Inspirational Eating and other news

Special treat! Got a special surprise from the grocery store when I came home....we call it inspirational eating....my dad's contribution to third floor Caldwell!
In other news, I had my last college algebra math class!! After taking math five years in hs, and college algebra, I think it finally sunk in!
I am NOT the queen of Caulk. We thought I was but alas it is not true.

A new favorite song....

The Magic of McDonald's

Sitting at McDonalds trying to do math, yes I suppose I've done math in just about every possible place, not quite but it seems like it. Anyway, I sat next to the play place and I came to a few conclusions.
1. Mcdonald's still has that magical feel for a kid...I mean who wouldn't want to eat and play on a giant playground?!
2. Little boys running out of bathrooms without clothes on makes their mommies very upset. and innocent bystanders shocked and slightly ammused.
3. You know you've been at the play place too long when mom is using her stern voice and little one is in tears.
4. No matter how the times change (tv news/internet/nice decor) at McD's, it will always be the same. and always have that magic.

Sometimes I think we could all use a little pep talk....saw this cip on a yahoo news story one day and haven't forgot it.

Little Blessings

I'm not quite sure what I want to say but as I sit hear in the library computer lab, yes my wireless wasn't working but that's ok. All I can remember to write of are not my words but Gods:
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Well, each day is a new day and as always I am learning to take one day at a time, one step at a time, and remember that God sees and God hears.
Last night was a beautiful night, you could just hear the crickets chirping and the sky was a perfect summer sky, there's something different about the ones in the summer and I love them! This morning it was cool too, the sun was shining and I saw a few cardinals. I was almost late to class and one of my friends thought I wasn't going to show but I was greated by a very nice test grade. As the class is almost up, the later I leave the house (well I did have a little bear to take care of too). Now I'm off to feed the little Bear; mom and dad might be back from House Hunting today.
What little blessings have you found?
Oh and one more thing, I played the guessing game with spices for a one pot pork meal, and it turned out pretty good!
Almost Wednesday!

so this is way down on the list of important things but I couldn't figure out how to turn off the windshield wipers...so i drove for half of my 30 minute drive hoping they turned off. I guess the windows are super clean. It was like waiting for the hiccups to go away a little bit miserable. But it's a beautiful day in SC and not too hot yet!

A Question About Smiling...

I have a question? Does it seem to you like people tend to keep to themselves? I've been realizing that my simple smiles, waves, or eye contacts seem rare compared to those who walk by with eyes down or minding their own business. I mean sure, there are days when I'd rather keep to myself or be invisible (in fact I was quite surprised when about three people came over to me while I was in the library in a span of 2 days....one man just talked up a storm which was cool, one was an old friend-also very cool, and one was a little girl and her tutor who had no place to sit but next to me and I have to say it was good to see her excited about learning) but not all the time. When walking to class every day, its amazing how many people are caught up in their own world. Granted I am often that way too but I like to smile. Maybe it's like mom said, if you have Jesus in ya, your naturally a happy person. So there's my challenge: spread the joy/love/happiness as those sayings go! After all you never know who you'll meet or what they're going through. There was even a yahoo news article on the affects that smiling has on people...if yahoo is talking about it well then you know what that means.

What are the odds?

Recently I have been struggling with contentment for a number of reasons. It is something I may always struggle with but maybe that's right where we should be...waiting to see what will happen next. Sometimes I'm not very patient and I want to know what class I'll take, where I'll live, where I'll work, etc. But if you think about it, where's the fun in that? And what do I have to worry about? The Bible, time and time again, shows how God is for us (Romans 8:31)! I am learning that much of that has to do with my perspective; I'm so caught up in what I wish was happening that I forget about all the opportunities right in front of me.

Oh and what are the odds? For some reason I keep hearing stories, and have even had personal experience, where things happen that seem so far fetched, or wrong, that you almost have to use reverse psychology and know that it's God at work. For example, there's no reason for them to let you go from your job but you find yourself without one or they should've accepted the higher offer for the house but they didn't even take a second look. That's when you have to see, God can beat the odds! And who knows who's watching....maybe how you handle the situation, how you wait and trust His provision, is the testimony someone is waiting to see...

Blogs, jelly, movies, and frogs

I have been meaning to blog for a while but somehow forget to or forget what I was going to blog about so I suppose here are just a few thoughts...
It is definitely the summer of the library. Because we don't have internet and I'm a part of the 'wifi pirate' family and I have math homework four nights a week, that means a majority of my afternoons are spent in the wonderful world of books. Libraries are funny too because people like their personal space, the hunt for the perfect book, and a great escape from the terrible sc heat! 99-100 degrees with heat indexes reaching above one hundred-it's a free and lovely oasis! There is also a lot of tutoring going on.

I opened a jar of jelly with a rubber band, it was very cool! That was one odd yahoo news story that worked!

Moving is funny....much of my life is in boxes at the moment and I am living out of a suit case but then again that's what happens when you are in college. But the irony of it all is that the one item you really need, the one that you tried to get away without needing, you just have to have...is in the bottom box....you know the one. The one that is in the bottom of the stack of the boxes in the back of the room. That's what happened last night when we needed a pot to cook dinner. It took three of us, but we got it!

Movies! I finally get to catch up on some movies thanks to netflix, redbox, and the dollar theater. I watched Post Grad last night and really enjoyed it, mostly because the family was quite quirky like mine...myself included in that. Saw Prince of Persia and Shrek this past weekend. Prince of Persia was well done, great story, and kind of a combination of Indiana Jones and Aladdin. Shrek was also good, seemed to have more of a story line than humor but there was still some great quotes. It was a little weird to hear 'Mr. Shrek' but I do love my last name!

My book count is also going up, hope to finish reading my latest book Breach of Trust by Diann Mills (suspense chick-lit). Mom and I read Lost in Rooville and its one of those books that you remember and laugh about....that's where I learned about water holding frogs (they do exist!)

Oh I almost forgot, we are putting up a kitchen-from bare walls!

Annie! three posts in honor of you!

There's just something about home. As we begin to say goodbye to our home of 19plus years, its hard but we know God has other great plans for us and that one has been an incredible blessing filled with memories. To put everything in the proper perspective, the things of this world are just temporary....


Matthew 6:19

I think that the squirrel that chose to run across the traffic light wires was very smart. Unless of course it was raining and there was an electrical storm, in that case not so much. I am happy to say it was not raining. Tried to use the USC computer lab and couldn't log in so mcdonalds parking lot and sunshine are quite beneficial, I do have to do some hw on the Internet.

Libraries and a little bit more...

I love the library. It has internet which is a plus and books galore. There's just something about a book. I'm supposed to get books for mom, dad, and myself. I came today in hopes to figure out my math program and it was slow, but I finally got logged in. However, it didn't give me the help I as looking for, guess I'm on my own. Today was also really fun because I ran into my old friend Rick and got to chat for a bit. Before that though an older gentleman with a wealth of knowledge had quite the conversation with me. It all started because I was on my computer and he says he'll never have one but his kids have five in the house! From there we talked about when the world went wrong (when mothers stopped staying at home with their kids), how to have a good retirement (have lots of money and a 529 account, I can't forget that one!), and a recommendation for a movie on autism. I got to see pics of his beautiful daughter and granddaughters. Talked about colleges and how most of them used to be church schools and also about the one room school house and how it's quite different from today. His wife worked at one for about eleven years. Older kids tutor the younger ones, work in the farm, and go to bed! Boy is it a different world we live in, salary back then was 700 dollars and a paper was 3 cents! I sure do hope that printed words/documents don't go completely out of style/non-existence.
Anyway to the gentleman whom I met at the library, it was a pleasure talking with you and though you may never read this, I pray that God will continue to bless you as you continue on 25plus years of retirement! Maybe I'll see you again!
And Rick....safe travels back to VA, we'll miss you in Columbia!
P.S. Annie, I thought about posting in three's because it's been so long but I'm out of posts :(

M&M and a little bit more...

Well it seems like it has been a very long time since my last post and a lot has happened.
I took that two week pe semester class and I'm pretty sure I passed :). Got some good ideas for teaching kids pe. Flew into South Carolina and drove to GA to look at houses. Then went to see mom and dad in Hilton Head and help them move out of IJGA, it was a great year for them but God is now calling them elsewhere. We packed Bear and the cars up and headed back to Columbia and Darion Drive. We're currently fixing up this place and once we get the kitchen installed I think we might see a light at the end of the tunnel! It has been a little crazy but we now have running water and most of the doors up, that alone makes a person smile, especially me!
I also started my summer school at USC-math! It's a little different than Belhaven, but they each have their benefits.
Yesterday was a big day in my life as I received a very big blessing but since many will see it at school, for now it will remain a surprise! I just hope I can use it for God's glory and to bless others!
Today my graphing calculator failed me. It's ancient. Our prof looked at it and said I don't know. Thankfully, all the tests are able to be completed without a calculator. I think it would be really amazing technology if it did work though!
In other news, I am excited about being an RA next year and am working on decorations for our hall. My theme is M&M's candy and after doing some research last night I came up with some very interesting information and saw some wonderful chocolate/candy posters!
Did you know
-that M&M's were a big hit in World War II because Forest Mars noticed in the 1930's soldiers eating chocolate pellets with a hard shell to keep it from melting?
-that the 'm' was originally black and later changed to white?
-there are 17 candy colors sold online
-for a while there was no red m&m, sorry
How many types of m&m's do you know of? Can you name them all?
Oh and if you would like a link to some great chocolate posters here it is:
be prepared it may make ya hungry!

Flying

So I meant to give a post about flying. Though I do get nervous flying by myself for some odd reason, I really do love to fly. Ever since third grade and our trip to Ukraine, I've been flying many places which is a blessing! Friday I was able to fly home to Columbia. It was quite the experience as flying always is. I love seeing so many people and talking to complete strangers and yet you all seem to have a little bit in common. It's like a free chance to meet new people and share the love of Christ, I mean what else are you going to do for a few hours.
While I waited to board, I sat near a gentleman who sang to his ipod for a good while, he was a cheery man. There were two little ones who were full of energy, the little boy was trying to learn to count with his fingers and I think he was trying to figure out how to be spider man. His little sister just liked to jump around. Then there were the two young college girls who didn't know they were on the same flight but were able to catch up on anything and everything before take off.
On my first flight I met a gentleman who worked with cement. He was there taking a class but wished he could've been at the class in Hawaii or some other fun exotic place. Plus he was getting over a cold so what little MS had to offer, he didn't get to experience it.
Then I walked around the Houston airport for a while. It's quite big if you've never been. Thankfully we came in to gate B 20something but I had to go to gate B5. I kept trusting the signs and finally found it. Some mountain dew and a slice of pizza later, and I sat and watched a guy clean out an airplane and restock. Oh and on that flight, we saw two other planes flying about the same height. I'm so thankful for air traffic control because they help keep everyone in line :).
On my final flight home, I met a gentleman who actually knew some of the people we knew by way of church and school. It was sort of a 6 degree meeting, very small world. He worked with forestry and rivers I think and was coming from business meetings. Again, you talked about everything and anything and we introduced ourselves at the end.
Thankfully I got my luggage and yes my suitcase was more than half my size and I'm positive I looked really funny trying to get it off the conveyor belt especially since I kind of had to chase it. To the young guy who offered to give me a hand, I should've accepted your help, I'll take ya up on it next time! And to the soldier who was going to training I wish you all the best and thank you for your service!
During my last flight, the sunset on one side of the plane and the lightening storm on the other, only God can create such masterpieces! There's nothin' like flying!

Snellville. Yep we made the three and a half hour drive from Columbia, SC to Snellville, GA. We passed three old timey cars and had a whole lot of conversation. I wanted to look around at all the beautiful country side but as I was driving and mom didn't want us to become part of that country side, I was told to watch the road, but God got us here, so no worries! After going to our hotel before house hunting tomorrow we went to the Discover Mall. Let me tell ya we now know why it's called Discover....it reminded me of a cultural experience as there were so many unique stores and activities! Airsoft Battlefield, Skate Park, Spider Jump, Glow-in-the-Dark Putt Putt, Medieval Times Dinner Theater, Hurricane wind simulator, Coca-Cola polar bear, Massage parlor, and more! They even had one of those TV commercial stores and a lot of kiosks. The kiosks had nail designs, jewlery, phones, computers, sheets, proactive, and again more! There was a lot of restaurants too! We walked it twice and then ended up at Chilis. Now time for desert and a movie back at the hotel, girls' night out with momma! So good to be with family!

So Excited!

I'm so excited about so many things! First I'm so glad that God made us with the capability of being excited. We watched Loui Giglio's new Video "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made." We only watched the first part but it is utterly amazing to look at Psalm 139 in light of learning about the complexity of the human body. To think that God made each one of us literally, uniquely hand crafted. There has never and will never be another you. The fact the God, who has the capability of such complexity not only in a human but in a universe loves us is beyond exciting! If you haven't seen this video, I highly recommend it!
I also only have one more class of PE and the test shouldn't be that hard.
I'm going home. The longer I am away the more I want to go home. There's just no place like it!
One of my friends is getting married Saturday! Though I won't be able to go to the wedding I am so excited for the happy couple and what God is doing in their lives!
Oh and I got a late bday present: Relevant Magazine. This is exciting for two reasons. One, I have wanted a subscription for a really long time and two, I now have reading material and a magazine no less. For the past week I have been in the mood to get a magazine but have kept thinking, I'll just wait 'till home. God is just so cool how He cares even about little things!
And I get to see my roommate tonight!
Do you have anything you are excited about because if you don't you should find something and get on the train!

I'm a big fan of tag...

Who knew there could be so many versions of tag?
Tag
Freeze tag or Virus (which Tanya and I came up with, well mostly Tanya its pretty fun!)
Chinese Freeze tag
TV tag
Line tag
Amoeba tag (probably the hardest version I've ever played!)
Hospital Tag
Toilet Tag (it's not really bad, I promise!)
Dark Tag (kind of a mix of hind and go seek and tag, I'm not sure if this is a real game of tag but it's really fun!)
And of course laser tag but that requires equipment

As of today, I have officially played all of the above versions and my new personal favorite is line tag.

Here's some more I found online:
Zombie Tag
Sitting Tag (you can tag people once your tagged from your sitting position)

Pancakes and Tom and Jerry at noon, good way to start a Saturday don't ya think?

A week in May in Jackson, MS

It has been quite the week. Made it half way through my two week crash PE course and ended it with bowling. Now that was quite the experience. We played along side senior citizens who were competing in their very own Olympics! I was taught a few techniques:

1. the dots on the floor boards and the arrows on the pins are helpful hints.
2. Count the floor boards if you want to adjust your throw.
3. To put a spin on the ball, follow through like you're shaking someone's hand.

Let me just say I'm not the world's best bowler. These tips didn't help so much. I'm going to vouch for myself and say I may have needed a lighter ball. I managed to get one strike that was really a spare and maybe two spares? We discovered that slow and steady was my most beneficial method. I still got smoked. 54 and 64 for bowling scores, oi vey, I think I could use some practice but it's still tons of fun!




When we came back, the Bowl was full of kid activities! It was First Pres's Field Day! Complete with pizza, music, and games, it looked like a blast! I think Allison and I wanted to be kids again. I remember field days at BL and we always enjoyed it. No school and you get to play all day, now that's a kids' finest dream come true!




Well Allison (my temporary roommate and wonderful friend) and I managed to make two halfway decent meals (spaghetti and honey mustard chicken). I also learned that its a whole lot faster and easier to make food if the chicken is thoroughly thawed. There's a tongue twister for ya, try saying it three times fast!


I have come up with oh maybe 150 oh i don't even know how many, but about five months worth of activities for students to do outside of school (promoting a healthful lifestyle which includes spiritual and relational aspects, physically fit activities, and healthy eating habits). I thought I was half way but, not quite, I've got to have 365. I also made up a one year PE curriculum for fifth graders and we're still working on the catching, fleeing, an dodging lesson. Welcome to the world of Education!


It hasn't been all work though, we managed to fit in some play (movies and games!) Saw Princess and the Frog and enjoyed some cookie dough! MD made us delicious tacos and we caught up with some of the girls still around in Jackson. It was neat to watch the Disney movie because I've been to New Orleans and they did a great job of depicting it. I knew some of the names and cultural aspects so that's always exciting! I have to say there's still nothing like the original Disney movies.


In other news, I am becoming more and more like my mom, not a bad thing mind you. I just can't make it through a movie without falling asleep, no matter what time of day. KimJo, I did it with poor Allison too, we stopped half way through. Guess I'm getting to be an old lady. After you hit 20, man things change!


One week until I'll be back in my hometown, good ol' South Carolina. Oh how I've missed your smiling faces and beautiful places! A friend asked if SC is really pretty and I don't always think of it in that light, though I've had a few people ask that question. I suppose we don't have a whole lot we are famous for but our area is beautiful in its own way. It's just home to me!

Tears

Today has been an unintentional day of tears. Tears do not always have to be bad or tears that are shed because of pain or sorrow. These tears were because of powerful stories. In our PE class we watched a video about

Dick and Rick Hoyt. The story of a father and son (who has special needs) and how they compete in races together. Their dedication and joy was incredible. We also wrote letters to people who have greatly impacted and made an investment in our lives. We started with a student who wrote it to his mom, who is battling a life threatening disease and still raises 3 kids with a smile on her face. Another wrote a letter to her two year old daughter who is teaching her more than she ever expected.

Then I watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition for the first time in a long time and was reminded perhaps why I haven't watched it in so long. I just can't keep it together. This story was about a family who adopted many kids from China, some who have special needs. Their father was diagnosed with some form of brain cancer if I remember correctly. Having seen my grandfathers fight the battle and knowing the hardship of losing a loved one, is so difficult. The dad took a turn for the worst and couldn't come to the final showing. It ended with the mom bringing in a display of the house and the words came up that three days after they moved in, he passed away.



Again, my grandfather's death is fresh on my mind, though I know he is alive and well with Jesus. Just watching that family go through the time period where every day is a gift that you praise the Lord for, it's so hard but God is good. I will always remember going to my grandma's house after my grandfather passed away and hearing her say 'God is good all the time, all the time God is good.'

It was also really neat to see one of their daughters, who is blind, get so excited over having the whole Bible in brail! That was quite convicting as well. We even played a game today where you have to close your eyes and find your partner by matching sounds. I remember thinking, its scary to not be able to see and just be led. There's so much to learn from this image. One to not take things for granted and also to know that to have complete faith in Christ, by letting go of everything and giving complete control to Him, though it may be very scary, you are in the best hands!