Sunday, August 31, 2008

Bummer

I burned my dinner tonight. I don't do that very often, but occasionally I do. I "splurged" earlier at the grocery store and treated myself to a frozen pizza. I normally get a DiGiorno's, but I saved a $1.50 and bought the store's generic version. I've done this a couple of time and the crust never cooks right like tonight. I left it in the over for a few more minutes and came out burned to a crisp.

Next time I want pizza I'm calling Papa John's!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Checklist

1. Sleep late- check
2. Stay in bed even after wakening- check
3. Eat pancakes for breakfast- check
4. Enjoy leisure cup of coffee times 2- check
5. Unpack suitcase- check
6. Change sheets on bed- check
7. Wash sheets and towels- check
8. Wash other assorted laundry- check
9. Clean room- check
10. Go through mail- check
11. Clean bathroom- check
12. Fold laundry- check
13. Clean out refrigerator- check and gross
14. Organize pantry- check
15. Surf the Internet for possible houses to look at- check
16. Run in the rain- check
17. Shower because your soaked- check
18. Dinner- check
19. Finish novel- gotta keep reading check

Gotta love a Saturday!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Flashback Friday...With a Twist

(I originally meant to get this up and ready last Friday, but alas, I am late. BUT if intentions were GOLD, then I would be RICH.)

Today, I am going back a little further than the 80s and there isn't a music video to accompany this week's flashback.

The year was 1943...August 22, 1943 to be exact...Elton Rice married Ruby Bonner or as I call them Papaw and Mamaw.


Last Friday they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Not only have they survived 65 years together, but World War II, raising a daughter, a Christmas tree fire, births of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, deaths of friends and family, sickness, blindness, Alzheimer's, and so much more. Through all the ups and downs, they have always been there, together.

I have fond memories of spending weeks at my grandparents during the summer...Racing my big wheel around their cul-de-sac, playing flashlight tag, trips to the park to pick up pine cones, and building towers with wooden spools. And of course their were trips to the ranch to help count cows, open gates, cook for the men who were bailing hay, and just ride on the tail gate of that old blue pick-up.

I am proud to be their granddaughter, and it was an honor to be there to celebrate such a special occasion.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Oh, The Horror!

I was my minding my own business, getting ready for bed, and talking to my dad on the phone. With all the pillows thrown in the corner, it all begins.

A small lizard has taken up residence on my wall, below the window. As "luck" would it have, right over my yet-to-be-unpacked suitcase. (I know I should have unpacked, but give a girl a break. I also figured if I played my cards right I could continue wearing things from it and would have less to unpack when I finally got around to it.)

I am not scared of lizards, but I sure don't want one in my room. Oh, I know there probably have been others, but I didn't know they were there. I saw this one. I decide that I would just catch it and let it go...Because I am a peaceful, don't kill it, kinda of girl...unless we are talking about a juicy steak and then I have no problem with killing things.

Before I can head to the kitchen to grab a cup, the small...most likely baby...lizard falls off the wall into, you guessed it, my suitcase. No problem, he/she is on top and I make a dash to the kitchen because there is no way I am touching this thing.

I return to scene of the crime to find the lizard gone. I am a smart girl and figure he/she is still in there. (Oh and did I mention that I am still on the phone with my dad who keeps talking about the football game he is at?) I begin removing articles of clothing when I spot him/her. I am ready with the cup and make my first attempt at catching him/her. I miss.

At this point I decide that I need both hands and dismiss my dad.

More articles of clothing come out of my bag. When I grab my khaki capris, the lizard flies across the room. He/She runs. I run. Now armed with a cup and a piece of mail, I am more determined than ever to capture and release.

The sneaky thing runs into a corner and behind my guitar. I manage to get him/her out, and then it darts into the bathroom. But ever the successful hunter, I am not far behind. Crawling on my knees, making attempt after attempt of catching this guy under the cup...Finally he/she hits the tile and with one swoop of the cup...he/she is trapped.

One moment of glory which is quickly followed by dismay and horror. I pick up one side to ensure that this little stow away is inside, when he/she makes another dash. Words can't even begin to describe what happened next. A picture can only tell the rest of the story.



There was no release...only a flush.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Hijacked!!!

After I wrestled my camera back from his possession (I needed to get some pictures that were not taken from 44 inches off the ground!) he managed to commandeer Alisa's camera for a while. Here is what my grandparent's anniversary party looked like through the eyes of their 5 year-old great-grandson. Later when we scrolled through his photos on the camera he would say, "Oh, that's a bad one!" or "Oh, that's a good one!" Note that none of these pictures have been touched up.

This is my grandfather or Papaw Elton as Jacob calls him (my dad is also Papaw).

I don't have any idea what he was thinking, but I love all the wheels!


Poor lady, she didn't even know what she was getting herself into when she walked by the cute redhead.

Michelle and me or Mom and Aunt Jane...honestly, it isn't a bad picture except for the weird lighting...oh and the fact he cut off my head!


Not bad at all.

He also got a "good" one of my mom (Gigi), but I decided I wouldn't post it just in case she decided to check my blog!

I'll post more pictures later...Blogger is about to drive me crazy tonight!!!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Busted!!!

What happens when you put a 5 year-old in front of a cake?



Stay tuned for "what happens when the same 5 year-old hijacks your camera"? (Okay, hijacked is a strong word...I willingly gave it to him, but I have some "great" pictures that show a 65th anniversary party through the eyes of a child!)

Oh, and yes I made it back safe and sound. I also made it through having to wear heals for 8 hours and sifting through the 200 emails I found in my inbox this morning. I am not unpacked, but I do have food in the fridge!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Almost Over

It's been a very full week. I have lots of pictures from all the parties...there have been three! I have had a wonderful time with family and friends. I fly back to Tampa tomorrow afternoon.

I am currently procrastinating packing. However, I need to go ahead and finish...I'll post more later.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

It's late so I'll only post a few pictures from tonight's celebration. This was the family party and Saturday he is having a swimming party over at my parent's with a few friends.


Michelle always makes his cake...this year it was a train!







Mr. Potato Head dressed as an Astros baseball player



Aunt Alisa gives the birthday boy some instruction on how to do a back bend.



Gigi helps Jacob put his new baseball card collection in his album


Happy Birthday, Jacob!!!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Drama, Watermelon, and Rain

I think the rain has stopped, but I can still hear the thunder in the distance. It's rained a lot since I have arrived. Not yesterday, but on Monday, Tuesday, and today. I guess I shouldn't complain since this area hasn't see rain in months.

Drama, drama, drama. That characterizes yesterday for my family. The phone rang at about 7:20 yesterday morning. It was my grandmother and she wasn't able to wake my grandfather. A long story short, my parents headed to the ER while I headed to babysit Madeline while Michelle and Jacob went to a rehearsal. To make a long story short, the doctors could not find a thing wrong with him. However, after some talking, we (as in my parents and I) have decided he was dehydrated. He perked up after an IV at the hospital and again yesterday afternoon when I had him drink some Gatorade. He seems to be having a good day today. We are hoping that tomorrow is also a good day since it is their 65th wedding anniversary and we are having quite the party.

Earlier this afternoon Alisa (my other sister-in-law) and I carved the watermelon into a basket. We took some pictures so I will post them later.

Until later....

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Home

I made it "home" safely and without any obstacles yesterday evening. We did stop by Stuart and Michelle's house on the way into town, where I was greeted by favorite red head who informed he was turning 5 this week. I also got to feed Madeline the second half of her bottle. Then it was on to my parent's house and settling in. I think I finally turned off the late sometime after 1:00 am.

This morning I slept until about 8:30 and had a fairly leisure morning. We meet up with a crew for lunch (Michelle, Jacob, Madeline, Alisa, and Glenda) at McAlister's. Then Alisa and I took Jacob to get a haircut. Eventually we all ended up at my grandparent's where we handed out invitations to their anniversary party and a visit, of course. Several more errands finished out the day before dinner.

After dinner I changed into my running attire in hopes of getting in a couple of miles. While stretching the bottom fell out and the rain has been coming down for over an hour now. Thankfully my parents have a tread mill so I ran on it. However, I had an audience and more than a few comments made. I am so sorry that I sweat while running. I know they need the rain since its been about 2 months since they had any, but they have had almost three inches since I arrived.

I hope to get some pictures up this week, but I have to remember to get my camera out of my bag first.

I hope all my FL friends are fairing well...it sounds like Fay wasn't all everyone expected her to be...well, at least not for the Tampa area!

Well, I best be going. I think I am suppose to be watching a video on how to carve a watermelon into a basket. I am so multi-talented!

Monday, August 18, 2008

At the Airport

Well, I have made it as far as the airport. My flight to Houston has been delayed by 30 minutes. Not the start I was hoping for, but that is life. I am not sure what the trouble is, but they have said the flight has left Richmond, Virginia and will be here around 4:00 pm. They are also asking for volunteers to give up their seat on the Houston bound flight and take a flight later this afternoon to Nashville. Not that I don't love Nashville and not that I don't have friends in Nashville, but that is the opposite direction of Texas, so I am hanging tough and not allowing the offer sway me!

Don't you love the fact that the Tampa airport has complimentary wireless Internet service?

I am also very grateful that I am not leave out of gate C33...Why would anybody be going to Fort Lauderdale? They already said that Fay/weather may keep the flight from landing and it may have to come back to Tampa.

Well, a plane just pulled up to my gate, so I better log off and get ready...I guess the pilot on the VA flight made up some time in the air!!!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Change of Plans

"I'm leaving on a jet plane..."

I was originally scheduled to leave for Texas on Wednesday for a couple of days to spend with family and celebrate some special family events.

However, Fay has changed my plans. Tropical storms/depression/hurricanes are very unpredictable and because I cannot change when Jacob's birthday is and when my grandparents 65th anniversary is I am just leaving early before any drama has the opportunity to occur.

I managed to change my ticket from Wednesday to Monday, and I was only charged $2.50!!! It also gives me an extra day and a half with my family which will be nice. That is 2 whole days without an agenda or an appointment or a party or anything planned...at least that is what I am hoping!

So, the next time you hear from me I will be in Texas enjoying some family time, celebrating some special occasions, and loving on my niece and nephew.

By the way, this is my 200th post!!!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Flashback Friday

Before their hits like "Jesus Freak", "I Wish We'd All Been Ready", "What if I Stumble", and "In the Light" these three guys looked like this:



By the time the finished out their career together they had put away the baggy clothes for a completely different look.



Originally I had found a video of "Gah Ta Be", which was on their self titled album from the late 80s, but I was not able to find it today. Enjoy these little video of the song "Walls". I will admit I found different information so this could be circa 1988 or 1991. Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

I Don't Understand It

I'm watching the Olympics...I mean what else do you watch this time of year. It looks like China just took another gold medal in synchronized diving. They are 4 for 4. It's completely insane. Especially when I think about it.

It was my observation (that's right, my observation...no proof, just an observance) that as a whole they didn't swim very well.

I went snorkeling a couple of times in Thailand and you could always identify the Chinese tourist because they were the group snorkeling in life jackets.

I guess diving and swimming really don't have much in common. I guess all the technically have to swim is the 15 feet to the side of the pool.

It doesn't really matter, they are quite the impressive divers!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Patience- Part I

So here is the deal...Recently I have felt that I just can't catch a break. I had two different things in my life that feel flat in a single 24 hour period a couple of weeks ago. To be honest, it was hard, and I was not a happy camper.

After a period of mourning...you can give me a hard time about it, but that is what I felt...I knew it was time to move on. I was still frustrated, wondering when my dreams would ever come true. I had been so close, but yet so far away. A wise friend suggested I do a word study on patience. Yeah, that's what I wanted to do, study patience. Thankfully I was in the middle of reading through the book of Galatians. However, I knew when I finished I would take my friend's advice. At the end of last week I pulled up Bible Gateway and began.

This morning I ran across the following passage:
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Colossians 1:9-12 (NASB)
Then I flipped to another translation:
For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things- That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition]. [We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.
Colossians 1:9-12 (Amp.)
Verse 12 says, "[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light."

Invigorated, strengthened, powerful, endurance, patience, joy, thankfulness...whoa! That is a tall order. Can't I have the invigoration, strength, power, and endurance without the patience, joy, and thankfulness?

In the Amplified version there are those two words that follow the word patience...perseverance and forbearance. Dictionary.com defines patience as "steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement" or as a theological term meaning "continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation." If I am to be honest, I have not done a good job of persevering. I have allowed the difficulties, obstacles, and discouragement to change my course...at least make me think about changing.

Forbearance is "refraining from something, forbearing conduct or quality; patient endurance; self-control, an abstaining from the enforcement of a right." This one hurts. I think I will take a break and tackle my thoughts on forbearance at another time.

To be continued...Keep scrolling down as this is my second post for today!

Have You Heard?

According to The Joy FM, Chic-Fil-A is offering a "Triple Play" on Wednesday, August 13 through Friday, August 15 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

What is a "Triple Play" you ask?

That would be a FREE...that's right, I said FREE...3 count chicken strips!

Chic-Fil-A has just changed their chicken strips recipe and I hear they are supposed to be pretty good.

So save a cow, and eat some chicken this week!

Oh, and check back later today...I have another post forming in my head and as long as I can still remember it when I get home tonight, I will post again. Two posts in one day...who would have thunk it!

Monday, August 11, 2008

Where Did It Go?

Throughout the day I will have thoughts like "I should blog about that tonight." Or, I wish I had my camera on my right now because that would be a great photo for the blog. However, it never seems to fail that when I do finally get home in the evening, I can't remember one of the thoughts that flew through my mind.

Can anyone else identify with me?

I promise next week on my trip to Texas I will have more to blog about with the antics of my favorite red head in the whole world, his 5th birthday, and his new sister. Oh, and there is the rest of my family too! :)

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Today

  1. Woke up
  2. Ran
  3. Showered
  4. Went to church
  5. Went to the grocery store
  6. Ate lunch
  7. Napped
  8. Watched Olympics
  9. Made dinner
  10. Ate said dinner
  11. Gave myself a pedicure
  12. Watched more Olympics
  13. Showered (again...I am a very clean person!)
  14. Talked to Michelle and Jacob
  15. Headed to bed
It's been a busy day! :)

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Olympic Confessions

Last night I watched the opening ceremonies to the Olympics. While the Olympics are in Beijing, I figure I should go ahead and let you all know that I have never been to Beijing. That may be shocking to some, but it is important to understand that while I lived in China, I was a three to four day train ride from Beijing.

China put on an impressive performance last night. The precision, costumes, and sheer numbers were almost indescribable. Of course there was a ton of symbolism to everything that was done. In my personal opinion, the drum number at the beginning was the highlight of the evening. I was a little freaked out about the smiles on their faces. It isn't natural to see Chinese men smiling...that and the smiling looked forced/fake. I was glad to hear that they had been told to smile, because I thought I was beginning to forget what the culture was like.

That being said, I must confess I fell asleep on the couch before team U.S.A. came into the stadium.

Second confession...I keep calling Michael Phelps, David Phelps. Not sure why I get these two men confused. They really don't look anything alike.




Third confession...No, I did not understand the Chinese announcements. I have forgotten the vast majority of the Mandarin that I learned while living in China.

Fourth confession...I am currently watching May/Walsh play volleyball. They are winning against the team from Japan. Of course neither of those two facts are confessions. Here is the confession...I don't play volleyball like them. I know this is shocking to some. I might look into getting some of that black tape that Kerri Walsh has on her shoulder. It is suppose to be equivalent to taking Advil.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am signing off for the night as my medicine has begun to kick in and my eyes are getting heavy. Sleep is not far off.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Flashback Friday

Here is the second edition of Flashback Friday. If you missed my explanation of it last week, just click here to catch up.

This was one of my absolute favorite songs growing up. It was actually on the first tape that I ever owned, "The Collection." Remember, I said that this was my favorite song...key word is "was"...and the other thing to remember I was probably around 8 at the time.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Kudos for $4 Prescriptions

I must give props to Wal-Mart for the $4 prescription plan. After a doctor's appointment, an x-ray, a script for physical therapy (which I haven't decided if I am even going to do anything with), and two prescriptions for medication (one muscle relaxer and one anti-inflammatory), I was greatly relived for the $8 bill at the pharmacy.

If you are wondering what I could have done to need all this...you might remember a post from a couple of weeks ago when I mentioned after 5 games of sand volleyball, I couldn't raise my right arm over my head. Well, I am still in pain and figured I should go to the doctor. My doctor thinks I have only sprained my shoulder and have bursitis. If the x-ray comes back normal and the medications work, then it will just take some time to heal. If not, then I will have to have some other tests run to check my rotator cuff.

Surely this has nothing to do with the fact that my 30th birthday is less than 6 months away. I am hoping it has to do with all the painting, the volleyball, and the weights I have been lifting! :) Oh, and seeing that I took the muscle relaxer about 30 minutes ago...I probably won't even care in about another hour! :)

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

I Wish I Was There...

My dad just sent me this picture that he took when he and my mom went to Puerto Vallarta in July. I wish I was there right now.


I am ready for a vacation!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Friday, August 1, 2008

Flashback Friday

Welcome to Flashback Friday, where I will host a little walk down memory lane. It seems as if many people have quite the "love affair" with 80s music. Considering I was 10 in 1989, I had to receive parental permission before I could do just about anything, and that included what music I listened to. It was during this time that my grandparents bought my brothers and I are our very own Sony Walkmans (for the long car trips we kept taking) and our tape collecting began. I don't remember who bought it, but I found myself as the owner of my very first Christian tape...oh yeah, it was just me and Amy Grant singing in the back seat.

Here on Flashback Friday I will host a classic 80s video/song, but from the Christian genre. (Well, mostly...like a lot of girls my age I did go through the NKOB and Tiffany stages...and don't forget I am a Texas girl so a little country music may sneak in from time to time.)

Before I post, what I consider one of the best 80s songs, let me state this disclaimer. This is not about theology or where an artist is all the years later. This is meant to be fun. To cause a little "ahhhh" or "what were they thinking wearing a sleeveless shirt and vest." Nothing more.

Without further ado...circa 1988...