Monday, October 30, 2006

Whoa......

I leave this Saturday. We have our final meeting tonight to put the finishing touches on the missions projects we intend to do while down in Jamaica. I am VERY excited and have been running around like a lunatic collecting last minute items to conform with the ever changing airline guidelines.

I am in a little bit of shock that this is actually going to happen. I am excited.

Someone asked me today if I had thought about "what if I died on the trip?" Hmmmmmmm.

My quick response was well I guess I'll see you later on in Heaven. Bye now.

Thanks for placing that nice little fear in my head. But it does sound a little appealing.

I can only imagine.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Whew! This part is over!

So the Harvest Party at the church went very well this evening. We had 2 brand new bikes among a host of other door prizes to be given away. I am especially happy because the boys bike went to a little boy and a Mother I know. She is a single Mom because of a divorce situation very similar to mine. This prize blessed her more than you could ever imagine.

It was wonderful to see all the families wandering the hallways knowing the children were safe and warm. I saw many unfamiliar people. I saw people from the daycare whose status with Christ I am unsure of to say the least. Well I hope that they were able to see the love of God through the volunteers at the church.
Ok time for a little whining. Have I mentioned that I do NOT like this whole concept of changing the time. I still do not understand how someone can just "decide" to change the time in a given place. It just seems so unnatural to me.

Friday, October 27, 2006

No rest for the weary


So I have been spending copious amounts of time soliciting door prizes for the Church's Harvest Party. The blessed event will take place this Saturday. I have collected all the items needed for my part of the event.


So we have spent many hours this week setting up the event and creating a unique atmosphere. We have introduced several new games this year as well.

I am still preparing for the mission trip. I am doing laundry and beginning the packing process. I have notified the credit card company, the credit union and I need to still contact the cell phone company. Wow time is running out and I am still awaiting our last training meeting on Monday. Last minute instructions will be given, our supply suitcase will be handed to us already packed and ready to be taken abroad. I still can't believe it is really going to happen.

When I have more time I will update you on the latest Big Red drama. Like he thought I was just going to hand him everything....

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Add a line story...part 2

Ok so we did it on this post so let's give it another try....

Monday, October 23, 2006

Please don't yell at me...

I have considered wearing a sign that says this as I walk into stores to ask for door prize donations on behalf of my church.

Let's just be clear on what I am about:
  1. No I do not know how many people have asked you for donations this month.
  2. No I'm not begging for a handout.
  3. No I don't intend to make a profit by reselling this item.
  4. No I do not think you are in business to just give away all your profits.
  5. A simple "No thank you." would work instead of yelling at me.
Aren't you lucky that you get to read this on my blog? Well it means that I haven't SNAPPED on a local store owner and been arrested.

Yet.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Bitten by the "coffee bug"?

So all those years of refusing to drink coffee because I didn't like the taste have flown out the window! I have discovered This wonderful thing called GENERAL FOODS INTERNATIONAL COFFEES SUISSE MOCHA. Wow!

I love this stuff! It has a hint of a coffee taste with mostly a Hot Chocolate kind of taste .

Someone asked me why I don't just take little packets of hot cocoa with me. The problem is that I don't think they will have enough caffeine in them to give me my "fix" for the day. Yes ladies and gentlemen One4JC has a vice.

I am addicted to caffeine. If I do not have a pop in the morning I will get a MASSIVE headache. Where I will be located in Jamaica will not have a pop machine just down the street. I will be on a mountain. With all the new strict airline rules I do not believe I can pack pop in my suitcase. I don't know if I could anyway because of the pressurized nature of the aircraft.

So I have been forced to seek out other ways to feed my need for caffeine. It has to be in a non-liquid form. I have been trying different types of powdered coffee trying to find one that I like. According to this chart 1 cup of this instant coffee should enable me to not get a headache. But I don't know if the Mocha part of this beverage will decrease the caffeine in the drink. I would think not because chocolate contains caffeine as well.

I think the only other option is those stupid caffeine pills that Big Red and I used to fight over all the time. Of course that's because he took 3 or 4 EVERY morning with a Mountain dew!

Well I have had two cups already so now we wait and see if the headache comes today or not.

Friday, October 20, 2006

Memories...

So while browsing through a few blogs I stumbled across this blog. This sparked quite a few memories for me about my children.

To update anyone who has not been reading for long check out this spot or this one or maybe this one.

I have children in Heaven just not here on earth. At the end of November the twins would have been 4 years old. I should also have a 2 year old, a 14 year old and a 12 year old. I think those ages are right...I'm feeling a little foggy today.

The grief comes and goes as it always will. Some days I struggle with why God has me in this spot at this time but I know He has a plan. I know His ways are better than mine but it still hurts.

I have been thinking on this lately because of the upcoming missions trip. I know these people personally as they came from my home church. They are now located in Jamaica because of God's call on their life. They have said:

Our calling and ministry is to the abandoned and homeless children of Jamaica. Thousands of children are left each year on the streets to fend for themselves. We have been appointed as directors of a children's home in Christiana, Jamaica called New Vision City of Refuge.

I am irritated at times because children are abandoned and yet there are people like me in the world. My heart goes out to these children while I struggle with not being judgmental with the now absent parents.

Jesus died for them as well. Not just me.

One Year


WOW! I just realized I have been blogging for one whole year. When I look back at how far I have come I am amazed!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Putting the rumors to rest

In case anyone doubted that my big sis really has an addiction to the Java juice, bean 'o the coffee or whatever you want to call the stuff here is the proof you need!

So I helped celebrate the squirrel's birthday at Mickey Dee's and then a small cake party at the humble abode. I happened to snap this pic of my sis as she walked across the living room. Now I could go on and say that both of these filled to the brim cups were hers but alas that would be untrue. She was politely serving the Mom and Beau.

More to come soon as I have been scurrying around town purchasing last minute items for the team for the trip. And can I just say UGH I can't take pop with me! No caffeine makes me a grumpy person.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Stupid pet tricks

So I do not know if I have mentioned this here before but somehow I have managed to teach my cat a trick. I call it a trick because anytime you can get a cat to do something willingly it must be tricked into doing it.

Somehow I have managed to teach my cat how to play fetch with a stuffed mouse. It started because I would get tired of stepping on it and throw it across the room. In defiance she would bring it back to me and drop it in front of me.

Sigh....

I would throw it again. And the same thing would happen.

Now she brings it to me willingly to play this game.

So do you have any stupid pet tricks that you have taught your pets? Have you heard of any one else who has taught their pet something?

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Our Fair city...

A few things I learned this week about our fair city of Fort Wayne:

  • Fort Wayne is designated as a Refugee Resettlement Center by the US State Department
  • There are 74 languages represented in the FWCS district
  • Fort Wayne is the largest resettlement center for Burmese in the US
  • Fort Wayne has 3 Islamic mosques and 2 Buddhist temples
  • Many of the "immigrants" you see in our city are simply Refugees who have fled to save their own lives.
  • Some left family behind or knew they were killed which spured their flight

Something to think about...

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Some things....

Some things I think should be done in private. I am not one to go to a restaurant and excuse myself to the bathroom to well...poop. First of all that blows the entire idea of the Stance. Secondly, I don't want to hear or smell someone else doing that particular thing in the next stall so therefore I shall not be a culprit either.

With that being said....

When I go to Jamaica there will be 10 women in 3 rooms (with bunkbeds) and only one bathroom. Inevitably one of us will stumble across another's leftover aroma.

Now I am one of the most down to earth people on this trip. Most of the others are skirt wearing, makeup in place, sipping the tea with a finger in the air business type women. I have a deep respect for several of these women.

I know there are people in the world that respect me as well but I wouldn't dream of letting them in on my bathroom habits. But this is going to be one of these "bonding moments". As long as we treat each other with dignity and respect it should be easy enough to get passed this little natural event.

Maybe this has to do with how I was raised. I was raised that the bathroom is a place that no one talks about, discusses what goes on in that little room or interrupts someone while they are in there. Big Red had a bad habit of bringing me the phone while I was in the shower. Like he expected me to stop everything, let the soap dry as I discussed something with a friend or relative. The words, "She's unavailable." were not in his vocabulary. I would have called back in a matter of 20 minutes if not less.

I find it ironic how at peace I am about this trip. How God has provided all the money I need for the trip. How comfortable I am with all the things I will be doing as part of this team. How I know that I am right where God wants me to be yet.... I am worried about poop and the missions trip.

I know I can hear you now.....Get over it already! Well I feel better already for having gotten it off my chest.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Psalm 46:10

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God;


Easier said than done.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

The new digital camera

So here is the result of my recent purchase. This is a picture of my lovely cat Sapphire sitting on my lap in the living room. I am having fun with my new toy. I figure the more practice I get taking pictures with it now the less chance I have to mess up my pictures while I am in Jamaica.

Maybe you will see more pictures soon...

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

The dreaded TB test

So I had to have my annual TB test yesterday. So by last evening I had a nice little fever going and a headache too. It has to do with the whole APS thing. It continued today as well. Probably will for several days.

Somehow even though the TB test stuff is not injected into my bloodstream it still has a huge impact on me. It is the "foreign object" inside my body that turns my blood against itself.

I discovered yesterday that the reason I dread the TB test is not just because I hate needles. I detest what happens to me afterward. The little injection doesn't really bother me after all these years of having one. Now a blood test is a completely different story. I honestly cry/passout with a blood draw.

If you are weak hearted I suggest you go onto another blog instead of reading this next part......
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When I was a wee little lass of about 12 I got really sick. I had pneumonia. At the time I was living with my Grandma (the mean one) while my parents sold the old house, bought the new house and moved several counties away. I went early so I would not have to switch schools in the middle of the year.

Of course my Grandma thought I was faking when the school sent me home that day with a fever of 101 degrees??? I went home and sat on the couch all curled up in blankets shivering. All I wanted was to go home to my own bed. My house. She checked the fever several hours later and when it hit 104 she no longer waited...Presto... she called my Mom to come get me.

I went home and by the next morning I was at the hospital. I don't remember this part. I remember Grandma saying Mom was on the way and then 3 days later waking up in a hospital. I remember that I needed to pee. I got up and started to leave for the restroom in the room when .....
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Remember you were warned....
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I tragically realized I had been hooked up to an IV for fluids and did not find out until it was too late.

This is why I am afraid of needles....yes I know that IV needles are really small and actually plastic BUT.......That pain is forever burned in my memory!

So you must realize how important children are to me when I would still be willing to have a child even knowing I would have to give myself 2 shots of bloodthinner EVERYDAY.

Jamaica is only 25 days away....working with children down there...I can't wait.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

I can't believe it's less than a month...

The time is flying by as I continue to prepare for the trip. I bought a digital camera this weekend. Well actually two cameras but I returned one before buying the other, better, camera. Turns out that I knew more about the camera than the guy selling it to me. I was glad I did my research so I could tell him about it...correctly.

We kicked off our missions week at church. We do this week every October. It means so much more to me this year. I am feeling very...wow....right now. I can't even describe it. I get to go to a foreign country and tell kids what a difference God has made in my life and become a person that they might remember for the rest of their lives as someone who told them about Jesus.

Wow....I am in awe at how God is using me right now.

Friday, October 06, 2006

Nothing to say...

I have been checking out digital cameras and other goodies for the Jamaica trip that happens to be in LESS THAN ONE MONTH!

I have been busier than an one legged man in a butt kicking contest. I have been researching ministry items for the trip, gathering the goodies and trying to stay away from Big Red until after the divorce is final.

Hopefully a bigger update soon.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Stolen from Try2hide and a flurry of other blog quizzes

You Are Fall Flowers

Beautiful yet often forgotten.


You Scored 85% Correct

You are an 80s expert
You never confuse New Order with the Pet Shop Boys
You know which classical musician Falco rocked
When it comes to 80s music, you Just Can't Get Enough!


Won't my sister be surprised!!!





You are a Believer

You believe in God and your chosen religion.
Whether you're Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or Hindu..
Your convictions are strong and unwavering.
You think your religion is the one true way, for everyone.




You Are 67% Open

You're a pretty open person - and you don't mind sharing the good, bad, and sometimes ugly.
And while sometimes you do catch yourself blabbing on, you usually exhibit restraint.
You're openness is quite refreshing, and it encourages other people to be open with you!

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

All the 3s... Here are some things about me


3 smells I love:
Clean sheets
Lilac
Cookies baking
3 smells I hate:
A Chicken coop
Body odor
The smell of vomit
3 jobs that I have had in my life:
Little Caesars Pizza
Director of a daycare
Pool room attendant
3 movies that I could watch over and over:
The Princess Bride
The Shawshank Redemption
Steel Magnolias
3 fond memories:
The day I became a Christian
Getting my self confidence back
Graduating from College

3 jobs I would love to have:
A counselor
A stay at home Mom
A full time Clown
3 places that I have lived:
Hoagland
Hamilton
Fort Wayne
3 things I like to do:
Blog
Play games
Just sit and talk with friends
3 of my favorite foods:
Mashed Potatoes
Ice Cream
Cheese
3 places I would like to be right now:
Jamiaca
Ireland
Dallas

3 websites that I visit daily:
3 things that make me cry:
Thinking about Big Red's Adultery too long
Beaches
Feeling helpless when children are abused
3 friends that I am tagging:
Patty
Nic
Maynard

Sunday, October 01, 2006

The long awaited report


Ok here are the highlights:

* They are one of the cutest older couples I have seen in a long time.
* When they look at each other you can see the love they have for each other in their eyes.
* My Mom actually paused during the vows at the part that says... for richer or poorer.
* They had country western music playing before the ceremony and as they walked down the isle together. As everyone turned to watch them walk down the isle the lyrics to the song playing where....are you ready....."and people look at us like we're crazy but...."that's all I heard before I started laughing.
* The Pastor wore black jeans and a cowboy hat to fit in with the motif of the wedding.


* The reception discussions where varied. They included how wonderful the cake was and could I get them her name and number.... Look how cute all those little old couples look square dancing....Can you really square dance to the neutron dance?
* Where are the Bride and Groom? They must be running late. (Little known fact was that my Mom had to go home in between the church and reception to finish packing for the honeymoon.)
* Bubba and his family came to the wedding and reception. An olive branch was extended but no one really thought he would actually come. For more on his personality click here.
* I have finally met all of the step siblings even the ones from out of state now.
* What on earth possesed Beau to have a gathering without coffee? Has he even met my sister?
Of course he has but he wasn't thinking about it when planning the wedding.
* Beau and Mom took us all out to dinner after the reception. It was nice but everyone was tired. Beau was anxious to get on the road. Their goal for the night was to find a hotel with a hottub in the room. To relax....at least I'm going to try to believe what they said.
* I ended up with all the presents, cards and things they didn't want to take on the honeymoon. Including the big green HUGE thermos type thing that was filled with Starbucks coffee that I had to return today. Thanks to that friend who made the coffee run in the middle of the reception.
* It will be a long time before I line dance that much again. I have muscles that hurt because they haven't been used in years. No really....YEARS!

Overall a good time was had by all and I am glad that I never have to help my Mom get married again. I hope.