To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.

--quote by Emily Dickinson

My, how life comes along and changes everything. Work has been hectic, to say the least. I have been so busy, so stressed, I feel like I lose touch with everyone around me, including myself sometimes. That said, it was nice to escape for myself for a little while. We had a family reunion for Justin's mom's side of the family a week and a half ago. It was cool to see everyone again, and I did end up making the most of the afternoon. However.....I have noticed more and more lately, that I have been catching the blahs. I feel like I am not myself, and could not even tell you why I feel this way. I get sort of lead footed, not in the driving sense either. Just kind of lethargic. I feel like breaking down in tears, and do not want to be around people, not even Justin. I laid down for a little bit, trying to feel better, but still felt weird. After I got up, there was food, of course. Then the guys decided to swing off a rope into the pond, red from the Georgia clay it was formed from. I was talked into joining. The first few tries were a flop, but I finally got air on the third try. The highlight of the day??? The guys taking the front loader and raising the bucket to jump off of, with the aid of the rope. Definitely in Georgia folks!!!
Once the reunion broke off, we headed to the horse ranch to spend some time with mom and dad. That definitely cured my blahs!!! Dad and I usually wound up trailing behind, telling jokes, singing silly songs, and of course quoting our favorite movies!!! I don't think mom and Justin could handle the coolness emanating from us, because they kept riding ahead!!! Justin did say it was the best vacation we have been on so far!!! There was one rough spot, but even that wasn't too bad. Mom let me ride Barney so she could ride a new Percheron, Lola. Yeah, I guess Barney didn't get the memo.... We had to wait because dad needed a new girth for his saddle/horse, so he started to get antsy. Then he started prancing, which means he is getting ticked. He started trying to swipe me into the electric fence the little brat!!! He ended up backing his own butt onto it instead. That was fun!!! He realized it a full two seconds AFTER contact. Then the bucking began!! I lost a rein at one point, but was able to recover pretty quick. Mom ended up getting off Lola and switching for Barney. He finally listened to her...AFTER almost dumping himself in the pond!! Did I mention he hates water??? Dad and I decided to give him a theme song...The Electric Slide!!! You gotta feel it, It's electric! Boogie Woogie Woogie!!
All in all, it was a pretty cool trip. Can hardly wait to do it again!!!!!

Rescue Me!!

Rescue Me by Diana Ross



Rescue Me
or take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charms
'Coz I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love too

Come on and rescue me
Come on baby and rescue me
Come on baby and rescue me
'Coz I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely
Rescue me

Come on and take my heart
Take your love and conquer every part
'Coz I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love too

Come on and rescue me
Come on baby and rescue me
Come on baby and rescue me
'Coz I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely
Rescue me

Rescue me
Or take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charms
'Coz I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love too
Come on and rescue me
Come on baby, Take me baby
Hold me baby, Love me baby
Cant you see that i need you baby
Can't you see that I'm lonely
Rescue Me

Come on and take my hand,
Come on baby and be my (wo)man.
Cause i love you, cause i want you.
Cant you see that I'm lonely.
Mmhmm, mmhmm.
Take me baby, love me baby
Need me baby, mmhmm
Cant you see that I'm lonely,
Rescue me, Rescue me.
Mmhmm.

This is Keeley's theme song. Who is Keeley you say?? Well, if you have been directed here by mom's blog, you already know, if not I will gladly tell you!!!

Keeley is a 2-3 yr old Golden Lab that mom helped me save from a small Humane Society in Jones County Georgia!!! She is very sweet, house trained, spayed, up to date on shots, been around people, and been around other dogs. This was her second time there, and she had already been there 10 days. It was not looking good...I had been thinking about another dog, seeing as how Chaser is getting up in years. She has a limp, due to a GSW to her back left leg that still bothers her. She has fit in nicely with our little family. Chaser likes her, too! Justin was not too happy about another dog at first. He ignored her the first couple of minutes. Now? He loves her! He always wanted a lab, and he is trying to claim her for his own. I do not think so buddy!!! She is an awesome dog, and we are happy to have as a new addition to our family!!!
****computer down, will add pics when I can!! go to mom's link for pics!!

Welcome Home Keeley!!!!

The Feeling of Freedom....

No, this is not a patriotic post, so turn away now if you are disappointed. This is physical, emotional spiritual freedom. You know how sometimes it feels like you cannot turn your mind off?? You constantly plan, worry, cover bills in your mind, review the next few weeks in your head. You get headaches, its hot, you feel grody, you ache. Even riding on the back of a horse, on a back trail, in the middle of Georgia, I COULD NOT STOP THINKING!!! It was driving me crazy! Then mom said to get up front and go ahead and run a little. The feeling of true freedom?? Sitting back in the saddle, giving Haley, the horse, a little nudge, and just flying. Falling into such a smooth lope, the only way to see how fast you are running is if you look to the side, and see the blur of trees. The only thoughts are peaceful. The breeze blowing past you, the pounding of hooves on the dirt trail, the cloud of dusty Georgia clay billowing up behind you, the feel of the horse gliding you along. This is the feeling of freedom. Freedom from thought, from feeling, from pain, from life. Just being...

Bum me...

Or bum knee actually! Either way, I am a bum. I went to Justin's work party Saturday, and actually had a lot of fun, dancing, meeting people, just having a general good time! Sunday was another story. I woke up about 0530 am, crying my knee hurt so bad. Finally around 0830, Justin made me see a doctor (against my will I might add!!!) Turns out, I have a small piece of bone floating behind the joint in my knee. So, even though it feels better, I have to wear a knee immobilizer, and I have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor next Tuesday. So, bum me and bum knee!
On a lighter note, Justin and I had our 2 year wedding anniversary Monday. It went good, despite the rain. I gave him a CD of songs about us, which he loved!!! I made it myself at home, and he knew every song on there. Each one is a song that makes him think about me. He said I was a big booger! This translates to I am really sweet, and he loves it!! He got me a set of pearls. It is a necklace, bracelet, and matching earrings. He had been wanting to get me some for a while now, and they are so pretty!!
So there you have it, my week in a nutshell. Actually, this is me in a nutshell: Help! I'm in a nutshell! How did I get in this crazy nutshell! This is an awfully big nutshell!
Sorry! Had an Austin Powers moment there!!!
I will let y'all go for now. So, TTFN!!!
P.S. The end quote from last blog was Scarlett O'Hara, from the feature film Gone with the Wind. Love it! The book was better though!! Kudos to mom for getting it!!!

Finding time for me....

I finally took a few days to clean, yes folks, actually clean my house. It was actually fun!! I had no time restraints, no where to go, nothing to do, but clean at my own set pace. I had my radio on, the door open to let in some fresh air, and Chaser lazing around. Justin had to work, so that helped too. The phone barely rang too, leaving little interruption. I refound my living room, couch and all, along with the much missed dining room table. The office is very much less crowded as well. It felt so good!! My house is at least halfway presentable. Saturday Justin cleaned up the yard, while I cleaned the kitchen. We even got a new mailbox at the store, and some outdoor furniture courtesy of mom and dad. All in all, it was a good few days. I still myself to get out and take breaks so as not to get overwhelmed. i filled two outside trash cans of trash, and even added a few empty boxes to that!! I am very proud of myself. Now, I just have to find more time for the den and guest room and laundry room.....
I shall think about it tomorrow, for tomorrow is another day...

Ta ta Tinkerbell, aka Tink-tink

Ladies and gentleman, I come before you with a heavy heart. I have been in mourning this week. (note the use of black text, not the usual fun colors I bounce between) My beloved hamster, Tinkerbell, as named by Justin, has passed away. She came to us July 13, 2005, and left us April 22, 2007. I will miss the creaking as she ran in her wheel, the soft rumble on the floor as she ran in her ball, and the cute puffiness her cheeks got when she would stuff them with food. Alas poor Tinkerbell, I knew her well!! (sorry Hamlet!!!)
We went to Universal Orlando for a few days, to get away for Justin's 28th birthday. We procured a petsitter to take care of the dog and hamster while we were away. A trusty person, they had done this for us before. Well, Chaser was fine! Got fed every day, got out, got water. Poor Tink! She was forgotten!! She is in the same room as the snake, so the person totally forgot about her for 4 days!!!! It was an accident, honestly and truly!!! I am still unsure if I want another hamster right now though.
Tinkerbell was a pudgy little honeybear hamster, with a cute face. She enjoyed eating, snacking, hoarding food, running in her wheel, nuzzling your neck, and running free (sort of) in the house in her red ball. Justin named her Tinkerbell. She was a fat hamster, so she needed a little name. (Example: fat guy on Roadhouse, named Tinker, big burly guys on movies or tv, usually named Tiny.) Hence, he named her Tinkerbell!! We called her Tink-tink to be cutesy!!
So, there you have it, the Life and Times of Tinkerbell, beloved pet and friend.
Thank you for sharing in my grief!!!!!

Tag! I'm IT!!!

Gee! Thanks alot, Auntie Cricket!!! I now get to post six weird things about myself!! Can I just say ME in general, and be done with it? I guess not. So, here goes!!

Weird Bri factoid #1: I like a tall glass of milk with my dill pickles as a snack.No, this is not a craving, just a weird habit.

Weird Bri factoid #2: Thanks to my exposure to true life in the ER, I am able to talk about nasty stuff, like dismemberment and vomit, over lunch.

Weird Bri factoid #3: I have almost no gag reflex. My last strep swab did not even bother me!

Weird Bri factoid #4: I sleep every night with the fan on, and one leg if not half my body sticking out of the covers, but the rest bundled under the comforter. I cannot sleep if I am hot, so I freeze myself, bundle up, then stick out a foot to regulate between the two.

Weird Bri factoid #5: I once won a Spanish word bee, the same year I won the school spelling bee. I had to give the meaning of a Spanish word, or give the Spanish version of an American word.

Weird Bri factoid #6: I played an old woman in my high school play my senior. For a month I was Aunt Martha Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace. Basically, I played an old woman who poisoned lonely old men with wine my sister and I mixed together.

Well, there you have it. Some of you knew some of this, some of you did not. Enjoy!
Oh, by the way, I tag Nancy, Savannah, and Brenda!!!

My mind works like lightning, one brilliant flash and it's gone!

Yeah, that is pretty much how I feel lately! i found out in January I have hypothyroidism, thanks mom!!! needless to say, my thoughts are not as coherent as they once were. I find myself easily confused, and forgetting things as quickly as I remember them, if I am lucky enough to even do that! It has made for an interesting couple of months. I even forgot some movie trivia!!! I know! Big shocker there! I was driving with Justin, and he made a comment about how he knows the car turns like it on rails, that does not I have to turn like it does. I remembered the quote, so I said "Okay, Richard........' Yeah, I could not remember the actors last name. I could tell you the movie it was from, other movies he's been in, but not his last name. It took about 10 minutes for me to remember, Richard Gere!!! DUH! Where's my sign??? Those moments have become a little more frequent than I would like. So, that is my excuse for taking so long to write. Every time I thought "Hey, I need to update my blog!", the thought would vanish as quickly as it came. Not cool! So, I will do my best to update, when I can think about for more than oh, 2 seconds!! Everything else is going okay. Down about 20 lbs. thanks to my doc and all my current health issues. Doing okay in my A & P II class, and work is so-so as usual. Justin is doing good, so is Chaser, and Athena is in a new home. Justin finally realized he did not the time to train and play with a new puppy, and it was not fair to her. She is happy, and gets loads of attention and playtime every day! Well, that is about all I can do for now! Happy very belated New Year, Valentines Day, and early St. Patty's Day!

Starting to unwind......

Now the fun stuff! The whole unwind thing, means I am back at the horse ranch in Georgia! Mom has 2 horses here, so she comes a couple of times a month. This trip, it is mom, me, Savannah, and Brenda! We are having so much fun!!! We had a gigglefest on the drive up. Hello! 3 young women, stuck in a car, for an extended period of time.....Laughter will ensue! We laughed about songs, people we saw, and bodily functions being expressed! Mom was going crazy!! She laughed too though! She almost spit out her starbucks twice! We were singing, telling jokes, making faces, the whole nine yards!!! We stayed in a hotel last night, then drove over to the ranch. It is really rainy up here, but we have still been able to ride. This morning was short, the trails are closed because of all the mud. The afternoon was way cooler! Mom stayed in to spend time with her filly, Tortuga, so just Savannah, Brenda and I went out. We rode the pasture for a while, then headed in when it started raining harder. Brenda and I saw some people in the arena, and found out we could go in there and trot the horses. We're in!! We had so much fun! We trotted around a couple of times, and did not realize how wet we were until we had to get off the horses. Our jeans were heavier, and our hair was soggy. Our jackets were so soaked, we had wet spots on our shirts. We had so much fun!! We called mom to come get us, but started to walk back. We played hitchhikers when we saw her, I even pulled up my jeans to show a little leg! We had to ride in the van with our legs hanging out so we wouldn't get mud on the carpet!!! We dried off, then played pool and a little uno before dinner. Well that is about all the excitement you can handle for now, so I will blog again later. Bye!!!

Monthly Update

I am so glad I have been able to get away for a few days. The past month has been absolutely crazy! Let me see.... My new endocrinologist has informed me I have an insulin resistance issue, reactive hypoglycemia, and early hypothyroidism signs. This means a new horsepill to take daily, oh yeah, and a no carb diet. Yeah, had to start the latter right before Christmas! Not too fun! The holidays however, were. We had a get together at mom's friend Terri's, then drove to Green Cove Springs to look at the 2 miles of lights. Christmas Eve I was sick, but still stayed at mom and dads. I got to be the elf. I wrapped presents for mom, then helped put together the deluxe kitchen for the kids. It was cool having a Christmas sleepover! We got up with the kids and did the whole present unwrapping party. We then went to the in-laws for a little while for a trip to Justin's great aunt's house. The next day I was sick again. This time it was a little more serious. I had not been that sick in years! I had a horrible fever, and woke up with sores in my mouth wednesday morning. Yeah, the doctor says I have hand foot and mouth virus. It is just little sores in the mouth, no meds can help, just use antiseptic mouthwash, no kissing, no sharing food or drink. He also said I probably picked it up in the ER from one of the peds patients. Feeling better, still a few bumps though. So, I am taking a few days to unwind with mom. I need to after a month like that!

My Boisterous Baby Brother!!!

Oh my goodness! It is so hard to believe my little baby brother is 6 years old today! It seems only a short time since I was changing his diapers and taking him to daycare! Now he is a big boy, in kindergarten, and loving his superheroes! You've come a long way since mornings with Bear and Olie! Happy Birthday Little Bro! I love you bunches! Cowabunga Dude!

(blow on pitch pipe) Ahem...
A happy a birthday to a you, a happy a birthday to a you, a happy a birthday dear....dear...what was the name again? (psssstpsssst) Oh! Very nice! A happy a birthday dear Hunter! A happy a birthday toooooooooo yoooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! (courtesy of the stork off Disney's Dumbo)

Happy birthday little man, I hope you make the best of it! Love you dude! You are the big 6 today! Woooo-hoooo!

I'm So Tired of Being Here....

Words made famous by the group Evanescence in their song "My Immortal", one of Kie's favorites as far as groups and songs go. Did okay this month, made it through the 13th alright, no major breakdown like I thought there would be, kept myself busy with school. Of course, the big things come in small packages, right? So it went Saturday night. We were watching Daredevil with Ben Affleck and his now wife, Jennifer Garner. Good movie over all. The deal breaker? Her father dying. They showed the funeral and started playing the above mentioned song, and I had to leave the room. Needless to say, I had the longest, sloppiest, heartwrenching cry that I have had over losing Kierra in a long time. It left me feeling so empty, raw, and vulnerable. That made sleep hard to come by. I moved through Sunday on autopilot, trying to keep my "happy face" on. Each day is supposed to bring you one step closer to feeling better, to the weight of grief gradually lifting, then it seems like the path dissolves from under you, thrusting you back to the moment you dread the most, above all fear, above all else. Still, you search for the way, the path that you were on, to try to regain the person you were, but you will never be again. Everything is different now, life is not, and never will be, the same. Some spark has gone out, the "fairy dust" has disappeared, leaving you grounded, unable to fly above it all, carefree and happy as you once were. Melancholy leaves you as a shell of the person you once were. Will it ever end? Will it ever be okay? Of course not, but as I told my cousin a little over a year ago, it never will be okay, but we have to pretend it is and go on living our own lives. So I do, and somehow we have all made it this far. So I say, job well done to all those who are in this with me, and thanks for being there, through it all. We can make it!

Horse Hair & Fresh Air

Oh my goodness! Not too much since last time I blogged, except I just finished out a 5 day break in Georgia. Mom, her friend Dori and I went to Southern Cross Ranch near Madison , GA for a bit to relax. I had not ridden a horse in a year and a half. It was so fun! We all tried barbeque raccon the first night, after Dori had calmed down from an allergic reaction that had her itching from head to toe. She was so funny! Mom and I about rolled off the bed laughing at her! Oooh the dirt I have on Dori now! We rode every day we were there. We got to ride some fantastic horses, and had a few adventures on them. The day we all decided to ride Percherons, we got quite a following. The colt of my horse, Trudy, was hanging out with the filly of mom's horse, Marge, along with another friend of theirs. We were followed around by three young horses for over an hour! Trudy was getting snippy with the friend, and Marge got snippy with Walker, the colt, when he kept getting between her and Tortuga, her baby. We were able to do alot of running on some of the horses though! I was able to get alot of pics too. On Saturday we all got massages to work out the kinks we had picked up from riding. It was my first ever real massage! I actually fell asleep on the table at one point! The dead give away was the snore I let out! My allergies did really good, and the air was so crisp and cool! We actually had to wear jackets AND long sleeve shirts most of the time. We even busted out a couple of sweaters!! I know! It was THAT cold! We went in the hot tub friday, and all decided to jump in the cold, unheated pool. At least, that was the original plan. Mom and I counted down, however, I was the only one to jump. Probably the only time I was able to call my mom a witch with a capital B and get away with it! It felt surprisingly good though, because it numbed my whole integumentary system! We were usually in bed around 930pm, and up around 5am. We played games on Sunday night to stay up later, and I found out Dori is a bad accomplice if you are trying to cheat at cards and pull one over on mom! She was so nervous, she dealt mom one of the cards I needed to win! We laughed so hard mom was tearing up, and I almost peed my pants! I did win at scrabble though, without cheating! It was nice to have the away time, and not have to worry about work or school and stuff like that. Of course, that all kicked right back in as soon as I got home! So much for relaxing this past week! We are wearing our new uniforms at work, and it is the middle of our busy season in the er! On top of that, school is winding up, and the holidays are approaching. Part of me wishes I could fast forward to January of next year, but that is impossible. So I will trudge on, through the season, and hopefully make it to the new year! When can I get away again????

Friday the 13th of October

Who would have thunk that this day would actually get to me,and not in the whole superstitious way. Yesterday was actually a pretty good day. Went to work, went home, took care of the dogs, went to a movie (thanks Bren!), went back home. Justin was in bed already with a headache, so I went and watched tv. My Wife & Kids was on, then Life with Jim, both funny shows. Then I happened to catch the news while flipping channels. They were doing an update on the trial. Apparently, the doctor filed a motion that says Kierra's own actions were responsible for her death. Since his car did not touch hers, there is not enough evidence to charge him. That is the motion. I just sat in shock. Then the phone rang, with a worried friend on the other end. I finally broke down. I had to call someone and talk. It helped. But still, how could he even try that? It infuriates me to no end. It just makes her death seem even more senseless! It was not for no reason! It cannot be! That would mean that those children have no mother for no reason, my family is missing a vital link for no reason, and I know his cannot be true. I keep waiting for something good to come of this, and it just never does. It's not fair! I know that sounds childish, but it is 100% true.
I stayed up a few more hours after that, unable to feel tired. When I did lay down, sleep did not come easy. I feel so heavy and fragile today, like I could just breakdown again at any given moment. Has it really been eleven months already? Eleven months without my big sister, of wanting her back, of dreading not living with her for the rest of my life? I guess so. Reality bites back hard sometimes. So, here goes another day. Lets hope it ends on a slightly beter note than it started on.

New faces (or snouts as it may be)

Big news on the homefront! (No, I am not pregnant!) Justin got a new puppy. No, it was not a mutual decision. He saw the puppies next door at his parents house, and was awestruck. How cute! Look baby! I told him we needed to talk about it, but did he listen? Of course not! He walked in an hour later with the puppy in his arms. Look baby! They gave her to me! The result? A very cute, but very wild red-nose pitbull puppy. She is white with tan markings. (pics to come)We have already had to treat her for fleas, get all her shots, and take some pre-emptive measures to make sure she does not have worms. Woo-hoo! However, she is very cute, and is learning to listen. We are planning on taking her to puppy classes to help train her. Her and Chaser are getting along, he likes her. She will be spayed, no more puppies for me! Ohhhh! You probably want to know what we named her, huh?
We had started calling her Athena. Justin said he wanted a strong name. What could be stronger than a goddess of wisdom? He still wanted a full name for her. Since Athena is a Greek goddess, we started looking into Greek translations for words. Turns out, the Greek word for wisdom is sofia, and goddess is thea. Her full name is Athena goddess of wisdom. In greek it is actually goddess Athena of wisdom, or Thea Athena apo Sofia. In Greek script it looks really cool
θεά Αθηνά της φρόνησης
Like I said, a really long name, but pretty cool and really pretty to say. To m, it sounds a little bit like the name game...Banana fana fo fana...you know what I mean! Well, that is about it for now. I have cut back at work, and am trying to focus on my anatomy & physiology class, which is pretty cool. Justin is doing well at his new job, and has applied for a position with one of the doctors. Catch ya later!

Back to Business...

Justin got a new job!! Justin got a new job!! Justin got a new job!! Justin got a new job!!
Sorry! I think I am more excited than he is! He had an interview at Solantic near our house, and got a new job! He will be a radiology tech again! His official position is a RT/MA, but who cares! He will back in radiology, which is what his degree is for! It is full-time days/evenings, and pays a lot better! I can cut back on my overtime! No more 6 day weeks! Woo-hoo! It has already been a stressful work day, so I am counting down til Monday when he starts! It has been a rough month, so this kind of spread a little ray of sunshine on our humble abode. Anyways!! That is about it for now guys, this kind of overshadowed any other things that have happened, because I honestly cannot remember any right now. Well, TTFN!

Music on My Heart

There have been a few songs on my heart lately. All are slow, some sad. All remind me of Kierra. Lately it seems harder to think that she is gone. I tried listening to the Beaches soundtrack not too long ago. Big Mistake! I heard Wind Beneath My Wings and lost it. It echoes Kierra and I. She always felt I was the good kid, the one to stand out, I always though it was her. She did so much with her lif. So, this one is for you Kie.

Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler

Ohhhh, oh, oh, oh, ohhh

It must have been cold there in my shadow,

to never have sunlight on your face.

You were content to let me shine,

that's your way.

You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,

while you were the one with all the strain.

A beautiful face without a name for so long.

A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,

and everything I would like to be?

I can fly higher than an eagle,

for you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,

but I've got it all here in my heart.

I want you to know I know the truth,

of course I know it.

I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?

You're everything I wish I could be.

I could fly higher than an eagle,

for you are the wind beneath my wings.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?

You're everything, everything I wish I could be.

Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,

for you are the wind beneath my wings,

'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, the wind beneath my wings.

You, you, you,

you are the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly away.

You let me fly so high.

Oh, you, you, you,

the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, you, you, you,

the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,

so high I almost touch the sky.

Thank you, thank you,

thank God for you,

the wind beneath my wings.

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I had an awesome weekend! My birthday present to myself was 2 days off in a row for my August 13th, 22nd birthday! I am so glad I did that! Dad had to work Saturday night, but was able to go to lunch. It is a family tradition! The birthday kid gets to pick any restaurant they want to eat at. We went to Mimi's cafe, and had a good time! Mom and dad gave me a happy gift, that made me cry. It is a butterfly and a pink rose, but on the hook coming out of the rose is a fairy with a purple dress and purple ballet slippers. It was really sweet. It showed Kie was there for my birthday again! That night Manda, Jason, Justin and I went to Kyodai Japanese restaurant. Manda and Jason made me a Scooby-doo cake! It was so cute! Sunday morning we went to church and did our puppet skit for the kids. My mom and Hunter and the twins sang Happy Birthday when I went to pick up the kids for church. Grandma Blomgren called me and sang Happy Birthday to my voicemail, and my Sunday school class sang to me too! Daddy called me that afternoon to say Happy Birthday because he had to work. We did Asian August as a family get together at Terri's in St Augustine. Uncle Randy made banana split cake, and everyone sang to Chad and I. His birthday is next week. I got tons of Tinkerbell stuff! Shirts, a purse, and a matching wallet! Woo-hoo! Aunt Nancy got me a cool antique doorknocker with a butterfly on it, along with a birdhouse. I also got pj's, airheads, a gift card, and a lot of cards. We went over to Justin's parents afterwards and they had cheesecake! I was totally caked out! But it was really nice to see everybody and have a good day. I did not want to wake up and go to work today! But I am still in a really good mood from all the festivities! Thanks to everyone who truly made it a Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Letting the Creative Juices Flow!!

Okay, in the words of Shirley Temple, Oh my goodness! I have been given a few opportunities lately to write again. It has always been a deep passion of mine. Creative writing has always been a release for me. Give me a topic, ask me to make something of it, I am there! I have done papers on books for English, written Greek myths for the same, and even did a 2500 word essay on the experience of going through a concentration camp during WWII, from a historical standpoint. I love to write this kind of stuff! I can get outside of myself, and just let my mind do its thing! Let me try to explain my mind a little bit for you...
Take an average sentence, like....How was school today?Okay, its a question actually, but still! My mind dissects the sentence, picking out key letters, like the first h,the second w, the first s, the second h, the l, the t, and the d. My mind keeps them in order, but puts them to a rhythm to make the letters flow. It also tries to put a rhythm to the words, and make it flow as well. So, when I was given an opportunity to write a monologue for Noah to present to our children's church, my mind automatically starts recalling what I know, then trying to put a rhythm, or cadence to it. By the time I finally sat down to write, my mind was reeling. I followed the Bible for my inspiration and information, and let it flow out of me. The result? Almost three pages of prose! I followed an abcb style, where the second and fourth lines rhyme. I shocked myself! I typed it up, and presented it to Mrs. Cyndee to look over. Well, she told me what she thought yesterday........
She loved it! She said it was amazing, and that she could tell I put a lot of hardwork into it! I was elated! I had been so nervous about what she would say. Would she want it shorter, or want to add more verses. What, what, what!!! I just sort of smiled and blushed. We decided to use it as a teaser for the kids for that days lesson. I never actually used Noah's name, my mind could not think of a word that exactly rhymed with that. The kids have to guess who it is about, then we will reeanact the storm, with the kids paired up as animals, masks and all. Two by two of course! It should be fun!
Then, I had a chance the same week to write a skit for the Fall of Man from Genesis 3:1-24. I needed to try to write it for Adam, Eve, and the Serpent. The result? A very amusing mini-play. I again followed information from the Bible, but added more dialogue, and stage direction. Again, something I loved doing! I will try to post both.
It is so nice to be able to express my ideas for activities, and lessons for the kids, and at the same time let my creative juices flow out of me to share with others! Just had to share, it sort of made my week to have my work appreciated! It had been a while since I have been able to do anything like that!

Sorry so Slow

Sorry so slow to write, but it has been crazy around here. Working too much as usual! A few updates for everyone. Justin's truck was totaled from his accident a few months ago. We now own a red 95 jeep cherokee in its place. Justin and I are also part of childrens church now. We will be helping out down there teaching on Sundays, switching out with some other people. It has been fun so far. We meet on thursdays to dicuss lesson plans and supplies for each lesson and its acivities, and delegate differen aspects of the lessonto different people. Speaking of church....
A funny thing happened on the way to (and from) church last night. I had put on a Radio Disney cd I have had for years. The song Just the Two of Us by Will Smith came on. I started dancng and waving my arms, so then I looked back and Tristan was copying me. Hunter was up front doing a hand wave type thing, while Alexa was screaming and laughing at all three of us. The way home we had We are Family and YMCA. Hunter still remembers the letters from Shelia's wedding when mom and I showed him! It was so fun.
I am very proud of myself. I try to clean on my days off, which are few and far between. However, I took both of them this week. I refound the laundry room floor, the top of the endtables in the den, the den floor, and the top of the entertainment center. It took a lot, but it was worth it for the pride I felt in my home. It looks so good! I even moved the dryer and found Justin's favorite jeans, and a pair of his dress pants! I got alot of the laundry done by just sitting in the den and watchng some old movies. It sounds funny, but this allows me to hear both washer and dryer when they finish, and I can sit on the couch to fold clothes and sort socks. It went by pretty fast actually! I wasn't even bored!
Well, enough domestic drivel for now, but at least I have now updated my blog!