The New Year

Paris was amazing! We'll show you pictures soon, but we haven't gotten them developed yet (since I left the digital camera we had to use ghetto cameras with film-jeez, lol). So, I'll explain the rest of our Paris trip when I post the pictures.

I want to talk about the New Year though. I was on this train of thought when I e-mailed Molly earlier and thought I'd continue it on in my blog. New Year's Eve always inspires people to take a look at their lives and their personal adventures and advancements they have made. They ask themselves-what are my goals for this year? Did I accomplish or advance any of my goals for last year? I used to think New Years Resolutions were rediculous, but why do we think that? Maybe because we make them without real thought or we set our goals too high. Maybe we say we want to lose weight but we really hate exercising and don't expect that we'll ever do anything about it. But past the "I want to lose weight" stuff do we ever REALLY evaluate ourselves over the last year and think, "I need to make some changes," and set those changes in motion? After February, or the first 2 weeks of January for some, do we even remember what our goals were in the first place?
I was reading an article in the UK Glamour yesterday on the plane (don't laugh, they have some good advice sometimes) and all these rich women were giving advice for how to make a butt-load of money. I didn't think of their advice in terms of making money, but in terms of advancing one's life to the stage you want it to be in. All these women said basically the same thing--make daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, five-year, and ten-year plans for you life and FOLLOW THROUGH. Don't write you goals down in some notebook never to be found again, but look back to them DAILY and see if you are pushing yourself to get there.

Now-having said all that-what am I going to do about it? Well, I actually don't have any New Year's Resolutions yet-but I will before the end of the day and I'll pass them on to you so you can ask me-what are you doing about that goal?
And as for last year's goals-I can't remember very many, but one was to yell less. I think I have done better with that, but you'd have to ask Dave if he's seen any real improvement.
This year I want to make goals that not only improve myself in terms of advancement in life, but in Spiritual walk and personality changes as well. I want to be the kind of person that CAN and DOES make changes for the better in themselves and never gets stuck in that rut of "the norm." I want to think more and have more meaningful conversations, to discuss rather than argue, to love openly, to talk about my faith openly, to be less scared and fearful of things, to be passionate and indepent, but know when to lean on others. I want to stop this viscious cycle of reading my Bible every morning for a few weeks and putting it down for a month. I want to talk to God non-stop, and know we're close enough so that I can grow and change with His correction. Maybe these are my New Year's resolutions-but I think they need to be a bit more specific to be of any use to be daily, weekly, & yearly.
I hope this made you think about your goals for your life.

May you walk away from this screen today and purposely take steps to improve yourself and let God mold you. May you live life on the upward path of discovery and not on the treadmill of downfalls. May you love--with open arms and and open heart-without thought for who or what but only that God loves all things and so should you and I.

Happy New Year.

To the Airport--again

We're leaving for Paris today!!!! We'll be arrving there about 9:30 pm--4:30 pm for you guys in the US and Canada. We're going to be seeing Versailles tomorrow (YAY!) and then the Louvre and Notre Dame on Friday. I can't wait!!! We'll take lots of pictures-on our regular film camera-and you'll be able to see them when we get them developed and scan them into the computer.

Today is a typical rainy day in Ireland, but I'm starting not to mind as much, just expecting it I guess. It's actually really beautiful when it rains here-everything looks greener. It's still cold-obviously, but I'm getting use to it I think-wearing more layers than I usually do helps keep warm and moving from radiator to radiator helps as well (or standing in front of the fireplace).


I'm off-we're watching the original Herby movie. It's really good!

Merry Christmas!

International holiday wishes

Happy Christmas Eve,
i am now preparing to head out to the christmas eve service at about 11:30. Last time i was here for the christmas eve service it was snowing when we came out. I won't keep my hopes up for that this year as it is too warm. Before we go we'll have friends over for mulled wine, which i won't partake in, since i don't like it much. It tastes something like what i would imagine liquified, boiled cranberry sauce to taste like--but to each their own.

I would be posting loads of beautiful Edinbugh photos, however, as i was mugged on the street and my purse stolen with the camera in it i shan't be able to do that. Don't be alarmed, i am safe and well...ACTUALLY, I left my purse (with camera inside) in the airport resturant before we went through security. They did find it and put it in lost and found, so we'll get a friend from there to mail it back shortly-though the uploading of pictures will probably be delayed until we get back to the U.S. I'm always leaving things places--I know Mom.

Merry Christmas to all my family (that includes you Soph). I am dearly missing you all, today especially. I miss the tranditions we have on Christmas Eve at Grandmama's house, and I missed seeing the Eddy side of the family at Aunt Cathy's. To all my B.C. (Bryson City) family--Dave and I have already started talking about starting a new Christmas tradition there next year with a Christmas weekend (a few weeks before Christmas-or before people start heading places) with a big turkey dinner w/ everyone and maybe a ski trip to Cattaloochi (no idea how that's spelled) for the day. We love all our B.C. family so much-we miss you guys loads!

Remember to spend as much time with your loved ones this holiday and listen to your grandparents/friends retell the stories you've heard a hundred times (don't forget to laugh even if its a joke you've heard before). Hug everyone twice and make sure they know they are loved and hold a special place in your heart.

Special Messages:

To my two younger sisters (Bethany and Sophie)--I miss you guys especially right now. I've gotten to know you both so much better these last couple of months and have had some wonderful conversations. I've gotten to spend time (both on the phone and in person) with you that has really meant the world to me. You've been there for me through some really emotional times this year, and I just wanted to thank you so much--I'm almost crying just typing this-yeesh. Merry Christmas ladies-I love you SO SO much.
Bethany-you are an amazing woman. You hold to your values and know what you believe-I respect and look up to you in that-I'm so proud that you're my sister! Thank you for valuing my opinion-I don't deserve it, but it makes me feel so extremely worthwhile-you have no idea. I love you.
Sophie-you are a talented, beautiful, smart woman-don't you EVER doubt that. Be strong in who God made you. KNOW that you were created with a purpose and don't let the world or doubts ever tell you otherwise. You have been such a friend and sister to me this year. You have let me cry on you and vis versa. Thank you for being there for me-for loving me and for letting me love you-you are trully a part of my family-don't ever forget that.

To David-my little bro-you are growing up so fast! I can't believe you can drive now! I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You are growing into an amazing christian guy who really stands up for what he believes. You inspire me to keep doing the same. Some of the conversations we had this year, especially when I was home just a few weeks ago for fall break, have really shown me you're not afraid to stand up for what's right, even against the hardest people-your friends. I love you and the man you're turning into-thank you for following what you know is right, I know it's not easy, but God will help you continue on!

To my Older brother and sister: Thanks for never giving up on me. I know I worried you a lot in highschool and the first couple of years after. Even though you always listened to my latest problems you never judged me. Thanks for believing that I could be a better person and make better decisions. I love talking to you both so much. I still look up to you. You and your families are a very important part of my life.
Shannon-our weekly conversations are something I look forward to so much. I know I can always pick up the phone and you'll have a few minutes to talk. You make me feel like I really am important to you and you care about my life and love me-thank you for always being there to do the same thing for me in highschool.
Shaun-thanks for talking to me whenever we do actually talk on the phone. The fact that you're interested in my life and that you really DO want to talk to me really is important to me. I love your hugs and your sincerity. I love your Godly character and the way you lead your family-you have always been a role model to me, thank you so much for that.


To my parents: Thank you for your support of Dave and I this past year and half. It's meant the world to me. You love him and accept him into our family and respect him as a Godly leader, and that just really...I can't tell you what that means to me. Thank you for always keeping the lines of communication open between you and I--for praying for me when I feel my prayers aren't strong enough, for always having time to talk, for loving me no matter what. I feel more blessed every day to have the family that I do.

To my husband: This time two years ago you had no clue what you were getting yourself into by marrying me. You have gotten to know all my quirks and emotional ups and downs. You hold me when I cry, even if you have absolutely no clue why I'm doing so. You've stopped trying to fix everything when I'm upset and you just hold me until I tell you what I DO want you to do. You make me breakfast on the weekends and you try to match your clothes as best you can, just so you don't embaress me (I really do appreciate that). You are always telling me things that build me up and feel like a wonderfully loveable, unique, loved individual. You are patient and soft spoken. You've helped me learn that I don't REALLY need to yell to express myself. Thank you for being such a Godly leader in our home. Thank you for taking time to learn my "love language" and trying your best to communicate regularly with it. Thank you for always loving me with passion and tenderness and never being afraid to tell me what you think. I love you baby, you are my best friend and soul-mate. I can honstely say I love you more today than the day we were married.


Have a Merry Christmas everyone--make the most of your time this Christmas. Spend extra times talking to the ones you care about and that YOU mean a lot to this Christmas. Thank God for His blessings and your time here on earth. Give of yourself, it is the best Christmas gift you can get-the feeling that you have helped another person this Christmas. I love you!

Edinburgh, Scottland

We're in Edinburgh now and have seen three of Dave's old school mates now. We're staying over with one of them tonight and tomorrow night. Tomorrow afternoon we're heading to a wedding in a castle just outside the city. It's beautiful here--the skyline is amazing! I will post pictures once we're back in Ireland--hopefully I'll have them up before Christmas but don't know for sure. We walked all around the city today and did a little shopping. I GOT SOME RED BOOTS! They are VERY cute-maybe I'll post a pic of them too! You could see Edinburgh Castle from about anywhere in town today-it looked even better as the lights came on around it once the evening hit.

P.S. Posted two pictures of Ediburgh Castle I got off Google--they don't do it justice though. If you click on the first one it enlarges and you can see it better.

Unusual Day

It's a very scarce day in N. Ireland today--it's bright and sunny-although, mind you, not warm. It's about 33' here at the moment-great for wearing my big coat. We were going to go climbing in the climbing gym here in Belfast today-but found out it's closed until January for repairs-very sad. So, we're off for a walk around Stormont (the parliament building in town-very old and beautiful) and then to have tea with Uncle Doug and Aunt Mercil (i love them). Doug is very interactive and kind of hyper actually (Helen-don't you tell him I said any of that). I like the way he talks, very fast and he uses his hands. He's loud but extremely nice and welcoming.

Yesterday we went to lunch with Dave's cousing Adam and his wife Frances. Frances is another quite lively one-I like her a lot. I wish we could spend more time with them, but they are both going to be doctors and their time is already pretty limited. We had a great time with them yesterday chatting during lunch though.

Well-I'm off to take a walk. Talk to you soon!

P.S. Picture at the bottom is of Stormont. The long stretch below it is the hill we walk up to get there. Then the walk bends off to the left and you continue around the block. I haven't ever been inside though-but I've heard it's beautiful.

London sights

Cute pic of Dave and I on a bridge in London




Church where an Eddy ancester was vicar until 1616





The Ritz (obviously)



National Art Museum





The Palace






Big Ben & Westminister Abbey

Hello from across the sea

There will be pictures of our adventures in London soon--soon as Dave downloads them onto the computer that is. We had a great time w/ Helen (Dave's sis) while we were there. We saw Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminister Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the National Art Gallery. The architecture in the city was absolutely amazing!

We also got to hang out with Dave's cousin and her beautiful, three little girls. They were all quite energetic and lots of fun. We went on walk in Kent to a church where some Eddy's originated. There is a placque on a the all of the church that speaks of an Eddy that was a vicor there until 1616. It was pretty cool to find Eddy family where Nelson family lived, all the way on the other side of the ocean. Had a great ham dinner and then went out for a walk to see the cows--which had gotten out (they only have three). Joanne (Dave's cousin) lives on a nice size farm in Kent w/ pigs, chickens, and supposedly (although I never saw them) cows. We had a lot of fun though--even without the cows.

We left London this morning (after Helen thankfully waking us in time to catch a train to get to the airport on time) and arrived in Belfast this afternoon. Straight after a great lunch of wheaten bread (LOVE IT!) and homemade veggitable soup, we decorated the Christmas tree. That done, we chatted with Uncle Robin & watched his version of our wedding video. Then we got ready for Christmas dinner with Mervyn's side of the family. We had an enormous dinner and great fun seeing the family. Adam (best man from wedding) and his new wife, Frances, were here as well, we may see them for lunch on Wednesday. Anyway--That's enough updating for one night, Dave is trying to drag me to bed. It's after midnight here! (5 hours ahead--don't forget if you try to call, lol). Well-love and miss you all!

L

p.s. sorry for the terrible spelling lately-spell check isn't working and I'm a "rubbish" speller-as they would say over here.

London AND Bust

Well, we're here! We arrived in London this morning with little sleep, but ready to explore London. Helen met us at the airport and we dropped by her flat to get rid of our bags. After a cup of tea we headed off to see Big Ben, the Palace (no dudes in red w/ fuzzy hats though--sad), and Westminister Abbey (from outside). We also saw The Ritz (also from the outside). The architecture in London is AMAZING! We took some great photos, silly ones included. It was absolutely beautiful and we had a great time walking around the city. Tomorrow we go visit some of the family and Sunday we have a day out again. Maybe see a musical tomorrow night? Don't know yet. Well, I'm off here. I'm absolutely EXHAUSTED. My Gin & Tonic is only making me sleepier and we haven't even eaten dinner yet! I know Dave and I (and Helen too) will probably hit the sack early tonight, we're all pretty pooped. Well, love you!

p.s. miss you Sophie!

Yay-Boo

Yay-I'm done with my hardest exams!!!!!!

Boo-ran over a really stupid black cat yesterday

Yay-got to hang out with my friend Sophie in Asheville today

Boo-I still have two more papers to write and one more exam

Yay-we're leaving for London on Wednesday

Boo-8 hour flight--probably no sleep (but maybe I'll knock myself out w/ Dramamine)

Yay-friend Tim is coming to stay hang with us tonight

Boo-I have a headache....so I'm gonna get off here.

Cute pix :)

In America

In America you can....

own and have a license for a gun even if you're not responsible enough to use one

pretend that gas is cheap since the government subsidizes it anyway, and continue to use up our finite supply of natural resources

have a massiver SUV/truck and drive it around all by yourself

BUT.............


YOU STILL HAVE TO DRIVE ON JUST ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT A TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (just like every other country)

friggin 'A' people, it's bad enough you drive huge cars when you don't need to, but don't run me and my lil Honda off the road just cause you can't control you're massive beast of a vehicle

Go to Iraq-stay away from D.C.

This just in:
If you consider that there has been an average of 160,000 troops in the Iraq theatre of operations during the last 22 months, and a total of 2,112 deaths, that gives a firearm death rate of 60 per 100,000 soldiers.

The firearm death rate in Washington D.C. is 80.6 per 100,000 for the same period.

That means that you are about 25% more likely to be shot and killed in the U.S. Capitol which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation, than you are in Iraq .

Conclusion:

The U.S. should pull out of Washington D.C.


P.S.--if we had stricter gun control laws, like maybe Canada, we wouldn't have this problem

The End of School is Near

So, this is my last full week of this school term. My first final exam is Tuesday, then I have another on Thursday and two on Friday. My last one is next Wednesday. I'm really excited about leaving for London next Thursday-but I can't really think about leaving until all my papers are done and my exams are over. I'm really going to miss everyone here, especially my friend Sophie, while I'm away this Christmas. I'll miss being with my family at Christmas, but I'm so excited to see Dave's family--especially Nana & Gaga and Uncle Doug & Aunt Mercel who I haven't seen since I was in Ireland last. Well--I'm at a friend's house watching the Survivor I missed on Thursday--so I'm gonna jet. Luvs!

I LOVE PICTURES...I'm addicted---yup

Thanskgiving and family

Thanksgiving was amazing this year! The best ever I think. I got to spend so much time with my family--real quality time. I feel like I got to have some good conversations--especially with my older brother who I see very little. I made a point to hang around both my grandfathers as well, as neither of them are in great shape right now. I love Thanksgiving so much because it's all about family and spending time with them. I just wanted to say to all my family that this Thanksgiving was wonderful, you guys made it so special for me, and you have no idea how much that meant both Dave and I. He loved it as much as I did. I know I'll cherish this Thanksgiving forever in my heart. I love you family!

P.S. this pic was taken at our apartment when Bethany came up to stay with us before Thanksgiving--I think it's really good!

Thanksgiving pics

Thanksgiving pics

The weekend

Well, the weekend didn't quite go as planned. Friday as I was driving home from school I started feeling really bad, like I might not make it home before I threw up. I got home and threw up for the next several hours. I had food poisoning. Friday was miserable. Saturday morning I was supposed to take the Praxis. I got up and thought I was feeling good enough to go. So, I got in the shower and then started feeling a little weird. Next thing I knew I was laying on the floor. Yup, I passed out. Good thing I missed hitting my head on the toilet, I just grazed my chin on the trashcan, other than that I was fine. Dave took me back to bed and I realized I couldn't go to the test. So, I STILL haven't taken the test, but am going to reschedule it for January. I laid aroud the house on Saturday and watched movies and played Monpoley with Bethany and Dave. I felt better Sunday, although I have YET to gain back my appitite, I'm not feeling sick after I eat anymore, so that's good. But, I've had a great time hanging out with B, so that's been really good. Anyway, just thought I'd update you on the "test" situation.

We're leaving for my parents for Thanksgiving tonight. I LOVE Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday. I hope you guys have a great one! And I hope I have my appetite back by Thursday!!!

L

Yay!

My litle sis, B, is up here this weekend and until Tuesday! I'm so excited! We're already having fun. She came and picked me up at school yesterday (that's a switch huh?) and we went to the coffee shop and hung out for a few hours. I introduced her to one of my favorite girl teenagers, Sophie, who works a the coffee shop. Today she's on her own for a few hours (supposedly doing homework, but probably watching movies and reading Glamour, J/K B!) while I'm at school. This afternoon I think we're gonna go on a hike in Deep Creek State Park (or is it National, I dunno). Tomorrow we're probably gonna have a girl's day out and go to Asheville and walk around, maybe watch a movie too. I think she'll really like Asheville. Sunday we're going to go to church then gather up the youth group girls and go see a ballet here at Western. The Atlanta Ballet company are here for the weekend, I hope it's good. Anyway, that's our plan for the weekend, I just love having her up here (maybe some day she'll move here???). K--peace people, I got work to do.

P.S. BIG prayer request. I have a huge test tomorrow morning (crack O dawn), and it's going to decide whether I can get into the teaching college here. Please pray that I will do well. I only have to take the math portion, but I'm TERRIBLE AT MATH and I'm pretty nervous. PRAY HARD!

P.S.S. Bethany only got on the wrong road ONE time on the way up here and she figured it out really quickly--I think that's pretty good :)!

Tests

Which is worse: that I'm pretty sure I failed two tests or that, at this moment, I really don't care?

the library

I have been in the library for the past 3 hours. I am only going to leave in a minute to grab some food, then I'll be returning for another 3 hours. I feel as though this staring at my computer screen will never stop. I wonder if the burning sensation in my leg is related to the computer overheating my lap. My eyes are droopy but I refuse to injest myself with loads of caffiene and sugar (just yet), but coffee must happen VERY soon. I pray to God he makes this week seem short to me. Once this week is done with things will calm down until exams. Not too much longer now--although I hate to think of what next semester brings as I will be conquering more hours than I have now--probably 18 or 20. Will it ever stop? I need food and am leaving my spot to find some sustanance (I realize that is spelled wrong). Ok, going now--hope you guys are having more fun than I am

P.S. I am actually REALLY REALLY excited about my little sister coming up here on Thursday. I can't wait to see her and spend time with her. Pray that she doesn't get lost on the way up here :).

My nephew's halloween pix--SO CUTE!

The full story

Ok, so several of you have wanted to know the full story of my wreck. I haven't posted it as of yet because, well, it was my fault. I was very sick the day of the wreck and should have stayed home from school. However, I had a test that day and thought I would go and then come back right after the test. I wasn't paying attention like I should have been on the way there (my head feeling like it weighed about 50 lbs) and I ended up running a red light and smashing into a Jeep Cherokee at about 55 mph. The other person was ok (they were driving a BIG friggin vehicle). I'm just SO thankful to God that he kept us both safe during my stupidity. That's the story folks.

I drove again the other day (borrowed vehicle) without crying for the first time, so that was good. Everything scares me when I get in a car now. I almost need to take drugs just to ride. But, I'm recovering from my fear. We're planning on buying my older brother's Honda from him next week, but are carpooling until then (thank you to all those who have given us a ride), we have amazing friends and church family who have been helping us out. Ok, I'm in class, so I really should get off here. That's the story and I'm stickin to it.

The Wreck

I'm ok--just so you know guys. I'm pretty sore but getting better. I'm trying to catch up on all the work I've missed in the last week from being sick and the wreck and so on--it sure is piling up! Hopefully I'll get all caught up over the weekend. I gotta eat then go to class--but seriously--I'm ok.

The "old" car and the wreck I had yesterday--ugh

Halloween Party--I was an 80's prom queen and Dave was an American--LOL!

Puffyness and GAF

SO the swelling around my right eye has finally gone down and people have stopped comming up to me and asking, "OH MY GOSH, WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE?!?!?" Which was really kind of upsetting me, lol. Anyway-it's gone and I'm glad, my face is back to normal.

This weekend was the big Guest Appreciation Festival (GAF) at NOC. It's the biggest gear swap on the east coast and a pretty big deal to any gear heads that know about it. I bought a shirt and that was it but Dave got some really great deals! He bought another kayak (a creek boat)and a camping stove for under $105! The kayak is an older version but he still really likes it. He's been looking for a camping stove for quite awhile so he was REALLY excited about that purchase.

I worked all weekend during the festival and helped with the kids events. I love that part of it--so much for me cause all I do all day is decorate and help kids carve pumpkins! The kids also have a halloween costume contest. It was absolutely ADORABLE! There were preschoolers dressed up as Bob the Builder, a chicken, a pumkin(he was VERY cute), & a little baby as a peapod! Then the elementary school kids wore costumes like the Grim Reaper (several of those), Jack from Pirates of the Carribean, a French Maid, some character off of Zelda, kittens, and fairies. It was allot of fun.

Then there was a band that played that night and an adult costume contest which was pretty hilarious (lots of men dressed as women, lol). The band was pretty good but Dave and I were exhausted from working all day and called it a night around 9. It was a good weekend all in all. Hopefully get to hang out with some friends tonight, Dave's saying something about a birthday party for one of the guys he works with. Anyway--I'm out. Think I'll take a nap first.

Detrimental

I think this place is detrimental to my health. I have never been so sick than in the past year. I've had a cold all week, still dealing with the chest pain/tons O IBprofin and now my eye is swollen shut. SERIOUSLY--it's not funny. I look like I got in a fight. I keep telling everyone I was trying to break up a fight and this girl pulled out this can of Mase and sprayed me and now my eye is swollen. Then they said, "REALLY???" and I say, "No, it was an allergic reaction to something--but nobody knows what." Ugh. So I'm wearing a big floppy hat so nobody can see my eye--friggin A. The doctor gave me some Benedrill-ish stuff and some cream to help the swelling go down. Maybe I'll be able to drive home this afternoon. I had my friend Sarah drive me to school. Ya know, only being able to see out of one eye REALLY throws off your depth perception. I don't know how many things I've already run in to this morning. God sure has a sense of humor--but really God, could you pick on someone else now, the joke is getting old. I'll keep you updated on the puffy situation--lol.
On a different note, here's something I've been thinking about as I've been thinking about while going through the Beth Moore ladies Bible study at church. THe study is on the book of Daniel so you know the context of the poem. Just thought I'd share it with you as I haven't really written anything like this in awhile.

Babylon

You can whistle and boom but you cannot make me tremble
You strut and swish but I will not make your image my own

I glance at your prosperity and stumble on all those that make you their god
but you cannot change my name forever
Your things that shine and glisten catch my eye but they will not consume me

You stand proudly while others kneel to you
I stand humbly with the strength of Three, kneeling only for One

You try to dress me in your apparel but I cannot fit in while wearing it
Like the three that were in the fire so I do not belong here
because I am not from this place

I am fed from your table as royalty, yet treated as a prisoner
I refuse your provisions and hold myself to a higher standard

You build your towers so that all may see and be in awe
The music sounds and all the high and mighty bend to you

No matter how tall your riches may rise I will not bow to you O Babylon
You are not my god for my God put you in your place in the beginning
and He is soon to return and do it again

More Baby Pictures

A few pics from the weekend