World of A.M.E.

Fire, Fire

2012-01-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

So it's a Monday afternoon about 4:30 and a co-worker Carol comes running up the stairs and says I should move because the dumpster is on FIRE. WHAT?!?

So I look out the window and sure enough the dumpster right beside our building is blazing. The fire department was called and were there within 10 minutes...The fire didn't damage our building, but it was definitely a weird way to end the work day. The lids had melted and were dripping like melted marshmallows...the paint was bubbling and coming off...
Enjoy!

Visiting the ATL

2012-01-24T13:57:00.000-05:00

So it's been a while since I've been able to get to Hot-lanta to see my sister. I was able to go last weekend. It was a lot of fun. I drove down on Thursday after a 1/2 day of work and then we went and got some Vietnamese food and I crashed; because at this point it was 10ish and I had just driven 8 hrs.

On Friday Tracie worked, but I ran some errands and got lost..(Note: if you have a choice to use your gps on your smart phone or your outdated gps...use the smart phone)...then her friend Jessica picked me up and we went to get some lunch..after a great lunch and visit...it was time for me to take a nap and Tracie to return to work. Later on Friday, Jessica, Tracie and I went to this great Indian food place and I had Chicken takki masala (sp?) and it was great...then we went to a pottery place and drank some wine while we painted.

After all that artistic effort it was time for some competition and onto the Arizona Pub (a pub on the same grounds as Tracie's condo) for some darts. I haven't really ever played darts to actually win...so it was interesting. It was a great night.

Saturday's plan was to go hike up Stone Mountain again..but God had other plans..it rained and ATL got about 4 inches of rain. So Tracie and I went to the High Museum in downtown ATL to see the exhibit for Picasso to Warhol..the pictures are from the museum.

The rest of Saturday was spent just hanging out at the condo and watching NCIS...one of our favorite shows. Thanks Tracie for a great weekend!
Love ya girl!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-21T07:55:00.000-05:00

The presents are wrapped, the menu planned and supplies purchased, the church service to attend selected, but most importantly I get to remember that because God sent his only son to Earth, to live, to die, and to love--I get to live in eternity with Him in heaven.

The bonus is the great time to spend with family and friends, spending quality time and making memories.

I hope every one has a beautiful and wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Birthday...already

2011-12-12T07:54:00.001-05:00

So tomorrow at 7:10 am my brother will officially be older than me...the sad thing that at just 7:22 am we will be the same age again. I hold onto those twelve minutes.

This is one of the first years in a long time we actually got to celebrate together...and IU gave us one heck of a present...a slight anxiety attack, but nothing that couldn't be managed.

Happy birthday Peter!

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Going Ons

2011-11-19T22:11:00.000-05:00

So since September the following stuff has happened or not happened.

Happenings....
1. Donnie and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary of marriage. He got some great goodies from Whole Foods and cooked a fabulous dinner with appetizers and desserts. I also was able to surprise him with some beautiful flowers (only the second time he's gotten flowers).
2. My brother, Peter, who has been living with us since July 4th weekend has found a great apartment in Jeffersonville and is starting a new life back up here. He was a great guest and it was kind of nice being around him. For the last 10 years I might see him once or twice every couple of years.
3. Donnie is learning the art of grilling with charcoal. He's a pretty fantastic griller on our gas grill and does a better steak than Outback Restuarant.
4. The Sherman Minton bridge closed and I've been allowed to work from home two days a week and that's been fantastic. Not only is it saving at least $90 a month in gas, my blood pressure is lower, and I don't feel like really hurting anybody when I get home from work. It's much better for the dogs and our marriage. :)
5. Honestly, I don't even remember October...I blinked and it's Thanksgiving next week.
6. I joined a bootcamp program and I am working on getting in better health and shape. I would like to lose some weight, but haven't lost any yet....but I've only been 5 times and haven't really watched too much of what I eat.

That's about it....I promise i'll be better.

Slacker

2011-11-19T21:57:00.000-05:00

Okay...I know I am, I can't believe I haven't had an entry in here since September. I do apologize..it's kind of tough for me to spend all day on a computer working and then play on a computer when I have time. So I'm going to try to catch up on what's not been happening.

My First J.O.B.

2011-09-14T07:47:00.000-04:00

We lived in Seymour Indiana when I got my first real paying summer job. One where I went to on a consistant basis and got a regular paycheck. It wasn't fun and I wouldn't want to do it again...but it taught me a lot. My first job was when I was about 14 or 15 and my brother and I would get up when it was still dark. We did corn detasseling. Yes...we rode in a tractor with buckets and pulled the tassels out of the rows of corn. Here's some pictures of some recent operations where they still hire teenagers to do this.

I guess this is only the kind of thing someone who lives in a rural area could do...but it was HARD work. I learned that I still didn't like bugs, even if i had gloves on. I learned that I don't ever want to work that hard again. I learned that there's some many hours a girl can hang out of metal basket.

Surprisingly I still love to eat corn, but I probably won't ever do that again. I'm sure my mom would say I complained the whole time....but I don't remember all those details. I've moved since then. :-)

BLOG OFF - First Jobs

2011-09-09T08:17:00.000-04:00

Okay...here's a topic everyone can respond to for a blog off.

What was your first job? Your first job where you got a W2? What did you enjoy the most about it? What did you enjoy the least about it? Would you do it again?

Let's see what we've all done.

My little bit of country...

2011-09-06T19:46:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I feel like I live in a zoo...having three dogs can be a lot of work; but also a lot of fun. Jack and Rocky are always entertaining. They have lots of energy when I get home from work and sometimes I "cheat" just let them run over our yard.

I thank God for our 1 1/2 acres of land...it's my little bit of country while still close to the city. It can be so peaceful. Our neighbor has a couple of very full apple trees and the local wildlife come quite frequently to partake and have breakfast and dinner. I've sent a fox the size of Jack, turkey, rabbits, and plenty of deer.

I went out on our deck yesterday and this is what I saw in the yard...it was quite pretty. If you click on the pictures...it shows the detail better.

toys

2011-08-26T15:53:00.001-04:00

Recently Donnie saw a jet ski for really cheap and wanted to buy it. Recently Amanda wanted to buy an eliptical.

However...we had a change of plans...I would like to say welcome to our new jet ski and eliptical.

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Baptism...Baby Dedication

2011-08-07T21:22:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I was able to go to my cousin's little baby's baptism in the Lutheran church. Karolyn asked me and her sister to be her sponsor and I was honored to be one of them. Here are some of the pictures from the day. The little one's name is Alice Lynn Thomas and is the little girl of Luke Thomas and my cousin, Karolyn Zumhingst. They are calling her Ali.

Grandma Zumhingst and me

Amanda, Karolyn with Ali, and Hannah Neely

Miss Ali slept most of the service

Good Things...

2011-07-13T16:57:00.000-04:00

A couple of year's ago I did a Bible Study called "No Other Gods". Here's some ideas that really stuck with me and I made reminders of...enjoy.

The point is that it doesn't matter if you have it all and get everything your heart desires, or if you're left wanting and unloved...Neither works.... God must be the ultimate thing.
Good thinks like husbands and children and social status were the ultimate things (Rachel and Leah -Genesis 30-31), and in the end they were not enough.

Sometimes I fight an overwhelming need to explain my decisions when really the best thing to do is simply rest quietly in my convictions with the Lord.

The desired end is to make room for the one and only God. When our hearts are overly attached or dependent on lessor things, we crowd God out of our lives.

Are we afraid to find out who God really is? Are we content with how things are and too afraid of what might happen if we play?

...we don't have the power in ourselves to dismantle the idols of our hearts...God deals with our idols when he deals with our hearts.

Great study...I would recommend it to anyone.

The old man dog

2011-06-27T22:21:00.001-04:00

On Saturday we had to take Rocky to the vet as he decided to partially rip odd a nail at 45 degrees....so as Donnie took Rocky....Jack and I waited in the car. I love this pic because he looks like some old man with a smirk on his face. Too funny.

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The Journey...where am I going...

2011-06-27T19:14:00.000-04:00

I don't know...that would be the answer to that question of "Where am I going". Another day is just another dollar spent and earned. Another day to get up, take of things, go to work, come home, take care of things, and go to bed. I like my job most days...I enjoy the worship services at my church, I get to see my friends often, and I do enjoy where I live.

I just want more....I don't know what that is....but in time I'll learn; with God's help and guidance I will go where I need to be and be used the way I need to be used. Amanda's living in limbo land....waiting for the "next big thing". In my heart of hearts I want to have children...but with every friend's pregnancy announced (1st, 2nd, or 3rd births)...my hope and dream sinks further and further.

I start to wonder is motherhood what God wants of me....and I'm scared to have the answer be "no". Letting go and let God they say...it's a heck of a lot easier to say than do....I just want more...praying for wisdom and guidance and the courage to do whatever "more" is.

We'll see where we go...

Vacation 2011 - Rest

2011-06-02T21:34:00.000-04:00

Here's some pictures of Donnie and my trip on a 5-day cruise and 2 days at Treasure Island, FL. Enjoy. The trip was great minus me getting a head cold...and we both got some greatly needed rest and relaxation. Reality came too soon though...back to work and daily stresses and joys.

Pulling away from Tampa Port Authority

Giant Jenga...Donnie wanted to keep this game

Duh?

Our Towel Animals - one for each night on cruise

View of ship from Grand Cayman

Dolphin Cove - where we swam with dolphins

Other view of Dolphin Cove

Swimming with Sting Rays - So Cool. No there stingers weren't removed.

Video of sting ray swim.

Cozumel, Mexico

At Wharf Restuarant in St. Pete

Rainbow at Treasure Island

View from Plane leaving Tampa....Bye Bye back to work...

Vacation 2011

2011-05-19T08:14:00.000-04:00

Here we go...Donnie and I will be vacationing in just 24 hours. First up a 5-day cruise to Grand Cayman and Cozumel followed up with a couple days visiting his half-sister and her husband in St. Petesburg, FL.

Bring on the SUN!

Merry Christmas Donnie

2011-05-06T08:28:00.000-04:00

Okay I know it's not Christmas, but to Donnie and his family--Derby Time is Christmas. They all get together to watch the beautiful horses race, eat a lot of food, and just celebrate being alive. My husband loves this time of year...the weather is better than in December, there's no stress about presents, and you don't have to go to multiple houses to see everyone.

This year is extra special because his only living grandparent, Nana or Marie LaVerne Cunningham, is turning 90 tomorrow. Congrats Nana!

Happy Derby Honey!

My past memory

2011-04-28T17:01:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time when I was younger...let's say in college I went on a mission trip to Oklahoma to help after an F5 tornado and help at a Vacation Bible School. Those who know me...know that I've never really been around children. I wasn't the girl who did babysitting to earn extra money...I just got a job. So during this 2 week experience I was really out of my comfort zone. I'm more comfortable around power tools and Home Depot than I would be teaching kids or at Babies R Us.

During this same time my best friend Melanie Jones was leaving for a semester abroad in Australia. I didn't get to hug her goodbye and really was missing her...I was upset that I didn't get to say "see ya soon". The scene starts with me being very sad and lonely....I'm walking down the hallway of the church were we are helping with VBS..for some reason there wasn't anyone else in the hallway at this time...I'm walking down the hall when all of a sudden a young girl comes racing down the hallway and throws herself in my arms (Glad I actually caught her) and she gave me the biggest hug jumped down and continued running down the hall.

Okay I'm crying again just thinking about the moment. I don't remember the little girl's name, but I know that God gave me a hug that afternoon. :-)

Progress...

2011-04-22T08:09:00.000-04:00

First I apologize for not blogging until now...it's been a little crazy. Just wanted to post some pics of what kind of yard work clearing we have been doing. The plan is to plant new items in the fall.

Picture of size of evergreen bushes..there were 9 all together.

Result after taking the tops and most of the branches off.

That's all I could get one night after work...

The next night after work...

Our pile of debris that we've been gathering for about 2 months

We cut down the crabapple tree that was growing over the outbuilding

Debris is gone....Praise the LORD.

Simple Things

2011-03-23T18:27:00.000-04:00

Lately....I've been very selfish. It's so difficult to balance work, family and friend parts of life. I don't often take time anymore to just be still there's always a mouth to feed, some chore that needs done, or I'm just too plain exhausted to do anything...and I crawl into bed for some rest.

Yesterday I was sitting at the Target parking lot on Taylorsville Rd...waiting out my lunch break sitting in my car...and I was watching two squirrels digging in the dirt and brush. I think it's kind of funny this time of year the number of holes you find around the yard, beside the sidewalk, from these little creatures trying to remember "Where did I put my nuts?" They would go from spot to spot in search of this treasure of food. Well, you knew it had to happen at some point...one of the squirrels found a nut that was buried....When he found it, he had this expression I can only imagine a human would have after winning the lottery. As soon as he found the nut he took off in the opposite direction of the other squirrel still searching. He looked back to make sure he wasn't being followed and began his feast.

I say all of this to say, I feel like a squirrel.

I can go digging around in search of something that would satisfy my hunger ... when I already have the one True thing that does satisfy...I just kind of forget sometimes...kinda like forgetting where I buried my nuts.

Thank you Jesus for having a good and perfect plan for my life, you give us a guidebook for life. May I continue to seek and find more of the treasures in that guidebook.

A very large project...

2011-03-13T20:21:00.000-04:00

When we moved into our house there was this large forsythia..that was a size of our old house...over the past few months Donnie and I have been attacking this thing. The remaining of the branches we havent burned are pictured below. We came to the realistic conclusion this weekend that we need professional help.

So we called a local tree, brush removal...and he's coming this week!!!!! Yea almost no looking at a brush pile the size of our shed.

Easter Bunny

2011-03-03T10:17:00.002-05:00

So my coworker thinks we should dress Rocky up as an Easter Bunny... What do you think?

Bonding time

2011-02-25T15:55:00.001-05:00

We are affectionate dog owners. When Donnie got Jack 3 years ago, Donnie would lay down on the couch and Jack would jump up and lay down with his head on his chest. Well last night they were doing that and rocky felt left out. Too cute.

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It's been 15 years

2011-02-14T08:36:00.000-05:00

Those of my friends who've known me for a long time know I have allergies and take lots of medicine just to survive them. A solution for them would be to move -- that's not really an option right now...so in an effort to see if I can get off some of my two nose sprays and allergy pill (3 prescriptions)...I'm having my allergies tested again. I did allergy shots for probably 8 years..but didn't see an improvement...still had to be on the 3 prescriptions

It's been 15 years since I was tested by an ENT doctor in New Albany....and as our bodies change and our tastes change....my allergist suggested getting tested again and trying to do shots again. So I've been on antihistimines and decongestants for that last 15 years....until this past Friday, February 11th. In order to complete the allergy testing I have to be off all antihistimes for 7 days. This kind of makes me freak out...

I warned the ladies I work with I might sound like a man or sound sick...but I am not...just without my allergy medicine. I will have the tests performed this coming Friday afternoon and then I can get back on the medicine. YEA! The hope is that the allergy shots with a more correct mixture would ultimately replace the three presecriptions and maybe help me not have a sinus infection every month. :-)

So I apologize for those you might not understand what I say...but I promise it's temporary.

what day is it again....

2011-02-09T09:05:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have those days when you wake up and you know it is a certain day? You anxiously await 5 p.m. on Friday....well today I woke up and with everything that's been going at a work, etc....I woke up this morning at 6 a.m. like normal...thanking God it was Friday and I had another weekend to enjoy.

Alas, you all know that today unfortunately is NOT Friday; only Wednesday. I mean I even got all the way to work and was thinking about who wasn't going to be here at work and what I would do for lunch as it was Friday and wondering if Donnie actually made some plans/reservations for Valentines Day.

Since IT IS Wednesday and I have two very full days at work....I will do my best to be productive and enjoy it. On a side note, I have been able to go to the gym twice already this week. I did a 45 minute spinning class on Monday and on Tuesday I did a 60 min. class called Ultimate Interval (combo class of cardio and weights with abs).

I'm trying to work out at least 3 to 4 days a week; coordinated with Donnie's meeting schedule. It's been good to work out....it helps me so much relieving stress and helps me decompress from work. Some people like to watch TV ... I like projects and working out.

Still need to download some pictures to my zipdrive so I can upload to the blog on some stories that's happened...but that will have to come later.

Cars - Help?

2011-02-02T08:44:00.000-05:00

I need the name and number of a good and fair auto mechanic....
My car needs the EGR valve replace and it's leaking antifreeze in large amounts from somewhere.
Donnie's car (Convertible) - there's no heat and it's leaking antifreeze...probably needs a new thermostat.

Argh.

What's going on...

2011-01-31T08:53:00.000-05:00

Oh I miss the internet at home and being able to blog more. But here's what's been going on.

* One night last week, which was a little crazy, Donnie and I went and grabbed some Qdoba and went to Coffee Crossing and played backgammon (I won 2 out of 3). :-)
* I'm working out at the gym 3 days a week
* We cleaned and organzied the basement
* Finished cutting down the remainder of the 30 ft long forsythia bush on the back of our parking pad.
* Donnie's been really busy with work and has had lots of appointments - which is a good thing -- hopefully some of these appointments will turn into cash flow.
* I scheduled my 5-day required PTO days and I think we are going to try to take a cruise...which I've never been on. Guess I need to renew my passport and Donnie needs to get one.
* Jensen Liam Neely was baptised yesterday - Congrats Hannah and Jason; praying he grows up in the LORD.
* Got to see my dear friend Emily - had a great time catching up and shopping.

Will post pictures later of some of these things...don't have them on my work computer.

A typical day at SIG

2011-01-17T15:21:00.000-05:00

Most of my friends know that I work in insurance, but I don't think they know what that might entail. Just thought I'd give some insight in what a day might look like. Just because today's been "really fun" we'll use today as an example...

8:30 am
1. Day started with an hour meeting of how we can improve our points of contact with our clients.
2. Submitted lawsuit received on a workers compensation claim. Injured worker disagreed with payout and has hired an attorney to represent him and get what he deserves.
3. Issued a couple of proofs of insurance certificates as requested by clients
4. Lunch time...yea!
5. Got back from lunch and a client needed to turn in a fire claim...a subcontractor was working on behalf of our insured and the furnance ignited something and ta-da...a house fire and lots of smoke. Needed to have adjuster call our insured today, but since it's MLK...the carrier is close...oh well it'll have to wait to tomorrow. Claim will probably be over $100,000.
6. Got a request to see what the savings would be if a convenient store we insure removes their gas pumps...would it save them a lot of money. They typically don't make money on the gas sales. Will need to research and let them know in a couple days.
7. Reviewed a couple of insurance renewal policies for correct coverages and mailed those policies to the insureds.
8. Quoted another account in two different companies to see if we can save them any money. Doesn't look like it so far.
9. Quoting was interuppted by girlfriend of a claimant because her and her boyfriend got into a fight and drove off in the rental car....while her car in the shop getting repaired.

So it's just about 3:20 and I'm ready to go home. Just a glimpse in my work day...

The internet...a crutch

2011-01-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

So as we all have things that occupy and take our time, when our time would be better spent doing something else, spending time with Jesus, our familes, or friends, etc. Donnie and I had a discussion (his idea) this weekend about getting rid of the internet at the house. It's kind of the same reason we don't have cable. I support the decision as it's kind a little bit of contention in our lives how much time he actually spends on the computer...reading the news, looking up information, researching, etc. Every morning is typically get a Diet Coke and "read" the paper online.

As there are so many other things he would like to do -- finish his screenplay, read all these books he has, etc...the internet for him was an excuse and easier than doing those other things above. So I'm VERY proud to say (going through slight withdrawal) that we no longer have the interet at home. This means a couple things.

1. I'll get to spend more quality time with my hubby
2. I won't be able to get on facebook unless I go somewhere on my lunch break with his laptop computer
3. The blog will probably not be updated as frequently.

All in all its a good thing. One of my favorite characteristics of my husband I love is his ambition and when he sets his mind to something it will be accomplished. So for those friends who communicate via FB or via email it will be a little more difficult to reach me. I don't have the internet on my phone, but can receive text messages and phone calls.

Way to Go Donnie!

Babies...take 2

2011-01-07T12:55:00.000-05:00

Okay so there's been some excitement in my extended family this year. My cousin Chad and his wife just had their first baby December 8th (Brady Jacob). My cousin Hannah just had her baby boy on December 28th. My cousin Karolyn is pregnant and due in June AND my cousin Andrea is pregnant in July with her second.

Okay...I'm going to start drinking that water....here's a picture of Hannah's son Jensen Liam Neely. He was born at 36 weeks and was 4 lbs 8 oz. So tiny but was able to go home in just a couple of days.

God is truly blessing our family! I'm believing I'll be pregnant sometime this year...maybe before I'm 34.

so tiny and precious

Bedroom Update

2010-12-22T10:41:00.000-05:00

The master bedroom repaint is complete....Here are the after photos...it's been a lot of work, but we wanted to create a retreat...kind of like staying a comfy hotel on a distant tropical island.

Entry into Bedroom

Looking Left after entering room -
Melanie...those were the lamps I painted

View from sitting room

Looking into sitting room in our bedroom

Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-22T10:36:00.000-05:00

The tree has come full circle. When mom and all of us lived in New Albany mom had a gorgeous artificial Christmas tree. I've coveted this tree. Mom wasn't the most excited about putting up the tree and decorating it...so it was kind of my thing. I loved putting up this tree because once it was together it looked like a real tree.

So after a 10 year hiatus (the tree's been in storage at mom's for the last 10 years) the tree has been assembled again. Below is a picture of the tree and then a pic of Jack and Rocky in front of the tree. We tried to get Katy to stay in the picture...but she will only sit when she wants to....Thanks Mom for giving me the tree. The other really cool thing is the ornaments on the tree are from my Grandma Z, Mom, Donnie's Mom, and some Donnie and I bought together. It's truly a family tree!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Laziness

2010-12-17T12:40:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was blessed with an ICE day from my work. So I worked all day around the house. Donnie and I took a break at the end of the evening to watch some TV. Typically our watching TV consists of Katy sitting on or around my lap. Jack and Rocky are sprawled out on the floor by our feet. We'll last night Donnie got up from our sitting room in our bedroom to get a drink and he turned the corner and saw this...

Our dogs are not stupid...they crashed out on our queen size bed....tooooo cute

Up, Up, and Away

2010-12-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

About two weeks ago before this Arctic air come upon us Donnie and I got a special invite to go up in a friend's friend's (Thanks Kevin) hot air balloon. We took off in New Albany and landing a field close to Huber's. It was really cool and I learned a couple of things.

1. You can't steer a hot air balloon...for some reason I always thought that the heat and the components in the basket allowed you to steer. You are at the wind's mercy.
2. Depending on the temperature of the propane in the canisters depend on just how much weight can be in the basket and properly fly.

We had a great time and saw some unusual things...a herd of donkeys, cows roaming a junk yard, and a couple of scared deer as we approached. We also saw a truck and I'm sure that hunter was not happy to see us. Every time the pilot fires the heaters...there's a loud sound and it would scatter any deer on the ground.

Enjoy the pics. Thank you so much Brad and Melissa for the invite.

The shadow is our balloon

Working on filling it up with air

View of Downtown Louisville

The other balloon that took off with us.

They're coming

2010-12-07T07:55:00.000-05:00

Okay so I have a post to do on our new bedroom, the new couch and how the living room looks now, Thanksgiving and the Christmas decorations...and oh probably a birthday post about a week from yesterday. :-)

I promise they are coming with pictures.

Katy - hair trama

2010-11-19T12:19:00.000-05:00

Katy recently got her hair cut...her hair get so long and shaggy and she does NOT like to be brushed...so as she's a Lhasa Apso...she get a puppy cute every couple of months.

Here's the before and after.

A truce

2010-11-17T12:50:00.000-05:00

So Katy and Rocky haven't always gotten along very well... Partly because as Rocky has grown and gotten bigger he would step on her when he backs up (no side mirrors) or she's kinda quick and she'll get under his feet. Typically, if Rocky is laying beside me...Katy will be coming up to make him move very shortly.

Well, Monday night I was watching DWTS and Rocky stepped up on the couch and laid down on the throw pillow....oh so cute. But to make this even cutier...Katy then jumped up (once she realized what was happening) and laid right between him and me.

Typically, she'll kind of growl at him until him moves...well I guess she was just too tired to try. Here's a pic of the event. Too adorable.

Living Room is done!

2010-11-09T19:25:00.000-05:00

Here are the before pictures....

Notice the Mirrored Ceiling fan....so weird...

Here's the after...pretty much how Donnie and I have spent the last 2 weekends. The room is almost done and feels so great just to be in. The blue tape is for a future large screen TV...

Life and other crazy things

2010-11-02T08:50:00.000-04:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about life and some of the "opportunities" we are given. At my work one of the core values is "There's only Opportunity," unfortunately now when I here the work opportunity....my eye starts to twitch and the sarcasm is released.

But honestly...opportunities can be a great thing. An opportunity to love a friend with they are lonely by giving a hug or sending an encouraging letter (yes, via the USPS). An opportunity to learn a hard lesson that God's been trying to teach you...like patience when driving or realizing that He loves everyone of us...no matter if someone has hurt you or looks or smells different than you.

My family has had some opportunities lately and through those opportunities it makes me reflect deeper and trust God more in his perfect plan for my life.

1. Nana (Donne's grandma) having the fall and just now being able to go back home.
2. My sister having a job she hates, but in the process of interviewing at 2 other places to lose the current jobs she had. Now trying to pay 2 mortgages with a serving job. Please pray for her!
3. My brother still not having a job and is trying to pick up odd jobs to help just pay for gasoline in his truck to get to those odd jobs.
4. My mom who had foot surgery about 3 months ago and is still not back at work because she's not be medically released. She has had a paycheck since the surgery and is not eligible for short-term disability as she was part-time.
5. My husband making calls and appointments cancelling. The company delaying approving the underwriting on a life application for 2.5 months.
6....There's more but why depress anyone.

I do thank my Jesus for giving me the strength to love, to face opportunities, and for teaching me that He is all I need. Period.

Rocky's Graduation

2010-10-19T09:49:00.000-04:00

On October 2nd, Rocky graduated from the beginning training class at Pet Smart. He did great, but we all know that the training classes are really for the dog parents...we are the ones that take so long to get it right. :) It was so cute and they even took a picture of him in a graduation cap. Check it out.

He's 11 months old now and probably about 95 lbs.

Funerals & Friends

2010-10-18T08:50:00.000-04:00

This fall has been beautiful, but honestly I haven't had time to truly enjoy it. With the constant work trying to get the house ready for winter, getting the furnance replaced and cutting down trees and bushes....there just doesn't seem to be time.

But on a good note there's been time to see a couple of dear friends I hadn't seen in a while. This weekend I had to go the funeral home 2 times for 2 different reasons. The first was for my father-in-law's side of the family on Friday right after work.

The second was much more heartbreaking for me. My former roommate before getting married, Susan's father passed away this past week and the visitation was on Sunday. Her dad was 62 and had been diagnosed with Aphasia (www.aphasia.org). I can't imagine losing my dad at only 62. My dear friend I will pray for you and your family. If you need anything, please let me know.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/louisville/obituary.aspx?n=william-g-schumann&pid=145998981&fhid=5903

Chicago 2010

2010-09-28T19:49:00.000-04:00

Here's some pictures of my anniversary trip with my husband to Chicago...

View if you went straight up from Shedd Aquarium to 103 Stories...the height of Willis (Sears) Tower.

Here's some other pics...(there also some on Facebook)

View from Hotel

Sue was kind of scary

Lions of Tsavo--man eaters

(movie Ghost in the Darkness was based on)

Donnie & I at the bean

103 Stories on the Sears Tower

Great Burger Place

It was such a blast...I have a whole lot more pictures...but I won't have enough memory on the blog... :)

Happy 2nd Anniversary

2010-09-28T07:06:00.001-04:00

Happy Anniversary to Donnie and I!

Can you believe it Donnie and I have been married two whole years. It's amazing how time flies. Originally didn't have a lot planned for our anniversary because it's been kind of crazy around here. We were going to use our Cheesecake Factory gift cards we got for Christmas last year and maybe see a movie...We'll needless to say we did a little more than that.

Donnie calls me at lunch on Thursday and says Southwest Airlines was having a huge discount on one-way fares to Chicago. As I've never been to Chicago....we left on Saturday after dropping our three dogs off around the county and flew for a three days away for the Ville.

It was a much needed break as we've both been stressed to the max. I loved Chicago except for going from 95 degrees on Thursday in Louisville to 55 degrees for most of the weekend in Chicago, IL. I had to buy a coat.

I'll post pictures in a little while...need to head to work to see what fun and exciting things have happened while I was away yesterday.

Love you my knight in sweaty cotton; spider-killing; hard-working; motivated Husband. You are the best for me and I look forward to so many more years of hard work and playing.

Lately...

2010-09-20T19:49:00.000-04:00

So...someone out there might want to know what's been going on over in the World of AME? Well were do I start...

1. Over labor day weekend, I drove down to SC to help my mom out after her surgery and to bring my Grandma back to Seymour. We had some fun shopping at the Yellow Mall in Gaffney. I got my work out pushing both in wheelchairs. :-) It was kind of funny...I'd push my Grandma to a point and then run back to push my mom. But I was bound and determined to do some shopping. It's been a long time.

2. Emergency Room visits - On the morning we were supposed to go back from SC, Grandma woke up with some major pains in her neck...she wanted to go to the ER...so we went...Thankfully nothing was wrong and she was just having some major neck spasms. She was cleared to travel and we started trecking North. That was Monday....

3. The next Sunday, I'm serving at church and we get a call that Nana (Donnie's Grandma) had fallen and was on her way to the emergency room. She's 89 and any fall can be very scary....so off we went to the hospital about 9 am. About 3:30 pm she was cleared to go home...Praise God no broken bones; but she's still not feeling quite right....they did an MRI...I'm still waiting to hear what the results are.

It's been a little emotionally draining lately. But Praise God he is in control and has a plan!

Bathroom Redo

2010-08-24T09:33:00.000-04:00

This past weekend my mother in law and I wallpapered our bathroom upstairs. It was a long 8 hours, but well worth it.

Before.

After

YEA...one more room that has some color.

Football has started

2010-08-17T15:40:00.000-04:00

First all all, let me start by saying that for about a month Donnie has been craving to watch some football. We've even watch an old game on the internet. We'll our dear and giving friend Bucky allowed Donnie and I to use his preseason tickets so that Donnie could see his SanFransico 49ers and I could see my Colts. It's not very often that he'd actually get to see his favorite NFL team. Thank you so much Bucky! The seats were great.

It was my first time in the new stadium and it was pretty cool and VERY BIG.

View from seats...Pretty Good!

We had a great time and it's always nice to watch some football...the only really odd thing was that we wore shorts and I don't think I've ever watched a football game in shorts. :-)

Rocky & Jack -- Growth

2010-08-10T11:39:00.002-04:00

So this weekend we went and visited our old neighbors Lynn and Sharon with Jack and Rocky. Now I know that they really didn't want to see us they wanted to see Jack. These neighbors were right behind our house and Jack would sit for hours at the very edge of our property under the tree....just waiting....for them to come out and give him a treat.

He started getting kind of bossy about it as he got older. He'd start barking towards their house if they didn't come out, and Jack doesn't bark unless he's defending his turf or a stranger is approaching. Because we were close to Feeders Supply went ventured in and weighed the two dogs. Rocky is 8.5 months and we were thinking he's about 70 to 75 lbs; Jack we had no clue on. Well we were WRONG. Rocky weighs a hefty 87 lbs at 8.5 months and Jack is 57 lbs. I was definitely surprised. Attached is a picture of our trip on the way to get weighed. :-)

The Bridge

2010-07-26T12:15:00.000-04:00

For those living in the Louisville Metro Area or Southern Indiana you know that we currently have three bridges that tie the areas together. My husband and I both work about 40 minutes from where we live. I would like to express my strong opinion that the East End Bridge should be built. Period. I will pay tolls because in the long run we'd probably save at least $150 a month on gas, plus wear and tear on our cars, and less use of our time. When the new bridge is built our commutes would cut in half. I know a lot of my readers live in Southern Indiana and don't have a lot of occasion to cross to the other side...but hear me out.

I know that the news has shown people protesting the tolls. However, those people may or may not have to cross the bridge every day at least 2 times a day 5 days a week. I also kind of feel that since Louisville is trying to be bigger city than it already is and every BIG city has a bypass...why not build the east end bridge and then connect the other side of I-265 (in Indiana) and the I-265 (Gene Synder in KY) and create a bypass that all truckers, etc would need to use AND not reconfigure spaghetti junction. I truly feel that if there was a bypass there'd be less wrecks on the bridges, less individuals would have to route through downtown before heading the direction they actually need to go, and help motivate growth habitationally and commercially around the surrounding areas.

OK...that's my point of view. BUILD THE BRIDGE. I'll PAY MY TOLLS.

Babies, Babies, Babies

2010-07-14T10:31:00.001-04:00

No, I'm not pregnant,

but I'm really excited about some upcoming new arrivals. Yesterday I went to the horrible store to those who are not mothers called "Babies R Us"....okay so I know that you are all about babies....but I know very little about babies and going to that place and finding a gift on a dear friend's registry is truly an act of love. :-). I stroll aimlessly looking at the list, the product (which I think is what they wanted), and what aisle am I on again. Anyways...I went to Babies R Us yesterday as two of my friends are expecting to receive their gifts from God in the next couple of weeks.

One, Katherine, is expecting identical twin boys and the other, Donna, is expecting to pick up her adopted little girl from Ethiopia (Zoey Hiwot Brown) in about a month. Donna and her husband Justin arel also be adopting a set of brothers (ages 3 & 4) from Ethiopia, but are awaiting approval from the court (please pray for them as they've been in this process for these two precious boys for over 2 yrs.)

I pray that the arrivals of each of these little ones is filled with joy and restful, peaceful nights. God bless you two!

Spiritual Hunger

2010-07-12T15:54:00.000-04:00

Let me just say I miss having a Sunday School class and at the Indiana Campus of Southeast they have Community Groups, but no Sunday School in the tranditional sense. I've been craving learning and have finally had the opportunity to join and study the Discipleship Curriculum for Women. Here's some of the details.

A 21-month program of Bible study, Bible reading, and Bible memorization (although you're only asked to commit to the first 10-week semester - DC 101). A guided self-study through material designed to enhance a woman’s walk with Christ and empower one to be a more effective leader within the kingdom of God.
A systematic walk through a set of topics, skills, and experiences that will encourage a woman to become a more effective disciple of Christ. A program rather than simply a set of good lessons or a good Bible course.

TOPICS IN DC 101 (THE FOUNDATION)
• Character Traits of a Godly Woman
• God the Father
• God the Son
• God the Holy Spirit
• Intro to Scripture
• Overview of Scripture
• Law and History
• Prophets and Poetry
• New Testament

I'm excited and I know it will be a lot of hard work...but my spirit needs this.

Father's Day - bittersweet

2010-06-21T21:43:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was June 20th -- Fathers day for every man who impacts the life of a child and get the privilege to instill spiritual and life lessons to their children. A day to celebrate the men in your lives. For our family however, it is a rather sensitive "holiday". I love my dad and our relationship has grown dramatically over the past 10 years....it has grown from kind a strangers to a friend I know I can count on if I need something fixed or just need some help. My dad is not a man of a lot of emotions or words and it took me a long time to realize that he says "I Love You" by installing a new water heater or picking me up from work when my car's in the shop. As our relationship has gotten better I've wanted to make a bigger deal of Father's Day than in the past. HOWEVER...

Yesterday was the anniversary of Donnie's father's death. As much as I want to celebrate my Dad and just show him my appreciation; there's a twinge of "should I when my husband's dad is no longer alive?". In fact Donnie hates fathers day...probably due to missing his own dad. I can't imagine losing a parent, but I pray that one day my husband will be able to enjoy that day...maybe when he becomes a father.

I wish I could have met Donnie's father, as he's been gone for about 12 years and having never lost a parent...it is a difficult thing to empathize with my husband. God Bless You, Donald Edlin, and may you be celebrating in heaven with our Jesus!

Pasta, Pasta, Pasta

2010-06-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

Merry Christmas ... early

As my husband has been working almost every Friday for the past 3 months in Evansville at the Whirlpool Factory. About a month ago there was an "employee" sale on KitchenAid materials...so one day he came home with the following...

* Pasta Roller
* Pasta Cutter
* Fruit & Vegetable Food Strainer & Food Grinder
* RotoSlicer and Shredder
* Handheld submergable mixer

The pictures above are first attempt at making light wheat pasta. It was a lot of fun and I think Donnie looks cute in my apron. Thank you honey for the surprise!

3 tons ... Really?

2010-06-13T20:48:00.001-04:00

I'm a project kind of girl; and Donnie and I love doing projects around the house together. We aren't typically the type of people that just lay around on the weekend. We probably fit more activity into 2 days than some people do all week. That being said...some projects just are NOT fun.

As our house was vacant for over a year there was a lot of overgrowth and things that just need spruced up. We've been using a chain saw and have our parking pad 1/2 full of the debris of the trees we chopped up. We also have a rock garden right beside the deck. This rock garden has seen better days...there are bare spots, dead plants that needed to be removed, etc.

This weekend we went to Earth First to check out the prices of retaining wall rock and how much it would cost to 'freshen' the rock garden. It's about 300 sq ft of space. They said it would take about 3.5 tons of 1 1/4 river rock. WHAT! 3.5 tons really that's over 6,000 lbs of rock. It just so happened that the delivery guy was available..so the next three hours was spent with quality time on some rock.

The delivery driver followed us to the house with 3 tons of river rock and in one swift motion. DUMP.

Since there was a dump truck in our driveway we asked him if he'd take the brush covering our parking pad. So for a small extra fee, the driver and Donnie load up the dump truck.

After that physical task in some nasty weather on Saturday...Donnie and I spent the next two hours shoveling about 2 tons of rock and spreading it out. We still have one ton to go...but the body can only do so much in 90 degree weather and icky humidity.

Before Pics...

If you come to our open house on the 4th of July you'll get to see the finished product. It was probably one of the most physically demanding things I've done.

One of my passions

2010-06-01T16:49:00.000-04:00

So I have a passion and most of my dear friends already know what this passion is.... it is to organize. I took an extra day off from the long weekend to organize and oh how much fun it is. I got a label maker on Black Friday last year and today was one of the days I've used it plenty.

I've got a craft room in the basement and it's been full of boxes and plastic containers for the last two months...so today it was cleaning and labeling while trying to keep Jack and Rocky from playing in something they shouldn't.

Let's just say I've had a blast today and long for the days when I might be able to have a career organizing.

The house is becoming a home...

Painting Pics

2010-05-20T10:25:00.000-04:00

AFTER:

We painted the hallway from the garage to the kitchen, the kitchen and the downstairs bath.

BEFORE

Yes, we had pizza on Sunday...couldn't really cook anything else. :-)

Painting Central

2010-05-17T10:28:00.000-04:00

So in an effort to update our 1980 home to the 21st century and to add some warmth to the white-wall house...Donnie and I have spent the last 48 hours painting the bathroom, installing a new water heater (Thanks Dad!), painting the hallway and the kitchen, AND replaced all the cabinet hardware and 3 of the 4 light fixtures. I will post before and after pics so you can see the vast improvement. The 4th light fixture didn't make it because about 10:30 last night this girl was D.O.N.E. working. Installation requires drilling holes for some toggle bolts to help support the weight of the fixture, etc. Basically, I was too tired and went to bed so Donnie couldn't finish the last light fixture.

Tonight we'll finish the last coat of pain, remove the tape and finish the last fixture...hopefull all before Dancing with Stars. I will post pics this week.

Did you know that if you paint, sit, stand, and or squat for about 6 hours...almost every joint in your body hurts? Thank you Aleve!

Large, Medium and Small--my mornings

2010-05-06T10:11:00.001-04:00

Rocky at 5 1/2 months - about 60 lbs

Jack is almost 3 yrs - 50 lbs

Katy is 14 years old - 9 lbs

I know a lot of my friends have children but some days I truly feel like I have three kids. Each morning starts around 6 am with a quick shower and getting ready while Katy (9 lbs Lhasa Apso and 14 yrs old) lays on the bathroom floor...in the meantime Rocky and Jack have heard that I'm awake and are in their crates in the basement whining to get out and go potty. Once my hair is dry and Katy's been let outside, (I may or may not be dressed for work at this time) I go downstairs to let Jack (50lbs and 3 yrs old) and Rocky (60lbs and 6 mos.old) outside to do their business. While they are doing their business...I go back downstairs and feed Jack and Rocky...then bring some food up for Katy and lock her in the pantry so she can eat in peace and Rocky won't steal her food.

Okay...now it's time to let the boys in. The water has been refilled and refreshed and I'm opening the backdoor to let them in. They both hurriedly come running in and then Rocky remembers that he hasn't jumped up on me and given me a morning kiss yet this morning...I then tell them it's time for breakfast and we go downstairs...making sure Rocky and Jack are eating out of their respective bowls as Rocky is the one that needs the 2 cups of food in the morning...now the food is being inhaled...I quickly go upstairs and check to see if Katy is done eating closing the boys down in the basement with their food. If she's done eating, she's released from the pantry and she goes back upstairs to lay down.

Now, it's time for me to eat breakfast quickly and be out the door and on the road no later than 7:40 a.m. to get to work before 8:30 a.m. That's a glimpse at my mornings with my three dogs...Can't imagine what it will be like when Donnie and I have kids. :-)

Mini Marathon - Complete

2010-04-25T18:08:00.002-04:00

Well, I did it. I finished the 2010 KY Derby Festival half-marathon this Saturday. I walked/ran the 13.1 miles in 3:43:54 and got 31,518 steps on my pedometer. Needless to say I'm a little sore, but it was totally worth setting the goal and then accomplishing the goal. I think I would do it again, but I believe I would train to run it instead of walk/run.

There were a couple of odd things I observed or experienced during the race.

1. It amazed me how much a complete stranger clapping and cheering you on can affect your step and energy level. It made such a difference in pushing through when you felt like "Oh My God Help". - my take away -- don't be afraid to encourage a stranger in their lives. For example if you see a single mom with kids a store or restaurant; congratulate her on how well behaved her children are. If they are so.

2. Just because you are running a race doesn't mean you should just through your trash where ever--please try to find a trash bin.

3. I remember when I rounded the turn and saw the finish line I just teared up; and am doing so now just thinking about it. I saw that finish line and about half-way down to the finish I saw Donnie and I just decided I had to run the last couple hundred feet. It was so difficult, but I was overcome by the emotion of accomplishing something I've been training for 4 months. Wow, deep sigh. Still kind of in awe and amazement that God got me through it.

4. There was one part when you were running downtown, close to the U of L campus after Churchill Downs; where there was a senior living center that had rolled about 20 of their residents with their family members and staff to watch and cheer on the runners. There were little old ladies cheering with pom poms; saying things like "You can do it", "God Bless You", "Keep it up"....it brought a big smile to my face.

5. Then there were the kids that would stand in the middle of the street giving everyone a high five. They were so sweet.

6. On Southern Pkwy just after the park there was a large group of guys (probably college age) all where shirts saying "As long as you are running, we'll be drinking." It was kind of funny. They would give you a high five while drinking a bear. I have a feeling though they might of felt worse this morning than I did. :)

Well that's about it for the mini. Glad I did it and will do it again. Thanks for the support!

Mini Marathon

2010-04-21T08:49:00.000-04:00

I'm in the home stretch...over the past 3 months I've been training to walk/run the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles). I will be so glad when it's over as I will have time to do other things like clean my house and have dinner with friends and my husband.

I thought I would have lost some weight during all this...but my leg are toner and I have more muscles now. So right now I'm praying for good weather this coming Saturday morning....me and about 15,000 other people need it to not rain until about 3pm on Saturday.

I promise to blog more when this is over. All I know is I set a goal and I'm going to accomlish it. Period.

Spring is in bloom

2010-04-12T16:42:00.000-04:00

So as things have warmed up strange and sometimes beautiful things are popping up around our new house. Just a reminder it was vacant for almost a year...and before that the wife wasn't able to take care of it and her sick husband...so we have some chainsaws to use and some kill all spray....but one very pleasant surprise bloomed the other day.

We have two of these large lilac bushes as you come up the drive way. They are almost as tall as I am. Here's a picture of them. They smell wonderful. I wonder what else might pop up.

Did I mention I'm glad that it warmed up!!!! Praise God!

Strikers - Rant

2010-04-07T11:17:00.000-04:00

One of the things I love about our country is the freedom of speech and religious freedom. That being said as I drive home and to work every day now I drive by Jeff Boat. In case you didn't know Jeff Boat workers are on strike because of rising healthcare costs and decrease of coverage, etc. I would like to state that the average rate of increase for our insured's healthcare renewals are going up 66%; which we can try very diligently to get down to a 30% or so increase. (Side Bar---if you want to keep costs down...attack frivilous law suits) The plan that Jeff Boat is proposing applies to the entire company from the CEO to the maintenance man. Sounds fair to me. Yes I don't know all the details...but they have jobs.

I just want to yell out the window when I drive by and DON'T honk in support. "Be thankful you have a job, as half my family still doesn't have a job and would love to be making money right now." This rant is spurred on because as I was driving by the other morning I got a thumbs up signal from one of them and they were yelling "honk your horn". I just looked at them, shook my head and put my thumb down...and that was followed by a couple curse words and usage of the middle finger telling me I was #1. :-)

That's it for now...hoping they realize how lucky they are to be employed. Period.

You gotta laugh

2010-04-02T10:18:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, as we all know, there are times that we just need a laugh. Luckily for me at work there are a couple of people that can really make me laugh or bring a smile to my face. Funny enough they are our accounting team. They are so much fun.

Recently about 6 of my co-workers including the two from accounting (Robin & Mike) went to a user group conference in Nashville. I need to give a brief history of the point to my post today. Buckwheat is a stuffed hamster. Robin's brother's first taxidermy project over 35 years ago. Buckwheat has special place of honor and even a nametag at work. He has grown near and dear to our workplace.

That being said...Buckwheat stowed away for the users conference and randomly made his appearance at events and places in Nashville.. He pushed an All-State Car, Spun the wheel of prizes, posed with the Easter Bunny, went out dancing, and got to sing with the country band Brothers Troubles at the Wild Horse Salon.

If you'd like laugh...just check out this brief summary of the adventures of Buckwheat the Hamster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeEfiTnIMZQ

Enjoy. It had us rolling at work.

Opportunities

2010-03-25T09:20:00.000-04:00

Today could be a very good day for us as a family, but it comes at the decision of a company to close a plant. Let me explain...as my husband is a financial advisor he can help people with their 401K's, stocks, bonds, wealth management, and life insurance, etc. He loves being able to save people money and then have the chance to influence their family and what they can leave to their families. Not all of these things I understand...but he enjoys it so that is all that matters to me.

Yesterday him and his co-worker were invited to the Whirlpool Plant in Evansville to help counsel employees as they close the plant. It is very sad that they are closing the plant and I pray that those taking early retirement and those getting other jobs continue to find employment and satisfaction in what they do.

That being said my husband and his co-worker will have the opportunity to help 1200 people over the course of the year roll over their 401K's and transition their benefits. This is the type of opportunity where Donnie might have to hire people to help with the paper work, etc.

I am praying for wisdom and discernment for Donnie as he counsel's these workers as they transition to another part of their lives.

Things I love....

2010-03-18T13:50:00.000-04:00

So Happy Spring!!!!

Just wanted to write a couple things I love...

1. Driving a convertable during 70 degree weather
2. Mint - Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
3. Smell of Fresh Cut Grass
4. Seeing Jack run at full speed and loving every minute of it
5. Blue Cloudless Skies
6. Organizing a new home
7. March Madness
8. Joy in my heart because of all my blessings and what Jesus has done for me

I'll write more a little later. Been kind of busy with the house. :-)

Moving thoughts

2010-03-03T12:48:00.000-05:00

So last Friday Donnie and I closed on "our" first home together and ever since then almost every minute has been filled with packing, cleaning, working at our jobs, or sleeping as we'll be moving this Saturday. Oh and eating...I can't really miss a meal. :-)

I am filled with excitement and exhaustion at the same time. It's really also kind of odd with how many times I moved as I grew up and into my 20s I would think I would be a little more excited about moving for the last time in probably about 20 or so years. There are benefits to moving frequently....you get rid of clutter, only keep what you REALLY want or need....now I'm kind of wondering how fast it will take for us to fill up this new and much larger space.

I know the longer you live somewhere the more you accumulate...so we'll see what happens. As Donnie and I both don't like clutter; there will probably still be the annual cleaning out of the closet and donations to charity of items that someone else could use.

It'll be interesting to see what happens. Stay Tuned.

Welcome Home (Friday)

2010-02-23T12:07:00.000-05:00

We are closing on our new home in Jeffersonville this Friday!!!!! Yeah! Last night (2/22/2010) we received a contract on our current home and should close on that on or before 3/23/2010. So now starts the whirlwind of activity and excitement. Finally - here are some pictures of the new home.
1.4 acres; 2 story with oversized 2 car garage, 2200 sq ft without basement.

View from Corner of lot 1.4 acre

Basement (Pool table included)

Parking Pad beside separate shed; looking at house

My favorite thing... a laundry shoot to the basement.

Thank you God for provision and wisdom!

In honor of Mashburn

2010-02-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

As you know Donnie's mom, Darlene, got a new puppy and to give their dog Mashburn a rest from the puppy...we've been watching and taking care of him since 2/5/2010. Mashburn has had a rough life and has overcame a lot in his 12.5 years....but as Donnie and I returned from our Valentines Dinner on Friday night. We knew it was time. He had lost control of his bowels and on Saturday we had the VERY unpleasant task of having to send him to doggy heaven. It was a very sad day!

Mashburn remember you are loved and will be missed terribly. I have posted some pictures of Mash during his visit with us.

Happy Valentine's

2010-02-12T08:43:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day is a day of love and is a reminder to me of some of my expectations
...getting flowers at work each year (since I've been married)
...having a nice quality time dinner with my spouse
...and when I was single...wishing and longing for the romantic dream date you see on all those romantic comedies I love so much.

Expectations are always met but it is good to remember...Realistically, I'd advise keeping those dreams alive..but truly remembering the greatest love of all. Jesus Christ. He's the ultimate love and sacrifice all. He won't let you down. He brings you all the flowers you can imagine during Spring. Don't get too down on yourself of others if you don't get exactly what you want...we already have all we will ever need. Jesus.

Thank you Jesus for showing love and what it truly means. Living it absolutely in an effort to show us an example of how to live it out with those here on earth with us. Thank you for my husband and his loving spirit. Thank you for my dear friends and family that truly encourage me and accept me.

Weekend Away

2010-02-07T14:20:00.000-05:00

The last week of January, Donnie and I were blessed to stay at a friends cabin outside of Chattanooga, TN for a couple days. We took Jack with us, while a neighbor watched Katy and spoiled her rotten. We got 4 inches of perfect snowball snow and had a very lazy weekend. It was perfect and exactly what we needed. I am so blessed to have a husband that is productive and likes projects while at the same time knows when it is time to stop and lovingly helps me to stop doing projects. For those who know me it always seems that I can't sit still and just be...Well this weekend was exactly that. The cabin is available for rental and would be fantastic for families or even just a couple like us. It is also pet friendly.

You can check them out at: http://www.chattanoogaretreat.com/.

Saturday we went into town to see if anything was open and visit the Choo Choo...

On the way home Jack and I had a photo shoot. He wasn't really cooperative. :)

But it is sweet. He's such an affectionate dog.

Jack meets Rocky

2010-02-07T14:08:00.000-05:00

This weekend, Darlene brought over Rocky to meet his older "brother" Jack. They played very well together and at his first vet appointment at 2 months, he weighed 18 lbs. I would say by next month he should be as big as Jack is size-wise. Here are some pictures of the fun. He'll be three months next Friday.

I also think Jack will love playing with him in our new backyard.

We did have to separate the two in order for naps to happen. Both dogs had a blast...however, my Katy wasn't so happy about another large dog wanting to get all up in her face. :-) She'll get over it.

4 years

2010-02-02T14:19:00.000-05:00

So I just realized that this coming Sunday will mark Donnie and I's 4th year together. Our first "real" date was February 7, 2006 and I remember how crazy the day was...Donnie was working for Jackson Hewitt and as such had just enough time to pick me up and for us to drive to Lexington to watch UK and UT basketball game. He was in khakis and a polo and didn't have time to change before going into the game. Of course, I didn't mind as that meant the man standing beside me (I'm fully decked out in UT attire), didn't directly state his allegience.

We were able to get a couple seats at the very top of Rupp Arena. The game was good and the fact that UT won made it even better. Donnie's ipod had been on shuffle the whole time driving from Louisville to Lexington and as we were pulling into the stadium...guess what song starts playing....what for it...."Rocky Top". I just laughed and laughed.

It was a great date and I'm looking forward to many more dates with my love.

Update on New House

2010-01-28T12:58:00.000-05:00

So here's an update on the new home situation. We had the home inspection for the new home yesterday and there's a couple of minor issues that need to be resolved for safety. There are two things that we will need to have addressed and/or fixed soon. There are cracks in the basement and we need to determine that it is just from settling and have those cracks filled. We also knew that the furnance needs to be repaired or serviced...basically there's a couple of items that we need to address but nothing that says....DONT BUY ME!

I will post pictures soon, but don't want to do before we have an actual closing date. Let's just say one of the first things we'll be purchasing is a good riding mower/tractor. Lots o'grass to cut. :) I'm sure Donnie will have fun!

As for our current home, tonight we have second showing for the home with a lady and her agent. She and her mother saw the house on Sunday, but are coming back tonight for another looksey.

Praying for a good offer.

Introducing Casper...now called Rocky

2010-01-27T10:43:00.001-05:00

My mother-in-law Darlene has recently obtained from her brother Tom a pure-bred white German Shepherd. We were able to meet him on Saturday about 15 minutes after his trip up from Mobile, AL. He's got a sweet and laid back personality; but there is one thing for sure he's going to be HUGE.

Here are pictures of him at 2 months. He was born on 11/13/2009. At some point we might inherit him as our new home will have lots of room for him to exercise and run around.

This picture is hard to tell, but you get can an idea of his size already...

Amendment: After 4 days of having dog Darlene thinks the dog should be renamed "Rocky" a more masculine name. So now he's called Rocky and she's admitted that she's had no idea what she was getting herself into. :-)

The future is near

2010-01-22T09:43:00.000-05:00

So as you all know we are in the process of selling our house. We had decided to FSBO for a couple of months during November and December. We got an agent around the first week in January and hadn't had any interest...and I'm excited to say that since Wednesday, January 20 we have had 2 people look at our house and another one is scheduled for today at 2:30.

It's a hard balance of trusting God to provide and the patience for waiting for the plan to start happening. Maybe we won't even need our open house on 2/14/2010. :-)

Check out our listing at: http://www.schulerbauer.com/property-search/detail/4/201000165/1121-centralia-ct-clarksville-in-47129/

Looking back..oh how I stayed the same

2010-01-16T08:33:00.000-05:00

So while I was looking back at old pictures of myself to post on Facebook for retro-week; which they could just call..."now don't you feel old week". I thought I would post some of the ones I found. I kind of think I've looked the same mostly all my life.

Starting memory lane..

Amanda & Peter 1979

Ruthie & I

Peter and I with my dad, John

Elementary School Time

The family at Uncle Paul and Aunt Jana's old house. (1984)

Amanda, Karen (mom), Grandma Z, Tracie, Peter,and Grandpa Z

High School article picture from when I was in a pagent...

I know silly but my hair was gorgeous.

Freshman Year of college 1996

Milligan

As you can see plus or minus some pounds I really haven't changed, physically. We won't post or mention gray hair or laugh lines....

A Day at the park

2010-01-05T21:14:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago Donnie and I decided to go to Waterfront park to check out the new Abraham Lincoln statue. We took Jack and played on the playground equipment with him...he really didn't like going down the slides...but we had to try. :)

For those who don't know there's huge bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln. He's lounging just looking at the river as is rushes by....you might want to check it out when it gets warmer.

Goals

2010-01-05T20:29:00.000-05:00

Goals...in the business world and in your personal life people say it's good to set goals. The Bible says that without vision a man perishes....so in an effort to put actions behind my words....I am going to participate in the Kentucky Derby Festivals mini-marathon.

The plan is to train to walk the mini-marathon and possibly run parts of the 13.1 miles. So I completed my first day of training today...3 miles walking in 55 minutes.

For more information...you can check out the link.

CHRISTMAS

2009-12-22T17:04:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

This is one of my favorite times of year. I pray that you all enjoy spending time with your family and friends; truly celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

The world of Schwartz

2009-12-17T19:05:00.000-05:00

December 4, 2010

After a day of spending time with those I work with, our company had our "holiday" party at the Standard Country Club. The theme of the night was "The Love Boat" meets "Survivor". What does that mean? Well, it means there was show made of staff members and their spouses (if they were brave enough) while we journeyed on our cruise. Props go to my strong and brave husband as he and another husband performed "I've got you babe" by Sonny and Cher. Donnie was Sonny.

The night continues to the Survivor theme--I guess our boat crashed. Needless to say I got voted off the island quickly. But one of the games we played consisted of bidding with our money on mystery prizes. Currency consisted of toothpicks, a couple of beans and a match. My husband in his excitement bid for this lovely prize.

Needless to say everyone had a great time and thank you Schwartz for having a great Christmas party when some companies have forgotten the little things.

Assembly Hall

2009-12-14T11:22:00.002-05:00

This weekend was my birthday and as much as I don't like getting older...I still absolutely love my birthday. It is one of my favorite times of the year. This year to celebrate my mother-in-law bought me a ticket to see the UK vs IU basketball game at Assembly Hall. So myself and 3 UK fans drove up on Saturday to enjoy a new experience. I grew up watching IU basketball, still love Bobby Knight as a coach and his graduation rate, and think that the movie "Hoosiers" is so true of the state of Indiana.

Needless to say, despite the loss, I had a great time. Our seats where in the balcony, section DD row 11 and on the aisle in the middle. For holding over 15,000 people it still seemed a intimate setting to watch basketball due to the design. One thing I noticed I found very refreshing was the lack of advertising; as IU owns their basketball arena the only advertisements where on the circular marque on the speakers in the middle of the court. Everything else was all able IU Basketball..the tradition, the past and the future.

Our Seats

Uncle Wade, Darlene, and Donnie

UT vs UK

2009-11-28T21:53:00.000-05:00

This evening the University of Kentucky is playing the University of Tennessee in football. UK has not beat UT in 24 years. My husband was able to get a ticket and is there now...I am listening to the game on the radio and doing laundry. Even though I am a UT fan...I hope that UK wins as the losing streak is the longest in NCAA history currently and that's just embarrassing.

The rivalry between UK and UT has special meaning our relationship. Our first "real" date was a UT vs UK basketball game--UT won. Two years ago we went to the UK vs UT football game in Lexington--UT won after 4 overtimes... His family bleeds blue and has graciously accepted me into the family. I'm sure the

The outcome is still pending for this one, but in an act of love :). I would be "ok" is UK actually won.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T21:34:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving...a time to eat lots of food, reflecting on things you are thankful for, visiting with family, and watching football. Thanksgiving didn't use to mean a lot to me. It was just a three-day work week and if I had money to shop...then Black Friday shopping I would go. This year we did something a little different...Donnie and I joined my sister and her boyfriend at my grandma's house. Over the past 10 years or so my family just doesn't get together over Thanksgiving because we are so spread out over the country.

I am so thankful for my Grandma Z and I just know she enjoyed cooking for more than just 1 person. I know that cooking for one can get old quick. She's a strong woman and I have so many special memories at her house. I had a great time with my little family there. Then on the other hand...I have this other strange or surreal feeling.

This feeling isn't so great. As time continues; everyone gets older and their responsibilities or choices change; there is a feeling of loss. Sometimes I just want to go back to when I was a teenager just so that my family will spend time together and that those who are there want to be there. It's not an obligation, but a cheerful decision. My family means so much to me and it is hard to accept that we won't always be together for holidays...whether that's Thanksgiving or Christmas.

I need help accepting the future and finding peace in missing those I love. I had a great Thanksgiving, but have had this feeling of life just changing over the past couple of months.

I hope all had a GREAT Thanksgiving!!!

Our New Home

2009-11-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I am hardly on the computer once I get home; but feel those few that read my blog need an update. Over the past two weeks Donnie and I have found our future home, put an offer on it, the offer was accepted, fixed some things at our house, and put our house on the market. Whew...what a whirlwind.

We have a "slight" problem with our house and once that is fixed...the cutest little house in Clarksville will be well again. Pray that the opportunity is fixed quickly and is easier than expected. Please keep us in your prayers as we sell our house FSBO. I will post some pictures soon, but felt I had to update those who might have seen my Facebook postings of late.

Thank you.

My husband the ambassador

2009-11-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we took a trip to Makers Mark Distillery south of Bardstown, KY. About 6 years ago my husband had signed up for the Ambassador program with Makers Mark. The program is free and it puts your name on a barrel of bourbon; while it is maturing they send you gifts through the 5-7 years.

I personally can't stand bourbon, but the experience of touring a distillery where rotating the barrels, the dipping of the bottles, etc are done by hand was pretty cool. We got to taste White Dawg (alcohol before it matures) and then the final product of Makers Mark Bourbon. Let's just say that White Dawg taste like rubbing alcohol smells and they brought the proof down from 130 to 90 the same as the bourbon is.

I enjoyed this trip because it was a beautiful day to spend with my husband. He was like a little boy in a toy shop and I love seeing him light up as he's enjoying something.

The best part of the trip was each ambassador was able to purchase 2 bottles of bourbon from the barrel that had their name on it. They were given labels with their name on them and personally labelled and dipped their bottles. It was really cool.

Here are some pictures from that day. I love you honey.

Praises

2009-10-23T13:02:00.000-04:00

I just want to say thank you to all those who've helped me out during this surgery situation...some have cooked, some have driven me home from work, some have prayed, and some just listen to my complaining.

I am just so thankFULL and words can't express how loved I have felt. I pray that God blesses you for your gifts.

Surgery: update

2009-10-16T13:38:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to update everyone on my progress. I will be freed of my 95% covering- arm cast on Monday. Believe me I am in countdown mode. I long to be able to dress myself, drive, and just be able to give my husband a hug with both arms. I've missed that.

I do believe the surgery fixed the problems I were having. They thought that i needed a cubital tunnel release, but when they went into my elbow...they found that my nerve wasn't crowded...it wasn't inthe right place. My nerve was sliding back and forth over the bone and creating the similar symptoms of cubital tunnel. Now it is onto physical therapy.

I have learned a lot over the 2 weeks...
1. how to type one handed with my left hand.
2. that I can almost button a button by myself
3. that i value independence as i can't drive
4. i have the most understandings and patient husband
5. i have fabulous friends who love me and can cook great meals (i cant cook either)
6. that's it's okay to rely on others and if they dont do things my way...it's okay.
6. that i have a GREAT God who has a perfect plan

i will try blog more once i can use both hands.

Thank You for your prayers!

Surgery

2009-10-05T12:35:00.002-04:00

So tomorrow is my out patient surgery for my cubital tunnel syndrome. I'm a little nervous...but more so about the having to have other people help me and not being able to do things on my own. My loving husband keeps reminding me that they are not cutting my arm off...but not being able to bend my right elbow as I'm right handed will feel like they cut my arm off.

so the next couple of hours are as follows. :)
1. Pre-op is this afternoon
2. Drop car to get fuel system repaired and new breaks
3. Meet family for dinner (last meal ;-)) at mexican restuarant
4. Watch Dancing with the Stars and Monday night football.
5. Try to go to sleep
6. Be at clinic at 7 am. Yuck.

I know in my heart of hearts that God is in control and I will heal quickly etc. As many of my friends know...it's just hard to let go.

Thanks for any prayers offered.

Family

2009-10-02T07:30:00.002-04:00

I'm so thankful for my family. Next week when I have my surgery, my Grandma Z, Mom and brother will all be in town. They'll be able to help me out...like driving me to work...cooking our meals...helping me wash my hair...

I know that I will learn a lot about God these next two weeks. I just pray that I'm patient and aware of the lessons when they present themselves.

Thank you for any prayers in advance.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Marriage

2009-09-23T09:57:00.004-04:00

Wow, It's already been a year and Donnie and I are celebrating a year of marriage. I remember the craziness of planning, the hurricane and praying that there'd be power at the chapel where we got married. It was a little weird getting used to answering to and writing a new last name.

I remember our first dance and how everyone else in the room disappeared. I remember the feeling I felt when we stepped off the plane after arriving at Honolulu Airport to begin our honeymoon. The taste of fresh pineapple juice and being served in luxury at the Four Seasons Hotel (we were able to stay there for 4 nights). My expectation have been exceeded.

I love my husband so much and am learning to love different things about him every day since we've been married. You can learn a lot more about a person once you start living with them. :-) I love how he can be so gentle and thoughtful. I love how he can be so understanding when I just need to be lazy. I love his hard work ethic and how he loves to help others.

I'm looking forward to many years to come of truly living life with my partner and friend, Donnie Michael Edlin.

I love you and so does Hippy.

Surgery

2009-09-14T18:00:00.003-04:00

So as some of you know I've been having trouble for the past year with my strength in my hands and I've been losing grip on things, etc. For the past couple of months, my pinkie and ring fingers have been constantly numb and I've recently stopped feeling about 95% of things that touch those fingers on my right hands.

I did about three months of Physical Therapy, but it has been decided to operate on my ulnar nerve because I will only continue to lose feeling in my hand and strength. We've decided to go ahead and have the operation now so that whenever we do start a family I'll be able to haul everything around, etc.

Basically this is my understanding my right elbow will be immobilized for about two weeks and then I'll probably have exercises, etc to build my strength back up etc. So this being said, please pray for quick healing of my skin and any muscle that might have to be cut and reattached.

Surgery is scheduled for October 6th. Thanks for any prayers. It will be a teaching opportunity for God as I am right-handed and won't be able to bend that arm.

For some basic info you can check out the link by clicking on the title.

Vacation 2009

2009-09-11T20:44:00.007-04:00

So we are back from our long but too short trip to California. It was a great trip and we were able to see so much and visit with some great friends. One of my favorite things we did was go to Disneyland. I have never been to a Disney park and no time better than the present to visit. We rode Space Mountain, the Matterhorn and almost every ride that adults could fit on in Disneyland. I really enjoyed Toontown, this is where the character's houses are and where they "live". We were able to get our picture take with Goofy, Mickey, Pluto and of course, Donald Duck. I also got pictures of the Queen and Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland; Minnie Mouse, and Chip and Dale.

The next day we were able to visit California Adventure that had a really cool Ferris Wheel where your "carriage" didn't stay still--you moved sideways as the ferris wheel turned. It wasn't a natural way to move. :)

After a couple of days in Anaheim at Disneyland; we were able to visit with our friends Kara and Kevin, who live in West Hollywood. They rent an apartment overlooking Sunset Blvd which was built in the 1920's and it on the historical homes listing. The rumor is F. Scott Fitzgerald lived across the street at one time.

There were lots of great food and laughs. We saw Spam A Lot, John Williams with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra, G-Force the movie and visited the Getty Villa; which is full of Ancient Greek, Roman and Etruscan artifacts.

The vacation ended too quickly; but really must be visited again.

KY State Fair

2009-08-30T11:16:00.003-04:00

I was able to get off work a couple of hours early and Donnie and I went to the fair to get some "good" food. While we were there we saw this whole display made of balloons. Here are some pictures. I just loved the creativity in this. They had a barn with doors and even a chicken coming out of it. These are of a pond with frogs, a sheep and a bee hive.

Very cool.

Football Time

2009-08-27T19:58:00.006-04:00

It's football time!

As most of you know, my dear husband is an avid University of Kentucky fan; and I am a University of Tennessee football fan. We have spent the last 3 days connecting our built in bookcases to extend our entertainment center for what....yes, watching football.

It looks great and it made me think about this picture. Donnie and I went to Lexington to watch UK and UT play. It was a crazy game with like 4 OTs and UT winning. But the funny thing is...I had promised him I would wear a UK shirt to the game. So my attire consists of a UT leather jacket, UK sock cap and yet a UT orange Kentucky shirt that say, "I love CATS" Go UK. He was so irritated that someone would make a UK shirt in that color. Oh well...I kept my promise.

At the same game the UT marching band performed and as a former band geek. I loved every minute of it. I hope you enjoy too.

Vacation 2009

2009-08-19T19:34:00.003-04:00

So in just 14 days I'll be on vacation in California. Donnie's going to take me to DisneyLand (I've never been to any Disney park). We'll go see the Kodak Theater and probably a little shopping. I believe he'll want to stop and see if we can view Michael Jackson's burial site. I'll post pictures when we get back...but I'm totally in countdown mode.

How many days again.... :-)

I feel very blessed that we can take this trip; thank you generous friends and frequent flyer miles.

Jobs and God's provision

2009-08-16T06:31:00.003-04:00

It's been a little crazy at my work lately with lots of changes and "re" changes. In all the frustration and annoyance; I must remember that I work for the Lord God Almighty. period. I am to do to the best of my ability what He has called me to do for this season of my life. I am thankful that I work for a good employer and have a stable job. I say this and at the same time I can't stop thinking about my family.

For those who don't know, my sister was laid off from her job around March 2009. My brother was "let go" over over 8 months ago. I just found out that my Dad lost his job; where he worked was bought by someone else and they kept him around for about a month and let him go on an involuntary lay off. Whatever that means. The worst thing about this is that I'm not supposed to know. He didn't tell me. His girlfriend told me last night when we were having his birthday dinner.

I truly know that my dad will be fine, and my sister will find a new career--she's always been the entrepreneur. My concern is for my brother...for those who know my family...acting motivation has always been a problem for him. I love him with all the love a sister can, but am concerned that instead of getting a job to pay the bills, etc....he's holding out for the next new career. Argh. Inner turmoil.

God has good and perfect plans and I must trust Him.

Dear Lord Jesus, help my unbelief and doubt. I want to trust you more. Amen.

My Dad

2009-08-12T10:13:00.004-04:00

So today is my dad's birthday. I can't believe he's 59. I called him early this morning on my way to work and sang him, "Happy Birthday". It made him chuckle. I know to him it's just another day, but to me birthdays truly are a day to celebrate the life of a loved one and their impact on your life.

Attached is a picture from my wedding. This will always be one of my most precious memories. We took pictures of us with our wedding guests as they exited the chapel. When I told Dad we'd be taking more family pictures later...he said, "I want mine now." He even had a tear in his eyes. For that matter Donnie and I both cried through most of the ceremony...but the sweetness of him wanting his picture then will be a treasure. This coming from a man who doesn't express emotion.

Love you always Dad and thank you for all that you've done for me!

Vacation

2009-07-21T10:44:00.002-04:00

I am so thankful that God has provided and will continue to provide for my friends and family to take vacations. But honestly, I'm a little jealous. They've done some restructuring of benefits where I work and we now have to use a 5-consecutive day vacation. This is good in the fact that we can get a larger break from the chaos; but for individuals like myself. I do much better with multiple long weekend recharging.

I'm very tired and am having trouble finding motivation in the supply closet. If someone knows where I can get some; please let me know. :-) Just needing a break...there's so much I feel like I need to do, but being at work from 8-5 M to F gets in the way. It's just a phase I'm going through and I am thankful that I have a good job and work for a good employer.

Please keep my sister and brother in your prayers they are still without work and it's going on at least 6 months.

I promise a more uplifting posting later...just had to vent a little. Lord give my your peace that passes all understanding.

Is Equality really Fair?

2009-07-16T19:52:00.005-04:00

I don't normally speak a whole lot on political issues, but I truly believe that equality may not be fair. Many people have sacrificed and worked very diligently to achieve what they have obtained and earned. If too much is given away and not earned, then one doesn't learn. Here's a forward a received and it just communicates this idea so clearly.

"An economics professor a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class.

The class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan." All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade.

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a 'B'. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.

As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little. The second test average was a 'D'!

No one was happy.

When the third test rolled around, the average was an 'F'. The scores never increased as bickering, blame, and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when the government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed."

I looked up some scriptures on the subject of work and here's some of what God word says...

Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 'Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God.'

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 'For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.

I don't want to be equal; I want to work for what I make and contribute to those who need help. I do not want to be penalized for being smart with my money and time.

Birthdays

2009-07-14T14:14:00.006-04:00

So this Sunday is my sister's 30th Birthday and I'm missing her a lot lately. But with her birthday approaching it reminded me of what she did to me for my 30th last year.

I was at work and it was about 10am and I got a delivery of about 30 balloons attached to a stuffed buzzard and gravestone balloons. But she made up for it later...she sent me a really nice bouquet of flowers about 3 pm. I'll probably never forget it and I still love her. Now what to do for paybacks. See pics.

Life, etc

2009-07-14T14:03:00.003-04:00

So it's been a little while since I've posted. It's just too crazy. I work on a computer with three monitors and really have a hard time coming home to "play" on the computer. It's frustrating that work has blocked most website and my access to hotmail so I can't check my personal email or update status' on facebook.

But I guess overall it's for my own good. The last couple of weeks have been busy. I've been painting the trim and windows in our office at home and will move onto the hall way. We are trying to start working on little details in either modernizing the house or having things match.

We've replace the doorknobs downstairs and will work on the upstairs, soon. The project, however, that I'm not looking forward to is repainting the outside of the windows on the exterior of the home. It will involve scrapping with a metal brush and then priming and then painting. But it has to be done. Alas there's always something when owning a home. It totally beats living in an apartment for me though. ;-)