Stressful Weeks

First of all I feel like I need a disclaimer for someone who reads this and has heard/seen some of my life this past few weeks. It is one of those times when having a friend and a boss in the same person really sucks. But I'm gonna let go of the freaking out my head does about that because my heart and head have been over full the last two weeks.

What is terrible, for me, is that there is still so much that I either don't have details for or that I can't share. Just sort of needing to list things to actually be able to be thankful God has let me live through it. So some of the things of the past two weeks:
* close friend having day surgery
* another close friend may have TB and dealing with that
* Gma has some bruise on her knee and elbow that we weren't told about
* Sally's bump
* stupid door
* Pam's surgery
* Alisa's surgery
* Shannon actually moving
* church deadlines
* Joyce's dog
* stupid family politics

I've cheated the last two nights so that I could sleep through the night. UGH...I hate doing that. My mind races so much when I lay down even though I'm yawning and closing my eyes. So yeah...I've taken the Benadryl to make me sleep all through the night. God is just so odd when He brings challenges. Making me face so many loved ones with health issues just is hard to grasp. I hate that I don't have the energy, because of the tears probably, to do something for those who I am able to do things for. The worst thing about all of this is who I've become at work. I've been rude to others this week. My tolerance level was so low with co-workers and phone patience. Generally, I'm happy with where I sit for work because it is away from some of the talking/gossip. With my faith and sleep being less, I stupidly wanted to be involved with it. Wanting to fix pain with inflicting pain isn't a good way to handle problems, yet I tried that. I freakin got reported because I annoyed with the questions I was being asked (even though I know I have to answer the stupid questions). On my facebook, I posted the rainbow from the other day. It is really true that I need God to make me see the rainbows through all the rain in my eyes. I don't like the evil that I have become this week, and I don't like not having the faith to believe that:
* God loves my close friend who had day surgery
* God loves my another close friend may have TB and will help her deal with it
* God loves Gma and will someday have truth prevail
* God loves Sally's bump and her family
* God loves the people in my apartment complex
* God loves Pam even if she doesn't have a relationship with Him
* God loves Alisa even if she doesn't have a realtionship with Him
* God loves Shannon and will find her new friends in Corpus (and find me one here)
* God loves His church and already has the plan made
* God loves Austin
* God loves my family and He is the Peacemaker, not me

Sally Update

MandI just called to let me know how Sally is doing. I know I suck at dealing with things about disease and/or death, so these past few days have been really hard. Yes, I know she isn't even MY dog! When I spent time with Sally last night and this morning, I was some what put at ease that she wasn't in almost death condition. She simply has an abses (sp?) on her back tooth. They will figure out how to deal with it when Phillip gets back. Thankfully, she is following the rule of nothing too terrible while her Daddy is away.

The Blogging World

Three of my deep thinking blogs that I read have been very powerful the past few days. I love that! I miss it severly in my people to people conversations, so having the blog world is very helpful for me.
One of the writers is someone I went to Cottey with. I actually met her when I sat in on a class when I was checking out the college. Then, my freshman year, my suite kinda adopted her into the love for meals, traditions, movie time, and probably academics too. When I went to Meredith, I saw her again at these huge statewide BSU events. It was so odd to share that other part of life with her. Then a few years ago, I learn that she was in Divinity (not candy) school. FASCINATING! Her thoughts about her path and her theology mixed with daily life are a blessing for me. She helps me to remember that God didn't design me into some crappy creature to be tossed aside. When I read her, I want to just sit down and call to get even more into it. I'm still a tad frustrated that God didn't allow them to move to Texas when she graduated.
Another one of the writers, I happened upon about three years ago. I was searching for stuff about Florida camp. This minister was questioning Dr.T and the way the gospel is presented at camp. I had to comment. Then I got to staying around and reading more of his posts. It took me a couple of weeks to realize that there weren't many women commenting, but it didn't deter me. He is a minister that truly is missional focused. He truly loves people at their core and wants to understand people. He allows us to be able to watch his daughter grow. He truly cherishes his wife. Through his blog, I was connected to even more of the SBC-blogging circle. How much I loved the way so many of the blogs had open conversations even with some disagreements. People generally didn't get all upset just because someone disagreed with them. This minister's blog is one of the best I've seen for being able to do that. It has the added benefit of making me think.
Finally there is the blog of the young one. Sometimes I read her writings and feel like take a shower from what I've read. Then there are times that just make me truly laugh so hard. Sadly, a few days ago, I cried almost for an hour after reading a post. I didn't even finish reading it the first time. I shut the computer and tried to go to bed. I had to get back up and finish it, then I still cried tears for her, me, the truth, and the commonality. Two days after reading it, I "twittered" her that I'd love to talk to her more about it. See for me blogging should be about the author feeling free to express herself, experiences, and interesting findings. I regret that she lives in the reality of fear of being loved because of her words or thoughts...especially from her family. Then I realized, I have felt that way as well.

***To those of you that have blogs to update about your family life and travels, I do enjoy those as well cause it shows a different side of you. There is just a difference in the pressure for thinking.

Sally Sores

MandI calls me at work to ask me if I had seen sores on Sally's face. I hadn't...and it has been was Thursday evening that I last saw her. Then a couple of hours later, I receive an email telling me that Sally will be going to be vet on Wednesday. Praying that Sally is obedient to the rule of nothing severe is allowed to happen to her while Phillip, her daddy, is out of town.

So that news from California

Ted Arman has big plans for his Iron Mountain Mine and the acidic water that seeps from the federal Superfund site.

They include a return to mineral mining at the location nine miles northwest of Redding, Calif., and a 200-foot Italian marble statue of Jesus Christ atop the 3,500-foot mountain that Arman says would be the largest in the world. Next to the steel-framed Christ would stand a 100-foot crucifix. Arman said the cross also would be lit up at night.

"I hope to make the property a Garden of Eden," Arman said.

But a federal official says that none of Arman's changes are in the works at the mine, home to what scientists have called the world's worst water and whose iron-red scar is visible from much of Redding. read more here

and a funner view of the tale here
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I know I've seen many of these type of large statues (been on the throw-up road too many times to Eureka Springs!) and the picture of the famous one in Rio. I just don't get it. To me it isn't something that worships God, but seems more like an idol. The two articles that I read about it almost make the man sound crazy as well. Yes, Noah was tought to be crazy as well, but a statue will not get you anywhere. There are plenty of non-Christians in California (and elsewhere) so it would make more sense to me to spend that money trying to build relationships with the people! The guy just doesn't comprehend that usually the people who come to these crazy statues are believers (or those that think they are). Does he really need to help clearly break a 10 commandment in California? My SPUH was from redding and I'm sure this will not help her to be a believer. Faith that brings stupid decisions is so frustrating. God did not take away intelligence!
Maybe Californians have such a need to be famous that they keep making dumb decisions even ones involving faith?
So now God can have a final word and just have one of those great California Earthquakes in 4yrs, and the statue crashes in the man's garden. oh brother!

Thought on through out day from another blog

What would happen if…..

Followers of Jesus concentrated on sharing their faith with a lost and dying world?
Followers of Jesus prayed for the church across the street?
Churches didn’t see other churches as competition but as allies?
Churches rejoiced when another church is thriving?
We realized our view might be wrong?
Their church is just as important to God as yours?
We recognized God likes variety?
Followers of Jesus didn’t shoot their wounded?
We acted like Grace really is amazing?
We give Grace beyond the point of conversion?
We realized God likes worship–no matter what the style is?
Churches in a community partnered with each other to reach the lost and hurting people that God has given to them?
Churches didn’t criticize other churches?
Followers of Jesus didn’t nit-pick other believers, churches or ministries?
Followers of Jesus became part of the solution rather than being the problem?
We really prayed….?
Followers of Jesus could put aside differences in order to minister to a dying world?
Followers of Jesus really became one?

What do you think?
Now, I don't think any of this is about doctrine. There are some churches/pastors that don't teach the gospel. It just breaks my heart to know that we bicker about some stupid crap around churches that has nothing to do with our coworkers, family, friends, and neighbors having a relationship Christ. Heck, I've even been listening to and watching the SBC annual meeting this week. Not because I agree with everything about the SBC, but because I do believe and support the amazing way southern baptist can do missions.

Misty Evening to GANO

Last night, my bible study class took up meals for today to be eaten by the summer missionaries for Houston Baptist Centers. Glynda was in a very hostess mood and three hadn't been to the new building. I hadn't been through the building with everyone actually living there. I wasn't ready for the emotional pull I was going to feel when we were walking through the building. First was seeing the mail and prayer board area in use. When serving this is such a vital part of support -- prayer and love from outsiders and prayer and lover from coworkers. As we went up the stairs, there was a picture that had been made for the many different children the centers serve. Then she opened the door to the guys room. The bunk beds, lack of storage, open closet, and community bathroom --- all giving me thoughts of great memories! Then we moved into hall to be shone the room for the missionaries to relax in. The was a very comfy looking room. Floods of memories overcame me from the bonding we had in our "no feet on the furniture" living room. Then we turned into the room for the women. Maradee made a comment about the bedspreads being similar. I giggled for a moment in my head thinking about making beds at RSBM. The summer house mom was very concerned about the "critter" staying closest to the bathroom because of the light. It kinda got to me when I saw the bibles on the beds as we were about to leave the room. Why isn't it when you are so drained from doing clearly God's work, it is easier to make time to read his word? Even though inner city missions work is hard, the lessons and love of God is just so high. When we left the second floor, I followed quickly down the stairs so the feelings would not be so present on my mind. We said our good-byes. On our drive out of the area, we saw a wreck. Another in the car was worried about a gun. No fear ever crossed my mind, just the hassel of getting around.
Makes me really desire the day when God makes this a normal part of my life again.

Wonder Woman actress finds body on river in D.C

WASHINGTON June 7, 2008, 07:17 am ET · The actress who played Wonder Woman on TV in the 1970s says she didn't do anything extraordinary when she discovered a body this week on the Potomac River in Washington.

Lynda Carter tells The Washington Post she was alone in a boat when she saw the body Wednesday. She says she didn't have a cell phone with her, so she yelled to some fishermen and asked them to call police. Carter waited until rescuers arrived and directed them to the body.

District of Columbia police say the body of 47-year-old Helen Johnstone of Washington was found floating on the river Wednesday. The medical examiner's office has not declared an official cause of death.

Carter says she "did what anybody would have done."

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Now, I'm not sure that is what I would have done. Maybe eventually, but not as level headed as this makes it sound. Very possibly, I would have needed some new Wonder Woman Underoos (we had them as children) if I had seen that body! Too bad she couldn't lasso it up and take it to the MEs office. Wonder if those fisherman wondered if she had apprehended a suspect...HA!

Self Absorbed

I totally need to be slapped upside the head. I just saw this overly cute cake and said it was for me. Now we have two pregnant women so totally the rubber duckie cake is for them (stephenie I think cause it is a blue background..ugh). Seriously how selfish am I to think a cake is for me when it is no where near September! This does not mean that I want a cake either.
EDITED: I've added the picture of it. There were even more questions after this post about it being my birthday. (I don't want this cake for my birthday even though it is cute!) I put a post-it note on the cake to let people know it wasn't my cake. This was before reading Lori's comment. Still too odd for this day...or maybe not because today was an odd day. (getting ready for a whirlwind week ahead)

Bye, Bye May

Although being in Texas means, I have to run the AC every day when May comes. There are some really great things about this month. Most of them involve traditions and presents!
May is the time for so many birthdays of family and friends. When I was little, one of the reason I used for saying I was adopted was birthdays. My mom, 1/2 sister, and sister all have May birthdays, since I didn't I was sure I was adopted. (oh yes the mind of a child) I actually put thought and effort into gift giving this year. While I'm still holding onto one of Jerrese's gifts, I do think I did ok with all of them. It was easier when I thought more about being creative than spending a certain amount. Of course, learning about new places in Texas, getting pics to frame, and sharing a heart moment is a little creative too! All the friend birthdays have been crazy. Yes I know next month will actually be worse for close friend bithdays, but really card shopping can just be tough sometimes!
May is also a time for graduations, which I love! Mit graduated from medical school, Scott from seminary (ugh...before me), and Joy Ruth from kindergarten! Sadly, I only was able to go to one ceremony. I really do enjoy graduations. The cap and gown, the music, the celebration, the pictures, the inside memories, and even the speeches sometimes. When I heard about all three of them, I knew i was going to try to do something to help celebrate (even Scott).
This month has allowed for a few conversation gems with Joy Ruth, the honored graduate. When I talked to Jerrese about her birthday plans, Joy stomped her feet and said in her angry voice "that is not fair, I don't like eetalion." Jerrese quickly responded to her that the children weren't going for that birthday celebration. Then, Joy responded that she wasn't going to invite Jerrese to her birthday. As the perfect Aunt that I am, I just giggled on the other end of the phone. Another phone conversation, Joy answered the phone but told me I couldn't talk because she was taking me to her room. She described the whole trip from the living room to her bed room where she closed the door. When she said that I could talk again because now Daniel can't hear, I had to ask why it mattered if her brother heard. In her exasperated voice, she says, "Aunt Janna, you know." Yep, I am the perfect Aunt with all knowing powers who just laughed at that. Then today, I called to see if mother was out at the farm because I didn't get to sing Happy Birthday earlier in the day to her. Joy answered the phone. Everyone else was outside, but again "we" had to go from the living room to her bedroom to talk. I don't know why should couldn't have turned down/paused the Hannah Montana she was watching. After talking about the big graduation she had. I asked about grandma's birthday. Joy says "I got Grandma Judy plastic flowers and she loved them!" Clearly, she was proud of her gift that she gave, and my mother has clearly become the grandma that accepts all gifts in love.
The worst part of May is that it usually has many good-byes. I hate good-byes. I don't believe all the stuff that gets said even though I usually really want to when it is being said. In a very unmature way, I tend to prefer for relationships to end through a division instead of a goodbye. This is not the way it has happened for two families that I've grown to love down here. First, my friend Shannon is moving to Corpus. It sucks. She and I were similar in game play, food likes, secret sharing, many religious views, and lived within 25 mins of each other! We became close through a board gaming group that had nothing to do with faith, church, or religion. Yet, our friendship has greatly influenced my faith. Often, I feel surrounded by people who don't approach the way similarly to me or who admit beliefs similar to mine. Shannon is oddily someone who does make me feel less alone down here...even more amazing to me that I get to share this with a SAHM. I will miss reading Dora, having tea parties, and playing Lucky Duck with Brooke. I will miss getting to teach Sydney how to beat her big sister in games! Then, my reconnection family is moving to Longview. I met the mom and eldest son while I was at FBC-G. I didn't really get to know them because I couldn't mentally and spiritually function with all those women that only wanted to talk about being SAHMs, while I was watching someone die and very much wanting to be working a real job. My friend, Lori, was training with some of these women for the marathon. She kept telling me how much she was enjoying getting to know them even though it was tough sometimes with so much talk about children. Well, she stayed close to one of them. When Jillian's middle son was very ill, she called Lori to ask for help finding a sitter. Lori, quickly sent me. Now, I've worked some for this Nanny service that does babysitting as well, so I'm prepared to go into homes of people that I really don't know. Little did I know that as I entered into this home for a few hours, my heart would be changed. I was only with two of the boys that night, but it was a full night of dinner, homework, bath, stories, game, and prayer. This experience was so wonderful because of amazing parenting. Jillian didn't really show the fear she must have been feeling. The next day at work, I thank Lori for sending me. Then, I find out that I am wanted back by the children and Jillian. Now, we begin having mini-conversations before and after my time with the kids. Then it is time to do Lori's shower, and totally giving God the credit...Jillian and I get to work on it together. Now this woman is organized beyond measure and learns her community. She was an amazing default leader of the shower (hooray, I was mediator). I loved her humor and approach to handling things. When she told me that her eldest was being baptised, I began asking then for a copy of the DVD. This woman is a marvelous SAHM who I would even not negatively call a Proverbs 31 woman...she truly does as much as that woman and never do I picture her as the negative baptist version of the Proverbs 31 woman. Now, I honestly don't know if I am going to miss the boys or her more! Thankfully, she sent her blog to me (which I've stayed awake reading the entire thing since) so I'll be able to keep up with her, Austin, Thomas, and Andrew. I may even finally learn how to spell their last name!
Some of my Shannon special memories: creepy crawly game night, moving with Brooke, "um is this where the game party is?", SNORTA, a princess party, Apples to Apples again Joe, my keys, prayer time.
Some of my G-family special memories: spell but (hehehe), washcloths in the shower, lets go to Bennigans, garage code, Austin praying, "Jonathan" baptism, playdoh time, rodeo or Janna (seriously still shocks me), the cat likes me, watchin Dr.Suess, bath invite from Thomas, tarter sauce shared with Andrew, pretty toes, teens and sushi

Thanks for a memorable month y'all! (yeah I know I still have to finish the trip report)

Fire the Teacher...UGH

CBS) A Port St. Lucie, Fla., mother is outraged and considering legal action after her son's kindergarten teacher led his classmates to vote him out of class.

Melissa Barton says Morningside Elementary teacher Wendy Portillo had her son's classmates say what they didn't like about 5-year-old Alex. She says the teacher then had the students vote, and voted Alex, who is being evaluated for Asperger's syndrome -- an autism spectrum disorder -- out of the class by a 14-2 margin.

Barton and her son, Alex, talked exclusively with Harry Smith live from West Palm Beach, Fla.

Barton filed a complaint with Morningside's school resource officer.

St. Lucie School spokeswoman Janice Karst said the district is investigating the incident, but could not make any further comment. The state attorney's office concluded the matter did not meet the criteria for emotional child abuse, so no criminal charges will be filed.

Teacher Wendy Portillo was advised by the school board not to speak to the press so she declined our interview offer.

© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

To see the video, sorry I couldn't figure out how to embed it:

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4130015n

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OH MY. When I read the first blurb, I thought it was going to be like having Survivor in the classroom at the end of the year. But to actually say you don’t like a child and then vote the student out, WHAT WAS THIS TEACHER THINKING? That is a crock to me that the teacher doesn’t think she did anything wrong. Perhaps she thought people wouldn’t believe the boy. What is this school district thinking keeping such an unqualified teacher? Clearly the nurse knew this teacher was in the wrong. Granted it is Florida which has masterminded the coverup. I would like to hear if the school has anything valid to say (cause this is just one side of the story and she did try to pull a political card.) Hopefully, the other parent’s children will realize that this shouldn’t be said about a child even if they too wish the special needs child wasn’t included in that classroom.

Apple Bottom Jeans

If you don't know the song by Flo Rida, then you may not appreciate this as much. I was outside playing with my nieghbors when I read one of the girl's shirts. It read apple bottom jeans. Her sister then shows me (while proudly shaking her booty) that she has apple bottom pants. She doesn't have a butt much less an apple bottom!



I had to take a picture. While I was taking it the girls started singing the Apple Bottom Jean song. They knew ALL the song. Of course, they giggled because I knew all the song too. It really is sad how fast these kids grow up here with sexual knowledge. Yet, these kids often have confusion on love and respect. We've got to fix that in how people are growing up.

Aggie Trip Part 1

I refer to this trip as the Aggie trip because overall I was going to visit Aggies. Now the family I saw in TN can be included because they are AGGrIEcultural. it just seemed like a good way to label the trip for me. I also could have called it the Tuna Trip because of the Tunettes I saw on the journey. Anyways...
After loading up in the non-AC at my apartment on Saturday night and Sunday morning, I made a quick stop at the funeral home to get my shoes. Then I was on the road for a warm drive to the 1/2 way point of the trip. The traffic flow was great and the cops weren't a problem even while going at almost 80mph at some points. I really tried NOT to do that (for real) because my daddy told me over and over the the best fuel conservation is when not going at really high speeds. I'd forgotten what it was like to drive across the long bridges of swamp land in LA. There are so many people who go park under the bridges to get into the water. I was intrigued by that the first time I drove through LA many years ago. The saddest part of Day 1 was making the right decision of not staying on I-10 to go to NOLA.

I teared up a little as I thought about how much I love that city and my memories from there. Driving that much out of the way wouldn't have been smart for time or gas money. I was on a mission to get to destination 1.
Entering Mississippi to go North was chartering into new territory. You could see where winds had damaged trees at some points but most of the road side views were filled with lush trees. I learned that there is a NASA place in southern MS. Unless you are a NASA employee (Megan?) you can only enter the grounds from I-10. Of course it was closed to be public for mother's day. Still just odd to learn of a NASA spot when coming from Clear Lake area. The welcoming place in MS was helpful in confirming my original plan of staying in Hattiesburg and told me to check out the flowers at the University. Oddily, she didn't offer to help me find a motel room. I stopped to get a picture of the sign and then thought to get pictures of flowers for Jenn. The security guard was a very southern gentleman who was very concerned about me traveling alone. I said it is ok since i'm a grown up...of course I was rolling my eyes while getting in the car to head North again. I had to stop for gas before getting to Hattiesburg. Sadly the Walmart gas was closed. There were no postcards to buy at that Walmart or Shell Gas Station. I even went to the Dollar Tree there cause I though having a nice smelling candle would be cool for the motel. They had nothing Mississippi there. This is just the beginning of learning Texans have much more pride in their state.
I made it into my chosen motel room by 7:05pm. Fairly good for I was able to find Survivor quickly. I unloaded the car during commercials. Since I was unableS to get a ducky on my toe, I painted a little daisy on it that night. Sleep was wonderful that night for I had no agendas to get done in my sleep. Still my bed looked normal in the morning. The next morning I had the good breakfast at the motel...yeah for warm breakfast and yogurt! I got directions to the University from the front desk to go see the flowers. It was a little bit of a drive down there, but it was nice driving through the campus. College is just a great thing! I really do have compassion for people who don't get the experience of going to college. I get tingles just being on the campus even if I didn't attend that school. Parking was tough, but it allowed me a good walk. The gardeners were very friendly and were totally willing to take pictures for me. Then I was on a mission to wash the bugs of LA off my car. It was just nasty to me. I took a picture of it as proof to Carmen who thought I didn't need to waste time with washing my car. Finally I had to start heading North again.
This ride was filled with talking to my dad, looking at the alabama cities, trying to calmly listen to Rush and Hannity, singing fun songs, and keeping the curls alive in my hair! The Alabama welcome center stop let me know that I was traveling during National Tourism Week. They were very friendly in the building. Where I parked though had the funny marker about defending their rights. I didn't really make any stops in the state, but I thought it was interesting to drive around Birmingham and read some of the History on the signs. I grabbed a late lunch in GA. I had Hardee's and it wasn't as yummy as I had recalled from being a teen. It was pretty there in the mountains though. I also finally got connected with Carmen again to be able to let her know where I was. I had to stop again in 15mins because I was finally in TN. I got possible activities to do with Carmen and my family. Then it was on to Knoxville. Justin did a great job with directions of getting me to the Baba home.

Carmen, Justin, and I simply had some subway while we chatted. We did some picture looking, memory recalling, and good giggling. Justin had a project due, so we tried not to bother him. We got to make my bed together, and then she said the happiest thing! She told me that if I wanted to come climb in bed with her in the morning I could. I think I gave a little clap! When I was planning this trip, I had three goals to accomplish while visiting with Carmen. 1)Get some new sneakers 2)Get a replacement Rocky Top keychain 3)Have some snuggle time in bed with Carmen and talk to "jonathan ian" in her belly I heard Justin leave that morning (way WAY tooo early). I checked my email and then headed to climb into bed with Carmen. This is one of my favorite Carmen memories. We talked there for about an hour. Too bad we didn't have other Tunettes with us. Then we got ready for the day. Neither of us really had much breakfast. Our first stop was to the Recycling Center. This was was crowded! WAY TO GO KNOXVILLE! Doesn't Carmen look so cute in her top? Then we were talking about normal breakfasts that we have on our way to Target. When we got to Target the pregnant woman was on a mission to get to the Pop-Tarts. As we then walked through the store looking for postcards and at baby stuff, she ate two of the packages. The pregnancy cravings are just so fun to observe. Then it was time to buy shoes. UGH! I hate tennis shoe shopping which is why I thought getting a friend to help would make it better. Finally, I was able to get a pair and I got two other fun shoes. Carmen had people in her life she could mention about many of the shoes. Then we went to Lifeway, but didn't get anything.
Finally it was time for lunch. We went to the Apple Cake Tea Room. This is girly place that actually had stuff I'd willingly eat. It was a cute place in a log cabin. The chicken salad was REALLY fresh. Then we went to a baby/kid resale shop across the street. They had this interesting Smores maker that would have been good to get for the Christmas party, but sadly it wasn't working. Carmen got to find some cute bigger boy clothes too. She was still in search of this bag, so we went this big christian book store. Sadly still no bag to find...she needs Scribbles. Then we were tuckering out, so we went back to her home. Surprise gifts to find! Someone had given her tons baby boy clothes. There was even a brand new soccer outfit! Then we watched this DRAMA. We had to finish watching it just because it was so disturbing. Then we rested for a moment. The sprinkles were beginning then. We went to Wal~mart to still look for postcard and get dinner to make. We saw a COPS episode in progress as we were walking to the car. Carmen kept walking to the car, but I stayed back to watch the beating and pulling. It took three big guys to take down the kinda scrawy guy! Then we drove home in the rain. Carmen mentions there is a guy in her bible study class that I might like. When Justin came home, he was very happy about the right colors on the soccer outfit. We got dinner made. While making dinner, I look at the fridge and ask if the guy she was talking about is on it. He was! Hummm...then she begins saying how he may not be a good match! Justin got to have his first slice of Totinos Pizza. This used to be a Carmen staple, so we had to make sure he had it. We played SET with Justin. After playing Carmen asks Justin what he thinks about me talking to the guy. Carmen wants us to go to lunch with the guy the nest day. I totally don't recall what Justin said! Poor guy was so sleepy after being up to do his project. Carm and I stayed downstairs talking for a little bit including getting more insight about this boy that she really is convincing herself of now that wouldn't be right for me. (do all of you english major folks cringe at that last sentence?)
The next morning while Carmen was at bible study, I tried again to find postcards. Tennessee must not be as proud of their state because you can find postcards in so many boring places here! I got some very cute duckie Christmas soaps and....postcards at CVS. Carmen and I went back to the house in the rain. We simply talked some more intense topics for awhile (of course, I got my Wednesday call from Jill who forgot I was on vacation), before heading to Babies 'R Us to look around and meet one of her friends. At lunch, I asked her friend about the guy from her church and this woman actually seemed to shrudder! Soo lets just come to the conclusion that it was a nice smiley thought of Carmen's but intelligence took over and this will not be pursued. After lunch with some yummy pie, it was time to head to Hulls and Byers.
I really loved my visit with Carmen even as simple as it seemed. The point was to see and spend time with Carmen! Justin and Carmen to have a decent amount of maroon in their home, so they are keeping the Aggie love. Her phone even plays the War Cry. Who knew it would be so much fun just talking again together...isn't it amazing to have friends like that?

So THIS election, I easily pick the winner

Now, I've only voted once in the presidential election and voted for the winner. I successfully vote 75 times for Cook to win. How messed up is that? But I'm thrilled for him!

Dottey Cottey 2005

How is it that I went to college with such strange traditions? What is really sad here is that I didn't go to this event either year, yet I know the songs sung at the end. (Mandy, some how I also seem to recall parts of another version to one of the songs...hummmm)