Security Blankets

When I turned 18 years old I changed my Livingston cell phone number to a College Station number. I was so excited and anxiously awaited the day I left for college. Three long weeks later I moved (May 28, 2001) and entered into a new era in my life that would end up changing to foundation of who I am. I loved college and the experiences I had while I lived in College Station. I loved it so much that I stayed for 2 1/2 years after I graduated. I didn't want it to end. I moved from College Station on June 19, 2006.

The decision to for look for jobs outside of the mecca was difficult, but I could tell I had reached my peak and it was time to move on. The first year I lived here in Houston I may have changed my address, but my heart stayed in College Station. I went to visit any time I could. I would even go up Thursday after work and leave the next morning in time to return to work by 9:00. I was unsure if the decision was the right one. (After all being social and making new friends is not really my strong suit.)

Although I have allowed myself to accept the fact that I am a Houstonian now, I held on to my College Station number. After all - that is the number all of my college friends know and what if I ended up moving back one day? No need to change it, right? It became my security blanket - the thing from home that made me feel safe in a strange place.

My cell phone had seen better days and plus I really wasn't even that fond of it. The texting was slow and annoyed me. Since I am going to London next week, I wanted a cell phone that had "global compatibility". (I can't be in another country and not be able to check in with mom - even if it is .99 a minute.) At the end of the process of haggling with the AT&T representative I ended up with a nice new IPhone for $99, whoop!

I was excited. I never have new technology such as that. Although it isn't the new fancy iphone, it is still way nicer than what I am used to. The paperwork began. I handed over my driver's license, gave out my social security number, agreed on minutes, texting package and then the bomb was dropped.

She turned her computer screen around and asked me to pick a new number. I said, "What"? Why do I need a new number? It was all explained to me and the whole time I kept wondering if I could emotionally handle getting a new number. How would everyone know? Can I keep their numbers? I could use facebook to let people know of my new number. Yikes. My stomach was in a knot.

I ended up making the jump into my adult life. I now have a Houston number! My life in College Station is officially in the past. The good news - I really do like my fun new phone.

June

So the month of June has gotten away from me and I have not spent much time blogging or even on facebook. VBS was last week and we all know what that means - I am very busy for about 3 weeks. We had record high numbers this year in Preschool VBS (Infants-Kindergarten) this year. Yea! What that means is we need record high numbers in volunteers, which of course we didn't have. I will say there were about 10 students that stepped up and really helped out a lot with VBS. They were amazing.

Robert's school was out for the summer at the end of May, so we have had fun seeing more of each other. We have been able to hang out at least 2 or 3 days a week, which is a big change from soccer season. We went to Space Center Houston the first Friday he was out. It was the first time I had been, since I moved to Clear Lake. We had a lot of fun. I was able to see lots of pics of astronauts I have met at UBC.

I am moving AGAIN next week. The story of a single gals life. I am actually going to move in with my friend Michelle and her family, Will (husband) and Madisyn. She has a baby on the way too! We will have a house of big love.

Summer school is not as stressful as it was last summer, but still a thorn in my side. After I finish this class I have my internship in the fall and then I graduate in December, whoop!

I leave for London in 10 days - I am super excited about my trip.

I guess that is it for now. I'll try to stay more on top of things in July.

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.

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!!!!

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!

"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!