Tuesday

OK, this post is going to be all over the place, but not like when I am totally A D D, just have had a lot of thoughts running through my mind this past week and really no time to sit down and blog them. Which reminds me and I wish I had a picture of this to post on the blog. Yesterday, I went up to the third floor to buy my youth mission supporting Diet Coke. Except for Tuesdays which is Linda's day off, I stop by to visit with Linda. We have been friends for a lot of years and share some great funny history together. She walked with me to the mission support Coke machine and as we were coming back, she asked Harlie if he would help her move this, hmm...how shall I describe it???? She asked Harlie to help move this rather large velvet curtain suspended between two poles. My help in the whole project was holding up the curtains well that is kind of helping. There was a little ridge in the floor that the stand would not scoot over, so Linda is bent over holding onto the pole trying to move it over the little ridge and that would have made a good picture with the caption, Linda doing new trendy workout on the stripper pole. If I had that picture, I could have blogged her up real good.

We have storage issues at church...meaning we don't have any storage. We are good to use every nook and cranny. There is a storage area on the third floor that belongs to MYA, Jason and Media. I hate that closet and won't go into it because of my GREAT fear of mice and I cannot even think of the other vermin that inhabits that area. So Jason went up there and got a lot of his stuff out and in the mad cleaning spree, he came across a MYA Pictorial Directory from 1990. Contained in said directory is one of the worst pictures we have ever taken together. All my young 20 something co-workers were having fit over the pictures of those they knew in that directory. Olan Mill pictorials are some good laughs. My hair was really short and permed with a fly wedge to one side. Picture the front of the FLDS women's hair and that is how mine looked except there wasn't any long hair braided up in the back. I didn't have a prairie dress on although that was the style back then. Lots of lace collars, big hair, with bows. I told the girls in the office I have also had long hair in my life and brought a couple of lovely pics for them to see and I will share with you now.

This is from my crazy friend Debbie's wedding. Roy was an usher and I was a bridesmaid. Notice those 1980 wings on my hair. Roy has on BIG, GINOURMOUS glasses, but it was the rage back then.

This picture was taken when I was 39 or 40. I wanted to have longer hair one last time. I hardly ever wore it down like this. It was in a ponytail with a hat. I played tennis all the time and only had to worry about my hair on Sundays. Roy is still wearing big glasses but I promise you all they are smaller than the first picture...no really, I would not lie about this.

Saturday at the Play Grocery store, I saw a woman maybe a little older than me who has had at least 3 or 4 plastic surgeries and this seemed like about 2 too many. She had long, red I Love Lucy hair with the front of her hair pulled back into a clip....shudder... She had short, short, shorts with white, white old legs....shudder even more. Her eyelashes were Tammye Faye vintage and her eye makeup was out of 1979. Her lipstick....fiery red over some big ol' huge and our word of the day at the office, honkin' collagen filled lips. A little Mommie Dearest 2.0 on steroids. I was scared two lanes over and she was kind of like a train wreck where I could not stop looking at her.

Since I am motivated and focused on these pain meds for my knees, I have been on a decluttering frenzy at home and at work. Roy came home on Saturday and joined right in helping me pick up stuff, throw away magazines I will never find time to read, and just do general cleaning. He had been at the office all day working on getting the bugs out of a new software system and doing whatever else he does. I told you I don't understand his job. I am so thankful for him. He is a good man all the way around. He loves me and put up with me when I was very rough around the edges. A lot of times young unmarried women say to me, "I want to marry a man just like Roy." Darlin', he did not come this way and if you are thinking I speak out of turn, I was not my cute, bubbly funny self when we first met.

Sometimes after reading some blogs I realize my under using of the words, precious, sweet, tears falling down my face even now, treasure, cherish, lovely and other such adjectives. I told Lisa P the other day at Los Cucos, she needed to improve her under usage of those words as well. Lisa and I seem to be women who say, sweat, all up n here, chicky, hot chocy, lawh, and snot.

I had my PDR with Jason yesterday. He wore a tie in honor of the occasion. This is the review process at work which is done once a year. Mine went well, but ya never know. One of the things I brought up is my computer which is actually run by hamsters in a wheel. It freezes up many times in a day, but I think it only happens when the hamsters take a break. So it looks like that might be something taken care of in the new budget year which begins in July.

This blog is stinkin' funny and a crack up to read. His ode to a crock pot is good.

My new addiction renewed is The Container Store. I promise you, I went in there yesterday to buy two things. TWO things. $135.00 later I had a big old bag full of stuff. Now I would have stuck to my two things if the ever so kind, grandmotherly woman had not come up to me and said, have you received one of our tracts? I mean sales brochures? Apparently, I am living one disorganized life, even with my new life on medicine. Sadly, several of the storage containers I brought home caught Roy's attention and he would like for me to go back and get more. I am taking several potential converts, I mean friends for support to stop me from being addicted to the thought of organization and it being achieved in my lifetime with the helpful products of The Container Store. And this doesn't even help, there is a DSW next door.

Loves me some coupons and I had some for Border's. Since Roy was spending Sunday in deep study for his last Sunday School lesson for his last class, Dena and I went out for lunch after church. Got some Mexican food in us and headed for the Border, Border's on Kirby. Got a couple of good deals for 75% off. Love those kind of deals. Picked up Young Frankenstein DVD for $5.99.

I am worn out, well not really or I wouldn't be blogging, but I got into what I thought was a conversation, but really turned into a unwanted teaching session today over Dave Ramsey. Love Fin Peace, but as Roy says, you don't need to walk by faith with Dave's program. I think I have mentioned it before but this is what Roy refers to as hunting without a gun. There is no room for the supernatural, overflowing goodness of God. There is the tendency to talk about the power of God, but afraid to really declare it and live it out. I kept telling the person who wanted to teach me not talk to me, I am agreeing with you, but I am here to tell you there is more, there is another step after Dave. I don't think this person ever got what I was saying and probably thinks I am mislead. I kept saying I am not talking about the health and wealth gospel, I am talking about being grateful to God and in turns this overflows into love which makes us filled to live generous lives.

Well, this post has gone on long enough. I haven't even written about running into two good tennis friends over a week ago, the new ice cube making machine, the sound system we bought to plug our iPods in for music all over our home, the three new skirts I found at Cato, and a whole lot of other stuff. Guess it is for blogging about later. Oh Missy, Dena didn't live in Stillwater, but her sister and brother in law did. He is a minister of music and he was there, but is now in College Station.

Won't Make You Cry Onion Pie

Dena sent me the recipe today. Enjoy!

Onion Pie from cookbook published by First Baptist Church, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 1992

3 c. onions, sliced
1/4 c. butter
1/2 lb cheddar cheese, grated
1.5 c. milk, scalded
3 eggs, beaten
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Crust:
1/2 c butter
30 small crackers, crushed

Note about the crust: The cracker crumb crust is more trouble than I care for the in kitchen, so I use Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls as the crust. Just press them into a pie plate until bottom of plate is covered. They make a great crust!

Mix cracker crumbs in 1/2 butter and press into greased, shallow 2 qt baking dish. Saute sliced onions in 1/4 c butter, then pour over crackers. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the onions.

Mix milk, eggs, salt, pepper. Pour over cheese.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until it is set.

The Glamorous Life

Shoe Farts, Get Out of That Pit and Other Stuff

I pulled out a pair of sandals that I bought last year and wore them today. I remember thinking to myself why haven't I worn these yet? Today at work I soon remembered why, cause those shoes cause shoe farts. That little noise that might make some wonder. Of course I blurt out it was my shoe. I promise my shoes are making shoe fart noise.

Yesterday Lisa P, Jenea and I were talking music and somehow Sheila E came up. She sang with Prince and had her own band. She sings lead and plays drums at the same time. Probably her most famous song was The Glamorous Life. Last night I decided the song was worth a 99 cents download from iTunes. While folding laundry I had that turned up on my iPod and there were times I had to quite folding t shirts and do a little Sheila E air drum. Man, I was playing some mean air percussion and so involved in my technique, I didn't hear Roy come in the front door. He about scared the pee waddling' out of me. Air drum is usually a private thing.

Today was our last session of Get Out of That Pit. We are a changed group. It was a great study and we were sad to see it end, but joyful in knowing we are surrounded with songs of deliverance. After my air drum embarrassment, I went back to our bedroom and began looking through my iPod listening to songs that have been songs of deliverance for me. While in the midst of the trial I listened to those songs and cried at the first note. Then it gave me strength and last night hearing those songs that had carried me through tough times, there was joy and rejoicing that God got me through to the other side of the pain. My music choices last night were all over the genres of style. I listed to an organ piece Tocatta and ran the gammet to Yolanda Adams singing Afterwhile.


"Afterwhile"
After a while, after a while
This too shall pass After a while
Scars will heal, you’ll love again
It won’t hurt you after a while
It won’t hurt after a while
Stuck between if and when
You pray and tried But still no end
God’s purpose soon you’ll understand
It won’t hurt you after a while
It won’t hurt you after a while
So when the pain has come to an end
And now your heart is whole again
Help someone who needs to know
That it won’t hurt them after a while
It won’t hurt them after a while
It wont hurt them after a while

Those words are just too good not to include. We are wired by God to respond to music. Nothing will lift us out of the dull drums like good Gospel, Hyms, and Praise and Worship music. I was so filled with joy last night, I had a difficult time falling asleep. I would have stayed up and praised Him more, but getting up for work called out too loudly for me to ignore.

Had the peach butter on my toast this morning. Slap your mama good. Tonight for dinner I had tomatoes on fresh soft white bread. I went really Southern tonight in my dinner choice.

Funny thing, this morning while getting ready, I began to think through some stuff that aggrevates the tarnation out of me. I finally had to stop, sit still and confess to the Lord. How could I be doing all this stinkin' thinkin' after having such a wonderful praise time with Him last night? That stupid enemy was trying to get me off track before I even hit the door at church. Saw that pit and made quick steps away from the hole.

I will be doing some shopping in Sugarland in the morning. My hair salon finally made the move, so I will be out that way in the morning. I have a few names of places to try closer to our home.

Thanks for reading.

Looking for a Tonto

The second and fourth Tuesdays of the month is Ministries Staff meeting. This being the fourth Tuesday of the month means we met. I have learned many things through out the years from staff meetings but one of the best things I learned from Michelle is checking off the list as we go from item to item. This was an especially long morning for me because I picked up the Starbucks Travelers and donuts from Shipleys for our meeting. New Chad or ChadO, the Minister of Children's Programming did the devo this morning. He had asked in advance for us to write down our weaknesses on a 3x5 card. Being obedient is not our staff strong suit. I wrote down my weakness is making a list of my weaknesses. We had one staff member who didn't do the request but brought cards for everyone else to do theirs. Undaunted, ChadO went on with his devotion. It was good, very good. He then asked if God would let us create one thing that would help us with our weakness what would it be. Several answered and then I gave my answer. I would create a wife. Yes, I need a wife in the worst way. I need a helpmate and it is not good for me to be alone when I try to organize, clean or strategically plan a week ahead in life. All the men in the room went silent. It was as if I had stomped on some kind of sacred ground. So, I quickly amended that I only needed a wife to help me, I wasn't interested in anything else. Still cold silence...Eric volunteered that maybe I was looking for a domestic partner. No!!!! Not interested in that. I realized I had better think of something cause the men weren't too open to the fact that maybe women would like a helper, so I volunteered the term Tonto. I need a Tonto. Tonto was the Lone Ranger's faithful companion. Once I said I needed a Tonto, things seem to get back to normal quickly and ChadO finished up his devotion. But really, there are times a Tonto would come in really handy. Roy told me the men were upset cause I didn't say I needed a husband to supervise. As I am busy writing that he said, I thought that was good. I told him what do you think I am doing, I am putting that statement in the blog.

I am not man bashing at all, I just need help in doing life. Roy helps out a lot. He is a good and wonderful husband, but I need someone to do the baseboards, cook, iron and help out with the grocery shopping and budget. Oh Tonto, where are you?

We (Roy and I not Tonto) just ate some of the watermelon from Diorio Farms that Roy and not Tonto cut up. It's good. Dena said she made an onion pie with the onions she bought on Saturday. I had never heard of such a thing, but she said hers was delicious and real.

A Perfect Saturday in Texas

Yesterday was perfect for taking in some of the sights just a little West of Houston. Dena called on Friday to see if I had any plans for Saturday. Well, I did, you know cleaning, laundry, and errands, but when she proposed a trip to Chappel Hill and the Brenham area, I reluctantly said yes to spending a day out in God's workmanship. OK, if you believe I reluctantly said yes, you don't know me very well...do you?

It was a grand day to take Mustang Sally out on the road. I picked up Dena about 10:30 and we were off for some fun. Our first stop is the most important and foundational for the day, lunch. We decided Bever's was a great place to get some sustenance. Our timing was perfect, right before the lunch rush. And no stop at Bever's isn't complete without dessert. Dena got the French Silk pie and I got banana cream pie. That gave us the energy to go down the street and browse in a couple of shops. We both hit pay dirt and found some things we could not go home without.

Then we drove out to the Lavender farm. Again perfect timing cause we got there right before the bus of women from St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church arrived. I love iron pieces and found an unusual piece to add to my collection and Dena found some items as well to her liking. We took the back and scenic way to Washington on the Brazos State Park. I wish I could tell you we did the proud Texan thing and spent our time in the museum and the surrounding sites of interest this close to Texas Independence Day, but we mainly kept ourselves confined to the theme of the day, shopping. So we shopped in the museum gift shop where we found commemorative t-shirts to remember our day.

We headed toward downtown Brenham to do some shopping on the square. On our way into Brenham our progress was slowed by a trail ride. At first we were kind of grumbling about it, but then we did what others decided to do. Take pictures. We were stopped at one of the most beautiful and fully Texan photo ops. It was great! Cattle, longhorns and miniature donkeys grazing in a field of blue bonnets. With the trail ride off in a pasture, we headed on. We looked in a few shops along the square and did a check on time. Wow, where had the afternoon gone? We needed to amend our plans and decided against another scenic drive toward Independence, TX. We did try to find a friend's ranch, but I don't think we went far enough out.

So, we turned East back to Houston, but not before detouring into Hempstead to Diorio Farms. Now this surprised me, Dena hadn't ever been there. She went to A&M and passed by there back in the day. She was ever so glad to learn of the treasures that can be found there. Her most wonderful find of the day, green onions. I wish I had taken a picture of these green onions on steroids. Unbelievable! I got watermelon, tomatoes, blackberries, strawberry angel food cake, roasted peanuts, Peanut Brittle and some Peach Butter. It was a good day at the farm.

We got back on the road to Houston and decided that Mexican food would be the perfect end to a perfect day. Los Cucos fit the bill just fine.

With the exception of 290, we had the top down on the car all day. We were engaged in seeing all the beauty and taking in the rich country fragrance of clover, cut hay and flowers. I told Dena that the all the fresh air would make sleep come so quickly that evening. I could barely stay awake to wait for Roy to get home from the Rice baseball game. As soon as he hit the door, I fell fast asleep at 10:15 and did not wake up until 10:18 on Sunday morning. I might have slept longer but Roy thought he should wake me up. I did wake up once in the night and I found myself bathed in moonlight. I love it when the moon, the earth's rotation and the slant of the mini blinds lets that happen.

Here are some pictures of the fun.

Lavender growing in the field at the Lavender Farm. The Lavender Festival is the second weekend in August.
Dena needed to do a re-load of batteries for her camera.
A lazy day for some cattle lowing, but no baby awakes.
A field of Texas Blue Bonnets
Two little donkeys. They had been up at the fence earlier letting people pet them.

Dena in the lavender fields forever....

I don't know, but this is just pure dee Texas. Looks like a postcard picture.
More cattle and one very happy bull.

Made a note to go back to Diorio Farms more often. It is only a 45 minute drive from home.

Wednesday Words

Wednesdays are long days work wise. I have a meeting tonight, COC which formerly was known as Committee on Committees has now simplified their name to Selection Committee. This is the first meeting with a new chairman and three new members. Looks to be a fun committee to take the minutes for again this year.

Each day I feel like I am more among the land of the living. Still have a cough, but otherwise I am feeling great. Even coming to church on Sunday, I was in a weakened condition and thought I might faint before making it into the building. Glad that feeling has dissipated as the days have gone by.

I have had my eye on a green Michael Kors jacket. I refuse to pay full price for the thing cause it is over-priced. Last Friday in between my brow appointment and my SPA appointment I went to see if it had gone on sale. Praise Him! Yes, Penny told me they had just marked the jacket down that morning. And even better, I had $40.00 in Nordstrom Notes to bring the price down even further. After church on Sunday Dena and I ate at Molina's. Toward the end of lunch, she asked if I had any time to go see a new shop she had found. Believe me, it was worth the delay on my nap. This little shop has cute purses, jewelry, scarfs, and all kinds of neat little stuff and it is priced well i.e. cheaply. I got a couple of necklaces and some earrings. She got a really cute purse. It is on Richmond and Post Oak, in the shopping center with the 24 Hour Fitness. If you are out and about that way you should drop and shop there. Of course I can't remember the name of the place.

Today at lunch I ran to Target and bought a new microwave and an ice maker. I am really kind of excited over the ice maker. We have heard horror stories of installing ice makers in our old condos, so we never have done that. So we keep a bag of ice in the freezer but that gets old dragging out the bag etc. So, this ice maker is a table top deal and can make cubes in 7 minutes. I will let you know if this was a good thing or not. Yesterday, we had our new refrigerator delivered, so we are back in the cold.

Haven't really had too much to blog about, so I will just fill in the boring details of daily life. Work has slowed done enough for me to get caught up.

Happy Blogaversary and Other Randomness

I have officially been blogging a year. My first short post was on April 12, 2007. It isn't even interesting enough to link it. If I had even given this anniversary any prior thought this particular post would be witty, funny, honoring and insightful. Oh well, I can anticipate the two year anniversary and be better prepared.



You have to love the link and connection blogging brings. We keep up with friends we know in person, become better acquainted and more understanding of those we have known in life but maybe never really understood, and friends we have made purely through blogging. Like you I have a list of blogs I read and never have commented on or if I have they haven't a clue to who I am other than a reader.


So yesterday was my outsourcing day at The Nord. Charles did my brows and lips at 10:00 and I had a 11:00 Spa appointment with Stacy. To make sure some coughing fit didn't ensue in any of the outsourcing projects I took a ton of cough syrup before leaving and my companion of the morning was the ever constant Hall's Mentho-Lyptus Drops. I found out later when you have those drops in your mouth for hours, nothing tastes good for the rest of the day. They did the job though.



The other night while in the throes of having a cold and in desperation I pulled out the faithful and trusty Vicks VaPo Rub. If you put it on your feet with socks, you do stop coughing. The haunting scent of Vicks brought back memoires of a SNL Sketch of Lisa Loopner and Todd. One of my all time favorite SNL sketches from back in the day. If this comes up with error click on the screen again and it should play.



Here is to another fun year of blogging.

Crawling Back to Life

I am crawling back to life little by little. I actually went back to work today and only lasted for about half of it. Jason introduced himself to me when he came in and he didn't make one sarcastic comment about being out for so long cause I think he knew just how sick I have been. It was great seeing all my friends and co-workers. Didn't get too much of a chance to catch up with them, but it was wonderful to see their smiling, young faces. I was determined to get in for Get Out of That Pit. I love the small group of women who are attending. We watched part of the DVD today and had lively and interesting discussion this morning. All of us are anxious for next week when we begin studying how God deliverers us from the pit. I've read ahead and it turns out good.

Yesterday Lisa P called and made mention of something that happened last Friday. She was certain I would blog about it and until she mentioned the "thing" I hadn't even given it another thought. We hadn't even mentioned it at lunch, but we were laughing heartily about it yesterday. So here it goes. Dena and Lisa were in their cars and came to pick me up for our snack lunch. I had returned home from Outlet Mall and Kroger's. They had been at Chuck Caldwell's memorial service. It had started to rain, so I came out the front door and got into Dena's car. She and Lisa were in conversation by phone. Last minute are you sures and stuff like that... anyway, as we are sitting there and they are talking, I watch this older woman come out the front door and she is making a bee line straight to Dena's back door. She opens the door and begins to get in when she realizes and we realize, she is getting into the wrong car. Lisa said she was howling with laughter in her car and Dena and I laughed after the lady makes all kind of apologies and tries to get out of the backseat. I have never had anything like that happen before. Some people have robbers get in their cars, we just have confused and tottering old ladies.

Buddy has been thrilled to have me home so much. She has kept me company when I have been up and about and she kept her distance when I was sleeping. Which reminds me I need to go wake her up so that she won't prowl all night long.

Thanks to everyone who offered to bring me medicine and cook chicken soup. Those words lifted my spirit. And Amanda, I will be in touch and maybe we can do a lunch one Friday out your way. Would love to have lunch with you and the little mister. Maybe we can round up Michelle and her boys too.

I love that almost every body I have talked to who has gone to the Outlet Mall says there has been a line for the Coach store. Everyone I saw come out, didn't come out with a shopping bag that said Coach. Maybe the store is more like a Museum or something.

Roy should be home in a few minutes. He is going to help me clean up around the refrigerator. I think ours is on it's last legs, so got to get the Dyson out to clean the coils and stuff. Wouldn't want the repairman coming tomorrow to think we never do that....uh, maybe that's the problem.

The Crud is Kicking my Butt

Friday night the crud got a hold of me and today, Tuesday, is the first day since then I feel like its grip on me has let go just a little bit. Not a whole lot, just a tad. This stuff has been kicking my butt every which way but Sunday. It was a surprise attack I would like to mention, but oversleeping on Friday should have been a huge hint for me, but I missed it. This crud has it all, runny nose, cough due to cold, then progressing to hacking up a lung, and coughing so hard you begin to throw up. Along with it came other symptoms of blinding dizziness, acute sleeping, fever and well let me see how I can put this delicately... I know, I wish I had bought the book I saw at Urban Outfitters, "What Your Poop Says About You." Believe me I would be fully informed on the subject. My mom's 79 birthday was Saturday and I did go over to see her and bring a gift and I would have won best performance of a sicky because I never once sniffed or coughed while there. My mom hears someone cough and the next day she is down for the count.

My medical supply situation became extreme yesterday afternoon when I no longer had any, at all, none, zip, zero, zilch, medicine in the house. I mapped out a trip to Walgreen's with plenty of getting ready time factored in. Once I woke up after my shower I realized Walgreen's was too adventuresome and I would have to be willing to pay prime dollar for cold medicine at the Rice Epicurean. About the time I was getting dressed for my errand, my fever decided to break and I was sweating up the joint like a big dog. I couldn't even get my hair dry cause as soon as it was dry, sweat was pouring off my head. My make up came drizzling down my face and my clothes were soaked. Nevertheless, I was undaunted in my hunt for relief. I have never been one to do drugs while growing up and my drug knowledge comes from movies, but if memory serves me correctly and I do believe it does, people in need of their next fix are sweating as much as me.

If my life were in movie form yesterday, this is when the music from Psycho would be cued and begin playing. Not the stabbing music, the music in the background when Janet Lee is driving across state lines with stolen money. Into the world of buff and fit bodies, housekeepers/cooks shopping for their employer, moms and kids getting afternoon snacks after school and the genteel older lady fresh from her Bridge game came, sweaty, out of my mind, snotty, wheezing and coughing me. I went straight to the cough due to cold aisle and picked up some $7.00 cough medicine, then went over for two cups of yogurt for Roy's breakfast and then express check out. I needed to break my $100.00 bill and so I put that sweaty bill into the palm of the surprised checker. She asked me, do you have anything smaller? No, No, NO, I do not have anything smaller, please just take the bill and give me my change. Of course she is using that pen all over that bill cause she has to be thinking some drug addict is trying to pass phony money. She calls over the manager to get some twenties. I realize I haven't had anything to eat so I go over to their ice cream/yogurt station. I can't remember for the life of me what size of ice cream Roy gets when he brings some home. I know it isn't any size that could be in Styrofoam containers. I frantically say to the woman helping me, oh I don't know what size, my husband always does this. I was almost panic stricken when she begins displaying all the different sizes of containers. I recognized the pint size and got some French Vanilla Fat Free Yogurt. Keep playing that Psycho music in your imagination cause I am in a total daze driving back home. By God's grace I get home safely, not endangering other lives, spoon out some yogurt, take my medicine, and then throw it all up. Didn't matter it got all over my clothes cause it was then I noticed that there wasn't one dry spot to be found on my shirt and pants. So, I just went to the Play Grocery store looking like I had wet my pants. I am surprised no one kindly directed me to the Depends aisle.

Things were not so dramatic this morning as I went to get my last injections for six weeks. Although I nearly fainted at the front desk. Lots of A/C and Diet Coke got me to Walgreen's to turn in my prescriptions which I hope Roy picks up on his way home tonight. I got home and fell into bed and just woke up about an hour ago. As I have been sitting here blogging another wave of dizziness and tiredness is hitting me. I have got to go back to bed. So I will end my post here.

More later!

Of Life, Plans, Friends and Fun

Roy didn't get home until after 9:00 last night. He has been putting in long hours because that is the nature of the beast right now. Several software systems being implemented with one going live in May and a quarterly close has most of Roy's attention right now. In our conversation last night he mentioned that it is difficult for him to do the hours along with the plethora of office politics and difficult for me since he's not around to do very much. It is a good thing I can spend lots of time alone, that I can always find something to amuse me and I have great friends who love to talk, eat and shop.

This week I have been planning my trip out to the new outlet mall in Fairfield. Had my map of the mall, the stores I wanted to visit circled and my time mapped out to get it all done in record time. The one thing I didn't plan was my oversleeping this morning until 9:00 am. I had just about decided to put off my excursion because the forcast forbode lots of hard rain. But by 10:30 I was dressed and headed out 290. Wow, I don't get out that way very often and so much has been built up on the feeder roads. I began to recognize subdivisions of co-workers and I cannot believe they make this drive in to work every day. My commute of 2 minutes sometime 5 if traffic is bad is nothing in comparison. There was still a bit of sunshine when I arrived, but dark clouds loomed out to the West. One decision became fairly easy for me, not to stand in the line around the building to get into the Coach store. Forget about it. I went into Michael Kors where I bought a large brownish tan purse, an additional 40% off and 3 pairs of shoes from the Clarke outlet for about $109.00 US dollars. Because of my knees and my desire for good health in them, I have had to change my shoe preferences. Lower or no heels helps or platform shoes seem to be the best choice for me. Sometimes when I think of Clarke's I can think of dowdy type shoes, but these shoes are stylish, fashionable and above all, deeply discounted. Went in to Eddie Bauers and New Balance to find some stuff for Roy, but I realized he needs to be there to try on and pick out shorts and shoes. I can pick out dress shirts and pants for him...no problem, he takes my word they look nice. His casual wear, he is very particular about. I didn't go into very many of the stores, but I got what I had come for and left just as the skies darkened. I headed back into Houston and ran to the Kroger for a few groceries.

I just got in and had finished putting things up when my phone rang. It was Dena and Lisa P asking if I wanted to meet them for a quick snackie type lunch. Lisa wanted to go to the Ruggles Deli in Rice Village, but we talked her into Pot Belly in Uptown Park. We had a blast laughing and talking both serious and funny topics. Lisa shared her ice cream sandwich which is made from two of their cookies and ice cream. It was delicious. We had great fun reminiscing about our beignets in New Orleans and how our table looked like a battle zone once we were finished. The time went by too quickly.

Dena and I have decided to run some shopping errands and do a later type dinner this evening. That's what I mean about having friends to do things with while Roy puts in so much time. Then when Roy gets home tonight and asks about my day, I will have all kinds of fun things to tell him.

Last night I had a pedicure appointment at SPA Nord. I was Julia's last client and she spent a good hour and a half on readying my feet for summer. How relaxing to drink my Depth Recharger and have my feet renewed, massaged and polished. Now my feet are beautiful to bring good news.

Oh, Kelly, I will be doing the 7 thing this weekend and Dana, just about have my questions answered.

An Invitation to Dine

Another set of injections down and only have one more set remaining. So far, very good. Once again I was with the halt and the lame since the Doctors were running an hour and a half behind schedule. Got my injections and refills for my pain pills and anti-inflamatories. Once again, youngest in the waiting room and I think if anyone had challenged me to a race down the hall, this would be one race I could win.

I called Jason to let him know I was stopping for lunch before coming back to the office. I was feeling a bit lightheaded and woozy. So, I decided to grab a bite at Sweet Tomatoes. It was after the lunch rush, so once again I found myself being the youngest person in the room Or maybe it was early dinner for most of the diners. ST began serving their lemon zest summer salad today and it is one of my favorites. Got my lunch and made my way to an empty booth. Set my tray down so that I could get some soup and muffins. I came back to the booth, got my meal arranged and I began to eat. Just about into my third bite of salad this man comes to my booth and says, "A lovely lady like you doesn't have to eat by herself." Of course I had already paid for my lunch, so it wasn't like the guy was going to treat or anything. Now you have to know before I go on with this story, the guy was a dufus. He had on ugly dingy cargo shorts and some huge ugly black t-shirt. He hadn't shaved in a couple of days and his beard growth isn't sexy beard growth, he just had that disheveled look. Now that I think about it, shaved probably wouldn't have been much a better look. I was nice but responded, "I don't have to eat by myself, I want to." He left and went toward the pasta. Meanwhile I realized that I had set on the wrong side of the booth. With my knees the way they are, sitting so my right arm bears the load is much better when I get out of a booth, so I changed sides of the booth and went on about my lunch. The man comes back down the aisle and heads to the booth of which I am now facing. He is sitting there with an older man. It occurs to me as dufus man begins talking that my move to the other side of the booth may look like I was faining interest and maybe playing hard to get. I never looked up from my food while he began his conversation with his friend. It was loud conversation all about boats and marinas and living on a big boat and trying to find a "gal" who would love to spend her retirement years sailing around the Gulf of Mexico. I never looked up. Besides, the guy was too cheap for me. He had it all figured out how to conserve his Social Security and his money from the VA. He just needed a little help to buy a boat and have it paid off by the time he retired in several years. It is then I should have volunteered, uh I work at a church and my salary is not sizable. Maybe I could get you a motorized boat for the bathtub...that's about it. When I finished lunch, I got up to leave and he said, we missed out by just that much having lunch with a lovely lady. I didn't comment, but I should have said, my husband doesn't let me eat lunch with other men. And yes, I had my wedding ring on.



Several years ago I was in a Christian book store and a guy began flirting with me. I was dressed in my tennis togs. As we talked about the Amplified Bible I was buying he said, maybe I could get your number and you can teach me to play tennis and then we can get dinner afterwards. Wow, I was flustered and flattered at the same time. I got all nervous and said...uh, my husband doesn't let me date. This man was nice and not a dufus and he was rather embarrassed, apologized profusely cause he had not seen a wedding ring. I had mine on, the strap of my back pack purse covered it.

No, this is not an April Fool's story. I think I must look friendly or something. I have received several invitations to join someone else eating alone. I rather like to eat alone and use the time to think or read. I figure others don't like eating alone or something. Who knows?

That and This

So far this weekend has been enjoyable. Nothing big or exciting happening but I am enjoying the ordinary sacred. I had been dreading the past few months for the eventual reporting that little tree had not survived the last trim. One day it was sprouting through the thin dirt and surrounding concrete with leaves only to become a fragile, slender, brown stick. From time to time I would ask Roy, do you think little tree is dead? Roy would respond, we'll it doesn't look good for little tree. For months day after day, just a stick. I began thinking of ways to tell the news of little tree's demise. This week I noticed little tree looked differently and I even had Roy inspect it. His response remained the same, doesn't look good. Each day this week there has been a change and out of the fragile, slender stick is coming a new shoot of growth and by Monday one little leaf should be showing. Little tree is coming back! What a fighter. Seeing that little tree everyday reminds me to have hope in the most trying of circumstances.

This week we had a little scare. My sister in law called me early Wednesday morning. She had been to Vanderbilt Hospital for some tests and they found a mass in her esophagus. Now Nancy is a registered nurse and knows her stuff, but she did what we non medical professionals do when we encounter medical issues, she began Googling her symptoms and the report back was not good. We talked for a while and I did what I am good at, bring a little laughter into a desperate situation. I told her I would get her name on prayer lists etc and we would wait on the Lord. She was to get the report on Monday. Thursday night Nancy called and the report was GOOD. The mass seemed to be bulging muscle. Who knew one could work out their esophagus and have an esophagus six pack? We of course laughed and cried and thanked God because they had rushed the analysis so that she wouldn't have the weekend to fret. She will still have an ultra sound done, but we are rejoicing.

As the month draws to a close this means it is a quarter close for Roy and he is up to his eyeballs in work. He is even going in on Sunday and his usual practice is not to do so. We are home tonight relaxing. We have such different tastes in movies and TV. So, I can at least sit here with him while he watches Sci Fi, ABC Family and USA mixed in with basketball updates and I blog.

Got the highlights and cut yesterday. They won't be moving to Sugarland until May, so I have one more close hair cut next month. Afterwards I did the Kroger thing. Today I did the Play Grocery store thing. Got some tilapida quesodillas for dinner tomorrow.

Last night Dena and I went to Grand Lux for an early dinner. Wow, it was fabulous. We did our famous splits of everything. We were not disappointed. Then I needed to run over to Barnes and Noble to pick up a book or two...and a journal. Well, I didn't go for the journal, it was just one of those things. The journal has one of those 1940 type pictures on front. It says, Motivated by Meds. How appropriate for my current state. Then Dena and I went to The Container Store. Now you know you can't leave that store empty handed. And we made a quick trip through DSW.

Today Peggy and I rehearsed over the phone and Lisa P and I got in some good girlfriend phone time.

Roy went with me late this afternoon over to church. The Option Sheets were not delivered until today. Wow, the CLC looks ready to roll for services tomorrow. It looks wonderful. A bunch of new signage to go along with all the new look. The West side of the church is being prepared for major construction. It was kind of exciting being there tonight. Should be an exciting day tomorrow.

I am so thankful to the Lord. He is marvelous and does marvelous things. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Stomp Lyrics w/ Happy Feet Clips

He Went Running and Leaping and Praising God

Thought I would give a quick update. Tuesday got the injections and today is Friday and I am feeling good. My goal is the title to this post. So far, I am able to do the Praising God with great hope for the first two. At Bible study Tuesday night as we sang Stomp, two times, I watched Lisa P move around as she led us in worship. I remember being able to bust a few of those moves and that is my goal. What sets me back a little is having to stand for long periods of time. Tuesday morning I go back for the next set of injections.

Last night I went Googling. Just wanted to be more informed on the pain med I am taking. A couple of web sites gave opportunity to comment on side effects or extra unexpected benefits of Tramadol. Most described having a euphoric feeling and the heightened sense of pleasure. I am experiencing a heightened sense of peace and calm. My whirling thought patterns have slowed and for once in my life I am able to focus on the task at hand. Jason is more than thrilled with my newly found chemically produced attention to detail.

Guess I better get on. Have a hi-light and haircut this morning.

Get Out of That Pit!

I have just returned from my first injection and I am feeling no pain. Ha ha ha! 2:00 must be a magical hour for orthopedic patients. The waiting patients in the Dr office were overflowing out into the hall. It was a room filled with walkers, canes, wheel chair, and crutches. Truly it was the halt and the lame in need of healing. To the right of me conversation in French. In front of me a conversation in Spanish. But the universal language of choice for conversations in that waiting room and in the hall was pain, complete with additional sighs and meaningful grunts. It is interesting to watch couples. The one there to help the halt or lame one probably spoke the language of pain much more fluently and loudly than the afflicted one. Don't get me wrong, the afflicted were well able to speak in between a creak here and there. Patience already worn thin and then to be only greeted by a room full of like kind. It seemed more than they could bear. Again, I believe I was the youngest patient in the waiting room.

While I waited I worked on my outline for Get Out of That Pit, by Beth Moore. I was underlining and adding comments to the pages of the book. The lady next to me ask if I was reading a book by Mariah Carey? No I told her and I tried to tell her about the book, she needs it. She cut me off and said she didn't need to hear another story about God, thank you. Dude, she needed intravenous feeding of God's Word.

Pain is a horrible master. Bones, legs, and hips contorted and shaped in way they were never created to look. So many pain addled people with no songs of deliverance, just the wheeze and whine of affliction. I wanted to get up and ask for every one's attention. It took everything for me not to stand up and begin reading from Get Out of That Pit. I recognized these pit dwellers only by looking back at my life. Don't let pain define who you are. We may not be able to change the pain, but we can change our attitude toward it. I told God I would be willing to read to His children suffering so much in that waiting room and just then I heard my name called to come back behind the door.

The injections were not that bad. Kevin told me to anticipate a lot of pain, but really it was nothing. He said you didn't even flinch, nah, got friends praying for me and I have had numerous cortisone shots. Now there my friends, is a painful shot. My next injection is on April Fools Day. How appropriate for me.

I am going to the last Tuesday night Bible Study in the Worship Center before it is taken apart for renovation. Told Lisa a long time ago I would try to make this night. She is saving me a seat and looking forward to hearing the Word and worshipping the Lord. Lisa's CD is also for sale tonight. I asked her to save one for me.

Easter at the Bain Compound

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter. We did. Roy and I went to HFBC for the 9:10 Easter service. Both morning services were identical and at 9:10 the place was packed. In the midst of celebrating Christ's victory over the grave, I could not help be bittersweet as these were the last worship services before the Worship Center is completely gutted and renovated. Lots of wonderful memories came to mind and when the choir sang Majesty and Glory, I about lost it. I had no one to pass a note to or whisper my sentimental thoughts. Roy wouldn't understand it and the little girl sitting next to me would have probably told her mom stranger danger.



We returned home after the service where I took a nap and Roy worked on our taxes. Then we left to go out to the Bain Compound to celebrate Easter with them, the Mounces, and Murphy's. Roy and I missed the Easter Egg hunt and I wasn't too upset over that since I had just seen hundreds of children participate in those at Spring Loaded. We sat down to a marvelous lunch prepared by Peggy and Jenny. Ham, Peggy's famous potato salad, deviled eggs, fruit salad, green bean casserole and a plethora of tasty and yummy desserts.



After lunch we went outside to throw confetti eggs and pop rocks. Roy and I bring out a full complement of these fun Easter things. That is always our contribution to Easter with the Bains.



Here is Peggy with a ton of confetti in her hair. You can't see it but believe me it is there. Roy held onto the extra carton of eggs for the adults to break them on each other and the kids.



This is Bill's latest acquisition for the Bain Museum. It is a motorized Dr. Pepper car. I wish I had a picture of Bill driving it around. But he got over to 5 boy house before I could snap a shot of him.
This is Kate, Totters as she is affectionately called. I believe I will be calling her Peggy Jr. She has a lot of Peggy's characteristics and attitude toward life and having fun. It would be remiss of me to say, she also has a wee bit of Peggy's temper.
Here is a recurrent picture. Peggy always has her camera in hand. They never even have to say to the grandchildren smile, they just look at the camera while they are doing things. This is David, Bain's son and his son Charlie and niece Allie pelting him with eggs.

This is the golf cart you use to get around the compound.
Bill and the children.

This is Jackson, Kate, John Tyler, sorry about cutting off your head in the picture. I was just holding up the camera taking pictures since is was so bright outside, and Allie.

This is another egg picture. Behind that fence is a water ski lake and the dock where the fun jet ski is waiting for warmer temps and summer days.

Then we brought out the pop rocks and threw those around until there was nothing left to pop. Peggy, Roy, David and the kids then went next door to 5 Boy House (Peggy calls it that since the people who live there have 5 boys ranging from 12 down to 3) and played with the 5 boys on their trampoline and basketball hoop. Jenny, Laurie, Becky, Jaime and I sat outside and talked until the troops came on home. Roy and I got home around 7:30 worn out, but happy. How can you not come home anything but? Good friends and the biggest play house in the world? This morning we have found confetti all over the pillows in bed and confetti in a trail throughout our home.


Other happenings since last week. My passport was in the mailbox on Friday. Yahoo! Had lunch with Peggy at The Nord last Thursday. Then had a good shopping experience afterwards there and at Macy's. Friday night Roy and I picked up some Goode Company Bar B Cue and came home for a veg out night in front of the TV. I even watched The Sound of Music, which really is not one of my favorite movies. Even with that confession my Baptist choir card has not been taken from me. The good side effect of my meds, I cleaned out a cabinet in the kitchen and stayed on task. Saturday late afternoon I went over to Dena's. We are working on a project together and got a lot accomplished in that time. We were so happy about that, we ran over to the Bistro for an early celebratory dinner. Roy was happy to have me out and about so that he could begin working on our taxes. I have been something of a pest in former years constantly asking questions while he is trying to figure out how much we owe.

The past week or so Buddy has been especially loving. She is eager to sit on my lap. She has been sleeping with us again since she will stay in bed most of the night and not get into trouble. When she comes back to bed, she has been putting her head on my head which in cat language is a sign of love. This begins a few minutes of me rubbing her head and back and when she has had enough, she lays on my arm to go to sleep. I am hoping her attacking my head days are far behind us.

I took off the morning from work, so I better do a couple of things and then get ready to go in. It is such a beautiful day, it is almost too pretty to go into work, but I will.

Tomorrow I begin my injections. I would appreciate any prayer if you happen to think of me anytime during the day but especially around 2:15.

Hallelujah! He is Risen!!!

Happy Easter morning! I am up before sunrise and I am no different than Mary and Other Mary. For like them, I am up seeking the Lord. Only, I don't have to go to the tomb because I know it is empty. We celebrate victory, today and every day,that Jesus won over death, hell and the devil. Our celebration today should exceed any March Madness that happens today. My prayer is for those who show up at churches today doing their obligatory twice yearly attendance. I am praying that their hearts and eyes are opened to see relationship, not drudgery in the Christian life. May they see Jesus and not anything else that would distort their view. Hallelujah! He is Risen!!! He is Risen Indeed!!!

Cross of Love

Spring Fever

I have a horrible case of spring fever. It hit me hard today. Such a beautiful sunshiny day with cool temps and low humidity. Mustang Sally was calling me to come out to play. "Must resist urge to leave work." Jason came into the office with the same affliction...spring fever... He was trying to work on budget things, but it is difficult to stay focused when ya's got the fever. I felt a nudge of my new found focus drifting toward my usual mind set. "Must keep working." A reward came for working even though spring calls my name minute by minute. Dani came to my office bearing a gift from she and Carolyn. The bag said Olivine...so I knew it would be good. They got me a beautiful stone lamb with a lovely patina on the stone. They got lambs as well, so we have a flock. Then Carolyn came over and I listened as they looked through a Bloomingdale catalog...women's ministry at it's finest. Jason joined in conversation after a while. Refreshing, encouraging and meaningful were those few minutes. Our schedule has been hectic with Milestones, Midlink, Spring Loaded and tying up the loose details for Broken for You service tomorrow night. Dani, Carolyn and I made lunch plans and then I finished up a few things. We went to Sweet Tomatoes and sat in a booth across from the Swiggarts sans Chambers, who must have been freezing at Schliterbaun today. The Swiggarts left for other places and we took the scenic way back to the office. I had been doing just fine until we hit the second floor, and there it was again...spring fever. I reviewed several things, answered some emails and phone calls and at 4:00 when I couldn't stand it no more, I left. Instead of going straight home, I went to Memorial City in search of a gold chain. Found one, on sale with an extra 20% off the sale price. Found a couple more pairs of Michael Kors pants...one on sale, one not. Went and found Mustang Sally in the parking lot, put the top down and drove home with my fever subsiding probably until in the morning. The good news is, I am taking a half day off tomorrow.



Got some great news from my knee doctor. The injections have been approved by the insurance company and I will have my first one Tuesday afternoon. I would ask that you all pray with me that they will work and surgery can be delayed for a while. I am hopeful since I have had a great reaction to the meds.



Going to meet Dena for dinner. She must not be suffering from spring fever cause she just left work. It is a little after 7:00. Roy is still at the office. He has been at a conference for two days and then comes to the office to finish up things before coming home. He should be leaving in just a bit to come on home.

I just got in from dinner and we had a great time and wonderful food. If a large group is going to eat dinner, they sit near us. Happened again tonight. We moved over a table and another large group sat right beside us. Dinner with Dena is always fun. I love our conversations they go from serious to laughter to sacred, well it is all sacred, back to serious and we always end with a few good laughs. So, I just took my pill and it won't be too much longer and I will be in dream land. Just to awake to spring fever. "Must get up and get ready for work. Resist urge to sleep in."

Mystery, Mammories, Memories and Moments

There are mysteries we just don't understand. I am not talking about the mysteries of God and how He works in our lives. I am talking about every day stuff that should be classified as mystical.

Yesterday, I had a couple of errands to run at lunch time. I ran into scary Macy's at Northwest Mall. Bali sale going on, buy two bras get one free. Great deal. I have not used my Macy's card in forever and a day. No balance on it, yet when the clerk ran it through she asked, do you need to make a payment? Uh, no...unless I write a check for zero dollars. She runs it again and says, well, you can't use this card. Pulled out AM EX, problem solved. The only reason I was using the Macy card is, I had only to buy two more undergarments and I get several free. Later, back at work, I begin to worry that someone has stolen my Macy's identity and decide to check on that when I get home. Mystery solved in the mail. That card had been canceled and they upgraded me to the next card level. Come on why can't that info be in the computer?

I am mystified by people when passing by a group always think the conversation is about them. We have several of those around us daily. They all approach this mystery differently, but the end result is fear. I have also noticed these kinds of people need constant affirmation...CONSTANT affirmation. I do not withhold affirmation, because the Bible says if we know to do good and we don't do it, it is sin. I affirm them today as long as it is called today, but they are bottomless pits cause their need of affirmation out does the supply. And we are an affirming group.

This pain medicine is wonderful. The pain in my knee joints is reduced and a neat little side effect is, the whirling of my AHDD brain is minimized. In my focused attention, I went through our half of a storage closet and got a lot cleaned out. I also reorganized two of my file drawers in my credenza. Downside, I don't think I am very funny now. I need to write a script and I am struggling with it. This is usually something I can kick out in minutes. This too is a mystery.

The mystery of music and memory. I bought a Jerusalem cross today and I thought somewhere around here I must have a gold chain. I do not. I went through all my old jewelry boxes to no avail, but I did find a few good memory things. Took some pictures of some tulip rings Roy gave me when we were first married. I am keeping one and giving the other two to my nieces. The oldest gets first choice. Found several James Avery crosses that I received as gifts when I first became a Christian. Found my first good grown up watch given to me, given to me from my grandparents. And they were all stored in a musical jewelry box that Roy gave me our first anniversary. It plays the theme from Romeo and Juliet. No mystery there of why I loved those moments of taking in some good memories.

Just some moments from the past few days.

And the Winner is.......

Cassi. When Roy got home tonight we did the drawing. So congratulations Cassi.

We will do another drawing soon.

Casserole Lady and Other Updates

It was the perfect storm. Only it wasn't a storm or wild seas that happened it was just the casserole lady was coming back from working out as I was walking toward the car to leave for church. Roy, who had been out walking, rounded the corner and headed straight to me so that he could kiss me good bye. He was fiddling with his iPod when I mentioned as discreetly as possible the casserole lady was coming up behind him. She had that look in her eyes to greet Roy with a "good morning...why are you with her when you could be with me?" This Sunday morning Roy surprised both the casserole lady and me. You have to know that Roy is not a publicly demonstrative man. He likes to hold my hand or put his arm around me, but you will never see him grab me in a love lock and plant a HUGE passionate kiss on me. But this morning right out there in our parking lot, he did such a thing. Surprised the heck out of me as I stood there trying not to look dumbfounded. I tried to decide if I should turn right around and stay at home this morning. Casserole lady stopped dead in her tracks, as Roy held my hands and looked straight into my eyes and said, 'Wanna come back in for another "breakfast?" But before I could answer he said, "no baby go on, nothing is so sexy to me as you going to church. I love you!" Then he kissed me again and walked away, turning back to me and mouthing, I'll be waiting for you when you get home. Whew...there were two stunned women in the parking lot this morning. She managed to say good morning to me and I mumbled something about being the luckiest woman in the world or something like that. Had to fix my lipstick once I got to church and made me late to the service, but dang it, it was a sweet late.



When Roy and I finally had a chance to talk at lunch today, he was quite proud of his demonstration and was hoping I would agree. I did. Now we will see if this deters her with oh, he really does love her or this man, he has to be mine. Roy still surprises me even after being married nearly 31 years.



Now here's the thing, none of you can mention this to Roy cause he is so private and would be downright embarrassed, but I had to tell you all cause I've written about the casserole lady previously. I have to tell you I am downright proud of him. I don't know what came over him, but I wish it would come around more often.





Knee update- I am feeling good. In fact I was feeling so good yesterday, I decided it was time to organize my closet. In doing that I was doing the thing the DR had told me not to do, stand for long periods of time. On top of that, I was lugging out storage deals, tripping over shoes, and turning my knees in some awkward ways. So by the time I left for a wedding last night I was in bad shape. At the beautiful reception, I only could sit off to the side because my knees were unstable and hurting. Today, they are feeling better and hopefully by tomorrow will be working flawlessly under the pain pill and anti-inflammatory. Until I had a few days of feeling good, I didn't know how much pain I have actually been living in. Hope to hear something this week about the injections.



Today after worshipping the Lord, I ran to the Nord to return a dress that had I had not ordered. Actually,I had ordered some jeans and got someones order. Being the Nord, they were trying to locate the jeans and I assured them the credit was fine. This wasn't going to stop me from shopping at the Nord. In fact, I did just that. Did some shopping. Michael Kors in my new fav because his pants and jeans are long. They fit me perfectly. I found some wide leg, cuffed, linen pants and a couple of other things.



Ben Stuart taught for Gregg this morning and Ben rocked the casbah!!!! In fact, I want to hear the sermon again, so instead of sitting in the lobby during the service before Cafe Ascend, we are going to go to the Ascend service.



All in all this has been a wonderful Sunday. Great worship service, great Sunday School lesson, good shopping, and a second treat of worship.



Don't forget, tomorrow is the drawing for the gift card from the Nord. Happy Birthday Roy and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Praise Break

The smell of tar is in the air. Seems as if all the condos and town homes on our street are doing major roof repairs. It is not the scent of spring exactly, but it heralds the news that soon it will be way too hot to do this major reconstruction. The scent of fresh cut lumber is in the air at church. As the CLC becomes ready as our worship center it signals the beginnings of all things new. I will tell you the faithfulness of God is a fresh fragrance every moment of the day. If we pay attention, we will take in that refreshing scent of God.

So right now I need to stop and give God praise and glory and thankfulness from the bottom of my heart. I am shouting His praises from the third floor...He is King and He is mighty God. He cares about the big and little concerns and events of our lives. He surrounds us with favor as a shield!!!

Here is the story. Circumstances have kept me from renewing my passport until today. Roy has scheduled me several times on his calendar and each time something has come up. No time for a visit to the passport office. I asked him to go with me to renew my passport. Since it has been way over the time limit of doing it by mail, my journey is the downtown post office. I picked him up from his office and we made it over to the PO. On the front door a sign informs us the passport office and retail lines would be closing at 3:30 today. It was 3:12. We went to the office and there wasn't one person in line. We entered and asked if she would have time to process my passport renewal. Of course she replied and where upon, she sat me down to take my picture. She then realized that she needed to close down shop and move things to lock the door. Sweet hubby asked if he could help her while I filled out the renewal form. And she took him up on his offer. I am scribbling down all my memorized facts of my life. Trying to beat the deadline. She is talking to me, Roy is talking to me and I answer the best I can while giving all my concentration to the form at hand. Now you know I had an I Love Lucy moment... The episode when she barely made it to the passport office with Fred and Ethyl and she is trying to beat the time deadline. She is woozy from too much sea sickness medicine and can barely stand. They make the deadline because Fred has unplugged the clock to give Ricky time to get there to identify her as his spouse. Times were so different back in the 1950's. Back to 2008, I have the form filled out till the STOP HERE instruction. She administers an oath and I respond yes. For a moment I thought about raising my right hand and swearing on the New Testament in my purse, but the verbal response is all she is looking for. I had mentioned to her I wanted to pay for the expedited service. She only had charged me for regular. So, I quickly wrote another check. We exchanged good bye pleasantries, she unlocked the door and we were on our way, with 4 minutes to spare.

Roy and I got in the car and I said, "Roy, that was such a God thing!" Y'all He did it all. I haven't told you all about the reaction I have had to the new meds I am taking for my knees. Thanks for praying about that. I did have a reaction to it the first night, but since then it has been great. The side effect for me on this pain medication is, I am so focused. My mind which is whirling around with A D D, no attention span and lack of focus all the time, performed like a well oiled machine. I was thinking with focus and intentionality. I don't know that I would have been able to fill out the form in a timely manner otherwise, because of all the distractions. So, I should have my new passport by the end of March. Praise Him!!!

On a knee note- while I am waiting on the OK from our insurance company for the injections on my knees, I am taking pain medicine and an anti-inflammatory. My knees have not felt so pain free in a long time. I know this is temporary until the next step...ha ha...but it feels so good not to have bone shattering pain with every step I take.

Thanks for taking this praise break with me.

It's Official!

It's official, I have the worst knees my orthopedic has ever seen for a 53 year old woman. When I told Peggy she said, well, I'm no Doctor and could have told you that. So, he gave me several prescriptions and we are waiting for my insurance company to OK the injections to see if that might work. If not, total knee replacement for both knees. He is trying to buy me some time because he hates to see me have both knees replaced at a young age. Got to love a Dr when he calls you young. In the waiting room I do believe I was the youngest one and would have been voted Miss Congeniality if there had been a contest. As I watched several older women come in and act cranky, I prayed and asked the Lord, please don't let me be like her, please don't let me become like her.

He showed me my x-rays on the computer. Bone spurs to the left, bone spurs to the right, stand up sit down...fight, fight, fight. OK, the stand up and sit down are hard for me.... anyway, the x-rays of my knees look really, really bad. He could not believe that I can walk like I do with such damage. Then he looked at my shoes and said, how can you walk in those shoes with such bad knees? He could not believe that I have been enduring pain like this for several years without taking any prescription medication. I have a strong pain level is all that I can tell him.

I must brag on my athletic prowess today. Of course I had to go wee wee several times before leaving for his office and then had to find the facilities once I arrived at the building. My purse doesn't have any type of closure on the top of it and as I place my purse on top of the toilet roll dispenser, my phone come flying out of my purse and is heading straight to the bowl of the toilet. I jumped for the phone as if I was taking a bullet or snagging a pop up at home plate. I caught that phone within inches of the water. My knees may be bad, but my reflexes are still pretty good. Don't you know I wanted to tell the Dr. about my amazing catch. Maybe I will tell him next time.

So for now that's about it on my knees. He told me to take this one pain med and see what kind of reaction I have to it and not to rush into work in the morning. I take it tonight. Please pray I don't have any kind of reaction to it.

This and That on a Rainy Monday

Tomorrow is a big day. I have an appointment with an Orthopedic Doctor for my knees. I will post any news tomorrow.

Spring Loaded is over for another year. We had about 2000 come for pony rides, petting zoo, silly string, egg hunts, bounce houses and slides and of course the delicious fixins of the Student Ministry at First Baptist. I will post some random pictures that I took through out the day.

I got caught in the biggest downpour today. I had an appointment this morning and making my way into work was tough. If snow causes white out conditions, rain was causing gray out conditions. I could barely see the cars in front of me. I debated on pulling over or continuing on while the streets weren't flooded. Got to church and the rain tapered off so I could go in.

My parents went to a birthday party on Saturday and ran into my Sunday School teacher who taught me in the 3rd and then again in the 5th grade. She told my mom a story that I have no recollection of, but I do remember that I didn't act up in her class. Throughout my childhood you could pretty much bank on it, that I would be messing up the lesson on any given Sunday. It got to the point that my mom would contact my new SS teacher right after promotion Sunday. She cut to the chase cause she knew the visit would eventually be made by the teacher. I was one of those students you loved but hated. I religiously studied my lesson all week, not to be able to mark the box on my offering envelope, but to know it through and through to confront the teacher and expose her weakness. Been trained to do that kind of thinking all my life, raised to argue and never show any weakness, so everything was a competition for me. As I have written before, I am so glad God set me free from that kind of thinking and arguing. I am doing the Ministries Staff Devotion tomorrow and going to use some of this in my devo.

Well, I better finish all the paperwork for my Doctor visit tomorrow. Stay dry if you are in the Houston area.

I've Seen Lightning and I've Seen Rain

Since I had to park in the West lot after returning from lunch and getting duct tape for Spring Loaded, I left work at 4:20 yesterday. I didn't leave early cause I thought in the next 10 minutes flooding may occur and I wouldn't be able to get home. No, it is due to my knees and their inability to bend so that I could run or walk fast to get to my car in the rain storm and occasional lightning. The rain was only getting worse and I have this irrational fear I am going to be struck by lightning. My grandfather was struck by lightning and lived. According to the story his rubber boots is what saved his life. He was out in the field plowing. Now I find it ironic that he was struck by lightning after hearing a story for the first time last year about my grandfather. We were celebrating a birthday at dinner and I casually mentioned I was so glad that grandpa had the foresight to get out of Kentucky to find work instead of staying behind in the family business of coal mining. My dad informed us that grandpa didn't leave to seek fame and fortune, he and his brothers had to get the heck out of dodge because they had killed a man. WHAT???? They were members of a gang, The Possum Hunters. The Possum Hunters went around punishing men who treated their families bad by beating them up and scaring them half to death. There was one man who they repeatedly visited because he wasn't taking care of his family. So one night they thought they would scare him something fierce. They took him to the coal mine and hooked him up the the electric car that went in and out of the mine. The intention was to give him just a little juice to shock him, but they gave him too much and killed him. Now this is where the story gets fuzzy in it's telling. They hired an attorney and I don't know if he got them off or just told them to scatter. Anyway, my grandpa and uncles left for greener pastures in Illinois and Indiana. So isn't it ironic that he was struck by lightning.

I had never heard anything like this. I asked one of my cousins if she had ever heard this story. To tell you the truth, I was shocked...no pun intended. At the completion of the story, Roy said leave it to a bunch of Baptists to run around and administer justice. (Roy was raised Catholic) I told him, grandpa didn't get saved until moving to Illinois. So it wasn't a bunch of gang banging Baptists. Of course one of the first things I did was to call Lisa P and tell her, "yo, my G pa was a gang banger... from the Ken-tuc-e-i-e." I am glad my grandpa met the Lord. I always knew him as one of the kindest and loving men. He taught me to throw a baseball like a boy and he would tell me story upon story to entertain me when I was little. This is the man who would take my cousins and me to the amusement park Joyland. My grandpa served the Lord faithfully. Now it makes sense, he would say to me, always be careful of what group you join up with. Because getting out of that organization may cost you more than you have to give."

Well, I totally got off track telling that story. It wasn't even my intent. I was telling you about bad knees and irrational fear of lightning. Anyway, I was able to get home before the heavens declared the glory of God by pouring out rain. Of course rain is a great segway into what I did last night, downloaded some music from Itunes and a couple of the songs were off of Purple Rain. So last night I was rocking to the rhythm of the night (dang, I forgot about DeBarge) with songs like When Doves Cry, Little Red Corvette, Best of my Love, Can't Touch This, Solid, I Feel For You, Stay With Me Tonight, and a few other 80's early 90's tunes. It wasn't funny when I woke up in the middle of the night with this stuck in my head, ohhh, ohhhh.....stop! Hammer time! I've been around the world from London to the bay.... None of my creaky dance moves even phased Roy. He was too focused on some show on TV. But, I had a great hour or so loving me some music than mainly brought back good memories. There was a song or two that reminded me of sad times. Isn't if funny how a song can take us back to a moment and a memory. It was an odd mix of downloading. Between all the 80's stuff, I downloaded some Christian music.

I am going back to the office later today. Have a few loose ends to tie up for Spring Loaded. The weather is going to be wonderful with a high in the low 70's.

I leave you with this song. My brother and I would go to clubs just to dance. We cleared out more than a few dance floors as we busted a move. This was one of our favorites to dance to. We were good.

My 250 Post

This is my 250th post. I couldn't think of anything witty or funny. My creative juices need replenishing.

William F. Buckley died last week or maybe two weeks ago. I would be lying if I told you I knew him for his National Review and for his conservative styling in an era of liberal control and politics. I knew of him as a novelist whose works I read in the 80’s. Previously, I have written of my lack of interest in almost anything political on a state or national scale. It goes back to my insecurities in college over my hair which made me not even take notice of Watergate. Tennis politics had my complete and total attention from 1986 till 2001. And now with Texas being a big player in the Democratic nomination and the course of politics on the verge of change, I have other pressing matters keeping me glued to life and not to the TV. It is amazing that I even recognize his name after telling you my total lack of interest in national news. In today’s Sunday Houston Chronicle, two editorials commemorating his life attracted my attention. The unofficial editorial eulogies or observations of a life well lived were written by an author Jacob Heilbrunn and the other by David Brooks, a columnist for The New York Times. David Brooks actually knew William F. Buckley and given his break into professional life by Mr. Buckley and he became one of his many protégés. David knew him in work as well as in friendship. “David Brooks was called out by the great man to join him and found himself in a world of music, conversation, glamour, and above all, friendship.”

So it wasn’t politics that drew me in, it was friendship. According to David Brooks, William F. Buckley’s greatest talent was friendship. It is thought that William Buckley wrote more personal letters than any other American. “He showered affection on his friends and he had an endless stream of them, old and young.” For someone who I previously tagged boring sounds like he was a lot of fun and found great joy in all he did. Even in work, he insisted on and implemented daily rituals that by all accounts were fun and possibly celebratory. Being a great political mind, his conversations were mostly about literature, history, theology, philosophy and the charms of the peculiar people he had known. Very few if any politicians would be found in his home but in the midst of his friends and companions were literary and social thinkers. Social thinkers in my mind are the fun people who plan parties and events. I think the social thinkers in the Buckley home had a greater scope for the big picture and the greater good.

His second talent, leadership. He led with charisma and merit. He lived a satisfied, extensive and comprehensive way of life. His joy was found in music, conversation, technology and adventure. William F. Buckley sounds like he enjoyed the grandeur of his life and it was a tad overwhelming to be admitted into it. David Brooks considered it an honor.

What a legacy and wonderful testimony of character. His greatest talent friendship, investing in lives through conversation and thought, through fun and ritual and in doing so sent out a great multitude of friends into the world. The mantle of mentor, encourager and replicator passed on to those who would in turn duplicate and imitate this kind of friendship in their own style and manner.

I am a sucker for friendship stories. One of my favorite passages in the Old Testament is the friendship of Jonathan and David. In Sunday Bible Study, new euphemism for Sunday School, we are going through the book of Acts. Our teacher is laying out for us what we see God doing in the church; He is doing individually in our lives. We can see a pattern for living God’s way in the book of Acts. We just finished up Acts 2. I believe that God lays out a pattern for friendship in Jonathan and David. Sometimes we are a “David” in that we are out in front leading. When we find ourselves in the role of David, we need a Jonathan. We need a friend behind the scenes praying, helping and encouraging us. The reverse is true; we need to be a “Jonathan” to our friends. I love that Jonathan taught David how to encourage himself in the Lord, Jonathan tutored David in the kingly ways and he loved David with unconditional God kind of love. In my studies I have come to the conclusion that for that short period of time that Jonathan and David were friends, Jonathan had a lasting impact on the rest of David’s life.

Right now I am thinking of friends from early on in my Christian walk who have made a lasting impression on me. Their legacy and role as mentor changed me dramatically. God brings alongside those we need instruction from and in turn brings us alongside those who need a little help and direction from us. Last week’s TAG, Think About God have been so good each day. I love this one:
Service
Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us daily.
Don't wait for a great opportunity to help someone. Take advantage of all the small opportunities you have today. Each one has the potential to have great results.

Little things, small everyday things, we have opportunities and the potential to have great results in others and in ourselves. Great opportunities can overwhelm and stop us dead in our tracks just by thinking too much about the monumental weight of it.
I love that William F. Buckley loved rituals. Not the lifeless rituals that one thinks of firstly, but fun rituals maybe a bit unpredictable and non-ceremonial. I am thinking of fun rituals that I share with my close friends. We can crack ourselves up over one word. We need to celebrate victory and getting through a day without hitting our head against a wall, or floor in Michelle’s case.

A couple of months ago Roy and I were talking over dinner about friends and friendships. We have certainly known many fine people who make very fine friends. We have been so blessed.
So in this long 250th post I celebrate you all my friends, those who comment, those who just read and never comment, and those who comment anonymously.

Have more fun than you expect to have. Live, Love and Laugh.

A friend's a friend forever, so don't get bored with them and a friend won't throw you in a river just to see if you can swim. Oh it's hard to say no to the invite of let's go...oh a lifetime's not to long to live as friends.

Thanks for reading and let us hope it takes me a little longer than a couple of months to reach 300.

Nothing Much to Report

This is my 249th post. Just proves I am way too verbose. I am not going to say that I have too much time on my hands because writing is very invigorating to me and energizes me after a much too long day.

I began working on my 250th post the other night and should be posting it sometime this week.

Spring Loaded is coming together. Marsha and I have done our homework and footwork. Now we just have to hope it all falls together to make a great event. We realized we needed more trinkets for age 0-3. So we went shopping today and found some really cute things.

Roy and I are the proud owners of a new shredder. Our old one bit the dust.

Well, I am off to sleep. Don't care about the political stuff. I know I should, but Roy keeps me informed and I like to hear his take.


Goodnight.

An Extra Day This Year

Right about now I would love to pull from the oldie but goody pile Earth, Wind and Fire's September. Only I would change the words to go with do you remember 29th of February...? We got an extra day this year. What did you do with yours. Roy lived his extra day of the year to the fullest. He took the day off, kissed me goodbye and went to the Juice Box. He was able to stay in the Diamond seat section for both games. His evening plans didn't turn out the way he had planned but he had a full fun day. And thoughtful hubby brought me back an official t shirt. The way to my heart? Journals, pens, fun or cute t shirts and hearts.

While he was enjoying his day, I went my way enjoying the extra day. Had a brow appointment with Charles at 10:00. Then I met with Penny for a bit going over several options for the spring. I know which red jacket I will keep. 11:30 hair appointment at Emmanuel. They haven't moved yet and I will be able to get in one more appointment before they head to their new location in Sugarland. Brought some Spring Loaded info with me to invite several of the stylists. Think a couple of them will come. Roy has invited several co-workers with little ones and are very interested in coming. Great way to invite those who don't attend church or know the Lord. With all my outsourcing services done, I headed toward home. Didn't see one trail rider. But I have so enjoyed reading the comments of those who have done the ride.

Dena and I headed over the Buffalo Grille for dinner. I took the breakfast route while she took the comfort food road. Neither of us were disappointed. We were trying to continue catch up when a loud and boisterous older single group from Second (we think) pulled into the the tables next to us. Dena and I have discussed why loud people or fussy kids are drawn to sit next to us in a restaurant. Dena was in the middle of a story and she was having difficulty staying focused on the convo at hand. I looked over the group while she was refilling her coffee. The group consisted of 3-4 odd ones, 3 desperate acting women, an older couple and one very good looking man. Eavesdropping on their conversation, he was new to the group. Because he was answering a jillion questions. I learned in that short period of time he is in real estate and just visited the church a couple of times. Since Dena had noticed him early on, hmm... maybe it wasn't the loud conversation that rendered her unfocused, I told her of what I had learned and then tagged this insight at the end of my surveillance report, he is probably gay. I also tried to convince her he was from Baytown, but she was wise to the fabrication. We left for Sonic to have some quiet and dessert. In keeping with the evening, they put us on hold for our order and I think they would have forgotten about us if Dena hadn't done the re-push.

Today I had the unexpected pleasure of Roy's company all day. He didn't go to the office and barely looked at his Blackberry. He and his good knees helped me do some spring cleaning. We met my parents at China Love for dinner and then we came back here so my mom could see Buddy. Buddy was not in the mood to sit still. So, my mom was a little disappointed. This dinner and time we spent together has to be some of the best time we have spent together for a long time. Talking with my mom yesterday put me at ease since I was a little concerned we would spend the evening re-hashing last week's events. She volunteered that she and my dad had decided nothing was accomplished in discussing the past. Move, let me praise Him....move let me praise Him.

I'm headed for the bed. Roy is watching Rice and Texas play baseball. I have an early morning since the Options did not come on Friday before 4:30 and Ivan and I forgot he needs all the committee names for Deacon's meeting. Roy is planning on going back tomorrow to Minute Maid for the last two games.

In the coming weeks I hope to post some of the multitude of thoughts rolling around in my head. For now they will be rolling on the river...Left a good job in the city...Big Wheel keeps on turning Proud Mary keeps on burning and we're rolling...rolling, rolling on the river.....