So whoa, I need to hit the fast track to losing weight immediately. I thought I had almost a year and a half to lose the target weight that I want to lose before Jen and Ben's wedding, but they have changed the date! I am extremely excited and putting myself out there to help them out in getting this thing done. They are actually eloping on May 30, but planning on having a ceremony in June. That gives me 4 months. No more calories for me.... well, at least excessive ones at that.
Anyways, I have changed my diet already. I have been bringing relatively healthy things for lunch with me. The majority of the food I get through my business is healthy anyways, so it makes it just that much easier. Sometimes, I long for some of the junk in the cafeteria on campus, especially since I can smell it down the hall in my office. But, I know that I can't do that!
My work schedule is changing next week so that now I can actually spend sometime in the gym for which I have a key on my apartment grounds (and have not used up until this point!). That actually really excites me because I miss working out. I always had so much more energy when I did. Plus, I lost a lot of weight when I was working out.
I will try to think of it as a semester to lose weight. When I was taking jogging and conditioning the spring semester of 2003, I really was on the fast track for losing weight. The one thing I miss doing in my workout is swimming. If I had the money, I probably would join the YMCA so I could do my laps. I lost so much weight when I was doing that. I also enjoyed it very much. Beth actually got me into the whole swimming thing. She is a much better swimmer than me, and truly, I can never thank her fully for the advice and tips she gave me in teaching me how to do laps.
In the end, the goal will be for you to see "less of me" on a daily to weekly basis. If you see me cheating, just give me a friendly reminder that one of my best friends is getting married soon!
HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
My "New" Car
So I have back-tracked about 10 years in terms of cars. I am now driving a gray 1989 Toyota Camry with 247,000 miles on it. I can't say that I absolutely love the car, but it is a car, and it works. I have made it a little more my own by adding some of my personal items, mainly to cover up minor issues with the car. I haven't yet decided to really claim it. I'm a bit in denial about my other car being gone, but I realize that this is only temporary.
The descriptions about the idiosyncrasies of the car about to follow are not complaints, rather things that I have noticed and am now more amused by.
This Camry looks really nice on the outside. There aren't a lot of scratches on it and from the outside you can tell it has a sunroof. There is one minor dent on the outside but the color really hides it and it is in a small corner of the passenger rear door. The bumper looks a little "bumpy" but I was told this car had been in an accident quite sometime ago. It doesn't drive like it has been in an accident though.
I kindof laugh at night when I drive it though because the passenger side headlight shines the light quite a bit higher than the driver side. I call it the lopsided look! I tried to fix it and realized the whole headlight is not quite in its "socket." I'll probably get Thomas to take a look at it next time he is in town.
The windshield is cracked and in the same way that I had cracked it on my last car, by taking off the windshield wiper and letting the metal thingy slam down on it. The crack is just to one side and you really don't notice it from the outside.
Ah, now the inside. My favorite little idiosyncrasies lie there!
The outside definitely looks better than the inside, but so far I have done a fairly good job of concealing some of its funny things. First of all, on the way back from Atlanta, this one thing drove me mad. I kept staring at it! There is a gash in the middle of the top of the dashboard. It's a little unsightly but Peanut, my elephant beanie that I keep in the car from my last one, does a great job of covering that right up! He actually doesn't slide around that much up there so you would only know it was there if I really slung the car around or if you picked up Peanut.
My aunt informed me that she used to haul straw in it. While she and my uncle did a fabulous job cleaning the car, there is still some straw stuck to the roof. It actually gives the inside a little character, and you really only notice it if you look for it.
Now, the sunroof. I have never had a sunroof before and think it is so neat having one. I love to stare at the sky (not too much while I'm driving) through the glass. It is really neat when it is raining. It, however, does not open. It is broken from opening, but is still neat having it!
I have tactfully removed some things from my 99 Ford to fix a few interesting things. I took my carpets out of it from the inside of the car and from the trunk. You see, the Camry had these weird looking green carpets in its gray interior, perhaps aged gray. The Camry also had no trunk carpet. So now I have stolen those from my Ford. The Camry looks remarkably better with my carpets.
I have played with the automatic windows so much! I had manual ones in my Ford, but I am also afraid of breaking them. They are quite expensive to fix, but so much fun. I have control from the driver's side and can lock them! I also now have a button I can push to lock the doors from the inside. This was something I always wanted in my Ford, but my Ford had a remote. This one doesn't have a remote, but when I unlock the driver or passenger side with the key, all the doors unlock, so it's almost like having a remote!
The Camry has an oil leak. That means I have to check my oil weekly, and there is actually a quart of oil that is stored in a cool spot under the hood. This cracks me up that I am storing oil under the hood! But what car that is 17 years old with 200+K miles on it doesn't have an oil leak?
When I want to turn right, the right turn signal is quirky. If I don't push the lever up fast enough it squeals or buzzes at me. Hehehe, just wait until I play a mean joke on someone who doesn't know about that!!!
Anyways, I am extremely blessed to have a wonderful aunt and uncle who just gave me this car in our time of need. It has definitely made life easier, especially in Rodney and I's business. I also don't have to inconvenience so many people by asking for rides!
Thanks A-Marianne and U-Evan!
The descriptions about the idiosyncrasies of the car about to follow are not complaints, rather things that I have noticed and am now more amused by.
This Camry looks really nice on the outside. There aren't a lot of scratches on it and from the outside you can tell it has a sunroof. There is one minor dent on the outside but the color really hides it and it is in a small corner of the passenger rear door. The bumper looks a little "bumpy" but I was told this car had been in an accident quite sometime ago. It doesn't drive like it has been in an accident though.
I kindof laugh at night when I drive it though because the passenger side headlight shines the light quite a bit higher than the driver side. I call it the lopsided look! I tried to fix it and realized the whole headlight is not quite in its "socket." I'll probably get Thomas to take a look at it next time he is in town.
The windshield is cracked and in the same way that I had cracked it on my last car, by taking off the windshield wiper and letting the metal thingy slam down on it. The crack is just to one side and you really don't notice it from the outside.
Ah, now the inside. My favorite little idiosyncrasies lie there!
The outside definitely looks better than the inside, but so far I have done a fairly good job of concealing some of its funny things. First of all, on the way back from Atlanta, this one thing drove me mad. I kept staring at it! There is a gash in the middle of the top of the dashboard. It's a little unsightly but Peanut, my elephant beanie that I keep in the car from my last one, does a great job of covering that right up! He actually doesn't slide around that much up there so you would only know it was there if I really slung the car around or if you picked up Peanut.
My aunt informed me that she used to haul straw in it. While she and my uncle did a fabulous job cleaning the car, there is still some straw stuck to the roof. It actually gives the inside a little character, and you really only notice it if you look for it.
Now, the sunroof. I have never had a sunroof before and think it is so neat having one. I love to stare at the sky (not too much while I'm driving) through the glass. It is really neat when it is raining. It, however, does not open. It is broken from opening, but is still neat having it!
I have tactfully removed some things from my 99 Ford to fix a few interesting things. I took my carpets out of it from the inside of the car and from the trunk. You see, the Camry had these weird looking green carpets in its gray interior, perhaps aged gray. The Camry also had no trunk carpet. So now I have stolen those from my Ford. The Camry looks remarkably better with my carpets.
I have played with the automatic windows so much! I had manual ones in my Ford, but I am also afraid of breaking them. They are quite expensive to fix, but so much fun. I have control from the driver's side and can lock them! I also now have a button I can push to lock the doors from the inside. This was something I always wanted in my Ford, but my Ford had a remote. This one doesn't have a remote, but when I unlock the driver or passenger side with the key, all the doors unlock, so it's almost like having a remote!
The Camry has an oil leak. That means I have to check my oil weekly, and there is actually a quart of oil that is stored in a cool spot under the hood. This cracks me up that I am storing oil under the hood! But what car that is 17 years old with 200+K miles on it doesn't have an oil leak?
When I want to turn right, the right turn signal is quirky. If I don't push the lever up fast enough it squeals or buzzes at me. Hehehe, just wait until I play a mean joke on someone who doesn't know about that!!!
Anyways, I am extremely blessed to have a wonderful aunt and uncle who just gave me this car in our time of need. It has definitely made life easier, especially in Rodney and I's business. I also don't have to inconvenience so many people by asking for rides!
Thanks A-Marianne and U-Evan!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
My Car
Ah, how life can just change in an instance.
Let's start with the story of my car.
I got my car in July of 2001. I had resolved to get a car right before school ended; I needed a car. I had been borrowing my boyfriend's (now husband) car for a full semester. It was apparent that a car was needed not only to get to church and around Boone, but since my brother was about to join the Appalachian family in the fall of that year, it would be necessary to have transportation home for the two of us since it was hard in those days to find transportation for two.
My family didn't believe I'd be able to because I had to find the means of buying a car. I believed I would and even bought an ASU sticker that would be placed on it.
Well, God provided the means through a close family who mentored me and through my father who covered the portion they didn't. It was a loan, but hey, at least there was no interest.
Lo, and behold, I got my car, a 1999 Ford Escort SE, dark sparkly blue, my favorite color. I lost my job the day after, but that is another story (it wasn't because I got the car though).
I slowly repaid my mentors and drove that baby through the snow, ice, rain, and fog of Boone. It was my baby, my own car. I personalized it with stickers and accessories. I planned on even keeping through Medical School had that been my continued dream. It only had 32,000 miles on it and I got an excellent deal.
Why am I talking about my car you ask, well I am getting there.
I had grown fairly attached to my car as it was my first ever car. I took care of it very ritually only lacking in a few issues on very rare occasions. I had a check up on my car by my very trusted mechanic at least once a year.
This year's check up was this past week. It was having issues in the start-up and I was quite pleased with the fix. It seemed to be running very well after my brother installed new spark plugs, my mechanic installed new tire rods, and my Dad and I got new tires on it. My mechanic did a good overlook and we were on our merry way again.
I got my car back on Monday and we drove it to Winston Salem. No problems. On the way home, something happened. Cruising along at 3 above the speed limit in the fast lane in Durham on the way home from Winston Salem, my engine suddenly popped and I started to loose power. I merged quickly over and exited at the Southpoint Mall exit (thankfully where I am working just for the holidays). I got upset when the car stalled out at the top of the exit ramp and prayed it would start just to get it around the corner into the parking lot. It started briefly and I cruised into the parking lot, but as I got in the parking lot my engine stalled again and my brakes locked up. I pulled the emergency brake but that was no good, but finally was able to get my car to stop in a parking spot. It wouldn't start anymore after that.
Needless to say, as I am a woman, I cried. Why was this happening to us? Rodney and BeBe were in the car with me, and while I needed to be at Southpoint in an hour and half or so, they were stranded. I called my Dad and Mom, who came to pick them up while we waited on a tow truck. My Dad decided to ride with the AAA tow truck and they towed my precious one to my mechanic in Raleigh.
The diagnosis... well, let's just say Rest in Peace my darling. I was shocked to find out that one of the spark plugs exploded in my engine and a part bounced around in there and ruined my engine. It would cost more than my car is worth to get it fixed, so now we will be in the hunt. I plan on contacting the company that manufactured the spark plug to see if I can get some sort of settlement as it was defective and shouldn't have exploded and fallen apart like that.
All in all, the last few days have been stressful. This is just something you don't expect to happen and don't want to happen during the holidays or ever. I was hoping to get another good year and a half out of this car. But now we are stuck with one car, decisions to make, and more money down the drain.
We must be headed in the right direction to hit such opposition.....
Prayers would be helpful to understand why all this has happened and where to go from here.
Let's start with the story of my car.
I got my car in July of 2001. I had resolved to get a car right before school ended; I needed a car. I had been borrowing my boyfriend's (now husband) car for a full semester. It was apparent that a car was needed not only to get to church and around Boone, but since my brother was about to join the Appalachian family in the fall of that year, it would be necessary to have transportation home for the two of us since it was hard in those days to find transportation for two.
My family didn't believe I'd be able to because I had to find the means of buying a car. I believed I would and even bought an ASU sticker that would be placed on it.
Well, God provided the means through a close family who mentored me and through my father who covered the portion they didn't. It was a loan, but hey, at least there was no interest.
Lo, and behold, I got my car, a 1999 Ford Escort SE, dark sparkly blue, my favorite color. I lost my job the day after, but that is another story (it wasn't because I got the car though).
I slowly repaid my mentors and drove that baby through the snow, ice, rain, and fog of Boone. It was my baby, my own car. I personalized it with stickers and accessories. I planned on even keeping through Medical School had that been my continued dream. It only had 32,000 miles on it and I got an excellent deal.
Why am I talking about my car you ask, well I am getting there.
I had grown fairly attached to my car as it was my first ever car. I took care of it very ritually only lacking in a few issues on very rare occasions. I had a check up on my car by my very trusted mechanic at least once a year.
This year's check up was this past week. It was having issues in the start-up and I was quite pleased with the fix. It seemed to be running very well after my brother installed new spark plugs, my mechanic installed new tire rods, and my Dad and I got new tires on it. My mechanic did a good overlook and we were on our merry way again.
I got my car back on Monday and we drove it to Winston Salem. No problems. On the way home, something happened. Cruising along at 3 above the speed limit in the fast lane in Durham on the way home from Winston Salem, my engine suddenly popped and I started to loose power. I merged quickly over and exited at the Southpoint Mall exit (thankfully where I am working just for the holidays). I got upset when the car stalled out at the top of the exit ramp and prayed it would start just to get it around the corner into the parking lot. It started briefly and I cruised into the parking lot, but as I got in the parking lot my engine stalled again and my brakes locked up. I pulled the emergency brake but that was no good, but finally was able to get my car to stop in a parking spot. It wouldn't start anymore after that.
Needless to say, as I am a woman, I cried. Why was this happening to us? Rodney and BeBe were in the car with me, and while I needed to be at Southpoint in an hour and half or so, they were stranded. I called my Dad and Mom, who came to pick them up while we waited on a tow truck. My Dad decided to ride with the AAA tow truck and they towed my precious one to my mechanic in Raleigh.
The diagnosis... well, let's just say Rest in Peace my darling. I was shocked to find out that one of the spark plugs exploded in my engine and a part bounced around in there and ruined my engine. It would cost more than my car is worth to get it fixed, so now we will be in the hunt. I plan on contacting the company that manufactured the spark plug to see if I can get some sort of settlement as it was defective and shouldn't have exploded and fallen apart like that.
All in all, the last few days have been stressful. This is just something you don't expect to happen and don't want to happen during the holidays or ever. I was hoping to get another good year and a half out of this car. But now we are stuck with one car, decisions to make, and more money down the drain.
We must be headed in the right direction to hit such opposition.....
Prayers would be helpful to understand why all this has happened and where to go from here.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
what kind of pie?
| You Are Pumpkin Pie |
 You're the perfect combo of uniqueness and quality. Those who like you are looking for something (someone!) special. |
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Beth and Santa in Niger
Just had to post this picture!
I didn't know that Santa visits Niger!
I betcha that Santa liked having a hot chick on his lap!
(don't read into that comment too much)
I didn't know that Santa visits Niger!
I betcha that Santa liked having a hot chick on his lap!
(don't read into that comment too much)
Friday, December 02, 2005
More BeBe!
Just a few more shots to pass along... I finally got that roll developed! 
BeBe on his playpen!
BeBe after a bath.
He actually looks more like a dinosaur or something. What do you think he looks like wet? Let me know by leaving a comment!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Beth (I mean, Lynn) in Africa
Hey ya'll! I just loved these pictures so much that I had to put them in my blog. This is one of my bestest friends who joined the peace corps. She is a wonderful gal and I miss her a ton. She was also one of the maids of honor at the wedding. I hope you enjoy these pictures!
I think these pictures are right when she got to Africa during training and her "swear in." She also noted that these were taken before she got sick and lost a lot of weight (poor gal!). Anyways, I'll post more when she sends more!
Beth is on the right.
Beth on a camel!
That looks like fun!
That guy is touching her foot!
The woman at the well!
Isn't she gorgeous!
I think these pictures are right when she got to Africa during training and her "swear in." She also noted that these were taken before she got sick and lost a lot of weight (poor gal!). Anyways, I'll post more when she sends more!
Sunday, November 27, 2005
The Beebster!
Thanks to my Dad, I now have Be Be pictures for your enjoyment. It still isn't the same until you've met the little booger!
Cutie pie!
Now, I'm just adorable! (when I'm not a poop head!)
Cutie pie!
Now, I'm just adorable! (when I'm not a poop head!)
I like to snuggle!
Be Be head on!
Look at me!
I'm full of fluff!
Be Be head on!
Look at me!
I'm full of fluff!
I want all the attention!
Bat Bird!
I hope you enjoyed them! More to come in the future! Oh, I think Sophie was a little jealous of all the attention the bird was getting:
Or she just doesn't like the camera.
LOL!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
BeBe!
I am a Mommy! I was going to wait until I had the pictures of BeBe to put up here, but I'll post them when I get them.
So, Rodney and I, as a wedding present, were given a little bird. It is a love bird and it is a mutation of a peach faced love bird. He is so pretty too! For a love bird, he probably has the biggest personality you would ever see in one.
He is still a baby, just 2 months old. He totally rocks, too. He likes to snuggle with you and fly to you and has bonded to both Rodney and I. We still hand feed him a little bit, but he is turning into a big boy! He now sleeps on the big boy perch and is exploring all parts of his cage and our apartment.
We're hoping he'll be the one in a thousand who speaks. He is already a little talkative, at least in bird language and he loves to play Peek-a-boo! I'll throw a wash rag over him and say, "Where's BeBe?" He'll then poke his head out and whistle at me to tell me that he is right there! It is the most adorable thing.
If you haven't met him, you totally need to. We take him practically every where with us in his little carrier. I will post pictures on here as soon as I get them developed!
On a side note, Jen Jen got engaged!!!! Yea!!! So exciting!
So, Rodney and I, as a wedding present, were given a little bird. It is a love bird and it is a mutation of a peach faced love bird. He is so pretty too! For a love bird, he probably has the biggest personality you would ever see in one.
He is still a baby, just 2 months old. He totally rocks, too. He likes to snuggle with you and fly to you and has bonded to both Rodney and I. We still hand feed him a little bit, but he is turning into a big boy! He now sleeps on the big boy perch and is exploring all parts of his cage and our apartment.
We're hoping he'll be the one in a thousand who speaks. He is already a little talkative, at least in bird language and he loves to play Peek-a-boo! I'll throw a wash rag over him and say, "Where's BeBe?" He'll then poke his head out and whistle at me to tell me that he is right there! It is the most adorable thing.
If you haven't met him, you totally need to. We take him practically every where with us in his little carrier. I will post pictures on here as soon as I get them developed!
On a side note, Jen Jen got engaged!!!! Yea!!! So exciting!
Monday, October 10, 2005
Positive Thoughts, Positive Life
I'm sorry I haven't written here in awhile, but mainly it's because I let myself get busy with other things. Life over the past few months has definitely been interesting. Mostly, I have just had a change in my old mind set.
It may shock some of you, but I'm not sure if God is leading me down the Medical School road anymore. It had been my "dream" for so long that I just never really thought that there was anything else. The main reason I had wanted to go to medical school was to use that in the future as my ministry. Lately, I have had other opportunities come up that will give me more time to minister in the Missions field and even around me.
Rodney and I are new business owners. In essence, we are independent contractors. What's exciting is that our business is so hot right now that as we expand, anyone who is interested in becoming an independent contractor with us has to qualify by going through a 3-step interview. It is awesome.
The point is that our business has given us a new lot in life. I will have more time to volunteer as an EMT, to do mission work, and we can escape the corporate pyramid (in which we are at the bottom with no real hope of truly going beyond that). It's just that corporate America has deceived everyone into thinking that they are going to be okay when it is time to retire when in fact, 98% of people will not be able to survive on the government's payout (Social Insecurity which Rodney and I won't even have anyways) and will probably continue working. That just isn't right in my mind.
So, on that our business has encouraged us to change our mind set. We now spend time reading and listening to positive CDs. We hang around people with high moral values and positive outlooks in life. We have finally begun to realize that those people who are negative either have no dreams, no positive outlook on life, or are afraid of the success of other people making them look bad.
Yesterday was awesome! We did some "dream-building" and went on the Parade of Homes in the Raleigh area. It was absolutely amazing. My favorite house was a $2.5 million house that was simply gorgeous. We looked at a $4 million house, but I still loved the $2.5 million one. I could actually see myself in that house. Now, you might think that that is materialistic, but aren't we all when we go to work everyday chasing money? Besides, if I ever thought a $2.5 million house would become the center of my life, I would never have one. I just look forwards to the day when money will no longer be a worry, a stress, or a problem. I also look forwards to being able to give more that I ever would have been with this new outlook on life.
So, on to the point of this blog. Positive Thoughts = Positive Life. I just read an amazing book called Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen. The main reason people are unhappy or unsuccessful in today's world is because of their thought process. They allow their poor circumstances to overcome their emotions and life and so they live unhappily. Happiness is a choice though. It is written at the top of our mirror in the bathroom: "Choose to be Happy today." The Lord wants us to live in abundance and happily. He wrote that out for us. We are also in his favor. When you choose to be happy and realize that you are in His favor, life becomes a whole lot easier to manage because you don't worry about circumstances as you choose to be happy in spite of them.
The Lord wants to bless you a 1000x over. You just need to seek those blessings! Mainly you do that by giving. Give your life, money, work, etc over to him and he will bless you with an abundant life.
I believe this with 100% of my heart. I know He will provide for us, because He already has. He will bring the right people into our lives whether they be our friends, family, or strangers. He has already brought amazing people into our lives since our wedding. It is no coincidence. We know it was God as we asked Him to bring those people.
Even doubt as small as a mustard seed will cause you not to be able to move those mountains in your life. I know, because I have been there.
I choose to be happy, to dwell on positive things. If I do that, then I know I will have a life of abundance and happiness as the Lord desires us to have.
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
It may shock some of you, but I'm not sure if God is leading me down the Medical School road anymore. It had been my "dream" for so long that I just never really thought that there was anything else. The main reason I had wanted to go to medical school was to use that in the future as my ministry. Lately, I have had other opportunities come up that will give me more time to minister in the Missions field and even around me.
Rodney and I are new business owners. In essence, we are independent contractors. What's exciting is that our business is so hot right now that as we expand, anyone who is interested in becoming an independent contractor with us has to qualify by going through a 3-step interview. It is awesome.
The point is that our business has given us a new lot in life. I will have more time to volunteer as an EMT, to do mission work, and we can escape the corporate pyramid (in which we are at the bottom with no real hope of truly going beyond that). It's just that corporate America has deceived everyone into thinking that they are going to be okay when it is time to retire when in fact, 98% of people will not be able to survive on the government's payout (Social Insecurity which Rodney and I won't even have anyways) and will probably continue working. That just isn't right in my mind.
So, on that our business has encouraged us to change our mind set. We now spend time reading and listening to positive CDs. We hang around people with high moral values and positive outlooks in life. We have finally begun to realize that those people who are negative either have no dreams, no positive outlook on life, or are afraid of the success of other people making them look bad.
Yesterday was awesome! We did some "dream-building" and went on the Parade of Homes in the Raleigh area. It was absolutely amazing. My favorite house was a $2.5 million house that was simply gorgeous. We looked at a $4 million house, but I still loved the $2.5 million one. I could actually see myself in that house. Now, you might think that that is materialistic, but aren't we all when we go to work everyday chasing money? Besides, if I ever thought a $2.5 million house would become the center of my life, I would never have one. I just look forwards to the day when money will no longer be a worry, a stress, or a problem. I also look forwards to being able to give more that I ever would have been with this new outlook on life.
So, on to the point of this blog. Positive Thoughts = Positive Life. I just read an amazing book called Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen. The main reason people are unhappy or unsuccessful in today's world is because of their thought process. They allow their poor circumstances to overcome their emotions and life and so they live unhappily. Happiness is a choice though. It is written at the top of our mirror in the bathroom: "Choose to be Happy today." The Lord wants us to live in abundance and happily. He wrote that out for us. We are also in his favor. When you choose to be happy and realize that you are in His favor, life becomes a whole lot easier to manage because you don't worry about circumstances as you choose to be happy in spite of them.
The Lord wants to bless you a 1000x over. You just need to seek those blessings! Mainly you do that by giving. Give your life, money, work, etc over to him and he will bless you with an abundant life.
I believe this with 100% of my heart. I know He will provide for us, because He already has. He will bring the right people into our lives whether they be our friends, family, or strangers. He has already brought amazing people into our lives since our wedding. It is no coincidence. We know it was God as we asked Him to bring those people.
Even doubt as small as a mustard seed will cause you not to be able to move those mountains in your life. I know, because I have been there.
I choose to be happy, to dwell on positive things. If I do that, then I know I will have a life of abundance and happiness as the Lord desires us to have.
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
Thursday, September 01, 2005
More Wedding Pictures
Ah, marital life is bliss. I married into "Money" but didn't marry into "money," but the Lord will provide. I'm working on scrapbooking the droves of pictures I have! Here are some more wedding pics for your digital enjoyment:
What a handsome group!
From Left to Right: Tim, Thomas, Bob, Rodney, Sam, Ryan, and Dan
Rodney and the ring bearers (Brandon and John) showing off their muscles!
Wait a second, that's my veil!
Sam smells Rod's flower!
Dan trying to smooch Rodney!
Hope you enjoyed.... More to come!
Friday, August 12, 2005
Pictures from the wedding
Just thought I'd share some beautiful shots from the wedding by Bridget:
Me and my gorgeous director, Julie Anna
My bridesmaids, flowergirl, and me... they're so beautiful!
The whole bridal party! What a lovely bunch!
Me and my bouquet...
And lastly...
My hubby and his bride...
I hope you enjoyed them. If you came, thanks so much!
If you are looking at this and wondering where your copies are, hold up, they're coming!
Thursday, July 21, 2005
I'm alive and well!
Hey Everyone! I am still alive! I promise!
It's definitely been a whirlwind of a month! That's for sure!
First of all, I got married!!!!The ceremony couldn't have been better! I can't wait to see the official pictures and video! It's actually kindof funny though because I have been showing everyone pictures from the honeymoon and they are all like, "wait, we want to see pictures from the day." I'll get them soon. I have a few from my co-worker and from the one-time use cameras we had for people to use. At least I've gotten somewhat of a taste.
Rodney and I had a wonderful honeymoon in Williamston, NC. We stayed at a bed and breakfast that was so lovely. We visited many of the sights on the Outer Banks including several lighthouses and the Wright Brothers Memorial.
Unbelievably enough, we went to Honduras just four days after our honeymoon for a mission trip. This was Rodney's first adventure on a plane and out of the country (as well as my brother Thomas's). That was an incredible trip! Rodney had a toothache for the first few days, pobrecito! Many people remembered me from the previous year, so that meant a lot to me. They also couldn't believe how soon it had been since we were married!
I have taken my first few ventures into scrapbooking recently. I get erked at leaving things undone, so I have been doing scrapbooks all in one setting (one from the honeymoon and one from the Honduras trip). I think they look great and not over done. You will have to see them!
Well, Rodney and I are pretty much settled now in our new home together. I can't wait for the many new adventures that we will have in the future!
Oh, and by the way, keep in touch with us! We may be married now, but that doesn't mean we are recluses!
It's definitely been a whirlwind of a month! That's for sure!
First of all, I got married!!!!The ceremony couldn't have been better! I can't wait to see the official pictures and video! It's actually kindof funny though because I have been showing everyone pictures from the honeymoon and they are all like, "wait, we want to see pictures from the day." I'll get them soon. I have a few from my co-worker and from the one-time use cameras we had for people to use. At least I've gotten somewhat of a taste.
Rodney and I had a wonderful honeymoon in Williamston, NC. We stayed at a bed and breakfast that was so lovely. We visited many of the sights on the Outer Banks including several lighthouses and the Wright Brothers Memorial.
Unbelievably enough, we went to Honduras just four days after our honeymoon for a mission trip. This was Rodney's first adventure on a plane and out of the country (as well as my brother Thomas's). That was an incredible trip! Rodney had a toothache for the first few days, pobrecito! Many people remembered me from the previous year, so that meant a lot to me. They also couldn't believe how soon it had been since we were married!
I have taken my first few ventures into scrapbooking recently. I get erked at leaving things undone, so I have been doing scrapbooks all in one setting (one from the honeymoon and one from the Honduras trip). I think they look great and not over done. You will have to see them!
Well, Rodney and I are pretty much settled now in our new home together. I can't wait for the many new adventures that we will have in the future!
Oh, and by the way, keep in touch with us! We may be married now, but that doesn't mean we are recluses!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Wedding Week
What a week so far! It is absolutely insane trying to get everything done. Then one thing after another comes up and creates more work for me!!
Thankfully the move last week went so incredibly smoothly. I have such a wonderful group of friends here in Raleigh that helped pack away my stuff and put it in the truck. A big thankyou to Chris who packed the truck so well. Also thankyous to Laura, Bridget, Amy, Silas, Brian, Thomas, Tim, and Dad who dealt with all the dust, matched my socks, grabbed furniture, cleaned stuff, helped me unload my chest of drawers, etc etc etc. You guys and gals rock my socks off!
I also must thank the wonderful people who came and helped in Greenville. Brian and Laura even travelled down with us and helped us unload too. Then, they tackled the tough job of putting together our entertainment center. Wow, that was awesome. Thankyou especially to Jayson who gathered and called some helpers. More thankyous to Brandon, Tyler, John, Stephanie and Megan. You all rock my socks off too. We had that truck unloaded in record time after filling our bellies with the wonderful hotdogs Mom made.
Anyways, with the huge burden of moving lifted off my shoulders, all have to worry about is getting things done for the wedding. Important things too. I just got my shoes and undergarments for the dress today. Yes, today! Less than three days before the wedding and all I have been thinking about is getting everything done for everything but myself. I also scheduled a manicure, pedicure, and massage. Hey, I deserve it! I used the frassled bride to get an appointment today that normally I wouldn't be able to get without scheduling it ten days in advance.
What's really awesome is my wedding director. Not only is she my director, but she is my steamer, hair stylist, makeup artist, and suggestor/encourager. I couldn't have asked for a better friend in Julie Anna; I am truly blessed.
I feel like such a procrastinator. I have been engaged since August, yet I am still scrambling in the end to get stuff done! Well, it'll all come together. I can't expect everything to be perfect anyways!
Thankfully the move last week went so incredibly smoothly. I have such a wonderful group of friends here in Raleigh that helped pack away my stuff and put it in the truck. A big thankyou to Chris who packed the truck so well. Also thankyous to Laura, Bridget, Amy, Silas, Brian, Thomas, Tim, and Dad who dealt with all the dust, matched my socks, grabbed furniture, cleaned stuff, helped me unload my chest of drawers, etc etc etc. You guys and gals rock my socks off!
I also must thank the wonderful people who came and helped in Greenville. Brian and Laura even travelled down with us and helped us unload too. Then, they tackled the tough job of putting together our entertainment center. Wow, that was awesome. Thankyou especially to Jayson who gathered and called some helpers. More thankyous to Brandon, Tyler, John, Stephanie and Megan. You all rock my socks off too. We had that truck unloaded in record time after filling our bellies with the wonderful hotdogs Mom made.
Anyways, with the huge burden of moving lifted off my shoulders, all have to worry about is getting things done for the wedding. Important things too. I just got my shoes and undergarments for the dress today. Yes, today! Less than three days before the wedding and all I have been thinking about is getting everything done for everything but myself. I also scheduled a manicure, pedicure, and massage. Hey, I deserve it! I used the frassled bride to get an appointment today that normally I wouldn't be able to get without scheduling it ten days in advance.
What's really awesome is my wedding director. Not only is she my director, but she is my steamer, hair stylist, makeup artist, and suggestor/encourager. I couldn't have asked for a better friend in Julie Anna; I am truly blessed.
I feel like such a procrastinator. I have been engaged since August, yet I am still scrambling in the end to get stuff done! Well, it'll all come together. I can't expect everything to be perfect anyways!
Monday, June 13, 2005
Furniture
It is really neat being able to buy some small things for our apartment. Yes, we got an apartment!! It is a nice 2 Bedroom/1 Bathroom apartment with a large kitchen, washer dryer hookups, a dining area, and a large living room. We are definitely excited about the prospects of moving our stuff there this weekend. It goes without saying that we still need a lot of things, in which, we hope our registry will take care of.
Anyways, back to furniture. Rodney and I have just made a few purchases over the last couple of days. First of all, I went yard-saleing with my brother, Thomas, and we found a dresser. Now, I really like it, but it needs to grow on Rodney a little as he likes darker woods. It is half wardrobe and half dresser, so it'll look nice and be very functional.
Next, we decided to go ahead and purchase a headboard. My grandma was going to give us hers, but it is a water bed frame and I am worried that our mattresses may not fit. Because it is a bear to put together and take apart, I don't want my Dad and brothers putting it together and then discovering that it won't fit and them having to take it apart which almost takes just as long to put together. We fell in love with the sleigh-bed look and actually purchased a sleigh bed headboard and foot board from Big Lots. Yeah, Big Lots has some really nice stuff for a good price!
We also bought our entertainment center from Big Lots this past weekend. It is cute and will look nice in our living room.
The last big purchase we have is a set of Queen mattresses. We are actually going to go get those the day we pick up the moving truck, this Friday. We have to sign the lease on Friday and then we plan to actually move the stuff up there on Saturday with a bunch of people's help.
Anyways, it is getting more and more exciting as the wedding day approaches. I am really clean-sweeping the stuff I already have. I am trying to be unmerciful in a lot of it, and have been quite successful. We'll see how much stuff I can be completely unmerciful with!
Anyways, back to furniture. Rodney and I have just made a few purchases over the last couple of days. First of all, I went yard-saleing with my brother, Thomas, and we found a dresser. Now, I really like it, but it needs to grow on Rodney a little as he likes darker woods. It is half wardrobe and half dresser, so it'll look nice and be very functional.
Next, we decided to go ahead and purchase a headboard. My grandma was going to give us hers, but it is a water bed frame and I am worried that our mattresses may not fit. Because it is a bear to put together and take apart, I don't want my Dad and brothers putting it together and then discovering that it won't fit and them having to take it apart which almost takes just as long to put together. We fell in love with the sleigh-bed look and actually purchased a sleigh bed headboard and foot board from Big Lots. Yeah, Big Lots has some really nice stuff for a good price!
We also bought our entertainment center from Big Lots this past weekend. It is cute and will look nice in our living room.
The last big purchase we have is a set of Queen mattresses. We are actually going to go get those the day we pick up the moving truck, this Friday. We have to sign the lease on Friday and then we plan to actually move the stuff up there on Saturday with a bunch of people's help.
Anyways, it is getting more and more exciting as the wedding day approaches. I am really clean-sweeping the stuff I already have. I am trying to be unmerciful in a lot of it, and have been quite successful. We'll see how much stuff I can be completely unmerciful with!
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Moving to Greenville
Rodney and I made another really important decision for our future (other than to get married). I received a letter last week from ECU offering a position for me on the alternate list. This is a good thing as it is not a rejection. They have favorly reviewed my application but need to have space to open up for a position for me possibly.
I debated it for a little bit as I was unsure if I should accept the position on the alternate list. After much discussion (and crying) we decided that I would accept the position and thus, now we will move to Greenville on a leap of faith. This leap of faith is huge as Rodney will need to apply for a job in the Greenville area, we have yet a place to live, and I do not have a secure medical school position, thus leaving me with the possibility of needing to find a job as well.
We are both pretty scared and would appreciate any and all prayers for us to find a job, for me to get into medical school, and for us to find reasonably priced housing. We are actually considering consulting with a financial advisor in these important decisions, especially our future finances.
I am sad to be moving away from the Raleigh area. I have grown up here all my life. I have a stable and wonderful church families. My friends are here. My family is here. I have a potential full time job (or at least part-time job security). I have an EMS system that I love working with. We're just leaving so much behind.
It has crossed my mind recently that perhaps God wants us to take this leap of faith. I wonder why I just couldn't have been plain rejected from med school again. We see the opportunities in Greenville despite the insecurity, but I just wish I could see the security in moving there. I wish I could understand what God's will for us is there.
In the upcoming weeks before the wedding, we have a lot more that has been added to our plate. We have to house hunt and job hunt. I am going to submit an early decision application to ECU for next year's entering class in case it doesn't work out for me this year. I'm hoping that them see us having moved to Greenville and my alternate status this year may give me a leg up. We'll see about that. Rodney is going to contact some publishing companies and apply for a couple band positions in the Greenville area.
For now, it is just the leap of faith. Thanks to everyone who has supported me through prayers, encouragement, cards, etc. I appreciate it dearly.
I debated it for a little bit as I was unsure if I should accept the position on the alternate list. After much discussion (and crying) we decided that I would accept the position and thus, now we will move to Greenville on a leap of faith. This leap of faith is huge as Rodney will need to apply for a job in the Greenville area, we have yet a place to live, and I do not have a secure medical school position, thus leaving me with the possibility of needing to find a job as well.
We are both pretty scared and would appreciate any and all prayers for us to find a job, for me to get into medical school, and for us to find reasonably priced housing. We are actually considering consulting with a financial advisor in these important decisions, especially our future finances.
I am sad to be moving away from the Raleigh area. I have grown up here all my life. I have a stable and wonderful church families. My friends are here. My family is here. I have a potential full time job (or at least part-time job security). I have an EMS system that I love working with. We're just leaving so much behind.
It has crossed my mind recently that perhaps God wants us to take this leap of faith. I wonder why I just couldn't have been plain rejected from med school again. We see the opportunities in Greenville despite the insecurity, but I just wish I could see the security in moving there. I wish I could understand what God's will for us is there.
In the upcoming weeks before the wedding, we have a lot more that has been added to our plate. We have to house hunt and job hunt. I am going to submit an early decision application to ECU for next year's entering class in case it doesn't work out for me this year. I'm hoping that them see us having moved to Greenville and my alternate status this year may give me a leg up. We'll see about that. Rodney is going to contact some publishing companies and apply for a couple band positions in the Greenville area.
For now, it is just the leap of faith. Thanks to everyone who has supported me through prayers, encouragement, cards, etc. I appreciate it dearly.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Wedding Shower
I have never had that much attention given to me before. But, it was fun. Thanks to everyone who gave presents to us to help us start out a new life!!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Code 3
I always thought it would be a thrill to be one of those people who drove some sort of vehicle with its lights and sirens. Actually, it is quite nerve racking. My adrenaline rose out of pure nervousness rather than thrill. You just don't know what erratic moves people are going to make to seemingly get out of your way. Plus, my personal insurance can go up if I wreck the ambulance.
Well, the other day, just as we left Rex Hospital (which is out of our district anyways), a call came in for a house fire. Mind you, I am driving the ambulance and I have never driven Code 3 before (with lights and sirens). My partner Chasidy looks at me and says that we can take this call. She calls central and tells them it's ours and then looks at me and says, " We're going hot." Never once did I question my ability to drive this ambulance before, but I was like, "Me?? Are you asking me to drive hot? Surely you want me to pull over and let you drive." Of course this whole conversation is going on in my head as I reach over and turn on the lights and Chasidy turns on the sirens.
Now, most people on their first "hot" run go too slow. I actually made really good time. I think I made ten miles through highway and neighborhoods in 7 minutes. That's actually awesome for a first timer. I only freaked Chasidy out once, but that was because she couldn't read my mind and anticipate that I wasn't going to pull out in front of some moving cars and I, of course, wasn't. It's actually pretty scary riding in the passenger seat of a Code 3 run.
Well, after all that hussle and bussle, we get to the call hot and the house fire isn't all that hot. It was adrenaline rushing, and I am proud of myself for the way I handled the ambulance going Code 3.
We did chase the police and fire trucks to another house fire call right after that one and it was more unimpressive than the first. I didn't drive that time, but it was fun having a police and fire escort.
Well, the other day, just as we left Rex Hospital (which is out of our district anyways), a call came in for a house fire. Mind you, I am driving the ambulance and I have never driven Code 3 before (with lights and sirens). My partner Chasidy looks at me and says that we can take this call. She calls central and tells them it's ours and then looks at me and says, " We're going hot." Never once did I question my ability to drive this ambulance before, but I was like, "Me?? Are you asking me to drive hot? Surely you want me to pull over and let you drive." Of course this whole conversation is going on in my head as I reach over and turn on the lights and Chasidy turns on the sirens.
Now, most people on their first "hot" run go too slow. I actually made really good time. I think I made ten miles through highway and neighborhoods in 7 minutes. That's actually awesome for a first timer. I only freaked Chasidy out once, but that was because she couldn't read my mind and anticipate that I wasn't going to pull out in front of some moving cars and I, of course, wasn't. It's actually pretty scary riding in the passenger seat of a Code 3 run.
Well, after all that hussle and bussle, we get to the call hot and the house fire isn't all that hot. It was adrenaline rushing, and I am proud of myself for the way I handled the ambulance going Code 3.
We did chase the police and fire trucks to another house fire call right after that one and it was more unimpressive than the first. I didn't drive that time, but it was fun having a police and fire escort.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
It's a girl! Wait...
He's a girl.... I mean I think they are all girls. This is a good thing. This means no aggressive future breeding issues.
After some research by Rodney and some follow-up research by me, we've determined that Riley and Rivers are girls, not boys. We confirmed that Tammy was indeed a girl as well. This leaves us at a quandary. Rivers is ok for a girl's name, so we left the little red-eared slider her name. However, Riley is not a girl name (though I know someone who knows a girl named Riley), at least I don't like it as a girl's name. So, we've renamed Riley, Bree. Rodney and I like it, so that's the way it is going to stay. I actually decided on Bree because it sounds pretty and I was reading about Bree, the desperate housewife on that show, and I thought it sounded good for a turtle.
It's actually good that it's Bree and not another R name. I kept mixing up the R names even though I knew which was which. Bre is a type of cheese and since cheese is usually yellow (stereotypically), Bree can be a play on Bre, too.
Anyways, it is now the future family of Tamara, Rodney, Tammy, Bree, and Rivers. Hopefully, we can add Maxwell (a dog) to that list soon.
After some research by Rodney and some follow-up research by me, we've determined that Riley and Rivers are girls, not boys. We confirmed that Tammy was indeed a girl as well. This leaves us at a quandary. Rivers is ok for a girl's name, so we left the little red-eared slider her name. However, Riley is not a girl name (though I know someone who knows a girl named Riley), at least I don't like it as a girl's name. So, we've renamed Riley, Bree. Rodney and I like it, so that's the way it is going to stay. I actually decided on Bree because it sounds pretty and I was reading about Bree, the desperate housewife on that show, and I thought it sounded good for a turtle.
It's actually good that it's Bree and not another R name. I kept mixing up the R names even though I knew which was which. Bre is a type of cheese and since cheese is usually yellow (stereotypically), Bree can be a play on Bre, too.
Anyways, it is now the future family of Tamara, Rodney, Tammy, Bree, and Rivers. Hopefully, we can add Maxwell (a dog) to that list soon.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Turtles
The Adoption is complete. Rodney and I now have two more "children." We already had one by the name of Tammy. She is an Eastern Painted Turtle. Now we have two more turtles.
We adopted them from a friend of a friend (thanks, Frank!). I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew I was going to go look at 2 turtles. When I got there, it was instant love.
You see, turtles are my favorite animal. Let me tell you the story of Tammy:
One day, in third grade, I came to the bus stop and there was a neighborhood kid, Keylan, holding a cup. The curiosity got the best of me, as it does every third grader, and I asked what was in the cup. He showed it to me and there was a tiny little turtle in the bottom. I told him that it was so cute and that I wanted to take care of it. Little did I know that the $0.50 I was about to spend would be an investment for at least the next 14 years!
I carried the turtle to school with me and my teacher, Mrs. Jarman, thought it was the cutest thing that I had brought a pet to school. Of course, I couldn't keep her at my desk while class was going on, so she put the cup on the window sill.
I brought the turtle home and showed it to Mom, and she about had an internal cow. She got worried because she thought that if it died (because it was so little), I would be heart broken and scarred for life. Thankfully that didn't happen. We put the little turtle in a pie dish for the time being. Thomas and I, the next day, tried to make a habitat for her in a jar he had, but ended up breaking the jar. Thus, Mom finally went out and bought her a real bowl. We probably didn't get her a ten gallon tank until about 6 years ago and that is what she has been in until yesterday.
You're probably thinking I named my turtle after myself. That is actually not the case. There is a book, of which I still have a copy, named "Tammy the Sea Turtle Saves Lives." This was who I ended up naming my turtle after.
Now, back to the new "children" that we have attained. One of the turtles is a yellow-bellied slider named "Riley." He is actually almost the same size as Tammy (she's still a little bit bigger) but he is almost 12 years younger than her. The other one is a red-eared slider named "Rivers." He is sooo cute! He is about the size of a half-dollar coin (maybe a teensy bit bigger) and about a year old.
We decided to keep the names that they came with. They also came with a 20-gallon tank and lots of accessories. We slowly integrated Tammy in with the other two, seeing how she would respond to them being that she has been alone for the past 14 years. Everything seems to be good between all of them, so she has now joined Riley and Rivers in the big tank. We even upgraded some accessories in the tank to include an aquarium heater and another floating platform as well as another filter (the tank came with two more).
Hopefully, soon, I'll post some real pictures of them here so that you can check them out. Or, you can just come by my house and visit!
We adopted them from a friend of a friend (thanks, Frank!). I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew I was going to go look at 2 turtles. When I got there, it was instant love.
You see, turtles are my favorite animal. Let me tell you the story of Tammy:
One day, in third grade, I came to the bus stop and there was a neighborhood kid, Keylan, holding a cup. The curiosity got the best of me, as it does every third grader, and I asked what was in the cup. He showed it to me and there was a tiny little turtle in the bottom. I told him that it was so cute and that I wanted to take care of it. Little did I know that the $0.50 I was about to spend would be an investment for at least the next 14 years!
I carried the turtle to school with me and my teacher, Mrs. Jarman, thought it was the cutest thing that I had brought a pet to school. Of course, I couldn't keep her at my desk while class was going on, so she put the cup on the window sill.
I brought the turtle home and showed it to Mom, and she about had an internal cow. She got worried because she thought that if it died (because it was so little), I would be heart broken and scarred for life. Thankfully that didn't happen. We put the little turtle in a pie dish for the time being. Thomas and I, the next day, tried to make a habitat for her in a jar he had, but ended up breaking the jar. Thus, Mom finally went out and bought her a real bowl. We probably didn't get her a ten gallon tank until about 6 years ago and that is what she has been in until yesterday.
You're probably thinking I named my turtle after myself. That is actually not the case. There is a book, of which I still have a copy, named "Tammy the Sea Turtle Saves Lives." This was who I ended up naming my turtle after.
Now, back to the new "children" that we have attained. One of the turtles is a yellow-bellied slider named "Riley." He is actually almost the same size as Tammy (she's still a little bit bigger) but he is almost 12 years younger than her. The other one is a red-eared slider named "Rivers." He is sooo cute! He is about the size of a half-dollar coin (maybe a teensy bit bigger) and about a year old.
We decided to keep the names that they came with. They also came with a 20-gallon tank and lots of accessories. We slowly integrated Tammy in with the other two, seeing how she would respond to them being that she has been alone for the past 14 years. Everything seems to be good between all of them, so she has now joined Riley and Rivers in the big tank. We even upgraded some accessories in the tank to include an aquarium heater and another floating platform as well as another filter (the tank came with two more).
Hopefully, soon, I'll post some real pictures of them here so that you can check them out. Or, you can just come by my house and visit!
This is what Riley looks like.
This is what Rivers looks like.
This is what Tammy looks like.
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