Hi from MI

Sup guys? Just thought I'd give you a shout-out from Michigan. We're up here for the week for Adam D's wedding (he was in mine and Dave's wedding if you were there, the blond one, not his cousin), and having a blast! I was quite anxious, in the worrying sense, to meet Dave's friends. So we got here around 9 on Monday night (after leaving at 7:30 am from BC) and I met LOADS of his camp girls. I have YET to meet a guy friend except for Adam who works here, except for the honorable Bill Gourley (maintenance man and go-to guy here at Camp Westminister) who is Dave's ultimate idol and who he wants to be when he "grows up."

The girls I met are great though, I'm thoroughly enjoying getting to know them. We went out to eat all together last night to a place called Traverse City. Had an amazing meal at a brewery there and then went browsing in a book store and then to coffee. Great night.

Today is another clean-up/get the camp ready for the wedding day and I'm helping Dave with "his" precious sailboats. Not that I know loads about sailboats, although my Dad did teach me a thing or two. I'm hoping to get some "lay-out" time in some this week, maybe today, as it's supposed to be the warmest day all week.

well, I'm outta here, the boats are calling us! Love ya!

p.s. will post pictures soon!

apologies

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile guys, I've (gulp) become addicted to Facebook. I know I said I'd never have a site there, but I do now, and I check it every waking minute I can! I hate and I love it at the same time, what can i Do???

So, to update you on the OTHER things I've been doing--last weekend Dave and I were home for Bethany's highschool graduation. I can't believe she's old enough to graduate!!! It was nice though, and I got to see loads of people I hadn't seen in years there. We also got to see a soccere game of Bethany and David's. The ref. was the WORSTE I'd ever seen, but both of them made some BEAUTIFUL goals so I was happy to see them play. We also got to take my oldest nephew to see Spiderman 3 with us, that was really fun. It's nice now that he's old enough to do stuff with us, athough I'm sure we're seriously boring to him.

Sunday, on our way home (a little detour), Dave and I went climbing at Stone Mtn, NC. Had a blast! The hardest climb I've done since LDP! It was 4 pitches and tooks us about 3 1/2 hours. Good stuff though, but we were throughly worn out by the time we got down. Definately want to get back into doing that more often, though I need new climbing shoes quite badly, those killed my feet.

I've started work full time at NOC for the summer. Hosted my first group there this week and it went well. I was with the same group last year so I remembered the teachers, (it was a middleschool) that always helps. Things went pretty smoothly, a few minor bumps but I worked most of them out. Ah the joys of being the "go to" person for every little thing.

Other than work I've been spending loads of time with a girlfriend of mine from church and her kids. We've been taking walks and watching the kids play in their little pool quite a bit, fun stuff.

I may be going to a women's conference this weekend while Dave is in his Swift Water Rescue class, but haven't decided yet. It's free and I love the girls that are going, so it could be fun. Though I'm not much of a conference person I'd love the hang-out time I'd get with the girls.

That's pretty much it! Summer's kicking off and I'm really excited to be back at work. I love being back on the river and the ropes courses. Well, I'm outta here to try and grab some things for dinner later. Love you guys!

pictures of us climbing at Stone Mtn, NC

Conclusion

So the beach was absolutely amazing...exactly the relaxing trip I was hoping for. The women that came with me were so much fun, I don't think I have laughed that much in a LONG time. We took some great pictures too. The last night we went putt-putting and had a blast. I feel like I left here with a few aquaintences and came back with five best friends--I know that's cliche' but it's true. I really do feel amazingly close to these women now and I feel so blessed to have them as friends. Love you guys!!!

This has been around for ages, but I just found it SOOO hilarious

more beach pix

This was from dinner last night--cute eh?
heading to Myrtle Beach for the evening--so will post more later!

Girls' beach trip 07--more pix later!

YAY! It's not raining, the fridge is not leaking, and I'm not burnt!

So, I am currently at Oak Island, NC enjoying a girls beach trip. It was suppose to storm all week, but so far, with the exception of a few showers and some strong wind here and there. We finally got on the beach today and took a REALLY long walk (we walked to the pier to the LEFT for the Eddy's who know what I'm talking about). I don't know how far it was, but after we got done we all gritted our teeth and got into the water (freezing!!!). It was so much fun!

Yesterday, "Dr-Fix-It" (seriously, that was the companies name--I about DIED when they answered the phone that way!!!) came and fixed the slowly defrosting fridge. That was fun, let me tell ya. But, it's all done and we can now refridgerate our food in the fridge and not in the freezer (the freezer was about as cold as the fridge SHOULD have been).

Also, I am NOT burnt folks! Every time I've walked outside I've put LOADS of sunscreen on--45 SPF for my face and chest, 30 for my back and neck, and 15 for my stomach and legs. So, I've gotten a LITTLE color, but not a recognizable amount (by anyone but me anyway).

So far we're having a blast. We've played games every night and stayed up an laughed till we cried until past midnight Tonight we're going to play Putt-putt and tomorrow is our one night out to dinner! We also went the the thrift shop on the island yesterday and found some really great stuff!

Well, gotta go! I'll post pics for you to see after this post! Love ya!

Very cute pic of my lil sis and my Daddy

P.S. B you're growing up so fast! You look SO sophisticated with those glasses, I REALLY like them on you, totally cool :)

Farewell

Michael, Bruce, and Scott left today to pick up the LDP from the Appalachian Trail. We were sad to see them go, but we've had a great time hanging out with them this last week or so. We went "oot and aboot" for a short paddle last night at the play spot in town, so that was a nice last kayak session with the boys. I got a few tips from Michael on how to do a good stern squirt in my kayak. It felt good to be being instructed by Bruce and Michael again :). It somehow brings back the memories and feelings I had when I was in LDP. I hope the LDP of THIS year had a good backpacking trip these last few days. Hiking the A.T. is definately something Dave and I want to do eventually, whether that will ever happen, who knows. Well, here are a few highlights from the LDP's trip down here. Eh-n-joy the thrills...and spills :)

Sad to see you go...

The LDP's

So the Canadians have arrived ya'll! :) They got here Saturday night and we've seen alot of them so far. We hung out with them on Saturday and Dave did some paddling with them in the Tuck (river that runs through Bryson). Then Sunday that came to our church and then spent some time on the LIttle T. river. Sunday night they all came over for dinner. We had a blast getting to know them and I had some great conversations about films with an LDPer named Joel. Then, Tuesday (yesterday) I went paddling with them on the Tuck and then we went to dinner with THEM at their campsite and had burgers. Tonight they are doing some initiatives for the Youth group at our church and then their coming over to watch "The Fugitive" since the train wreck scene is still wrecked beside the Tuck river here. I like them so far :). They're really great and like Dave says, it's nice to have become a stop on the LDP paddling trip. Well, I gotta get going. Only three more days of class, including this one, so I have to stop slacking off and get the final papers done. See ya!

p.s. no Molly, we didn't just wake up, but I like lounging around in my pj's all the time! Were you saying we looked bad or something??? lol Love ya Mol!

Cute pix with the new camera

We got a new camera last weekend. It's exactly like the one that you got Helen and Mervyn and Sylvia. We love it so far!

Good "Sun"

I've started my fake tanning for the season (the lotion stuff that makes you look like you have a tan). It looks pretty good! By the time I go to the beach I should have a sufficient "tan" so that I won't be tempted to bake in the sun. Yay! Dave's even helping me keep it as "un-blotchy" (<--not a word most likely) as possible.

Can't wait to see my family this weekend. I'm going home for Friday to go to an antique festival with my big sis and her twin boys. Wish I could stay for the family birthday party on Sunday (a niece, nephew, and my lil sis B), but I have to be back by Saturday afternoon because I have friends coming into town Saturday night.

Our friends coming into town are actually the new LDP from Medeba!!! They're coming to see us Saturday and we'll be coming to our church Sunday, then eating with us on Sunday night! VERY excited to see them all, especially Bruce, Michael, and Scott!!!! Have a safe trip down guys!

Well, I'm in the middle of my extremely boring American Lit. class, so I should probably get off here. Love you all!

Tomato Garden

Tomato Garden

An old Italian man lived alone in the country. He wanted to dig his
tomato garden but it was very hard work as the ground was hard. His only
son, Vincenzo, who used to help him, was in prison.

The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament.

Dear Vincenzo,

I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant
my tomato garden this year. I am getting too old to be digging up a
garden plot. If you were here, my troubles would be over. I know you
would dig the garden for me.

Love, Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son.

Dear Papa, I'd do anything for you Papa, except dig up that garden.
That's where I buried the bodies.

Love, Vinnie

At 4 am the next morning, FBI and local police arrived and dug up the
entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man
and left.

The same day the old man received another letter from his son.

Dear Papa, Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do
under the circumstances.

Love, Vinnie

Beware Eddy ladies!!!! and ALL other readers

So I've been reading up lately on the whole "sun" deal. Yeah, we're basically screwwed Eddy's. Did you know that if there are other people in your family that have gotten skin cancer than you are 2 to 3 TIMES MORE LIKELY to get it yourself? PLUS if you've EVER been in a tanning bed that's another higher chance AND if you have green/blue eyes, fair skin or freckles that ANOTHER few chances higher that you have of getting it. And above all, if you've ever gotten burned severly (really red skin, peals, hurts, etc), that ups it some more. SO, check "all of the above for me," and I feel my skin is so far down the drain I might as well continue as I am, how much worse could it get!!!

BUT WAIT!!! THERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO!

My reliable sources say that if you wear sunscreen (daily people, DAILY) it can help to heal your skin. Also, if you wear night cream that has more collagen in it that is supposed to help heal sun damage as well. You need to wear SPF of 30 to 50 with UVA and UVB protection, ESPECIALLY on your face, chest, shoulder, and hands (things that are more exposed to the sun. They find skin cancer most on hands and faces.

I, for one, am going to spend more on sunscreen AND sunless tanner. Because, well, I like the tanned look, but I don't want to look 80 when I'm 40 either. PROTECT YOUR SKIN PEOPLE!!! Especially you Eddy ladies--and get your skin/moles checked, especially if you have quite a few!

As an afterthought, you could just be OK with NOT having a tan--more people in Hollywood are taking the pale approach you know. I saw an AWESOME shirt this girl was wearing the other day. It said, "Pale is the new Tan." I like it! Hey, since my hair is red now it looks more natural to be pale. Good for me eh? Toodles!

A little creative writting over Easter break

Dedicated to my Grandmama Fisher who inspired me to write it.

~~ The Driveway~~
The adventure always began at the summit—the quick hike to the top made the task all the more alluring.
There were dangers involved of course—several obstacles stood in our way.
Our path had to be certain, our destiny was held in its grasp.
The hurdles seemed impossible—we thought our flight was not to be.
We struggled on—trying and re-trying our route with treacherous outcomes meeting us with despair. Our crimson lifeline was lessened from time to time, scars still present reminded us of those failures.
We pressed on—certain we would descend from our zenith with victory at last.
Our ride had arrived—the glorious moment had come to fruition, we hurriedly climbed aboard.
Swerving we flew past the first crevice –zaggedly missing the menacing chasm.
Picking up speed we leaned far to the right, hitting the second fissure with surety, solidly avoiding another awaiting disaster.
Rapidly our momentum built to a peak.
One more snag stood in the way of the perfect flight.
The end loomed nearer as we hit our maximum speed. We had to decrease our quickness at just the right moment.
We dug in our heels—the gravel went flying - we stopped only inches from the scalding tar drive.
The flawless driveway flight was accomplished; our green Scamp skateboard had been a wonderful steed.
The quest to conquer became complete—a Euphoric feeling oozed from our ecstatically beating hearts.
Still—the driveway would rise to challenge us another day.

Happy Anniversary (to me) and Happy Easter (to YOU!)

Today is a good day. I just woke up, had a ham biscuit while the sea breezes wafted around me, and saw that the Easter bunny came! Dave and I decided last minute on Wednesday night to have a traditional family Easter with the family at the beach! So glad we did! We've had a great time here with the fam. We went to the Spring Chili cook-off yesterday in Southport (town just down the road from us) and walked around and saw some crafts and things. Then we went to a few antique shops. After awhile my lil sister and brother, Dave, and my dad and I went to the beach to do some walking and to throw the football around a bit. Let me tell you, if I was expecting a warm weekend at the beach, I've rethought the situation. Yes, it was below freezing here last night and is still (at 9 am) hoverng around 35' at this moment. Alas, my Easter tan was not to be, oh well. Got to play some Spades last night for the first time in awhile! It's my favorite card game, I much prefer it to poker or anything else.

Well-I should get back out there. We're heading to church soon and then we'll start our long drive back home.

I can't believe Dave and I have been married two years today! I don't think I ever would have imagined my life the way it is now--but I couldn't have planned it as good as this for sure anyways! I love where we live, our friends, and how well we've gotten to know each other. Every day I marvel at the person I wake up beside. The first time I met him, if you would have told you he was "the one" I would have laughed like crazy (cause I thought HE was crazy, lol). But over the year in Medeba he became my best friend in the world, and I couldn't imagine my life without him, no matter the capacity. He was an amazing gift from God, a huge answer to prayer, a much needed friend and confidant, a constant support and encourager, and an growing love. I love you Dave Nelson--I can't wait to see what the next 50 years (and further!) of marriage bring us.

Funny commercial

It's HOT!

It's definately warming up here in NC. Average temp is in the mid 70's now--which is nice if you're not wearing jeans (which I am today). Another thing that's hot is my HAIR! It's red now--not like fire engine red, but redhead red--it looks natural, just trust me. I'll try to get a picture up here soon. School only has 4 more weeks to go!!! WUHOO! Easter break starts on Thursday and we get Friday off too. Dave and mine's SECOND wedding anniversary is on Sunday. Amazing it has already been two years, it doesn't feel that long! We still act like newly weds! :) I think we're going to hang out in Asheville on Saturday, for out anniversary, and eat at a new place and go to an art museum and all sorts of fun stuff! I'm excited! Then Sunday is Easter, an Easter we'll actually be here for. I'm use to being at the beach with family, but I don't even think THEY're going this year. There's an Easter egg hunt after church for the kids and a family picknick, should be good fun. Well, I should get off here, the comp says there's only 10% battery left so I should shut it down before it goes to sleep by itself. Love ya!
L