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!