Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot?

Tomorrow is the last day of 2009...the last day of an entire decade. That's hard to comprehend. Just thinking back on the last 10 years...

In 2000, I was a college student. Just a few months before, I had transferred to the University of South Alabama to finish my bachelors of arts degree in Communication. It's hard to think of myself as that 20 year old that was just getting started in adulthood. There's so much I didn't know--yet I thought I knew it all. I had my future mapped out...I was going to get a job in Television as a reporter, get married, and have a couple of kids. I was ready to conquer the world! I didn't care about the fear I felt about the future, because I was ready to stare that fear in the face.

I liked the 20 year old "me". As we get older, we decide to get comfortable in the day to day, mundane life. Here I am, just turned 31, and no, I don't like where I'm at. But it's hard for me to think of doing or being anything other than what I am...a tv news producer at work, single in my personal life. But if I've learned anything over the last 10 years, I've learned that things can change in an instant. One moment, you think, "wow, I need a change!" and the next minute, something just kind of falls in your lap, or something changes that pushes you to make that change.

In college, I thought I had it all figured out...and I wasn't going to let anyone squash my dreams. Those ney-sayers...you know, the ones that say "It can't be done", I was all about proving them wrong.

I grew up in a very small Alabama town. And undoubtedly, small town girls aren't supposed to do anything big. Or at least what small minds consider big. Because when I decided I wanted to work in television news, I had teachers, even my guidance counselor tell me it couldn't be done. Which is kind of odd, considering the whole reason I got interested in TV to start with was because of a class that was offered one year at Gordo High School. A class that I was put into by chance. I am so glad it happened. But those teachers, they all told me I shouldn't go away to college--because small town girls don't do well in college, unless they go to the local community college first. And they tried to talk me out of working in television, too. So, much of this decade has been about proving them wrong. And I did! I've seen some of them in my hometown since graduation, and they get a weird look on their face when I tell them what I do for a living.

But you know, I'm tired of living my life to prove someone else wrong. Beginning in 2010, I'm going to live for me and for me only. I'm going to do what makes me happy. I just have to figure out what does make me happy and do it.

Since college graduation(2002), I have lived in Mobile, Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida, Greenville, South Carolina, and now Chattanooga, Tennessee. For the most part, I didn't move just to move. I moved in order to get to my dream. I wanted to be a news producer of a 5pm newscast(somewhere along the way, my dream of being a reporter changed). And that required moving around in order to move up. I never got much attached to the places I lived. I had friends everywhere I lived, even in Pensacola, which is surprising, since I was only there for three months (I told you life can change quickly!) But when I got to Greenville, suddenly all of that changed. I made a life for myself there. I had friends, a boyfriend, a great church, and a great-paying job. I had actually decided to stay, but then work got more than I could handle, and suddenly happiness at work was more important than the money I was making.

So I moved to Chattanooga...which not only fulfilled my dream of becoming a 5pm producer, but gave me a great city to live in...Now here, I have good friends, a wonderful church...and a job where I'm treated well, which is nice. But I'm not satisfied. So, over the next couple of months, I will be analyzing my life, and try to figure out how I can get satisfied. A friend of mine recently commented on one of my posts. She told me that she is happy to see me so content in life, because so many of her single friends are not. The truth is, I try hard to be content, but that isn't always the case. I do want that companionship that only a husband can give. I think any single woman who says she doesn't want that is lying. But I know that this is the life I have right now, and I will never get it back, so I need to enjoy what God has given me.

With that said, I am so happy that my life's journey has included all of the wonderful people that I've had the privilege of knowing. People I would never have met had I not chosen the path I did. People in all sorts of cities across the country and the world. The famous song Auld Lang Syne talks about friends of times past.
it's literal translation is this:
Should old friends be forgotten
and never remembered
Should old friends be forgotten
and the days they shared together

I believe old friends should never be forgotten, because those friends are who have made us the people we are today. I believe God brings people into your life for a reason, for a season, or for a lifetime. And I can look back over the many friends I have made on this life's journey...over the past decade, and see many faces. Some of them I never talk to anymore...they were only my friends for a season. But they had their purpose. And I am so glad that many of the friends I have made are here for a lifetime. Many of you reading this fit that category.

So no, old acquaintance should not be forgot. Thank you for doing life's journey with me. Here's to a great New Year and a New Decade! Cheers!

The Magic of Christmas

This is my first year on facebook, and i have been saddened reading about how children are either being told Santa Claus isn't real, or they're beginning to question the legend of Santa Claus at earlier ages. I think the latter is being caused by the former. First of all, Santa is based on a real person...

Saint Nicholas was born to wealthy christian parents in the third century. His parents died while he was still very young. Obeying Jesus' words to sell all you have and give the money to the poor, Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. Saint Nicholas is known as the patron and protector of children.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds.
One story tells of a poor man who had three daughters. In those days, a father had to offer his daughter's prospective husband a dowry. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry...and without dowry's, these young women were likely to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, a bag of gold appeared in their home, on three different occasions--which provided the needed dowries. the bags were tossed through an open window and are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left by the fire to dry. That's where we get the custom of hanging stockings at Christmastime.

Saint Nicholas died December 6th, which is why many celebrate St. Nicholas day on that day each year. During my time as a part-time nanny for a German family in Mobile, Alabama, I learned about the tradition of Saint Nicholas day--it's one I would like to keep with my future children. Kids put their shoes outside the door while they sleep on December 6th. During the night, Nicholas comes and fills their shoes...candy if they were good, rocks if they were bad...one of my kids that I kept got rocks in one shoe and candy in the other one year! I guess he was half good/half bad! :)

As christians, we all know the true reason for the season. Jesus. But Jesus if about a gift. God gave Jesus to the world so that we could know Him and spend eternity with Him. And because I am a christian, and I love Jesus, I believe Christmas is about giving...whether it be a gift of love or of a toy. And Santa fits right into that category...

plus...What's childhood without a bit of make believe and magic? I have to commend my parents, Bob and Regina, were all about the magic of Christmas. This is the truth! I believed in Santa Claus until I was a teenager! Yes, you probably think i'm a dork...But everytime I started to doubt, something would happen on Christmas eve! One year I heard elves run down the hallway! I'm not kidding! It sounded like little people, and lots of them, running! Then one year, I heard reindeer on the roof! If that's not enough to make you believe, I don't know what is! And one year...on Christmas Day, we found sleigh marks in the yard! It was amazing!

But of course, we always had the nativity in the house--and always talked about JEsus and the gift He gave us!

I say all of this to say--enjoy the magic of Christmas! And let your children enjoy it, too! Because, we only get one childhood! And if you have the imagination and the means...make this Christmas a little more magical for them. And for yourself!

I can only hope somewhere a child is hearing reindeer on the roof, or bells, or even elves in the hallway. :)

12 Days of Christmas

You know the song...but exactly how did the 12 Days of Christmas become a popular song? I mean, it is a little strange...who gives lords a leaping and ladies dancing to the ones they love? I might understand the five gold rings, though!

But I came across something very interesting today. An explainer on how the song was written, and it's quite fascinating:


From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics..

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history lesson of the day...next time you sing the catchy song, maybe you'll think about how the true meaning has deep roots in the Bible.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's been a while since I posted. And I really don't have any excuses. I just spend WAY too much time on facebook to keep up with my blog. But we're entering the holiday season. And this can be the most wonderful time of the year, or it can be the most stressful time of the year.

I love the holidays--the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And for the first time in a long time, I get to see my family on Thanksgiving AND Christmas. Working in news, someone has to work. And I've always had to work either Thanksgiving or Christmas. But this year, I get the day after Thanksgiving off, and I get Christmas Day off. Yes, I have to work Thanksgiving day and Christmas eve...but I'll take what I can get!

Because I usually have to work holidays, December is many times a very sad time for me. Because while everyone is enjoying their family, I don't get to see them because of work. So, this year is extra special.

The holidays are about family and friends, and Jesus. And for people who don't get to see their family, this time of year can be stressful. Sometimes, being around that family can be stressful!

This Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for? I am thankful I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and a job that pays the bills. THere's so many this thanksgiving that don't have that. Someone sent a news release to me last week that said one in six Tennesseans will go hungry this Holiday season. That's so sad that happens here in the United States. So let's be thankful for what we have.

And then as Christmas approaches, let's remember the reason for the season. Without Jesus, there would be no Christmas.

Shoes In Church

One of my friends sent this to me in an email, and I wanted to share. There should NEVER be a time where someone walks into our churches, and walks out without being welcomed, not by the preacher, but by the congregation. I have personally experienced an unwelcoming feeling in nearly every church I've visited. But what if the visitor isn't a Christian? Then you've just lost your chance to show the visitor the love of God. Please read this poem:


I showered and shaved
I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat
In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer
as I closed my eyes. I saw the shoe of the man next to me
Touching my own.
I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side, I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine
But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: 'Our Father'
I thought, 'This man with the shoes,has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched.
Even worse, there are holes on the side!'

'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.
The shoe man said a quiet 'Amen.'

I tried to focus on the prayer, but my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best when walking through that door?
'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended and the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud, sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters
His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering
And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached
Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out
What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft 'clink' . As when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me
To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man
For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service
As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow
And wanted to meet the shoe man.

So after the closing prayer
I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark
And his hair was truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming
For being our guest.

He said, 'My name's Charlie
I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'
There were tears in his eyes
But he had a large, wide grin.
'Let me explain,' he said
Wiping tears from his eyes.

'I've been coming here for months
And you're the first to say 'Hi.'
I know that my appearance
Is not like all the rest.
But I really do try
To always look my best.
I always clean and polish my shoes
Before my very long walk.
But by the time I get here
They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'

My heart filled with pain
And I swallowed to hide my tears.
As he continued to apologize
For daring to sit so near

He said, 'When I get here
I know I must look a sight.
But I thought if I could touch you
Then maybe our souls might unite.'

I was silent for a moment
Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison
I spoke from my heart, not my head.

'Oh, you've touched me,' I said
'And taught me, in part;
'That the best of any man
'Is what is found in his heart.'

The rest, I thought, This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am
That his dirty old shoe touched my soul

The Recession Is not Over!!!

Today, U.S. federal reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said the recession is likely over. But it's easy for Mr. Bernanke to say that when he's still bringing home a paycheck every week. Tell that to the family that's still looking for a job because they got laid off. Tell that to those of us facing furloughs.
I'm sorry, Mr. Bernanke...but the recession isn't over until the unemploument rate dops by about half! Please don't give America false hope! Let's get jobs back, then we can say the recession is over.

Patrick Swayze Dies

Again I am reminded how short life really is. Today, actor Patrick Swayze died of Pancreatic cancer. He was 57. I cannot even count the times I have invited Swayze into my home through a great movie. I own the two Dirty dancing movies...I love the movie "Ghost" as well...not to mention "The Outsiders", "Road House", "Point Break". I am so saddened by his death. Even though he didn't do many movies over his career, he was one of the greats. He was a great actor, and Hollywood is better for having him there. Patrick Swayze will definitely be missed. And the sad thing to me...he never had children. So there are no other Swayze children to pass on the legacy.

Where am I going?

Some recent events in my life lately have gotten me thinking...where am I going in this life? What does life hold for me? I live everyday like many Americans right now...wondering whether I will have a job tomorrow. But there are other things I wonder about. I wonder where my personal life will take me. I'm not whining...but I feel a lot of times that I am so behind everyone. Here I am 30 years old, and I'm not anywhere near being where I want to be right now. Does anyone else feel that way? I feel stuck! I've got so many dreams...but they're stuck in my head...and I don't know how to make them come true! Stuck! That's a good word for the way I'm feeling right now. And I am so ready to get Unstuck!

Horrid Crime

I work in the news, and we so many times put up a wall so bad news doesn't affect us. But this week, a horrid crime broke my heart. Who would kill two people who have such a heart for the forgotten? That couple in Pensacola that was killed this week during a robbery...so sad...really has affected me. They had 16 children...12 were adopted...and most have disabilities. Let's pray for that family...that Jesus will hold each one of those children tight.

check out this link for story:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iTAOQx619OXpq7P0Jcpzqc9Zg-cwD99ED64O0

Let Freedom Ring

Had a wonderful Independence Day with my longtime friend, Valerie...and some new friends...

Pray For TV Jobs

Okay, so you've probably heard alot about construction jobs being down, or about the auto industry having a hard time. But what you haven't heard about is the television industry. It's probably because TV news is where you are hearing about other industries struggling in this economy--and we don't like to tell bad news about ourselves. But one TV company I know of has decided to enforce five percent pay cuts for all of its employees. And another TV company has went bankrupt and is now up for auction. The company I work for is not immune. We are dealing with layoffs as well. The reason? Advertising is down because other industries are struggling. So, when you're saying a prayer for others without work, pray that God will help struggling companies get back on top. Because the last thing we need is more people out of work. We need to be adding jobs in this aweful economy...not laying off more workers.

Life in Chattanooga

Kelly, Bradley, and Me at Riverbend 2009




I have now been in Chattanooga a year. And a couple of days ago, a friend on facebook asked me what life is like here. Well, I guess there are some good things and some bad, but overall, I really do like it here.
Let's start with what I like. Chattanooga is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever lived in. It compares a lot with Greenville, which is one of the reasons I looked to come here. I loved Greenville and I hated leaving there. Downtown Chattanooga is so awesome. I love the riverfront, and the northshore. It's so awesome. And it's so people-friendly. I feel perfectly safe walking around downtown alone for the most part. And the people here are friendly, too. I've met so many people my own age, which is so awesome! I also love that there's so much to do in Chattanooga--great example this week is Riverbend. I don't know that you could ever be bored here!
And I'm in a very good working environment. I really love my job, my bosses, and most of the people I work with.
Plus--we get every season here---my favorite season is now fall. Never saw such vibrant colors until I moved here!
There are some things I don't like. I haven't yet found a church to call home. But I feel I'm getting closer. I also have to budget my money very carefully because I took a huge pay cut when I came here. So that can be very stressful, especially since I've had a lot of medical bills lately. And Tennessee has a serious bug problem. I hate mosquitos and spiders, and I seem to have to deal with those more here than anywhere I've ever lived.

So to sum it all up, I really do like Chattanooga. Life here is pretty good. I don't know if this is a permanent home yet...time will tell. What I do know is this has been a really good move for me.

Life is Hard, But God is Good

I was on the phone with a friend last night and I got to thinking about my life thus far. My life has not been easy. I've had to deal with things that many hope they'll never have to face. And I know there are many people in this world that have lived much harder lives than me. But there are lots of people that have never experienced hardship in their lives. But throughout my life, looking back, I can truly say God has kept his promise to me. He is faithful. The Bible doesn't promise you will never face hardships. Life can be really hard. But the Bible does promise that you won't have to go through it alone. He will always be there, to hold you when you need peace, offering an ear to listen, and a shoulder to cry on. Looking back on my life, there were times I never thought peace could come--but Jesus was there, giving me the peace I needed...even in the darkest times, I still had hope. I don't know who needs to hear this right now, but I just felt compelled to share. Lord knows that there have been times when I felt the darkness all around me and felt I'd never find the light. But He's always there to guide me and comfort me.

So, why do bad things happen to good people? I don't know the answer to that. I heard this analogy one time. God is your heavenly Father. And He's very much like a parent...parents can't keep their children from hurting...as much as they want to--they can't prevent them from falling and scraping their knee...but what they can do is dust them off and comfort them when they do get hurt...and help them feel better. And we've all heard the Footprints in the sand poem...that's the God I serve. He will carry you when you feel you can't take another step. "cast all your cares on Him because he cares for you."

Missing My Walks

Well, I was walking two or three times a week. It was a really good release after a long day of work. But, I had hurt my foot back in February, so since it was still giving me problems...my doctor decided to put me in a boot. So, now I have to stay off my foot for the next couple of weeks. :( But I'm trying not to complain. I've got so many things going this summer, I just want my foot to get better so I can enjoy them. I'm going to Chicago on June 19th...the following weekend, my best friend from high school and her family are coming for a visit...
then the second weekend of July, my mom is coming for a mother/daughter weekend. And a couple weeks after that, Olivia, my 13-year-old friend from Greenville will be here for a few days. So, my summer is packed full of fun and I can't wait! So, let's just get all the sicknesses out of the way...and all the pain out of the way, so I can enjoy it!

Ode to being sick

I have been stuck in the house for three days, and while one day off from work would have been nice...right now, I am so stir-crazy! Went to the doctor and they told me I had an infection. She gave me a shot in the butt, and antibiotics...and told me I had to stay home until Thursday. Gosh, I am so bored! I actually thought today might be a day to get things done around the house. I mean, I woke up feeling much better (must be the shot at work!). But I took a shower...and that took all the strength out of me. So, I went and laid down for a could of hours. Then I decided to clean the kitchen...again, had to lay down and recuperate! I haven't had a sickness knock me on my butt like this in a long time! So, the laundry I hoped to wash didn't get washed...and my floors need vaccuuming so bad (my dog is shedding really bad)...but it will all have to wait! And I had planned to volunteer Saturday at RElay For Life, but I really don't see that happening...I will have to get a lot of energy before then in order to do that. So, at least I do have the Internet...and that's kept me busy for three days, although I would do anything to be around people! Oh, the joys of living alone! Try being sick and not having anyone to help you! That's where I've been this week! Had to make myself drive to the doctor, and then to the pharmacy. It's tough living alone and being sick!

I just hope I can get enough energy to do a good job at work tomorrow...because staying home another day is not an option!

My Walk

I walk about 3-4 days a week after work in downtown Chattanooga. This city is so beautiful. I took this picture Wednesday on my walk.

Isn't It Lovely?

As you know, one of my favorite things is a summer rain. well, it's not quite summer, but I still love the rain. Today it rained all day...and when I walked out of my job to go home for the weekend, I looked off in the distance and saw something beautiful! Isn't it lovely? THe mountains had sort of a fog around them. I just had to take some pictures of it!

We've Got to Stand For Something

Okay, bloggers, I'm back and I've got something I've just been itching to say.
How many of you saw the Miss USA pageant? Well, if you didn't see it, you probably don't even know who won. And it's not because you didn't see it, it's because the only person in the news about it has been the runner-up, Miss California, USA, Carrie Prejean. But just in case you're wondering, Miss North Carolina won. And in my opinion, she deserved to win, but it's not because Miss California had a bad answer for her question. Because I thought her answer rocked! I thought Miss North Carolina was prettier, and not as vain. And she carried herself on stage much better in my opinion. It sounded to me through the whole competition that Miss California thought she was the best thing since sliced bread. Even when she talked about her evening gown, she made the statement "i'm going to blow this one out of the park!" But the other girls just talked about why they liked their dress.

But what seems to have made headlines is something that's stupid. I mean, since when can someone not say what she thinks? THe question asked to her said "do you think other states should follow suit and make same sex marriage legal." The key word is think. But she got reemed because she didn't say the expected, vague answer. And she was accused of not being politically correct! Since when does giving your opinion equal not being PC? That's so stupid! Plus, she did give both sides of the argument, by saying we live in a country that allows you to choose, but in my family we believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. I think trying to be PC has gone way too far!

So, good for you, Carrie Prejean, for saying what you wanted to say. WE should all learn a lesson from you. We should always stand up for what we believe in, no matter what it costs us! IF you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything!

So, support those who stand up for what they believe in, whether you agree with them or not. BEcause it's important to believe in something!

I Took The Plunge

After having about 20 people in the last month ask me to join Facebook, I decided to get a page. So, look me up...and add me as a friend! I don't know how much I will keep up with it...I already have a hard enough time keeping up with this blog. But I will soon have Internet at home, which will help immensely.

I hope everyone has a good weekend!

Another Week Has Come and Gone...

Well, another week has come and gone. It seems the older I get, the faster life goes by. And that really makes me feel sometimes like I'm wasting my days...Here lately, I've been feeling that there's got to be a greater purpose out there for me...something that I haven't figured out yet. I guess we all toss around questions like that from time to time...

Last weekend, I had a really good trip home, even though I didn't see everyone that was on the list...I just got way too busy, and I don't think a trip home should be that stressful. So, I decided to slow down a bit...I spent several hours with my friend, Jen, and her family. She was probably ready to get rid of me when I finally left! But I just haven't been able to spend time with her, and I have really missed her lately! I also got to see my cousin, Mandy, along with my family.

This weekend, I'm going to the opera! I am so excited. I love the opera, but because of the cost, I rarely get to go. This weekend, the local university is putting one on, and it's only $7 to go. So, my friend, Stephanie, and I are going Saturday night!

well, gotta get back to work. I hope everyone is doing well. Stay safe in this weekend's bad weather!

Update

I guess everyone's really busy, because I check everyone's blogs frequently and many of you haven't updated in a while! Please update, so I can know what's going on with you!

I'm going to Gordo this weekend...really excited about that, but it's going to be a really busy trip. I'll get to visit with my friends Jennifer and Tess...and on saturday evening, my brother and his fiance, Timmy and Kylie, are coming over to the house...and then on Sunday on the way back home, I'm going to stop and have dinner with my sister, Lisa, and her husband, Jon. In the middle of all that I will visit with my mom and stepdad, and hopefully get to see my cousin, Mandy. So, it's going to be a jammed-pack weekend.

Good news about my foot...I don't have rheumatoid arthritis or gout! that's a relief! I only have inflamation, which should go away with the exercises I'm doing and the orthotics I just got in my shoe. Doctor says a combination of bad shoes and an uneven gait probably caused the problems. Now, I have new shoes as well. Can't do much about the uneven gait--i've probably had it all my life.

have a good weekend everyone, and get out and enjoy the weather...

Oh, by the way, happy early birthday to my friend, Noelle. She's the girl who went to Tucson with me. She joins the 30 club on Monday!

Undogfriendly City

Chattanooga is the least dog-friendly city that I've ever lived in! Who's ever heard of dogs not being allowed in the park? Well, most of the parks here in Chattanooga don't allow them! What's the point of boasting the great outdoors if your precious pooch can't enjoy it with you! Dogs aren't allowed on the riverwalk, they're not allowed at Tennessee Riverpark, and they're not allowed at Coolidge park! It's an outrage! I set out on Sunday to enjoy an afternoon with Casey--we first tried Tennessee Riverpark, but there are signs posted everywhere--saying no dogs! So, I decided to take a trip to Coolidge park...we walked, and I looked for signs, but there was none, so I thought I was in the clear...until a park ranger came and very nicely told me to leave! But she did tell me where we could go...Renaissance Park allows dogs...so, we got back in the car, and headed there...By that time, the afternoon was pretty much gone, but we did enjoy about an hour walk, which was well needed, since it had been raining for like 48 hours!

Chattanooga city leaders, please here us! Our dogs like to enjoy the outdoors, too!

A Rainy Weekend

Well, the good news is I am no longer sick and my foot appears to be getting better (yea!). It still hurts, but not near as bad as it has. I have to go back to the foot doctor next week.
The bad news is it's supposed to rain all weekend! I had hoped to go on a hike...just to get a little time outdoors...either at one of our national parks or at Rock City. And My dog, Casey, would have loved the walk! But it looks like I will be stuck in the house listening to the rain. :(
I'm going home to Gordo next weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing my mom and stepdad, and my friends. It will also be the first time I get to see my friend, Jennifer's, new baby boy. He was born in January. And my mom is going to help me with my taxes. Can you believe I haven't filed yet?

Well, have a good weekend, everyone!

No Relay Team and tidbits

Well, as sad as it is, I'm not going to be able to have a team for Relay For Life. I could not get the eight people needed for a team. And that's really frustrating! Oh well! I may volunteer anyway that night.

Right now, I don't feel well. I went to bed early last night not feeling well, then today, woke up with a sore throat. I came to work today, but I feel lousy. Plan on going home tonight and going to bed early again...and on top of that, my foot and ankle have been hurting for two and a half weeks now. I went to the doctor, and there are several reasons it could be hurting...I have to go back on the 18th...

Went to South Carolina for a visit last weekend. Olivia did so good at fine arts! She made it to nationals for her piano piece and her short sermon. I'm so proud of her! I had to leave early sunday because of the impending snow. So, I didn't get to attend church. I was really sad. I got to Atlanta, and it was snowing so hard. But as soon as I made it on the other side and started working my way toward Tennessee, it stopped! We didn't get any snow in Chattanooga! :(

Relay For Life

I have always wanted to participate in Relay for Life, and this year, I am taking steps to do so. But I can't get enough people to commit to this good cause. I called the American Cancer Society today, and they told me I need eight to 15 people for my team, since someone has to be on the track at all times. I have three committed, two others that might do it. But that's only five! So, if you want to be a part of our team, please let me know!

SC Bound!

I am really excited! Next Friday (feb 27th), I'm going to Greenville for a visit. I miss everyone so much, and haven't ruled out moving back there at some point. Fine Arts competition is that weekend, and Olivia is competing. So, I will be going to Columbia with her on Saturday. But Friday and Sunday will be spent in Greenville with friends. I can't wait!

What is a Valentine?

It's time for my least favorite holiday of the year...you might say I'm a Valentines Day Scrooge. I don't like the whole concept. Why must you have a date on the calendar that tells you when to show someone you love them? You should do that all year long! To me, a valentine is someone who showers you with love 365 days of the year...not just February 14th. Don't get me wrong...when I am with someone, I do always hope for wonderful gifts on Valentines Day...but I also hope that I will have fresh flowers on my table most of the time. So, my lesson for you: love on those you love this Valentines Day, but don't forget to do the same on June 12th or March 30th or October 15th...because they deserve knowing how much you adore them everyday of the year!

Notes about our trip

Noelle and I thoroughly enjoyed our 30th birthday trip to Tucson, Arizona. We got to see the city and the desert(which was the highlight of the trip). We also got to spend time at Old Tucson Studios. If you've ever seen a western, or watched "little house on the prairie", chances are you'll recognize some of the buildings and scenery there, because many of them were shot there. The desert is beautiful...nothing like the southeast, where I live. And the weather during the winter is awesome. It was 75 degrees and sunny during the day. at night, we had to wear sleeves...it dropped to about 40 degrees. The food there was amazing! We had Mexican, Southwestern, Jewish, Greek, and Italian food during our stay. And the people were very hospitable. I would recommend this trip to anyone, but go in the winter! I hear it gets plum miserable during the summer!

Pictures From My 30th Birthday Trip to Tucson

Headed to the Sunny/Warm Southwest!

Tomorrow night, I head to Nashville. I will spend the night there and catch a plane the next morning for Tucson, Arizona! I am so excited, I can barely contain myself! My friend, Noelle, is meeting me there and we will be staying until Monday! We are staying at the most awesome hotel--The Westin La Paloma Resort www.westinlapalomaresort.com.
It's going to be such a relaxing trip. I am looking forward to some downtime with one of my best friends! We plan to attend dillinger days, which is a street festival they're having downtown. We also plan to go to Old Tucson Studios...and we are going to go hiking in one of the national parks there. I will definately post pictures once I get back!

Thinking of Robbie

Over the past few days, I've been thinking about my brother, Robbie, a lot. Robbie died after a long battle with Leukemia 12 years ago. The anniversary of his death was Friday. There's still sadness when I think about losing my brother at such an early age. Robbie and I were very close. He was three years younger than me, and we had our fights just like any siblings, but at the end of the day, we loved each other very much. He died my senior year of high school, when he was only 15.

Robbie would be 27 years old now, and I find myself wondering what he would be like. More than likely, he would be married, because he always had girls following him around...and always a couple on his arm. I don't know what he would have decided to do as a career. But I do know that he and I would still be close today.

I have questioned God a lot in the past...why would He take Robbie away from us after such a short time? But as much as I've grieved over the past 12 years, and as much as my family has grieved, I have to trust the Lord. I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without facing my brother's death. I also know that God helped me through those rough times, and sent friends to help me through it. I had some really good friends during my brother's fight with cancer, and when he died.

I know that he is in Heaven, waiting on us to join him. He loved the Lord with all his heart. But it doesn't make us on earth miss him any less. I still tear up when I think about him...even after 12 years.

So, as I think about him, I just want to say, "I love you, Robbie, and I'll see you on the other side."