but thankfully not the screen and it still works perfectly! So, I had to have Dad come over and lift it off the floor for me and we had to set up a contraption to hold the shelf up (because the screws were stripped right out of it). And this is what we came up with. This was months ago. But every time I watch TV, it makes me laugh. Sometimes, you gotta do, what you gotta do! I just hope I don't want to read any of those books any time soon! I'll eventually get it fixed (and buy a new TV), but for now, this works perfectly and more importantly, makes me laugh :)
I watched the Tennessee Vols. Whether they win or whether they lose it's still great to be a Tennessee Vol!
I vaccuumed. It's fun, because my vacuum has a light on it. I know you're all super jealous and to make you even more jealous, here's a picture of said vacuum:
Can I just say...I LOVE a vacuumed room!
Of my previous posts (I know, there are soooo many of them with a grand total of 7, but hey, you gotta start somewhere!) The one that got the MOST page views was the one I titled "I'm happier than a camel on Wednesday :)" So that got me thinking that maybe everyone else enjoys the simple things in life, just as much as I do! That makes me super happy!!
And tomorrow is SUNDAY. I get to go to church and worship the Lord. There is NOTHING better in life than to give praise to the One who gave me life and then redeemed my life!!! These lyrics have been running around in my head all day:
"I am blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
And his joy's going to be my strength...." (from the song Trading My Sorrows by Delirious?)
And that my friends is why I'm happier than a duck in water! I hope you can say the same and be blessed by all the simple things in life.
Here are some of those blessings that happened just today....
I slept in, listening to the rain on the roof, thankful I had a warm bed to lie in and a sturdy roof over my head to keep the rain out!
I exercised and loved every minute of it. I am so thankful, that even with dystonia, I can exercise. I had always heard of that "runner's high", but I thought it was a joke and people who got it were crazy. That is, until I experienced it myself. I may not be running (I bike on a stationary bike), but I definitely get that high that runners get. The endorphins are amazing and exercising - well it makes me feel awesome!!!
I cleaned my bathroom. Yep, even cleaning the bathroom makes me happy! I also didn't mind doing it because I knew I wasn't missing out on outside activites because of the rain (hey, you have to find a silver lining in everything!)
Not sure if you can actually tell that I cleaned it, but trust me, I did!! The before picture is on the left and the after is on the right ;)
I got to read more of an awesome book - "Sum It Up" by Tennessee Lady Vols (former) head coach, Pat Summitt. I actually gave this book to my Mom for Mother's Day because she said she would love to read it. She did (read it and love it) and even got it autographed! Now she's letting me borrow it :) It's an awesome book, made that much better, because I know some of the people Pat speaks about in the book (LaTina, Dean...) Nothing better to do on a rainy day than read a book!
I washed all my bed sheets, my comforter and all my rugs. I'm telling you, freshly washed sheets and rugs are the absolute best! They bring a smile to my face.
Speaking of smiles, this sure brings one to my face:
I like to call it the redneck fix :) As you can tell, I still have an old school TV in my bedroom and after years of sitting on the shelf with no problems, the shelf gave way and the TV - well it came toppling down. It's dinged up pretty bad, but thankfully not the screen and it still works perfectly! So, I had to have Dad come over and lift it off the floor for me and we had to set up a contraption to hold the shelf up (because the screws were stripped right out of it). And this is what we came up with. This was months ago. But every time I watch TV, it makes me laugh. Sometimes, you gotta do, what you gotta do! I just hope I don't want to read any of those books any time soon! I'll eventually get it fixed (and buy a new TV), but for now, this works perfectly and more importantly, makes me laugh :)
I watched the Tennessee Vols. Whether they win or whether they lose it's still great to be a Tennessee Vol!
I vaccuumed. It's fun, because my vacuum has a light on it. I know you're all super jealous and to make you even more jealous, here's a picture of said vacuum:
Of my previous posts (I know, there are soooo many of them with a grand total of 7, but hey, you gotta start somewhere!) The one that got the MOST page views was the one I titled "I'm happier than a camel on Wednesday :)" So that got me thinking that maybe everyone else enjoys the simple things in life, just as much as I do! That makes me super happy!!
And tomorrow is SUNDAY. I get to go to church and worship the Lord. There is NOTHING better in life than to give praise to the One who gave me life and then redeemed my life!!! These lyrics have been running around in my head all day:
"I am blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
And his joy's going to be my strength...." (from the song Trading My Sorrows by Delirious?)
And that my friends is why I'm happier than a duck in water! I hope you can say the same and be blessed by all the simple things in life.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Throwback Thursday: On the Set of Christy
Happy Thursday, Ya'll!! It being Thursday and all, I thought I'd do a little throwback - all the way back to October 1994. I was 14 years old and obsessed with everything having to do with celebrity and TV and movies (OK, 19 years later and things really haven't changed in that department!) My family and I had not even lived in Tennessee a full year yet (that would come in November), when I got to meet a real TV star and go on a real TV location. In the fall of 1994 a TV show started filming in Townsend, TN (about an hour to an hour and half's drive from Knoxville). Our dear church friends had stumbled upon the set of "Christy" starring Kellie Martin (from "Life Goes On" fame) and Tyne Daly. However, since they stumbled upon the site, they had not brought their camera with them. The guy guarding the gate told them to come back and we would let them in and they could take as many pictures as they wanted to. These dear friends of ours knew how obsessed I was with celebrity and TV and asked Mom and I to tag along when they went back. I was so excited, I almost couldn't contain myself! We headed up to Townsend. I, of course being the ever dedicated fan, brought with me my copy of the book "Christy" in hopes of seeing someone famous! I was NOT disappointed. Well, maybe I was a little. You see when we got to the set, the same man that my friends had talked to was there and he recognized my friends, however he could not let us on the official site because, unfortunately, there had been a theft on the set and no one - not even Kellie Martin herself - was allowed on the set without official credentials. I was heartbroken. Truly, I thought my dreams had been dashed - until the sweet man told us that if we wanted to hang around a bit, he had it under good authority that Kellie Martin was coming to the set. I was beside myself again. I would have waited all day and all night. We did have to wait awhile and while we did, we toured the surrounding buildings that were used on the show but not in the "official" compound. It was thrilling and awesome and everything I thought it would be. I didn't even care at that point that we couldn't go into the "official" compound - I was still seeing official houses and set props. I was like a kid in a candy store. I guess a kid on a movie set would be a more appropriate saying! And then, it happened. I met my first celebrity as Kellie Martin drove up! She was so sweet. She signed my book! She took a picture with us. She made my day. And that my friends, is my Throwback Thursday story :) Here are a few pictures from the set:
In the distance is the church and the "mission" house that were a vital part of the series
.jpeg)
The Mission House
.jpeg)
Inside one of the set houses
.jpeg)
Hangin' laundry on the line like they did back in the day :)
.jpeg)
Kellie Martin signing my book!
My book and Kellie's autograph (can you tell how worn my book is?! I read it over and over again)
In the distance is the church and the "mission" house that were a vital part of the series
.jpeg)
The Mission House
.jpeg)
Inside one of the set houses
.jpeg)
Hangin' laundry on the line like they did back in the day :)
.jpeg)
Kellie Martin signing my book!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
I'm happier than a camel on Wednesday :)
Today, I'm happy, happy, happy (in the words of Phil Roberston of Duck Dynasty!) Why, you ask? There's actually no particular reason at all. I'm just glad to be alive and thankful for all the good things in life!
Like the song "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" By Travis Tritt....when he sings:
"And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shinin'
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't everyday be just this good"
Some things that made my day happy....
I actually made it to the gas station WITHOUT running out of gas!!! This is a huge victory for me, as you see, I tend to push it to the limit and well, that's caused me to run out of gas a couple of times. But hey, like I posted on Facebook, I don't always live dangerously, but when I do, the gas in my car tends to get really low :)
Then, I realized that I actually got 30.5 MPG this trip around and it made me so happy!
It puts a smile on my face when I think about that Geico commercial with the camel who keeps asking "Guess what day it is!" I LOVE that commercial...seriously just ask any of my co-workers and they will let you know how happy it makes me! A few weeks ago, I printed the below picture off for one of my co-workers, Sarah, who despises the phrase "Hump Day". But the sign did make her laugh. Well, today, I walked into work to find the sign on my desk!! And it seriously brought the biggest smile to my face!
The work day was awesome. I am so incredibly blessed to be working in a field that I LOVE! I have the best co-workers, the best bosses and the well, the best job! At the end of a meeting I was in today, someone asked one of our bosses how his father was doing after he had major heart surgery. The conversation went something like this:
Co-Worker: How's your Dad doing?
Boss: He's doing well. He' still hasn't gotten all of his strength back, but he's walking around the house some without his walker
Me: Hey! I can't even do that! So he must be doing well! :)
It's always good when you can laugh at your circumstances, in spite your circumstances!!
After work, I got to go to church, which always makes me happy!
And soon it will be time for a new episode of Duck Dynasty!
I have a phrase I use often "It's the little things in life that make me happy". Today's "little things" added up to huge happiness. I hope you can find joy in the littlest of things too. It's the ordinary things that add up to the extraordinary events that make life worth living. I hope you're happier than a camel on Wednesday and I hope the Joy of the Lord's is yours!!
Like the song "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" By Travis Tritt....when he sings:
"And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shinin'
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't everyday be just this good"
Some things that made my day happy....
I actually made it to the gas station WITHOUT running out of gas!!! This is a huge victory for me, as you see, I tend to push it to the limit and well, that's caused me to run out of gas a couple of times. But hey, like I posted on Facebook, I don't always live dangerously, but when I do, the gas in my car tends to get really low :)
Then, I realized that I actually got 30.5 MPG this trip around and it made me so happy!
Co-Worker: How's your Dad doing?
Boss: He's doing well. He' still hasn't gotten all of his strength back, but he's walking around the house some without his walker
Me: Hey! I can't even do that! So he must be doing well! :)
It's always good when you can laugh at your circumstances, in spite your circumstances!!
After work, I got to go to church, which always makes me happy!
And soon it will be time for a new episode of Duck Dynasty!
I have a phrase I use often "It's the little things in life that make me happy". Today's "little things" added up to huge happiness. I hope you can find joy in the littlest of things too. It's the ordinary things that add up to the extraordinary events that make life worth living. I hope you're happier than a camel on Wednesday and I hope the Joy of the Lord's is yours!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)