32

This week I turned 32. It was a fabulous day, filled with great memories. It started off with waking up to about an inch of snow that fell during the night. Burl took me out to breakfast and then followed me to work to make sure I didn't have any problems since the city had not scraped or salted a single road. My co-workers took me out to lunch and then that afternoon I had a surprise visit from my favorite three year-old at the office. Reed brought me balloons and chocolate chip cookies that he had helped make. Along with the balloons and cookies came the plans for that night as Abbey and I had planned to have a little girl's night out. In true Abbey-style, I was presented five options in poem format. (Yes, that means they rhymed.) The weather threw a little kink in our plans, but we had a great time. We went on a progressive dinner that started with chips and queso at a Mexican restaurant that we just happened on to...dinner at Pei Wei and we finished with cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory.

Then there were the countless phone calls, text messages, and Facebook messages. Thanks to everyone...I think 32 is going to be pretty grrrrrrreat!!!

I Know, I Know, I Know

It has been forever since I blogged last, but I have been thinking about jumping back in with both feet. I have a lot on my mind right now, and I really need an outlet. So, if anyone is actually still checking this thing, give me a shot so I know whether I am just talking into the wind or should I actually run spell check!

In Case You Haven't Heard...

There was a little rain over the weekend. Okay, so a lot of rain. Somewhere between 15 and 17 inches. A lot of the water has receded, but there are still lots of areas of downtown Nashville and surrounding areas that are still underwater.

I was very fortunate. There was flooding in my county, but not in my neighborhood. I thought about it all yesterday as I worked in the yard for about six hours. I am thankful that I have a yard that needed to be mowed. I am thankful for the weeds that needed to be pulled from the flower beds. I am thankful that I still have a house that needs to be cleaned and laundry that needs to be done. I am thankful that I have a dirty SUV in messy a garage. I have much to be thankful for.

There are lots of blogs being written about the flooding here in Nashville. Here are a couple I have read and found interesting:

We are Nashville

America, Hello from Soggy Nashville

Lessons from the Flood (Parts 1-3)

Captured: Flooding and the Aftermath in Nashville

There are many more, I am sure, but those are the ones I have read. And there are over 2,000 videos on You Tube showing pictures and video footage of the flooding. I think this one is pretty good and features quotes from the first blog I linked to.

Where You Been?

The other day I talked to my favorite little Asian guy who lives around the corner on the phone. The first thing out of his mouth was, "Where you been, Manya?"

The truth is I have been around. There has been work and a house to tend to and the yard at that house has required a lot of work lately. Then there is this boy and a good deal of time has been spent with him or going to see him. This past week was Abbey's 30th birthday and if any of y'all know me at all, I am always up for a party. All that to say, I am still around.

Speaking of Abbey's birthday, you should read about the best birthday present that she received this year. I guess I will have to be careful about calling Reed my fave, but oh so excited for them all!

Busy, Busy Bee

I can't believe March is almost over. I feel like this month has just blown by...I have tried to think of what I have done. All I can come up with is work...well, that and spending time with this guy...


Now, I am not complaining...just a mere observation.

Today, I spent the morning with another guy. This one.


He is a hoot, that is for sure. We were definitely busy little bees. We rode bikes...well, he peddled for the most part and I steered. That is why there are no pictures.

Then we played baseball.


And we blew bubbles.


And more bubbles.


And even more bubbles.

Then we took a little break from all the bubble blowing and took a ride on the swing.

Eventually he announced he needed a sandwich. I asked what kind and he told me a "peanut butter and jelly sandwich with no peanut butter." I asked, "so a jelly sandwich?" He responded, "No Manya, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with no peanut butter." This was a flash back to my childhood because my younger brother always wanted a "peanut butter and jelly sandwich with no jelly." His wish was my command though...even when he asked if he could eat it outside.


We also had a little spin on the sit and spin...yes, I realize he is standing and not sitting...and a walk in our neighborhood.


An all around great day. Especially after I had my nap this afternoon to recover from all the playing! :0)

Introductions

This is Burl (and me) at Burgess Falls last weekend. We have been dating for several weeks now and I decided it was time to introduce him on the blog.

Letting Go

Recently I have had a couple of conversations with a friend about the plans we make in life. I will be the first to confess, I am a planner. I like to know what is going to happen and when it is going to happen. However, I have learned that things don't always happen the way I would like them to or in the way I had planned them. I have also learned that plans really are better up left to God. It sounds simple, but oh so true.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.'" This is a constant reminder that as good as my plans seem, they are mine and not necessarily God's. His ways and His thoughts are far superior than mine. Which then reminds me of Ephesians 3:20 and the fact that God is able to do "more than all we ask or imagine".

Sometimes we have to simply let go. Let go of our plans and take a leap of faith. Leaping into the arms of the Heavenly Father and grab hold of the incredible plans that He has for each one of us. I know it is easier said than done, but I know I don't want to miss what He has in store for me.