For the Love of The Game

My Settlers of Catan game came in a few days ago and the girls and I got to play last night! It was SO AWESOME! You don't even know, seriously, amazing. And Shannon, I'm brining your game back next weekend, just keep reminding me. If possible I'm going to bring this game with me and we MUST play, but it takes a long time guys, like a few hours. It's kinda like Monopoly in that way, but SOOO much more fun and worth the effort. Maybe I can convince Mom and Dad to play with me, ya think? The girls and I ended up playing two games in a row, one with 5 people and the last one with just 3. We played from 8 until 1:30 am (for both games)! So so fun. I can't even explain really.

Today I'm FINALLY getting my hair cut. I haven't had it cut since NOVEMBER! It's so long that when I pull it up into a high ponytail, it still covers my neck. I can't handle it in the heat--yeesh! We've started leaving the air on pretty much all the time now cause it's so hot by midmorning the house is already too warm. I'm not working until 3 pm today--weird huh? I have training for a couple of hours and then I do an Alpine Tower sampler--which is basically a shorter version of what we do during most days. People can pay less and just come and check out the A.T. for a 2 hours. I think it's a pretty good deal actually. So I'm just chillin' here until it's time for my haircut in an hour and then I'll do some housework until I head to work.

The last of breakfast--for awhile

This morning will probably be the last time Dave and I have breakfast together for awhile. I'm pretty much on the schedule at work for the next 14 days straight. I work this afternoon too, but at least I can go to church first. I'm none too pleased about this work arrangement, but I can't do much about it. I'm not sure what my "rights" are concerning a day off, but I think half days count so that works out for them. I have a half day on Wednesday and Friday, so I guess that counts as one day off this week. I think that's all they have to give me. Fun stuff. I'll be on the ropes course in this scorching heat for the next couple of days and then I get my first water trip of the season--which I'm actually excited about, even if it is a ducky trip (inflatable kayaks).

Yesterday was pretty fun. Dave and I slept in and then he made me waffles with strawberries. Then we hung around the house for awhile and took a really long nap. For lunch we went to Na-Bers Drive-In. Really good! They're like our local Whataburger Shannon! They even had Cherry Lemon Mt. Dew. No, it's no Sundrop, but it's still good! Afterwards we headed to the river to do a short kayaking run. Then I talked Dave into walking up the creek with our boats as opposed to walking on the road with our boats back to the house. The river intersects with the creek behind our house about 1/4 of a mile down. So we walked up it--it felt so good as hot as it was yesterday. Then we got home and let the puppy out and all played in the water. We decided to have a cook-out with our neighbors who live on the other side of duplex. We did cabobs with whatever you wanted on them. A great day actually! We were going to go see a local band play last night, but then ended up heading to bed. Though I did stay up until about midnight just reading. Ah, summer livin'.

Just for fun

So, one night in Teaching composition class this past semester, a student was teaching and the rest of the class was supposed to act like whatever age she would be teaching the lesson to. We were high school freshmen. She then gave us an assignment to write a poem that rhymed in a few minutes. I conjured up some teenage angst and this is what I came up with. Hope it makes you smile :).

I see you sitting there.
You with your big mouth and your big hair
We're alike you and I,
yet you won't talk to me, you pass me by.
When no one's around you say hello
you're nice then, but I know
it's just for a time, just a go.
when they're around you just blow!

~~Leigh

Red River Gorge climbing pix

The camping spot

Katy, me, Bill (another of Dave's old camp friends), and Dave at the top of a climb--I FINALLY made it!






Katy-Dave's camp friend from Camp Westminister


Rufus-everyone's climbing buddy



The move right before I bit it--good stuff

Yes, it's a month away--i know

Ok, so I'm thinking a bit ahead here, but I thought I'd put up my birthday wish list a little early. These are pictures of women's slim nylon wallets, that don't take up your entire purse and still fit a checkbook, and the Settler's game extension packs. I am just excited about these two things immensely. The game is so awesome--Dave is buying me the base set for my birthday, but the extension packs allow you to play with more people. I'm telling you guys, you NEED to play this game. When I get it, next time I'm home, we need to play together. Of course, all the sisters and brothers can play TOGETHER if one you guys picks up an extension pack for me ~hint hint~ lol.

So we're heading out for Kentucky in a few hours and I really need a nap. See you guys! Have a great weekend!

Summer workin'

I'm back at NOC full-time for the summer now. It's nice actually. I always enjoy being back, at least at the beginning of the summer. We have several new staff, but for once, the average age is higher (over 19) and there's much more ropes experience in the group. It makes my life a lot easier at work for sure. Although, I'm still one of two people that is trained to run the giant swing off the ropes course, which means when we have a ropes course scheduled I get to stay up there all day in the very hot sun.

Two days ago we had a staff day at a private, small waterpark-ish place. NOC bought it a few years ago; it's called Horn's Creek and is located out past the Ocoee river. It had a water slide, lazy river, and wave pool. However, the wave pool and lazy river were connected, so when they turned on the wave pool the river became not-so-lazy. Odd, but fun. Then we had a big BBQ chicken dinner. It was a lot of fun.

Yesterday was an all day Alpine Tower for us. Afterwards we decided to all head to Asheville for dinner at the Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company--best pizza ever! We picked up Dave on the way and we all had a good time. That place has the best pizzas and nacho's I've ever had, seriously. Plus you can watch $2 movies there, so it's really unbeatable.

Today I'm off, and doing some house cleaning. I haven't unpacked fully from the beach yet and I still need to put away all my school texts and things that I keep out during the semester. Plus, I need to re-pack for our climbing trip this weekend. We're leaving tomorrow night after I get off work and heading to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky until Sunday night. We're meeting some of Dave's friends from Camp Westminister in MI there too! Hopefully it'll be nice weather and there'll be something I have the skills to climbing (it's been awhile folks).

Well, that's about it! I'm gonna get to cleaning and then I promised Sleepy a walk. Talk to you later!

The. Cutest. Thing. EVER.

Fishy Fishy Beach week 08'

We decided to call it Fishy Fishy beach week because we always go to Fishy Fishy restaurant in Southport. We went there tonight for dessert and coffee and took lots of fun pictures. Here's just a sampling. Tomorrow we're heading to Wilmington to see the sights, and I'm gonna visit with Jake and Heather, yay! I think we're going to do some Geocaching tomorrow here too! It seems there are a whole butt load of them here! Uber fun.

From Left to Right: Me, Lorin, Beth, Catherine, Erin

Mame's bday party

HEATHER---CALL ME!

So, I'm at the beach just chillin here in the sun with some of my girl friends. The weather is SO nice. We laid out on the beach and took walks most of the day today. Though at least three of us are addicted to playing the board game Settlers. If you don't know what this game is, you must find out and play it. It is TOTALLY engrossing and SO SO SO much fun...plus very addictive so be careful. Wednesday we're thinking of heading to Wilmington to do some shopping and sightseeing. I think we're going to take the ferry. I'm HOPING to catch up with my friends Heather and Jake, IF I CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH THEM (hint hint guys-check ur e-mail and facebook) for a visit. Last night Beth cooked BBQ pizza for dinner and Catherine made chocolate cake (mmm!). Tonight Erin is making breakfast for dinner, w/ pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, and hashbrowns (woot woot!). Tomorrow night I'm making spaghetti (yes, carrots too Landon, I promise it's good!), salad, and garlic bread. We are having a lot of fun so far. I haven't gone to bed before 2 am yet, and I doubt tonight will be any different because Settlers is gonna have to be gotten ON! SUCH a good game. People, my birthday is coming up! I would like the Settler's came with the cities and Knights extension pack as well :). Alright, dinner is smellin' nice, so I'm out! Peace and sunshine to you all!

still ugh

I started taking the meds last night. Before I went to bed I took my antibiotics, two tylenol, and two decongestants. And I still didn't sleep. My throat was raw and I couldn't stop blowing my nose or coughing. I finally got a few hours of sleep this morning once I finally found a throat lozenge that didn't make me gag. My nose is less stuffed up this morning, but my ears still feel like they're going to blow. I REALLY hope taking the meds all day today helps me feel better for the trip to Mame's tomorrow. Oh man. I wish I could sleep, but laying down just sucks. And I still gotta pack for the beach.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

MY HEAD HURTS SO BADLY! My ears feel like they are going to explode with the pressure. I am literally sitting here with my mouth agape, because no air is passing through my nose. My teeth ache. The thing I look forward to every few minutes is my ears sometimes popping when I swallow--feels great. I am seriously considering taking pain pill to deal with this right now. I can't even blow my nose--nothing comes out. I hurt.

Random recent photos

Don't I look like an amazing boater?! Too bad I accidentally ended up backwards in the rapid (that's why I'm smiling)



The one of the sticker says "I voted", but backwards :)

YAY! Green Snot!

So, happily my exams are over. I finished writing a three page poem/story in rhymed iambic pentameter last night--seriously hard stuff. But now I'm done. And now I'm pretty sure I have a sinus infection. I kept hoping it was just a cold, and I even tried the salt water in the nose thing (which my nose was so stuffed up I couldn't even get it UP there). I made a doctors appointment for 2:15 today. I REALLY don't want them to put me on antibiotics though because I'm going to the beach next week and I know taking meds and being in the sun is not good. Ugh. Anyone have any home cures for a sinus infection??? I'll try pretty much anything. Uck, and my throat hurts too. Ignorance is not bliss my friends. I probably could have nipped this in the bud had I gone to the doctor LAST week. So, now it's a beautiful sunny day, I have no more exams or homework, and all I feel like doing is sleeping. But I can't sleep cause my nose is so stuffed up. And my armpits and bikini line hurt :(. I waxed last night. I've never tried doing my armpits before and they are quite a bit more painful than the bikini line. For some reason that part isn't too bad for me. I really wish I could sleep like the dog does. He's just laying in front of the window oblivious to the world. Ugh.

Exams

Today starts exam week for me. I am already in the library at Western; have been since 8. My first exam isn't till 12, but I have a study session starting at 9. This weekend has been kind of hectic for studying, so I haven't really accomplished much. The gray water from out house has been slowly (well, now slowly, at first quickly) leaking into the back yard. We're on city sewer, but somewhere between our house and the road there's a backup. Hopefully someone is snaking it today, and PLEASE pray there is not a break in it somewhere. Also, the Honda is in the shop cause it needed a new right axle. These both happened this weekend. Good stuff. PLUS, the after-prom, which I forgot I volunteered for, was Saturday night from 10-5 (yes, a.m.). Even though it was a blast I'm still exhausted. My eyes have got some serious baggage; if I was on the computer w/ the camera I would take of picture of them for you. Again, it's been a long time since I have blogged, but hopefully that will come to an end with my exams. This weekend we'll be making the trip home for Mame's 80th birthday party and for Gmama's mother's day lunch. I'm excited to see the family. On Sunday evening I'll be heading off for my girl's week at the beach, which I am SO ready for--I seriously need some "girls only" time. Then it's back to work for the summer. Well, that's pretty much all I got. I need to get a caffeine drip going if I'm gonna stay awake for the rest of the day. Love you guys! I've been enjoying reading everyone else's blog!

P.S.

PRIMARIES ARE TOMORROW!!! DON'T FORGET TO VOTE! THIS VOTE IS NOT ONLY FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES BUT ALSO FOR LOCAL THINGS LIKE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND SOME REPRESENTATIVES!!! IT AFFECTS YOU!!!!!! SO VOTE!

The day and away

Well, I haven't blogged in awhile, sorry about that. I guess the over-blogging of Lent wore off. So much has happened since I last posted. The LDP are in town now visiting and I have been paddling with them; I'm going with them again today. I got two combat rolls (rolls actually in white water) the other day, so that boosted my confidence quite a bit. Tomorrow we're paddling the French Broad, which Dave says is a higher class river; I've never paddled it. I'm excited about it though. Hopefully I won't be too nervous. When I get nervous I tend to lose my roll and swim a lot more, which is really cold this time year. I'm really enjoying being back in my boat. I didn't paddle much last year, but I hope to do it more this year. Practice makes perfect right? It's so nice seeing Bean again! We haven't seen her since our year in LDP. She absolutely loves Sleepy-and again he's enjoying the attention. Of course seeing Michael and Scott is great too, but we got to see them at Christmas in Canada.

I had an interview at the high school where I WANT to do my student teacher/internship next school year. I think it went really well. The principle there is all up for it, she's just checking with the teacher one last time to see if she's still ok with it. YAY! If I get the spot I'll have seniors instead of freshmen or sophomores like most of the student teachers (yay!).

Oh! Dave and I got new phones too! We had an upgrade since we had been w/ the plan 2 years. I got the almost indestructible one. It's waterproof and you can drop it in the dirt and down cement stairs and everything! It even has a camera with a flash! It's a little bigger than normal, but at least I won't break it :). It's the Verizon Casio G'z0ne in red. Dave got a Krzr cause he wanted something that could play music. I just wanted something with a big clock on the front and couldn' t break. Plus, I have the Harry Potter theme song as my ringer---so awesome! yes, I'm a dork. I'm ok with this.

So I only have two more full weeks of school and then I'M DONE...for the summer :). Then I'm going home for Mother's Day weekend and then off to the beach with the girls! Very exciting!!! I have a paper I need to write before then though :). It's quite long, I should be working on it right now actually :). Ok, so I guess I'll go do that.

BUT FIRST------HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LIL SISTER 'B'!!!!! I hope you have an awesome day. I remember lots of stuff about us growing up together. Us playing dress up and Barbies, and me threatening you if you told any of my friends. Going hiking in the woods and building forts. Playing Legos for hours on end. Watching your style evolve. Realizing I was going to be the tallest girl in the family :), but also being bummed I could not really wear your clothes (or shoes). Also realizing that we actually look a lot alike, since my friends keep saying that. I love you girl. I'm so proud of you; what you've accomplished, who you are, and what you're striving to become. Happy Birthday!

Snake!

Dave just came in the house while I was playing Mahjong on the computer and starts googling something on the other computer. He turned the computer towards me and asks:
D- "Is this what copperheads look like here?"
me-"Yup--why?"
D-"I think there's one in the garden, but it's a baby"
Me-"WHAT? Be careful! Babies are the most dangerous cause they can't control their poison!"
D-"I don't really want to kill it if it's not poisonous"
me-"I really don't want it alive if we don't know, it could kill Sleepy easily."
D-"Ok, guess I'll kill it then"

he then goes outside and grabs a shovel. I go outside to see it. It's definitely a copperhead. Oh My Gosh. I hope there aren't more somewhere around our house. Do they stay together when they're young? SCARY!

"I'm not sleepy" photos--Dave's been in bed for ages

Weekend pix

Anniversary and celebration

This weekend Dave and I went camping at Hanging Rock State Park. I had planned the weekend for our anniversary that is TODAY! It rained most of the weekend, but we still had a great time. Friday we drove up and set up camp and cooked Hobo dinner over the fire. I forgot the aluminum foil so we just cooked it in a pot over the fire, but it was still delicious and wonderful. Then we shared watched the fire for a bit and hit the sack. Saturday morning we woke up to rain again, so we had breakfast of hot chocolate and raisin toast and then went for a short hike to see a couple of waterfalls Daddy had told me about. After our short hike we took showers and then drove into Winston for the day. We went to a movie, Stop-Loss (really good), and then did a little shopping at Wal-Mart and Target and had dinner at TGIFridays. Then we headed back to the camp site and roasted marshmellows. Sunday we packed up camp and took a few longer hikes with some really amazing views. We were going to go climbing, but the rocks were too wet. After our hike we headed to Asheville and had dinner at one of my favorite noodle shops, Doc Sheys. So good. THen we went home to see our doggy, cause we missed him. Our friend Erin looked after him for us this weekend, thanks so much Erin! That's about it!

Oh! When we got home, our older Mac would not work, at all. It wouldn't turn on or anything. We thought it was dead. Today I called the Internet Technology (IT services) people at my school and asked them if there was anything they could do for our poor computer. They told me to take out the battery, unplug the charger, hold down shift, ctrl, command, and the power button for 10 secs. Then they told me to put the battery back in and it would turn on--IT DID! It was amazing--so so relieved. They don't know why it works that way, since there's no power going into the computer while you are holding down the buttons, but somehow it resets some things so that the computer isn't so bogged down with the useless cookie memory and such. Weird but wonderful. I will never doubt IT services again!

Ok, I'm still in my bathrobe and I'm supposed to be leaving for school in less than 30 mins. I got up early with Dave this morning to eat breakfast and open our anniversary cards. Thanks everyone who sent one, it was very nice to open them today. I'll post some pictures of the weekend later, but I gotta jet! Peace, love, noodles (as Doc Cheys says)!!!!

Weekend

So I've been trying to plan a weekend away from Dave and I this coming weekend. Our three year wedding anniversary is coming up on Tuesday (next week!). Dave knows we're going somewhere but doesn't know where. It's been pretty hard trying to plan this thing because of weather and this going wrong and that going wrong. I can't specify yet, in case he reads this before we leave. I think I've got it worked out though. We're leaving here Friday afternoon and we'll be back some time Sunday night. I told him we're not going too far, but not too close either, and that he'll like what we're doing. Dad has been a great help in planning everything. He sure is a knowledge resource that's for sure. I would be up the creek without him. Thanks Dad! Well, I'll tell you more about it when we get back.

Mervyn, Sylvia, Dave, and I went to Pigeon Forge yesterday to do some shopping at the outlet malls. Dave's not too keen on shopping for sure, but Mervyn is a great shopper. He got three pairs of shoes! I got a tank top and I found Bethany's birthday present there too :). On the way home we stopped at this park area where there was this great creek. It went up for ages, miles probably, and poured over thousands of rocks on the way down. We walked/hiked up it for a little while and got each other a little wet, but it was lots of fun. Beautiful. I know we'll go back for sure.

Today we're moving in a few things to the other apartment. One of our friends just moved to Asheville and they sold us a set of table and chairs and a really nice futon for $200! That's a deal for sure! So the guys renting our apartment is now actually going to have some furniture! I think we're going to put a few of our chairs in there and put some of the nicer chairs in our apartment, but I'm not sure yet. This afternoon we're going hiking and then I dunno what. Well, I'm going to go help move things in. Dave and Mervyn just got back with everything. See ya!

Carrot Cake

Hey, just wanted you all to know the carrot cake is GREAT! I didn't make my own icing though, I just bought some cream cheese icing at the store. The icing looked like too much work and I didn't have some of the ingredients. The cake was a little dryer in the middle than the outside for some reason though. It could be my oven, but I would cook it for less time than it says. I did my cake in a 9 X 11 cake pan cause my baking sheet wasn't really tall enough. Dave can't get enough of it! The recipe was really easy though, but I don't think i've ever put that much sugar into something in my life! oy! It's SO good. :)

Playing with the new Mac

Rainy-day head

I have what I call "Rainy-day head." It's this lethargic feeling I get when the world is all gray outside and the rain is continually pounding on the roof. I seem unable to get off my butt and do anything. Although, since I've completed three papers just sitting on my butt, I suppose that's not all bad. :) I also going to sit on my butt and read an assigned book--good stuff. It's supposed to rain all weekend--I'm gonna have to snap outta this soon enough.

Dave's parents arrived in B.C. (here) yesterday. Dave picked them up at lunch time and they came over for my homemade potato and bacon chowder. I got the recipe from gmama's church recipe book. That thing is pure gold I tell ya! We make that recipe all the time--sooo good! We had a really nice lunch and then went to the local state park and had a good walk. Sleepy enjoyed it emensely. Mervyn is tickled to death with Sleepy. Just loves him. Sleepy's been really good and I think Mervyn and Sylvia haven't had a dog in quite a while, so it's been nice for them to play with him. After our walk we played around in the house on all the computers.

I say ALL the computers because we have our old Mac laptop, Mervyn and Sylvia brought theirs, and they bought us a brand new Mac laptop! yes folks--we now have a laptop that has a camera built into it! You can take pictures of yourself at the click of a button. I'm very excited to play with it. We actually haven't opened it yet because we've been looking at pictures from Mervyn and Sylvia's recent trip to Medeira (i think I spelled that right) and this last week to Arizona. Very exciting stuff.

Dave and his parents are actually off on a walk right now. I looked at the amount of homework due for Monday and decided I needed to stay here and work on it. I am very proud of myself. 2 1/2 hours later and I'm done--with all the work for Monday that is :). I normally would have time to work on hw Monday, but I'm working at NOC that day. I think all of us are heading to Pigeon Forge on Tuesday for the outlet malls and so on. I'm sure Dave will "love" that, considering he's not too fond of shopping, but his dad is always amusing so I'm sure we'll all have a great time.

Well, that's it for now. I want to tidy the house before everyone gets back. I was also thinking of trying my hand at a carrot cake recipe I found from the link on Brandy's page. Dave LOVES carrot cake, but I've never made it. I guess I just haven't really baked many sweet things. Time to give it a try!!! Toodles!

still alive

For now my flowers are still alive. A few bit the dust, but other than those they seem to be looking pretty good. It frosted last night and was on the flowers this morning. But, with it being almost back in to the 60's again, they are almost perky! The tulips actually look like they are doing better than the buttercups. Had a pretty uneventful day today. Went to school, came home, discovered there a LOT of things I need to be working on right now in terms of school. These next few days are going to be very busy--hopefully I'll be diligent in trying to catch up. Dave's parents will be in town on Friday, so I want to try and get as much as I can done before then so I can devote my time to them.
Small group is in just a few minutes. It's going to be short tonight so that we can go help the new pastor and his wife (used to be youth pastor and wife) move into the parsonage. With two kids I hear moving is a pain. I can't imagine moving yet since I haven't really moved anywhere with actual furniture except in to this place. Just wanted to update you guys!

Snow and Coffee

It snowed this morning. Yes, I'm serious. It snowed. This continued on and off for several hours, and I wouldn't be surprised if it started up again some time this afternoon. Crazy, crazy weather. It's a good thing I took pictures of the flowers yesterday, because they may die from this cold bout. A few weeks ago I would have loved to have a little more snow, now I just want Spring weather. ugh. That's What I get for saying winter was over.

I have this theory about coffee drinkers. The real coffee drinkers, the ones who REALLY love coffee are those who like it in almost any capacity. They like it cold, hot, or 24 hours old. They'll drink it in the absence of cream or sugar and without it being a certain temperature. I do not fit into this category. The category I fit into is the one with the people that LEARNED to like coffee. They liked the smell first, and then came experimentation. Chocolate covered coffee beans for studying nights. Cream and lots of sugar in their very hot coffee. Maybe a little less sugar now, and they can handle it with just milk if you ABSOLUTELY don't have the flavored creamer, but they still prefer it. It still has to be pretty hot, and never EVER cold or lukewarm. Yes, that's me. I'm a fair-weather fan of coffee. I would ditch it in a heartbeat for sweet hot chocolate or the pretending-to-be-coffee caramel macchiato. I'm ok with this category. The real coffee drinkers think I'm pretty shallow, but that's fine with me. I keep a good stock of flavored creamer, and I don't turn the coffee pot off until I REALLY know I'm done with it. I even make them warm up my coffee at the coffee shop in town (they are used to this by the way, but they allow it cause I keep coming back). And I ask, what kind are you? Maybe there are more than two categories?

Happy Easter!!!

Family and Spring photos

Day FORTY!!!

Today ends Lent. I can go back to watching TV, reading my magazines, and even gossip sites, if I want. Funny how I don't really care now :). Today Sophie and I slept late while Dave went hiking with one of the youth boys. Then he came back and made us pancakes and we all curled up on the couch and watched Harry Potter 5. Then Dave did some painting on the trim and myself and Sleepy went to the back yard to enjoy the sun. I curled up in a chair and read--got a little sun too! For dinner, Dave and I made zuchini quiche w/ baked potatoes. Then we all did this and that, internet, more reading, etc, until we finally decided to watch the movie "Life is Beautiful." This film was amazingly beautiful and full of love. It's about a father who convinces his young (probably 5 yrs old) son that being in the concentration camps is a game, and whoever wins gets a real tank as a prize. The father ends up dying, but the son and mother survive and the son never knows (I guess until afterwards) that it was a terrible place to be. A tear jerker! But the father plays it so upbeat the whole time. Anyway, that our last Lent day!

Day Thirty-nine

Today I woke up around 8:30 and Dave decided not to go into work until 9:30. So, he said he'd make breakfast if I would get out of bed and eat it with him. I definitely got the better end of that deal. We had pancakes and he went off to work. Then I worked on homework for the rest of the morning/early afternoon. Around 3 Sleepy and I went to the park in town Called Island Park (so named cause it's an island w/ the river running around all sides of it). Once I cross the bridge into the park I can let Sleepy loose and he can run as much as he wants. He pretty much stays around me because he doesn't like to be left behind. He did try to lick a homeless man's face though. The man was pretty surprised by that but just turned over and went back to sleep and I took Sleepy to another part of the park so as not to disturb him again. I ran some errands w/ Sleepy while walking around town. And then, just as we were about to head back to the car, Dave passed us in his truck. So we all headed home to work in the yard for a bit. He painted the window boxes that have my tulips in them, since it was such a beautiful, hot day, and I tidied up the yard a bit, mowing bits of high grass here and there (it hasn't grown enough to mow the whole thing).

Tonight we went to church to help stuff the Easter eggs. We ended up with 1,203 stuffed eggs and LOTS of left over candy. We decided to stick a lot of the candy and small toys in water bottles and use those as some of the big prizes. While we stuffed we ate pizza and watched "Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were Rabbit." Really cute movie, hilarious to adults as well! Anyway, it was a good day. Sophie's coming over tonight after she washes clothes and we're gonna watch the 5th Harry Potter movie which I just bought from a friend (she had two) tonight. Yay! Well, that's it! I think I'm gonna need some Coke or coffee to stay up late. I'm tired! I hate being tired at night, I'm supposed to be the night owl of the family (well, after B, she's REALLY the night owl).

Attn: Brandy and Shannon. Don't forget to put up pix of your kids Easter egg hunting! I really miss hiding eggs for kids and coloring eggs with them too. It's nice to have kids around during Easter to do those kind of things with. OH! And I have to take some pictures of my flowers for you Shannon. My tulips are just coming up! The yard is SO pretty!

Day Thirty-eight

Just two more days guys! I can't believe it. Yesterday I went to Asheville with a friend. We had sushi at my favorite sushi place and then walked around downtown for a bit. Afterwards we popped into World Coffee and had some really nice coffee and some really rich rasberry chocolate cheesecake-oh man it was good. Midafternoon we went and saw "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day." it was extremely cute. I really liked it. We wondered around Target after that and then headed to Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company and had THE best nachos ever. They have black olives, onions, mushrooms, cheese, and fried tofu on them--mmmm! Delish! Good conversation followed all day. It was nice Easter break day! Our renter moved in while I was gone and so we have someone next door now! Well-that's about it for my day! How was yours?

Day Thirty-seven

What do you think of when you hear the words "graphic novel"? I think porn. Funnily enough, it's a more adult comic book! Seriously! They have classes with graphic novels at the base of them in college. The film "V for Vendetta" came from a graphic novel. I have to do a "book talk" on it for my Monday class. I'm basically telling the other ed. students in the room why they should teach this novel in their senior english classes as an elective (not assigned but on a reading list) book. The funny thing about this novel is, to me, graphic novels have always been kind of a guy thing. But this novel has a girl as the protagonist. Odd, but still really interesting. I don't think you could require this novel for reading because it gets quite violent-which you know if you saw the movie. I highly recommend both by the way-very interesting. I spent most of my day yesterday trying unsuccessfully to finish the book. Almost there though. Yesterday evening I went to Bible study and then we stuffed some of the 1,000 eggs for Sunday. There's still about half to do though, maybe more. Then, two of the girls and I went upstairs and did our workout to one of their tapes. I've never been good at working out with a tape by myself--too accessible I guess, if that makes sense. But it was really good! My abs are pretty stiff this morning--wuhoo! Now if I could just keep that up maybe i would be a bit more healthy by summer time. My exercise regime is pathetic--basically non-existent. Well, I'm off. I gotta get the dog in--he's whining. I never thought dogs whined, but mine does all the friggin' time! ugh-I cannot handle whining. Now I know what my parents/grandparents had to go through with me! :0) See ya!

Day Thirty-six

I went to school yesterday, as usual, and then I headed to the grocery store. Afterwards I had coffee with some girl friends at Mtn Perks, the only coffee shop in town, and then went to buy some new flower bulbs that were on sale. Dave and I decided to make dinner (chili) and then bring it to the pastor's house for us all. They are in the process of moving house and so cooking is rather laborous. So the four of us had a nice dinner, while their kids, who had not had a nap that day, irritated their parents.

After we left the pastor's, we decided to settle down and watch the fourth Harry Potter movie. It's a sad one; two people die. I always forget that. But pretty much from the 3rd one on the books get pretty dark and stormy. Yesterday was pretty chill, not much to say about it really. I did decided not to go to the beach with my family because of all the things I have going on this week. I'm going to Asheville tomorrow with a friend and then Friday I'm helping stuff Easter eggs for our church's hunt on Sunday. We're supposedly stuffing a 1,000 eggs--yeesh!. Sophie-our adopted little sister who's the same age as Bethany, is coming to stay with us this weekend. Plus, I really need to catch up on some projects and papers I've been putting off--imagine that?! lol I'm off--I've got stuff to procrastinate working on--better get to it! :o)

Day Thirty-five

Folks--WE HAVE A RENTER!!! Yes, it's true! The guy that rented from us last summer is back in the country and called us today to see if it was available. He's moving in Thursday! Thanks for the prayers!

Today was my last day for observing at the high school this semester. No more getting up early for me!!! Until Fall that is--I have to teach two days a week then.

I got a call from NOC today. The season is just starting there and I'm getting calls more frequently to see if I can work different groups there. My second day will be the 31st. I'm always excited when work at NOC picks back up for the summer. I can't wait to get back out there every day, especially when I start guiding again. But, by the end of the summer I'm SO ready for it to be over. Funny huh? Guess I couldn't hack life long ropes course work. I'd have skin cancer before I was thirty for sure (course that won't be bun 5 years, but whatever).

Mervyn and Sylvia, Dave's parents are now in the country. They flew into Arizona yesterday at 7 o'clock AZ time, if everything went as planned. Still haven't heard from them though--hopefully soon. They'll be here with us from the 28th through the 4th. I hope it's really nice weather for them and we'll be able to do lots of stuff. I know Dave is really looking forward to their visit.

Mine and Dave's third wedding anniversary is just a few weeks away; I really can't believe it! I don't know where the time went. I hope I'll be saying that in 20 years too (God willing). I don't know what we're going to do for it--haven't really talked about it yet. I doubt we'll go anywhere big--I told Dave that would be our 5th anniversary :). Last year we took a camping trip to Stone Mtn, NC and that was really nice--although a little cold as I remember. I guess it depends on the burn ban whether we camp or not.

Tonight we decided to chill a bit and just ordered chinese take-out. I love me some beef lo mien and Dave always gets the sweet and sour pork. Then a friend of ours brought us by some more daffodils to plant for next year, the really rare white and orange ones. They're beautiful, can't wait till they come up next spring!

Alright, I'm gonna get ready for bed. I think Dave and I are gonna play a few rounds of cards before we hit the hay. G'night!

Sunday--last one before Easter!

Yesterday was a nice day. After church we had a members meeting about finances, which was NOT fun but necessary. After that we went home and I watched Survivor while Dave went rock climbing for a bit with one of the youth boys. Then we had small group last night with the youth at the local state park. We went for a hike and then split up and did our study sprawled in the sun in random places. Our small group has been talking about the power of the tongue for a quite a while. Afterwards, while we were walking back to join the rest of the group, we talked about how hard it is to get the word "like" out of our speech. I say it way too much. I remember mom used to repeat it back to me every time I said it while talking to her. We talked about how, if you speak more slowly, you could weed out the words you did not want to say, but you actually had to THINK about what you said that way, not just say whatever comes to mind. Good talk! Hopefully I will rid myself of the word "like" for no reason. I would like to have a "like free" zone in my classroom whenever I start teaching.

After small group we had a few friends over for a casual grill out. We all pulled together what was in our freezers/fridges and had grilled chicken, stir-fried veggies, and rice. Good conversation on a particular passage of scripture and its meaning too. Then we all sat around and had coffee and talked until past 10. I stayed up after everyone left to watch the season finale of October Road online. I finished at exactly 11:57, just in time! Excellent day all together!

Day Thirty-Three and Thirty-Four

Friday morning I went to observe at the school. I was pretty tired from staying up late to see Beowulf the night before. The film was pretty accurate actually--for the first 45 minutes. The whole story was told completely up to par with the original text. And then, when the text ran out, they started a new story. It was an interesting adaption actually, and that's what all movies of written material are, adaptions. I didn't think it was that bad. Yeah, it's bawdy, but if you read the text, it's worse, just not many people understand old English. Last night we went to a friends for a pre St. Patty's day dinner. It was corn beef, bake potatoes, and cabbage and it was SO so good. Oh man. I'm seriously thinking about buying that meal again for Dave's parents when they come. Good stuff!

Today it pouring cats and dogs outside. So, we decided to declare it a movie day. We had brunch of bacon, eggs, grits, and biscuits and then went to the library to get some cheap movies. You can rent a movie from the library for $1 a week! We got Troy and The Astronaut Farmer. The Astronaut Farmer is pretty good so far (we're watching it right now actually). Tonight we're going to have dinner--chicken alfredo--and then watch Troy. That's about it for today!

Day Thirty-One and Thirty-Two

I could have sworn I blogged yesterday, apparently not. Yesterday I had coffee with a girlfriend and made pancakes for us. Our dogs had a play date during this time. They play really well together, even though hers is so much bigger than Sleepy. Her dog gets down on the ground so she (Layla) and sleepy can play tug of war--very cute. After they left I worked on homework for a few hours and then completely wasted the rest of the afternoon on the Internet--facebook and online games will getcha! Yeah. Good stuff.

Today I am at school. I had my second Chaucer test and it was pretty involved. We were allowed to bring in a 3x5 card full of notes and that really helped. I spent the entire class period, plus 15 minutes afterwards (she let us finish out translation of the Middle English text--us the slow ones) writing the test. I wrote a whole lot more on this test than I did on the last one. I hope I do better on this one. I got a low B last time, which was pretty good considering how much studying I did for it. Now I'm killing time until my next class at 6. I'm eating dinner with friends @ 5 and then after class we're going to see the new version (in the last year) of Beowulf. Yes I know B, you hated it, but I'll see it anyway. I mean, how can I NOT as an English major go see this movie? Well, that's pretty much it for info. I guess I'll go play on facebook now.

P.S. has everyone deserted me? I have had no comments for the last week! I miss you guys!

Hilarious!

This is for you B and David--so funny! And true-always proofread. And David, stop using Wikipedia as a source buddy, not good. Plus, you TOTALLY plagiarized that whole paper you wrote. Ya really need to learn how to cite things bud.

Day THIRTY!!!

Guys-we are ALMOST there! Ten more days and I will be able to read my entertainment weekly's and Glamour's again! SO excited. I'm actually not sure I'm going to return to pinkisthenewblog.com. I really feel kinda bad when I read that stuff, mainly because Dave is constantly telling me it is trash. And I kinda know he's right. I mean, it does promote gossip, and even though I DON'T know the people personally or will likely ever meet them, it doesn't really give me the right to trash or glorify their actions. Though, it is REALLY entertaining to read the stuff they do--almost unbelievable sometimes! I will have a hard time giving it up completely for sure. I still scour the gossip mags at the grocery store constantly to see what Britney or Brangelina is doing. Sad, I know!

Tomorrow I can register for my fall classes at WCU. I'm a little nervous. I hope I can get into the ones I really need and the times I want them in. I would really hate to have to drive there every day again--ugh. Well, I'm heading to bed. I have an early-ish coffee get together with a girl friend and I want to get up and make breakfast for us before that. love you all!

P.S. to all my siblings-minus David cause you never call me, ya nerd--thanks for the conversations these last couple of days--especially to Shaun who got the brunt of all my upsetness. It meant a lot to me that you guys were willing to talk. Especially since Shaun NEVER calls me. It WOULD be nice to get a call from you guys when something's not wrong or someone's not dying though, seriously guys--my heart skips a beat when you call me! Anyway-I love you all dearly. Don't be strangers ok?

Day Twenty-nine

Today was my first day back at NOC for the season. I won't start full time until after school's done, but it was nice to be back for a bit. I only worked from 8 to 3 because I needed to run home (now) to grab my school stuff before my night class. I have to leave in half an hour. It was a good day on the ropes course though. This morning it was FREEZING, literally. I had 3 layers on and two winter hats, plus my thick hiking boots. But, by around lunch time, it warmed up, so the kids relaxed a little then. They were really great, the students. They were all 8th graders and the nicest, most attentive 8th graders I've ever met; which makes things very nice when dealing with safety issues. My hands are killing me though. I was on top of the swing tower the whole time, swinging kids off. When I'm up there I have to pull this really heavy cable up every time a kid wants to swing and my hands get really raw. It'll be nice when they toughen up for the summer; about the time my "summer muscles" come in too ;). Well, I gotta get ready to go. I hope I don't fall asleep in class cause I'm TIRED!

Day Twenty-eight and Sunday

So Saturday I slept late and then got started on homework. I had a quite a bit to do concerning homework. Dave and I had a nice dinner together and then played Scrabble until really late (which was actually later because we forgot about the time change the next day).

Sunday I got up at what I thought was 9, but was actually 10. Good thing Dave already had breakfast made or we would have been late for church. It's amazing how few people remember Day Light Savings and miss church on those days. There must have been fifty people or less at church Sunday--really hilarious! We thought maybe a few would straggle in when service was over, but they must have figured it out in time to miss church. After church we went to a friends for lunch. That was really nice. We just had frozen pizza, but then we added lots of stuff on top of it so it tasted like homemade! Then I went home and watched Survivor and then headed to youth group. Last night we had a bonfire, which we actually had a permit for. Good thing, considering last time the youth group had one some neighbor called the fire marshall and we had to put it out. It was fun though. Afterwards I came home and finished my lesson plans due for today. It took me longer to finish them than I thought it would. It is so nice to be back home with Dave. I find I can't sleep very well without him anymore. I slept pretty badly at Mom and Dad's last week, but maybe that had to do with how much sunlight comes into B's room in the morning :).

Day Twenty-seven

So I got home around 3:15 this afternoon. I was SO tired of driving. Last night, after an extremely "fun" dinner with the family where I got interrogated the entire time and no one stood up for me as usual, I went to Blaire's and then we headed to Charlotte for some actual fun. We went to a club, can't remember the name, and danced the night away. We had a blast! A fight did break out among some random people in the middle of the club, but I suppose that's typical for college night, considering the "who's dancing with MY girl" scene happens all the time at that age. Anyway, everyone was ok, but the girl who got in the middle and got hit with a bottle is gonna have a nasty black eye today. Fun stuff! After the club closed we hit up Waffle House for a 4 am breakfast, then headed to Blaire's to sleep by about 4:30. I can't remember the last time I did that. P.S. family-I did drive and I promise you I was safe. I don't let people that are intoxicated drive me ANYWHERE.

I got home today and went immediately to my bed for a nap. After Dave got home I made us a dinner of porkchops, baby pees, and cus cus and then we watched a movie. Appropriately that movie was on capital punishment, "The Life of David Gale"--another fun topic my Dad and I discussed after the family dinner.
Well-I'm going to bed. I still pretty tired and I have loads of homework to catch up on tomorrow. See ya!

Day Twenty-five and Twenty-six

So yesterday was a leisurely day. I woke up around 11. Yeah, I know, but it's spring break people! I worked on some lesson plans for a bit and then mom and i went to lunch at the Log Cabin. They seriously have THE best bbq of anywhere I've ever been, plus hushpuppies. As soon as we walked in I heard somebody call my name and there was a friend from when I used to lifeguard at the park! Mom and I had a really nice lunch and conversation. When we got home Bethany and I decided to see an early movie in town and then ordered Papa John's pizza. I haven't had that pizza in YEARS! Seriously--a Papa John's banana pepper, mushroom, and black olive pizza is just heavenly. Awesome break day.

Today I got up a little earlier and went to an early lunch with the friend I saw yesterday at the bbq place. We had really nice time catching up with each other and hopefully we'll see more of each other now. Then I stopped by to see Daddy during his lunch break and talk to him for awhile. Now I'm just killing time until dinner tonight where I can see the rest of my family! Then I'm going to spend the night with Blaire so we can catch up! I love coming home :). I'm also hoping Grandmama gets home soon so I can visit with her before I leave the house this evening. Well, that's my days so far! Spring break is almost over and all I have to show for it is a BUTT-LOAD of homework. Wuhooo!

P.S. having dinner tonight will all the family at the Mexican restaurant in Locust. Considering my stomach is already feeling weak that should be interesting!

Day Twenty-three and Twenty-four

Yesterday offically started my week of Spring Break. I left yesterday afternoon for Winston Salem to see Sheena, my best friend from college, the first try :). We ate at Applebees and then went and saw "Step Up 2 the streets." It was really fun and completely void of a substantial plot, but what do you expect from a sequal. The hot guy from the last movie was gone after the first five minutes! But, the music was awesome! I actually bought the soundtrack on the way out of Winston this morning. I love "The Record Shop" in Winston--cheap music rocks! Sheena and I had a blast catching up. We watched some comedians on youtube and mine was funny, Russel Peters (check him out-seriously!!!) and hers was a dud, Dane Cook. Seriously-no wit at all. Just dumb, recycled jokes that weren't funny the first time! Anyway- I had a really great time hangin' w/ my girl fro Winston.

Today I drove back towards my parents and went to see my big Sis and nephews. I really missed them. As soon as I got there the Buddies took me to their room to show me ALL their toys. They got out all the Cars characters and their DS and everything! It was Very cute ;). Then Shannon and I got to visit for a long time while the boys napped. I really enjoy just hanging out on the couch talking w/ you sis! I think that's one of the things I miss most about living a piece from home. Then the big boys came home from school and they talked to me! I couldn't believe it. W usually ignores me all together cause I'm just not cool enough for him. He told me about what he did in school today. I felt very honored. W even called me over to show me something he could do with a magnet :). Thanks for the visit sis! I missed you!

Then I drove to my parents house and visited with my grandmother for awhile. It's very hard to see her losing so much weight and utterly devastated by the news of my Aunt's cancer. It seems we were just doing this with Granddaddy, and now we have to go through it again with my aunt. I don't even know if I can process it really, other than to think about it for awhile and then consciously STOP thinking about it because I just don't know what to do!

Anyway--my lil bro, sis, and I are going (i think) snowboarding tomorrow all day. Still unsure of this since we have really fully decided and it's already 8:30 pm and we would need to leave here by 7 am, but whatever.

P.S. just to make this post even LONGER :)...it's really hard not to watch TV when I'm at other people's houses. I just can't really get by it considering it's on and it's not my decision. That's why I'm in the kitchen typing on the comp. and my family is in front of the TV--Idol's on :).

Peace--pray it snows tonight in the mtns!!!

Day Twenty-two and Sunday

Yesterday I woke up late and then had a quick breakfast. I washed dishes, browsed the internet, and generally just puttered while Dave broke up the concrete in front of our house. He's trying to break it up because the outside door won't open all the way. So he'll break it all up and then put pavers there instead.. Then Dave, Sleepy, a friend, and I went for a hike. It was a BEAUTIFUL day! The hike was awesome. Then we came home and cooked veggie chili for a few friends and generally just hung out. It was a very nice day.

Today we got up and Dave wasn't feeling so hot. So, he got back in bed and I went to church. Then I came home and made some pasta salad, although all he wanted was toast. Then I washed dishes and we talked to Dave's parents for a little while. Then Dave and I watched Survivor-yay! It was pretty good, although I have to say I feel very sorry for the Fan's team because they are just getting WHOOPED and makin' some pretty bad choices with who to vote off. Cashmere Mafia and October Road weren't posted yet; maybe they didn't have a new episode this week. I'll have to wait until next Sunday to see those. Now Dave's back in bed resting for a few minutes before we both have to lead a youth small group. Hopefully he'll hang in there and be cause he's the only one here to do it this week. Well, I'm gonna head off and check on him. See ya! Sorry this was such a boring post today :).