Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Yard Work

I have found that with teachers things around the house get put off until summer. It is assumed that the built in two months of vacation should be a perfect time for the small jobs. With my mother being a teacher, I learned this at a young age and have accepted this as part of life with Robert. Robert teaches at a private school and summer started for them this weekend, so project time has begun.

Yesterday, Memorial Day, my parents came to Katy and Dad and Robert worked on stuff around the house together. It was a funny and very interesting day. I found myself concerned about both my Dad and Robert. Are they getting along? Is dad explaining what he needs Robert to do? Does dad realize that Robert is not one of my brothers? Is Robert helping? Is he nervous? Is he worried that the plumbing in his house is fixing to explode with one more bang (because I was)?

The day ended with three things on the to-do list marked off and (I think) everyone happy. It was a very interesting day in the life of our relationship.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

I've Been Tagged

8 things I am looking forward to....
  1. finishing school
  2. going to the gym
  3. fun weekend with friends and family
  4. the end of VBS 2009
  5. summer trips (yea for London)
  6. "minication" this week (I am pakced and ready to go!)
  7. using my Marble Slab giftcard
  8. life changes (adventurous, exciting, different, fun - love them)

8 things I did yesterday....

  1. went shopping with michelle beth (good deals at ULTA)
  2. worked on VBS
  3. caught up on some dvr
  4. enjoyed some BW3's
  5. washed some clothes
  6. organized a little bit in my office
  7. ordered a bunch of stuff on the internet (for work)
  8. looked at insurance junk

8 things I wish I could do...

  1. use correct sentence structure when writing
  2. spell better (spell check spoiled)
  3. strike a match
  4. play the guitar (why didn't I stick with my lessons)
  5. play nice with others
  6. math
  7. sing
  8. public speaking (I used to be really good at it - now - scares me to death)

8 shows that I watch...

  1. Grey's
  2. Private Practice
  3. Criminal Minds
  4. NCIS
  5. NUMB3RS
  6. Pysch
  7. Without a Trace
  8. Sandra Lee Homemade

8 people I tag...

*going to skip this one - enjoy*

Pajamas

Today the Weekday Education program at the church had "Pajama Day" and they cordially invited the church staff to participate with them. I have been anxiously anticipating this day for weeks. My heart rejoiced as I awoke this morning - the long awaited day had arrived. I carefully chose my favorite "valentine" pajama shorts from GAP and a nice A&M t-shirt. I could not wait.

When I taught we had "Thursday Theme Day" in Squirrelville - and pajama day was my favorite. When we studied letter 'b' - theme day was "bedtime - wear your pajamas, letter "j" - theme day was "jammies", "p" - pajamas. You get the picture. It was fun. The kids loved it, my teaching assistants loved it and I loved it. There is just something about wearing your pajamas to work.

The day has ended and I am headed home from work, but there is a little sadness in my heart. When I was a teacher I could participate in childlike activities to engage myself with the children. Everyday day was a new adventure as our imaginations ran wild with excitement. Being a "grown-up" means I come to work - in regular clothes and participate in regular adult activities - like meetings. yuck. Maybe as Director, Preschool Ministries I will try to incorporate at least a quarterly theme day to raise the spirits around here. Fun should be had - even by adults!!!!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Summer Adventures

I was scheduled to go to London with our Collide Mission Trip this summer. Last week I realized that I can't find my passport anywhere. In the midst of moving, storage units, evacuations, etc. I have put it in a "safe place" no where to be found.

Yesterday I learned of a different mission trip to Virginia/DC and got very excited and decided to eliminate the passport issue and change trips. (Besides the Virginia trip seemed to fit me better anyway.)

Turns out the tickets have been bought - back to London I go.

Today I went to get my new passport. All of the paperwork has been sent away and $100 spent. The good news is - I have an unexpected petsitting gig for $100 next week.

It will be fun! No matter what - I am excited about having a less busy summer with work and school that will allow me to enjoy a summer mission trip! It has been a long time!

Monday, May 18, 2009

"For Spacious Skies"


I live in Clear Lake - the home of NASA. Most of the people I know have at least some connection to NASA or a NASA contractor. This year the United States celebrates the 50th year of NASA and space exploration.

Last night our church hosted a celebration honoring the people who work at NASA, "For Spacious Skies". I'll just be honest - I did expect it to be a well done program, but basically just went because it was expected of me. The night became much more than that.

Many of the astronauts that attend UBC shared experiences they have had in space. The moments when God has spoken to them, taught them, used them in their job. The stories were incredible. God is much bigger than we imagine. His plans for the universe, earth, our lives far outweigh anything we can wrap our own minds around.
During the performance I was surrounded by precious little ones. Little ones who I could love on, hug and hold throughout the performance. The kids sat in awe of the pictures they saw and the videos they watched and without hesitation stated with confidence that it was "God's creation".
The night ended with John singing "East to West", but the most beautiful sound I heard was sweet little Kayla singing every word in my ear. The tears started flowing. I was overwhelmed at how powerful God is - what he has formed in his hands - from the galaxies in the skies to the precious voices of little children.
It was a good night!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Passport

Part of my "staycation" to-do list was to get things cleaned up and packed away. Yesterday and today I worked hard to sort through this messy room and get it picked up. I still have things from Christmas on the floor. In this venture I decided it would be a great time to go ahead and get my passport out. I looked last night - no passport. I looked all day today - still no passport. UGH! It is really not like me to lose things. I am so frustrated. I really don't want to pay for a new one - that does not fit into the Dave Ramsey plan. I am giving myself until Monday to find it. If I don't have it by then - I'll go ahead and get a new one! I am so mad at myself.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Mary Michele

Today is my friend, Mary Michele's, birthday!
She has been a wonderful friend to me for the past 2 years.
I hope you have a wonderful day!

Staycation (Day 1)

The summer is on its way and I always take a vacation at the end of the spring. I usually take off the week of finals (and I did take off 2 half days last week), but this year I decided to take off the week after finals. I have big plans to sleep and relax, but I also have a long list of things that need to get done.

Go to the Doctor
Clean the Garage
Organize my Room
Finish Taylor's Baby Blanket

Day 1 of my "Staycation" will be spent going to the doctor and cleaning the garage! I also plan to catch up on some DVR'd television and work on Taylor's baby blanket (especially since he is 2 months old now).

YEA! Can't Wait!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Legacy

Today is Mother's Day! I think my mother is wonderful and I am thankful for her! As I think about my mother's legacy and what she has taught me to be - I would say the thing that sticks out the most is her desire to care for others. Growing up I always watched her give to others. When people were sick or hurting or busy she was always willing to help out in any way that she could. Today, on the day dedicated to honor her, she spent her day caring for my dad. My dad went into the hospital on Thursday and she has spent every moment with him caring for him! Selflessly she spent her days in the hospital room waiting patiently for doctors and nurses to help make him comfortable. Although I am sad she didn't get a day to herself (and even more sad that I didn't get to see her), I am incredibly grateful to have a woman as wonderful as her in my life. I pray that if one day I become a wife and a mother that I can be as supportive and caring as she is! I love you mom!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

"the hot guy"

disclaimer: because i have heard my boyfriend comment on the attractiveness of other women, i have decided it is ok to write this blog.

Everynight at the gym the 9:00 "hot guy" comes to work out. You know what I mean by 9:00 "hot guy"? I mean the hot people don't all work out at the same time. They stagger throughout the day in order to be the center of attention during their personal workout time. Are you tracking with me or is this just a personal theory?

Anyway - tonight as I drove up to the gym (already 9:15ish) I notice the 9:00 "hot guy" pacing back and forth in the parking lot. He looks concerned. He looks confused. He looks worried. In a brief second I asked myself "should I stop" then quickly remembered that would be completely inappropriate. I go into the gym to workout and assume he has left. Too bad - he and 9:00 "slacker guy" provide me great entertainment during my workout.

The time is close to 9:30 and sure enough in he walks. (I am certain that subconsciously my eyes began to twinkle and I perk up and pick up my step just a little bit.) But wait.....his routine is different....he is not walking to his first spot....what is happening? On the treadmill behind me (I can see in the mirror) is the "pretty girl". She isn't "hot" - just an average "pretty girl". She works at the gym and is working out an unusual time. This is a rare situation. "Hot guy" walks up to her and is he - wait - no - is he? YES - he asks her out - on a date! I am sure my casual glances had turned to an obvious stare at this point.

After awkward banter back and forth the girl actually turns him down. "Pretty girl" turns down "hot guy". It was a strange night at the gym. I must say I could tell his pride was hurt. His usual confident glides across the gym floor were nothing but clumsy steps aimlessly taking him around with no specific direction. My heart actually felt sad for "hot guy".

To top it off at the end of my workout (of course not as long and involved as theirs) I see the most shocking thing of all. "Pretty girl" walks across the gym floor directly in front of the mat he is using, bends down to tie her shoe, and then gets a drink of water. (There was a water fountain way closer to where she started from.) Yes, "Pretty girl" rubbed it in his face.

This has given me great motivation to attend tomorrow night's show. Will "hot guy" regain his confidence and walk with pride again tomorrow? My interest is peaked!!!!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Pain in the Neck

Grey's Anatomy has been one of my favorite shows for many years. (I must say that this season I have been less than impressed, but remained a faithful viewer.) I remember watching a Nightline (or something similar) about Grey's during the 2nd or 3rd season. During the show they pointed out that the medical cases on Grey's mimic the issues involved in the personal lives on the doctors. After seeing the Nightline episode I have always been able to find the analogies between the cases and characters in each episode. (I also see it in Private Practice.)

What analogy does this have to my life?

For the past two weeks I have been excessively tired. I mean more tired than what is "normal" for an adult with any kind of life. I wake up exhausted and just want to go back to bed. This morning when I woke up at 6:30 I decided "heck with it" I am going back to sleep. I will wake up at 8:00 and be at work by 9:00. No big deal - nothing on the books until 10:00. So this is what I did. I rolled over and went back to sleep for peaceful dreams. I woke up at 8:00 - excited to be refreshed and start the busy day with energy - WRONG! I woke up with the worst pain in my neck and it has not gone away all day.

I feel like it was a nice analogy to a busy day. My day was filled with busy meetings with lots of work and homework hanging over my head. I felt like everyone and everything were just here to annoy me or add to my pain. I felt like my work at my job, my friendships and my relationships was pointless. The world around me was a "pain in my neck" today!

I am glad the day is over! I am headed to the gym and then to bed. I vow to wake up tomorrow with a realistic view of what lies ahead - I mean lets face it - I am known for being cynical - why change that now?

Friday, May 1, 2009

Girlfriends

My friend Julie gave me a new coffee table book for my birthday, "Girl Talk, Telling it Like it is". It is so funny that many times I have laughed so hard tears were rolling down my face while reading it. (OMG - Michelle).

One of My Favs:
Sometimes the line between high fashion and "What the heck happened?" can get a little blurry.

Reading the book made me appreciate my girlfriends. Different sayings and scenarios reminded me of different friends. I have such a wonderful group of girlfriends from all different stages in my life. I love them all!

Thanks girls for the fun times we have had together! I look forward to many more days and years of laughing and crying with you guys! You are the best!

Some More Humor From the Book:
(3 women driving down the road in a convertible)
Barb and Mildred just remembered the left their husbands at the concession stand.
"Friends don't let your sweat the small stuff."

Advice from Ida's personal trainner: "The trick is to dedap only when a cute guy is watching. Otherwise, save your strength for canasta."