Even though it is after 9pm....Merry Christmas!
Oh yeah......the TSO concert was AWESOME! This year Richmond had 2 shows....we are moving up! We went to the 3 o'clock show instead of the 8 o'clock show...was a great decision and we hope that we have the same option next year.
December 4 - 7, 2007
Boone, NC
Day 1 - Left home and drove 5 hours to Boone, NC. After we arrived, we had just enough time to check into the Fairfield Inn and eat before working from 1 - 9PM at the Processing Center. This year they introduced a new processing system...Teams! I enjoyed this system a lot more because you had a better chance of meeting new people and doing more jobs. I got to try out 2 new jobs this year...mail sorting (They let me play with a knife. Can you believe it?!?!) and boxing the shoeboxes into larger boxes...I have now decided to use the boxes that Samaritan's Purse provides, more of those can fit into a large box. We tried to put a minimum of 14 shoeboxes into the larger boxes, but it is difficult to do with the large plastic boxes.
Day 2 - Worked from 3 - 9PM at the Processing Center and met a group from home! It is a small world after all. We also had a surprise visit from Franklin Graham! He closed the evening with a prayer.
Day 3 - Tried something new for lunch - Japanese! Makato's is an excellent restaurant. Worked at the Processing Center from 1 - 9PM.
Day 4 - homeward bound
I think this headline speaks for itself:
Big Chunk Of The Universe Is Missing -- Again
but I'll take it!
Wal-mart has an exclusive 1 disk, 6 song Trans-Siberian Orchestra CD.
The play-list is as follows:
1. A Mad Russian's Christmas
2. Dream Child (A Christmas Dream)
3. A Last Illusion
4. Christmas Canon Rock
5. Heal My Soul
6. Prince of Peace (Live)
It is worth it to get the album just for the live version of Prince of Peace...The man can sing! Last year at the concert, I was thinking to myself..."Self, they need to get that man on a CD!" And while Heal My Soul is not my favorite, I do like the lyrics.
The other day, a friend in my town read that a Meth lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county. He turned to me and asked me a rhetorical question: “Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?”
I told him that I did have a drug problem when I was young.
I was drug to church on Sunday morning, for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, or was disrespectful. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in dad’s garden and mom’s flowerbeds. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline or chop some firewood.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say or think. If today’s kids had this kind of drug problem …America would be a better place.
Author unknown
And this did the trick.
Earthquake In Mexico
A big earthquake with the strength of 8.1 on the Richter scale hits Mexico.
Two million Mexicans have died and over a million are injured.
The country is totally ruined and the government doesn't know where to start with asking for help to rebuild.
The rest of the world is in shock.
Canada is sending troopers to help the Mexican army control the riots.
Saudi Arabia is sending oil. Other Latin American countries are sending supplies.
The European community (except France) is sending food and money.
The United States, not to be outdone, is sending two million Mexicans to replace the dead ones.
I took this one at my grandparents' home.
Just a few things I'm excited about.....
- The Bible Experience Old Testament - November 2007
- Lost! Season 3 - December 11, 2007
- The newest Ted Dekker Books - Sometime in 2007 the re-release of Blink...will be called In The Blink of an Eye. 2008 - Adam, Sinner, Chosen, Infidel, Renegade, and Chaos
http://teddekker.com/?em824=167715_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2007_0_0&content=author_blog
- Nightcastle by Trans-Siberian Orchestra - hopefully sometime soon
- And last but not least....................My new niece or nephew - sometime in April 2008!!!!!!
| Your Famous Last Words Will Be: |
The funny thing is........I can totally hear myself saying that! |
1. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
2. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough.
3. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.
4. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.
5. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.
6. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the toothache.
Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are. You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
Remember:
* Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
* Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
* If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance.
* And finally, be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.
Where I got this: http://boortz.com/more/funny/simple_home_remedies.html
Went hiking with Crystal and Eric the other weekend.
P.S. - The photo of me laughing on the rightI went to visit my grandmother over the Memorial weekend with my parents (carpooling to save gas money = good times).
A quick rundown of some things that happened:
- Part of my grandmother's property got a new fence
- The camera happy folks (yes this includes me) shared photos and picture taking ideas
- Taking time to just sit outside and catch up with family
- Taking a nighttime walk through the woods to "The Rock" for smores and some of the best popcorn ever (home-grown and popped in a big black kettle = yum!)
Pictures to follow.....dial up take way too long!
Right now I am really enjoying James Morrison's CD "Undiscovered" I just can't make myself stop listening to it! I especially like the songs: Under the influence, You give me something, Wonderful world and Undiscovered.
Thank you iTunes for picking his song "You Give Me Something" as a free download a couple of weeks ago! If you had not picked this song....James Morrison would have remained undiscovered....hahaha....by me.
James Morrison's Website: http://www.jamesmorrisonmusic.com/
It's not the best lightning picture ever, but I'm proud of it.
It is just the beginning of a huge bolt that lit up the sky.
Click on the picture to zoom in and get a closer look.
My dad sent this to me in an email today.
3rd Man ever to walk on water!
The 1st one was Jesus
The 2nd one was Peter the apostle
Then there was this guy....
So I got bored and took this test (see below) and found out that: I Am 40% Weird |
 Normal enough to know that you're weird... But too damn weird to do anything about it! |
Both of the following spellings are correct according to Merriam-Webster Online
Canceled and Cancelled
How is that for confusing!
No wonder I was never very good at spelling!
Skin
by Ted Dekker
This book is awesome! Skin focuses on the question, "What makes a person ugly?" I ordered my copy from CBD and got it on April 9. I started reading it as soon as I got home from work (around 5:30pm) and finished it on April 10. No, I didn't get to read it at work......had to go to Food Lion on my lunch break so I wouldn't starve. I'm not gonna tell you what happens, because it is slightly twisted......okay, maybe a little bit more then slightly, but there are some references to the Circle Trilogy.
I am now impatiently waiting for February 2008 when the next 2...Chosen and Infidel... Ted Dekker books will be unleashed!
** Most of Ted Dekker's books are not for the squeamish or easily frightened. If you can't handle Frank Peritti's novel The Oath or Robert Loparulo's novel Comes A Horseman, most of Ted's books are not for you.**
From the back cover:
A freak storm that spawned three tornadoes bears down on the town of Summerville. Yet under cover of the storm looms a much more ominous threat: a vindictive killer known as Red who's left a string of victims in his wake and is now bent on exacting his revenge on the unsuspecting citizens.
But an enigma surrounds Red that the FBI is unwilling to admit - closely guarded secrets of something gone terribly wrong beneath the skin of Summerville, secrets capable of destroying far more than one small town.
Wendy Davidson is caught in the middle. The recovering cult survivor takes refuge in Summerville on her way to visit her estranged mother. And with her, four strangers, any one of whom could be the next victim...or the killer.
Ted Dekker's Website: http://teddekker.com/
Click here to see other books by Ted Dekker. (I have read all but 3!)
Good-bye Winter...
***Update 4/5/2007***
I guess I spoke too soon!
We now have a freeze watch and a freeze warning!
This weekend I joined a bunch of New Beginnings Church ladies for a Pajama Party at Smith Mountain Lake. While I can't tell you what happened there (what happens at the lake....stays at the lake!), I can show you some pictures....with no people in them ;) They (the pictures) will be at the bottom of the post.
When I got back, I went to the Green Valley Bookfair. I get into soooo much trouble there! This time I spent $71.50 on 17 books. If I had gone to a regular bookstore I would have spent $236.75! I just love the bookfair! To see a schedule and a "preview," check out the website at gvbookfair.com
Now here are the pictures I promised.....
Here is the entrance sign:
Dad trying to block Rodney and Alex waiting the outcome of the 'stand-off'
Aaron and Alex racing for the ball.
A friend of mine sent this to me in an email awhile back and I thought it was hilarious.
Hope you enjoy it too!
A man is driving down a deserted stretch of highway when he notices a sign out of the corner of his eye. It reads: SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION 10 MILES
He thinks it was a figment of his imagination and he drives on without second thought. Soon he sees another sign, which says: SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION 5 MILES
Suddenly, he begins to realize that these signs are for real.... Then he drives past a third sign saying: SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION NEXT RIGHT
His curiosity gets the best of him and he pulls into the drive. On the far side of the parking lot is a stone building with a small sign next to the door reading: SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS
He climbs the steps and rings the bell. The door is answered by a nun in a long black habit who asks, "What may we do for you, my son?" He answers, "I saw your signs along the highway, and was interested in possibly doing business." "Very well, my son. Please follow me."
The man is led through many winding passages and is soon quite disoriented. The nun stops at a closed door and tells the man, "Please knock on this door." He does as he is told and another nun in a long habit, holding a tin cup answers the door. This nun instructs, "Please place $100 in the cup, then go through the large wooden door at the end of this hallway." He gets $100 out of his wallet and places it in the second nuns cup. He trots eagerly down the hall and slips through the door, pulling it shut behind him.. As the door locks behind him, he finds himself back in the parking lot, facing another small sign: GO IN PEACE. YOU HAVE JUST BEEN SCREWED BY THE SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS. SERVES YOU RIGHT, YOU SINNER
I spent Thanksgiving 2006 in St. Louis, MO with my sister Crystal and her husband Eric. We crammed a lot of fun and interesting things into one short week. Here is a quick run down. I hope that I get everything in the right order!
November 18 - 25, 2006
Day 1 - Saturday Driving, lots and lots of driving..... When I arrived, Crystal and Eric took me to the City Museum. That place is just awesome(And I am saying that even though I got injured!). It would have been cool to spend more time there, but after traveling all day, I was tired and hungry. Day 2 - Sunday Crystal and Eric took me to the church that they have been attending. It is a small, but very friendly group. Day 3 - Monday 
Crystal had to work, so Eric and I went to the Botanical Gardens. Even though a lot of things were "dead" and it was cold, we found lots of opportunities to test our photography skills. Chihuly's art was on display through out the gardens. There was also an exhibit that you had to pay to see that we didn't go to. That dude has talent. If you get a chance to see his work...do...unless of course, the tickets are outrageously priced! Day 4 - Tuesday
We celebrated Thanksgiving early because Crystal had to work the holiday. We went to the St. Louis Zoo - which is amazing, the Arch - which is not for the claustrophobic, and the Melting Pot Restaurant - which is yummy but expensive (Don't order the mushroom salad! It is a plate of 
mushrooms with 3 or 4 pieces of lettuce!). Out of all the pictures that I took on this day, my favorite is this one of the Arch. Day 5 - Wednesday Crystal and Eric decided that they would torture me by making me walk/run with them 3.7 miles 
around some lake. (They walk fast, so every so often, I had to run to catch up.) Here is a lovely little view of said lake. Day 6 - Thursday Crystal had to work, so Eric and I watched the Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was great to be lazy after all the walking the day before. Day 7 - Friday We went shopping around St. Louis today. Not much to say about it except it was cold.
Day 8 - Saturday Homeward bound! I am thankful for all the prayers for safe travel. I was almost involved in a wreck, that I'm positive only God kept me out of. At one of the numerous interstate interchanges in KY, a driver cut in front of me doing considerably less then the speed limit and me. I am so thankful that I saw it happening, that my brakes worked and that the surrounding drivers were also paying attention to what was happening. (A few minutes later, he thought about doing it again, but saw who he was going cut in front of.....he decided to stay in his lane.)
You can also find pictures and Crystal & Eric's side of the story on their blog Our Life...As We Know It.
1. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Pirates of Caribbean 2
2. What's your favorite TV show? CSI, LOST, Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Alantis
3. What's your favorite CD at the moment? Jars of Clay – Good Monsters
4. What kind of car do you drive? Hyundai Elantra
5. What characteristics do you despise? Arrogance
6. What is your favorite type of clothing? Comfortable
7. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?? Venice, Egypt
8. Favorite time of the day? Evening
9. Where were you born? Harrisonburg, VA
10. Favorite sport to watch? The extreme ones – Love watching the Xgames
11. Do you wish on stars? No, love to watch meteor showers though12. Do you like your handwriting? No.
13. Are you a daredevil? No.
14. Favorite movies? French Kiss, Princess Bride, The Mummy, Arsenic and Old Lace……..
15. What are your nicknames? Net
16. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Yes.
17. What are your favorite colors? Blue and green – not neon though
18. Favorite Drink? Turkey Hill Green Tea, Kenyan Tea and Water
19. Do you wear contacts? Yes.
20. Scary Movies or Happy Endings? Scary Movies
21. Favorite Season? Fall.
22. Hugs OR Kisses? Hugs
23. What is Your Favorite Dessert? Irish Cream Cake
24. What Book(s) are you reading? I am a bookaholic so this is ever changing!
25. Favorite Smells? Fresh Cut Grass
26. What's the furthest you've been from home? Kenya and Wales
