The Handy-Dandy Chart

Usually I don't like getting forwards in my email. I especially hate the chain emails that say "if you don't do this, this will happen..."or "you must send it to this amount of people or you don't believe this." That is such a crock! I don't forward them on because I know many people hate them as much as I do. But today, I actually got one that is beneficial to me and to everyone that reads it. So, I have posted it below. I hope all of you get as much out of it as I did. Yes, I already knew all of this, but sometimes it helps to get a little reminder.


HANDY DANDY LITTLE CHART - God has a positive answer:

YOU SAY-GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

I Hate Mondays

Have you ever wondered why God made Mondays? Why couldn't He have made a week of Fridays? Well, today wasn't so bad to be a Monday. I went to work last night...dreading every minute of it. I didn't sleep good yesterday...probably because I knew I had to go to work. But I worked all night...and I actually love what I do. I mean, having all that news at your fingertips...knowing the news before anyone else does...that's great. And it was especially great last night because I was on Bob Woodruff watch all night. For those of you who do not know who he is...he is an anchor on ABC News. He was severely injured in Iraq Sunday, so all night I was watching for any word on his condition. And I was pleased to know that he is in stable condition and his wife is with him today. I really like Bob Woodruff...so I was saddened to hear he'd been hurt.

I worked all night last night...knowing I would be faced with the boss-lady eventually. But I didn't have to talk to her today. She stayed in her office and didn't say a word to me...and just as I was getting off work this morning, my friend, Tracy, called me. Tracy works the same shift I work. So, we chatted for quite a while. It was just good to talk to a friend.

I said in an earlier post that I was going to try and find good about something everyday...

Thank you, GOd, that I am loved. I don't deserve your love, but you give it freely.

Thank you, God, for making me care about my job so much. Even though I am having a hard time right now, it's good to know that I believe in what I do.

In a response to yesterday's post, I was reminded that Jesus is in charge and I need to cast all my cares on Him because He cares for me. I know this, but trusting has never been my strong suit. I don't trust anyone when it comes to my livelihood...so it's hard for me to trust the Lord. But my friend, Rachel told me the same thing on the phone the other day. So, I guess I need to pray that GOd will help me to trust Him more. Please pray for me in that way...

A Reason for Everything

Hello everyone. Sorry it's been a few days since my last post. Things have been crazy around here. And I haven't been around a computer for the last three days.

I had a long weekend this weekend, so I went to my grandmother's house in Mobile and spent it with her. We had a really great time. She and I went to Olive Garden for lunch on Friday...and Saturday, I had lunch with Jeff, Sarah, and Jeremy. But it's now back to reality and back to work tonight.

Thursday, my new boss called me into her office. I really don't know what I have done to make her hate me as much as she does, but she has decided that she doesn't like me and thinks that it would be better if I just didn't work there. She doesn't even know me...she's been my boss for two weeks and she's already made up her mind about me. SO, I know that no matter what I do, she is going to try and find a way to get me out of there. I just need to hold on long enough until I can get a new job...and hopefully that will be soon. I've never had someone that just hated me...especially when I haven't done anything to the person or I don't even really know them. But she does and she's making my life miserable.

The good news is I am flying to SC soon. I've already got plane reservations and a hotel. So, hopefully everything will work out there.

I know that everything happens for a reason and that God knows before it even happens what's going to happen...so I am trying to figure out all of the things I am supposed to learn from this experience. I know coming here was the biggest mistake I ever made, but I do need to find the positives in it...and how was I supposed to know the man that hired me would quit...and everything he and I discussed would be thrown to the wayside. I didn't know...so I can't fault myself for that. But I do know that I need to figure out a way to hold on to my job until I am able to get another one because I like to eat and I like to live in an apartment much more than the alternative...a cardboard box. So, please pray for me. I have really good credit right now and I don't want that to get ruined either...just because someone has an agenda and I'm not part of that.

I need to go to bed so I can go to work tonight...but I will keep all of you updated. I just need to find a way to keep my sanity and my job at the same time.

I've been Tagged

Okay, so I've been tagged...thanks Jamie! So...here goes...here are the rules...

Once you're tagged, let us know what your top 5 pet peeves are! Then tag five more. Don't be a party pooper!

1- I hate it when someone says how good a friend you are, but they never call you to get together. You only see them if you initiate the visit.

2- I can't stand it when someone rides your bumper and flashes their lights at you trying to get you to get out of their way. I mean, come on, you can go around!

3-I hate it when anyone under size 12 talks about how they need to lose weight. Because when you say you're fat, how do you think that makes those of us who are bigger than size 12 feel?


4- It drives me crazy when people say..."But that's not the way we've always done it." That means you are afraid of change. You can't live in a world without change. So, just because it's always been done that way doesn't mean that's the way it's always going to be done. Change is good!

5- And I have to agree with Jamie for number five...It grosses me out when someone talks with food in their mouth. Swallow first, then talk!

Okay... I tag Alex F., Rachel, Patti, and sorry everyone else I know that has a blog has already been tagged!

Pictures! As Promised!

Okay, so I know I never posted any pictures from my weekend with old friends...We had a blast, as you will see in the photos...so if you would like to see them...and see what I look like now for those of you who haven't seen me in a while or those who have never seen me...go to my friend, Alex's blog:

alexf.blogspot.com

YOu will see a post called XA reunion...that is our group picture, but if you click on the picture, it will take you to a place where you can view all of them...I am the girl with the brown hair in the lace crimson shirt.

Hope you enjoy...and Alex, hope you didn't mind me sending people to your blog! I want to show off the pics!

A Good Day!

Today was a good day. That is good to say since my week seemed so bad. I had lunch with my friend, Kesshia, who let me rant and rave about what's going on at work. I felt so bad because all I did was talk about me. She didn't talk about herself hardly at all. So, I apoligized to her and she told me she completely understood, I just needed someone to talk to. Then we said good-bye. She teaches every Saturday here in P'Cola, so hopefully we can get together again soon.

Then I spent the rest of the afternoon on the phone. I talked to my grandmother...and let me just say it has been a complete blessing to be back here and be able to spend some time with my grandmother. I lived with her for four years while I was going to school in Mobile and while I was working at my first job. And last year, she was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer. I am happy to say she is in remission now...but I hated every minute I was in HUntsville when I knew she needed me here. So to be able to spend time with her since I have been here has been priceless...

I also talked to my mom and my friend, Niecie. Rachel called but said she was in a hurry so she would call back later tonight. I am now doing laundry and I am about to watch a movie I rented. So, things have been nice today. I quit taking things out of boxes...until I know what's going to happen at work, so it was nice not to have to unpack this weekend (I have been unpacking every weekend since I arrived).

I am going back to Brownsville Assembly of God tomorrow. I hope that I enjoy it as much as I did the first time. There was such a sweet spirit there last week. I am looking forward to that tomorrow. Then I will get back in the bed early afternoon so I can be at work at 10pm tomorrow night. But I am only working a four day workweek next week. I am so happy about that. I need a break.

So, today, I don't have one thing to complain about. It's nice to just be able to relax.

I have been following the blog (smilingatgod) of the little girl I told you about in an earlier post. I am so happy to say she is doing well. Her PT is coming along great. I am so happy to hear that. You know how you meet someone and sometimes you immediately fall in love with that person. Well, that's the way I felt about Sarah Kate. She is so special. Her personality makes you forget she has a handicap and when I met her, I just wanted to take her home with me. I loved her immediately. So, to hear she is doing well just makes me smile. Check her blog out if you haven't already and get to know this little miracle. And if you ever come to my home, ask me to show you the story I did on her when I worked in Huntsville. SHe is an amazing little angel.

I was reading my friend, Rachel's, blog the other day and she was talking about the little things in life...and it reminded me that I needed to recognize the little things that I needed to be thankful for more often. I have forgotten to do that lately. SO, thank you, Rachel, for just being you. I named my blog summer rain because of one of those little things...I love the smell of a summer rain (see my first post). So, I am going to try and be thankful for at least one little thing everyday. Today I am thankful for small text messages that come from friends...just to say "Have a good day". It makes me realize there are people in this world that love me. I am not alone. I am also thankful for weekends...time to recharge so you can start all over the next week...and I am thankful I have a job. I know I have been complaining about it a lot lately, but I am thankful I am able to support myself...I have the money for gas in my car and a roof over my head...and food in my belly...and I am never late on my bills. Yes, these are all blessings that I am grateful, even if I don't say it often.

So, for those of you who faithfully read my blog...it's not going to be a complain fest all the time anymore. I am going to try and do better. JUst pray for me that God will show me more things to be thankful about . I know I need to do better. And I know GOd will help me with that.

For now, "Jesus, Take the Wheel" still plays over and over in my head...reminding me that I'm not in charge, He is. So, I am trusting Him that He knows what's best for me. In the meantime, I am going to try and enjoy things a bit more...and not let work stress me out so much. It's only a job...my life should be much more than that. So, I am going to try and start establishing who I am other than what I do. BEcause right now, if you were to ask me about myself...everything I would say would be about work and I hate that about myself. So, I need to find myself outside of work. I'm not exactly sure how to do that, but I am going to try. But until I get settled either here or somewhere else, it's hard to think of anything but work. I will do my best.

Exhausted..

Okay, so yesterday once I got home from work, I took some stuff to the post office...and then headed to the beach. Well, my assistant boss told me I should go to Perdido Key because he says it's much nicer than Pensacola. So, that's where I went. Well, I didn't think it was nicer than Pensacola BEach. I like Pensacola much better. While I was there, I stopped at this little hole in the wall restaurant called the Shrimp basket. I had a shrimp po-Boy and some hush puppies...then I was on my way. I went out on the beach...but I stayed maybe five minutes. It was so windy and cold out there. This was a huge change from the weather conditions at my apartment. So, I turned around and went home.

I was so tired, since it was way past my bedtime...I decided I would take a nap and get up a little later. Well, it was 4:00 p.m. I crawled in the bed and set my alarm for 6:00 pm. Well, I must have turned the alarm off because I woke up at 2:30 a.m. You do the math. I had slept for a long time...and I found that I was really hungry. So, I got up and fixed myself a bagel and cream cheese and watched my soap and Oprah...that I tape everyday since I am usually in the bed when they come on. Then I went back to sleep around 4:00 a.m. and didn't wake up until almost 8am. I feel like I've slept most of the weekend away! But with everything that went on this week, it's a wonder I made it through the week.

Today, I have a lunch date with an old friend...someone I used to work with when I worked in Mobile. She teaches at one of the local colleges here in Pensacola, so after her class, we are going to lunch. I can't wait to see her and see what she thinks about this wild idea of South Carolina. Then, I have to come home and do some chores...laundry and the like. It's raining today, so I don't feel bad that I have things to do inside.

I had a thought that maybe I should explain the positions of the newsroom a bit because most of the people who read my blog don't have a clue...so now you will know what these people do that I always talk about...here goes...

News Director: The boss of the newsroom.
Assistant News Director: The Assistant Boss
Executive Producer: The person who oversees all shows...the boss of producers.
Producer: (me)someone who is the manager of a particular show...this person decides content of show, graphics and video of show, and makes most of the decisions concerning the show. Must be ready for any problems that may arise while on-air.
Newscast Director: This is the person who punches the buttons in the control room...this person takes the producer's commands and makes sure they are relayed on air...they are the person that makes the producer's show happen.
Assignment Editor: the person who assigns the stories for the newsroom...makes calls and gets information on stories...and gives the reporters and photographers guidance on how to go about a story...without this person, the newsroom could not survive.
You all know what a reporter and photographer do.
I hope this helps...since I do tend to talk about my job a lot I want you to be able to understand what I am talking about!

Well, I need to go get a shower and make myself look presentable so I can go meet Kesshia. I hope you all have a great day.

?????

I felt I needed to edit this post a bit and delete the last post because I am learning that eyes are everywhere...even when you expect them not to be, so I didn't want to get myself into any trouble at work (if you know what I mean...I will explain later...but that's why the posts are gone for now...

Okay, the weirdest thing happened to me this morning... I had just finished my dull, boring show, a show that I want to do so much more with, but I'm not allowed...and came back into the newsroom...and Randy (my assistant boss) asked me how I was doing. He saw me after my meeting with Sue and knew it didn't go so well. So, he wanted to make sure I was okay. I told him I was fine...but he could still tell I wasn't happy (which I'm not). And then he proceeded to ask me, "You're not leaving us are you?" so I asked him..."why would you ask me that?" And he said he knows that several other places wanted me before I came here (which is true) and he thinks I am doing a wonderful job and doesn't want to see me leave. He said once things get back to normal in the newsroom, things will get better. So, I told him the only thing I could tell him. I said "Not right now."

Things were better today. I had Byron all the scripts on time...but that was only because I had a five minute "Lost" segment in my show. We recap the night before of the show "lost" and look into the hidden things on the island. I really hated this segment when I first got here because I feel it's not news, it shouldn't be there. But I have learned it is a nice break for me every week to not have to worry about filling that five minutes on Thursdays. Five minutes is a long time when you work in my business. And it's not the worst segment. I mean, I kind of enjoy it. I do love that show.

Tomorrow, we are having some awesome guests on our show...so, if your in Pensacola, tune in. We will be talking to Jessica Lunsford's father. It should be an awesome interview.

Well, for now, I am going to keep my options open as far as this thing goes...and see what happens. I still feel this kind of opportunity may not come again for a very long time...
So, that's what's going on with me today. And the good news is Byron is not working tomorrow. So, I get a break. Yay!

I think tomorrow I might go to the beach. It isn't supposed to rain until tomorrow night and it should be close to 70 degrees, so it should be perfect. I really need a relaxing day like that. I'm going to take a blanket and a book and spend the afternoon...Maybe I'll even take my nap out there. It will be great! Count your blessings, no matter how small. Right?

It's Raining...

It's raining outside...and it seems to match my mood inside. I am just really having a rough time right now with my job. Now I knew that it would be a difficult transition...especially with these hours I am working...but who knew that I would get treated the way I am getting treated. I really wish I could fire Byron and get a director that worked with me, not against me. I am just hoping Byron and I can work out our differences. On a better note, I did have a pretty flawless show this morning. And looking at Byron's face, you would've thought that he was mad because he didn't have anything to complain about. oh well...on to a different subject.

I got an email today from a wonderful family in Decatur, Alabama. I met them when I was working in Huntsville. I did a story on their amazing little girl who has spastic dyplegia. Three-year-old Sarah Kate underwent surgery earlier this month...and she seems to be doing really well. Check out their blog: smilingatgod
This family is a gift...and they are trusting God for a complete miracle. PLease keep this beautiful little girl in your prayers and this wonderful family. Her parents, Andi and Scott, are probably pretty tired right now.

Some of you have asked, so I thought I would tell you...yes, Brownsville Assembly is the same Brownsville where the revival was a few years ago. And there is such a sweet spirit there. I am definately going back Sunday.

I went and checked out the YMCA yesterday. I am thinking about joining, that will give me an outlet to the outside world...and will give me a place to work out and reduce some stress, too. I just have to check my finances and make sure I can swing it every month.

Thank you to all of you who have been praying for me. I really need the Lord's help right now. Bomba, thank you for your words of encouragement.

Freshness and Annointing

I visited Brownsville Assembly of God this morning. Now, I HATE visiting new churches. I always feel like I'm not a part of things and I'm judging a church more than enjoying the service. But today, it wasn't like that.

This morning, I reluctantly got out of bed and got ready to visit this church. I decided several days ago that I was going, but to make myself go this morning was hard. But I did it. I got there and this young couple...probably close to my age sat next to me and they were so nice. They introduced themselves to me and made me feel welcome.

We went into worship and God's annointing was so strong there. I really feel like I got a fresh touch from the Lord today.

Now the message was about marriage, so I really didn't think I could get much out of it...seeing that I am single, but God spoke to me even through all of that.

I am definately going to go back. Hopefully I can get involved in some type of singles group or something. I'll keep you posted.

Same Day...New Post

I just want to say Thank God for the little things. I have a friend named Rachel, who lives in Texas. It seems everytime one of us is having a hard time, the other one always seems to call. That happened today. I was having such a tough day...and low and behold, Rachel calls me. And I about cried. So, she and I talked for a good while on the phone...must have been close to an hour...it just felt better to actually have someone to talk to about things. It's just amazing how God knows when we need someone and he sends someone just in time... For Rachel and I, this happens all the time. So, thanks Rachel for being such a good friend.

Jesus Take the Wheel

Have you heard the new Carrie Underwood song, "Jesus Take the Wheel"? Well, if you haven't you should really seek it out. It is an awesome song and I have found it to be my prayer over the last week. I find myself singing it all the time. The chorus says:

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel

I am learning that I can't do it on my own. I have tried for so long to do everything Nicole's way, and I can't do it anymore. So, I am really going to start seeking the Lord and find out what my purpose on this earth really is.

I always felt a call to ministry...and I thought by now I would be in full-time ministry. I always thought I would be married to a pastor, evangelist, missionary, somthing like that and join him in his ministry. But I am 27 years old and not married.

And right now I am doing everything I can do to get financially stable so I can accomplish another one of my life-long dreams...I want to adopt a child from another country. But I cannot do that until I am financially able to do that, which is why I am trying to move up in this business.

There are so many things I want to do in this life, but I'm not exactly sure how to do it. I have always felt a call to children...and at one time I was very involved in children's church and in missions to children, and evangelism to children and teens...but here lately, I haven't been doing anything. I find I am the happiest when I am involved in the church. But I have to find a church where I can be involved.

Work is still stressful, but I am praying that God will help me to do this...at least for now...and in the meantime show me if I should try to get out of the business. But if I do get out, I need to know what I would do instead. I just don't want to be stressed all the time. I love my job, and it's all I've ever wanted to do. But I just don't love the people I work with. And it seems to be that way in most places I go. Everyone is looking to get ahead and they don't care who they hurt to get there...and unfortunately I am the target of most of their fury, because I pose a threat since I am so passionate about my job. I have learned something this week. I don't want my job to be my life...and for the last couple of years it has been. I need a life outside of work. I need friends...I need a purpose...and I need someone special to share my life with. I haven't figured out how to get any of those things yet...but God will help me with this. I am so tired of coming home to no one but the dog...and not having anyone but family to call on the phone...and sitting at home most Friday and Saturday nights with a pizza and rented movie.

I know it seems like I'm whining, but these are things I have wanted for so long. And as far as the friends thing goes...I haven't really made any new friends since I graduated from college. How do you make friends in the "real world". I haven't figured that out yet...So all my friends are so scattered that I never get to see any of them.

I know that I am supposed to be in Pensacola right now, I'm just not quite sure why. I know God gave me this job. It fell right into my lap...and that doesn't happen in my business...I mean from the day I talked to the News Director...it was only a week before I had the job. So, I know I am supposed to be here. But GOd is going to have to help me through this transitional phase because if He doesn't, I am liable to say heck with it and quit. And I don't want to do that. I want to stay for a while and learn the most I can so I can work during the day and make more money and accomplish my dream... but maybe GOd has different plans...who knows?

I just don't have anyone to talk to about this stuff and so, I am sorry to all of you in the blogger world that has to read my frustrations...

Jesus take the wheel...that's all I can say...Jesus take the wheel.

To all of you reading this...please pray that I will find a good church to get involved in and I will find something in the community I can get involved in...and that God will send me some friends...some people I can laugh and cry with...I need that.

'til next time...

Today

Well, today, as soon as I got finished with my show, my assistant boss, Randy, said he needed to talk to me before i left. That is never a good sign. So, he and I went in the conference room where we could close the door, and then...

He told me several people had been complaining about me. He told me that the show looked better than it had in years...and he knew I had everything to do with that. HE said people here don't like change, so he knows there is a different side to every story and he knows that I can't be as bad as they say I am. But he also said that I am alot like him in that I like to be in control of everything and I like to do everything myself...which is true.

Undoubtedly one of my co-workers has been complaining because he is getting scripts too late (but he does get all of them before the show starts). I told Randy I am doing the best I can do and there's no way I can get finished any quicker. I mean, I am already working an hour overtime every night. So, Randy is going to ask some of the other producers to think of my show when they are looking through video each day to see if they find anything for me. That will help a lot...and remember Brian? Well, Randy is going to get him to help tie up any loose ends when he comes in each day. So, that should help. So, hopefully I can help make everyone happy and still do my job...good luck, right?

I took my dog to the vet Monday. Poor baby has a bad ear infection...he gave me 2 types of medicine and sent us home. One of them is a cream I have to put in his ear...try doing that to a dog that hurts as bad as he does. He hasn't bitten me yet, but I am afraid!

I am looking forward to this weekend. I have nothing planned and I am loving it. I think I may go to the beach FRiday since it's supposed to be in the 70s...I will take a book and a blanket and read. That should be nice and relaxing...

then I will probably continue to unpack boxes and put things in my attic. I am so tired of unpacking, but I am getting close to being finished.

Well, that's all that's new. I am told the link for the pics is not quite right...so I am sorry. Once Alex gets some posted, I will post a link to his site...

Pictures from the Weekend

As promised here are some pictures from the other night...
Because I am completely dumb when it comes to computers and cannot figure out how to put pictures on this site...just use the link below to see them. I will have to get someone smart to help me. Jeff you think you could help me with that? thanks!

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/slideshow?a=67b0de21b336393f25cc&auto=1&idx=-1

Back Home

Well, I just got back home from Mobile...and I have to say...I quite enjoyed myself. Last night, several of my old friends got together...some from school, and some from my old church. I was fun to see everyone...and I felt like all I did was run my mouth. I looked around the table and the only one still eating was me, which meant I had been talking WAY too much. But I live alone and I work alone for the most part, so it was just nice to have someone to talk to! Several people were taking pictures with their digital cameras, so as soon as they send me those, I will try and post them so you all can see them. It's amazing how much happier I am down here. And just looking at some of those pictures, I could tell just in my face how much things have changed. Thank you, GOd!

Alex kept mentioning the fact that he was still "cleaning sand out of his ears". I guess that means he didn't enjoy his trip to the beach quite as much as I did...or he was just giving me a hard time...either way...I still enjoyed it...I love the beach at anytime of the year. I love it in winter because it's quiet and it's cool, so you don't have to worry about getting hot and sweaty and it's just peaceful to be out there. But if you ever come to visit me and you don't want to go to the beach, say so. I realize everyone doesn't enjoy it as much as I do.

My doggie, Casey, has an ear infection. He kept scratching his ears..and when he came over for me to pet him, I looked at his ear and bless his heart...it has to be painful! So, I have to take him to the vet tomorrow. I have to find a vet to take him to. I just feel bad for him that I just noticed it. He didn't feel good all day yesterday and now I know why.

Well, I need to get myself ready for the bed. yes it is noon and I am talking about going to bed. the great times of working nights!

Next Sunday, I think I am going to visit Brownsville Assembly of GOd. I really hope I like it. I hate visiting churches trying to find one I like. I feel like I am judging each one and analyzing everyhting that goes on...so I hope I don't have to visit too many before I find one I like.

Oh and keep me and my family in your prayers tomorrow. January 9th is the anniversary of when my brother died. So, it's always hard for me...I am sure it will be hard for others in my family also.

Re: Visit from an Old Friend

Yesterday's visit was great! Alex got here a bit late...well, a lot late...he was an hour later than he said he would be here and I had two thoughts...he either stood me up...which he's never done, so I didn't think that was a possibility...or that he had had a car accident. So, I was worried sick, but he finally got here and it ended up being a great visit, even thoguh it got started off on the wrong foot. (he no longer has a cell phone where he could call and let me know he was late). We went to Monterey's Mexican restaurant...which is really good if you are ever in P'cola. Then I had a meeting at work...so we had to stop our visit for a short time. But he agreed to wait on me...and luckily the meeting was only about 10-15 minutes. after that, he was runnung late all day...so since the next person he was supposed to see couldn't get together late, he stayed a bit longer with me...and we decided to go to the beach. That's the good thing about living 15-20 minutes from the beach. It was cold and windy, but we managed to enjoy ourselves. We walked a while...just talking and then we sat on the cold sand and talked a while. Once we couldn't stand the wind and cold anymore, we got back in the car and left. We laughed because our hair got all messed up. He has curly, long hair and well, mine is just long...and it was quite the sight. But Alex and I have known each other for 6 years, so we didn't care. I gave him a hard time because he was making such a big deal out of his hair...just like a girl. :) love ya, Alex!

He left here and went to Mobile to finish his visit before heading back to canada. The whole gang from college is getting together tonight and he invited me to come over. So, I am probably going to head over to Alabama( it's only an hour away) and go see the rest of the gang. Gosh, I haven't seen them in years! You know, I never thought I would be back down here and able to enjoy my old friends' company...but I am loving every minute of it. It just goes to show you, friends can pick up right where they left off. I have found that out more than once...it was like when I ran into Traci and Matt Tidmore in Huntsville. Traci and I just picked up and became friends again...even though we hadn't seen each other since we were teenagers.

I miss college..and high school for that matter. that's when life made sense. And the friends that I surrounded myself with were the best I could ever ask for...that's why I am so happy I am getting to see many of them again.

Well, if I am going to Mobile tonight, I need to get busy with cleaning and laundry and the like...

Have a great day everyone!

Visit from an Old Friend

I am so excited! Last night, my phone rang...and it was an old friend from college. He is coming through Pensacola today and wants to have lunch with me! I can't wait to see him. He came to see me once when I lived in Huntsville, but that was a year and a half ago. I haven't seen him since. I can't wait! I'll update later!

Online Once Again

okay, So I am finally online...and I feel like I have been out of the loop for too long. I had been keeping up with everyone through their blogs...and not being able to access them, I fell behind. The saddest news that I encountered today when I logged on was that my friends Dan and Maria's son, Josiah, went to be with the Lord a few weeks ago. He had been suffering from cancer for sometime. I hate cancer. Most of you know I lost my own brother, Robbie, to Cancer nine years ago (January 9th, 1997). That was the hardest thing I ever had to go through...so I can only imagine what it's like losing a son.

With the holidays always comes a sense of sadness because I do miss him. His birthday would have been December 9th...Wow, he would have been 24-years-old this year. And then of course, Christmas.

And Monday is the anniversary of the day he went to be with the Lord. I do miss him. I miss him so much. It is so much easier for me to talk about him now. It is true...you do heal. But you never forget.

So, I can just imagine what Dan and Maria are going through.

Things at work are touch and go. The guy that I complained about in an earlier post...Brian...well, he and I had to finally have it out before we could get along. He finally told me we would have to sit down with the bosses...and I told him no because he wouldn't listen to me now...what made him think sitting down with anyone would solve anything. So, he came back about 10 minutes later and agreed to listen...I told him why we had a problem...and he told me he would work on his attitude. That was Monday, and things seem to be better. But there are others that I am having a hard time with. I guess anytime you go into management, you are going to have problems with some people...I'm just not used to that. But my managers say I'm doing fine and everything is okay. I talk to one of them everyday about things.

You won't believe this! My boss quit! His last day is Friday, although I'm told he hasn't been to work all week. Imagine that, I start a new job and the boss leaves! I'm kind of nervous about this whole ordeal. Please keep me in your prayers as we go through this transition.

I didn't work last night. I had a horrible migraine headache. I called into work and told them and I really felt bad about it...but I ended up sleeping all night long after I had already slept a good 8 hours. I still feel a bit weird, but I am planning on working tonight.

Well, now that I'm back, I hope everyone will keep in touch. And Dan and Maria, if you are reading this...I am praying for the two of you. I just can't imagine... God will give you strength to get through this.