He's here!

Jean Shilove Pierre, that is. For those of you who have never heard of him, he's one of the haitian kids my family kept through the Hatian Hearts program. We had him about five years ago and have seen him a couple times since then but it's always been just a little bit down in Haiti. But now he's up here until the 4th! Dad went to Miami to get him on Christmas day and they came back last night. He actually is up here because of medical reasons mostly. His heart is still doing fine but he has cataracts now. He's completely blind in one eye I think and has impaired vision in the other. So mom and dad are taking him to the doctor today to see if anything can be done. Hopefully he will be able to get surgery to fix it. If not now then hopefully over his summer break from school or something. I was just really excited because he's up here the two weeks that I have off. That wasn't planned or nothing. I guess God just worked it out that way for me. He hasn't warmed up quite as much as I hoped he would yet, but we're getting there. Other than that I've had plenty to do. Yesterday me and mom went to lunch with Lisa Gerber and then went shopping. Today I went to lunch with Dustin and Caleb. I'm going to go visit Jacob's Ladder when the kids are up for nap. Tomorrow I have a date with my Queenwood family. I haven't seen Nate and Jamie yet because they've been in Michigan this whole time. Today is Jamie's birthday. They should be coming home tomorrow or Friday. So we still haven't had our family Christmas yet which means I still don't have my new camera or else I would have posted some pictures by now. But until then I will continue using my dinosaur of a camera. Okay we're going to go into town now. I hope you all are having a lovely day.

A successful disaster

That's what the Christmas play was. Let's see... the cow was sick, the horse was sick, Mary was sick, one of the angels was sick, the inkeeper was sick, one of the wisemen barfed everywhere when we were getting all the kids dressed and ready to go, one of the wisemen was so bad that his dad came up on stage to yell at him, one of the camels ran offstage to her mom crying, one of the sheep did the same thing, one of the sheep just sat in the pasture area instead of going with the shepherds to Bethlehem, the star bawled through the whole play, Mike was supposed to come to do the closing comments and the prayer but Matthew got in an accident so he didn't come... BUT, the angel and the inkeeper got better enough to come to the play, one of the girls who came to preschool last year was able to fill in last minute for Mary, we just made do with only a dove in our stable, we cleaned up the barfing wiseman good enough, Kerwin did the closing comments instead of Mike and everything else just worked out. Of course it wasn't perfect, but it was fun. And the kids did a good job. They were so cute! I wish I had pictures to put on here. But I don't. But I asked for a digital camera for Christmas so maybe in the near future there will be pictures. If I can figure out how to get them on the computer. But I just don't get along with computers too good. So we'll just see how it all turns out. I'm at mom and dad's now. I got to leave right after the kids went to sleep. We only had 9 show up and it was just me and Louise. So I got home around 9:30. Much nicer than the times I've gotten in at 1:30. I look forward with great anticipation to sleeping in tomorrow. Good night!

Awkward

Today I went out to mail a letter. I no longer have a mailbox attatched to my front porch like I once did. So now I have to go all the way across the road. Tragic, I know. Anyways, I put my letter into the mailbox and turned around ready to cross back over the road, but I had to wait for a car. Then I saw that it was a police car with it's lights on but no siren. Then I realized it was a funeral procession. So I was just standing there along side the road watching this funeral procession, not quite sure what to do with myself. I mean, what are the chances that it comes by right at the same time I need to cross the road. I've decided I'm just one of those people that stupid things happen to. Well the rest of the weekend went good. And other than Matthew giving Luke a fat lip with a water bottle the games were successful. Mom and Dad left this morning. I don't really miss them though since I'll be home late Friday night to see them again for two weeks. Yay! Two weeks off!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to go eat supper now.

Killing Time

Well Mom and Dad are down here this weekend. We're going to go to Huntsville in a little while but until then I'm bored. Dad's fixing the blinds on my windows and mom's sewing some angel costumes for our play. We've already been to Wal-Mart twice today. One perk of having them down here is that I woke up to the smell of eggs and bacon cooking. That just never happens. But today it did. Tomorrow is our Sunday School program and Christmas party. Somehow I ended up in charge of games. I don't even teach yet. Oh well. I'm sure all the kids are going to think I'm the biggest dork when they hear some of the things we're doing. Okay I take that back. Matthew and Joey (our Bible Class) will think I'm a dork. The rest of them will be okay with them. But I think they're fun. And Pam and Melissa both thought they sounded great so hopefully they'll go over good. Now, before I go, I just want you all to know that I'm a little dissapointed with my accumulation of Christmas cards so far. I realize that Christmas is still a good week away, but I'm leaving on Friday and won't be back for two weeks. So should I get one later than Friday, I won't see it until we're well into 2007. At least a week into 2007. So I think you all need to send me one. Soon. Thanks so much. Have a good day!

Mmmm..... phlem

Once again, my lungs are filled with phlem. I get a good taste of it every time I cough. But I just never can hock a good loogie so I just swallow it. Delicious. If you're reading this, I probably dreamt about you last night. One of those dreams where like, everybody you know is there. I don't know where we were or what we were doing, but you were all there. We have our staff Christmas party tonight. We're going to some steakhouse that I've never heard of. It should be fun. And if it's not I still get a free meal so either way I win. Okay I need to go to my second home. Wal-Mart. Have a great day.

The cheesy carrots were yummy

And the Christmas dinner was fun. Angie- I had a hamball. And it was delicious. And I thought of you. So the grab- it's nothing like any other grab where we pick which one we want or steal from someone. We just numbered the presents and drew numbers to see which one we got. Well, Melissa got mine and I got hers. So it all worked out. We played Dutch Blitz and Pictionary. In Pictionary it was girls vs. guys and we totally smoked them. We were on our way to lap them when we realized it was almost 11:00 and Emily (who is 4) was still going strong and really needed to get home and get to bed. So we quit. Sunday we drove 1/2 hour for lunch. Usually we stick around Athens but Kerwin was like "If it was my choice I'd go to Fire Mountain." It's a buffet. A really good buffet. And so Mike says "Okay let's go." So we did. And it was good. And we were sitting there and Emily leaves the table with Melissa and we thought she was going to the bathroom with here. But all of a sudden Emily shows up with a plate piled high with just corn. She ate almost all of it too. Kerwin's only comment was "Wow I'm glad you don't wear diapers anymore." So that was that. Then we went and took our Christmas pictures. I think they turned out good. Okay that's all. I feel like I had something else to say.......... OH! To all my roommates. Are you absolutely positively sure that my Newsong Christmas CD isn't somewhere in the computer desk? I really really want it. So if you find it could you please send it to me? It's just not Christmas without it. Okay so that's a stretch. But I do want the CD. Thanks. Okay now that's really all.

Christmas Partay

Tonight is our church Christmas dinner. I'm taking cheesy carrots. You can't take anything healthy to a potluck down here or else it just won't get eaten. We're also having a grab. So I went to Target last night looking for my grab gift. It was kind of difficult because the ladies involved have a very wide age range. I mean, there's me and Melissa who are single, mid twenties, then there's Sarah and Pam who are married with kids in school and who are not redneck, then there's everyone else, (who for the most part are all very redneck) all the way up to Granny Barnes who is an 80 something year old widow. I mean, I love them all, but it wasn't the easiest for me to find something that could suit all those categories. But I think I did okay. I ended up getting a serving bowl and put popcorn, hot chocolate and a few random Lindt Lindor chocolate balls in it. Now, I haven't wrapped it yet, and I'm on my way to Wal-Mart so it is subject to change. But I'm excited for tonight. It's funny to be with everyone.
New topic. We're doing a Christmas play with the preschool. We started practicing Monday and thought there's no way it would ever work, but by yesterday we were already seeing huge improvements. So of course it's not going to be perfect. I mean, they're 2, 3 and 4 year olds. What can we expect? But it will be cute, that's for sure. So far at practice I've had to crawl around on the floor with the sheep in order for them to get the point to crawl around. (The sheep are all two) I sure hope they do it on their own come the night of the play. I'll feel pretty stupid crawling around in front of everyone.
I also was working on my Christmas cards today. (Raise your hand if you want one.) I just love Christmas time.
Okay I'm going to Wal-Mart now.

Mmmmm.... Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving of course was great cause I got to go home for the weekend. I left Wednesday right after work and hit rush hour/holiday traffic in Nashville. I just love rush hour/holiday traffic. Actually the traffic really didn't thin out too much until I got into Illinois. I guess most people got to where they were going for the weekend. Spent the night in Morton and went to Goodfield on Thursday to hear Meika get announced. Oh- and Jake too. Congratulations! Had a Thanksgiving with chili cheese dip and chips and grapes at Mom and Dad's with Nate and Jamie. We didn't want to eat too much because we had Aeschleman's later that afternoon. That was fun. Friday morning I didn't wake up once until 11:15. I felt a little lazy but I think it was worth it. Friday afternoon I got the sister-in-law of the year award (anyways that's what Jamie said) because I raked Nate and Jamie's yard for them. When I started Nate said he'd be out in a minute to help me. I did the back yard, the side yard (where I stepped in the some nasty, very fresh cat poop) and was half done with the front yard when he finally came out. But that's okay. I really didn't mind cause they had a lot to do cause all the Knochel's were coming down from Michigan. So then that's what I did Friday night was go back into their house to be with her family. Saturday I fulfilled my Panera craving and was accompanied by Mandy, Erin and Patty. Good times. I've really been wanting Panera lately but all we have down here is Atlanta Bread Company. Which is a close second but just doesn't quite do the trick. On Friday I also finally closed my bank account with Roanoke Benson Community Bank. Very sad. Saturday night was Hodel's then I went to Ed and Boni's to see Kristi after she got off work. Went to Roanoke in for morning church then Eureka in the afternoon for Sarah Stoller's wedding. Then I left for AL right after the reception. Traffic was pretty thick again but not quite as bad as the way up. Okay I have six minutes left on this thing. I hate it that they give you a time limit. Oh well. I'm going to go eat supper now. I'm thinking tuna. I'm sure you all wish you could be here to smell my tuna breath. Maybe some cauliflower too. That'd make it even better. Okay have a good one.

5 minutes

I only have five minutes left on the library computer so I will try to get this done by then. Phoenix was great. I made it to Birmingham airport Saturday morning all by my lonesome and then got to Phoenix a little before 3:00. Spent the evening with Meika, Janelle, Beth, Larissa, Annie, Jeff and Craig. Went out to supper at a Mexican place, played games then I stayed at their condo. Good times. Sunday the wedding and reception was great. Spent Sunday night at my aunt and uncle's. Hung out with my cousing all day Monday and flew out Monday night. I wasn't getting back until 11:30 and was a little nervous about getting to my car alone. But God was watching out for me and in the seat right next to me he put a guy who's been married for 17 years, has 5 kids, really involved with his church and was parked in 2F. I too was parked in 2F. One minute left, gotta go.

Okay, here's the funny story

Forgive me if some of you think it's innappropriate, but I just really laughed at this one. Remember Chance from the last story? Well, today Chance pooped and needed help wiping. Wiping children's hind ends is part of my job description so I was helping him out. And each time I wiped him he winced. I was being gentle, really. So I asked him if his butt hurt. And with the most sad, most pitiful voice he could muster, he says "Yeah (heaves a big sigh), it's got a hole in it." There you have it. I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Phoenix. Be back late Monday night. Have a swell weekend.

Water Water Everywhere

The past month or so we've had some issues with our toilets at the preschool. The kids like to flush things down that really are not flushable. Those kind of issues. And we've had problems with overflowing and stuff. But last week the plumbers came and fixed the problem. Well, our kids work fast. Since the problem just got fixed we haven't been too focused on making sure they don't overflow because they're fixed right? Well, today I was working on cutting some things out, making sure the kids didn't kill each other and all that good stuff. When I hear Brady and Chance who are notorious for being in timeout, laughing and having a good time. And I also hear the sound of water splashing. I look over by the boys bathroom and there is about two inches of water completely covering the bathroom floor and a few feet all the way out the bathroom door. Not quite what I was hoping to see this afternoon. But Melissa cleaned it up while I tried controlling the kids and it all got worked out. Tonight in church we were talking about all our plans for December. They do a lot for Christmas down here as a church which is exciting. I feel like I had a funny story to tell but I can't really remember. So I guess I'll just go.

Indian Summer

The past couple days have been nice and toasty. Today it was almost 80 degrees. I think it's supposed be in the 60's all next week but it was nice to have these past two days. Speaking of Indians, I've been dealing with some serious allergy issues. They never bothered me except for a tiny bit during harvest before I moved. But ever since Tuesday I have been itching, sneezing and watering more than I ever have in my life. Wednesday I was talking to one of the preschool moms and was snivelling and dripping the whole time. She's like "Allergies, huh?" I told her they had never been a problem before I moved and she told me that when the Indians were here they called this area the Valley of Death (We live in the Tennessee Valley) because of all the mold and mildew or something and they were always sick so they mostly stayed in the mountains. So apparently it's a bad area for allergies. There's your interesting fact of the day. Okay we're leaving for Huntsville now so I better go. Have a splendid weekend!

Another Great Weekend

So I was home again this weekend. 4 times in 10 weeks. Not bad, not bad. I used the girl's camp reunion as my excuse to get home this time. It was fun enough, but there were only about 14 girls show up and 5 or 6 of them were from Roanoke. So I left early and showed up at the Roanoke YG cookout/singing. That was fun cause nobody was expecting me. Okay back up to Friday night. I thought I was going to leave after I got off work at 5 pm and get home around 1 am. But then I switched hours with Louise so I could leave at 3 or 3:30. But then they told me I could go ahead and go as soon as the kids were down for nap. So I left around 12:30 and got to Morton at 8:30. That made me really happy cause then I could actually spend some quality time there rather than just a couple of groggy hours in the morning. I stopped by my parents for awhile cause Dad said he was going to change my oil for me. Then Erin picked me up and we went to Olive Garden in Bloomington with Angie and Mandy. Mandy's birthday was Friday and so I suprised her. She didn't know I was going to be there until I sat down in the booth beside her. Great fun. We just sat there for about 2 hours before me and Erin went to the reunion. Spent the night at mom and dad's, went to church in Roanoke and then came back here. Short, but worth my time. Now I'm at the library and it's about ready to close and so I'm going to go. But I do have to mention that I love this computer. It's much faster than Melissa's. I might be frequenting the library from now on. Okay bye now.

I'm Exhausted

I'm really really tired. But Justin Wiegand commented and asked me how my weekend was so I shall share. Justin was here. That's why it was such a great weekend. Okay not really but it was good to see all the Gridley people down here. And all the other people who weren't from Gridley. We didn't have quite as big of a turnout as we expected I think but church was still full. It was bigger than last years Homecoming. Maybe next year will be so huge we can't even count all the people. All the groups that sang sounded wonderful. I am anxious to get the CD's but I think it will probably be awhile until they are edited and ready to go. We had 5 girls spend the night at our house. Went to Shoney's for breakfast Sunday morning, then after church went to Applebee's with mom and dad. Then went to a corn maze which was fun but I would only like to do it no more than once a year I think. Then went to someone's house for pizza. I was so tired and I fell asleep on their couch. It was the first time I had met them so I hope I didn't make too bad of an impression. I just couldn't stay awake. I haven't had caffiene in two days which is huge for me so I'm still pretty tired. But I got to bed in really good time last night and hopefully tonight I will too. But I haven't had supper yet and I'm really getting hungry so I'm going to go. Hungry and tired is not a good combination. Have a great day.

Been Awhile

Hi everybody. I hope all is well for anyone who reads this. Let's see.... what's happened since I last posted. Umm... I got a library card. That's new. I went shopping for a new church outfit. I only have the bottom half of it so far though, so it could be awhile until I wear it in public. I registered to vote. I'm rooting for Bob Riley. I don't know much about him but he seems better that Lucy Baxley for governor and Mark thinks that Bob is the man. I guess he got to meet him or something and now he's Bob's biggest fan. This weekend is homecoming. Yes, there will be music. No, there will not be a dance. It's kind of like the fall version of Memorial Day weekend down here. Except for Memorial Day, anybody who comes is able to sign up for a special number if they want. This time there are 5 groups scheduled to be the entertainment. We have Deer Fry International, Psalm 100, Living Waters and two bluegrass gospel groups from down here that Mike knows. So if you really like that kind of music you're sure to have your fill of it this weekend should you plan to come. I'm excited though. We're planning on about 200 extra people in church on Sunday. And Saturday night there will probably be closer to 300 there because the local groups are inviting all their families. Okay time for a work story. Today's Bible story was about Baalam and the talking donkey. Melissa was doing the story and was telling the kids about how the donkey kept trying to go off the road. She asked the kids why they thought the donkey wouldn't stay on the road (the picture of the angel was already up on the flannel board) and Blake, who I really like, yells out "Because there were cars coming!" Watch for that story in your next edition of the Silver Lining. It might make the cut. Oh, and I need to make some bars for this weekend but I don't know what I want to make. Suggestions would be helpful.

Funny Story

Okay I have my first work story from the Apostolic Christian Preschool. Today (Friday) I was making sure all the kids got their hands washed before we went to lunch. Ronnie, who isn't actually developmentally slow, he's just in his own little world was up next. He also has a little bit of a lisp. We decided he's not going to be the cool athlete, but rather the dorky bando when he's older. Anyways, I said "Ronnie come wash your hands." He ignored me so I said it again. He said he already did and looked away to ignore me again. I had been standing at the sink the whole time and I knew he did not wash his hands yet. So I walked over to get him and told him again he needed to wash his hands. To which he replied again, he already did. He was getting frustrated and so was I by this point. I said "I don't think you did. When did you wash them?" He gave a really big, really exasperated sigh and said "Saturday!" I about busted my gut. I think I told him to go wash them again anyways or something like that. But yeah- he's a bright one!

This computer is so slow

So I had another excellent weekend. Bekah and Meika came down to visit me!!!!!!!!! They got here about 11:30 Friday night. We stayed up somewhat late just talking then slept in until about 10. We had breakfast at Cracker Barrel even thought it was almost noon. Then we went to the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddler's Convention. It's right here in Athens. You just can't get much better than that. Just ask Meika. We came back to my apartment to rest awhile. (That fiddling stuff really takes a lot out of you.) Then venutred into Huntsville which is the closest big city. It was my first time there and I didn't really know where I was going so we didn't stray from the main highway. We did a little bit of shopping (actually we took one lap around the mall, Meika bought one shirt and we decided it was a dumb mall so we left) then had supper at O'Charley's. Delicious. And being the party animals we are, we didn't get home until almost 7:00 pm. Yeah, we're cool and we know it. We just spent the rest of the night talking again. Sunday church then out to lunch at Applebee's. I feel like we eat out a lot more down here especially on weekends because there's nothing else to do. Then they left from Applebee's, I cried then came home and took a nap. Let's see.... Sunday night was real hoppin. I cleaned/rearranged my room, Melissa worked at the preschool, and Mark burned a brushpile beind our house. Then I whipped out my Wahoo board for the first time ever. It's a game we grew up playing. A lot like the game trouble but homemade. So we played that. Then at 10:30 we went to Wendy's. Lunch on Sunday's is at least 2:00 so you're not hungry come supper time. That was my weekend. I'm sure you're all ecstatic to hear all the crazy exciting details. I got news that ERIN is home safe from her honeymoon. I'm glad that ERIN is my cousin. She is so stinking cool. I love her so much. ERIN might even be my favorite person ever. But anyways, I need to go now.

Great weekend

Well yes, the wedding was fun, the weekend was great. It was really nice to be able to go up Thursday after work so I could have all day Friday to do stuff. I got everything done that I planned on doing and I even got to go to Doc's Diner with Angie and Mandy for lunch. Then we went there again after pictures on Saturday. Then we went there again Saturday night for the rehearsal supper. Lydia Bertchi did the food but we just used the resturant for convenience I guess. But it was good. Sunday went smoothly. They both said yes. Sunday night I just hung out at my parents place and relaxed. Slept in Monday morning and got on the road around 11:00. The ride home went really slow. People just did not want to drive fast at all. Once I got past Paducah things sped up except for when I went through Nashville. Musta been rush hour. But while I was sitting in traffic in Nashville I broke out my Christmas music and listened to it the rest of the way home! It is officially Christmas music season in my book. Speaking of Christmas music I noticed that I was missing my NewSong Christmas Shoes CD. So if anybody sees it, please send it to me. Or just come this weekend and bring it to me in person. Tonight was singing/potluck night at church. I think it started out as singing/snack night but now it's pretty much a full blown meal. But I haven't heard anybody complain about it yet so I guess we'll just keep doing it. But now Mark's here so I'm going to go be social. Bye.

Here I am again

In Illinois that is. Yes, for the third weekend in a row I have made the trek up here. But it's worth it. I left yesterday after work and got in around 1 am. Then today I was up and in El Paso for my final dress fitting (Erin and Herb's wedding is this weekend) at 8:30. Then I went to the bank then the DMV then my old daycare then to lunch with Mandy and Angie then I went farming. Except I don't really farm. I just ride along while everyone else farms. But it's always a good time. Tomorrow morning we have pictures then obviously the rehearsal dinner. We'll probably do something between pictures and supper. Tonight is the bachelor party so us girls are going to Mandy's. They're all manless and wanted to do something. I think we're going to watch "Stick It". That cheesy chick flick gymnastics movie. Because we all know that one day I am going to be a world class gymnast so they thought I should watch the movie to get some tips I guess. Sunday afternoon I'm hanging around my parents because I have off Monday too. I'm really glad that I don't have to try and rush out right after the reception to be back at work. It will be nice to be able to sleep in a little and take my time driving back. But anyways that's all I have to say for now. I'm bummed that I can't go to the Taylor invite. Oh well. I'll get over it. Okay y'all have a good one.

Number 101

Well here I am sitting at Queenwood. I checked my e-mail using DSL instead of dial up. That's what I have in AL. But I will be thankful that I at least have internet access. I went on a walk with Kristi and now I'm just sitting here. I was going to wait until Jenae got home from Gridley before I went to bed but it is getting late and I am getting tired and I think I may just have to go to bed before that time. But maybe if I sit here and type a little bit she'll be home. I slept most of the way up here. But the times that I was awake was pretty fun. We had McDonald's for breakfast (yuck) and Hardee's for lunch (not quite as gross). There were 12 of us total that came up and we split into two vans so it was nice and roomy. Wednesday night church was about the smallest Wednesday night I've ever seen. There were 13 people there. And three of those were Amber, Matthew and Luke. We don't get much input from them. Although all the kids sing when we sing. I'm sure it's very strongly suggested by their parents since we can use all the voices we can get. These people though, they like songs with all the parts going every which direction. Even though there's only like one bass, maybe two tenors and two sopranos and altos and all the rest are just making a joyful noise, they always call off those kinds of songs. It's great. Really. Thursday night I had my health assessment at the gym that I decided to join. Yeah, I'm definitely not in great shape. Until I had that appointment I could be in denial and think that I was better off than I really am, but that put me in my spot pretty quick. All right I just don't know how much longer I can stay awake. So I guess I"ll just wait until morning to see that girl.

Congratulations to me

This is my 100th post.

Amazed

Well I am just really amazed at the amount of debate over the tp topic. And I am tickled pink at the number of responses. I personally like the toilet paper to go under. I seem to be in the minority though. I don't know why all you people are so stuck in your ways. But I'm willing to cut Melissa a deal. We can always put it over if we can always use my favorite brand. Cottonelle with Ripples. My roommates can attest that it is truly the best kind. Once I started buying it, they did too. Except I noticed when I was home this weekend that someone had already reverted back to buying Angel Soft. What is this world coming to? I move out and the place goes to shambles. About this weekend, it was great. I am so glad I was able to go back up for the wedding, pumpkin fest.... to think that there was once a possibility that I would have considered not going. So happy that didn't happen. It really was great. I kind of felt like I was home from a long vacation. I kept going to put my toothbrush in my old spot and opened up my old bathroom drawer to get my stuff out, only to be cruelly reminded that I don't live there anymore. It was really really really really hard to leave on Sunday. But I'm all right now. And it was nice to have a vanload of people to share the ride home with. And I'll be back up there this weekend with the church of Athens in Morton so I get to stay at my old place again Saturday night. It was just really fun to see all you people again. Even those of you who think that I didn't want to see them. You know who you are. Okay I need to go eat supper and get ready for church.

I'm taking a poll

But first, a story. Sunday night I don't know what my deal was. Actually it was Monday morning I guess. We had Taco Bell for supper so maybe that was my problem. But anyways, I woke up sometime in the early morning from all these wacked out dreams I was having. You know those nights where you dream stupid things all night long and you don't know where any of the stuff is coming from? Anyways, I don't know if I saw a shadow or if it was something sitting in my floor, but I was totally convinced that there was a skunk in my room. First I just couldn't figure out how in the world it could have gotten in. And also I started completely freaking out. I mean really freaking out. To the point where I was actually praying that the skunk wouldn't attack me or start spraying everywhere. Or that I could somehow at least get out of the room before he did start spraying. I just really didn't want to bathe in tomato juice. Then I fell asleep again but was really restless until I got up for the day. It wasn't until I was fully awake and it was light out that I was convinced there was no skunk. I still am not sure why or how it all happened. Okay now onto the poll. So far I have gotten along really well with Melissa. But there is one thing that we don't agree on. Does the toilet paper go over the roll or under the roll? I won't say which side I'm on until I see what all of you say. Roommates, don't tell everybody which way I am. This issue has caused quite the turmoil. Okay not really but it is the first thing we found that we don't agree on. It was good to talk to some of you tonight who were at volleyball. Looking forward to seeing a lot of you this weekend!

Bored out of my mind

So yeah, we're really bored right now. After church a few of us went to Backyard Burger for lunch. Then me, Melissa and Mark went to a fruit stand and got apple cider slushies. But we've been sitting around for about 3 hours now and it's only 6:00 and we're so bored. Friday night was a little rough since it was the start of my first weekend away from everything familiar. Melissa took me around Athens to show me where different stuff was. I still have no clue how to get around. I know how to get to Wal*Mart and a few different restaraunts. I have no clue how to spell that word. Basically if it's on the main road by our house I can get there. Other than that I'm comletely lost. We got hawaiian pizza for supper on Friday and Jenae if you're reading this I'll have you know you're the one who got me started liking that stuff. Then my parents called me and sang me a song and made me cry. But I'm alright now. Last night I went with Melissa, Sarah and two of her girls to a big singing in Tennessee that was in a hayshed. Today was a visiting minister weekend. Bob Meyer from Bluffton North was here. But that's been my weekend so far. Have a good one. Y'all.

Well, I'm here

Things are going good so far. It's kind of wierd trying to get used to a new job since I had been at my last one for almost six years. Which I know isn't a lot in the whole scheme of things but it seemed like a long time. Anyways, the drive down went pretty fast. Once I got through Nashville it seemed to slow down a little bit because I knew I was getting a lot closer but for the most part it was a good trip down. Oh wait- except for that cop who gave me a ticket.... I'm not unpacked all the way yet. There's not a whole lot of storage space and what is here is already pretty much full. So I'm to the point where I just sit and stare at the rest of my stuff cause I'm not sure what to do with it. Monday night we went to someone's house for supper. For future reference I'll give a brief overview of who I'll be spending most of my time with so I don't have to explain who they are each time I mention them. Melissa Slagel is my roommate. She just turned 25 and has been here for about 2 1/2 years. So far we get along real good but we've only been together two days. But she's very nice. Her sister and brother in law (Kerwin and Sarah Edleman) and their kids (Jessica, Amber and Emily) live in Tennessee and take care of the Fellowship Center. All the Slagels/Edlemans were from Fairbury before they came down here. Mark Klauss is I think 30 something and has been here for maybe 10 or 11 years. He has already given me a nickname because he says there's too many Sarah's around. The first time he got confused as to which Sarah Melissa was talking about he was eating chips. So for now, I am Chip. I'm not sure how I feel about it so we'll see how long it lasts. Mike Moore is the minister down here. Him and his wife Pam have two boys, Matthew and Luke who are both in high school. Louise Hall and Doris Moore are the other two teachers and live here permantly. Tonight is we have a singing instead of church. They always have a singing the first Wednesday of the month. But so far everything is fine. I haven't cried since I've been here which is hopefully a good sign. Well my break is almost over so I'm going to go.

Need to Post

So I feel the need to post but I'm not sure what to post about. It's good I took this week off because the packing process is going a lot slower than I thought it would. It's really wierd to see all my shelves starting to get empty. Today I had a lot of appointments and business to take care of before I move and it's all in Roanoke and Eureka. So I stopped by work (that's where I'm at right now) and now I'm just killing time here until my next appointment. But I got here in the middle of nap so I'm waiting for all the kiddos to wake up so I can go to each room and be annoying to all the teachers when they're trying to get snack and stuff done. I hated it when people did that to me but now I'm going to do it to them. Yesterday I went out to eat with Jamie then did a little bit of shopping. My mom gave me some in store credit things plus I had a couple gift certificates all to Berean so I went there. I got two books, two CD's and a magazine and I only had to spend 13 dollars. It was great fun. All right well I'm hearing some kids now it's time to wake up so I'm gonna go. Bye.

Sigh....

Today is my last day at Jacob's Ladder Child Care. It's really weird to think about. It doesn't seem like I won't be coming back. I keep thinking that I'll be back to work Monday like I always am but I won't. I'm going to miss this place. I have really great co-workers. We all went out to Olive Garden last night which was a lot of fun. Granted, there have been plenty of times where I get really frustrated with either them or the kids but for the most part this has been a great place to work. So anyways.....

Feeling Nostolgic

We stopped at McDonald's for supper Friday on the way out to Leo. I got a Happy Meal. The Polly Pocket toy that came with it is still in my purse. :)

Weekend Recap

Well my weekend was busy. It was fun though. I really wish I could figure out how to put stuff in list form on this thing. I've done what people tell me to do but I just can never get it right. But anyways, highlights from the weekend include: driving up to Michigan with just me and Nate on Wednesday, going to Mr. Hot Dog for lunch on Thursday (it wasn't all the Knochel's cracked it up to be), cruising Bay City with Jamie's sister Laura listening to the CD of love songs Jamie got for herself and Nate, the personal shower, setting up for the reception on Friday and going to Taco Bell, Dustin, Mandy, Liberty, Robey, Angie, Grandpa and Grandma coming to Knochel's for supper on Friday night, pictures, pictures, pictures... all while wearing ridiculously painful high heel shoes, showing up at pictures with those disguise glasses with the huge nose and mustache, finding out that pop came out of our dresses with just plain water and didn't leave a mark, the rehearsal supper and the singing afterwards, staying with Dean and Connie Paschik Saturday night (don't know if I spelled that last name right), sharing the basement with Nate Saturday night and having one more late night talk with him, the wedding of course, the reception except for wearing those ridiculous shoes again (my feet still hurt), the drive home. I think this one might be my favorite. See, Nate's car was the decorated getaway car but they were taking Jamie's car to the airport and the needed someone to drive Nate's car home. So me and my cousin Alex drove it home. But there was no car wash around. So the whole way home we were in the just married car and people kept honking and waving and giving us thumbs up. So we'd just wave and honk back. All the while Alex was singing a song about being married to his first cousin. I mean we're a close family but we do have out limits. So it was a just a really good weekend. I'm going to miss seeing the Knochel's all the time. They make me feel just like family. I even had to clean their house. And some people who really didn't know us thought that I was their sister at the reception. They're just a great family. I took work off today and I'm really glad I did. It was a long ride home. We got stuck in the I-80/94 traffic and finally pulled into our driveway around quarter after two. Then I crashed until 11:30 this morning. But tomorrow it's back to life, back to reality....

Happy Birthday

To my blog that is. Today is "Is It Friday Yet's" first birthday. Britni Gudeman was the first person to ever comment. If she were here I would give her a birthday present too. But she's not here. Too bad so sad for her.

I'm back

Well, vacation was good. It's always a fun time but it just really wasn't the same without everyone there. But it was still a good week. And to whom it may concern, The Photo will not be posted. Sorry. One of the parties from The Photo was MIA this past week so it did not get taken. And even if it did, I don't have a digital camera or a scanner for prints. I know I know... Stone Age. A digital camera is on my list of things that I want to buy eventually but seeing as how I just bought a new car the camera will just have to wait. The car was a little more important at the time. I'm really feeling sentimental about it. The Cavelier has been a lot of places with me. But it's time to bid it farewell. But anyways, I'm ready to get back into the swing of things for the next few days at least. Me and my brother are leaving Wednesday afternoon for Michigan. We were planning to leave Thursday but for some reason he wanted to go earlier. Go figure. And now I'm trying to find something to do tonight. So if you read this before too long and you have any great ideas and you live within 1/2 hour of me give me a ring. I'm ready to see people.

Good bye for awhile

I'm leaving for vacation hopefully within the next hour. We're going to Cedar Knob Resort at Kentucky Lake. This will be our 5th year going there with all the Hodel's. It is always expected to be a great time. Actually my family is going a little farther than Kentucky. We're driving down to probably Paducah tonight then tomorrow driving to Alabama to take my bed and dresser then planning to be back at Cedar Knob around the time everyone else is getting there. I'll be glad to be done with all the driving and be able to just sit at the lake for the next week. So you all need to comment while I'm gone so I have something to look forward to when we get home. For real. I'm serious. Comment. Or I'll hunt you down and put your head between your ears. Oh wait..... But you all need to make it a record for my blog. I think the most comments I've ever gotten was like 19 or something. I'll be expecting great things when I return. You all have a good week.

My Fun Day

I just have to tell you all about my fun day today. The one that I got paid for too. I was in the school age room today. It's becoming my favorite room to be in. Anyways, they had a field trip to go bowling. So I got to go. We grabbed a picnic lunch then went to Washington park. We got there at like 10:00 so we had a lot of time. We weren't supposed to be at the bowling alley until 1:00. I'm not sure why we left so early. So me and my coworker Miss Jenny played cards while the kids played on the jungle gym thing. Then we ate lunch and the kids were already super bored so we decided to go to Wal-Mart. We spent about an hour in the toy section before going to the bowling alley where we then of course bowled. Now, I've always enjoyed the game but I've never been to good at it. Today my score was 90 which was better than I normally get which is fun. I'll just pretend I got that score without the bumpers we were using. After we bowled we still had plenty of time to kill so we walked over to McDonald's and bought all the kids ice cream cones. They're only 69 cents a piece so we could afford to pay out of pocket. The only thing we decided we would have done differently is ditch the sack lunches and bought the kids pizza. It's the same lunch they have every time there is a field trip or picnic and everyone is getting pretty tired of it. But we didn't. But I think me and Jenny both managed to score some points with the kids anyways, pizza or no pizza. So that's my fun day. Tomorrow I only have to work until 11 so that will be fun too.

Hi

How are ya? I had a good weekend. Bay City was a lot of fun but now I'm looking to invest in an IV that pumps caffiene. Oh, and Athens is officially official now. But now I gotta go back to work. I'm going long on my break. Oops.

I know I know get off my back

I realize that I really need to post something. But the thing is, I really don't have anything to post. So I'll just do what I do best when I sit down to type. Ramble on about nothing in particular. I had my interview for the Athens job. It went good. Now I'm just waiting for someone to call and let me know it's officially official rather than me just saying it's official when technically it's not until they tell me it is. I watched Bob the Builder and The Wiggles today at work. Blue's Clue's is so much better than either one of those. Yesterday I was in Dick's Sporting Goods to buy a pair of shorts to go with my swimsuit and I found these really fun shoes that were totally an impluse buy but I really really like them. Usually for me an impulse buy is like tic tacs or something so the shoes were really a stretch. But I'm glad I got them. And right when I was checking out it started to downpour so I decided to wait it out. But after awhile when I realized it probably wasn't going to let up I made a run for it. So I was really really wet (not quite to the drenched stage yet-I was parked really close) and got home to where the air was on which made me extremely cold. And my body temperature stayed cold enough that I wore my jean jacket to church in the middle of summer. But while I was in church in the front row I accidentally burped out loud. I really had planned on it being quiet. I don't know what went wrong. And at least four people down heard it and they all started to laugh and it didn't take long for me to feel not so cold anymore. Tomorrow my family is going to Bay City. I've never been there before. I'm excited to be there but not excited to drive. But I get to see Jamie and her family and my good friend Maryann who I haven't seen in like 2 1/2 years. So the drive will be worth it. Well folks there you have it. A post. Not the most exciting, but the best I could come up with at this time. I hope you all have a good weekend.

Yay

I'm going to Leo this morning:) I only get to stay till Wednesday:(

It's official

Okay mostly official. I have to go through an interview process but it's official enough for me to say it's official. I am planning to move to Alabama to teach at the preschool in Athens. I probably will move around Labor Day. This has been a VERY difficult decision to make but I feel like God has shown me over and over and over again that this is what He wants me to do. Of course, as I learned last summer with the whole Florida thing, He can also close doors at the last minute. But as of now the plan is for me to move. So to all those who keep asking who's going to be the next one to move out of our apartment, there's your answer. But anyways, I do believe that this calls for a roadtrip. Not sure when, but everybody needs to come visit me. A lot. And also thanks to those who participated in the Un-going away Sarah party. I enjoyed it greatly.
I went to Kroger tonight. I went when I was hungry which is never a good idea but I didn't do too bad. I only got maybe two extra things. And I got eggs and the very first carton I checked was good. Usually I go through at least five cartons before I find one with no cracked eggs. I would say that was the high point of my day but that would pretty much classify me as loser. And I guess it would be lying too. Now I'm sitting at home all alone with my piano music playing in the background. It's wonderful. I think I've done something every night for about the past three weeks and I am enjoying every minute of this night. So I'm going to go continue enjoying it. Have a good one.

Don't Even Know

I don't know what to write about but I feel the need to update. It's been over a week and I'm going to be gone all weekend on the Roanoke YG bus trip to Athens. I finally got my room clean after about 3 weeks of saying I'm going to clean it tomorrow. But Jenae is coming to stay here for the weekend and since her bed had turned into my closet I decided the kind thing to do would be to clear a space for her. Tomorrow I'm working until 2:30. Not bad except for the past month or so up until Monday I was led to believe that I was going to get off at 11:30. I had been excited about the 1/2 day for all that time but my boss shot me down Monday when she realized she posted the schedule wrong. Oh well. I haven't been working many 40 hour weeks lately and after my last paycheck I decided it's time I start actually working again. All righty I need to pack for this weekend. I'm excited for the bus trip. We took one to Atlanta last year and it was great so I've been looking forward to this one for awhile now. The only bad thing is that last year Nate and Erin both didn't go and they were both planning on it this year. But now they're both engaged and plans have changed so they both are still not going. But I survived last year just fine so I'm sure I'll be fine. Okay. Good night.

Is this even legal?

10 people, 1 Tahoe. Enough said.

Dear Bekah

I miss you. A lot.
Love, Sarah

I think (and yes it hurt a little)

I think I spend too much time in my car driving. Last night I stood on my front porch and tried to get into my house using the keyless entry to my car. I just couldn't figure out why it wouldn't unlock! Either that or I just need more sleep.

Girl's Camp

Pretty sure I had an awesome cabin at Girl's camp this year. Too bad I don't have a digital camera and too bad I'm not a computer whiz. I'd put their picture up for you all to see. We had a blast and the girls were great even when it was cold and raining all day Saturday. I heard someone say we had ten states represented. Who knows how many churches. In our cabin (the Prayer girls) we had three states and six churches represented. Not that you'll know any of them, but just for the fun of it: Hannah Knepp (Roanoke), Laura Baumgartner (Bern), Staci Stewart (Kiowa), Rosie Nelson (Peoria), Ashley Braker (Morton), Cecily Kaehr, Tiffany Tonner and Shelby Aeschliman (Bluffton). Oh wait, Cecily was from North. They kept wanting to make that clear. The last night we let them stay up late. They wanted to stay up till 3 or 4 but I was like um NO. I said 12:30 or 1 at the latest. The three girls that were really pushing for 3am had crashed by 11:30. It was great. The rest of managed to stay up till one. Sunday I discovered that my darling Caitleigh Rinkenberger (who was in my roommates cabin) managed to steal all my clean undies and freeze them. Julia insists that it wasn't her idea but I know she at least encouraged it. A lot. But that's okay. It was pretty funny. It was sad to see camp end but it sure was nice to crash in a real bed with a mattress that was more than 2 inches thick on a wooden bunk. Now I have to get ready for High School girl's camp in a couple weeks.......

Relapse

I'm sick again today. I was sick Thursday and Friday and then I was at work yesterday but started feeling really sick again so I'm home again today. Except for I'm not really sick. I have a lot of sick days to use up and I already lost some of them so now my boss is helping me use them up and keeps asking me if I have a "migraine" or if I'm "sick to my stomach" or anything. Because I'm not supposed to use a sick day for a personal day so she's helping me be sick. It's really kinda nice but it's going to be a harsh reality when I have to start working a whole week long again. But until then I plan to take it easy and rest so my body doesn't shut down from being sick so much.

how'd that happen?

This morning at the daycare- actually in the church basement but we have our washer and dryer down there- the pastor from the church was doing something and found a homeless guy sleeping on one of the couches where their youth group meets. We think he came in last night when all the teachers and kids were outside and nobody was in to see a strange man come past. Kinda freaked us out though. But I'm glad it was the pastor who found him and not one of us. Cause we go down there a lot to do laundry. The cops came and got him so we should hopefully be good to go now. A week from tonight I will be at Lake Bloomington getting ready for girl's camp. I'm reeeaaallly excited!!!!!!!!!!! Which reminds me. I need to e-mail my awesome co-counselor Britni right now........

for el roommate-o

So I got this email from Beks tonight and it was all in Spanish. The only word in english was blog. But otherwise I have no clue what went on there. Just cause she's in Mexico now she thinks she can do all of her talking in Spanish. El weirdo. Volleyball was fun tonight. I took a ball to the lip. But there wasn't even any battle wounds to show for it. Seriously, if I'm going to get an owie I want it to leave a mark so I can show off to people. I ate some sand though if that counts for anything.
It was great to have a three day weekend. Went to the parade on Saturday. Sunday after church we went mini golfing and then to Chili's. Yesterday I went swimming at my aunt and uncle's pool. That was great. Then last night I was all excited because I was in bed by 10:30 which never happens but I couldn't fall asleep until almost 1. That's what I get for waking up at almost noon then having a Mt. Dew at 9 PM. But I'm pretty sure I won't have a problem falling asleep tonight. So that's what I'm going to go do now. Have a good night.

Kidney Stones and Engagements

Good weekend. Long but good. Friday night was Mandy's Sensaria party. We got pampered with facials and hand massages and all kinds of good stuff. Saturday morning I woke up to the sound of my dad passing a kidney stone. I was nearly in tears because it sounded so horrible and there was nothing I could do about it. Then I cleaned my parents house and did their laundry pretty much all day long. We had to get ready for the people from Haiti coming and Mom had to do homework so I got to get the house ready. I've never been so happy to go to a graduation party in my life. (That's what I did Saturday night.) It really wasn't that bad but I'm used to splitting up cleaning jobs between five people and so the day just got a little long. Then Frantz and Doris and their two kids Daniel and Manuel got to our place about 10:30. It's good to have them here. Today my brother Nate got announced to Jamie Knochel from Bay City. I'm really excited for them. And I'm finally getting a sister so that makes me happy. This afternoon was RBHS graduation and we had a couple more parties to go to. I'm just really worn out now but in a good way. Tomorrow night Frantz is doing a presentation on SEED ministries at the Roanoke Fellowship Hall in case anyone is interested. Tuesday night is our Spring Program at work. Wednesday church, Thursday the Bible Class is doing a presentation on their trip to Magdalena, Friday Bible Study...... so the week should go fast cause it's busy. That's a good thing. Because the faster the week goes, the sooner my three day weekend with a paid holiday is here. Yay! So have a good week, I'll see some of you around.

Sore Muscles

Really sore muscles today. From frisbee football last night. It was a lot of fun though. Usually I don't like the game at all. Last night was the first time I've played that I actually really had fun playing. I'm not sure the Monical's we had afterwards has digested yet though. My tummy is kind of churning. Not that anyone really cares but I just really can't think of anything to write about. I'm in the office at work on my break and I can hear my favorite baby talking. He's so cute. Tonight I'm going to Mandy's Sensaria party. Woo hoo! That mean's I get to soak my feet in hot water and have a nice little facial and try all kinds of lotions and stuff. Sometimes it's fun to get a little pampered. This weekend we have some missionaries from Haiti staying at our house. My parents house that is. I'm pretty excited to have them here. Okay I'm really stretching my brain to come up with things to talk about so I'm just going to go play solitaire for the rest of my break. Have a good weekend.

It was disgusting

Monday I got off work early and was able to go to Bevy's Cafe for lunch with Erin and Mandy. Our cousin Alex is a cook there and he sat down to take his lunch break with us. The special of the day was polish sausage and saurkraut. And he had that. And it reeked. And he somehow convinced me to try a bite because I had never tasted it before. So I did. And I gagged. For real. It was so gross. But he gave me a dollar for trying it so I guess it was worth it. Volleyball was last night. We played for a long time. And I'm definitely not in tip top shape. And for those who were telling me I was a wimp for wanting to go home and sleep, I am sick today. So there. Erin and Kristi are coming to my house after church tonight. Yay! I only have four minutes left on my break at work so I'm going to go.

He's Diving In

Today at work when I was in the 3's and 4's room, one of the girls had a little accident. She missed the little potty and left a little suprise for me to clean up. So I wiped it up with a paper towel and then used a Clorox wipe to disinfect. So it was just a little bit wet and slippery. I walked out of the bathroom from cleaning up the duky and one of the boys is like "I HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM NOW!!!!" And he goes barrelling in there before I even thought that it was still wet. The next thing I know I hear a really big crash and then a really big splash. I went back in and the poor kid is drenched because he slipped and fell into the potty. His arms were soaked and it was splashed all over his face. Thank goodness it had been flushed before he went in there. I dried him off and he was fine but I think I hurt his feelings because I was really laughing at him. I just couldn't help it. But he must have gotten over it because he was clinging to my leg about 10 minutes later when he heard thunder outside. But anyways, that's my story for the day.

Anything and Everything

I chose to sleep in this morning so I'm really gross now because I slept through the time I would normally shower. My keyboard is really really dusty. It's a beautiful day outside. There's something really fun about watching the face of a two year old who has just peed in the potty. I have filled up my car with gas 4 times since April 20. I will probably be filling it up again within the next 3 days. Stinkin trips to Indiana. My hands are really dry. But my face is really oily. I'm going to go for a walk when I'm done with this. I kind of feel like I'm writing about nothing just for the sake of posting something. Ask Codymo for his chocolate chip cookie recipe. Everybody should go to the Peoria invite this weekend. Did I mention it's a beautiful day outside? Tell me a joke. Make it a good one. Have an excellent day.

siiiiiigghhh.......

see blog title

So.... yes. College weekend was awesome. I am very glad I went. We went out Friday night and got there around 2:30 which was late, but then we didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn to drive out there Saturday morning. And since I was kind of the host at the house we stayed at we decided not to do breakfast, but rather sleep. I'm pretty sure it was the most sleep I've ever gotten at a CW. The speakers were great, the singing was great, the fellowship was great.... it was just a great weekend. And then the ride home was great. We were pretty wound up before our Monicle's stop but afterwards me, Jenae and Julia had a really really really good talk. I even ended up crying. And if you know me very well at all you know that it's not a common thing for me to cry. Unless someone's yelling at me. So don't yell at me unless you really want to see me cry. But it was just really touching and moving. But then of course it's nearly impossible to get up the next day for work because you're feeling pretty drained from everything. But I made it and I ended up having a really good day at work too. Well, some lady just came on the speaker saying the library will be closing in 15 minutes so I guess I'll go. Our internet isn't working so me and Beks are here. But now the lady says it's time to go. Have an excellent day.

ayekarumba

Tonight I was in the mood to bake cookies. They flopped. Unless you put lots of frosting on them. Tonight Jenae was in the mood to make a roast. It flopped. Unless you only ate the carrots and potatoes that went along with it. Tonight we were failures in the kitchen. Tomorrow we go to Bluffton. We won't have to eat our own cooking out there.

Can you say loser?

Today at work I was in the toddler room during naptime with nothing to do. So I played euchre. By myself. I dealt everybody in and played for all four people. I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.

Please Pray

I have a prayer request for all of you. Byron and Lisa Gerber have had to deal with a lot lately with the death of their son back in November. Now today I found out that Lisa has lukemia. I kind of feel like they're a lot like Job right now. It seems really unfair and I keep wondering how much more they can take. I talked to Kirby a little bit tonight and it seems like they're doing okay considering the circumstances. Although they have a long road ahead. So I just wanted to put that out there for you to try and remember to pray for them.

Sniff sniff sob

Jerry's gone. Some guy on a motorcycle wearing a doo-rag named Mike came and picked him up today. I think he's going to a good home. But I think he thought I was weird when I told him that the spiders name was Jerry. It was sad to see him go but it was for the best. May he have a successful life in his new home.

Free to A Good Home

So when I was in Haiti in February I really wanted to find a trantula to bring home. My dad took me trantula hunting a couple times but we couldn't find any. We thought maybe because it rained a lot while we were there so they were staying inside their rock homes. Well the week I was in Jamaica, my dad and brother were back in Haiti and they surprised me with my very own trantula. He's really very nice- I've grown pretty fond of him. He eats one live cricket 3 times a week or so. His name is Jerry. But as much as I love Jerry, my roommates absolutely despise him. I was told one was even in tears when she saw him. I didn't witness that so I don't know for sure. But I'm sure if they would just look deep inside of themselves they too would learn to love and appreciate Jerry for who he is. They really are being very quick to judge. Man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. Isn't that what we're taught? I mean, they're not giving poor Jerry a fair chance at all. But since humans are God's greatest creation, and I do love my roommates more than I love the trantula, I promised them that I would put him up for adoption. So for now Jerry is free to whoever wants him. Unless a lot of people do then maybe we'll just have to go with the highest bidder. So if you're interested, let me know.

So that yellow is really hard to read. Sorry. I was just trying to do it all to look like the Jamaican flag.

No More Fleeing

Yes, it's true. I plan on staying around for awhile now. Unfortunately. Not that I don't love all you home folk. Cause I really do. But I also really like this fleeing the country stuff. But since the funds are low and Jacob's Ladder is calling my name, I suppose it's best to just stay put for awhile. So I had a good time in Florida. I was really glad I decided to swing by for a couple days. And yes, we do still want to move there.
Jamaica was awesome. There were 32 or 33 of us on the team. I felt like we were really united the whole week and we really had a good time with each other. I love seeing all the kids in Kingston. They're just the best. And I really love my two kids that I sponsor. One is a very sassy, spunky 14 year old girl. But she's also a lot of fun and does know how to be sweet. The other is an 11 year old boy who is a little shy and has more of a quiet personality until you get him with his buddies. Then he's a typical little boy. But he's really sweet and does a good job taking care of his sister who is also there at the school. And he is a really good helper when we're working. I know I'm not supposed to be proud, but I was proud of him.
We did some cement work but there was a huge shortage of cement in the country so we only had enough for one morning's worth of work. It was sad. I love cement work. We make some drawers for the kid's dorms because theirs were shot. We did a little bit of painting. We got a second story floor all ready to pour for whenever there's no longer a cement shortage. We put a new tin roof on the pavillion where we all congregate. Then we did all kinds of odds and ends jobs. Had our traditional pizza party with the kids. 50 pizza's.
Friday was our trip to Ocho Rios/Dunns River Falls. I haven't been there in 4 years so it was fun to go back again. I got to take both my kiddos with me. Cassandra and Rushedie are their names. I didn't get a whole lot at the straw market. I do that every time. Get maybe one or two small things then later when it's too late wish I would have gotten more. Oh well. Cassandra ditched me and went up the falls 5 times. I'm a chicken. A slow chicken. So I barely made it up once and that was enough for me. I think if I would have gone again I would have been okay but I was feeling pretty unstable and petrified and so I just stayed on the beach and played with Rushedie and some of the other students that went with us for the rest of the time.
Friday night was the Hands of Praise team program which is always a tear jerker. I somehow didn't cry this time when the did "Thank You" but I did cry during a song called "The Midnight Hour". I think that's the name of it. I really liked it and they got really into it. It gave me a longing for heaven. Then one of our team members tried to get us to stay up all night. I made it till about 2:30 and decided it was dumb because I really wanted sleep. So I went to bed until about 4:15 before we got up to go to the airport. I thought I was going to be alone the whole day in all those airports that I was going to but I found out Friday that 4 other people had the same schedule as me. I was really thankful that they were there so I wouldn't be so lonely. But then we split in Chicago cause their car was there but I was going onto Bloomington. So after we said goodbye I was roaming through O'Hare, feeling a little lost and very sad and lonely with my face all screwed up to try and keep from bawling. But then my brother called me and that put me in a better mood. I finally got home about quarter till 11. That was one long day.
Tonight we had communion in Roanoke. It was good. But we had to cut it just a tiny bit short because of tornado warnings and we all went to the basement for awhile. But now I'm finally back home. I guess it is home sweet home.

Fleeing the Country Round 2

I'm leaving again today. Woo hoo! I'm going to Florida tonight for a couple days and then Friday morning I leave for Jamaica. I'm really ready to leave. Especailly when I woke up this morning to see all the snow. I sure hope it's cleared up enough for my plane to take off. It should be though because I don't leave until 5:30 this evening. I get back April 1st at 9:30 at night. My flight leaves Kingston that morning around 7 something. Then I go to Miami, New Orleans, Chicago, and finally Bloomington. But I checked out 3 books from the library to keep me entertained. All right well I really need to go start getting ready for the day. Have a good rest of the month. I'll talk to you all later.

Tip for Guys

So last night I was at Target and there was a couple walking together. The separted for a little while and then the guy I guess wanted the girl to come see what he found. So he yells through about 3 aisles... "SWEETIE!" Then he whistled at her like you would whistle at a dog. My tip to guys is Never, Never, Ever NEVER do that to your girl. I just stared in disbelief and thought he was a jerk.

Boredom

I'm all alone.... There's nobody here...... So me and Meika are the only ones home this week and we haven't seen each other hardly at all. She was gone Sunday night, I was gone last night, she's working tonight and tomorrow night, we'll both be here Thursday but not until later and I'll be gone all weekend. So much for a party with just the two of us.
Last night I helped my dad load turkeys. Okay so I didn't really help in the actual loading, I just shook a stick with a garbage bag on the end of it to shoo the turkeys where they were supposed to go. But I was out there long enough to wake up with turkey poop eyes this morning. Turkey poop eyes is when it feels like you have pink eye but really you don't. It's just all the dust and poop and stuff from the turkeys.
Today I went to Bloomington with my mom. She bought me lunch at FlatTop Grill (woo hoo!) and then took me to my eye appointment. They tell me I'm not blind. That's a good thing. Today we also picked out the colors and carpet for my room that's getting redone at my parents house. It's been in the redecorating process for over a year now. We like to do things quick where I come from. But I really like what we got and now I'm excited to get it all done finally.
Well I think I'm going to close with a deep question for the day. And that is: How do you make a kleenex dance?

O Happy Day

Today we put our screens back on our windows and OPENED them! Mmmm...... fresh air.

My New Hero

I have a new hero. It is our cook at work. She was gone today and so were three teachers. So the rest of us all got shuffled around. I got shuffled to the kitchen. And I am absolutely exhausted. She's out of there between 1:30 and 2:00 every day and I barely made it out at 3. And that was with someone coming in and helping me out at the end. I don't have any plans at all this weekend but after today I'm glad. It's going to take me a few days to recover I think. But anyways, I have seen the cook in a new light. And I'm glad that I don't have do do her job every day. Very glad.

Awesome

My weekend was just what the title says it was. Had a blast with everyone. Wish it didn't have to be over. Jeremy flew to Ohio and drove to Illinois with Sam. Had lunch at Bevy's on Saturday. Went to Kirby's for a little while. Had supper at Avanti's. Went back to Erin's. Sang aroung the piano. Played around the world ping pong toss the paddle version. Played I have never, which is always a good time but that night seemed to be more fun than in times past. After the wedding on Sunday people came back to our apartment and a few stayed till about quater after one. We won't mention any names. By the time we cleaned up and did a little rehashing and got all ready for bed it was about 2:30. I need to be at work at 7 so that made for a very short night. Except for the fact that Bekah came in to wake me up at 7:25. Oops. Normally I feel absolutely horrible and apologized profusely to my boss but I was so tired and happy for the extra 1 1/2 hours of sleep that I really didn't care. But then last night I was asleep by 9. Actually I turned off my light around 8:20 but then decided that it was ridiculously early and got back up and read for another 1/2 hour or so. Tonight I took Erin out for her birthday. We had a very good, very much needed conversation. So Angie, even though I really should have went with you first, I'm really glad it worked out how it did. But see now you just have something to look forward to, right? Right? Anyways, that's my current life. I need to go take the trash out. And it's raining. Yuck. Have a good day.

GRRRR......

So I'm pulling out of my driveway at 6:30 this morning like I always do when I remembered that I didn't have to be at work until a half hour later than usual. GRRRRRRRR. So now I'm killing time but it's almost time to leave again anyways. Have a good day.

Can't Think of a Title

So I went to the Standing for Truth conference at Purdue Friday and Saturday. I was really glad I went. Saturday night Katrina and Gab somehow convinced me that it would be good to go to the U of I Parent Appreciation dinner. Don't know how they managed to get me there but they did. I felt kinda like a nerd. Oh well. It wasn't the first time I felt like a nerd. Went to Lone Star with my family tonight. It was my parents Christmas present from me and Nate. That's pretty much all my weekend consisted of. Oh- funny work story. On Friday our two's teacher Kari was on the phone with her mother in law trying to figure out her husband's 401k or something. She heard one of the girls say "Ben did it." And she looked and said Oh **** I have to go. Ben had gotten into some acryllic paint and painted the carpet, the tile and the other kids. She called for help so I went in to help her and while she was crying I just couldn't keep from laughing. 5 out of the 7 two's were stripped down to their undies because their clothes were coated with paint. It really was funny since I wasn't the teacher in there. Otherwise I probably would have been crying too. Paint was everywhere. But we got it all under control. But anyways I hope you all have a great week. My two least favorite kids in my room left Friday. It was their last day. So I'm looking forward to a peaceful week. I hope it goes that way. But you never know when you work at a daycare.....

Haiti

Well what can I say? You know how it is. You can't describe it. But I'll try to put it in a nutshell. We spent the night in Miami Thursday night and headed down to Port-au-Prince Friday morning. Getting from baggage claim to the car that's picking you up is insane. Smelly people all around trying to "help". If they touch your bag they need a dollar. Went to the smaller airport where I got to see Jean Shilove but only for about 10 minutes. He was one of the boys who stayed with us while he had heart surgery about four years ago. Got on our little teeny bopper plane where we had to hunch over while walking in the aisle because it was so small. Bounced and flew over to Les Cayes. Some of our luggage (including mine) failed to make the trip with us. Went and saw SEED for the first time. Had a delicious meal of pumpkin soup. The idea kinda weirded me out but it was really pretty good. Got settled in for the week at the guesthouse. Saturday was spent mostly trying to get organized and figuring out what we were going to do for the week. We all felt like we really didn't get much accomplished. But the missionaries at SEED (Frantz and Doris) keep insisting that just being there for support and encouragement is what they really need. Went to church Sunday at Chantal and you can read all about that in my last post. Spent a little time Monday morning taking inventory or their pharmacy. Spent most of the day painting a huge shed with Marti. But we got it all done except for a little area where we ran out of paint. The Haitians were really intrigued by white girls. The students came in and out all throughout the day just to watch. And they were very bold about it, having no problem just coming right up to us and stand next to us while we painted. Not the most comfortable situation in the world. Tuesday was my morning at the school. Then that afternoon we had devotion with the students. We sang for them and they sang for us. They sounded better than we did by far. Good thing its a joyful noise we're supposed to make rather than a good one. Tuesday afternoon we went to ladie's tea with Doris. The missionaries in that area have it every Tuesday. I actually had ladie's coke. But it was still a lot of fun. Wednesday we headed out to Ile a Vaches. An island about 6 or 7 miles off the coast of Les Cayes. One of the third year students from SEED is doing his internship there and we went to see his gardens. We got to the dock which was really just a garbage dump a little after 7 when we were supposed to and finally at 8:30ish we got on the boat. We had to take a smaller boat to get out to the one that took us across to the island. But before we got in the smaller boat they had to bail all the water out. So after that was accomplished we made it safely out the the other one which was probably a little bigger than two canoes. 11 of us got in. Frantz said it should take about 35 minutes or so to get to our destination. Approximately 2 hours later we pulled up. He figured out that the last time he went he was on a 40 horsepower boat and this one was only 15. But once we got there it was really a beautiful tropical place. It wasn't trashed like parts of Cayes were. It was really gorgeous. Side note: I was a little nervous about the boat we were in because the waves were starting to get a little bigger. Not dangerously big, but for a sissy like me they were plenty big. Plus I was horribly seasick although I did mangage to keep my breakfast in my stomach where it belonged. But I was just feeling really restless and having some trouble believing that God would protect us. And the song "Peace, Be Still" came to me. It's in the red books and we never sing it. I really felt like it was God putting that song in my head and after I sang through it a few times I really wasn't nervous and my stomach even stopped churning. Until the way home, then I just laid in the bottom of the boat and slept. But I thought that it was pretty cool how that song came to me just then. Wednesday afternoon Steve showed up. He was another boy that we kept right after Shilove went home. We got to spend a couple days with him and his parents which was really good. Wednesday night we went out to eat then had a singing. Thursday we had devotion with the staff then went to visit the nursing home. Normally I don't enjoy nursing homes but this one I did. The residents sang at the top of their lungs for us and they were really happy to have us there. They were really cute. Right after lunch me, Marti, mom and Doris went downtown to grocery shop and just look around for awhile. That was fun. Then we went to Frantz and Doris's house to make supper for the students. I guess it's tradition that the SEED team makes them supper every year when they're there. They were pretty excited about it. It was a mob where we were trying to serve the food. Thursday night we had our last Haitian meal for ahwhile. Pizza with spam. It really was pretty good because we had the sauce and the crust to cover up the spam texture. Got up Friday morning about 4:45 because we had to be at the airport to catch a 6:00 plane. We got there before the workers. The plane didn't show up until 6:50. Then another group that got there after us said the plane was for them so we sat and waited until the 8:45 plane. Got to Port, flew over to the Dominican Republic because American Airlines had cancelled all their flights to and from Haiti that week. So we took the teeny bopper plane to the DR to try and get home. It cost a lot extra but I got another stamp in my passport. That has to be worth something. That flight was delayed so we missed our connecting flight in Miami and had to spend the night again. But there was this big convention thing going on and appartently all the hotels were booked. So we were going to camp out in the Red Roof Inn lobby but someone didn't show up or something so we got their room. All seven of us slept in there a few hours before we got up at 4 again. Finally got home around 4 Saturday afternoon. So yes, it was a very good trip, yes I'm ready to go back and yes, that was a nutshell.

My Present State

Right now I'm sitting by an open window with breezes blowing through the building and I'm not cold. I had the opportunity today to come to the school where the missionaries kids go. It's been fun. It's definitely a lot more relaxed than the elementary school I went too! But I had the chance to get online while I was here so of course I couldn't pass that up. I've had a great week so far. Sunday at church our group had to get up and sing a little for the Haitian members. The last song we sang we asked them to join in. When they started in I couldn't keep going because I was crying too much. These people, some who have literally nothing to their name, singing Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine at the top of their lungs was absolutely amazing. So far that was the high point of my trip was church. We had lunch at the pastor's house than and they give their very best to make us welcome. There is so much to say but I really don't want to use their internet that much. But I do want to let you all know that riding in a car is boring. Standing in the back of the pickup holding onto the rollbar is the way to go. Hopefully I'll see you all when I get home. Happy Valentine's Day.

And Then....

......tonight for supper I had eggs and bacon.....

Fleeing the Country

I'm off to Florida tomorrow than to Haiti on Friday. I'm excited but nervous. It's pretty bad down there right now with elections having been yesterday and everything. We would appreciate any prayers for safety. We plan to be back on Friday the 17th. I don't really feel like I'm leaving for a week and a half, but I guess I am. I shall miss you all terribly. Okay I probably just lied a little right there, but it is always nice to get back to see people again. And by the way.... this is my 50th post. What an accomplishment.

MMMMMM.........

..........I had spaghetti for breakfast today...........

Grocery Store Excursion

We keep a supply of pop at work and everybody chips in to pay for it. We had racked up about 46 dollars (yes, we are popaholics) and decided that it was time to restock the fridge. So I got nominated to go. So after counting all the money (46.61 which turned into 46.60 after I dropped a penny and it rolled into a vent) I headed off the the IGA. First thing I do is lock my keys in my car. Great. Yesterday I put a little magnetic box with a spare key IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF MY CAR. Go in, get 11 fridgemates. 3 Mt. Dew's, 3 Diet Cokes and one each of Cherry Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, A&W Root Beer, Sprite and Lipton Ice Tea with lemon. Had the lady with the phone book look up the non emergency number for the police station, called the cops to come unlock my car and the headed to the checkout to buy the pop. The total was 39.01. I paid for the first 21 dollars with the cash we had but all the rest was in change. And it wasn't sorted so we had to dump it all out on the counter and count it while people kept lining up behind me. And the whole time I was sporting a lovely display of sweet potatoes on the front of my shirt. And the bagger was an AC from my home church of Roanoke. By the time we got out to my car it was almost unlocked. And the nice cop said all it costs is a smile. I can afford that so that's what I gave him. Wow. Two posts in one day. I'm overdoing it.

The Story

Since Jake so kindly reminded me about the crazy guy story I decided that indeed it needs to be told. So we stopped at The Crossings at ISU to drop off Steph and Trent before proceeding to Morton. While we were outside getting something out of the trunk this guy comes whizzing past at like 90 miles per hour. Okay maybe not quite that fast. But way to fast for a parking lot. So Jake pulls this stunt where he looks like he's yelling something like "You want a piece of this?!?" But really he was just saying to slow down. But this guy thought otherwise. Because he slammed on the brakes, backed up and asked Jake if he knows him. I was kinda expecting him to jump out of the car or pull a gun or something. Maybe not a gun, but my heart rate definitely sped up a little. "Umm.... no. I was just wondering if maybe you could slow down a little in the parking lot." was the response. The guy's like "Okay sure" and drives off. Slams on his brakes, backs up and says something like "Ya know usually I have a problem with authority and normally I would get out and fight. But I'm not going to this time." Jake says "Uh, okay thanks. Have a good night." And the guy took off again. I think maybe I heard a God bless you in there somewhere too. It gave us all something to laugh about. And now I don't really know how to end this post so um....... bye.

Lllooonnnggg weekend. But Good.

My weekend was definitely a long one. A very good one, but a long one. Friday after work I drove home, changed my clothes and left for Purdue singing right away. Sing, talk, eat, talk, sing, talk, sing, talk........ all that good stuff. Stayed with Britni. Went to Steak-n-Shake, never got my food. Got my two dollars back thanks to Dave Wuth trapsing back into the kitchen to ask about my jr. chili mac. I guess they thought it just wasn't worth it and gave him a refund. Back to apt. 7. Ate leftover chimichangas for supper instead of chili mac. They were just as good and they were free. First time I ever slept in the same room as a snake. Got up and had breakfast. I was really hoping I would find the sausage link in the eggs cause I really like to win things. But once I found out that the prize was a loaf of bread I wasn't too devastated. Hi Tyler. How are ya? Had Bible study. My group went really good I thought. It's nice to be reminded that we're all on the same page and none of us are ever alone in our struggles even though Satan likes to make us think that. Went back to the apt. and took a nap before heading out to Leo. Saturday at Pfisters was a good time except for I really stink at playing pool. But Around the World ping pong (toss the paddle) is always a good time. It was good to be at Leo church on Sunday. I haven't been there since July. Church was really packed thought and I barely got to all the people I wanted to. Then on to Gateway Woods school for some volleyball which turned into waiting for everybody to get done playing basketball before we finally started a game. First time I ever sang hymns while playing volleyball. Went to Culver's for supper, headed home, and finally got home around 10. Then spent the next 2 hours analyzing the weekend and rehashing it all. Today after work I had to go the the eye doctors to get my glasses fixed. I was goofing off in the car and ended up stepping on them. Good thing I happened to have my contacts with me. They were beyond repair and So I have to get new frames. If it would have happend just one month ago they still would have been under warranty. But they're not and so I have to pay. Except since it's barely out of warranty they gave me a 30% discount. That was very nice of them. Then I went grocery shopping and bought a fresh pineapple. (Among other things) I was all excited to come cut it up but I can't find our big knife anywhere. So once again, I went borrowing from the neighbors. I'm convinced somebody is stealing our stuff. Whoever out there is the klepto that's hoarding our one good serated knife, our crockpot and whatever else you might have, we would like it back. Thanks for cooperating. All right I'm getting a headache from the computer. It's time to go. You've probably all lost interest by now anyways. Have a lovely rest of the week.

To Megan

Sarah's Super Sicilian Sausage Supper was So Splendid, Superb and Scrumpdillyicious. Thanks!

Roommate Status

Currently there are four out of five of us in the living room. Julia started out studying but is now sleeping. Bekah started out studying but is now sleeping. Jenae started out studying and is managing to still be studying. Since I was the only one with nothing to do I got nominated to make supper for everyone else. If I would have known the outcome of the study session I may not have been so willing. Oh well. The menu tonight is barbeque chicken, succotach (corn and lima beans) and maybe some strawberries or something. And no, nobody is invited. Sorry.
This weekend I'm headed out to Indiana, probably along with 50 percent of the AC population from Illinois. Purdue singing on Friday night then Saturday after breakfast I'm going with a few girls to Bluffton. Don't exactly know what we're doing but I'm sure I'll have a good time.
Today at work I was really excited because I managed to not get goobed on with snot or spit us which really is nothing short of a miracle. I have a lot more laundry now that I'm in the baby room. So I was pretty stoked that I wasn't going to have to wash my hoodie after wearing it just once. Which is what I've been doing like the last three times I've worn each sweatshirt. But I guess pride cometh before the fall because I spilled beef stew on myself at lunch. So I will be washing my sweatshirt. Again. It's not a very bad spill. I could probably get by with wearing it again to work without putting it through the laundry yet another time. Hmmm.....
Okay I have another question and I need everybody's opinion. Say you need to buy a plane ticket. You are flying out of Bloomington to Sarasota. It's a one way ticket. Then you're buying another ticket from Miami to Kingston, Jamaica and then back home again. You have two options. Do you: A) Get a ticket back into Bloomington arriving at 9:30 at night. Or do you B) Get a ticket into Peoria for 5:30 in the evening for 80 dollars more. If you fly in to BMI, you have a car there because you're driving there yourself. If you fly into PIA somebody will need to pick up your car from BMI and also pick you up from PIA. Both airports are about the same distance from home. What you really want is to fly into BMI at 5:06 in the afternoon but that ticket happens to be about 300 dollars more. So that's pretty much a no go. If you get home in decent time you can get your pictures developed and have plenty of time to see your family to talk about your trips and stuff. Cause they happen to be getting home from Haiti the day before you get home from Jamaica. Truly this would be a difficult decision for you. But given all the circumstances, what would you do? I know I can count on all of you to pull through for me. Thanks. Have a lovely day.

Gotta love it

Gotta love Illinois weather. Yesterday was almost 60 degrees. Today it's snowing. Really snowing. We got rid of our tree Wednesday. That's a record for us. Once it was March, once it was May and last year it was October or November. Oh yeah. I'm having Roanoke Young group to my house tonight. We're having a wiener roast. In the fireplace. It will be absolutely splendid, I'm sure of it. I'm in the office at work right now. It's mass chaos. I've already changed a blowout today. Woo hoo. My boss went to Wal-Mart yesterday and now I'm getting all the stuff for my room. It feels like Christmas. Okay I have a funny story from work. It may not be the most appropriate to share with everyone, but just remember the boy is three. And has a speech impediment. And yesterday he was asking a teacher about her cats. The conversation went something like this: (Green is for the little boy) (Blue is for the teacher) "Miss Tatie, do you have any titties?" "Uh.... what?" "Your titties- what are they're names?" "Ummmm........." "Do you play with them?" "OH!!!! KITTIES!!" Yep, gotta love it.

Happy New Year

Okay so I guess I'm a little late in saying that but the year is still pretty new. Not quite 48 hours old yet. My boss sent me home at 10:00 on Friday so I was able to go to Taylor with Erin for the weekend. I had a good time and I was really glad I went. I spent last New Year's Eve on the bus on the way to Mexico. It sure doesn't seem like a year ago that I was down there. Did 2005 seem to go extra fast or is it just me? I was thinking about all I did last year and here are a few highlights: January- went on a work team to Magdalena. I had never been to Mexico but I really liked it. Hopefully I can go back someday. Just not this year cause I'm going to Jamaica instead. February- Angie and Robey's wedding, Groundhog's Day, Valentine's Day, what more could you ask for? March- Spring break trip to Florida with Meika and a few Purdue people. Drove down, flew home, missed our flight and got to spend an extra night in Sarasota. Really really fun. April- I think maybe I went to Indiana a couple times. And me and Erin spen a weekend in Taylor. May- ummm..... Memorial Day? That might have been the extent of that month. Oh- Mexico reunion in Francessville. June- the start of never seeing me roommates because summer never slows down like it's supposed to. Accidentally took a roadtrip to St. Louis on the way to Taylor with Gab, Morgan, Tyler and Dan. July- found out that God didn't want me and Beks to move to Sarasota, took a bus trip to Atlanta with Roanoke Young Group, went to Florida with Mandy and Bekah and played volleyball on the beach while Hurricane Dennis was passing by, went on the horrendous camping trip with the roommates for our Queenwood "final hurrah", another Mexico reunion, spent a week at Leo, left for my family vacation.... I think that might be it for July. August- family vacation to Kentucky lake, Gateway Woods sale/Bluffton invite, Sunday School started up again, Gab moved out, Julia moved in. September- had the biggest suprise of my life when Beks and Erin took me to Florida for my birthday. I'd have to say it was the best birthday present ever, Taylor invite. October- nearly broke a kids arm at work, had the Halloween parade and the Harvest party. November- I really don't know... had a big Thanksgiving feast with a group of our friends. December- Merry Christmas, work program, baked millions of cookies, got a boyfriend from my aunt Boni (he wasn't all he was cracked up to be) went to Taylor for New Year's. That's my 2005 in a nutshell. Quote of the night- Me and Bekah were being dumb about stuff and laughing at nothing and she said "I feel like if I was a guy I'd be flirting with you." Funny. Or scary. Take your pick.