Molly has left the building

Well, I just got done with my Spanish exam---phew!!! I THINK I passed...but how much I couldn't tell ya. I had perfect attendance though, so the prof. gave out these little things she got in Mexico to those of us who had perfect attendance. I got a Christmas tree ornament. Yeah, she was a hard teacher, but I have learned alot this semester!

Cuando era nina, yo iba a la casa de abuela todos domingos y veia television
That's: when I was young, I went to my grandmothers house and watched television every Sunday.

I have one more exam today, but it's paper that I've already written and I just have to say a few words about it. Me and talking...we're all good. lol

In other news, Molly has gone home. ~sigh~ Dave and I tried (very hard) to convince her to stay for the summer, but due to NOC's small wages and not being able to start school in the fall at AB Tech, she went home to earn money and ponder her options. You are sorely missed Molly! This is an ode to Molly--

Who will do our dishes now?
Who will makes us laugh?
Who will embarrass Dave?
Who will occupy our couch and keep it company?
Who will make sure every Glamour and Rolling Stone magazine gets fully and faithfully read?
Who will call us to tell us our fridge is flooding our kitchen?
Who will go out with our weird friends and say good things about them all?
Who oh who, will play the "hide our dishes in a new place every day" game with us?
Will it be you Molly? No. no. Molly has gone home. S
These things and more will fall vacant because you are gone Molly. We miss you.

P.S.--Important Issue

I just wondered what everyone thought of the Immigration law that is trying to get passed right now. The Immigrant strike is today and it's estimated that several million will turn out to support it. Any takes?

One down...4 to Go!

Well, I copied your title Adam, although it seems you only had 2 final exams. I'm sure your two were harder than all 5 of mine put together though.

I had my Environmental Science exam this morning--the easiest of the lot for sure. It was all multiple choice and took all of 30 minutes. EZ breezy. I just wrote my paper for tomorrows exam/presentation and now I'm studying for my exam that is later on this afternoon. It shouldn't be too bad either. I've got it pretty much under control I think. Tomorrow is where it gets nerve wracking. Spanish final. EEK! I'm studying studying studying! Hopefully I can pull out a passing grade on it. That way I will have a C in the class. Anyways. After tomorrow I don't have another exam till Friday.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings I'm going to be babysitting my pastor's kids. His adorable little boy Max and, possibly his daughter Maddie, and I will have LOTS of fun I'm sure. I'm looking forward to the down time of just hangin out with kids and not worrying about school. Then next week it's back to full-time work at NOC. Or maybe I'll take a few days break inbetween. dunno yet. I'll keep ya posted.

LDP visit NC pictures

1st day back

Today I once again started working on the alpine tower at NOC. It was a nice begining to summer work. Small group of 7 guys who were gang-ho about climbing--and they tipped! So, not a bad day at all!

Tomorrow is my last day of regular classes for this semester. Next week, of course, is exams. Not really looking forward to those, but I think I'll do ok on them.

Well, that's really all I had to say--I'm taking Molly out to dinner with my tip money! ~shhhh~ she doesn't know yet! :) See ya!

Paddler once again

The LDP have invaded Bryson City..and the surrounding areas!!!! lol The '05-'06 LDP were at our house for chili (thanx for the recipe mom) on Sunday night. We had a great time just chatting and getting to know them. Scott was there too and Molly, Dave, and I loved catching up with him. Then, on Monday I decided to skip school and go paddling with the LDP (thanx for convincing me Molly!!!). We had a blast! Best day of skipping yet! Monday night Molly and I went and picked Dave up and then went to dinner at McKinley's cabin w/ everyone. Then Tuesday, I went paddling again (don't worry Mom, it was reading day, so I didn't skip). Today I'm quite sore. I hadn't paddled since last August and my muscles (or what was left of them) are complaining today. I also got to use MY BOAT for the first time since I bought it this week. I hadn't tried it out since Dave and I bought boats at GAF. So, tonight, the LDP are coming over again just to cook their food and hang out with us, and eat the rest of the leftover chili (I made a bit too much). Well, I gotta go. 3 more class days!!! Then exam week...dun dun dun... lol

P.S. how has my blog become a message board for everyone to talk ABOUT me and not TO me????? I CAN SEE WHAT YOU'RE WRITING YOU KNOW!!!!

The Good Stuff

This week has been really amazing. Molly and I have had some really cool talks and walks and just had a great time hanging out.

Tuesday--Molly finally got her phone working, although she had to stay in the Verizon store for over an hour and a half (can we say S L O W ???).

Wednesday--Molly and I went out for ice cream after I got back from school. Then we went and did some laundry and watched "While You Were Out" (I love that show) while the clothes were drying! Then, that night, my small highschool girls small group went really well. Molly tagged along and really helped me out alot. It always helps to have exciting stories about traveling in other countries--thanx Mol!

Thursday--Molly came to school with me and hung out in the library and "hung out" on the internet while I went to my one class of the day. Then, ~drumrole please~ I FINALLY GOT MY FALL CLASSES ALL SORTED AND REGISTERED FOR AFTER A WEEK OF STRESS AND WORRY! YAY!
But most importantly, my grandfather had surgery. My grandmother and mom were pretty worried about the procedure. God really blessed it though and it went so smoothly. Granddaddy should recover very quickly and hopefully be working away in his garden very soon. Thanks God!

Friday--I am in class. He he--do we see a pattern here? Blogging in class really saves time, lol. Molly is leaving to visit her sister and bro-n-law who are in S.C. today. She'll be back though! In 2 days actually. We'll miss you Molly, lol.

So, that's the week's wrap up. I'm working most of the weekend for Spring Splash (NOC's season kick-off) and this years LDP will be at our house on Sunday night! YAY--WE GET TO SEE SCOTT, MICHAEL, BRUCE, and all the new peeps! See ya later!

Molly and Easter

On Thursday night Molly called a little after 9 to say "I'm lost somewhere in Cherokee." Cherokee is right down the road from us, so it wasn't too big of a deal. Then she called again to say she had driven up and down our road and just couldn't find house number 851. We're 251 I told her, there is no 851. Then I told her to stay there and Dave was coming to find her. So, Molly finally arrived at our house late Thursday night and we have had some good fun since then. Saturday we all went to my grandfathers 80th birthday party. All the kids were running around and screaming and it was a beautiful, steamy day (87' F). Sunday the three of us went to church and then had a church hotdog dinner while all the kids hunted for Easter eggs and jumped in one of those inflatable bouncy things. It was a good time. We then introduced Molly to the river and went down the Nantahala on duckies (inflatable kyaks). We had fun but got a little chilled (I was a chicken and wore a wet suit--and I'm glad of it!). So now that Easter break is over I'm back in Env. Health. Yeah yeah, this is the only class I can really bring my laptop to, the rest I have to be super involved in. So, I'm off. It's 10:21 and it's already 70 degrees! It's gonna be a scorcher!

Wonderful Weekend

Dave and I had a great weekend! We went to the aquarium on Saturday. It was a lot of fun and we took lots of cute pictures. Then we went to TGI Friday's to eat (love love love that place--too bad there's not one around here). Sunday we had a late breakfast then went to Rock City. I've always wanted to go there because there's signs for it everywhere! I'm a bit of a advertisers dream when it comes to those kinds of things. It was really cute actually, except what they did with the mass amounts of gnomes in the caves (it was a lil creepy). Then we went to an Indian place for lunch and met up with some of our friends from Chatt. Then we walked along the river (across from the aquarium) and went into some little shops (gear shops too, Dave needed his fix) and got some ice cream. Very pleasant weekend.

Also, on the way home, we saw a truck for sale! We think it is perfect for us and Dave is talking to the guy today. It is in our price range too so we may have a new truck soon (new to us not brand new). I love it except it's sort of an ugly color, lol. Well, I gotta get to class. Love you guys!

the big 1

Tomorrow is mine and Dave's FIRST anniversary guys! I can't believe it! It seems like yesterday, seriously. I remember getting my hair done and being very nervous before the wedding. I can also remember crying over the cake (if you saw it you would understand) and hearing Adam Nelson make an amazing toast to Dave after the wedding. The whole day was absolutely beautiful. I remember starting out that morning with going to breakfast with my 2 sisters and my mom. I could barely eat, but we had a good time together. I think we were all pretty nervous. Bethany held it together pretty well though, thanx B! lol Very good memories, our wedding was exactly what we wanted--totally perfect.

Tomorrow, for our anniversary, we are going to Chattanooga for the night. We're gonna hang out in that lovely city and then go to the aquarium which everyone says is the best they've ever been to. I'm excited just to get out of town for two days. I've even caught up on my homework (after much lapsing while watching Dawson's Creek, lol).

Have a great weekend everybody! I'll talk to ya when we get back!

answer to prayer

Just wanted to tell you all that I greatly felt your prayers yesterday! The surgery went so well and, by a miracle, I DIDN'T FEEL A THING!! I didn't even feel the numbing shots or anything! It was amazing and over very quickly. Dave was very supportive and sat by my side the whole time. I think he was even more nervous than I was! Thank you SO much honey, it meant so much to me for you to be there. After the surgery Dave drove me home and we picked up ~drumrole please~ THE 5TH SEASON OF DAWSON'S CREEK!!!! Yes folks, it HAS arrived. I then sat on the couch and watched it for the rest of the day (I even watched 2 episodes this morning before class....by skipping my first class of course, but I felt a little bad so sitting on the couch was nice, lol). Dave read his climbing magazines and endured the angst only Dawson's Creek could bring to going to school and dating and the normal events of life, lol

My older sister also did something very sweet for me yesterday! When I arrived home from the dr. there was a package waiting for me!!! She had a bucket of candy and my favorite drink (Coke!!!) waiting for me on the doorstep! Thanks so much Shannon, I LOVE getting packages!

Anyway, I'm feeling a bit grungy now w/ all the pain meds worn off but I'm still doing very well

Again, thanks for all your prayers!

prayer @ 1:45

Hi guys! Just wanted to ask you to pray for me about 1:45 today as I'll be having some minor invasive surgery. I'm a little worried cause I've never had ANY kind of surgery before. My stomach is in a bit of a knot. I know everything will be fine and Dave will be there with me, but I'm still not thrilled about it. If don't return Lydia gets my couch cause it goes w/ her chair, lol. I'll update you guys later (probably tomorrow) on how everything went. Thanks so much for praying, it means a lot.

P.S. Mom--thank you for calling this morning, it helped me feel better. Love you!

SUPRISE!!!...to us And to you

We have an announcement--we're PREGNANT!!!! I just found out a couple of weeks ago and wanted to tell everyone right away! Don't know the expected due date yet, but I'm going to the doctor next week so I should know then!!!! Yes, this came as a bit of a shock to Dave and I, as we didn't plan on having kids for quite awhile...but ~suprise~ we are! Dave is VERY VERY excited to be becoming a daddy as he won't just have the pastor's baby to play with before long. I'm excited as well, but am still getting over the shock (as you can imagine). I am going to finish out school through this semester and next semester and will probably take summer classes as well to get further along before the baby comes. Then I'll probably take a break for a semester and see if I can go back the semester AFTER that. Whew--that's alot of information. Anyway--we'll be around for the traditional congratulatory calls but you have to find somone that has our cell phone numbers (or you can e-mail me and I'll give them to you). We love you all...AND WE'RE HAVING A BABY!! ....i REALLY hope it has red curly hair---wouldn't that be cute!!!!! lol :-D



p.s. If you look at the date posted above you will realize it is April 1st. Being that April 1st is sometimes call "April Fools" I will let you make that connection. If you STILL don't get it----we're not pregnant---April Fool's!!!!!!! Sorry for the heart attacks but we ARE being smarter than that..come on people...give us some credit...lol.

Retraction

Ok, Chris has called me out. He didn't really lead me to believe that he and Emily would get engaged this summer. However, seeing as he said they would at least date a year...and the year would be up this summer...I concluded it might happen this summer through deductive reasoning. Pretty good for a non-scientific mind eh? LOL

I'm actually in science class right now! Hey, don't judge--I'm getting good grades too (Chris), for the most part (stupid Spanish). So I feel I can slack off sometimes in certain classes. Ok, I slack off all the time in this classes, but hey, I'm still going to have an "A" at the end of the semester, so who's gonna blame me?

I mean, if you KNOW a professor doesn't really expect anything but that you are in class on time, why exceed his expectations if you're getting a good grade?!? I'm no over-achiever. If I can ride under the radar and get good grades then why not?! I don't do this in every class. I'm the star of both my English classes and one of my education classes as well! And to say something for my science class, I do listen generally and comment if need be...and I'm ALWAYS early. So, my prof. likes me well enough, and I guess that's good enough for me! Anyway, I'm going to stop justifying my way of life to you all, I'm gonna start listening now! So there!

GOOD DAY TO YOU!

P.S.

For those of you who care--Chris Spicer has blogged!!! I know it's a miracle, and if you don't believe me you can check it out yourselves! (link to Chris's blog on right--->)

I have two papers to write today and a play to see tonight. The papers really aren't that bad though and I'm really looking forward to the play! It is Shakespeare's "Much ado about nothing"...or something (sorry I never read this play, so I forget the name...lol). I'm actually dragging Dave to the play too so you can ask him how he liked it.

I had the pleasure of talking to the one and only Daroline DaSilva today on the phone! She called me and we spent a wondrous 45 minutes talking of things that are going on in our lives. Thanks so much for calling Dee, it really meant alot to me.

Well, I'm off. I would love to get into the gym today at some point. I've been saying I'm going to start exercising all semester but I've only been to the gym twice so far. So, we'll try again today.

On an "up" note it stopped snowing and is getting back to "Spring-like" temperatures.

Chris

Spicer may have dropped out of our lives, but I learned this weekend that he has not forgotten us. I was privileged enough to catch Chris on IM and talked to him for bit. He is still in school and enjoying learning and looking forward to teaching. Of course you are all wondering if he is engaged yet...so I will post that part of the conversation.


myself--->stuffed up and running says: (4:41:37 PM)
so any proposals yet??? or up coming?

Spicer---->Hello End of the Term, Wasn't Expecting You So Soon says: (4:42:44 PM)
Business proposals? Hmmm. . . maybe I'll start up a deli shop

Hello End of the Term, Wasn't Expecting You So Soon says: (4:43:02 PM)
I could use the money for school but I doubt I have the capital to get it started

stuffed up and running says: (4:43:41 PM)
lol....that's Chris I miss...no no...ya know...the diamond ring kind...???

Hello End of the Term, Wasn't Expecting You So Soon says: (4:44:35 PM)
hahaha. . . it's been talked about but we sort of agreed at least a year of dating was a good thing

So, he's not engaged yet but after talking to him that may change in the summer? or later...not starting any rumors, but of course we all know Emily and Chris will be engaged eventually. ~sigh~ lovebirds.
Chris also sent me a recent pic. of himself and Emily and I told him I WOULD post it on my blog so people would know he's still alive but just love-struck.

Snow in the Spring

March the 20th was the first day of Spring. Today is the 25th...and it's snowing. Yes, you heard right, snowing. I am sitting in a coffee shop/book store in Asheville and watching the snowflakes fall outside the window. Granted, it's not a blizzard, but it is white. It's also pretty freakin cold! I am in thick jeans and a pretty thick hoodie and my teeth still chatter outside. Last week I was wearing tank tops and flip-flops! This week, Dave has once again donned his down jacket. Mother Nature is definitely getting a kick out of watching us get all ruffled over the weather. Well, I'm off to refill my coffee cup and indulge in some good ol' celebrity gossip. Thanks Pink is the New Blog!

IMPORTANT GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!
If you also are a person who suffers from chronic celebrity gossip deficiency go to: www.trent.blogspot.com
**warning** this will not cure addiction and may cause it to get worse.

~brrrr~ toodles!

Here's the "buddies" aka my older sis's twins. finally figured out how to put larger pictures on. Don't ask me which one is which cause I have no clue unless they're wearing different things! Aren't they cute though! Gotta love the cheesy grins!
Gotta wash clothes then I think I'm gonna straighten my hair for the night. Peace!

the other side

I thought since I posted my brother's kid's pictures I should post my sister's as well! Here are her two oldest. I had pictures of her twins as well but they were too big to put on. I think that you can only have 140 kB's, Sis. Maybe i'll be able to post them later. I'm in class so I better start paying attention. Have a great day!

new table

Dave suprised me the other night with a new table! See, we had gotten our other table from my grandmother's basement. The old table was 50's style brown and metal. It did the job but it wasn't pretty. The new table is a gorgeous color of brown and it can even get bigger! I'm very excited about it. He didn't actually buy it but got it from one of our friends neighbors as they were getting a new one, or something like that. Either way, the table is beautiful and I love it! Thanks sweetie! I gotta go though. I'll post again soon.

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!

I have my "I ~clover~ Ireland" shirt on today--V. cute. I've got my green earrings and a green ring and even some green eye liner on! I'm ready yo! lol Dave and I are having a St. Patrick's Day party tomorrow night. It was a night when more of our friends could come over, so we're doing it then instead of today. I'm excited about buying decorations today! yay! Maybe someone that comes will have a digatal camera and I can post some pictures on here from it. Anyway, I gotta print this paper out and get to class. Here are some St. Patties Pix for ya! The green river is in Chicago! They actually dye it that color every year for St. Patties! gross looking huh? And the other one is what they do for St. Patties in Ireland--DRINK GUINNESS! Yes, that IS a Ken doll, but hey, they start young over there, lol.

New niece/nephew

I'm going to be an aunt AGAIN! I found out last night, via a REALLY cute picture through e-mail (the one I posted), that my brother and sister-n-law are having another baby! It's due in October! I started crying immediately in the middle of school! I'm sure everyone thought I was having a nervous breakdown or something. Anyway, I'm VERY excited for them. I called them immediately to say "congrats" and can't wait to find out what the baby will be (boy/girl).

To update you since Dave and I got back from the road trip, I'm in school again and trying to survive a few late midterms. Our road trip was amazing and we had a blast driving all over. We did run into a bit of weather while we were driving out of Arkansas and into Texas (hence the monsoon bit in the last blog). We did get through it unscathed though and hung out in the town of Texarkana (yes, that does border Texas AND Arkansas). It was a cool town, very windy, took some cool pictures on the border of the two states that runs through town. Then we spent the night in a the middle of nowhere in Louisiana and decided to drive all the way home the next day. So, we drove through most of Louisiana, the middle of Mississippi, Alabama, and the top of Georgia. Then we stopped in Chattanooga for coffee w/ Adam and his girlfriend Julie and then continued on home. We arrived home about 2 a.m., but it was worth it to sleep in our own bed that night. So, great trip. I think we've decided to make it an annual thing. Who knows where we'll end up next year!

Texas or bust

Enjoyed the hot springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas--stop Now in Texas in town of Texarkana--stop Survived flooding of tent, monsoon while driving, and tornado watch--stop Will continue into Louisiana tomorrow--stop Update you later--stop Texas is hot--stop

Alabama and beyond

So we didn't end up leaving Chattanooga until around 3 pm on Monday afternoon. Then we drove straight to Alabama to the little town of Gadsden. In Gadsden there is a campground that has a 90 ft. waterfall in it--very picturesque. This is where we camped for the evening. Took some pictures of the waterfall, we'll post them when we get home.

On Tuesday we drove out of Alabama and through the top corner of Mississippi into Memphis, TN. On the way to Memphis we stopped at "the longest Natural Bridge this side of the Rockies." It was an out-of-the-way-small-hike into some beautiful wooded areas. Then, there it was, this MASSIVE piece of rock bridging a fairly good size gap in the mountain. Definately the best stop we have made so far. Dave really wanted to climb it, but I told him if every person that saw it climbed it, it wouldn't be there in a few years. lol

After that we spent the afternoon and evening in Memphis and saw some pretty amazing things there. We have OFFICIALLY seen "Graceland." For all you non-Elvis fans that's the home of the artist formally known as Elvis, lol. Pretty sweet. Then we drove into the center of Memphis. Did you know there's a pyramid in TN? We also saw the Mississippi river during sunset and ate at a little pub where Justin Timberlake, U2, Santana, ZZ Top, along with every other famous guitarist/artist has played. It also had all these guys guitars hung all over the walls, all signed of course.

After Memphis we drove into Arkansas to a very remote campground (but pretty terrific if I do say so myself). We set up our tent by the light of the headlights (and our new Propane Lantern). This morning we cooked breakfast over the fire and are now heading to, you'll never guess......a HOT SPRING!!! We get to bathe in this hot spring this afternoon!!!!!

So, I'll get off of here so Dave can get on. We're currently in a cafe' on "Clinton Blvd" (lol) in Little Rock, AK. Tomorrow we're headed into Texas and then probably home through Louisiana. We'll keep you updated!

Chattanooga

Hello from the state of Tennesee! Dave and are I still in Chattanooga at the moment but are heading to Alabama (we think) tonight. We may try to go to Memphis, TN this afternoon before we head tl Alabama for the night, but aren't really sure yet. We left Adam D.'s house this morning and are now at Panera Bread Co. blogging to you! This weekend we just hung out in Chattanooga and Dave and Adam did some rock climbing yesterday. Don't know if I'll be able to post any other pictures for this week, but we took some with Adam's digital yesterday, so here are some of the highlights. Catch you guys later! We gotta get back on the road.

p.s. Shannon, you misspelled the word "hence" in your mass e-mail the other day. You spelled it "hince." Jeez, you woulda thought you were homeschooled or something!

First day of the rest of Spring Break

YAY! Today is the last day of classes for the next week! I don't even have any homework to do during the break. I'm pretty pysched. By the way I DIDN'T fail the Spanish test I had on Tuesday, but I'm pretty sure I DID fail the one I took on Thursday. Ah well, that's not gonna get me down today! I have 3 more classes and then a bit of homework to finish. Tonight we're having our small group over for some pizza and games. Should be a good time. Just thought I'd say hello and good-bye to you all for a few days. I may check in from time to time during Spring break if we find an internet cafe'. So, adios amigos! Here's some fun pictures to send you on your way. So THIS is what pets do when we're away huh?

a very ugh day

It's only 11:30 and I already feel depressed. I think I've failed another Spanish test. I don't think I would feel so bad if I didn't have ANOTHER one on Thursday. Midterms REALLY suck. I am currently working on a exam paper that has to be turned in tonight--Very nervous about that one. Then I have a paper due tomorrow and two on Friday. Fun stuff. Hopefully the week will pass quickly and SPRING BREAK will pass S L O W L Y. Speaking of Spring Break that's NEXT WEEK! Oh man, SOOO ready for that. I'm getting a "Road Trip America" book today and hopefully we'll "plan" our roadtrip tonight.

We have FINALLY gotten cell phones people! If you are someone that needs to have our phone numbers, or just wants them, then e-mail me and I will e-mail you the numbers. We are getting rid of our home phone line this week and getting internet when we get back from our road trip. So, love you guys lots, but I gotta finish some papers.

toodles!

SHOUT OUT AND LAUGH OUT LOUD

I want to give a shout out to my friend Adam Delezene as he has FINALLY replied to my comments on his blog. Thank you VERY much, it has been a long time in the making I'm sure, lol. Considering I am the one and only person who comments on your blog I feel privileged to be the one you replied to.

I also wanted to point out something else to all of you who also know my husband (yup, think that covers everybody).
Please note his last two blogs have included these sayings, and I quote, "I learnt to snowboard in West Virginia," and "we overhere this women." I seriously am NOT teaching him this stuff. He's gone country (as the country song says), but he doesn't have the boots yet. lol I'm trying to teach him how to speak regular English but I think he's learning it too quickly from his mountain buddies for my teaching to do any good. Just thought I'd point those things out. They sure made ME laugh!

Adios! I am off to study Spanish and write a science paper.

SINGING IN THE RAIN!

Well the snow melted and now it's hotter than 60 degrees here now. Ugh, I miss when winter was 4 months long. So the interview went very well and Dave is now a conditional permanent resident. YAY! This means that we can travel out of the country again! Well, I could before, but Dave can come with me now. So, for all of you Canadians we love so much, we'll hopefully be seeing you later this year! And, for our family in Ireland and other parts of the U.K. we'll be seeing you this Christmas! YAY YAY YAY!!! Traveling again! Speaking of traveling Dave and I have decided what to do with the time I have off for Spring Break. We're going on a ROAD TRIP!!! Wuhoo! I've actually never been on a proper road trip before. Sad huh? We haven't planned it out yet but it will be the March 4th through the 11th. Just in case you were wondering or were trying to find us during that time. HOPEFULLY by then we'll have cell phones, so we won't be COMPLETELY cut off from the world. Well, just thought I would give you an update. Gotta get home and work on my lesson for tonight's girl's small group. Love ya!

p.s. I'm wearing my KICKIN rain boots...oh yeah baby!

snow and Valentines day

Dave and I celebrated Valentines day last Saturday because we were both busy on Tuesday. When I woke up Dave handed me two strips of paper and told me to pick one. He said I could choose the one I picked or vito it and choose number two. I opened the first one and it said, "receive roses." I picked that one. Then he brought in a breakfast menu that he had typed up. I "ordered" pancakes and bacon with hot chocolate and whipped cream. Then he brought me another two slips of paper. One said "breakfast in bed." The other said, "breakfast by candlelight." I chose candlelight. We had an amazing breakfast and lounged around for a bit. Then we decided to go sledding! It snowed all weekend (Friday through Monday) and we had gotten quite a bit of snow. Well, we drove up to the church and decided to sled down the big hill behind it. Well, that would have been ok, except we really didn't look at the bottom of the hill before we got on the sled. Right before we got down the hill I noticed that there was a ditch at the bottom. I noticed this a few seconds before we hit it. It didn't feel good to me, but I wasn't badly hurt. However, Dave wasn't so lucky. He scared the living daylights out of me! So, Dave is quite sore. He compressed his spine pretty good when we hit the ditch. I think we'll be utilizing the chiropractic services here next week sometime. So, we didn't do all that much for the rest of the day. We stayed in and watched a movie and pumped Dave full of IB Profin. He was feeling a bit better that evening, I think the medication was helping, and we went out to dinner to the Italian restaurant in town. We had a great dinner, very nice.

For the rest of the weekend we played in the snow and babysat the Pastor's kids. Dave helped their lil girl build a snow fort while I entertained the baby. The baby wasn't too keen on eating his baby food, so I got to wear quite a bit of it, good stuff.

Yesterday Dave got his Valentines presents. When he woke up he had a scavenger hunt through the house to find all his cards. His cards had coupons for different things he likes in them. One of them was a long back rub, another his pick of the movie next time we go, and another his choice of home cooked meal, among other things. Then, when he came home from work he had a card and some slippers. He kept wearing my pink bunny slippers, so I thought he might want some more manly ones, lol.

Today we're heading back towards my parents for the weekend. Tomorrow is Dave's visa meeting in Charlotte. Please pray for a good outcome. We're quite nervous about it. It's 8:30 tomorrow morning, so remember us during that time.

Ok, I've got to start paying attention to my Environmental Health class. See ya later!

OH! One more set of good news. We're going to get rid of our home phone and get cell phones...FINALLY! We're also going to have internet through our cable company, so we'll be able to talk to our overseas family whenever they are on the internet through Skype (the internet will always be on since it's through cable). We'll start this process in the next couple of weeks, but we'll make sure all who need to know know our new phone numbers.

check these out!

Thought I'd post some pretty funky pictures that my lil sis sent me. The first one makes me dizzy just looking at it!

78

I MADE A 78 ON TUESDAY'S TEST!!!! That, is freakin awesome. We had the other part of the test today, dunno if I did as well, ugh. Guess we'll see next week! OH! It snowed like crazy here last night! We had a couple inches of snow on the ground when we woke up and all the schools were closed for the day. Schools not including universities that is, cause I'm at school now. But oh well. I gotta get home and study for my environmental health test tomorrow. Should be a breeze, it's ALL mutiple choice!!! Also, I'm starting to to get pysched up for Survivor tonight! Yes Candice, I AM watching it!!! WUHOO! Wouldn't miss it for a blizzard. toodaloo everyone!

This picture describes how I feel right now

p.s. I had amazing chicken and dumplins for lunch....good stuff

OH HAPPY DAY!!!!!!

I have FINALLY passed a Spanish test!!!!!! I'm SOOOOO EXCITED! Well, I THINK I've passed it anyway, I just took it about a half hour ago. I have such a good feeling about it though! It MAY even be "C" material!!!!! WUHOO! I know my grade expectations have fallen quite a bit, but it's only for Spanish, that's my only exception. The rest of my classes must be "A's," or very high "B's". Wow, I can't stop smiling! It's amazing what happens when you're not stressed anymore! Of course that's just for the moment, it'll return shortly I'm sure, but I'm savoring the happiness right now. I'm going to celebrate by going out to lunch!!!

~skips around sings~ "oh HAPPY daaay, Oh happy daaay, oh HAPPY HAPPY daaay"

It snowed last night! It was really beautiful. It actually lasted quite a while! But, it's too warm to stick much, so it's mostly gone now. Tonight it's supposed to snow again though, but we'll see. Well, I'm headin to lunch, maybe I'll even have sushi!

on the verge

I am on the verge of withdrawing from Spanish. I feel like nothing good can come out of me staying in the class. The only reason I am staying now is that IF, and it's a big if, I pass this class, I will get credit for Spanish 1 and 2, so I won't have to do another class. I'm even allowing myself to get a "D" in the class, I think it'll be great if I can just get that! However, I am thoroughly confused and behind most of the class. I'm hanging in there grade wise, but I feel like I'm a fake. If I REALLY wanted to learn the language, I'd go back to Spanish one I suppose. I hate quitting, but it really is making my life a living hell. I'm constantly stressed about Spanish. I haven't even started studying for the big teacher test I have to take yet, because I'm always bogged down with homework from Spanish! I heard our teacher is one of the hardest, how come I ended up with her? Oy vay. Help? Anyone have any suggestions? I have to go write a paper, then study for a spanish re-test, and finish my spanish homework. ugh. I have a great day ahead of me ~said in the most extreme sarcastic voice I can muster~

here I am

So here I am at school eating day old popcorn (which is the best kind by the way) and chilling for an hour for lunch. I refuse to do any homework in this hour, I'll be doing it for the rest of the day anyway. I finally went and worked out yesterday. I always say I'm going to, but then I just keep doing homework and fry my brain completely. I've got to stop taking everything so seriously. I know that sounds weird, but I'm gonna have a mental break down if I don't. I'm still going to study and do my homework and try hard, but I'm going to stop stressing. Well....I'm going to try anyway...it will probably be easier said than done.
Ok, I'm going to talk about a subject that just popped into my head. Being a teacher's pet. I like being a teacher's pet. I thrive on being the teacher's pet. Let me give you an example. The other day in class our teacher asked us to rate a short story on the amount of joy we had derived from the story. Several people said 5, some said 6, there was one 9, and then it came to me. Well, I thought, if I say 10 then he'll ask me why, and I'll get to talk in class. So, I did. And just as I thought, he asked why. So, I had lots of interesting details to list of to my professor. Now, don't judge me yet, I liked that poem alot! Maybe not a 10, but if I had said 9 he might not have asked me first! He's my favorite professor by the way, great class. So, how do you feel about being a teacher's pet? Do you think the smartest kids are the teacher's pet, or just the one's that suck up the most? I have to say he likes my writing as well, he always tells me so. I love it. Really, it's amazing how a compliment on something you've worked hard on can boost your ego! Course it doesn't take too much to boost mine, buying a new pair of sunglasses does the job just fine. Or maybe that has more to do with my confidence. OH well, what do you think?

for all who need to know

I know those of you who remember Christopher Spicer will be glad to hear this.....I HAVE MADE CONTACT! THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS, I HAVE TALKED TO HIM! I was just fortunate enough to be on messenger when he got on this morning. I just happened to be in science class, but a little thing like that couldn't stop me from talking to my long lost friend! Besides, our teacher forgot he had taught our class that lesson before and didn't realize it until almost halfway through, so I had the notes anyways. SO, yes, Chris is still alive and well and liking school. He and Emily are doing good also. So, that's about as much as I know. HE'S ALIVE! I suppose that is all that matters.
peace out, I have Spanish to study. not that it will help me any, but I'm willing to try.

just a quickie

I know I haven't been very studious in keeping up with my blog lately, very sorry. School has been a major undertaking and Spanish is about to take me 6 feet under, lol. I study all the time and still fail the tests. I'm gonna stick with it until after midterms, then, if my grades aren't hacking it, I'm gonna drop it and start again next semester in Spanish 1. Anyway, other than that class everything is going swell! I have quite a big test to take for my education major called The Praxis. Which, in wanna-be-teacher terms is basically the SAT all over again. Yes, that dreaded word in highschool is coming back to haunt me. But, I'm buying a book, I have online services, and I'm gonna study like crazy. The test costs $145 every time you take it, so I can't afford to fail, literally. Ok, I gotta eat quick and get to my night class. I hope it gets out early again! Love you all!

Here are some photos I thought would make you laugh. They are time savers and my dad sent them to me. Too bad I don't have one of those hats, I feel like sleeping standing up all the time now! The kid mop suit is a must for all moms! lol

Our new Couch!--finally

start at the very beginning..a very good place to start

I found out I definitely CANNOT transfer those credits to this university. So, I'm pretty much back at freshmen status when I was almost a senior, but that's how the cookie crumbles right? Ugh I did find out I can possibly test OUT of some of the classes I have already taken, but I really don't think that will work with my Biology class and lab. I barely passed them the first time, and I don't think I remember enough about 3 years ago to test of out that particular class. So I was pretty depressed, but I'm gonna keep pluggin' along and we'll see what becomes of it. Maybe by the time our kids are out of college I'll actually have my degree! (and we're not planning on starting a family for several more years now). I'm off to class! Keep us in your prayers

OH! For those of you wondering about Dave, he's in W. Virginia this week snowboarding! Lucky him eh? And for those of you from Canada who remember the LAST time he tried to snowboard (aka: the winter of the broken wrists), he is doing much better this time around.....so far. As of now I think he only complains of a sore bum, lol. I'll keep ya updated and in my prayers!

Crisis mode

I went to the office today to get copies of my transcripts. Well, it seems only the classes from Stanly Community College have transferred. That means only 18 of my 100 credit hours have transferred. They try to tell me Piedmont wasn't an accredited college, and I said OH YES IT IS! Why exactly would anyone go to a college that wasn't accredited and take anything that they wanted to be certified in!!!??!! Anyway, I have to go back to the office and HOPEFULLY work all this out in a few minutes. If they don't transfer I'm gonna have to take another science w/ lab, a speech class, all of my electives, a health class, a history class, and several literature classes. I can't imagine....I really don't want to think about it. I am clinging to my prayer of the week: "God cares for my heart, and knows what's in it, He will take care of me." Prayer would be GREATLY appreciated!

up and running

HI guys! Sorry I haven't been on for the past few days, we decided to cancel our internet at home so I can only get on at school. We are considering getting cells phones come the end of February, so I'm sure some of you will be very happy about that. On the cell phone note, how many of you use Verizon as your service provider, that will play a part in if we get them as well. Considering if we get Verizon we'll be able to talk free to other Verizon customers, we want lots of friends on our call list!

Anyway, school! I've been in classes for 2 days now and am taking a full course load. I don't have too many hard classes. The one I'm gonna have to work my butt off for is Spanish 2. Yes, I did say Spanish TWO. I tested into the second one because I got A's in highschool. The teacher seems really great and says if I work hard I won't have a problem. But, I'm not so sure. I remember VERY little Spanish, so I guess I'll just have to get some tutoring. She's a "sister" as well! She said she isn't a nun because nun's stay at the monestary all their lives and she goes out and teaches, so she's considered a "sister". She's REALLY nice and energetic! Literature classes are great too, and even my science teacher is amazing! He is REALLY cool and it seems that the class will be easy as well. He's from around the London area, so he has a great accent. He actually use to work for Scottland yard at one point. Very colorful personality; I think we'll get along fine.

Well, just thought i'd update on here since I hadn't in a few days. I've gotta go do homework! I'm actually excited about it this time around! Gotta head to lunch as well, my stomach doth rumble.

on with the saga

Well tomorrow is Orientation. Today I went and got a few things out of the way so I wouldn't have to stand in quite so many lines tomorrow. I got my student ID card made, and this time my picture isn't too hideous, and I got some shots that were way past due. Now, normally shots don't bother me at all, I even willingly give blood! But today, I had to get a Tetanus shot. I haven't had one since 1988, (so if you estimate my age, which is 22 and how long you're suppose to go till you get another one, 10 years, you'll know I was 7 years overdue for one) so I forgot how painful they are 3 hours after you get them. At the time they aren't so pleasant, they feel like the nurse is trying to put GLUE into your veins, but later....man, they feel like you've gotten SHOT! Course I've never been shot, and I'm probably exaggerating it (not getting shot that is, but getting A shot), but it hurts quite a bit. I can't even pick up something without feeling like I've been the punching bag for Mike Tyson's boxing practice! I guess I'm a bit of a baby about it, oh well. I'm just glad you only have to get one every 10 years, lol. So anyways, tomorrow I have to sign up for my classes and then I start them on Monday. Good stuff. Hope you guys had a great day and didn't have to get any Tetanus shots.

more good news!

IT FINALLY HAPPENED! Yes, folks, you are now reading about a future student of Western Carolina University! I was OFFICIALLY accepted on Monday, January the 2nd (Dave's b-day!). Now I am hurridly going through the registration process. We will be going to the school tomorrow to meet my advisor and so on. Then, I'll be starting school on MONDAY!!!! I'M SO EXCITED!!! I'm quite nervous as well, but that just adds to the experience I think. Just wanted to tell you guys the exciting news! WUHOOO!!!

LOTS of GREAT NEWS!!!

After 8 months of waiting to hear from the American government, we received a present from them right in time for Christmas! When we came home from my parents this week we had received a letter. I was SO excited, and Dave was skeptical, but hearing anything is better than hearing nothing I thought. Well.....we opened it and we have our first interview on FEB. 16th!!! So, thank you for all your prayers, God definitely answered ours to hear something by the new year! We'll keep you posted on the progress.
In other news....WE FINALLY BOUGHT A COUCH!!!! It's quite amazing, blue and green and aqua actually, sounds pretty loud huh? It's actually an antique and super cute! Hopefully we'll have a picture of it up here soon, but we haven't picked it up yet, gotta find a truck to borrow. We're both VERY excited about this purchase, although it took it's toll on Dave's stress gland. He doesn't really like to make purchases which push us further from the nomadic life he would prefer to live. If it were up to Dave we would own a tent, sleeping bags, and only the clothes we could cary on our back. But, he likes the couch alot and is
V E R Y slowly getting use to the fact that he's no longer single and could possibly take him longer than 24 hours to move country. lol
For the emotional news....I had a very real dream last night. I dreamt that Dave and I ended up hanging out at a camp that we had trained at some during LDP and then my parents drove up and Scott and Spicer got out of the car too! I ran up and hugged them and the 3 of us started crying (hey, it's a girls dream, we're very emotional creatures). Scott was also with some 80's Barbie looking girl, spandex and BIG blond hair! Hilarious! I miss those guys SOOOO much and haven't heard a peep from them in very very long time. Scott, Chris, we miss you dearly.....and mourn the loss of your blogs which are withering away in the dust you have left them in. Sniff...sniff....see you in my dreams guys.

Wonderful, but not white

Christmas was amazing, as always, but definitely not white here in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Even the temperature difference between the mountains (where we live) and here is quite substantial....we're sweating to death in DECEMBER! Well, if Christmas was only great if it was cold I suppose the countries around the equator would have gotten rid of it long ago. The Eddy family Christmas was on the 23rd and it was great to see that side of the family. We only see them twice a year and since I was in Ireland last year I hadn't seen them in a pretty long time! Dave hadn't really even MET that side of the family, the only time he had seen them was at the wedding! I think I mentioned this in the previous blog, but oh well. We had the Fisher (mom's side) Christmas gathering on Christmas eve, and that was loud and crazy as always. We took family pictures by immediate family this year, as the whole family doesn't fit in one picture anymore. We realized that MY immediate family is over HALF of the Fisher family in it's entirety...there are 16 of us, including my sister and brother's kids. Well, the Christmas eve service was wonderful as it always is, wouldn't be Christmas without going.
Christmas day just our immediate family got together and we played some games and let the kids play with their toys, and just chatted and laughed together. I think Christmas day is my favorite. We don't normally go anywhere (except this year because it fell on Sunday--church), and we just get to relax and enjoy the family and chaos of them all.
Well, I'm off to play "Scene It" with everyone. Dave and I will be heading back to the mountains tomorrow.
I love my big, loud, chaotic family dearly.

Have a Happy New Year!

Thought these would at least give you a holiday smile....they got quite a big laugh outta me! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tomorrow tomorrow it's only a day AAAAAWAY!

Well, tomorrow we're heading to Charlotte to have Christmas with my dad's side of the family. We're going to gather at his sister's house. We use to go to my grandparents, but their house is a lot smaller, and our family doesn't fit in there anymore. Plus, it's not very kid friendly, and since my aunt has kids, Shannon and Shaun's kids can run and play as they like and not be too worried about breaking something valuable. Which, all in all, makes for a MUCH more relaxing time for everyone.

Today will be my last time in the library for a week or two, I wonder, will I go into withdrawal? Perhaps. I have gotten into a bit of a schedule in the last week, a routine if you will. I decided that I would enjoy this time since come the 2nd week in January I'll be back in school full time. So, I've been sleeping till 11 (yes, I can't believe it myself!) and then getting up, tidying up the house, showering, then making lunch for when Dave comes home at 1:00. Then, when I drop him back off at work at 2, I go to the library for 1 to 2 hours. I check my e-mail, write some, check all the blogs, and sometimes talk to Dave's family over Skype. Now if you haven't heard of Skype, it is an internet program that lets you talk to people worldwide just like you were on the phone, but through the computer, and for FREE! I hide in the reference section so that I can talk to them and not disturb other people. Although, the other day one of the librarians came up to me and asked me if I was ok. I guess they thought I was talking to myself! I suppose I must have looked quite weird with my mouth really close to the computer, whispering, lol. I explained that I was using Skype and had he heard of it? Yes he had, and liked it very much. So, at least they know I'm not crazy now, or much anyway, lol.

I've also gotten into an awful habit (although I REALLY enjoy it, really is awful though) of looking at the gossip magazines. I also look up the gossip specifically on the AOL site, which will tell you EVERYTHING you want to know about everyone in Hollywood. My biggest searches right now are, of course, the Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey break-up (I was REALLY rooting for them to get back together), Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (him adopting her kids, I think that's really awesome), and of course how Jennifer Aniston is taking it (I think I like the sarcastic side of her that's come out since their divorce). I even buy the magazines in the grocery store, but not often. I suppose it helps me not gossip about "real" people, as I call you and I, and I'm not really gossiping about them, I just READING about it. Ack, I know it's still awful, but I just can't seem to get a grip on it!

So, question of the week: Are you ever curious of Hollywood gossip? Do you scan the front pages of the scum mags at the store or mall? And what do you REALLY want for Christmas? (just thought I'd throw that last one in, I mean, it IS Christmas).

Good times

Yesteray, as you know, was our Christmas together. We had such a great time! Dave got me a Rummikub game! I know, you've probably never heard of it, but our family use to play it when I was a kid and I really liked it. Anyway, it's like the 60th anniversary edition, so it has this lil carrying case and everything, very cute. I also got a SUPER cute hat from Helen (my sis-n-law), THANKS HELEN, and some cool socks, a bright shawl (from Spain), and coffee from my parents-n-law (and you KNOW how I feel about cool socks and brightly colored things,....and coffee, lol). After we opened our presents we made breakfast together....apple cinnamon waffles..mmmm and read some of the book that I gave Dave for us to read together. Then, after we went to church, we roasted the chicken and potatoes. They turned out SOOO well, DEEEELICOUS. Dave wants to roast chicken all the time now! So, we had a good day.
Tonight we're having our small group from church over for dessert and coffee. I'm making a cake and probably some choc. chip cookies. Then we're going to play that present game where you can keep the one you have or take someone else's, but in the end everyone ends up with something. The fun part is you still don't know what it is, becaue they are all wrapped! The only thing I'm nervous about is how we're gonna fit 8 people (including Dave and I) into our living room, since the Christmas tree takes up HALF of it, and we still don't have a couch! Ah well, we'll make do. At least we have heat, so it will be warm.

Only 6 more days till Christmas guys!!!!

Night before Christmas, sort of

Tomorrow Dave and I are going to celebrate our first Christmas together. We decided since he works every other day this week and we head to my parents on Friday, that this is how we would do it. We're gonna roast a chicken! Yes, Dave said he's always wanted to roast a chicken, so I said fine, but it has to be small; I don't want to spend your only day off cooking all day. We're also having roast potatoes and cooked veggies. I'm making apple crisp for dessert. It's not Christmas pudding, but it will have to do for this year. Maybe Sylvia (my mother-n-law) can teach me how to make one next year! I know Dave would love it.

Well, I'm exhausted! I had a wonderfully full day with my girl-friend Christina today. We went and saw the remake of Pride & Prejudice. Dave was VERY excited about this, as he was let out of seeing it with me. We had SUCH a good time! We went and saw the movie at noon and then had a late lunch at Applebees and then went to Starbucks! And we talked the whole way through (except for the movie of course)! Christina is a Spanish teacher here in town, and she's from Mexico. I love to listen to her accent, but sometimes I can't understand what she's saying, even when she's speaking English! Of course, she doesn't understand me when I speak "southerneese," as Dave calls it, either. Anyway, it was great. I miss going to the movies with girls to see a chick flick. Dave goes with me to alot of them, but he can't enjoy it like a woman does; or talk about and analyze it afterwards. Ok, I'm going to act like a very old person and head to bed. I can barely keep my eyes open, and it's only 8:45! I do have an excuse though, and here it is: we didn't get to bed till 1:30 this morning from watching a movie, then I didn't sleep all that well, and then I got up early to make breakfast before Dave had to be at work. So, see there, that was 3 excuses, that should be enough to let it slide. So I'm off then.....good nig......~snoring~

eeek....10 days 2 ways

Wow, it's been 10 days since I posted! Sorry about that! Guess I've just been trying to get the house cleaned and all the Christmas presents done. We finally shipped our last one yesterday, the international ones that is, for Dave's grandparents. I made them a photo album, and I think they'll really like it. It took forever, but I put alot into. I really hope it gets there before Christmas, but I'm not gonna hold my breath.
I haven't heard back from WCU as to whether or not I've been accepted yet, but, that's ok, I'm confident that it will happen....or that God has other plans for me. I'm not stressed about it anymore before, because, well, there's nothing I can do about it! I've done my part and now all I can do is wait....and bug them by calling every day to find out the progress...lol. Dave and I are going to celebrate our Christmas on Sunday of this week. That is the only day he has off any time at all this week, and next Friday we'll be heading to my parents house. I'm excited about our first Christmas together, I even got something for his stocking! Now I just need to find some candy. Helen do you know what his favorite candy is? He doesn't really eat that much here, so I don't have a clue.
It's raining again. It's been doing alot of that lately. Not much snow however. We did get a bout of it on Monday night as we were driving back from Asheville, we could barely see out the windshield! But, it didn't stick, it was too wet and warm for that. We were on the way to see the Chronicles of Narnia movie, which was EXCELLENT! The critics gave it 2 stars, but what do they know. They did get one thing right though, they said the story was very much like "Passion of the Christ" movie. That's why they didn't like it, cause the story line was similar. Pitty they don't get WHY the story line was similar, cause it's not just another story. I thought it was a great time to release the movie, right around Christmas. The producers did a good job at marketing to the Christian crowds too. Course they knew they could make more money that way, even though they said plain and clear that they WERE marketing to the Christian crowds but playing DOWN the Christian themes, themes they didn't believe were there anyway.
Christmas is only 10 days away folks! Are you excited yet? I am. Course I get to see all the kids and family, so of course I'm excited. Children really do make Christmas fun. I mean, as you get older Christmas presents really don't matter, but seeing little kids putting all their toys together, and holding a candle at the Christmas eve service; you remember how amazing this time of the year is. The Christmas eve service was SO special to me when I was that age. I got to hold that lighted candle and feel all important, and then they turned the lights off and all you could see was everyone's candle....it was special! Then we go back grandmama's and just talk for another hour, and eat some leftover ham and turkey and drink coffee (I loved coffee even then!). I loved on Christmas day that we would get up and read the Christmas story, and we would ALWAYS have grapefruit and pancakes! I looked forward to that grapefruit, cause that was the only time of year that we would get any! We would get to open our stockings first. We would always get something little in our stockings along with candy. Like a bracelent or when I was a kid a My Little Pony. I still look forward to stockings at my parents house, I always get really cool socks! I love cool socks. Everyone here always makes fun of my socks...cause they're neon orange or bright green with Oscar the Groutch on the them. But they make people smile, so what's not to like!
Ok, I've rambled on for quite a bit this morning, so I'm gonna cut myself off now. Guess I'm just in a reminiscent mood. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good afternoon.

officially off my butt

Today I finally applied for Western Carolina University's English Education major. It felt REALLY really good to actually be doing something pro-active to finish my degree. I still have lots to do, but just to be started was a great relief. So, now I'm REALLY excited to be going back to school come January; guess it feels like I'm actually going now, instead of just thinking about it.

Dave and I had a day off together today. It was great, feels like we hardly see each other anymore because of how much he works now. But, I just have to remember that it's just until January. Then maybe he'll have a job with a bit more reasonable schedule, even CAMP couldn't be this bad. After we signed up at the college, we ate lunch and did some Christmas shopping. Then we came home and played on the internet. It was nice just to hang out together. I just soak up my time with him whenever I can get it.

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow. I would like to share a lilttle bit about it with all of you guys, most of my family already knows. They found something a few months ago that wasn't quite normal. We tried a way of treating it by just boosting my immune system, but when they tested again, they found it was still the same. It's nothing scary or life threatening, but just pray that we'll be able to treat it easily, or pray for a miracle, that it'll just be gone. It's going to take probably a year of doctors appointments to see where it goes, so just keep me in your prayers, I'm not fond of doctors :).

On a lighter note, we will be sending out Christmas cards soon--so look for yours in the mail! If you don't get one, we probably just don't know your mailing address, so send it our way via e-mail! Love you all!

darkness--a jumpy sorta time

With Dave working late 4 nights a week till the end of December, nighttime is very scary for me. I have always had a extravagant imagination. When the evening dusk turns to dark, my nerves are always at attention; waiting for anything that may be lurking in the shadows to put me into a panic. Just now, as I sit in the living room typing to you from the light of my Christmas tree (lol), sounds from the outside conjure stories in my head. Was that big bang outside someone parking? Slamming a car door? I HEARD A JINGLE!!! Is someone trying to get into the apartment. There's silence now, but I'm sure my heart rate is higher than normal. Dave will be home in 30 minutes....they couldn't come soon enough. But what if something happens before then! I'm online....I can't use the phone to call the police! If someone busted in right now I would be stuck! No one would know! THERE WAS A CREAK AT THE BACK DOOR! MAYBE THEY COULDN'T GET IN THE FRONT AND ARE AT THE BACK NOW! OH NO! Yes, this is what my head does all night. I try to ignore it most of the time. My logic works very well. See, the way I see it, if I sit very stile, nothing will happen----yup! It's worked so far, so I'm stickin to it. THAT WAS DEFINITELY A CAR DOOR!!!!!! Or maybe something just hit my car.........hmmm. I'm still not moving.

Christmas time of year

Thanksgiving was amazing. I loved being around all the family and I got to see the new HARRY POTTER MOVIE!!! It was the best of the H.P. series yet, LOVED IT! Plus, Bethany, Dave, and I went after Thanksgiving shopping around 7 am the next day, LOTS of fun. I bought a lot of stuff, mostly for myself, oops! But, I did get a few Christmas presents, so I wasn't completely bad.
Dave and I picked up our first Christmas tree the other day; it was so exciting! The house smells SO wonderful now (real tree smell). Shannon (big sis) had given me a few things to decorate the apartment with, and they were a perfect amount; couldn't have fit any more in! We put TONS of lights on the tree....500 to be exact (that's what the box said). So, the tree is very bright and beautiful. We decided not to overstock the tree with ornaments (since there's really not much room for them after the lights anyway, lol), but we bought just enough and added a few I had bought just for our first year. We'll collect tons over the years I assume. Before we decorated we had to go buy a Christmas cd to listen to. It's sort of an tradition that my family always had. It has Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and a whole lot of the classic singers; great cd. We thought about buying some eggnog(another tradition) but realized neither of us really like it, so we had hot chocolate instead (new tradition of our own). I LOVE Christmas! Makes me extremely happy and oft times giddy (just lookin at the tree!). Well, I gotta head outta here to meet the youth. Youth group (or 24/7 as it's called for the highschoolers) will be starting soon. Love you all!

Thanksgiving and Snow

Well, as promised, I will tell you what my favorite things about Thanksgiving are. I'm going to use bullets, cause I'm a violent person.

• Number one HAS to be family. I love spending time with all my extended family. I also love that it's only short period of time. It keeps it sweet and not too many arguments can break out in that time.
• Turkey. My Grandmother cooks the best turkey.
• Dinner discussion. Kyle (cousin) always has hilarious jokes about work and people in general.
• Nephews and Nieces. They are always running wild and amusing everyone.
• Football and parades. Watching football on Thanksgiving with family and shouting! What could be better! The parades are pretty cool to watch too, they have some really amazing floats in the NY parade.
• Leftovers. Enough said.

the end

It snowed in Bryson City yesterday. It snowed alot actually; it was REALLY beautiful. It came down most of the day! But, it didn't stick. Which was fine with most everyone, considering there will be quite a bit of traveling going on today and the day after Thanksgiving. I still get REALLY excited every time I see it though--I called Dave up from work and said "IT'S SNOWING!!!" Then I said, bye! lol I love snow! Canada really spoiled me with mass amounts of it. I really miss looking out the window of that rickety, old house and seeing 4 feet of snow this time of year. ~sigh~

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

MY SUPER-FLY BOOTS!

Go here to see my new Rain Boots/ Wellies!!! THEY'RE AWESOME!!!!

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back at the parents

Well, we made it here. The drive seemed extremely short, but maybe it was because my parents and I just chatted the whole way home. Dave is spending the day in Asheville looking at different gear shops and probably doing some bouldering. I'm heading to my older sister's house to see the kids soon.
It's so much warmer here than it was in the mountains. Although that should be assumed I suppose, considering we're in the piedmont now. I packed too many warm clothes me thinks, or just too many clothes in general. But hey, at least I don't lock my own kids in the car...lol Sis

A short good-bye

Tomorrow I'm headed to Asheville to hitch a ride home with my parents. My dad has been there for the last couple of days for a business conference and I decided (since I haven't heard back from the jobs I applied for) to take off for a few days. I'm going home for Wednesday and half of Thursday, then heading to Winston-Salem to hang out with my college friends for a few days. So, I'm sure I'll blog from there, but it may be a few days, or tomorrow, who knows. I hope to see my wonderful nephews while I'm home, I miss my boys.

Speaking of twins, I had some VERY bizarre dreams this week. On the same night I dreamed that I had gotten two puppies, one that was white with brown spots, and one brown with white spots. Then I dreamed I had twin boys, one blond and one brown headed. I pray that this is not a vision of the near future. lol

I'm headed out for now. I still need to pack. I've been in the bed most of the day, trying to get rid of THE worst head-ace I've ever had. I woke up with it, and have NO idea how I got it. It lasted most of the day and subsided FINALLY around dinner time. I think it may have something to do with not drinking much water lately, and possibly stress. Dave was very, VERY sweet, and made sure I didn't move too much and stayed in a dark room. He even brought me my lunch!

So, question of the day***what is the weirdest dream you can remember having?***

Belated Happy Birthday

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY CHRISTOPHER SPICER! I meant to blog this on your actually birthday, but I forgot, SO SORRY! Although, since you haven't blogged in 5 dog years, I'm not sure you'll even read this! I hope things are going WONDERFULLY for you and Emily and that your birthday was a big success. I love and miss ya Canadia boy!

Birthday wishes aside, I have gotten over my food poisoning. I called my mom yesterday and found that she had gotten sick too (I gave her some of my lamb, oops!). But, she made it out alive as well.
Tomorrow Julie (my small group partner for the high school girls) and I will be going to eat lunch at the highschool to encourage some of the Christian girls that we know there to come to the youth group! Plus, there is one that already comes that just needs to know that we care about her, so, we'll probably be doing some image boosting as well. Of course, hopefully, we'll be putting our face and name out there so that girls that aren't in the youth group and aren't Christians will get to know us by our (hopefully) weekly visits and we will begin a repore(I have NO clue if that is how you spell that) with them too. Pray that everything goes well in that and that maybe we'll have one or two more girls there on Wednesday nights. Then, tomorrow night Dave and I will be going to Skate and Bike night at the camp just to hang with the kids (mostly guys) again, and hopefully I'll remember a few more names (I'm SO bad with names).
Please continue to pray for a job for myself as the options around this area are few and far between. I am still doing some work at the resturant at NOC, so at leaste I'm getting in 15 or so hours next week.

Thanksgiving is coming! For us US citizens that is. For you Canuks it has come and gone, but that doesn't alienate (no pun intended, ha ha) you from the question of the day. So here it is:
***What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?*** I'll answer that for myself next week!

food poisoning

Yesterday was so amazing. The Biltmore Estate was beautiful all decorated for Christmas. There were MASS amounts of people there, but it was still fun. I overheard one of the employees saying there would be 6,000 people there today---SHEW! Glad we didn't go today. My parents and I had a great time just visiting together. I bought a Christmas tree ornament for Dave's and mine first tree of our own this year. After we left the estate we went to dinner. We had a great dinner and chatted for hours! Then I drove home. I made it home fine, but then something started churning in my stomach. I had Greek food, and everything was wonderful...except the lamb didn't taste quite right. I told Dave about it, and he said that kind of lamb was very rampant for food poisoning. It's the kind that is sliced VERY thinly and put in a rotisseri style case and cooked. SO, I was suppose to be at work right now. I had every intention of going. I got up, got ready, even started driving! By the time I got to the center of town every lil bump in the road almost made me throw up. I stopped by Dave's office and called in sick. Ugh, I really wanted to go to work today too. But, I was going to work at the restaurant at NOC, and being around food right now is the LAST thing I think I could do. So here I am, trying to be as still as possible and hope this goes away quickly. At the same time I'm mainlining Pepto Bismal (i love the taste-yes weird, but quite helpful in times like these). I'm heading to grab my book then lay quietly in the sun. yuck.

***question of the day*** Have you ever had food poisoning? How do you get rid of it?

frozen

when we woke up this morning, it was FREEZING! And I do mean freezing, as in freezing temperatures, as in 32' F (which is 1' C for all you Canuks and UK'S). Seems we may actually be headed into winter! Although, it is suppose to be 65 again this afternoon. Well, Just thought I'd drop you all that very chilly note, ha ha. I'm off to see my mum and dad at the Builtmore House! Thanks for all the encouraging notes on my last blog, they really helped "up" my mood.

Question of the day: Honestly, how many people sometimes wear things because they look good instead of how they feel or keep you cool/warm? My husband is ALWAYS saying no one else does these things (i don't do it ALL the time!)

Crashing cymbals

Today was an emotionally exhausting day. I went to apply for a job working as a substitute teacher first, no prob. Then I got on the internet to see what I could find out about going back to school in January to get a degree in English Education. I got onto both sites of the schools I will be attending (Western Carolina Uni. and Southwestern Comm. College) and found the classes that I would need to take. I also found out prices for tuition....ugh. Tuition isn't bad for a state school if you are in state, but it's still more than we can afford right now. So, we're going to have to go for state financial aid and I'm definitely gonna need a consistent part time job, and it just started weighing down on my shoulders. I started asking myself these questions: what if I can't make it? What if I can't pass the classes? How long is it going to take me to get done with? But then, I looked at the class descriptions, and they sound like a blast! I love English, so the act of going back to school won't be that bad. I mean, in an English education degree there is little other than English classes. Yes there will be one more science which I will have to slave over (I'm NOT the best at science) but all in all I can get through it God willing. Now I just need to find a consistent job (sounds like an echo from several of my blogs huh?). I know I can do it with God's help, but it's not going to be easy.

p.s. my parents are coming tomorrow! We're going to see the Builtmore Estate together. Can't wait!

Question of the day: When something comes up that you know is going to be a struggle, physically and emotionally, what do you do to get yourself through that task?

to infinity and beyond

Well, the last day at NOC went well. I'll still be working at the resturant some during the next couple of months if they need me, but other than that I'm done. I'm pretty much just cleaning house and doing laundry today. Tomorrow night is Skate and Bike night at the camp. We have started going just to get to know some of the kids in the community that we don't see at church.

We did go see Jarhead last night---different reviews of the movie from Dave, but I liked it. It's pretty graphic at points and there are DEFINATELY some things that could have been left out, but I liked it. I wouldn't recommend anyone under 18 go see it though. Pretty much any of those movies make me want to go in the service still. There was a stint in high school when I had decided I was going--but got talked out of it. Sometimes I wish I had gone, because I don't feel I have the liberty to go anymore. If there was ever another war where they really needed people though, I would still seriously consider it. I would love the chance to fight for my country, no matter how hard it was to actually get on the field (boot camp, etc). I'm the kinda person that watches G.I. Jane and gets inspired to actually enlist. I talked to several marines this weekend, they were part of the group that was at NOC, and it just sounded amazing. I would love to jump out of a plain for a living. I mean, it's scary as all hell, but if it wasn't, you wouldn't do it, it would be too easy.

***So here's my question of the day, to the women out there: have you ever wanted to go into the service? Why or why not?***

I'm going to start doing those alot; Q's of the day that is.

last day

Tomorrow is my last day at NOC for the winter. It's a lil nerve wracking considering that I don't have another job to replace it yet. Hopefully soon though. If I can get my butt in gear and apply to different places. I guess I'm still stupidly waiting for the job that I REALLY want to call back--that being the store that just opened up in town called Rural Girl (i hate that name though, who can say it anyway!). It's a cool hippie type store (obviously my style) that has clothes, throws, candles, jewelry, and just gerenally cool stuff. I didn't think I would ever want to do retail work, but, like I said, it's just a cool place to be. I just finished updating my resume yesterday and plan to turn it in to the school for some substitute teaching and any other place I can think of around here. The problem being that there really isn't all that much work available in a tourist drivin area in off-season. Oh well, I know God will get us through the winter. We're going over to some friends house tonight to watch the last several Survivor episodes that we've missed. I'm excited about that. Tomorrow night I think we may go see Jarhead. That movie looks really good.
P.S. Bethany-if we can work this out I'd love to try and see the Harry Potter movie together. Don't know how that would work, but maybe it's a possibility.

brown milk

I went to the doctor several weeks ago to get a check-up and ask a few questions. I have had exzema since I was born. It is a skin condition that makes your skin very dry and itchy sometimes, and can break out easily into rashes. Well, I haven't had problems with it since I was 8, however, this fall, it came back with a vengence. So, I asked my doctor about it, and she said---milk. Milk is a skin irritant, and really isn't meant for adults to drink. It also produces mucus by masses so winter cold season isn't a good time to drink lots of it. Anyway, she said, stop drinking milk, use this creme (can't pronounce it), and some olive oil. Well, it's clearing up pretty well, but there's still one problem. I love cereal. I love eating cereal in the morning. And it's just not that great with water (0r orange juice, tried that by accident one day...ewwww). So, I've moved on to something different. ¬cue the point of my title¬ soy milk. Yes folks, I now drink soy milk. Did you know soy milk is brown? I pretend it's chocolate milk. It tastes pretty grainy to me, but I'm getting use to it. And by the time you get done w/ your Frosted Mini Wheats, it tastes pretty much the same as regular milk--AND IT'S GOOD FOR YOU! So, that's my story for today.
p.s. pray that I can find a job soon. My last work at NOC for the season is next weekend. I would love to do something I haven't done before, and something that isn't a desk job. Thanks!

first personal encounter

Two little old ladies just pulled up to my door. They were looking for my neighbor, but I told them she hadn't been here much the last couple of days. I had a sneaking suspicion I knew what they were there for. I didn't think they were family of hers. They weren't family, but they soon figured they'd just talk to me. First we started talking about the weather, then Halloween and trick or treaters. Then it started edging where they wanted it to go. They said some awful things happen on halloween; they really didn't know how people could let kids be a part of such a holiday. Then I ask the question of the day--"do you go to church in town?" "We're Jehovah's Witnesses, we go to a place called Kingdom Hall to worship where we can learn about The King and his scriptures." Ah hah, we have a winner folks. And so we've gotten to the point of their visit. I was glad Courtney wasn't home. They read me two scripture verses, 2 Peter 3:13-14. They talk about a new heaven and earth and hope and peace. After one of the ladies read them to me, she said "doesn't that sound good?" I just nodded. She asked if I ever thought about those things. I said yes, that I got to a church in town called Franklin Grove. That was a good length of time for me. I hadn't figured out what to really say to them. My dad would always ask if he could pray with them. So I just thanked them for stopping by, and took their 2 pamphlets they had given me. They said I had made their day. As soon as I closed the door I prayed for them. Next time I'll have a good answer, be able to witness to THEM. But it brings up a good question, this whole experience, what can you say to someone when you know so little about THEIR religion. I plan to read the pamphlets.

if it can't see over the headlights, run it over

....well I did. I didn't do it on purpose, I PROMISE, but I did hit a black cat today. It ran right out in front of my car, I EVEN SWERVED! I looked back through my rear view window and could see it squirming in the road, so I knew I hadn't killed it. I thought about driving off, but then thought it might be someone's pet, and maybe it could be saved. So, I turned around. Yes folks, the person who sorta hates all fuzzy beings turned around for a hurt animal. When I got back, it was gone. But, there was an old couple standing out on the porch across the street who said it went that way (and pointed down the street). So I went a couple of steps in that direction and found it on the porch of a house, sorta shivering and looking pretty scared. I asked the old man if he knew who's it was. He said it was sort of a stray, but the porch it was sitting on, the guy who lived there, fed it. So I went and knocked on the door and told the man I had hit his cat and his back legs looked broken. He came and picked the cat up and it made some awful noises; it's back legs just sorta dangling. I guess it pulled itself off the road w/ it's front legs. I said I had swerved but it ran right under the car, and I was really sorry. I was heading to church at the time. The pastor told me the guy would probably shoot it. I thought that was a good idea, I didn't want it to be in any pain or anything. If I had killed it I probably woulda kept going. I thought about going back and running over it again, but, like I said, it was gone when I got back. So, that's the sad story of the day. Sorry cat lovers--I'm sure the cat is in a less painful place now---the ground.

ins and outs

This last week has been interesting. Not really busy I guess, but it sure had felt like it. I haven't worked much, for MY department anyway. I have worked quite a bit for Rivers End Resturant at NOC though. I worked there today and yesterday, and I'll probably be working there Monday and Tuesday. Then next weekend is THE big event at NOC. It's the Guest Appreciation Festival. NOC sells ALL their used kyaks, paddles, spray skirts, helmets, etc etc etc. It is the biggest gear and boat sell on the east coast. Anyway, there are also some fun events that happen during GAF. Dave and I are in charge of the movie premier night on Friday and the halloween haunted trail on Saturday. Plus some pumkin carving and apple bobbing, and a few costume contests in between. Hopefully we'll be able to put OUR costume pictures up on here, if we remember to get pictures of them. I think they'll be pretty hilarious.
This weekend Sheena, my best friend, is FINALLY coming up to see us. She came one day in the spring, but that was really rushed. She is currently stuck in traffic between here and Asheville. Hopefully she'll be here w/i the hour though.
I think tonight is some formal for the highschool or middle school around here, cause I've seen 2 couples go past in prom gowns and tux's so far. They're really cute though. Anyways, I gotta get outta here, hopefully Sheena will be here soon. ttyl!

so long dear tag board, and goodnight

I have figured out why the pop-ups are popping up when you access my blog. It was my tag-board that was doing it. See, they use different companies advertising to pay for tag-board.com. So, I have gotten rid of it. This is how much I love you Shannon. Now, no more pop-ups will bother us, but it is sad day. I will miss you tag-board, but it is worth the sacrifice. Maybe I will find something better to replace you.

you can never say "i love you" too many times in one day

i'm listening to the Charlie's Angel soundtrack right now. Jake,one of my best guy friends, downloaded it for me in highschool. It's the only good thing about the movie--the music that is. But this blog isn't about Charlie's Angels, at least I don't think so. I mean, I know several Charlie's, but none of them have angels. I'm sure the one's that are married think their wives are angels (maybe), but only one of them is married, so the rest I don't know about. ANYWAY--getting past Charlie....

Dave and I have been married 6 months. It doesn't seem that long, it's flown by. It's almost winter and it still feels like summer to me (maybe it's because the leaves haven't even started changing here yet, all the locals are very upset about that, it's not good for business, all those old people come to the look at the leaves and THEY'RE ALL GREEN). Marriage is alot like I thought it would be--good times, tough times, fun times, rainy days in, tired evenings dragging in from work, laughing so hard you cry, crying over 'spilled milk', being completely idiotic w/ each other, and snuggling whenever possible. But this is what I've found out about Dave in the last 6 months.
1-- he falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow-sick, mad, or @ 8 pm
2-- if i'm reading, he's sleeping, he says my voice is just soothing, but whatever, I put him to sleep
3-- he really hates to clean, unless he just happens to be in the mood
4-- he does NOT know how to match clothes- Dave, camo and stripes DON'T go together Honey.
5-- it's not the different side of the road, he just can't drive
6-- if i don't fall asleep before him, i'm gonna get "run over" by an 18 wheeler
7-- he thinks he's invincable
8-- he assumed he would always live like a boy
9-- "clean" is a optional word in the mens dictionary
10--he loves me no matter how bad of a mood i'm in

These are the few things I'm learning about marriage:

1-- no matter how many times you wash clothes, the basket will be full by the end of the week
2-- pasta is a great meal to cook when there's not much in the house; "we have a tomato, some garlic, a mushroom, and half a squash-PASTA IT IS!"
3-- as long as there's food in the house, they're happy
4-- a hug at the beginning of the day & when you walk through the door at the end of it, make an AMAZING difference to a bad day
5-- if you can laugh at yourself, no matter the circumstance, it can probably be fixed, or ignored till later
6-- they fell in love with who you are and who you will be, not just who you were, so remember to let each other grow and encourage lots
7-- marriage is great for the ego, all the things you hate about yourself they probably love the most--cause it makes you you!
8-- anything you do together is time well spent
9-- you have to listen with your heart, not your ears sometimes
10- if you want to love forever, and to share your lives together, you have to always forgive, always keep that secret language you have between you, make big decisions together, tell the truth, think-then speak, love each other unconditionally, and pray together
---I love you Dave--you are trully my other half. I've never met someone who's let me be more completely me, and helped me find out what that is. You make me shine.

Dumbledore is not dead!

OK, so you remember my rant on the latest Harry Potter book, and how I hated the ending. Well, I know if you are a real Harry Potter fan you've already read it, so I'm spilling the beans on the ending. Dumbledore DIES! If you don't know who that is, OBVIOUSLY you're not a fan, but he's really the main adult character of the book. He's Harry's mentor, advisor, & friend, and also he's the headmaster of Hogwarts (the school--duh). It was a VERY traumatic end to the book I looked forward to for over a year, and I was not happy about it, and extremely depressed. Well, recently some new light has been shed on this very grim matter. One of Dave's friends e-mailed him this site-- www.dumbledoreisnotdead.com !!! If you ARE a Harry Potter fan, this will give you SO much hope for the last book, and maybe a little solace that things may turn out alright for Harry in the end. If you're not a fan, you've probably stopped reading this by now, and don't wanna try the site anyway. Have it your way, your missing out.

Dawson's Creek

Yes, all of you LDP that were with me are groaning at the mention of that show (except Candice of course). I was sick on Friday and rented it from the video store. Season 3 that is. I had rented season 4 last, but realized I hadn't seen all of season 3, so I'm back tracking. I'm almost done, and Dave is SOOOO glad! :)
We went boating again last night and I tried the Jackson Fun one more time to see if maybe it had gotten better since the last time I was in it. It hadn't. I REALLY detest the seating arrangements in that boat, they are HORRIBLE!!! I was surfin lots and I've almost mastered rolling w/0 a nose plug. I don't wear one anymore cause I just hate the way they feel, and am doing pretty well rolling w/0 one. I've also got my stern squirt from both sides! I LOVE doin them now! They're so fun! I'm terrible at enders, but that's Dave's forte. Anways, the real drama comes in towards the end of the evening last night. We were still boating and I was getting tired. I told myself just a few more stern squirts and we'd go. I wet exited 3 times in the next 15 minutes, and the last time, Dave's pretty sure I concussed myself. Yeah, I was acting sorta weird for the rest of the night, laughing hysterically one moment and crying the next, it really scared him. I must have hit my head coming out the last time, on the boat actually. I just don't understand how you get concussed wearing a helmet! Whiplash maybe, they say it can happen that way too, I dunno. It was weird though. He wouldn't let me go to sleep, so I stayed up and watched Dawson's Creek until he was convinced I was ok to go to bed. Fun night all in all I would say! lol The moral of the story is--don't buy a Jackson Fun, they can get you concussed!