Robbie Rats in Vegas

I'd link you to the pictures, but people have to be a Cottey alumnae to be able to see them!
The Robbie Rec Rats from '85 to '90 met together in Vegas for a fun little reunion. It is clear that they had a great time. It is neat to see and be reminded how bonds are among them even though they weren't all in school at the same time together. About 12 of them are in the pictures connecting like they did 20 yrs ago. Some have changed to be much more conservative in actions (and probably thought) but the bond of the relationships is clear. One of the funniest things is looking at how they sort of dressed similar for the various activities and days of being there. Even though I wasn't an RRR, I cherish the memories I have of them fighting for traditions. I love the moments that I still get to spend with them. I am thankful for the impact of friendships that they have had on my life.

There When You Need Me

"I'm your friend. I'll be there for you when you need me." Isn't it funny how people say this? Oddily, we forget who determines that need. Often, we mean when we think the other needs us. Being willing to be there when it is difficult is when the true friendship arises. Many times in the past couple of years I've had people say that they will be there for me when I need them. The stupid part of that statement is that they are referring to the funeral.
A funeral is just like a wedding...a stupid ceremony. With a wedding the special stuff is the prep time and the cleaning up stuff. A friend doesn't just attend. With a funeral it is the before death help and the clean up after. A friend doesn't just send a card. Supporting a friend in her career is done the consistent encouragement and willingness to listen to the painful times. A friend doesn't just celebrate the finished work.
During my time down here three times stand out to me where the being there for the friend was real. One was a phone call that I received as my friend was driving home. She needed someone to listen to about fun life stuff, so I talked for about 20minutes till she got home to her husband. I was tired and love to share heart things with her, but I needed to be there for her. Another time was when I came into the Tuna House after a crappy day of taking gma to the doctor and dealing with incompetent nurses. I lived with 3 nurses. Thankfully, they were home this night. I told them I needed to be with people and be loved, but I needed them to not talk about their hospital work. I curled up next to them on the couch and we laughed some and they reminded each other to not be medical. The other one was with Rita because I didn't really know what I needed. The offer for someone to go get gas for me with I rested a little more was really being there for me when I didn't even know it.
I'm going to work on making sure I only say this statement when I mean it.

What a Weekend

Lori invited me to join her for the Mardi Gras Fun Run/Walk in Galveston on Saturday. Since I knew I was able to walk 3miles, I said sure. Oh my...to the actual exprience of it. As I'm leaving to head to the island, I called Lori to verify that we were still doing this since it was raining. She said of course! Oh my...exercisers are insane! The fun walk was FREEZING this morning. Walking on the seawall in the rain when there is a wind chill of 39F is a bit stupid! Four layers on top and I was wet down to my skin! I was very surprised that I was able to wring water out of my bra strap. The slow steady rain just soaked right through. I really wanted to stop before we had even gone a mile because my muscles were in pain with the cold. If it hadn't been for the perservance of Lori, I most likely would have said no way. I was jealous of those people walking with Starbucks even though I hate coffee. I want to go walk that same path in normal weather just to see how I would handle it. I know I'm a fat chick, but I know that I can walk a good distance before I want to die. Now, I have to reassure myself of this.
Saturday night I went to do gaming after setting up my Weekend Bible Study class. It was interesting how without even thinking I was able to go into a non-competitive at all costs mode. Normally, when I play games, I look for any edge so that I can win. This night I was learning some of the games and the need to win didn't overpower me. I'm curious how this will impact my future gaming times with the group.
WHOOP! Also got a free printer to donate to the teachers at Sante Fe Middle School.
On Sunday, my 2nd grade Weekend Bible Study class surprised me with some good questions that allowed the Adam and Eve story to not be so repetitive. We talked about what temptation was. It was interesting to see how temptation effected them. I didn't think I could be encouraged in faith with this story, but the discussion with these children reminded me of my own faults of temptation. I hope I don't cheat these children or myself by not giving some solutions on dealing with choice making as we complete the choice discussion next week.

Survival of today...Feb. 8.

It has been 6 yrs since I received the rejection letter from NAMB a day after the acceptance letter. Six years since the organization I had supported and loved questioned my faith. Six years since a month of crying and confusion over specualtion of God's love for me. Six years since I learned to really value my personal relationship with God without thought to other's perceptions.
Today was sort of amazing because I thought about the significance of today when I flipped over the calendar. I prayed right then for strength and for God to help me not think of the past today. God blessed me today through answered prayer. Not until I was driving home from work did I realize again that today way Feb.8th. I think somehow I missed it on the talk shows and news. What a charge for my faith to be reminded that God is love and that he loves me. PFFFFFTTTT to those that negate my relationship with Him. I'm thrilled that God has these wonderful female qualities to help me be the person He has designed me to be.
After I came home for a bit, I was able to have some me time at a lake near here. This was a pleasant time for me to walk around singing praises and stop to read a chapter of a book that is teaching me more about myself. I did not dread today and I'm not saying good bye to this day with tears about failed preceptions and dreams. While I do wish a friend or two could have let me know they were thinking of me today. I'm glad that God let me know that he was thinking about me.

Scary at how much is true

My Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion.You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness.You're generally good at balancing work and play.When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done.But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness.You're generally a friendly and trusting person.But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism.You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have medium neuroticism.You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic.Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy.Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high.In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.