Happy Birthday Stone & Gage

They're THREE YEARS OLD GUYS!!! Can you believe that? If you were in my LDP year I know you can't. I can remember talking about how I was going to miss them being born whil I was in Canada. I can't believe they're so big! They'll be in pre-school next year. WOw! I love those boys! See you soon guys! Hope you had a great birthday!

Catching up

I'm finally catching up on the loads of homework I've had this week. I'm starting to get ahead too, which is always a nice feeling. I'm pretty sleepy right now though, so I thought I'd take a break from reading and blather to you guys.

I went to and English Club meeting last night here at school. I know, sounds pretty geeky, but it was fun! We watched "The 13th Warrior" which is a movie roughly based on the story "Beowulf." Alot of people don't like the movie, but I liked it cause I had read the story. It was cool to hang out w/ people that have a passion for literature. I might make a habit of going if I can find a free night. Right now Monday - Thursday are all taken up, so I guess we'll see.

I got T-O-N-S of laundry I have to do today. Gonna be hangin out w/ my friends Sarah quite a bit, lol (that's where I do my laundry). I'm also gonna stop by the coffee shop--Mountain Perks--to get some java and chill w/ Sophie (one of the girls in my youth group).

Then, tonight---dun dun dun---is SURVIVOR. Yes, S--it's a little boring this season, but I'm still a devoted watcher. It got a little more interesting last week as they mixed up the teams. Then after Survivor we watch Gray's Anatomy--which is just fun drama-i love the personalities on there--FUN! Ok--I gotta go eat lunch and get some caffiene. I gotta wake up before my boring class!!! lol

P.S. i've been asked out twice this week by guys at school. Ya know, even though I'm married, it still makes me feel good when people ask me out. Of course I say, "Sorry, I'm married," but it's definately flattering :). See ya!


B---CALL ME! I don't know your schedule so I never know when you're home. I'll call you right back to you don't use up your minutes k? luv!

and I'm back in the game!

Well, test went ok I suppose. My hand is killing me now cause I wrote so fast and for so long. Yes mom, I studied sufficiently. The only thing is I feel like I didn't have enough time to write down all I knew! The teacher said to write as much info as we knew on the question and there just wasn't enough time to do that! I guess that's a good way to know you studied enough, hopefully. We'll see when I get my test grade back :).

Had a great time w/ my highschool friend (Sean M.) this weekend--great conversations and memories from AWANA camp (don't ask if you have no clue what AWANA is). He left last night and last time I talked to him (this morning) was around Missouri (he's driving to Colorado). So, all good stuff.

Here are a few quotes I just found on the internet--they're pretty kickin' if you like literature. If you don't, well, you should read more, it's good for you--it'll add a few wrinkles to your brain.

"A losing trade, I assure you, sir: literature is a drug."- George Borrow, Lavengro, Ch. 30.

The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest persons of past centuries."-René Descartes, Le Discours de la méthode, I

"Education . . . has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading."-
G. M. Trevelyan, English Social History

Peace like a river~~~as my friend Sarah says.

what a weekend

Hi guys. Sorry I haven't updated you in awhile. School is taking off! Homework is definately building up. I have two tests on Monday and both are going to be pretty tough. My grades aren't really up to (my) par right now, but hopefully they'll improve. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm getting mostly B's, but that's not really good enough. So, this weekend I will be squeazing in studying wherever I can find time.

Tonight I'm taking dinner over to a friend that had an accident yesterdy. She's ok, but she has a minor concuscion and is a little banged up.

Tomorrow an old friend from highschool is coming in and we'll be boating and going to a movie tomorrow. Then they're staying over and they'll go to church w/ us on Sunday.

Sunday afternoon one of my girlfriends and I are going to a movie ("The Guardian") and then I'm studying until I can't see the pages anymore. AAAK! It's going to be a busy weekend.

Well, sorry this was short, but I gotta get changed for my Fitness class. Sorry I haven't been in touch much lately family, will get back to regular after this week ~fingers crossed~ hopefully.

AAAAAH!

I'm watching a super scary movie right now at school...really freaked out! It's called Cry Wolf and it's FREAKING ME OUT! Don't know why I can't stop watching it but I guess I assume it'll get better in the end, and yet, I know I'm not gonna have time enough to watch the end anyways cause I have to go to class in like 5 minutes. OK...i gotta go...my heart is really racing now. Gosh, THIS is why i don't watch horror movies. Jeez!

Ouch and future ouch

So, I went this morning to the dentist and got work done to my teeth, alot more work than I thought I needed. Then, they told me I needed more work but they weren't going to do it today. Great. They also told me that my teeth looked really clean and it looked like I kept them up well, but my teeth were formed with holes in them so no matter what I do I will always get cavities. Fun stuff. So I'm scheduling more work on (at least) 2 more teeth for next month. So excited. My mouth is still numb. They filled one tooth on the right side and 3 on the left--yeah, that's bad. I think I'm slobbering on myself right now...gotta go.

Nothing good to post about

It's true, I really have nothing to post about. Nothing spectacular or exciting. But, I'm going to post anyway, because blogger may be down at the end of the day and what would happen if you didn't get to read my pointless post??? Obviously all hell would break loose. So, what have I been up to lately. Well, lots of school and homework (which I'm avoiding right now).

Youth started back last week so Dave and I are hangin' with the kids more often now. And let me tell you, if I wanted to write a RANT right now, it would be about middle school boys and how absolutely stupid and rediculous they are--but I don't want to rant, so I'll spare you. I'm sure you know some middle school boys--just think about spending lots of time w/ them and trying to have a serious conversation, then you'll know what I would have written.

Survivor is on tonight (every Thurs.), and the season premier of Gray's Anatomy too (which I think I'm probably gonna get addicted to). Anyway, the girls (Sarah, hopefully Lydia, and myself) will be gathering at Sarah's house to watch those two shows tonight, and maybe 6 Degrees (of seperation) as well.

Anyway, that's about it. I'm getting my dental work done tomorrow (yes Mom, finally). Not really pysched about that, but it has to happen. Getting 2 cavities dealt w/ is NEVER fun. Yuck--not fun at all. I could think of MANY more fun things--like kayaking (which I can't do right now either cause I have an ear infection--jeez--stupid Tuck. river nastiness), shopping on Ebay Express (you know you've seen the comercials), or reading a good book (right now I'm reading some short stories written a long time ago by someone--can't remeber his name, but I do remember that he wrote "The Hand" and he died of syphilis).

Ok, I'm going to do my homework. Oh, by the way, for those of you who knew I was having a Geology test, I got a "B" on it. Not too happy about that, but, I'll pull it up. Teacher said as long as I turned in all my homework, even if I got a "B" on every test, I could still pull an "A" in the class for sure, so that's good. Yes, I like my grades high, what can I say.

Studying abroad

In my lit. class today I found out that I may be able to do some traveling inside of school next semester. We still have class like normal, but at the end of the semester we go to the Mediterranean. Included sights would be: Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Delphi, Argolida, Mycenae, and Athens. We're gone for about 15-18 days. It sounds absolutely amazing and I'm really excited to check it out. I hope it'll be a possibility for me, I just need to see if I can get financial aid for it cause the whole trip costs about 3,300 (including flight, hotel, etc). But my teacher said you can usually get most of it paid for through financial aid. Anyway--I'm just really excited about being able to do some traveling independently and just travel period!!! I always feel like Dave has all these amazing stories about the places he's traveled and I feel like I haven't seen a fraction of that! OK--I got to get to my next class.

The Obese State of America

A controversial post

I would not consider myself a conservative. I also would not consider myself a liberal. These titles sorta suck. No one but the "liberals" call anyone a "conservative," and no one but the "conservatives" call someone a "liberal!" This subject comes to me because at the wedding this weekend I was talking about some of the things I believe in and several people said, "so you're a liberal now eh?" I said no.

People ask me who I voted for in the past several presidential elections and I calmly reply "Bush." Then they blow up and say, "how can you back all the things he does?!?" I say, "I don't." Exactly how can someone read into the future and know what a president is going to do for the next 4 years? Yes, I voted for Bush twice. Some would say that's crazy, but that's my preference and I get that right as an American. You can't take that right away from the people who don't think like you. If that happened then this country would NOT have a Democracy. I voted for Bush because I honestly believe he has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and I hope that influences some of his decisions. No Christ Follower is perfect, most people hate Christians all together (I tend to agree with those people). We're not perfect--neither is Bush, so why do we expect him to be?

Am I a Republican? Yes, I'm registered that way, but I "believe" more like an Indepent.

Now the big issue of today. Do I support the war? Yes & No. I don't think the U.S. being over in Iraq is going to solve anything. I think there will be turmoil there for the rest of time. Do I think that we're over there just for the oil? I don't know, I'm sure it helps some. But if you want to really stir some stuff up, who started it all? Did we go over to Iraq and start blowing stuff up? Not that I know of. Did 2,296 Iraqis die for no reason on September 11, 2001? No, those were Americans. The Al Qaeda are still threatening to blow the U.S. up (read reports on their videos that came out Sept. 11 of this year). So do I think Iraq is still a threat to the U.S.? Yes. Do I think we're going to help Iraq set up a Democracy? No.

In the end politics will always be controversial. Lots of Republicans vote straight ticket just because the Democratic party still says they are "Pro Choice." But there lots of Republicans that are "Pro Choice" as well! I don't think abortion should have anything to do w/ the Republican OR Democratic label...but that's a whole 'nother can O worms. Anyways--before you label someone "Conservative" or "Liberal" listen to what they have to say. Because labels suck in general and they're usually pretty inaccurate (wrong spelling I know--label me "BAD SPELLER")

Don't judge him--he's fighting cause they told him to

Your alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep
for another 10 minutes.

He stays up for days on end.
_________________________
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.

He goes days or weeks without running water.
__________________________
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.

He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving
forward.
__________________________
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops
shirt, and go meet up with your friends.

He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
__________________________
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.

He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to
his dog tags.
__________________________
You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't
with you.

He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
__________________________
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty
girls.

He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and
terrorists.
__________________________
You complain about how hot it is

He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his
helmet to wipe his brow.
__________________________
You go out to lunch, and complain because the
restaurant got your order
wrong.

He doesn't get to eat today.
__________________________
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.

He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure
his weapons are clean.
__________________________
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.

He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
__________________________
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.

He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
__________________________
You call your girlfriend and set a date for
tonight.

He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter
from home.
__________________________
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do
everyday.

He holds his letter close and smells his love's
perfume.
__________________________
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.

He gets a letter with pictures of his new child,
and wonders if they'll
ever meet
__________________________
You criticize your government, and say that war
never solves anything.

He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their
own people and remembers
why he is fighting.
__________________________
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of
men like him.

He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the
wounded.
__________________________
You see only what the media wants you to see.

He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
__________________________
You are asked to go to the store by your parents.
You don't.

He does exactly what he is told.
__________________________
You stay at home and watch TV.

He takes whatever time he is given to call, write
home, sleep, and eat.
__________________________
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows,
and get comfortable.

He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute
nap, only to be woken by
gunfire.
__________________________
You sit there and judge him, saying the world is
probably a worse place because of men like him

If only there were more men like him!

Wedding/Canada pix

The return of Tim and all things Canadian

Tim being Tim Hortons of course--the most amazing coffee/donut resturant in the world!!! Oh yes, I loved visiting Tim's again. I got my FAV. coffee--a Cafe' Mocha and Tim Bits (donut holes, but ALL diff. kinds----mmmmmmm). We visited Timmies ALOT this weekend.

Well, we drove all day Thursday and arrived at our camp ground in Niagra-on-the-lake around 9 that night. Next morning (Fri.) we woke up and went bouldering w/ Cam, Dee, Molly, Paulie, Scott, Jenn & Jodie, and other ppl I didn't really know. Cool stuff! We also got to meet Dee's dog Layla (who's much smaller in person). Then Molly, Dave, and I went and hung out in Niagra Falls and had some great conversations. Saturday was the wedding (which we finally made it to even though we almost crossed the border into the U.S. accidentally) and it was SO beautiful. We got to see Candice and Chris again! I was SO PSYCHED to see them. The ceremony was beautiful and the dress was magnificent and Cam has turned into such an amazing guy (not that you weren't before Cam--i just didn't know you that well). I'm SO happy for Dee and Cam, I know they'll be great together. Then we danced (even MICHAEL danced--now THAT was fun to watch). We partied till the wee hours of the morning.

Sunday Dave and I drove into Toronto and hung out in ChinaTown and had some great fresh bread, cheese, nuts, and fruit. I bought some more wonderful oriental clothing--LOVE it! Then we went to Moutain Equipment Coop (MEC) and Dave got a Thermarest. Then, around 3 o'clock we got to the border and crossed back in the the US of A VERY smoothly. We drove all night and got back in Brson around 4 a.m.

Now, wonder of ALL wonders, I made it to my 11 o'clock class. I'm not going to my last one though, I'm WAAAY too exhausted. But i'm proud of myself for making it to this one. Now I'm going to go home and sleep.

P.S. I will post pix of the wedding probably tomorrrow. Goodnight!

To Canada!

Tomorrow morning around 7 a.m. Dave and I will be leaving for great state of Canadia...lol. We'll be back late Monday night sometime. It'll be about a 13 hr drive (which we're doing all tomorrow). Friday we'll be bouldering in the Niagra Gorge and Saturday we'll be at Dee and Camerone's wedding! Amazingg huh? I'm excited. Still don't know where we're staying tomorrow night though (in Canada), so hopefully we'll get that figured out soon :), lol. I'll have LOTS of pix to post after the weekend as we have a digital camera now (thanks Mum and Dad Nelson!--we got their old one cause they upgraded). Anyway, if you're wondering where we are in the next couple of days--check back here and it will remind you. So, we'll sorta be off the grid since our cell phones don't get service in Canada. See ya in a few days! Peace!

V E R Y NICE! ;)

Not as bad as expected

Well, with Dave's help, I did my Geology homework last night. It really wasn't too bad and it didn't take forever either! Cool deal. Maybe the tests won't be too bad either (fingers crossed). I'm not really feeling that great right now, I'm in my lunch hour. Think I'll take some of that Vit. C stuff that teacher invented...what's that called again? Emergen-C or something like that.

Dave and I went and saw the movie "Accepted" the other day. Pretty funny movie. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes comedy and a lil dumb humor.

I have my Health/wellness class after this and we have to run alot and do some sort of physical test or something. I'm really not looking forward to it w/ the way I'm feeling right now. I could fall asleep typing. Ugh.

I had more stuff to say but I just don't have the E (energy) to type anymore....peace

quick quick

This will be a really quick post as my comp. is about to die due to me not hooking it up (charging) it last night. I FINALLY got back in my kayak last night with Dave's encouragment and we went out boating for awhile. I basically immediately flipped over and had to get help to get back up. I wanted to work on my roll but I pulled a muscle in my shoulder a week or so ago and it hasn't really healed yet. So, I tried my off-side (left side) roll and that was just insanely hilarious. I wish I woulda had pictures. Nevertheless, my shoulder still hurt like crap this morning and I'm back on my pain pills (fun stuff). So, that was the good news.

The bad news is that my Geol. teacher just whipped out some math homework we're going to have to do this week and I am FREAKED!!! I'm T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E at math and ESPECIALLY at converting things from inches to kilometers to miles, etc. MOM HELP! lol I think Dave might be able to help me (I really really hope so). Anyways. I gotta get off here. My comp. says it's gonna "go to sleep" in 10 mins to I gotta jet.

Love you all!

p.s. B I really enjoy talking to you more too! It's been super nice. Shannon thanks for all the great talks we have as well. They mean alot to me and they keep me updated w/ what's going on w/ the fam. X & O's to my sis's!

Random facts and funnies

The British pound is worth $1.90 right now

Clinton will go down in history as the only president to have Hanky Panky between the Bushes (lol!)

The oldest woman in the world died 2 days ago. She was 116.

When asked what he thought about foreign affiars, Clinton replied, "I don't know, I never had one."

Cardiovascualr disease is the biggest killer in the U.S. 80% of those deaths are preventable by a change in lifestyle.

Chrysler Corporation is adding a new car to its line to honor Bill Clinton. The "Dodge Drafter" will be built in Canada.

The Japananese have a higher life expectancy than Americans by about 5 years.

Hope you're having a great day!!!!

4 out of 5 is no good

Well, my Geol. teacher gave me a big fat NO for taking my exam early. So, we'll have to wait a few days to go to Ireland in Dec. But, my final for that class is on a Wednesday. So, instead of having to leave on Saturday, we'll be able to leave Wed. evening or Thursday morning, good stuff. I'm still a little dissapointed, but I don't want to drop the class because I really like it, and well, I need it. It's my last science and I think it's gonna be easy on the scale of things. So, that's my news for today. Took my first quiz today and got 90%, so I'm happy about that. I was a little nervous, but I think I'm getting back into the swing of things here. School seems so much easier at this age--maybe it's because you can set yourself apart from it. It's not my whole world. My life doesn't revolve around school (my schedule does though, lol). I like that I can see it from afar and still do my best and get good grades without killing myself physically and emotionally like I did the first couple of years of college. Yeesh! Well, I'm out. Gotta eat then go to my Lit. & History class (the one w/ the absolutely insane woman who tellls you WAAAAY too many details about her life). We'll see how it goes today!

peace out dudes!

Struggling to pray

Lately I'm having a hard time knowing how to pray. It's like, I start talking to God, and then I go blank. I have been taught at PBC how to pray and it was too elaborate for me. There was too much order and you always had to pray in a certain way. I just want to be able to have a conversation w/ God, yet sometimes I feel I'm not doing it adequately. Does that even make sense? Do you think there is a certain, more correct, way to pray?

Weekend was good. I worked all day Saturday at NOC rafting guiding. It was nice to be on the river but I had an AWFUL group that afternoon. They were boyscouts and their troop leaders were TERRIBLE! They kept counter-stroking every stroke I made! I was exhausted at the end. But the worste part was one of the troop leaders turned around and told me, "You're worse than my wife!" I guess he thought I was telling them to paddle too much or something. And, no tip from them. Ugh. Boyscouts suck.

Dave's parents left Saturday morning as well. They were heading to the Outer Banks of NC. We had such a good time w/ them while they were here. I'm SO glad they could come. Now we just have to look forward to seeing the rest of the family at Christmas.

Had a couple of NOC GAP people over for dinner (make your own pizza) last night. Richard (dad/old man of the group), Ben (Richard's son--Harvard boy but actually has a good sense of humor), and Heather (co-worker/friend/ and hopefully paddling buddy). Dave was there too. We had a good time swapping old stories and laughing over them.

I'm back at school this morning trying to catch up on homework. If I can help it this semester I'm going to keep doing homework on the weekends to a minimal.

Catch ya later!
P.S.--spell check isn't working here at school (maybe pop-up blockers or something) so you'll have to deal w/ the bad spelling.<3 u Shannon!

They're related

Aren't they cute? Dave's gonna kill me, lol ;).

Well, 4 of my 5 teachers have agreed to let me take my exams early. I just have to try and convince my geology teacher. She said no at first, but when I told her all my others had agreed, she said she would, "think about it." Please pray that she says yes because Dave and I would really like to be able to spend as much time w/ his family and friends as possible since we only get over to Ireland every 2 years.

The Nelson adventures

So far we have gone to Joyce Kilmer memorial park where there are old growth forests (hence the huge trees), the Biltmore Estate, and whitewater rafting (yes they made it in one piece, I'm an amazing guide I'll have you know). We also got to have Sunday lunch w/ my dad and lil sis! That was REALLY REALLY nice as I hadn't seen them in quite awhile. So there you have it. Yesterday Mervyn left for a quick business trip in Boston and is due back today.

On the school note--today is my first day of school. I went to my first class this morning and am awaiting (however not super excited) about my fitness/wellness/walking class this afternoon. I DID however talk my English teacher (morn. class) into letting me take my final exams early (Dec. 8th) so we could leave for Ireland a week early. Now I just have to convince my other FOUR teachers it's a good idea too! Well, I'm off.

P.S. the snake picture is from the hike in Joyce Kilmer--and yes, I jumped a mile. Plus, what kind of snake is this anyways???

CUTE beach pix of my sis's kids

How cute are these pix! I love the one of the twins under the table the one of all four of them on the boat! Shannon, Levi's hair looks really good! Does he like it?

Dave's parents are on their way here! They arrived in N.Y. yesterday and drove to N. Virginia last night. They'll be here sometime soon (hopefully!). Can't wait to see them! Plus, tomorrow morning I hope to go boating w/ a friend from work. It'll be my 2nd time this summer I've been in the water w/ my boat (pretty sad). Gotta jet! I'm in the library and I need to get home and fold some laundry!

Christmas in August

Last night was a big party here at NOC called "Christmas in August." We have a big raft parade down the rivers biggest rapid w/ all the different departments here creating their own float. GAP didn't do one this year, we just decided to watch. It was a blast though. Again, great carnage at the falls and some pretty cool raft ideas--dragon, smoking computer, house made out of rafts, etc etc. Then there was music, food, and dancing. Good stuff. I missed dancing w/ Dave at last weeks party, so it was great to get to dance with him this week. He's a good dancer, although he wouldn't tell you that. We had a good time. Then he went home and I spent the night with the girls. I gotta jet though, the office is getting a little crowded. Love ya!

Amazing love

Well, this week has been pretty busy with work. Fun work though, I've been out on the river quite a bit. Monday (last Monday) the staff went rafting on the Ocoee--we had TONS o FUN! Such a blast! Then Tuesday night was the Raft Guide Olympiad. Different raft guides from all over compete in a race to see who's the best guide. They have to get into alot of eddies and throw ropes and all sorts of stuff. It was fun to watch the carnage over the falls though--hilarious. That night they have a big party afterwards, that was loads of fun too. I hadn't danced in so long! Good stuff.

Well, the big news for this week actually started with our tithing last Sunday. We had to pay my school tuition this week so things were REALLY tight. When Dave went to write our tithe check for the church he really didn't want to write it cause we didn't have the money at that time. Well, we discussed it and decided it was God's money anyway and He would figure it out. Soooo.....this week we got back all but a DOLLAR in tips of what we tithed! It was amazing and so so cool. I love when God just works in ways we can see and glorify Him. We serve an AWESOME GOD! Well, that's my news for the week.

Dave's parents are coming in this weekend and we're really excited! We already have lots of places to take them--the Biltmore Estate, Chimney rock, rafting on the Nantahala (Dave doesn't this we should take them, but I told him his parents are still adventurous and they can hack it! They're NOT even old!), hiking in an old growth forest called Joyce Kilmer, etc. I'm really excited to see them. And, all four of us will be eating w/ my Dad and my little sis next Sunday for lunch, so I'm psyched about that too. Ok, I gotta jet. There's a grill out party at our apartment tonight. We're going tubing in Deep Creek and then grilling out! TTYL!

A run with God

Last night I needed to get out of the beach house and away from people. I walked to the beach and just started running--barefoot through the sand. As I ran my heart and throat cried out to God. Tears ran down my face and I sat down and cried, staring at the waves and talking to God, pleading with Him. I am tired of being bitter. I am tired of being selfish and worrying about other people's "stories", as Aslan says. I told God this. I just want to be a servant--make me a servant, give me that gift, I pleaded. Servants don't care if they are being taken advantage of, or doing more than others because they just want to serve. I want to feel that way. I want to do the dishes and refill the ice trays and always pick the clothes off the floor and not care how many times someone else does those things. I just want to be the child God created me to be--no ego, attitude, bitterness, selfishness. Only love and giving and forgiveness!

I continued to walk and pray and cry until I came to an ending point and I told God "I am not bitter, I am Yours, and You are living in me and do not accept bitterness or selfishness--I'm YOURS Lord--fill me with Your will." It felt so good just to cry out to God. I don't do that very often. Really cry and yearn and pour my heart out to the Lord. Please pray that I'll implement these things in my life. I cannot continue on in the way I was going. I WILL serve with a loving heart. Make me a servant Lord...

On a light and funny note: as I was walking to the beach these three boys yelled out to me--"How old is you?" I continued to walk and ignored them. Then they got to their house (the one we pass to get to the beach) and continued their question. "How old is you???" I still ignored them but I REALLY REALLY wanted to turn around and say "IT'S HOW OLD ARE YOU, AND OBVIOUSLY TOO OLD FOR YOU IF I'M CORRECTING YOUR GRAMMAR!!!" lol Thanks for reading guys! I love you!

fun in the sun

beach pics

before and after the haircut

beach bum

Ah the beach. It's been extremely nice just lazing around. Today we took a couple of coolers w/ our lunches and stuff, 2 umbrellas, and all our toys (kayaks, boogie boards, and woofle ball stuff). We stayed from 11 to 4. GOod times. I've gotten a pretty kickin tan w/ VERY little burning (I'm a little pink around my lower back--oops!). Last night we went to Dairy Queen then watched some Shark week stuff (YAY SHARKS!!!). TOnight I think we eating seafood alfredo (per TIm) and then going Putt-putting. Sometime this week we're gonna try to make it to Southport and go eat some seafood at the Provincial Seafood company (if we can find it).

I'm at the flying pig right now. I just had THE BEST smoothie. It was called a Swamp Monkey. Basically it's a chocolate shake w/ bananas. MMMMmmmmm! Good stuff!

OH! And guess what???? DAVE GOT HIS HAIR CUT! It looks REALLY good, Eric did it for him. Anyways--hopefully we'll get a pic of his hair on here soon. Well, I'm out--need to get back to lazin' around. Peace!

Ouch

So, the waxing wasn't all that bad. It hurt at first, and then got gradually worse...but...I survived and no longer have to shave for the next 6 weeks. Good enough for me. Now I just need to be able to walk straight and hope the redness wears off sometime this week so I can actually wear a bathing suit at the beach, lol. We're leaving tomorrow!!!!! See ya at the beach guys! I'll update while I'm there hopefully...from my fave coffee shop The Flying Pig! Love you guys.

~waddle...ouch....waddle...ouch....waddle...ouch....~

2 more days!

2 more days till I leave for the beach!!! I'm SO excited to be going on a vacation! I can't wait to get onto the beach and jump into the ocean. Seriously, to be away from work will be a nice change. Plus, it'll be a great start to my school year, which is coming up very soon. My b. friend Tim decided he WAS coming to the beach w/ us, so I'm extremely happy about that! Yay Tim! :) Sarah's not coming though, unless I can talk her into it over the phone...she's still in Colorado right now for a Christian camp/retreat thing w/ her hubby.
I'm just rafting this afternoon w/ a great group from Charlotte. We had a blast w/ them on the Alpine Tower yesterday and they even came to the rope swing at the lake w/ us last night. It was hilarious, they really crack me up. The kids are a swim team from Charlotte and they all tend to be rather gullible, the leaders play on this quite a bit. Well, I'm off to finish cleaning the house before we leave (I call this the "mom" syndrome--Dave hates it but I just can't help it!...Love you Mom!).

Friday night I'm getting a bikini wax for the first time. I'm a little nervous but it beats having to shave at the beach! lol I'll tell ya how it goes!

Great group

Had an amazing group today. It was sort of a corporate group but they brought their families along w/ them. We had kids from 6 to 50. We played lots of games w/ them this morning and it was so fun to watch the parents and adults acting extremely goofy w/ their kids. We played this game called Egyptian Baseball.
How it works is one team "bats" w/ a broom. The other team pitches a beachball. When the team batting hits the ball they then run around their team members to get their "runs". The team in the outfield catches the ball and then has to get it through their legs. After they get it through their legs the other team has to stop running. It was hilarious...up until the end of the broom came off and flew right at me! It hit my arm--thank goodness--so it didn't hurt too bad. It was pretty funny watching these guys play though. They just kept falling down and sliding around in the woodchips! Then we went of the river w/ them and had a good time drenching everyone.

Dave left this morning for Chattanooga, TN to rock climb w/ Adam D and some friends. I'm having the girls over for dinner tonight. Girl time! I've been getting quite a bit of it lately, it's been nice.

Well, I'm out. I gotta pick up some things at the grocery store before dinner and I wanna pick up a movie as well. Ta ta!

P.S. I miss my friend Tim!!! But he probably doesn't miss me as he's in the Bahamas right now--:( ~very sad~

semi-exciting news

well, I recieved a letter from my school the other day telling me I have made the Dean's List! It was great but, since they don't reward you in any way, montary or otherwise, for that, it's not such a big deal to me. Definately encouraging though as that was my first semester back in 4 years! Hopefully the next one will go just as well.

Ok, I'm out to Asheville for some girl time on my day off! We're gonna do some shopping, not me honey-don't worry, and maybe go see and movie, and then go Contra dancing --sorta like square dancing--tonight.

P.S. HAPPY VERY BELATED B-DAY TO MY OLDER SIS SHANNON!!! I just want you to know you are the best Mom ever and I admmire you so much for how great you are! I only hope I can be half the mother you are --Super MOM! I love you Sis.

P.S.S---My spell check is down--so you'll just have to deal w/ my awful spelling --sorry!

update to my dull life

At the insistence of my older sister, who obviously is the ONLY one that reads this anymore, I am updating today. The only thing I've been doing since July 9th, the last time I update, is working though. Dave and I have been able to hang out a bit w/ friends and are longingly awaiting our beach trip in a week and a half. We're going w/ two couples who are in our church, plus --hopefully-- my best friend Tim and good friend Sarah Speier, and we ALL can't wait!

I've seen several movies since I've been home, one of which is definitely worth commenting on. I finally ordered Netflix for us since we had been seeing a couple of movie a week and got The Dead Poets Society first. I had never seen it, which Dave said was a crime, and I really enjoyed it. It was sad but really inspiring. I love those kinds of Robin Williams movies --the old kind not the new, weird movies he's done lately. I've also never seen, in one sitting, Good Morning Vietnam either--I REALLY need to see that one. I also went to the movies and saw You, Me, and Dupree. Pretty funny movie. Lots of guy humor as Owen Wilson is in it, but pretty hilarious anyway.

Dave's friend, and mine, Adam D. (other Adam in the wedding party) came over last weekend. He and Dave did some paddling and he tried to learn how to roll. He did get EXTREMELY burnt, sorry Julie, but I don't think managed to learn how to roll the kayaks. Saturday night the 3 of us went tubing in Deep Creek and that was loads of fun. I had to miss church on Sunday to deal w/ my group of 72 cheerleaders (oh yeah, that was a fun 3 days), but at least I was on the river w/ them that day.

It's been STINKIN hot up here lately and I almost passed out at work yesterday. I was on top of the tower, hooked in of course, and got really dizzy. I've been drinking gallons of water every day just to keep up with the sweat my body is putting out. It's been ridiculous! I'm on the course again today AND tomorrow and then get a break on Thursday to get on the river.

I went cliff jumping in the area the other day w/ some friends from NOC. Fun stuff! I hadn't done a rope swing that tall in quite awhile. Anything wet and cold is the thing to do after a VERY HOT day at work, so the swim was extremely refreshing.

Anyway, I'm at Sarah's house right now doing laundry--THANKS SARAH!--and getting my online gossip fill for the day. The laundry is almost done and I've gotta leave for work in about half an hour and need to eat and wash the dishes, so I better get off here. Miss all my commenters--where'd everyone go???? Love the few who still read this--and all you others too, but I'm still miffed at you.

back to the depths...yuck sneeze cough

So I'm home for the next couple of days to see the family. Dave couldn't come with me because he had to work...oh well, next time. We picked Bethany up from T.V.R. camp yesterday, she really didn't want to leave. I remember what that felt like when I was in highschool and went to camp. You make so many friends and get to be so independent when you're on your own working, then you come home and you're just "the child" again. It's hard.
Yesterday I went w/ the fam. to see Pirates of the Caribbean 2. It was pretty good, but a long, kinda drawn out movie. It was basically a movie to set up the next sequel. There was one pretty cool twist in it though. I won't give it away. After that I went and hung out w/ Jake & Heather, Jessi & Robert, and Jason & Becca. Good times. We watched Mall Rats (I came in in the last 30 mins). We had a good time but now I'm still getting over my HUGE allergic reaction to their cat and dog. Some dander must have gotten in my nose cause my head is COMPLETELY stuffed up and my throat is scratchy--sleep is sorta suckin right now.
This afternoon my nephew, Graham, had his 4th b-day party. It was cute. I got to see all the babies in the family and we just had a good time. Now I'm waiting for Blaire to call me back so we can hang out tonight. BLAIRE-----CALL ME!!!
Ok...now that you are updated on my weekend I'm gonna go catch up on some celeb gossip on trent.blogspot.com (awesome website if you're a Hollywood gossip hor like me....lol). Love you guys!

P.S. I miss you baby--thanks for calling me!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

We're hangin out at the street fair and havin a BBQ tonight. Hope everyone is having a great 4th! See my family this weekend! I love you guys! I'll write more later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

To my mom--I hope you had a wonderful birthday Momma. I wish I could have been there to celebrate it for you. Just wanted to tell you you have always tried to be the best mom you could to me and I love you so much for it. Sometimes that took hard love and hard times for you, I know I didn't make it easy. Thank you for all the talks we had laying on your bed. I remember the first on those talks. Daddy was teaching me Science and we got off subject somehow. We started talking about mine and yours relationship. He encouraged me to talk to you and I walked back to your room and flopped down on the bed. That was the first of many great conversations between us. Thank you for always being my advocate mom. Thank you for always believing in me and loving me and encouraging me no matter what. I love you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

p.s. How old are you this year? lol

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

To all the father's out there--happy father's day. Make the kids do the dishes today. We appreciate everything you do for us kids.

To my own Daddy:
I just wanted you to know some thing about my growing up times. As I was growing up I went through times when I made some pretty bad decisions. You never berated me about those times. You encouraged me to stand up again and dust myself off. I want you to know that because of your Godly example, I also WANTED to stand up and dust myself off. I always wanted what you had Daddy. I wanted that relationship you had with Christ. I saw you live it every day in your early morning devotions, in your work life, in the way you interacted with your friends, and in the way you loved your family. We always came first. I will ALWAYS cherish the hours and outings you spent with us. I loved the lunches we had at Morrow Mtn. I loved the times just you and I went off together. You were and still are good at giving your kids that special one on one time. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for helping make me into the person I am today. I can confidently say my independence and love for Christ now is because of the way you lived. We disagreed at times, but my respect for your walk with Christ never wavered. I love you Daddy. Happy Father's Day. I wish I could be there with you to celebrate.

Love, Your curly-headed daughter.

The Power of caffeine

So I had a [good] day....

Currently listening to----"Good Day" by Jewel

This morning I decided to get up early and make breakfast for my wonderful hubby. It's my day off, but I never get up early with him, so I decided to today. It was really nice just to have some chill time with him this morning. Then he went off to work and I got to work on the house.

I paid the bills, vacuumed, swept, cleaned the shower & toilet, and mopped the floors. THEN, I went to our local Hallmark store. I got a 20% off coupon from them for my birthday (no you didn't miss it, it's coming up on the 28th!) and decided to buy ALL the cards I need for the rest of the year. So, I looked through my calendar for each month and wrote down all the birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. I only saved about 5 bucks but at least I have all (calculated) cards I need for the rest of the year! It was a VERY productive day.

After all that I went to McDonald's and got my favorite (double cheeseburger and fries) and then headed to the library (current location). I've been here for a couple of hours reading celebrity gossip and checking e-mails and such. Now I'm headed home to possibly take a nap before I start makin dinner. OH! Our neighbors (the other side of our duplex) have disappeared and the landlord moved out their stuff today. SO if anyone is looking for an apartment and would like to be neighbors we have an opening!!! lol--but seriously! K-, I'm out of here! Love ya!

Fun pic of Michael and Bruce with an election sign from Bryson City!

How beautiful is this girl???? I love you B!

short hiatus

Sorry I've been gone for a couple of weeks guys--the beginning of the season at NOC is crazy! My boss calls every morning to make sure I know what to do for the day (you would think the title Lead Instructor would instill some confidence in my memory and leading skills, ah well, she's a bit overzealous). I worked 44 hours last week and had a few mornings off! This week is a little more relaxed. I have a college prep. group coming in. I think they'll be fun as the group is my favorite age group (16-18 yr olds). I had some great fun with the 7th graders we had in last week though. They were FULL of enthusiasm and energy and were up for whatever we threw at them--good stuff. The 6th grade group wasn't so good though. They were pretty timid and we had quite a few criers. I think 6th grade is a bit too young to be going down the river in a ducky by themselves. But, the school is the one that picked it! Anyway, enough with my boring work stuff.

Dave and I are now smack in the middle of wedding season. Last Saturday was our first one, then this Sat. and two Saturdays from now are 2 more. Of course we have Dee and Cam's wedding in September which will wrap up our "must see" weddings. It's too bad we couldn't make it over for Adam Nelson's wedding, we would have REALLY loved to be there. But, we'll be able to visit with him more at Christmas once they're both settled in, so that will be nice.

Well, it's laundry day. I've put it off for several days and we're both running out of underwear, lol. Better get to it! I'm gonna try to e-mail some of you guys that I haven't talked to in awhile too. It's coming Molly! Really! <3

An AMAZING feat

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!!!!!

Dave has just changed his FIRST baby diaper! Yup, we are babysitting "baby Max" (or as I like to call him 'Maxipad'--lol) and Dave changed a diaper. He is now rocking Maxipad to sleep! Now maybe when we decide to have kids he'll at least know which end is up...lol. It's quite cute actually, Dave was very proud of himself when he changed the diaper. I think he thought it was going to be harder than that. Up next--poopy diapers--he says he's not quite ready for that yet :).

done with GAP!!!!!

I have finally broken loose from the GAP empire. I, in a moment of insanity, decided to get a GAP card one day. Ever since then all hell has broken loose. I got locked out of my account, I couldn't understand the people that were suppose to be able to help me, and I had 60 dollars in late fees add up while I was locked out of my account. Today, I called GAP up and I told them to take the late fees off my account so that I could pay the ORIGINAL amount and then cancel my card. IT worked! Now I have no GAP card and NO HASSLE!

I also ORDERED MY SHOES! You know THE SHOES. I'm SO PSYCHED!!!

K...gotta jet. Bye!

In Honor and Memory

Today is the day we here in the U.S. celebrate mother's day. Dave and I are home this weekend to celebrate with my mom and grandmother and all the other mom's in our family. I just want to say to all the moms I know and love--thank you. You are all an inspiration to me to be the best mother I can be some day. To my own Mother--I love you. Thank you for raising me to be an independent (albeit hard-headed) woman. Thank you for instilling in me strong moral values and showing me what a loving family I have. Thank you for being my rock when I was falling apart and always being a shoulder to cry on. I love you Mom.

This weekend Dave and I also found out that someone very dear to us passed away. Auntie Bet is in no more pain, but we feel a great loss without her. I had only known her for about 2 years now. She was an amazing woman and I will never forget her hugs and kisses every time I saw her. I had my first cup of "real" tea at Auntie Bet's house. I had it with milk and she made sure I had sugar too because I wasn't use to hot tea. She asked me lots of questions about my life back at home when I first met her and showed me such love and kindness. She made me feel accepted into the family even before Dave and I were married. Thank you Auntie Bet and Uncle Robin--you were the first of Dave's extended family that I met. You are sorely mised Auntie Bet, but you will always be in our hearts and memories.

Contentment

As I was having my devotions this morning I found the meaning of that word. I found that I can be content without having everything I want or desire. I'm using the Journey of Desire guidebook right now and it's amazing. This is what it said about contentment. "Contentment is not freedom from desire, but freedom of desire. Being content is not pretending that everything is the way you wish it would be; it is not acting as though you have no wishes. Rather, it is no longer being ruled by your desires." Once I read this it opened a window in my heart. My life does not have to be perfect right now. I do not have to kill myself to finish my degree in 2 years. I don't have to have the perfect job and a baby on the way in 4.5 years. I don't have to always have the house sparkling, food on the table promptly at 6:00 pm, and the bed made in the morning to be the "perfect wife." I, myself, ME,--I can be content with my life, my future, and my degree (if I ever get to that point).

I was talking to my grandmother the other day and she said something to me concerning schooling that really hit home. She said, "I had 3 kids when I went back to school to get my Masters. I was running myself ragged." One night granddaddy (she calls her husband granddaddy like everyone else when the grandkids are around) asked her, "Do you feel like you are learning anything that you didn't already know? Is this helping you become a better teacher?" "No," she said, "it's not." My grandmother wasn't too far away from getting her Masters, but because she felt it wasn't helping her family or herself she quit, just like that. She also told me that I didn't need to be in a hurry. I had a husband and other priorities in my life that most students didn't have to worry about. School wasn't the only thing needing my attention. I could slow it down and still enjoy life while I was in school.

School can be done with a family. Life WITH desires can be done at any stage. My grandmother already had her first degree, but she was wise enough to make the decision to quit the second one. I doubt she beat herself up for not getting her degree. She went on with her life and is now an amazing mom, grandmother, an extremely strong and courageous wife, and a wonderful GREAT grandmother.

My goal for this week: to live IN my desires and be content with not reaching them within MY deadline.

Good friends good food

I had an amazing weekend with friends and family. Friday night I surprised Sheena by showing up at her graduation. Originally I was supposed to have an exam during that time but my prof. loved me so much he changed the exam time so I could make it to Winston-Salem by 7.
Then, Saturday I drove to see B and David play soccer. They are REALLY amazing soccer players! I was SO impressed by how good they were. They play really well together too. Then I helped B get ready for her prom SUPER FAST--like 45 mins. It was fun but a bit hectic
Saturday night I got to hang out with Jake and Heather Almond and Jason. We had such a good time. It was REALLY nice to see those guys again. Dave and I might have the chance to see them again this weekend as I'll be returning to my parents house for mothers day (DON'T FORGET GUYS!!!).
Sunday I drove back to Winston-Salem and had lunch (sushi yummmm) w/ my friend Jeremy Bliss who I went to school with when I was going to school in Winston. It was SO good to hang out with him. I miss you Bliss! We'll have to do it again soon. Then Sheena and I went to see a movie. We saw Stick-It (chick gymnastics movie) and then decided to see RV too (it was really cute and funny). Then we went the Village Tavern (amazing food, cute waiters) and had dinner. THEN, we went back to her new apartment (which is SO nice) and hung out.

Amazing weekend! I had such a good time and saw so many people I never get to see. My friends make me feel so blessed to have so many good people in my life. Thanx guys!

Now I get to spend some much needed time with Dave. We've been SOOO busy lately that our time together has been scarce. I missed him quite badly this weekend even though I had lots of fun. Love you babe!

p.s. B you still haven't called me to tell me how the prom went--JEEZ!

In My defense

Yes mother, you have caught me. I haven't voted since I have gotten married. But, I just haven't been able to! Every time there was an election I have either been at school all day or at work all day. I know I could have voted early but when I registered to vote in Bryson they never sent me anything back, so I don't have any information on it. I will vote next time. Just please please PLEASE don't tell Grandmama that I didn't vote. I will NEVER hear the end of it! lol I love you!

Oh, and just so you know, I may be coming home this weekend??? :-D I thought I'd drop in to see Bethany's soccer game on Saturday and help her get ready for the prom since she only has an hour between the game and eating. Love you!

The shoes I am coveting...REALLY BADLY!!!

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.