Renewed friendships

Last week I enjoyed an entire week off work! I had not done this since starting at my current job three years ago. Way overdue vacation! Let me recap my great week for you.

I started the week with a visit from a long-lost friend from my days at Baptist Bible College. Jennifer is moving to Nashville next month and was in town job hunting. We had a wonderful time reuniting. And I look forward to her being so close!

Next I traveled to Michigan to have a reunion with some dear girlfriends from my Life Action Ministries days! I was so looking forward to this weekend! Some of these ladies I had not seen in ten years. Before I got to Michigan, I stopped near Indianapolis, IN and had lunch with a cousin. Rachel and I had such a good time talking over lunch! She is almost finished with the paperwork for an adoption - YEA!

After eight hours of driving through one of the most boring landscapes(sorry Indiana lovers), I arrived at a place so dear to my heart, I cannot even begin to put my thoughts and feelings of my approach to the camp area into words. God did such a deep and lasting work in my life through Life Action Ministries! I came to be a child of God in Life Action, I learned what it meant to live a holy life, I developed lasting friendships, I learned too many things to mention here.

The girls who attended the reunion are so special to me. These ladies were part of my life when I went through many heart changes. They were there to encourage me and help me work through areas in my life the Lord showed needed work. There is a deep connection that occurs when you minister on the front lines with someone.

As you can see from the pictures, we had a wonderful time together. I slept very little and came home thoroughly exhausted. That's OK though...the catching up conversations were worth the heavy eyelids.

Out of pocket

I've been out of pocket lately when it comes to my blog. My kitties have required some attention and I've been enjoying some much needed time off. When I walked out of my office last Friday, I felt great! I won't return to the office until the day after Memorial Day. Woohoo!!!!!!

My oldest cat had an ulcer on her eye and it required a great deal of attention. She couldn't do most things she was used to doing on her own because of the cone around her neck. Almost every task needed double the energy and time. I felt like an on-call doctor. Boots is in the clear now! The ulcer has healed and she is back to normal, no more cone.

My coworker is pregnant and will be on maternity leave starting July 3. I needed to get a vacation in before she leaves, so I took this week off. I head to Michigan on Thursday to visit with my dear friends from Life Action Ministries. I'm super excited to see them. Us girls decided it was time for a reunion and it is finally here!

I know most people don't want to sit at home and do nothing on their vacation, but I did. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing practically nothing to past two days.

Through my time off this week, I have discovered there isn't much worth watching on television. So much crap! I must say The View is good. The women on there sure can go back and forth on issues. It is fun to watch. That's about the only show I've cared to watch.

My babies

Both of my kitties have had recent visits to the vet. Boots started the run with a quick visit because of an eye infection. She took eye drops and that saga continues in the last part of this post.

Sugar was next with a declaw and spay. She has done really well with having two major surgeries at once. Her claws have not bled and she is using them like she did before the surgery...minus the sharp claws :) Her spaying went well. Her incision has not bled and the belly hair is growing back.



Now for Boots...she has had a rough time. Her eye infection has not gone away easily. It's been stubborn. Her eye was looking rather nasty so I took her to the vet today. The picture tells you the visit was not pleasant.

Boots has an ulcer on her eyeball and that can be a serious condition if not handled properly. She has scratched her eyeball at some point while rubbing her eye clean. Since Boots will continue to irritate the eye by rubbing it with her paw, she must wear an Elizabeth collar. SHE HATES IT!

I left her at the house for the afternoon to get used to the collar. I returned home to see her sitting in her window bed and not sporting the collar! It took a while to find the collar but it was recovered to Boots' dismay. I felt horrible putting it back on but her eye has to heal and without the collar, correct healing may never happen. All I can say is she looks pathetic and I feel horrible for her!

Oh! What a night!

My church held a women's event last night called "What not to wear." I loved the concept. We discussed physical and spiritual things that are flattering and not so lovely to wear. Great program and concept.

Now, on to why this turned out to be quite some night.

I volunteered to head up the food department. We booked a caterer that a lady in the women's ministry leadership had previously worked with. The caterer was very nice and she worked with us when some details needed change at the last minute. This is where my day goes into crazy mode.

On Monday, I was told we needed to increase the food numbers. Not a big problem; the caterer had not purchased food yet. I simply called her and asked her to adjust her invoice and increase the total from 70 to 90. Fast forward to yesterday, Thursday, around 3:00PM. I call the lady who headed up the decorating committee, just checking in to see how things were going.

She proceeds to tell me the number of people attending has gone above 100! What?! Did no one cut off registration?! Come on people, work with me here! The caterer can't just magically make extra food appear. I call the caterer and find out someone had already contacted her. Problem solved. The lady can cut the larger chicken breasts down to make enough servings.

I arrive at the church straight from work and don't stop until I land on my couch last night at 10PM-ish. Although the set-up and start of the event was rushed and hectic, once the buffet line was up and running, I took a second to breath. Wrong idea.

I watched the food line, bring out a pan of potatoes. People are watching the drink line for me. Then IT happens; I need to replenish the chicken...where's the second pan of chicken?! I'm frantically running around in the kitchen, looking in everything that looks like food. No more chicken. Period. There was supposedly two pans of chicken, enough for the 100+ people attending. No chicken. No more chicken.

I get on the phone with the caterer, she must have left a pan in her van. "No, I brought everything in," she says. After what seemed like forever, we decided to give up and just let the ladies know there will be no more chicken.

I have NO IDEA where that second pan of chicken walked off to! I felt horrible. Praise the Lord for the godly ladies at my church who didn't complain. They understood and just had an extra scoop of the yummy (and I do mean YUMMY) potato casserole.

There you have it. I have worked food service before and I've never had the main dish just not be there, somehow disappear. How was your day?

We've all got something

Although I've never been formally diagnosed, I'm fairly sure I have some level of dyslexia. This means that while speaking, I usually mix something up. For the most part I know I've said it wrong as the words are leaving my mouth. OK...now that you know this tidbit about me, please don't correct my speech every time I say something out of order. Most likely, it is the dyslexia talking, not me.

You should be in an accounting department and have this struggle! Balancing accounts on the first go around is a rare occasion.

I'm watching Little People, Big World on TLC. Have you ever watched it? Good show. That's where this blog post came from. I've come to realize many of us have something which could be labeled a disability. And we all have some thing we would love to change about ourselves.

For me, the biggest job is realizing those things about my fiends and family and be sensitive to them. Around two or three years ago, I realized my oldest brother has social issues. We have always clashed...for a nicer way to put it. He can be very sweet and friendly but his first reaction to most social situations is to withdrawal or be curt. Understanding this has helped me relate to him. I try to create situations that lend to him feeling comfortable. Our relationship has developed since then.

It's too late now!

I pulled a shirt out of the closet this morning and noticed what appeared to be that weird whitish stain left by deodorant; you know, the one where it ends up on the bottom hem of the shirt from you pulling the shirt over your head? Yeah, so I wipe it off with a damp washcloth before I head to work. It is not until I am at work, sitting in my chair, sorting through emails that I notice something else about the 'stain.' I smell something musty, almost skunk-like. I can't figure it out. I don't know where the smell could be coming from.

It finally hits me...my shirt smells! Yes, the shirt I must wear all day because it's too late to change it now! The stain and smell is a mystery, I have no earthly idea what it is. I've applied a good dose of Palmolive from the break room to mask the scent...but it's not working too well.

Geesh!

Another day

Does anyone else type their blog post then add the title when you're done? I'm never quite sure what to title my thoughts until I'm done with them :P

Work is stressful. Anyone want to join me on that? Why do we have to grow up and take on responsibility? I liked being a child with no cares in the world beside what color Popsicle I would eat that particular afternoon. Isn't Flav-O-Ice great?!

Double Jeopardy came on last night. I have always like this movie. It features Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones. The story is a slightly dark one, but I enjoy it. Because I watched the movie, I missed one of my favorite shows Ghost Hunters. Nice thing about the internet...I can watch the episode in a couple of days once they upload it. :)

My office at work is bursting at the seams with pregnancy hormones! There are three ladies at work who are due within a month of each other. There were four but one already left to be a stay-at-home mommy. My boss had a child right before all of these women got pregnant! Hormones everywhere!!!!! Help!

Bon Jovi still rocks!

So begins the amazing night! Mandy and I went downtown last night to behold Daughtry and Bon Jovi in the same building. In my opinion, that means way too much 'hotness' in one place. :) Our outfits where thought through for a good week, because you have to look your best when meeting such royalty!





















Daughtry is amazing! I think he is one of the most talented singer to come out of American Idol. The man can sing! And he is quickly learning how to put on a concert. He has a good band with him. Chris did a fun vocal thing with a bull-horn, very creative.

















OK...Bon Jovi rocks! I've always like this band and still do. Their new stuff is just as good as the old stuff. And I loved that they sang just as many old songs as new. That made me very happy :)

Ricky is simply an amazing guitarist! Him and Jon have great stage presence and engage the audience so well. Jon also knows how to sweat through a jacket and three shirts!

Why do I love Nashville? You can go to a concert and see more than the band on the ticket. Last night, we saw not just Daughtry and Bon Jovi; Big and Rich and LeAnn Rimes stopped by to sing with Bon Jovi!

Basically, the night was awesome! I have no voice today and I think that is how it should be after a rock concert. Why leave a Bon Jovi concert with a voice and perfect hair? And yes, that is in reference to the lady who sat next to me at the show. I don't understand how you can be at the concert and stay in your seat! Oh well, her loss. Mandy and I took full advantage of standing and singing at the top of our lungs. :)

Finally caught up and ready for more

Last week during my favorite show The Office, a friend stopped by to visit. I gave up on watching the episode after a couple of minutes and said I would watch it online later. I finally watched it last night. Michael was back in form and Kevin cracks me up. "It's nice to win one." HA!

I'm ready for some more American Idol. Tonight the contestants tackle Andrew Lloyd Webber. I heart The Phantom of the Opera! But I advise the singers to not go there. No one does it like Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Michael Johns was probably the only guy who could handle those songs. The girls have no one worth of those songs.

Speaking of singers from American Idol, I get to see Chris Daughtry on Thursday night! OH! I'm so excited! AND...Bon Jovi...need I say more?

Recovery time

I write this while still in my pajamas, at 12:30PM! I love Saturdays like this one. I'll get up and run some errands soon but for now I will enjoy relaxing on the couch, surfing the web and watching my kitties sleep. Speaking of kitties...

Sugar is back home after her spaying and declaw. She has slept for most of the time she has been home, which is good. If she is asleep, Sugar isn't jumping up on furniture and down to the floor. The vet gives you a sheet of paper outlining precautions for your declawed and spayed kitty. "Minimize your pet's movement during the first days after surgery. Keep them on level ground." I laugh at these suggestions! How do you keep a cat from climbing and jumping?!

My friend Buddy invited a couple of people down to his house for dinner and a movie last night. We had yummy lasagna and watched Lars and the real girl. Interesting movie, good acting by Ryan Gosling. If you are up for a quirky and off-the-beaten-path kind of film, rent Lars and the real girl.

The wind has picked up outside. I'm watching the trees across the street sway back and forth. Must be a storm brewing up. Guess I better get moving on those errands: Pay overdue fine at library, check out a book from there, visit Goodwill to find a shirt to wear to the Bon Jovi and Daughtry concert on Thursday, and find a baby shower gift for a lady I used to work with.

Must be hormones

This morning is a sad one. Sugar, my youngest cat, is at the vet getting spayed and declawed. Why so sad? Well, first off, I miss her already. Sugar will be at the vet until tomorrow sometime. Secondly, while making the bed this morning, I started crying. Sugar always jumps up and attacks the covers as I'm trying to smooth them out. So, when I went to make the bed this morning...I cried.

I think hormones are playing into my sad state of mind. I don't cry too easily. This morning, I was a basket case! The tears started to flow right as I walked out of the vet's office. People must have wondered what was wrong as they passed me on the road. They probably thought some tragic thing had happened. If they only knew the tears were because I just dropped my kitty off at the vet!

Weird night

Many times last night, I woke up with strange things doing on. One time, no twice, just one was stronger, I woke up to a weird smell, like food cooking. I don't remember what it smelled like but it was very strong right at my bed. When I stepped away from my bed, I couldn't smell a thing. The scent was localized to my bed. It was weird.

Then I woke up one time feeling like I was not alone. I walked about the house, through the hall and into the kitchen, then the bathroom. Just a strange feeling. I don't know.

A couple of times I woke up just staring at the closet, expecting something to happen. I don't know what was going on last night. It was a restless night for me, and I was left with a strange feeling this morning.

I hope the restless night doesn't affect my day at work. I'm training a couple of people and that takes a lot out of me.

Puppy therapy

As my friend Mandy has said, "I believe playing with puppies can be a therapy!" I agree with her. Last night I was at a friends house watching the NCAA championship game. Brandon has two new puppies and they are adorable! Look at this picture and tell me those aren't adorable puppies!



Bonnie and Clyde licked my neck and face, making me giggle. It was like heaven!

Sunshine not rain finally!

Yesterday and today have been beautiful days! I tried to get dad to take a walk with me since it was warm and sunny. It didn't happen. My dad has been in the house for eleven days battling the flu. He is still weak. I hope he is better soon.

The trip home was a good one. I was able to spend time with mom and both brothers. The only time I spent with dad was when sitting on the bed next to him. It is a rare thing to spend time with both my brothers, so it was nice.

As much as I enjoyed seeing my family, I missed Nashville. This is my home now. I missed my friends, the church services, my kitties. I always miss my kitties. My mom doesn't understand how I stay in Nashville so much and not come for a visit. Well, it's because my home in here. I can't help it. I like my life here.

Have a happy, sun-filled day y'all!

Various things going on today

Right now I'm singing along with Bono to U2's With or Without You. Awesome song! It makes my day when a great song comes on the radio.

After work today, I'm heading to Kentucky to visit the family. My last trip up there was at Christmas, so I'm overdue a visit. My dad has been battling the flu this past week. I hope he is feeling better by now. He came home from work last Wednesday and hasn't returned yet. That's a long time out!

Now, I'm rocking it out with Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. Two songs in a row that rock! Great day! Michelle and I head banged to the last part. hehe

Random story: There we were sitting at Bible study last night, being all super spiritual, you know? A Lowe's delivery truck drives down the road in front of the house. The driver then proceeds to back up once he realizes he can get out that way or turn around. Shouldn't the dead end sign have tipped him off?! We make a comment on the annoying beep from the truck being in reverse. Not three seconds after that - BAM! We hear crunching noises. Yikes! Not good! The driver had backed up into one of the lady's car! We think it will be totaled. The hood was in a V shape right down the middle. Poor girl!

I'm pathetic!

My coworker, Michelle, got flowers today for her wedding anniversary. They are beautiful wildflowers and daisies. I'm jealous! So, to be the pathetic, single and lonely woman I am...the flowers are sitting on my desk to make me feel better :)

Now, back to the mundane accounting work set before me...

Another random post

One of these days I'll get back to writing meaningful, thought-provoking posts. For now though...

???

Huh?!

Unpatriotic

Call me unpatriotic if you must, but I did not care for Kristy Lee Cook's rendition of Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA on American Idol last night. She can't sing, she rarely hits the correct note - her voice is usually just under it.

The problem with saying I didn't care for her song last night is people take it as I'm dogging the song. I LOVE that song! Lee Greenwood wrote an amazing lyric with that song. Kristy Lee Cook knew she had to pull this song out to rally the troops behind her. Her only fan base is redneck, country music-loving people. I'm a listener of country music, so I can say it.

She is a nice girl but I just don't like her as an American Idol winner.

On the other hand...David Cook rocked it out with Billie Jean. OH, yes, he sang that song. And he completely rocked it! Don't worry, it wasn't Micheal Jackson's version. I can't remember the arranger's name, but I loved it. David Cook is becoming the front runner for this season and I think he has a very good chance of winning it all.

Quote to ponder

This quote came from an email I read from a website email group. It made an impression on me and would like to share it with you. I don't know where this saying came from, the email writer did not give a source.

Beauty only attracts attention, but personality captures the heart.

Those few words carry a powerful punch when meditated upon. Think about the friends and loved ones in your life; isn't it the personality, the character, the inward man that attracts you year after year? Physically beauty is only skin deep and its affects are fleeting.