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.

LDP visit NC pictures

1st day back

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

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

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

Paddler once again

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

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

The Good Stuff

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

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

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

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

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

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

Molly and Easter

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

Wonderful Weekend

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

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

the big 1

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

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

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