Happy Holidays!

It's been a while - I've had internet issues! We had family pictures made the Saturday after Thanksgiving - the Tuckers were here anyway, and Mom came up for the pix. She brought Patti with her, and Patti was a big help - holding purses, setting up the pix, getting the kids to smile/look at the camera/be still! I think these are the first pictures we've had made since...I don't know when! The Tuckers have had pictures made, but we haven't had any of the six of us.

A sweet friend emailed me and was very encouraging. It was almost like someone said, "you are just fine the way you are - you don't need a man to complete you." I should know that, and I do. But sometimes it's hard to really feel it. Thank you sweet thing for encouraging me and inspiring me to get out there and do things.

Another holiday! I'm not really scrooge, but not the opposite either. I'll admit - I didn't put up my big tree or much else this year. I have a little tree in the kitchen but I didn't dig out the ornaments, so I'm hanging my Christmas cards on it! Lovely. I have a little tree at the office too. Maybe next year, I'll have a brunch/lunch one Saturday to refresh my friends out shopping! I need to wrap my presents - I hope the two I'm waiting on UPS to deliver arrive!!! I'm excited about going to Fordyce for Ethan's program, then to Ashdown, back to Fordyce for Christmas!, then back to Ashdown. Mom, Patti, and I may go somewhere - Jefferson, TX or Dallas maybe. Then it's back to work!

I'm trying to enrich my life in 2008 - read my Bible through, take several classes for my masters, pick up my clarinet again, and try to meet some other singles and make a difference. Find my spot. I'm not sure the kiddos are really my strength though. Oh, and keep my house and office straightened up and organized, and maybe "do" something with my den (get it decorated).

The Highlights

Ahh, what a great few weeks! Thanksgiving was, of course, a wonderful holiday. Mom arrived in Searcy on Tuesday before the Thanksgiving. We left Searcy Wednesday morning about 9:00 a.m. in Mom's van. We stopped by the Key Lime Cottage (I had ordered the YUMMY friendship bread, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin cupcakes!!! awesome!!!!) because I thought we needed to take some snacky/breakfast food. We stopped in West Memphis for a late breakfast/early lunch at Cracker Barrel (one of the three times we ate at CB on this trip) before heading on down the road. I drove and it wasn't too bad until we hit Hattiesburg. It rained off & on the whole time, but then on the radio we heard the tornado warnings. And then the tornado watch. We heard what county the tornado was in, but since we don't live there we had no idea where it was. So Mom got out her trusty AAA map, only to discover that we were IN the county, and in the storm's path. Hmm. We filled the tank with gas and finally decided just to keep going because the storm was morning east and the further south we went the better. So, we head out. We called the Eyrichs to ask about the storm and they told us to keep coming too. It was really pouring rain, very windy. I told Mom to watch the skies! The traffic slowed to a crawl, people had their hazard lights on, it was wild. But we made it through!! It didn't last very long, but I was sure ready to get to Long Beach! We ate, talked, caught up on the latest. We prepped food (whatever they told us to do), looked up recipes, got the Pina Colada cake on, etc. Thursday morning, Mom & I got up quickly and showered and dressed. We headed downstairs and chopped some more, crumbled cornbread, whipped cream, etc. More people arrived, and we ate about 2:00 p.m. It's been a while since I've been so stuffed. We managed to sit around and check out the sale papers while planning our "Chicks Day" attack for Friday.

Mom & I didn't get up to hit Michael's at 6:00 a.m. I didn't need anything that bad. But I did get up and around in time to hit Tuesday Morning, Stein Mart, etc. We came home to unload (again) and eat Mr. George's delicious oyster po-boys for lunch. Then we headed out again. We finally gave up and limped back to the house for leftovers.

Saturday morning, we took our time getting around before heading to Mobile. We met old friends of ours Phillip & Ann at Cracker Barrel for lunch, then we shopped at the new Eastern Shore Mall until dinner (do you notice a pattern here - shop & eat, shop & eat?). We went to Stix - sushi and hibachi grill! Mom & Mrs. Sue had never tried sushi before, so Elissa made sure we ordered several things for them to try. It was great! The show was wonderful and the food was way too good.

We went to church on Sunday, and then ate at a casino (it was a buffet and yummy - and we didn't even have to walk through the casino!). We had planned on leaving and getting on down the road, but the weather reports were calling for more bad weather. So we stayed another night with the very hospitable Eyrichs!!! And on the way home Monday, guess where we had dinner?!?!

More later - it's time for Bunco!

Another Super Sunday.....and I'm almost glad that I'll be gone next week! I know, that's bad. I am so far out of my zone in Children's Worship Training and the cradle roll class. The helpers today in the class had more experience that my age. And in CWT, the kids just look at me. Sigh. As someone pointed out, I'll never meet anyone in children's classes and in women's classes.

But it's been nice to hear in the past week:

• at least two people are praying for my future and future husband maybe
• that I'm doing a good job from several bosses

I guess I haven't really missed being in "big church" since Noel's talking about "happily ever after" - a series on marriage. Yeah, you know there aren't any fairy tales or happy endings for the singles. :-) I guess I just get tired of always listening to couples, marriage, children topics. I know, I know - I'll probably need to know that stuff sometime. Maybe. I'm starting to wonder. Yes, I do hear that biological clock - no need to point it out thank you very much. No need to pout about being an older mom when you're younger than me. No need to point out that you waited so long for your husband when you're younger than me. Let me tell you all about waking up to a cold & lonely house, coming home to a cold & lonely house, eating alone, going to sleep in a cold & lonely bed. (no, I don't want to spend a fortune heating my house this winter, so it is literally cold, but also figuratively cold.) Just for the record, I do like hearing about your families - I don't want to think that I get sick of hearing the latest tricks the kids are doing or anything! I have actually learned a lot just by listening to people at supper club. And I realize that I'm the odd man out in most situations. Just a little disclaimer!

I am looking forward to going back to Mississippi for Thanksgiving this week. Mom is coming here and we'll leave Wednesday morning, after stopping by the Key Lime Cottage for some yummies to take! We'll share Thanksgiving with the Eyrichs and friends, then shop the day after Christmas! Mom & I will head home Sunday after church, but we probably won't make it back to Searcy until Monday. Mom's still getting her strength back and we'll both be tired from the holiday. I'm looking forward to spending time with Elissa and her family. Hanging out with my best friend is always fun. Luckily, I always feel at home with Lis and her family. I'll miss seeing the Tuckers, but they will be here the next week-end. Yeah!!!

Falling..........

Leaves mean I get to rake my yard. Whew - I'm tired from that good exercise today. Of course, I need to exercise since I've been eating way too good the past week or so.

Last Friday (Nov. 9), I got up ridiculously early (3am) to catch a flight at 6:30 am from Little Rock. I flew from LR to Memphis, and then Memphis to Gulfport. I must have had the "middle seat" syndrome because I had the middle seat for all the flights except one. And that flight didn't have a middle seat! I got to Gulfport, got my bag, and waited on Elissa to arrive. I waited outside on a bench, in the sun, and got sleepy. We went to the Harbor View restaurant for lunch, and went to Tuesday Morning while waiting on our order. She gave me a choice - go back to work with her (at a credit union) or stay at the house and rest. Duh. Rest I chose. So I ate (a fried shrimp po-boy) and watched "Speed" with her Dad before he went back to work. I rested a while, then made some hot tea and watched TV (what a treat!). I ended up watching the riveting show of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Tryouts. We went to the Trans Siberian Orchesta concert in Biloxi and sat way up in the nosebleed-we-need-oxygen-section. It was a loud, blinding at times, show. It was pretty much the same show as last year, except the opening song wasn't near as good. With TSO, you have to wait until the end to hear the really good stuff and it was a long show with no intermission. But we enjoyed it.

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to do something fun with Elissa and Mrs. Sue - strip wallpaper and paint a bathroom! The bathroom was a pepto pink and is now a more subdued and elegant cream and taupey-gray color. It was fun and I felt I really contributed - since I was the tallest and could reach the high points! :-) That evening, we went to Emeril's restaurant (yes, we had to walk through the casino to get there!) and it was yummy! I had barbequed shrimp, shrimp & grits, and Mississippi Mud Pie, along with cake-like cornbread and a potato roll. Remember I'm not big on chicken (see a previous post). Sunday, we went to church and got to visit with people. Then we went to a chinese buffet for lunch (the sushi was good!). Elissa, Mrs. Sue, and I did some shopping before heading to the church that evening. We went by Sonic for ice cream, and then enjoyed the ice cream in the Eyrich's new travel trailer - it was so nice!!! After church, Mr. George went by Church's Chicken. Yes, I did eat some fried chicken, but it was easier since it was fried! We finished up painting in the bathroom before bed.

On Monday, Elissa & I just hung out mostly. We picked up lunch and then went to the beach and ate in her car. It was so relaxing to just sit in the sun, listen to the waves and the gulls. Then she took me to the airport and I came home. I went to the restroom downstairs and the ladies room was on the right. After I went through security, I went to the restroom. I went right (I did glance at the sign).....and it was the wrong one!!!! Oops.

This was another busy week. Tuesday & Wednesday I was in LR for a training. Thursday, we had our program review with our new district staff and our new FCS state leader. This is where they come and we go over what we did last year, and they check everything out to make sure we're doing what we should. It went very well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They were all very nice, complimentary, and encouraging!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a relief.

I guess I've told you all the food except for our office Thanksgiving lunch - which was Prime Rib from Eagleview. We had it catered this year and it was SO good. Which was why I raked leaves today....to burn off just a few of those extra calories I've consumed!!!

Super Sunday

Wow - what a day! I had the opportunity to help out with Children's Worship Training this morning. Yes, I got up in time for the early service! After, of course, I got up, ate breakfast, then realized that I had an extra hour (I had forgotten to turn my clocks back!). This was my first time in CWT and it was interesting. I sat on the row with Hannah Ferrie, Mallory Gowen, and Gracie Metheny. Mr. Brent asked the children what made them happy. Hannah's first response - her mom. I was impressed with CWT - and the kids were so cute.

While the kids were going to class, I headed to my cradle roll class. Luckily, I had already set up. I kept hoping I'd have help - and I did. Alice Jewell, Pat Berry, and I managed to corrall 9 little munchkins. Two of them cried the whole first half, most didn't want to sit, and the other kept throwing the toys. But we survived! We did have several visitors and some new children that had moved up. I'm almost glad that I'll be gone next week. But I have full confidence in Mrs. Jewell - I wouldn't have made it today if she hadn't been there!!!!

I made a 15-bean soup last night and had some for lunch, along with some cornbread. Yum! I think that will last me ALL week. What cheap eating for the week.

Tonight's worship was Singing Night! That is always a favorite of mine - and I was glad I wasn't running the powerpoint. Mike Wood took requests - and the PPT operator got to find the songs and put them up. And there were so many requests that we only sang the first and last verses. Oh but the singing was so wonderful, uplifting, and encouraging!!!! We even had a few guest songleaders. I think Jalen or Jaden Montgomery was by far the audience favorite. He came up, stood on his stool, and led "Blue Skies and Rainbows." His way of remembering the verses (he's only 6)? He drew a picture that was projected. Way too cute - and he did an excellent job complete with applause. Glenn Olree led two songs - he has a great voice and did a wonderful job! Warren Casey led several songs also. We finished with "The Greatest Command" and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" - a great ending to a great service.

So I'm ready to face another week - a short work week for me! I'm taking off Friday & Monday and heading to Long Beach, MS. I'm ready for the break and to see the Eyrichs again. I'm going to be cleaning house this week - I want to come home to a nice, clean house next Monday night!

Have a great week everyone.

Day....whatever!

So since Laura asked how my experiment was going.......here goes. I haven't been writing down everything I eat or exercising enough. I haven't measured all my food, but I am getting better at "eye-ing" it. I'm eating more vegetables & fruits and making healthier choices. I can tell a difference - either from the SW or the eating! Well, at least my legs are smaller, even if nothing else is! I don't do great every day, but certainly better!

It's hard to believe that when I go to Elissa's next week-end, I won't be seeing Aunt Thelma (Elissa's great-aunt). Thelma Price passed away this week and she will be missed. She's the one who told us, "every girl needs to have a little red car sometime." I took her advice with the first car I bought - a little red Dodge Avenger. I loved that car. She was always free with her opinion, liked her coffee hot, and was a sharp lady. And she never seemed to mind that I called her "Aunt Thelma" too. I remember her 90th birthday party a few years ago - pink was the color of the poinsettias. By the time her party rolled around, they were looking a bit scragly. So, Mrs. Sue had us get magnolia leaves, hairspray, and glitter. I can still remember standing on the back steps of the church, in the dark, spraying hair spray on the poinsettias and then sprinkling them with glitter. And you know what? It worked great! Good memories of a great lady.

I'm sorry if you all missed the celebrity on TV last week. Ch. 11 had a really cool guest on Oct. 24th demonstrating a healthy appetizer - it was really early so you might have missed it. But Ch. 7 had a great guest on Daybreak last Saturday demonstrating cookies. So if you missed it, oh well. Fame is so fleeting.

I got to go out to a soybean field this afternoon while the beans were being cut. My coworker Keith left his moisture meter on his desk, and needed it. So I headed out to Worden (past Bald Knob on 64) and went a few miles down a gravel road. It was interesting to see, and a beautiful day to be out driving.

Tag

Here are the rules. 1)Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves. (2) People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (3) At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. (4) Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I'm taller than my sister. We could wear the same size shoe for a few months back around 1985, but then I outgrew her. She hasn't tried to beat me up since.

2. If I pull my hair back and don't have my contacts in yet - when I glance in the mirror, I see a glimpse of my dad. Because I really look like him sometimes! It's weird.

3. I like Ikea. I guess my house is not as typical as most, or that's the impression I get from a lot of people. I do like to be different every once in a while. I really like my house.

4. My newest favorite food is risotto. I had my first taste of it in Como, Italy. Our first night in Italy, we ate at the hotel with our tour group. The first course was the yummy risotto. I don't remember much else, but after dinner we roamed around Como. Of course, on the way back, we had to find an ATM so we'd have euros to buy our first Italian GELATO!!! For my birthday, I got a cookbook called Risotto, so I've experimented with making it and I love it. Now if I could just find some gelato.....

5. If I could go anywhere for a vacation, I'd go to Lucerne, Switzerland. And then I'd go to Scotland and Ireland. And then, an Alaskan cruise with lots of expensive excursions (obviously I'm not paying for this!), and hop over to Hawaii. I'd get a convertible rental car and drive around the island, then fly over to all the other islands. I'd hike, sit on the beach and read, and just wonder at the beauty God created. And while I'm at it, I'd just fly to Iceland, wander around the Mediterrean, then take a trans-Atlantic cruise, end up in New York, where I'd spend a few weeks walking around, seeing the sights, before taking a train back home.

6. While I look like my Dad, I have my mother's feet. And at times, my Grandmother's temperment and bossiness. Other times, I have my Pa-Pa's quietness. And, Laura, Mom and I sound a lot alike on the phone. Just ask John.

7. I'm still wondering why Lara didn't tag me on the previous tag. Maybe it's because I'd have had to make up all the answers about my husband? Hmm. That might be interesting.....

8. And finally, if I could change one thing I'd done....I wouldn't have hit Laura with that baseball bat. Although I didn't get near as close to her head as she'd like you to believe!

I'm going to tag Lara, Bob, Elissa (I know you're reading).

Day 1

I'm trying a little experiment - practicing what I preach! Last week in my Strong Women - Healthy Hearts class, we discussed meal planning. We even had worksheets to just fill in. So, I decided to give it a try - plan all of my meals and make them healthy. I'm trying to get all of my recommended foods. So I went to the store last night to stock up - I really did spend more time on the outer edges (produce department mostly).

This morning, I just had my standard cereal. I woke up late (I set the alarm but forgot to turn in on!) and didn't put any fruit with it. For lunch, I had a "make ahead lunch wrap" (got the recipe from Laura/allrecipes.com), 1/2 cup cottage cheese, and about a cup of grapes. And a big glass of water. During the afternoon, I had a handful of animal crackers. For dinner, I had a veggie burger on a whole wheat english muffin, corn on the cob, and salad.

I had a good week-end in Ashdown. Mom & I went to Texarkana Friday night - we picked up Aunt Chris and ate at Lee's Catfish. Saturday, we went shopping and found Mom several things. I got some warm socks. We picked up hamburgers for dinner. On Sunday, Bob Simmons met me at the door and asked me to run the powerpoint during the service. I did, and it went well. And I got to visit with some people at the church in Ashdown - which is always a good thing!

Quick Post

I was glad to host some of the Simmons family Saturday evening for dinner. Bob, Susan, Amy, and Chloe were such fun to have - and they brought yummy ciabatta bread and dipping stuff (olive oil with Parmesan cheese)! I know they had a long day but I was honored to have them in my home. Bob posted a couple of pix on his blog.

I went to Hastings Sunday night after worship. I had a vanilla chai latte and looked at books.

Wednesday was the Extension Homemakers Fall Council Meeting. We tried something different this time - and it worked great! We had more members at this meeting than at any other meeting since I've been here - 77! We had the meeting at Harding in the Founders Room, had some great speakers including our new FCS state leader who did a tai chi demonstration, and we had a great lunch. The best part? NO COOKING, CLEANING UP, OR SETTING UP TABLES AND CHAIRS!!!! And they were all HAPPY! Oh my joy.

We had supper club at Doc's tonight. It was fun and I think it was good to spend time together especially for Kimberly. I know she's had a rough few months. But I always leave feeling like something is missing. I don't know what - maybe I feel like I just don't fit in most of the time. Who knows?

I've struggled this week with headaches and just generally not feeling well. I know I should take better care of myself. On Tuesdays & Thursdays, I do get exercise but not enough. I need to eat better too. So tonight in my Strong Women - Healthy Hearts class, we talked about menu planning. I think I'm really going to try to plan menus better, and eat healthier. And exercise more..... I don't like this tummy thing I have. I've done better today about drinking water so I need to keep that up.

I'm going to Ashdown for the week-end. I'm excited to see Mom again and spend time with her at home. Hopefully, we can see Aunt Chris, maybe shop some, just enjoy the week-end.

Hope you have a good week-end!

10 Years Today!

October 13, 1997 was a Monday - and it was the day that I started work with the Cooperative Extension Service in Pike County, AR (Murfreesboro). I wore a black & white houndstooth dress with heels, had my picture made for the local paper, the Murfreesboro Diamond, and generally wondered what in the world I was doing. I was supposed to be an Intern working with another agent. But after about 3 weeks, the agent I was working with (Jean) moved to the neighboring county. But she was only aboutg 15 minutes away, was on my speed dial, and was still very helpful to me. I became an actual agent October 1, 1998 I think. I was promoted to an Agent II in 2002. One of the reasons I'm going to work on my masters is that I can't promote again until I do - not to mention that we get a nice payraise when we get our masters!

For the first three weeks or so, I lived in Nashville in a one-room apartment. It did have cable though. The dorm-size refrigerator was by the bathroom, and the microwave was in the bathroom. I lived on slim-fast for breakfast, and frozen dinners for dinner. Then, I rented a cute little house in Murfreesboro and lived there about 6 months. It didn't have any furniture except for a little table in the kitchen and maybe a chair. I slept on the floor for a while - because I didn't have any furniture! My parents were bringing me some furniture, but Dad's cancer spread to his eye and they were unable to haul any furniture. So, my grandmother and uncle & aunt took pity on me. They loaded up furniture from their houses and brought to me! I had a chair for the living room and table with a lamp, a twin bed (Laura's old daybed), a nightstand, and maybe another table. Not much but enough! In March 1998, I moved again. The next apartment was a basement apartment - it was furnished, all the utilities even cable (except for the phone) were paid, it had a carport, and I guess I felt more comfortable knowing that there was someone else in the house. Really, I think I was so used to living in a dorm, hearing people above me, that living in a basement was very nice! I lived in that house until I moved here to Searcy in April 2002.

I've enjoyed my time with Extension. Wanda, Mike, & Avonne were great coworkers in Pike County. I still miss them. But Roberta, Anita, Brian, Sherri, Keith, Jamie, Amy are great. I've also worked with Dustin, Amber, Melanie, Rose Ann, and Tammy in White County. I've enjoyed getting to know the EH ladies, the 4-H kids, the people in the county, the county judges. I really do like my job - it's fun, I get to know neat people, and it's always different.

So, here's to another 10 years (I guess)!

week-end fun vs. dead animals?

What a week-end! Mom, Patti, Colbie, and Britton got here Friday afternoon....and then Charles, Mitzi, Sean, and Hershel arrived for dinner. I was a bit adventurous with dinner - which means I was a little nervous about how it would be received. But when Sean (sophomore in high school) went back for seconds and maybe thirds, I knew it was okay! We had make-your-own-grain-salads. I cooked some quinoa and bulgar, then had bowls of veggies (black beans, kidney beans, corn, red bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, almonds, carrots, etc.) and dressing. Everyone made their own. Mom brought some herb bread that was delish! With blackberry cobbler and ice cream for dessert...it was all good. Then the fun began.....Mom brought out her dulcimer and Hershel brought his guitar. We heard great music and stories. Hershel is so good - of course, he did have a record with his garage band!

Saturday morning, we got a tour of Harding from Morris Sewell (to help encourage Colbie & Britton to come to Harding!), then went to the BBQ Wars for lunch. We went to Midnight Oil (Mom needed a pick-me-up before shopping) and JCPenney before we ran out of steam. So we went back to the house for a quick nap, then hit Colony Shop & Kroger. Colbie & Britton helped me fix a quick dinner of spaghetti with smoky marinara, garlic bread, and a great salad with lots of veggies and a homemade vinaigrette. The girls were awesome! We ate quickly, then headed to the Acapella concert. It was pretty good - I especially enjoyed hearing the songs I knew from the Sweet Fellowship and Rescue tapes (I think those are the ones) - the ones I remember from high school anyway! Since it wasn't even 9:00 p.m. when we got out, we went by the Underground and treated ourselves to Italian Cream Sodas. Yummy! We made it to class (Mom, Patti, and I visited the Barnabas class) and worship at College before heading to Doc's for lunch. Everyone left pretty soon after that, so I got a nice nap in!

I don't think I want any chicken for a while. I had a meeting out at the fairgrounds yesterday and I noticed that one of the refrigerators was unplugged. I looked in the frig but it just had BBQ and drinks in it. No problem. Not so lucky with the freezer.....it had had frozen chicken....raw frozen chicken that had defrosted and was getting really....yucky and smelly! I had noticed an odor and now I knew what it was. So since I had another meeting out there today, I decided that someone had to clean the awful mess up. I got there early and let me tell you....it was so disgusting!!!!!! I gagged, sprayed air freshener, got out the cleaner with bleach, and it still smelled (I cleaned it all up, and took the trash out to the dumpster). So I found some cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and nutmeg and put them in some water on the stove. That did help! So did drinking coffee.....I kept smelling and drinking, smelling and drinking more than I needed. I had to go back to the office for ice, and I had been getting a headache. So I went home and took my migraine medicine and hoped that would help. But...it really didn't for a long time. It probably didn't help that when I got back to the fairgrounds, I made some little pizzas for my lunch contribution. Luckily, the dead chicken smell had mostly gone away. But in it's place was the dead mouse smell radiating from the oven when I turned it on. NOT a good thing. By then, I was really feeling awful - I didn't want to eat, I didn't even want to think about eating, my head was killing me, and I really thought I was going to throw up. I managed to eat a little bit - I was afraid I'd feel worse if I didn't eat something. But I had to leave early - I was just sick. I went home and napped on the couch for about 2 hours - I was feeling better - Not great, but enough to go back to work. Anyway, my head is finally starting to feel better.....even though my hands still smell like dead chicken (and I washed them repeatedly, and doused them in lemon juice).

Autumn

ahh autumn!!!!!!!! The cool mornings, the colors changing, the longer nights.

It's been a pretty busy week! Monday was a really long day - it started with a breakfast meeting at 7:00 a.m. (I made swiss oatmeal with healthy trimmings), work, reports, the big 4-H Centennial Celebration, and Bunco. Whew. Tuesday was more of the same - early morning, work late. But I left work early today and I'm not working AT ALL tomorrow (at the office anyway). I'll be working at home - cleaning, straightening, preparing food. The house will be hopping by this time tomorrow. Mom, Patti, and Patti's two nieces Colbie and Britton will be here for the week-end. Add Charles, Mitzi, Sean, and Hershel for dinner tomorrow night. That equals fun!

Oh by the way, if you have never tried the peanut butter pie at Bobby's - you don't know what you are missing!!! I know, I know - it's not that healthy. Everything in moderation you know. Roberta's birthday (she's one of our secretaries) was yesterday and she loves that pie. And to make her happy (and us too), we celebrated her birthday with that yummy pie. I just happened to get a nice big piece and unfortunately I couldn't even finish it. It was rich, delicious, and peanutty with a huge merigue on top. I can't believe I just wrote an entire paragraph about a pie!!!!

Mixed Reviews

I rented a couple of movies Saturday night. After an exhausting and warm trip to Memphis and a nap, I thought I'd relax a bit. I rented "The Wedding Date" (I'd already seen it) and "Sideways" (movie I had not seen). I guess I like to go with something I know I'll like, just in case the new one is a bust.

I watched the familiar first. I enjoyed it again. I've spent other 4 nights of the rental watching "Sideways." I finally decided that I had to finish it tonight since it was due. I fast forwarded through a lot though!

"Sideways" is the story of Miles and Jack - college buddies that don't have much in common. The week before Jack's wedding, they take a trip into wine country. If you haven't seen it, it has a lot of bad language, immorality, and wine drinking. The music was enjoyable though. And the wine tasting parts were interesting. I felt a little sorry for Miles - bless his heart. He was depressing.

I think in some ways, I feel like Miles. In one scene, he says something like, "My life is halfway over and what do I have to show for it?" But then, I think, I hope I'm not that depressing and down all the time!

I checked out an interesting book at the library the other night. Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy. If you don't know who that is, he's the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. It was a very interesting book about his life, his faith, and coaching. It was an inspiring look at what is right or encouraging about pro sports instead of the bad news you hear about all of the time. I'm not even a football fan, and I enjoyed it.

I've really enjoyed the ladies in my Strong Women classes. They have been so encouraging, so interesting, and so fun. Not to mention good cooks! We had another potluck Wednesday and they gave me a beautiful "thank you" card and a gift card to Dillard's! Wow!!! They are so sweet and definitely one of the best things this year.

I hope you all have a great week-end!

Did You Know........

that this week is National Unmarried and Single Americans Week?!?!? Wow - a whole week to celebrate being single? I guess I already sort of did that with a previous post! But if you need more information, check this out:
http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/datingtips/39619/party-of-one;_ylc=X3oDMTFmNXY5cGg3BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwX3RvZGF5BHNsawNwYXJ0eS1vZi1vbmUEenoDYWJj

I thought it was interesting. Especially since I've been so down lately. What is wrong with me? I'm tired, I've got headache #246, I don't want to go to work and I certainly don't want to work when I get there, I'm sick of the melancholy way I feel when I look at the couples (even at the fair - now that's depressing), I'm tired of wondering what's wrong with me/why am I still single/am I really scared of men and commitment.

The fair went pretty smoothly. That was a real blessing. No big contraversies, no big fights, not too much whining, no one yelling at me or complaining about me (that I know of anyway). The weather was great, the people around me were smiling all week for the most part. And now, it's OVER. Just a few more things to do to wrap up, and one more fair to work (just one day at the Mid-South Fair).

Highs & Lows

"Reaching new heights after falling to record lows" was the title of a presentation I gave at a national meeting last October. But you know, that's life. There are highs, lows, and lots of in-betweens. Sometimes, we enjoy the highs, dread the lows, feel like we have more of the lows than the highs, or maybe you feel like you spend your life "in-between."

I was excited to have a new friend, Penny, over last night for a girls movie night. We had a good time chatting, then we watched "Catch & Release." It was okay - not the best and not the worst. But for some reason, I went to bed feeling slightly disappointed/down. Then I got up early to go walking with Cindy. We walked and talked for a while before she said something like, "so what's going on with Katie?" She asked me some questions about my life - I think she thinks I'm not very social. Which, in all honesty, would be rather correct. She asked me how do I expect to meet anyone (of the single male species) teaching the cradle roll class and teaching the strong women classes. Hmm. Well, she has a point. But, there's really not that many single people my age - not that I've found anyway. But she got me thinking about excuses. So many people have excuses. I've heard a lot of excuses the last few months from various people about various things. But it still boils down to excuses, or for some, little white lies to avoid telling the real truth. So, I guess my excuses have been things like: there aren't many singles, I don't know of any singles group for over 30, etc. So it felt like, not that it was necessarily so, my day began with someone else telling me I'm not enough, I'm not good enough, what's wrong with me because I'm not married?

But today, work was busy and I really felt like I had accomplished a lot. I've gotten prepared for next week - not only my fair work, but the other work stuff too - and I've had some good responses. So the day has gotten better. And since the Tuckers are coming sometime this evening, I'm sure it will end brightly.

So that is life - highs, lows, and everything in between. I guess we should always try to enjoy the highs and treasure those peak moments. And when we have lows, we should try to withstand the onslaught, look for brighter glimpses, and strive to overcome. And the in-betweens? Prepare for the highs and lows, enjoy just being, and always look up.

I'll be out at the county fairgrounds next week. If you go out there, look for me in the Educational Building, or maybe the livestock barn. A quick run-down of the week in case you are interested:
Monday - Fair Queen Contest, Poultry Chain judging/auction
Tuesday - check in exhibits in the Educational/Horticulture buildings from 8am-2pm. Free day to the fair, armband night for the rides. Talent Show.
Wednesday - judging day in the Educational building. Livestock shows. Country night (up and comers).
Thursday - Senior Day. Livestock shows. Gospel Night. Bull riding.
Friday - Kids Day. The Whites. Rodeo.
Saturday - team roping, armband day for the rides, rodeo, demolition derby.

Top Eleven Reasons to Be Me

In an effort to be upbeat & content with who I am, I thought I'd post my Top Eleven (I came up with 11 and couldn't find one to throw out) reasons for being me. I also wanted to update my blog, unlike SOME people, and since I couldn't come up with anything more exciting........Read & weep (or laugh). Disclaimer: This is intended for entertainment purposes only.

11. No noses or butts to wipe, except mine.
10. No one else to mess up the house, leave dirty laundry on the floor, or stack dishes in the sink - just me!
9. Singing or talking to yourself are not met with suspicious stares.
8. Naps on the couch at lunch are great revitalizers for getting through the afternoon.
7. I can eat that leftover broccoli for dinner and cereal for lunch.
6. I can work out to any DVD (aerobics, bellydancing, dancing, pilates, yoga, etc.), have fun, and not get laughed at because I can't dance!
5. I don't know the words to any Dr. Suess books.
4. My "style" has developed through the years of living by myself (10 years). I like slightly retro modern in the living areas, and more subdued & girlie in my private spaces. I can turn the lights on as bright as I want, or just sit in the dark.
3. I love to travel - and I could just take off for Hawaii (if I could find the time and use my frequent flier points). Travel for me is relaxing and fun (and a good way to spend time with my best friend).
2. My alarm wakes me up gently - not someone screaming, someone poking me, or someone that wants to eat - and I can always just turn it off when I want to sleep in.
.................and the Number One reason for being me:
1. Silence. Quiet. ahhhhhhhh.


And for those of you who read the last post until the very end and had a guess on the songs - there were 4 songs/lines from songs.

1. The Thunder Rolls (Garth Brooks)
2. Listening to the rain fall on the roof.....(from Kenny Rogers' song Morning Desire)
3. Chill of an Early Fall (George Strait)
4. What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

Gratefulness

The thunder rolls, the wind blows, the rain is coming down. What lovely sights and sounds! Makes me want to curl up in bed, listening to the rain falling on the roof. The rain is very welcome and I hope it will help cool things off a bit. Makes me wish for the chill of an early fall.

And I have a mosquito in my house. He's not too bad though - just when I think the silence is deafening, I hear this buzzzzzz. He follows me around - just to let me know he's still here I guess. It's not so bad, unless you think it's strange that he doesn't bother me that much.

I'm learning to appreciate the quiet and dark. I used to want every light on. That way, everything was light and bright and cheery. And I had to have the radio on, listening to a favorite CD or Delilah. But I've grown accustomed to not turning the lights on as much, and to listening to the sounds I hear without the radio. This wasn't really by choice - my CD player/radio thingy is getting old, cranky, and tends to spout out this annoying racket after it's been on for about a minute. But now, I can hear the rain pounding the back porch, falling on the roof, what it sounds like hitting the driveway, the rolling thunder, the wind blowing through the trees. I can hear my mosquito, people as they walk or jog past the house, the people next door saying good night.

So I was thinking of things that I'm grateful for. Besides the obvious - My God & my faith, my family, my friends, my home, my job, etc. I'm grateful that I've had at least one good romantic evening.
Ahhh, I still feel the breeze over the water, through the trees. The evening was perfect, a bit cloudy, but good for a lovely sunset. The colors were beautiful - the sunset, the trees, the water as we floated over it. The feel of the breeze in my hair, on my face, was like a brush of the God's hand saying, "here I am." We anchored the boat and sat and talked and cuddled. We ate a dinner we had packed, and moved the boat to catch a better view of the sunset. I listened to the sweet sounds of the critters in the woods, the waves gently brushing the shore, the sounds the boat makes as it drifts ever so slightly. We watched the sunset, and cuddled some more. We stayed out on the lake until about 10:00 p.m. but it was an evening to remember for me. It was just being. No other people, no other distractions. Just us, enjoying the world and each other. A quiet time of reflection.
I'm grateful that I've learned valuable lessons. I've learned to watch what I say and how I say it. I'm grateful that I still have a job even when I messed up big time. I cringe whenever I think of that, and my red face shows my embarrassment at being such a stupid idiot. Letting my anger and dislike get the best of me. I should have taken someone's advice - to let myself get angry and stew. For one day. And then let it go. But I guess that is hard for me and something I need to work on! I can still remember people interpreting my message in the wrong way...and wondering how I could have done it better.
I'm grateful that I can write on my blog, and express myself here when I can't express myself any other way.

And I think to myself, it's a wonderful world.







How many songs titles/lines can you find in this post?

Decorating Project Report

Thanks to my "designer's challenge" consultant Elissa! She suggested cleaning up/de-cluttering, focusing on the black accent color, adding visual interest for little $ with the shelf, pillows, etc. All of my pictures frames are now black (but different sizes and textures). The shelf was painted black and I used black sheets (very easy - probably cheaper than black fabric and no hemming required!) to cover odd colored furniture. Thank you Elissa, not only for your expertise & imagination, but for your contributions to the look.
Here are the pix:

This first one is the view when you walk in the front door. I painted the shelf on the wall black. It has a history - Laura & I had it in our room growing up when it was not painted and it hung 90 degrees to the right (I think). I put one of my IKEA lamps on a stool behind the sewing machine cabinet, covered with a black sheet. I will eventually put more pictures on this wall.

The second picture is if you come in the front door and look right. I put larger IKEA lamp in the corner. I got two concrete blocks and put under the long shelf that is under the window. Then I covered that shelf with a black sheet. Note the new pillow look (new round black satiny pillow and new green fluffy square pillow, plus the odd number of pillows).

The third picture (looking towards the window) shows the shelt and the coffee table-scape.

The last photo is my new & improved guest room. Mom gave me the double mattress set to replace the old twin I had. I got a new comforter set from Walmart.com and used the site-to-store option (delivered to WM in Searcy - no shipping charge!). I haven't put the bedskirt on yet but it is the khaki color with a green grosgrain ribbon trim. The comforter is a paisley with khaki, green, and blue. I still have to get more pillows so I can put the shams on!

Hot Hot Hot

Ahhhh, August has arrived with all of the heat and humidity that usually accompanies such a distinguished month. Let's see, August is first day of school, hot days and nights, Laura & John's anniversary (Aug. 14 - #14), Laura's birthday (Aug. 27). It was also Pa-Pa Moss' birthday (Aug. 25) and Dad's birthday (Aug. 31). This time 14 years ago, we were hot on the trail of the perfect wedding (would we have gladiolis? would it be extremely hot (yes!)?). I can still remember how incredibly handsome Dad looked in his tux. I had never seen him in a tux before and thought he looked pretty distinguished.

I turned on the radio and heard Roxette's "Joy Ride." Anyone remember that one? It was the single cassette that I played in my blue '90 Ford Escort as I cruised around the big city of Ashdown when I started driving.

And for this week's medical update, no bladder infection!!!!!!!!! YEAH. The bad news? I have another kind of infection. But I think the antibiotics are really working this time and I'll be infection-free soon! I sure hope so anyway. I'm already feeling better and perkier.

Ellen Daniel and I decided that we needed to help people feel more welcome at church, so we committed to inviting new people over for lunch. Tomorrow is our first "welcome lunch" and we're excited! We got together today and got some things ready. I made a blackberry cobbler tonight - I think I had too many blackberries or too much liquid. The pan is really full (and I made the mistake of using a disposable pan!) and some of the liquid spilled out into my oven. Oh well. I'm sure it will still TASTE good.

The AWH Retreat at Eden Isle was great and I learned a lot. I got some good fundraising ideas, not only for AWH but also for Extension Homemakers. And, I got to know some people better and meet other neat people. It's really interesting to hear some of the more "mature" ladies talk about their lives. The restaurant at the Red Apple Inn was very good too - the food and the view!

I really need to clean house since Supper Club is here Thursday night, but I have not gotten motivated very much today. I did hang a new wall hanging up (got it last week-end at B. Jaxx). But now, I need to straighten, dust, clean my room & bathroom. I have one more decorating project to do also - clean up a dirty shelf and paint it! Elissa will be so proud when I post pictures of the projects she suggested. So, how do you get motivated - to clean, to exercise, to plan menus?

So instead of cleaning, I've read some this week-end. I checked out a few books from the library yesterday. I had read "White Chocolate Moments" by Lori Wick before, but wanted to read it again. The title caught my eye first, but the book was a good read. I finally got to read the sequel to Karen Kingsbury's "Even Now." The sequel is "Ever After." It was really good - but a real tearjerker. I have a hard time understanding when people cry all the time at meetings or church or whatever. I guess it's just that I hate crying in front of people (trust me, it's not a pretty sight!) but apparently, I can cry at home by myself. I had to stop reading and blow my red nose today. The big lump in my throat was killing me. But back to the book - it was a wonderful story of love, loss, and patriotism with some good insights into the war in Iraq. I also checked out "Dealbreakers" but just skimmed through it. It was some psychoanalyst's idea of relationships and the dealbreakers that can make or break a relationship. I could figure that one out all by my single self.

Amy - I'm glad you are feeling better!!!! Hope that trend continues instead of the whole being-sick-the-entire-pregnancy-thing. Thanks for your kind words. You are probably the friend I've had the longest - well, except for Laura! But there were times when she was all mean and devious (though hardly anyone believes that!) and you were nice and sweet (still are).

Elissa - hope you have a great week. Don't forget to let me know if y'all need help moving things around one week-end. Tell your family Hi. Thanks for the help, the advice, your friendship! I treasure it. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you as a friend. I'd sure be a lonely single and wouldn't have traveled as much! Take care and keep me posted. I figured since you couldn't email, and texting takes a while, that you'd eventually read my post!

Mom - glad you can now comment on our posts. Hope you had a great time with the munchkins while L&J were in Dallas.

Raindrops

Have you ever wondered why your mind will latch onto something and won't let go? Especially when it bugs you, like when you can't get "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" out of your mind. Or when you just can't remember that name no matter how hard you try. Or maybe it's when you hear something that, while not surprising, still manages to make you feel somewhat sad.

That's where I've been lately. I'm so impatient - and probably envious. Why are all my old boyfriends getting married and having kids? Why does it hurt to know that they have moved on and I'm still sitting here waiting for Mr. Right (not Mr. HurryUpIWanttoGetMarried, not Mr. Jerk, not Mr. TalkUpaStormAboutMe, not Mr. Psychobabbler, not Mr. Sloppy, not Mr. SillyKid, not Mr. GrowUp)? Why do I keep thinking of memories made that are meaningless now? And why am I always hearing stuff like, "I'm so old!" (and the person is younger than me), or "she waited so long for him" (and again, she's younger than me). I'm starting to second-guess my own decisions - where they the right ones?

The other thing I keep thinking - am I ever going to feel better and energetic? Is this medicine going to clear up the infection this time?

But even with my brain on overload at times, and dead at other times, I had a great week-end. I took off Thursday afternoon a little early, and Friday. I got my walking in Thursday night and Friday morning before heading to Mom's. I met Mom and Patti at Olive Garden in Texarkana for lunch (Mom's favorite place). We did a little shopping (a decorative accent and tennis shoes for me) before heading home. I made them risotto for dinner - and Mom fixed a yummy salad. Saturday, we all headed to Hot Springs. We met Laura for lunch at the San Francisco Bread Company, browsed at Good Earth, and then drove downtown for baths/massages! Laura just got a pedicure, but Mom, Patti, and I had the full treatment! ahhhhhhhh, I was warm!!! oh so warm and it was so nice. I almost went to sleep. By the time we were done, it was time to hit....Starbucks. We all got cold drinks and sat outside and talked.....and talked. Laura is so much like Mom sometimes. Of course, she is her mother's daughter! But it's so funny to see them together because they are just so similar. Makes me wonder if anyone ever thinks that about me. I know I've always heard that I was a lot like Dad. Anyway, we sat there talking long enough to think about eating dinner......so we headed to On the Border. No mango margaritas. I even tried the healthy option - soft chicken tacos. They were pretty good. Mom, Patti, and I drove home (I napped some - Patti drove!) through Prescott and visited with Uncle David, Aunt Jackie, and Alice Marie. It was a fun, relaxing way to celebrate Mom's birthday!

I got to catch up with Amy Silva at church on Sunday. She wasn't feeling too hot but we had a nice chat. She has a blog too so maybe we can stay updated that way too. Amy was always a good friend - from sharing fun times at Mrs. Ora Lee's house to driving me to/from school and lunch before I could drive in high school! And all those youth activities in between and the fun we had our last New Year's in Ashdown. Amy - hope you are feeling better. You are so beautiful - inside and out!

I was trying to come up with a catchy post....but since my mind is apparently a minefield for nothing right now, this will have to do since I haven't updated this week!

Accomplishments:

• Went to Lowe's and Wal-Mart on a Saturday afternoon and got home in about an hour. I had my list and stuck to it. I mostly got "home" stuff for my decorating projects.
• Emailed people I've been meaning to email (and if you haven't gotten one, well, sorry).
• Got my checkbook up to date. Paid bills. Watched the flow go in, and then right back out.
• Cleaned out most of the work stuff in my vehicle. Now, I only have my SW workout bag, SW class stuff, and lots of OrganWise Guys stuff.
• Putting together a bag of stuff to take to Mom's. Including home ideas for her new remodeling project, risotto stuff, pictures/frames.
• Went walking, even when I didn't feel like it. Even tried out a new workout DVD (core conditioning with the bellytwins).
• Made a good veggie dip/thick soup dish. Not quite as good as Mississippi Caviar but tasty nonetheless. And full of veggies.
• Down to one cup of coffee a day. As I told someone else today, I'm a water and cranberry juice girl now.
• Can now belt out Mary Chapin Carpenter's "Almost Home," Norah Jones' "Turn Me On," and Peter, Paul, & Mary's "Leaving on a Jet Plane" (not that anyone would want to listen).
• Got to work early.
• Kept my plants alive. Even bought a short hose so I could water them easier and more often hopefully.
• Have taken all my medicine faithfully. Well, almost anyway.
• Got to help get the Fair Tabloid to print, hopefully as error-free as possible. Look for it in your Community Shopper next week.

No, I haven't saved the world, or anything earth shattering. I keep waking up and facing the day. I enjoy life. I look forward to time with family & friends. I wish I were a better person most days. But as Scarlett said, "Tomorrow is another day!"

Risotto, Redecorating, and Real Friends

Waaaaaaaaaay back in the fall of 1994, on the second floor of Cathcart Hall, a friendship began. Elissa was not on my wing (I was an RA, she was a freshman) but I saw her a lot during room checks. She was really nice to the RAs and since she went home a lot – she let us watch TV in her room! What a treat!! We had master keys, so we made ourselves at home in her room, always making sure we had blankets because she kept her room so COLD. I didn’t really get to know her that well during the year. But at the end of the semester, we knew she’d be coming back as an RA. I met her dad (Mr. George) when he came to get her. Elissa lived about an hour and a half from where my parents lived near Mobile, so during the summer I called her. We got together in Long Beach, MS (where she lives) and had a great time. When we got back to Harding in August 1995, we naturally hung out with all the RAs since no one else was around. And when school started, Elissa & I were still hanging out….and becoming good friends. We were blessed to become such good friends in college and after. Picture - RA Christmas Party 1995. We were RAs in 95-96 in Cathcart with Aunt B, and then in 96-97, Aunt B moved to the New dorm – Searcy Hall and we followed. We were apartment-mates for a semester before she left to go to HUF. Elissa even made it back to Harding for my graduation. Through the years, we’ve kept in touch and traveled together even though we’ve lived hours apart (from 3-8 hours). Our first big trip together was April 2002 – right before I moved to Searcy. We’ve enjoyed our travels together!
April 2002 – Williamsburg, Virginia
April 2003 – Asheville, NC
October 2003 – Hawaii (we got to stay with Aunt B) Picture - at a Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center
April 2004 – Savannah, Georgia with our moms
March 2005 – short trip to pre-Katrina New Orleans
May/June 2005 – Europe with my Mom
May 2006 – Alaskan cruise
September 2006 – Caribbean cruise
April 2007 – Washington, DC

Elissa arrived in Searcy at 2:00 a.m. Friday morning. What a drive!! We finally went to bed and slept late Friday morning. We messed around, ate breakfast, talked, drank coffee, and finally got dressed. We went to Little Rock to meet Mom, Patti, Laura, and the kids at Macaroni Grill for lunch. It was an enjoyable lunch catching up with each other, playing tic-tac-toe with Emily, watching Ethan, and eating yummy Italian!! Elissa and I went to Walgreens to stock up on poison oak remedies before heading to the nice west LR Kroger. We got Arborio rice among other things. We had to stop at Barnes & Noble – bathroom and coffee break. We were getting tired after the long night and the big pasta lunch! We got back to Searcy as the skies were turning an ominous gray…….and the rain came down just about the time I was going to the store to pick up a items for our risotto. I got wet, and then I couldn’t find dried tomatoes and fresh asparagus. So I improvised…..I just decided to try another recipe with ingredients I could find! We made risotto with blue cheese and bacon – it was delicious!!!!!!!!!!! But it’s not for the impatient or the short-on-time! We even had enough left over for Saturday lunch.

We got up Saturday morning, dressed, and picked blackberries at Anita’s. YUMMY!!! Elissa went to Heart & Soul to shop around while I ran a few errands. We finished off the risotto before heading back to LR, stopped in Jacksonville on the way at Starbucks! We went to Tuesday Morning, Garden Ridge, and some other shops. Elissa was helping me redecorate my living room a bit – just tweaking some. We didn’t buy much but had fun shopping til we dropped. By then, just driving around sounded good since we could just sit…….so we did a little of that and finally went to Murry’s Dinner Playhouse. We got there early and stood in line for a little while. But we got in, found our seats, stood in line some more to get food, and sat down! Ahhhhhh. We had plenty of time for more great conversation before the show began – Steel Magnolias. It was wonderful – funny, touching, sad, yet good. And the exciting thrills of conversation continued on the way home………..didn’t it Elissa?!?!

Sunday, we made it to worship service and then helped with the cradle roll class. Good thing Elissa was there to help corral the kiddos!! After a gas stop and another stop at Walgreen’s, we ate a good lunch at Los Montano (we’d already had enough Italian….). I napped for a while and Elissa took care of Gumbo (the cat got outside to run off the excess energy she’d been using to mess things up in my kitchen!). We got to church early so I could run the powerpoint and Elissa could check out our system for that. Noel had a great lesson on truth & lying. Thought-provoking. We went to Arby’s for a quick bite to eat before heading to the theatre to see “Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix.” It was pretty good, even though I’m not up on Harry Potter! Elissa had to leave Monday morning, but it was a wonderful visit – full of great conversation, laughs, fun, and togethertime.

Simple Pleasures

In an effort to be a bit more upbeat, here is a list of my simple pleasures. Maybe you'll be reminded of something good.....

• colorful sunsets
• hugs & kisses from Emily & Ethan
• getting cards in the mail, instead of just bills and junk mail
• fresh, clean sheets on my bed
• a massage
• hearing a favorite song on the radio and turning up the volume
• ice cream melting on warm blackberry cobbler
• the different colors of the world
• fresh pineapple
• daffodils, daisies, and tulips
• someone sending me flowers
• trying a new restaurant
• Italian food
• a good cup of coffee
• springtime rain
• the first cool days of fall
• falling leaves
• snow
• sunshine
• the wind blowing through my hair
• anticipation
• hanging out with Elissa
• hanging out with my sis
• going to Mom's for the week-end
• cute little pets
• Patsy Cline
• John Wayne movies
• that clean fresh feeling
• dressing up for something special
• hiking on a mountain
• watching the ocean waves
• traveling to a new place
• driving on a two-lane, exploring, & enjoying the scenery
• finding something good at a flea market
• a clean house
• leaving on a vacation
• coming home from a vacation to a nice, clean house
• Ella James singing "At Last"
• Harding basketball games
• Michael Buble & Frank Sinatra serenading on a romantic evening

thoughts, and good thoughts

I don't know Rachel all that well but boy, she's been on my heart the last few days. I can emphasize with her struggles some but not totally. I had one class with Jeremy - the last class I had at Harding. Some kind of literature class that Larry Long taught the summer of 97. It was a great class, and I only remember Jeremy because he was so nice (I don't remember another single person in the class). Oh yikes - that was 10 YEARS AGO!?!?!! ughhhhhhhhhhh

I've really been struggling with anger issues and I wish I knew why. I wonder if my physical problems (yes, still have a bladder infection and it's worse) have had a part in my emotional struggles. I've just been so down, ready to cry, just wanting to sleep and not do anything. It hurts that he moved on (or was he ever really that into me anyway?!). I keep thinking - why? Why did I find someone I really enjoyed, and he's just not that into me or just not ready for anything besides carefree single living? Why didn't he reply after my last email? I just hate feeling like I'm being ignored (which is how I feel when people don't respond). Am I just going to be single the rest of my life? I feel like I'm losing time here - that old biological clock ticks on and on. And I just date on and on occasionally. It seems like I've been close, but no cigar. I know, it's a learning experience and I've learned a lot. I keep telling myself that, and I believe it. But the reality is sometimes harder to live with. I get tired of thinking about it. But I can't seem to make my mind stop. My job is fun, but some days it's a struggle to actually go to work and stay there.

Oh well, enough complaining for now. I'm starting to buy myself. But I think I know now why he "hates dating." For those of you out there that are married, count your blessings while you pick up his dirty underwear!!! :-) Yeah, that's for you Lizzie. :-) For others, I'd say something like: count your blessings when he doesn't "see" those dirty dishes, when the kids walk in on you, when he says something that just sets you off, when he sings off key, when he puts his dirty clothes on the floor RIGHT NEXT to the hamper, when he leaves the toilet seat up, when he asks something like "why don't you pick up around the house more?" Brag about your spouse instead of complaining about him (at least some of the time!). Tell your friends what they mean to you. Reach out to someone. Let someone know you're thinking of them - even with just a card, a phone call, an email. I'm speaking to myself too so here goes with one anyway!!

Laura - I'm so glad you're my sister. From the days of being my "nurse" to playing with makeup (yes, I still remember how awful you made me look), from playing on the playground to playing the piano. Those days of playing school and chalkboard art, Sunday afternoons (cleaning the kitchen, playing "museum"). I always really enjoyed listening to you play the piano - Moonlight Sonata was my favorite. I always looked up to you, even when I outgrew you (he he). You may have been mean or mischieveous sometimes, but I guess I didn't care that much. When you went to college, I missed you oh so much (missed you driving me around too!). I was happy when you met John, and glad/relieved when you finally got engaged. I was thrilled to be your maid of honor, even if I didn't really like the dress all that much. You've always been my sister and best friend all rolled into one. You remind me so much of Mom most of the time, but I can still see Dad, and even Grandma Moss in you. You're a good mother to those cute little munchkins. You're a better cook than me. And you're so cute - social, talkative, warm, friendly, sweet. Even when you make me mad (like when you interrupt me), I'm still thankful to have you to talk to and hang out with. I miss you A LOT but I'm thankful we had about 4 years of living in the same town (as adults) - that was just way too much fun!!!

I don't have much to write this week. It has been a quiet week. My new Strong Women classes are going well. And my 5 o'clock class at WCMC has changed a bit - we're doing some other videos. On Monday, we did a Leslie Sansome (sp?) walking video. Yesterday, we branched out and tried a new-to-everyone belly dancing workout video. It was pretty fun. I even got out and walked some last night - not too far and not too fast, but it was nice.

So I have to admit that I sound more positive on here than I've really been. The days have been really long, especially after work. I watch the clock to see if it's time to ready for bed yet. Funny: last night, I was getting ready for bed, in my pjs, when I hear a knock on the door. I couldn't imagine who it could be! It was Staci, delivering some Arbonne!! Thanks Staci. Anyway, at least Elissa is coming and giving me something to look forward to. But I know I'll be pretty busy this fall with work, so I guess I should just enjoy the slow and quiet right now!

Well, hope you have a good week-end!

Saturday musings

Thanks for the notes in the mail Mom. I appreciated your thoughts, hearing what you thought, and the reassurances that I’m not alone, or as weird as I think I am sometimes. By the way, I even cleaned some baseboards and dusted today. But just in one room - I didn't let myself get TOO bored.

So, I’ve been on Facebook – obviously Scott hasn’t because he’s still listed as “in a relationship.” I keep wanting to make things for him – who can I cook for this week instead?! I can’t decide what to do about dominoes either. I kind of wanted to make a cobbler or blackberry yummies for them (since I didn’t get to pick last week and take something), but at this point, I doubt I’ll go. I think it would just be too awkward right now. Although I’ll miss seeing Jim, Kathy, Jennifer, and Bill. And Scott.

He asked me several times (when we were dating) if I was used to dating yet or if it still seemed weird. I guess it was easy for me to think of him and make him a part of my life. I was thinking today things like: I could go vacuum his boat out while he’s gone, would he like blackberry yummies (a cake with blackberries), I’ve been wanting to check out Village Creek State Park and we could rent bikes, maybe we could go to Quitman (to the little antique place) and then on to Woolly Hollow State Park or the elephant sanctuary (only on the first week-end of the month though), we still haven’t made risotto, I even picked up his habit of saying, “yeahhh,” etc. Yikes.

Then I wonder: Did I really try hard enough? Was he honest when he said he just wasn’t interested in dating or was he just saying he wasn’t interested in me? Was it just an excuse? I know I wasn’t always myself, except maybe after we broke up. At least, then I knew where I stood! I think that was really the first time that I knew where I stood with him. Although I thought it was a big deal when he finally kissed me (after like 3 months – did I have some disease or something?), and when he put “in a relationship” on Facebook (or did he do that just because I got on Facebook?). It was weird though – he wasn’t shy about telling me about his needs and love language, but when I told him mine – he ran (or swam) the other way. Hmm. Maybe it’s just the mysteries of man. I guess overall, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I think I’m a better person for having known Scott and that is good. I can’t say that about some other guys I’ve dated. Jess asked an interesting question - why did he never see us together at church? I'm not sure. We never drove to church together, and I usually didn't see him. Or I might have gone over. Maybe it was another way to be independent. Or maybe I didn't want to be that visible together at church because of the situation with the guy before Scott. I don't know - but it was an interesting question - one I had thought about before. I've always enjoyed going to church with guys I've dated. I knew Scott went to a different class than I did. If he'd asked me, I would have gone with him, but I'm not sure he wanted me there! It would have seemed like we were really dating.

So here I am again. Single. Old Maid. Content. Challenged. A little down. Honest. Searching. Wondering. I bet my brother-in-law is wondering, “so when are you going to start on the next ex-boyfriend?” :-) John is such a optimist.

Good night.

hey hey

Yeah, I figured you smart bloggers would figure it out. I just didn't feel like writing much more yesterday, so thought I'd just start with that.

I have to say, I've actually gotten bored the last few days. Now, my laundry is totally done, my ironing is done, my house is fairly clean (although I haven't been bored enough to clean the baseboards and dust again), I've picked things up every day. I've read every magazine I have. I had planned to visit Village Creek State Park next Saturday with someone, but since that's out...I was thinking of doing that tomorrow. But it's not fun by myself. I need to find some single friends around here. My best bud Elissa is coming up in a few weeks!!!! AND, she's bringing me a "try-out" cat, Gumbo. If we don't suit, Gumbo will go home with her again. I'm hoping Gumbo & I will suit though - apparently, she's verbal (she likes to be talked to, which would be good practice for me!). If she's affectionate too, then we're all set. And I think that could make me wear my blue tshirt proudly (it says: Tell me again why is it I need a boyfriend?). :-) Here's a picture of Elissa and me in DC - note the beautiful cherry blossoms.

So what happened? in a nutshell - not much. Scott said he just wasn't interested in dating, which I had figured out. When he couldn't tell me why he was dating me, when he stopped calling, when all he emailed were his needs/obstacles, when he didn't ask me to the lake, when he didn't stick around, when he acted like he didn't want to be with me alone...yeah I get the picture. And honestly, though I feel like a loser sometimes, it was probably for the best. We didn't really have that much in common. He's still not sure what he wants to do with his life (me neither) but it almost certainly includes living in Australia, he's way more outgoing & friendly than me (which explains why he's so busy with all his friends and had so little time for me), he hates dating (because he might have to break up with someone!). Now me, I tend to be a bit more optimistic. I look at each one with bright eyes wondering if they will be the one to catch this great fish. :-) They will fall hook, line, and sinker. But, usually, I just swim away. This time, he was just a faster swimmer than me. hahaha. I'm trying to be humorous and upbeat - if you couldn't tell. But I can appreciate the good things - I think I am a better person for having known him. He taught me a lot - to try to more spontaneous, more adventurous, less fearful, more kind, to try new things and ideas, get a different perspective, enjoy the water and the wind in my face, to love quiet sunsets and to marvel at the colors God created. I don't think he got as much from me, but hopefully I gave him some things to think about anyway.

By the way, the title of this post is the line after "another one bites the dust - hey hey, another one bites the dust - heeeeayahayheayheyay." :-) Y'all have a good week-end.

Another one bites the dust......

....as Queen would say. That song has been playing in my head the last few days. Can you guess why?

Random Thoughts (catchy title I'm stealing.....)

Well, I don't have any earth-shattering stuff to talk about this week. I have to admit, I'm not used to taking so much medicine. But if it helps me to feel better, I'm all for it. I just wish it would hurry up and work.....

We always have interesting conversations at Supper Club and Thursday night was no exception. Yeah, we talked bladder infections. And wouldn't you know, that is what was making me feel so bad! I went to the eye doctor Friday morning because I was seeing "flashes" of light in my right eye. Nothing wrong with my eye, but he suggested I talk to my doctor about migraines. Well, since I was going to the doctor (PA actually) anyway that afternoon....so now I have antibiotics for the infection (# way-too-many), old people medicine (anti inflammatory) for the headaches, and Imitrex (or something like that for migraines), plus the allergy medicine from last month. So after getting my prescriptions filled, I headed up to Petit Jean for a family week-end. I think it was the first time I had been to PJ and NOT hiked. The rest of the fam hiked but I just did not feel like it. I really didn't do much besides rest. We did go to the pool, but I just sat in the sun (with sunscreen on) and watched the kiddos. I came home Sunday (via Target in Conway), napped (missed church), and was ready to go to bed at 7pm. But I stayed up, and then couldn't go to sleep......oh well. I went home at lunch today, and managed a little nap.

By the way, a big thanks to Kami and Lara for a wonderful Supper Club!!! I wish I had felt better and could have enjoyed it more. They fixed such yummies - grilled chicken, grilled pineapple, grilled corn on the cob, rice, spinach salad, rolls. And a really yummy dessert - strawberry shortcake like the Bulldog. I think some of it was healthy......Lara?!?!?!

In other news, I felt like such a disappointment at Supper Club when I was asked about Scott. I hesitated, and heard a collective "awww Katie! not again...." But I told them it wasn't ALL me - I just mentioned the Australia thing. I haven't seen Scott since last Tuesday. We've text messaged a little, and emailed today. At this point, I don't have high hopes for anything more with him.

And, I'm getting out of the movie recommendation business. If someone doesn't like a movie I recommend, that is fine with me. I never recommend something that I think they'll hate. On the contrary, I only try to recommend things that I think they will enjoy. But when people are a bit rude and judgemental when telling me they didn't like a movie I recommended, well. And to add to my soap box today, God gave us TWO ears and ONE mouth for a reason. I think we'd all be better off if we tried to really listen instead of talking so much, instead of interrupting with 20 questions. Now that's off my chest for the time being.........

Thinking in circles.....I'm getting dizzy!

A big thanks to my sweet friend Nancy this week. I haven't seen Nancy in years - probably the last time was at Spring Sing of my Junior year at Harding (1996) but we've kept in touch some by email. I shared my blog with her and she has emailed me back. Thanks Nancy for giving me pointers, your opinion, and your support. I can't tell you what that means to me. I'm planning on trying out some of your topics tonight. I think we'll have time in the car on the way to the lake - haven't really been alone much to ask much this week. But then, I guess we don't have to be alone - I guess I just feel more comfortable one-on-one.

Do you ever have days when you think you're just such a loser? When you feel like you don't do anything right? When you just want to cry? I'm sure you do - I know I do. I was so down last Wednesday and I wrote my Mom. I kept telling her that I was asking her opinion, to go ahead and tell me what she thought. So when she called me Saturday afternoon - to answer a few questions she said - I was like, good. The timing was not great, but oh well. But she only answered the 2 "light" questions I had (anyone need a twin frame and mattress set?!?!). Didn't mention everything I was struggling with. But she did email me and said she was writing me so at least I know she heard me. I also wonder - how did I get this way? Surely I wasn't always this difficult!!! Is it just my selfishness? Being alone so much, so long? Not knowing basic personal/communication skills (that has been suggested by others)? I know I'm not anywhere near perfect, but I guess when the truth glares at you it is hard to ignore.

I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm not a good talker. Oh, if you get me going I can talk. My best friend Elissa is probably best at reading me - she knows sometimes what I'm going to do, months or weeks before I do! She also takes the time to get me talking - not an easy feat sometimes - and really listens. Maybe it's just that I'm lazy sometimes, maybe because I don't want to "ramble on and on," maybe I just need encouragement and a listening ear. When I get tired or stressed, it's worse. I'm probably not as honest in communicating either - my first reaction to "how are you?" fine - even when I'm not. To "what's wrong?" - nothing. Why am I so fearful about what I say? Why do I not open up easily? I hate being the center of attention, but then I do want to say things that I don't say. Why do I worry so much (that must be an inherited trait from my Grandma Moss!!!)? Stuff like: getting my masters (should have gotten it already), retirement (am I putting enough back? - probably not), am I doing a good job?, am I being a good daughter, sister, friend? Would I be a good wife even though I know it would be huge adjustment but worth it? or would I be better off single? I know, you have worries too - about spouses, about raising good christian kids, making the right decisions, jobs, retirement, thinking about things you may encounter in the future, etc.

So, this post may not make much sense. My mind runs in so many circles these days that it's hard for me to make sense of it sometimes! Scott is different from the other guys I've dated. Most of them I got to know through email first (yes, most of them I met online!). And since it's easier to "talk" on email, that may have made a difference. By the time I actually met them, I already knew a lot about them and felt like I'd known them awhile. With Scott, we started from scratch - the old fashioned way! With some of the guys I've dated, they were always eager to spend time with me and I didn't wonder what they thought about me. I have no idea what Scott thinks about me. I said I was just taking this as it comes, being patient. I didn't want to be high maintenance or bug him all the time, so I pretty much let him lead. I figured if he wanted to see me, he would call or email. And he did (not as often as I was used to!). But I think I just wondered what was going on for so long, that I'm still wondering if he's happy dating me, if I'm boring (even I think that a lot, and I get so frustrated!), if I'm adventurous enough, pretty enough, deep enough. I think he smells good - but I haven't ever told him that even though I've thought it. But I guess that does sound rather trivial. Let's see - I liked what Lara wrote - he just seems like a very kind person - and he is. He's very thoughtful of other people - waiters and car hops and friends. He has probably made me think more, get out of my comfort zone more, and learn more than anyone else I've dated. I've been way more adventurous (or maybe just less fearful - or maybe just trying something new because he wanted me to try it). There are times when I'm not just all that excited about going to the lake, but I'm always glad I did. I guess I've thought, well, I may not get to see him otherwise. He even told me his "love language" several weeks ago, so I've tried to be more "gifty" - I've enjoyed that process for the most part. But I fear my artistry is not that good - but I hope that he least could tell that the picture on the card was supposed to be his boat at sunset. But since he mentioned the 5 love languages, that got me to thinking about mine. I didn't even know what mine was (you would have thought I'd have figured that out earlier this year when I was reading every book I could). I thought I could narrow it down to 2. So I went to Hastings with a piece of paper and a pencil (I couldn't find the book at the library). I went through the profile at the back of the 5 Love Languages. But that wasn't much help since it was for husbands and wives (it kept saying your husband this, your husband that, and I can't imagine that!). But there was another love language book - the 5 Love Languages for Singles (which I had read once). So I tried that one out and felt much more comfortable - and got a better idea too. My primary language appears to be "quality time." And second is "physical touch." I probably smothered my parents with hugs and kisses growing up, but after you get away from harding huggers, it's hard and I really missed that. I think I crave that - I love shoulder and back rubs, holding hands, tickling. But when I get out of the habit, it's harder to just reach out and touch someone. But I like quality time - I can be happy just spending alone time with someone, sitting on the couch, driving around, whatever. But then I start getting nervous about not talking enough. It's a cycle I tell you. I could just sit with Dad and be perfectly happy. We didn't have to talk too much - although when we did share good conversation, it was great. I could just sit there and he was so patient to wait and see what I'd talk about.

Well, I guess that's enough rambling for now. Please don't think that I'm all weird or unhappy. I struggle. I wonder. I have no idea where I'm going most of the time. But I know I'm lucky to have great friends, wonderful family, a good job, fun times traveling, but most of all, I have Hope in Him. Take care and have a blessed day.

I love the lake!

I've never really been a big water person. I probably won't ever be - but that doesn't mean that I can't have fun. I'm not just real adventurous either but I've getting out of my comfort zone a little more. But I'm still having trouble with talking................. Maybe I need to think more or something. I think Scott had something to tell me on Saturday - but he didn't. He doesn't like "controversary" he says, so I'm assuming that whatever it was, it was something he had on his mind that wasn't warm & fuzzy. But he never told me what it was! I think I'm at that point now where I start thinking "maybe I'm not really what he wants/needs." Yes, I've done this before - maybe then it was just an excuse that I could use to break up. I don't know.

Anyway, here are some pix from the lake this week-end.

the Ladies & Dinner

I got to go to Hot Springs with 5 of my Extension Homemaker ladies - Tuesday-Thursday. We attended the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council annual state meeting and stayed at the Embassy Suites (sweet!). I took advantage of their Spa Botanica.....and the massage was wonderful - wish I could have another one right about now! LaVerne, Shirley, Joyce, Pete, and Mary Ellen kept me hopping, entertained, up too late, and up way too early!!! But they were lots of fun too and even helped me plan a romantic dinner with Scott (if adding candles makes it romantic....). Pete insisted on the candles, mentioned it several times, so I had to use candles. And since I was using candles, I thought that I might as well use the china too. So after discussing what veggies to fix for dinner (Scott had mentioned that he needed more veggies), and after I dropped them off, I headed to Kroger. I even impressed myself with how well the black eyed peas turned out (must have been the bacon they said I just had to use). We had black eyed peas, corn on the cob (fresh - I even shucked them), cooked baby carrots, broccoli cole slaw (Mary Ellen recommended cole slaw, but I wanted something with more color), and fresh-homemade-from-scratch-in-Grandmother's-iron-skillet-cornbread. I wish I had taken a picture!

After dinner, Scott got out the old cappucino maker (probably 15 years old - hasn't been used in years!) and fired it up. He called Jason & Penny McGlawn, friends of his, and they came over. We all had cappucino and ice cream (Yarnell's Anniversary Cake - yummy!) and had a nice time visiting.

June has arrived!

Well, so far, June has been pretty good! Let's see - Friday was good because I left work early!! I went home and messed around. Invited Scott to dinner and had absolutely NO idea what to fix. I browsed through my trusty cookbooks, I tried to think really hard, I thought of things I had made before, but I was getting nowhere. So I decided that a trip to Kroger might help clear my mind and stir my creative juices. You know, when you go to a grocery store just to browse, you find interesting things.....but nothing was "coming to me." Until the phone rang.......

Scott was setting up the sound for a wedding on the front lawn, for the wedding in Cone Chapel, and for the dinner in the Founders Room. He called to see what I was doing (meandering around the Kroger store) and he mentioned that a cherry limeade would be really nice......so I said, "AHA!" Something to do - to put off making a dinner decision!!! So I hopped in my trusty blue vehicle and sped to Sonic. Then I went over to campus, parked, and walked around the Front Lawn looking for Scott (oh there he is - going the opposite direction on the opposite side of the Lawn......why DO they have those silly fences in the way?!?!). I strolled over to the Heritage and waited for him. We sipped our limeades and watched the goings-on, talked weddings (just in general!!), chatted with people, etc. He checked on the Cone Chapel & Founders Room before we decided to use my wonderful Gift Card from Doc's to eat! ahhhh. He went back to take care of the sound stuff, while I went home to change the shoes that were rubbing blisters on my feet! I headed over to his temp place (the Cronk's house) and we watched "Finding Neverland" - an interesting, yet somewhat sad movie. After the movie, we walked the dog (she snored during the movie!).

Saturday, we went to the lake with Lora & Lydia Fleener. I was a little uneasy about actually putting my swimsuit on and wearing it, but it was okay. I haven't worn in since I went to Hawaii in October 2003 (I think!). We played in the water, even though the weather was not that great, and we ate our picnic dinner. For you lake people, if you haven't found the Jitterbug coffee house yet, it's on Main Street in Heber. We were a bit chilled, so we stopped and enjoyed a cup of joe before heading back to Searcy. When we got back to Searcy, we went by the Johnstons to hear all about the Hurd-Sides wedding (one of the 3 weddings on Saturday). Jim had officiated, so we got to hear the good stuff.

On Sunday, we had talked about going back to the lake. But to be honest, I wasn't all that excited. I'm really not sure why..... I think I had to take things slowly and get used to things? I don't know. But anyway, when Scott called I was getting my things together and I'm so glad I went! Jennifer Hurd, her friend Karen, and Bill Spears went with us and we had a blast!!! Karen & Jennifer got on the tube and Scott pulled them around. I thought, "if they can do, I can do it!" So I did!!! And it was loads of fun. I was a bit nervous but Scott is a good captain. :-) And then, he got on the tube and I got to drive!! That was pretty fun too. We made it back to Jennifer's, loaded up her leftover BBQ and wedding cake, and went to the Johnstons for our Sunday evening ritual - eating and playing dominoes! Scott won last night, but I came in second - and even went out once! Wow.

It was an enjoyable week-end. I seem to stress about little things sometimes or worry about them. But whenever I get past myself, and my worries, I seem to have fun and I'm always glad!!!

Last of May

May is almost over - what a month! So, what's been happening with everyone? I hope you had a great Memorial Day holiday. Mine was pretty quiet for the most part, but that was okay with me! I still wasn't feeling that great, so I took it easy between projects around the house! My goal was to clean house and clean out the guest room so that I could put the double bed that Mom gave me in there (to replace the twin bed). I pretty much got all of that done by Sunday night. So Monday morning, my goals were to: walk and dust the house. Mission accomplished before lunch! Scott came over after lunch and helped me move the beds around in the guest room. We hung out for a while before walking around the neighborhood (Scott got to meet the Noah Family). Then we walked to Sonic and got limeades! We cooled off some before going over to the Johnstons for dinner (yummy steak, chicken, corn on the cob - delish, baked potatoes, grilled veggies, smores, and ice cream). We even played dominoes and I did NOT come in last!! I actually came in second or third - must have been a record!!!

I really enjoyed the "sub" preachers on Sunday. Donny Lee in the morning, and Paul Pollard in the evening. Since I was running the powerpoints Sunday night, Paul came back with his slides and notes. It was really easy to follow him - and I think I got so much more out of the lesson because I had his notes and really had to follow closely. I hope I get to hear him again soon. The powerpoint-running went well - and Jack Ryan came back as soon as church was over to tell me that I had done a good job with the songs! I appreciated that.

In other news, I found a yummy recipe for Dark Chocolate Mini Muffins and got the recipe analyzed for nutrition information. They are yummy - and not bad for you!!! I also tried making some fat-free cookies - they are edible and okay if you're not too picky about texture.

More in May

I took this of Scott on Monday evening at the lake. We went a different route and experienced another first - a bit of rain! But we did not melt. It is so relaxing being out on the lake.....

I made chicken & dumplings (too much chicken, not enough dumplings!) using Grandmother's recipe on Tuesday evening. Scott left early Wednesday morning to head to Portland & Seattle and will return Sunday night. So it will be a quiet few days here without Scott.

I don't really feel like adding much today - it's official that I have allergies! I got 3 different medicines and I'm exhausted. And since I don't talk or write well when I'm tired....this will have to do. Just wanted to share my newest pic of Scott - I actually remembered to take my camera Monday night!

Colors

Most of the time, we see things in black & white, or maybe shades of gray (see Laura & Lara's blogs about church!). And there are other colors in our world - the sky is blue, the grass is green, dirt is brown. But there are so many colors in our world!! The sky can really be blue, white, gray, purple, pink, orange, red, yellow, and many shades and combinations of colors. The grass can be green, brown, or a mix. Trees - do you know how many different shades of green there are?! And what about the water? On the lake last night with Scott, I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the colors of the world last night. The trees were majestic and colorful - even though they were all basically the same colors (brown & green). The sky was lit up with all the shades of the setting sun - from a beautiful purple-ish color to the deepening blue as the sun went down. The deep blue of the sky was soon joined by the many twinkling stars. The lake was every color around it - blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, blue, brown, red. One of the stars was really bright (oh wait - that was the navigation light!). The wind blew softly through the trees, on the water, through my shorter hair. It felt cool - which was the reason I had a blanket! But it felt almost like a brush of God's hand - light, airy, saying, "I am here." The beauty of the evening was breathtaking.

So here's my next situation for you. I'm not known as a big talker (most of the time!). Sometimes, it's really hard for me to open up and say what it on my mind. And then, when I do open my mouth, it is usually at the wrong time, saying the wrong thing! ARGH!!! So I think a lot of things that I don't say. And I have this list of questions - but I can never think of any when I'm actually in Scott's presence (he must short circuit my brain). Or, if I do, I think, "oh that sounds so silly." So, what can I do about this? I know we need to talk about stuff instead of just starring into each other's eyes - however fun that can be. If you have suggestions, please post a comment (that's a good way to get some comments to check & see if you actually read - and I need the help!!!).

Additional information updated 5-17:
Okay, so I left out part of the fun from Monday night! And since Scott asked what Mom and Laura said about it...I'll tell the "rest of the story" as Paul Harvey would say!
We took a picnic to the lake on Monday night! I had food left from the week-end, so we made wraps at my house and took chips, cookies (Sexton Foods has really good cookies!!!!), baby carrots. Simple but good. Anyway, we went out on the lake, cruised a bit before finding a nice shady spot and anchoring. Yeah, we sat around and talked and cuddled. He had his ipod playing on the radio and we listened to Michael Buble and ol' blue eyes (Frank Sinatra). And we danced under the stars. We moved the boat to catch the last of the sunset (beautiful!) and then watched the stars come out. And out. We stayed on the lake until about 10pm before finally moving - we hated to leave since we were having such fun! So there you have it - Scott will want to know what you think about the dancing under the stars.....

Tuesday night, we went to.....the airport and picked up his Dad. We did have a nice chat on the way - I found out that he would like to go back to Australia and live. We ended up at IHOP for a late snack. Wednesday, we went back to the lake so his Dad could experience "captain Scott" and the boat! We cruised and I got to drive (is that the right term or not?!?!) for a long time. We made it to a nice spot to watch the sunset before heading back. We dropped off Reet Cronk (she went with us too) and then went to find something to eat (it was 9:30 by then - luckily, I'd snacked!). We ended up at Chili's because all the other places that were open were filled with kids from the track meet.