No words could do justice....but a recent post by Shaun Groves in his blog is pretty doggone powerful: http://www.readshlog.blogspot.com/
My husband was one of those young men who looked up to Kyle in their youth group and on the soccer field.
You're Home, Kyle. Rest in peace.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
:-(
That's all I have to say.
Auburn lost (grrrr....they almost deserved to lose....).
The Bills lost.
Manchester United tied Tottenham.
Texas' allergy/sinus season has blossomed in the Durham household.
And.....
Drumroll please.....
IT'S MONDAY!!!!
Hahaha.. Let the good times roll!!!
But, praise the Lord, the sun is shining, the air is brisk and the dream I had about oversleeping last night was just a dream!
Have a great week, everyone!!
Auburn lost (grrrr....they almost deserved to lose....).
The Bills lost.
Manchester United tied Tottenham.
Texas' allergy/sinus season has blossomed in the Durham household.
And.....
Drumroll please.....
IT'S MONDAY!!!!
Hahaha.. Let the good times roll!!!
But, praise the Lord, the sun is shining, the air is brisk and the dream I had about oversleeping last night was just a dream!
Have a great week, everyone!!
Sunday, October 16, 2005
WHEW!!
Auburn won, but the first half had me on the brink of depression!!!!
We had a great time!! The motel we stayed at was an hour from Fayetteville. I was worried, b/c I had never heard of Alma, Arkansas and, well...some parts of that area are a little bit....country. I wasn't sure what we were getting into, but it was a very nice place in an awesome location.
I was so pumped for this weekend....I knew it would be like being amongst long lost family. It didn't disappoint!
Well, Friday night, I had to go to the front desk. As I was going down the steps, three folks were coming up, obviously Auburn fans. Come to find out, two of them drove up from Auburn and one lady was from Jacksonville! When I came back in, I met her grandson (I guess) b/c when I asked where he came in from, he said Auburn, but he was FROM Jacksonville. When I said I was a JSU grad, it blew him away. "Who would have thought that being 18 hours from Jacksonville, I'd run into someone who went to school there!" It was cool. :-)
It just kept on happening like that all around the hotel, at the mall, and when we got to the game on Saturday. Everywhere we saw orange and blue, there were exchanges of "War Eagle," and "Go Tigers!" We chatted with an older woman who was an Auburn alum and was there with her mom. Mom was from Gadsden, the daughter from Boaz, and her cousin knew my father. Not only that, but I played softball with one of their family friends who was the daughter of their best friend who also was my coach! Confused? It had the chance of becoming an amazing weekend when I found out my niece was with her dad (biological..it takes a real man to be a father) and that they were flying to the game. Not that I was certain he'd let her see me, but I tried calling his cell phone, anyway. We even scanned the crowd filing in, every chance we got. At the half, I was dejected (not just b/c of the score). There hadn't been any calls on my cell. Well, I called my sister back in Alabama and she told me Hannah ended up not going. Ha. Relief, yet I was a bit bummed. Oh well! We won, so it wasn't a total bummer ;-).
The trip home was uneventful, though Oklahoma roads leave lots to be desired. The scenery was beautiful, especially driving into Fayetteville from our hotel. I loved seeing the pretty fall colors as the leaves were changing. We're talking about going back for maybe a long weekend. There is an awesome lake surrounded by mountains and trees that we'd love to get out to.
War Eagle!! (Did you know that somewhere near Fayetteville there's an arts and crafts festival and mill named War Eagle? Hehehehe. I find that ironic ;-))
This coming weekend is going to be a real test for the team. Going down to Death Valley is going to be tough. I HATE it when we play LSU, much less at their house. Ick.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Pickle the Pigs!!!
Well, it's that time of the year. We get to join a bunch of crazy Auburn fans and watch grown men chant "Wooo pig! Soooie!" while wiggling their fingers over their heads like cheerleaders.
What a strange world we live in. :-p
This Saturday, Auburn plays their first road game against Arkansas in Fayetteville. Dillon and I are driving up there tomorrow and plan to come back on Sunday. While I'm not that excited about seeing Auburn anywhere but on their home field, I can't wait to see if the leaves are changing colors in the Ozark mountains. When we went 2 years ago, it was majestic!!! Of course, the best part of the weekend is when our Tigers stomp the Razorbacks. Ah, if only it could be said with such confidence. Games like these always make me nervous. :-) Especially road games!!!! When we were in San Antonio and watched the Bills fall apart vs New Orleans, we were in the minority. We were heckled all the way out to the parking lot as the final minutes of the game ticked off. Yeesh. I hate that! Even if my team was on top, I'd heckle no one, sans my friends (who would know it's all in good fun). I wish they wouldn't sell alcohol at sporting events.
Well, that's about it. I had a much more interesting update to the vacation, but I already told most of my readers about it via email. For those of you who missed out on that lovely story, some yahoo(s) dropped what we think was a water balloon off an overpass and hit our car as we were going about 65 mph down the interstate. It shattered our windshield, mostly on the passenger (my) side. Praise God it wasn't anything solid, b/c it would have come all the way through. As it was, it bent in. When God gave man the idea for reinforced glass, He knew what He was doing!!!! We were close to my in-laws, so they came out and swapped cars with us and took ours to the shop on Friday. We were still about 2 hours away from Dallas, so I didn't want to even attempt to drive ours back. Yikes.
Other than that, our vacation was excellent!!!!!! (albeit humid) The Riverwalk was amazing and I found Tim Tams near the Alamo!! Hehehehehe... There happened to be a shop called "About Australia" there. I spotted it first and drug Dillon across the street. When he realized what was going on, he went straight to the food aisle and found them. Yay! I also got Alamo Crackers. Hehehehe....San Antonio's answer to the ever-loved Animal Cracker. :-)
Well, have a great weekend you guys. War Eagle!
What a strange world we live in. :-p
This Saturday, Auburn plays their first road game against Arkansas in Fayetteville. Dillon and I are driving up there tomorrow and plan to come back on Sunday. While I'm not that excited about seeing Auburn anywhere but on their home field, I can't wait to see if the leaves are changing colors in the Ozark mountains. When we went 2 years ago, it was majestic!!! Of course, the best part of the weekend is when our Tigers stomp the Razorbacks. Ah, if only it could be said with such confidence. Games like these always make me nervous. :-) Especially road games!!!! When we were in San Antonio and watched the Bills fall apart vs New Orleans, we were in the minority. We were heckled all the way out to the parking lot as the final minutes of the game ticked off. Yeesh. I hate that! Even if my team was on top, I'd heckle no one, sans my friends (who would know it's all in good fun). I wish they wouldn't sell alcohol at sporting events.
Well, that's about it. I had a much more interesting update to the vacation, but I already told most of my readers about it via email. For those of you who missed out on that lovely story, some yahoo(s) dropped what we think was a water balloon off an overpass and hit our car as we were going about 65 mph down the interstate. It shattered our windshield, mostly on the passenger (my) side. Praise God it wasn't anything solid, b/c it would have come all the way through. As it was, it bent in. When God gave man the idea for reinforced glass, He knew what He was doing!!!! We were close to my in-laws, so they came out and swapped cars with us and took ours to the shop on Friday. We were still about 2 hours away from Dallas, so I didn't want to even attempt to drive ours back. Yikes.
Other than that, our vacation was excellent!!!!!! (albeit humid) The Riverwalk was amazing and I found Tim Tams near the Alamo!! Hehehehehe... There happened to be a shop called "About Australia" there. I spotted it first and drug Dillon across the street. When he realized what was going on, he went straight to the food aisle and found them. Yay! I also got Alamo Crackers. Hehehehe....San Antonio's answer to the ever-loved Animal Cracker. :-)
Well, have a great weekend you guys. War Eagle!
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Vacation, all I've ever wanted...
*hoping to attack someone with that earworm...maybe....*
In just 5 days, Dillon and I will be on VACATION!!!! Woo hooooooo!!!!!
We're going to San Antonio. I have never been and I look forward to the often talked about Riverwalk.
We're actually leaving late Friday to take our "son" to his "grandparents'" house and then we'll leave from there on Saturday. We "plan" on going to Fiesta Texas, SA's Six Flags (making use of our season passes). Sunday, Dillon gets to watch his favorite NFL team (it just so happens they'll be playing in San Antonio, b/c of Katrina) play the Saints. (By the way, his team is the Buffalo Bills). Monday will be filled with sight-seeing, like going to the Alamo, among other things. Tuesday will probably be more of the same and then on our way out on Wednesday, we're going to cruise over to Austin so Dillon can show me around town. He lived there for about 2 years.
Anyway, I can't wait! I know this week is going to go by uber slow.
Oh, and I am feeling a lot better; however, I think my sinuses are going berserk. They realize it's fall and should not be 100 degrees out. I just wish TEXAS would realize that!!!! I have the worst headache this morning. Ugh!
Have a great week, guys.
In just 5 days, Dillon and I will be on VACATION!!!! Woo hooooooo!!!!!
We're going to San Antonio. I have never been and I look forward to the often talked about Riverwalk.
We're actually leaving late Friday to take our "son" to his "grandparents'" house and then we'll leave from there on Saturday. We "plan" on going to Fiesta Texas, SA's Six Flags (making use of our season passes). Sunday, Dillon gets to watch his favorite NFL team (it just so happens they'll be playing in San Antonio, b/c of Katrina) play the Saints. (By the way, his team is the Buffalo Bills). Monday will be filled with sight-seeing, like going to the Alamo, among other things. Tuesday will probably be more of the same and then on our way out on Wednesday, we're going to cruise over to Austin so Dillon can show me around town. He lived there for about 2 years.
Anyway, I can't wait! I know this week is going to go by uber slow.
Oh, and I am feeling a lot better; however, I think my sinuses are going berserk. They realize it's fall and should not be 100 degrees out. I just wish TEXAS would realize that!!!! I have the worst headache this morning. Ugh!
Have a great week, guys.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
By the way...
There's something I've been meaning to post lately, and I keep forgetting.
For those of you who've been on the SCC boards and read the post about how there is a resumed hub-bub over NCAA mascots (and others), I was thinking about something.
What about Miami's college team???? Won't their mascot offend those affected by Rita, Katrina, and all those storms who came before them? (said a bit teasingly) How ironic that the Hurricanes are based in Florida, by the way....
Another thing that popped into my mind (just after Katrina hit). You know how so many want God taken out of all things "public?" Some still say He doesn't exist. Well, have you ever read the fine print on some insurance policies? "Acts of God" are not covered in certain claims. Hmm....interesting. He doesn't exist, and isn't wanted in the public sector, yet He can "act."
For those of you who've been on the SCC boards and read the post about how there is a resumed hub-bub over NCAA mascots (and others), I was thinking about something.
What about Miami's college team???? Won't their mascot offend those affected by Rita, Katrina, and all those storms who came before them? (said a bit teasingly) How ironic that the Hurricanes are based in Florida, by the way....
Another thing that popped into my mind (just after Katrina hit). You know how so many want God taken out of all things "public?" Some still say He doesn't exist. Well, have you ever read the fine print on some insurance policies? "Acts of God" are not covered in certain claims. Hmm....interesting. He doesn't exist, and isn't wanted in the public sector, yet He can "act."
Thanks!
Hey guys,
Thanks for all the thoughts/posts/prayers for my job "situation." :-) There haven't been any definite changes, but I've been at home the past couple of days with some sort of virus. In the words of my ever-thorough doctor, it's a "funky" virus. (Close your eyes, John...or don't let Vino see...it's Western Medicine at its best!)
Anyway, he's trying to determine if it's a side effect of the Tricor I'd been taking (for cholesterol), though I've been on that for over a month. It just hit me Tuesday after school. I went to phys therapy that morning (8am), went to work, had some pain in my right arm (just the "usual" interpreting kind I've been feeling), got home around 5 and then felt icky the rest of the night. I had body aches like you wouldn't believe and felt nauseated. No appetite. I called in sick for Wednesday.
That's when I saw the doctor. They monitored my pulse and said that since it was a little erratic, that was a sign something was going on and that the aches were not "phantom" (Or a result of all the exercises I did the morning I went to PT.. which I knew, having been atlhetic all of my life). Anyway, he put me on a steroid pack and tested me for the flu (came up negative), ordered some bloodwork (b/c of the Tricor, they need to monitor my CK levels and make sure the liver is ok), said I have tendonitis in my arm (did I mention the horrendous crick in my right shoulder??? Shoot me now) and told me to stay home!!! (Even if I wasn't sick, he wanted me to rest my arm and shoulder) You guys should have seen me loping around Wal-Mart yesterday, waiting on my prescriptions. I'm sure I scared people. Dillon made so much fun of me when he got home, b/c I walked with my head tilted to the left (It hurt to move to the right). I almost dropped something at Wal-Mart and nearly fell over :-p.
So, no work today. I feel a lot better, sans the fluid I feel in my left ear. I wonder if it's allergy/sinus problems? My throat is fine. Only my head hurts and I've managed to live off of some curly fries from Arby's today (I thought I'd be hungry after my fast for the bloodwork this morning, but no).
Sigh. Another boring blog day.
If you think about it, please pray for Dillon. He's wanting to get started on learning a new programming language that they took classes for last spring. Nothing has come of it, despite several promises. He's frustrated.
Thanks.
I promise a more exciting blog entry sometime soon...maybe....I dunno...;-)
Thanks for all the thoughts/posts/prayers for my job "situation." :-) There haven't been any definite changes, but I've been at home the past couple of days with some sort of virus. In the words of my ever-thorough doctor, it's a "funky" virus. (Close your eyes, John...or don't let Vino see...it's Western Medicine at its best!)
Anyway, he's trying to determine if it's a side effect of the Tricor I'd been taking (for cholesterol), though I've been on that for over a month. It just hit me Tuesday after school. I went to phys therapy that morning (8am), went to work, had some pain in my right arm (just the "usual" interpreting kind I've been feeling), got home around 5 and then felt icky the rest of the night. I had body aches like you wouldn't believe and felt nauseated. No appetite. I called in sick for Wednesday.
That's when I saw the doctor. They monitored my pulse and said that since it was a little erratic, that was a sign something was going on and that the aches were not "phantom" (Or a result of all the exercises I did the morning I went to PT.. which I knew, having been atlhetic all of my life). Anyway, he put me on a steroid pack and tested me for the flu (came up negative), ordered some bloodwork (b/c of the Tricor, they need to monitor my CK levels and make sure the liver is ok), said I have tendonitis in my arm (did I mention the horrendous crick in my right shoulder??? Shoot me now) and told me to stay home!!! (Even if I wasn't sick, he wanted me to rest my arm and shoulder) You guys should have seen me loping around Wal-Mart yesterday, waiting on my prescriptions. I'm sure I scared people. Dillon made so much fun of me when he got home, b/c I walked with my head tilted to the left (It hurt to move to the right). I almost dropped something at Wal-Mart and nearly fell over :-p.
So, no work today. I feel a lot better, sans the fluid I feel in my left ear. I wonder if it's allergy/sinus problems? My throat is fine. Only my head hurts and I've managed to live off of some curly fries from Arby's today (I thought I'd be hungry after my fast for the bloodwork this morning, but no).
Sigh. Another boring blog day.
If you think about it, please pray for Dillon. He's wanting to get started on learning a new programming language that they took classes for last spring. Nothing has come of it, despite several promises. He's frustrated.
Thanks.
I promise a more exciting blog entry sometime soon...maybe....I dunno...;-)
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Job-ish update (Job as in work....)
not Job as in the Bible. I don't have it THAT bad ;-).
By the way, please pray for our favorite Aussie, Carmel. She's had a rough patch lately and spent a fun (ha) day in the hospital recently. Get well soon, Snickers!!!
Ok, the bell just rang. Let's see how fast I can type in 6 minutes....
I've been having some issues with my neck, shoulders and both hands. I went to physical therapy yesterday (initial consultation). As far as my hands go, I may have early onset Carpal Tunnel. :-/ Not good for the job I have. My therapist recommended I work part-time (that isn't an option). Anyway....perhaps this is a gentle nudge to get out of the profession. I don't know.
As for the rest of me, I will be going 2x a week to get treatment and do exercises to build up my shoulder muscles. I'm sort of excited about this b/c I've had trouble with muscle spasms for a long time.
Anyway, I'd better go. In the "general job" prayers you do for me, please add that about my hands and also that my therapist and I can get our schedules coordinated. Right now, it's iffy. The nature of my job doesn't allow for many substitutes. I'm just a bit frustrated and wonder if God is giving me an "out" in order to pursue something else.
I just found out we've been authorized to hire 2 more interpreters who are qualified. I just hope they turn up!! We make (almost) half of what starting teachers make. It depends on your level of certification.
I'm having a hard time today. I emailed my boss about all this. I hope it was the right thing to do.
Well, thanks again!
Amy
By the way, please pray for our favorite Aussie, Carmel. She's had a rough patch lately and spent a fun (ha) day in the hospital recently. Get well soon, Snickers!!!
Ok, the bell just rang. Let's see how fast I can type in 6 minutes....
I've been having some issues with my neck, shoulders and both hands. I went to physical therapy yesterday (initial consultation). As far as my hands go, I may have early onset Carpal Tunnel. :-/ Not good for the job I have. My therapist recommended I work part-time (that isn't an option). Anyway....perhaps this is a gentle nudge to get out of the profession. I don't know.
As for the rest of me, I will be going 2x a week to get treatment and do exercises to build up my shoulder muscles. I'm sort of excited about this b/c I've had trouble with muscle spasms for a long time.
Anyway, I'd better go. In the "general job" prayers you do for me, please add that about my hands and also that my therapist and I can get our schedules coordinated. Right now, it's iffy. The nature of my job doesn't allow for many substitutes. I'm just a bit frustrated and wonder if God is giving me an "out" in order to pursue something else.
I just found out we've been authorized to hire 2 more interpreters who are qualified. I just hope they turn up!! We make (almost) half of what starting teachers make. It depends on your level of certification.
I'm having a hard time today. I emailed my boss about all this. I hope it was the right thing to do.
Well, thanks again!
Amy
Sunday, September 11, 2005
DirecTV ESPN GamePlan....BOOOOOO!!!!
Or should I say, "Boo hoo."
We missed the Auburn game in more ways than one this weekend. Dillon decided that since he gets the NFL Sunday Ticket (He likes the Bills and we're kinda not in the part of the country where their fans are running rampant), he'd get me the ESPN college football package. The bad thing about the college deal is, I'm not guaranteed to see my team play each weekend like you are with the NFL deal. Anyway....
We went to Tyler b/c Saturday was Dillon's birthday. No biggie. We checked and double-checked to make sure we had the right time and channel for both our games this weekend. DirecTV showed the Auburn game to be aired 11:30 CST on channel 778. Whew. Good. Set the recorder for 4 hours, and go on our merry way.
What did we come home to? An hour and 19 minutes (?) of Michigan State vs. Hawaii. What? Actually, Dillon came home to it. I had to go to a baby shower with the female in-laws. When I got home (It wasn't exactly the most fun day I've ever had), Dillon was oh-so-kind to tell me we didn't get the game and, "I'm not kidding." (Because sometimes he DOES kid me about stuff like that).
We called DirecTV. Basically, there are no guarantees. The game was aired on 779 and "We should have checked to see that it was on another channel." Ok, WE WEREN'T HOME! "So, just because your site, the DirecTV guide, and everyone in America says the game is to air at this time on this channel, it may or may not?" "Yes." Someone (whoever gave them the feed) decided that 779 was where they wanted to send the signal. Nice of them to tell us.
I feel jilted. It's bad enough that, if I were in Alabama, I could have seen this game WITHOUT having cable television! It came on one of our local affiliates (JP Sports). How sad is that? We pay $.... to see a team at least every other Saturday...only never to actually see them?
What did DirecTV have to offer? "We'll give you $10 off your sports package for 6 months if you agree to one more year of service." Are you kidding me? IF we agree? How bout you give me the discount in order to encourage me to re-up with you guys? It makes sense to me. Goodness, I would have settled for $20 bucks off this month's bill, period.
Now, I'm afraid to go out of town on a Saturday. Isn't that sad? :-p Anyone, by chance, record the game? LOL.
Sigh. I'm bummed. I know there are bigger things in the world, though.
*Did you remember the victims and heroes of 9/11 today?*
We missed the Auburn game in more ways than one this weekend. Dillon decided that since he gets the NFL Sunday Ticket (He likes the Bills and we're kinda not in the part of the country where their fans are running rampant), he'd get me the ESPN college football package. The bad thing about the college deal is, I'm not guaranteed to see my team play each weekend like you are with the NFL deal. Anyway....
We went to Tyler b/c Saturday was Dillon's birthday. No biggie. We checked and double-checked to make sure we had the right time and channel for both our games this weekend. DirecTV showed the Auburn game to be aired 11:30 CST on channel 778. Whew. Good. Set the recorder for 4 hours, and go on our merry way.
What did we come home to? An hour and 19 minutes (?) of Michigan State vs. Hawaii. What? Actually, Dillon came home to it. I had to go to a baby shower with the female in-laws. When I got home (It wasn't exactly the most fun day I've ever had), Dillon was oh-so-kind to tell me we didn't get the game and, "I'm not kidding." (Because sometimes he DOES kid me about stuff like that).
We called DirecTV. Basically, there are no guarantees. The game was aired on 779 and "We should have checked to see that it was on another channel." Ok, WE WEREN'T HOME! "So, just because your site, the DirecTV guide, and everyone in America says the game is to air at this time on this channel, it may or may not?" "Yes." Someone (whoever gave them the feed) decided that 779 was where they wanted to send the signal. Nice of them to tell us.
I feel jilted. It's bad enough that, if I were in Alabama, I could have seen this game WITHOUT having cable television! It came on one of our local affiliates (JP Sports). How sad is that? We pay $.... to see a team at least every other Saturday...only never to actually see them?
What did DirecTV have to offer? "We'll give you $10 off your sports package for 6 months if you agree to one more year of service." Are you kidding me? IF we agree? How bout you give me the discount in order to encourage me to re-up with you guys? It makes sense to me. Goodness, I would have settled for $20 bucks off this month's bill, period.
Now, I'm afraid to go out of town on a Saturday. Isn't that sad? :-p Anyone, by chance, record the game? LOL.
Sigh. I'm bummed. I know there are bigger things in the world, though.
*Did you remember the victims and heroes of 9/11 today?*
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
If you're reading, would you say a prayer?
I'm having job woes again. Not that I don't have a job...but because I feel I'm stuck in a holding pattern.
Most of you who know me probably understand my situation, so I won't make this a 5 paragraph dealio. My heart is somewhat heavy and I am starting to feel overwhelmed.
Most who get into the field I'm in (I'm assuming), don't do so for the money. However, I have it on good authority that there ARE folks out there who are being compensated VERY fairly for their work....and....we're not. To be honest, it's not that much about the money as it is I'm still trying to figure out who God wants me to be. However, as I'm scoping out the path, I feel an injustice is occurring. Plus, if I'm going to get paid a minimal wage (compared to the "standard"), I'm starting to realize I might as well do something that I like to do instead of something I feel obligated to do "just because I know the language."
Please don't assume that I think I'm "all that" or anything. I'm SOOO not!!! In fact, that's one of the reasons I'm thinking of getting out of the biz. It's one thing to hear a Psychology lecture and bring it to a level where I can understand it....but to translate it into another language for someone else to??? Ugh. Sensory overload. It can be a bit depressing when things get complicated and I get bogged down trying to figure out how to sign it where it makes sense.
There I go, straying from my promise not to make this long. What paragraph is this anyway??? Oy!
Most of you who know me probably understand my situation, so I won't make this a 5 paragraph dealio. My heart is somewhat heavy and I am starting to feel overwhelmed.
Most who get into the field I'm in (I'm assuming), don't do so for the money. However, I have it on good authority that there ARE folks out there who are being compensated VERY fairly for their work....and....we're not. To be honest, it's not that much about the money as it is I'm still trying to figure out who God wants me to be. However, as I'm scoping out the path, I feel an injustice is occurring. Plus, if I'm going to get paid a minimal wage (compared to the "standard"), I'm starting to realize I might as well do something that I like to do instead of something I feel obligated to do "just because I know the language."
Please don't assume that I think I'm "all that" or anything. I'm SOOO not!!! In fact, that's one of the reasons I'm thinking of getting out of the biz. It's one thing to hear a Psychology lecture and bring it to a level where I can understand it....but to translate it into another language for someone else to??? Ugh. Sensory overload. It can be a bit depressing when things get complicated and I get bogged down trying to figure out how to sign it where it makes sense.
There I go, straying from my promise not to make this long. What paragraph is this anyway??? Oy!
Sunday, September 04, 2005
:-(
They lost.
Auburn lost.
I know there are sadder things to write about....like the horrible conditions in New Orleans and how many lives were displaced or snuffed out by Katrina. I really need to take a break from all that. I thought watching my favorite team on Saturday would lift my spirits.
No.
As I had said before, we missed seeing it in live action b/c we attended a FC Dallas soccer match (which FC Dallas LOST...sigh). We got in late and Dillon really wanted me to watch the game (in-laws present). It was nearing 1am when halftime rolled around. I was so frustrated by then that I was ready to go to bed, fearful that if I watched any more, I wouldn't sleep or would have nightmares.
My faithfully nuts husband convinced me to hang in there and we started the 2nd half. My father-in-law and sister-in-law were troopers. Needless to say, I didn't have a really easy time of going to sleep because not only was the game bad, but the officiating was HORRIBLE!!! I wanted to throw a shoe at the TV. They were very inconsistent. How funny that the replay buzzers they wore (so that the officials in the booth could buzz them if a play was under review) wouldn't work. (We had SEC refs in the box and the opposing team's confrence supplied the ones on the field)
I don't care what anyone says. Brandon Cox played well, minus the 3 interceptions that were officially his fault (the other, his arm was hit as he threw). He hung in there and took some hits (ARGH>>>that should have been unneccessary roughness!!!!) and played all right for his first game as a full-fledged starter. I like him. I hope this doesn't shake him too much.
What about Obamanu and Aromashadu??? Were they awesome, or what???
I'm glad our defense picked up, else GT would have slaughtered us.
I'm bummed, even today.
I know. It's just a game. But I'm sad. Plus, everytime Auburn takes the field and I don't have my mom to cheer with (That lady was a football fanatic!!! All us Gilchrist women are, though) and brood with.....it's hard. My hubby is a great football buddy, though!
Ok, so, sorry this has pretty much isolated at least 95 percent of you (Slicer, I guess you are worth about 5%? I'm not good with statistics!! LOL).
Hope you all are having a nice Labor Day weekend (at least my U.S. mates).
Hey, a bright spot! The US beat Mexico and qualfied for the 2006 World Cup!! Woo-hoo!!!
Just thought I'd end it with that.
Slicer, feel free to hop on the bandwagon and vent with me. I don't think anyone else is reading at this point!!! ;-)
Auburn lost.
I know there are sadder things to write about....like the horrible conditions in New Orleans and how many lives were displaced or snuffed out by Katrina. I really need to take a break from all that. I thought watching my favorite team on Saturday would lift my spirits.
No.
As I had said before, we missed seeing it in live action b/c we attended a FC Dallas soccer match (which FC Dallas LOST...sigh). We got in late and Dillon really wanted me to watch the game (in-laws present). It was nearing 1am when halftime rolled around. I was so frustrated by then that I was ready to go to bed, fearful that if I watched any more, I wouldn't sleep or would have nightmares.
My faithfully nuts husband convinced me to hang in there and we started the 2nd half. My father-in-law and sister-in-law were troopers. Needless to say, I didn't have a really easy time of going to sleep because not only was the game bad, but the officiating was HORRIBLE!!! I wanted to throw a shoe at the TV. They were very inconsistent. How funny that the replay buzzers they wore (so that the officials in the booth could buzz them if a play was under review) wouldn't work. (We had SEC refs in the box and the opposing team's confrence supplied the ones on the field)
I don't care what anyone says. Brandon Cox played well, minus the 3 interceptions that were officially his fault (the other, his arm was hit as he threw). He hung in there and took some hits (ARGH>>>that should have been unneccessary roughness!!!!) and played all right for his first game as a full-fledged starter. I like him. I hope this doesn't shake him too much.
What about Obamanu and Aromashadu??? Were they awesome, or what???
I'm glad our defense picked up, else GT would have slaughtered us.
I'm bummed, even today.
I know. It's just a game. But I'm sad. Plus, everytime Auburn takes the field and I don't have my mom to cheer with (That lady was a football fanatic!!! All us Gilchrist women are, though) and brood with.....it's hard. My hubby is a great football buddy, though!
Ok, so, sorry this has pretty much isolated at least 95 percent of you (Slicer, I guess you are worth about 5%? I'm not good with statistics!! LOL).
Hope you all are having a nice Labor Day weekend (at least my U.S. mates).
Hey, a bright spot! The US beat Mexico and qualfied for the 2006 World Cup!! Woo-hoo!!!
Just thought I'd end it with that.
Slicer, feel free to hop on the bandwagon and vent with me. I don't think anyone else is reading at this point!!! ;-)
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Not much to report...
But hey, Manchester United won their match over the weekend (2-0) with Ruud and Rooney scoring for the Red Devils and, what's this? Our keeper, Edwin Van der Sar, had an assist?? Hehe...Rock on!!!
Auburn takes on Georgia Tech Saturday. Unfortunately, I won't catch the game in live action b/c we'll be at the FC Dallas soccer match. Slicer, if you're reading this, I may be avoiding your comments just like I do Sylvia's when we catch a Man Utd game later than it originally aired. It's going to KILL me to miss the game!! I really prefer watching them live, for some reason. I dunno why. It's not like I can change the outcome or anything!!
This week is trudging by. I almost added "very slowly," but that would have been a little redundant (can you tell I interpret English classes??). I can't wait until Friday. Then again, Dillon's folks come up early Saturday so that just means I have to do a lot of house cleaning between now and then. YUCK!!!
Oh yes!! We get a long weekend!! I need to make Dr's appts.....gosh, September (as in the month...not the Canadian!) surely snuck up on me!
New Orleans...does anyone else feel as helpless as I do? So sad....one of the history teachers said that the land is in such bad shape that it probably will all be ocean in 50 years. Wow....
Ok, so this is random. Well, I feel random today!!!!
Dillon's birthday is coming up. I'd tell you what I've gotten him, but there's a small chance he might meander his way over here to read my blog (it would be the first time, that's for sure!). I got a few of his presents like a week ago and it's killing me!!! (September 10 is the big day)
What else?? Hmm.. I had to email my dad a diagram so he could figure out how to get to his phone book on the cell phone. :-p It's my old phone b/c his messed up just before he came out to visit. Verizon let us activate my "old" one for $15 (his was too expensive to fix and we got it thru Radio Shack and they wouldn't honor the warranty). Anyway, I showed him everything (and gave him the book). Poor guy...he called the other night to tell me he can't figure out how to "get my numbers off there." (for at least a month, now!) Fortunately, we'd voice programmed mine in there so he didn't have a problem calling me! Anyway, I was trying to remember what my phone looked like and describe the steps to him but it was futile. He needs something with neon letters/pictures! So, I went online and found someone selling the same phone on ebay, opened the picture in Paint, and went to work. Oy.
I am sitting here waiting on a call regarding one of Dillon's presents....the wait is driving me crazy!!!
Well, I'll go and use some of this nervous energy elsewhere b/c if I don't, I'll write forever and ever about NOTHING!! Just call me Seinfeld.
Auburn takes on Georgia Tech Saturday. Unfortunately, I won't catch the game in live action b/c we'll be at the FC Dallas soccer match. Slicer, if you're reading this, I may be avoiding your comments just like I do Sylvia's when we catch a Man Utd game later than it originally aired. It's going to KILL me to miss the game!! I really prefer watching them live, for some reason. I dunno why. It's not like I can change the outcome or anything!!
This week is trudging by. I almost added "very slowly," but that would have been a little redundant (can you tell I interpret English classes??). I can't wait until Friday. Then again, Dillon's folks come up early Saturday so that just means I have to do a lot of house cleaning between now and then. YUCK!!!
Oh yes!! We get a long weekend!! I need to make Dr's appts.....gosh, September (as in the month...not the Canadian!) surely snuck up on me!
New Orleans...does anyone else feel as helpless as I do? So sad....one of the history teachers said that the land is in such bad shape that it probably will all be ocean in 50 years. Wow....
Ok, so this is random. Well, I feel random today!!!!
Dillon's birthday is coming up. I'd tell you what I've gotten him, but there's a small chance he might meander his way over here to read my blog (it would be the first time, that's for sure!). I got a few of his presents like a week ago and it's killing me!!! (September 10 is the big day)
What else?? Hmm.. I had to email my dad a diagram so he could figure out how to get to his phone book on the cell phone. :-p It's my old phone b/c his messed up just before he came out to visit. Verizon let us activate my "old" one for $15 (his was too expensive to fix and we got it thru Radio Shack and they wouldn't honor the warranty). Anyway, I showed him everything (and gave him the book). Poor guy...he called the other night to tell me he can't figure out how to "get my numbers off there." (for at least a month, now!) Fortunately, we'd voice programmed mine in there so he didn't have a problem calling me! Anyway, I was trying to remember what my phone looked like and describe the steps to him but it was futile. He needs something with neon letters/pictures! So, I went online and found someone selling the same phone on ebay, opened the picture in Paint, and went to work. Oy.
I am sitting here waiting on a call regarding one of Dillon's presents....the wait is driving me crazy!!!
Well, I'll go and use some of this nervous energy elsewhere b/c if I don't, I'll write forever and ever about NOTHING!! Just call me Seinfeld.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar Eagle!
Well, folks, my favorite (sporting) time of the season is upon us.
Manchester United has started their season off with a bang (2-0) and my Auburn Tigers will face their first opponent on September 3rd!
I've already seen a couple of my former favorite players in the Big Time (NFL) take a stab it the pros. Carlos Rogers needs to step up his conditioning routine. Ronnie Brown didn't play (I hope he's not holding out like Carlos did...and, if he is, I hope he's staying in shape!). Carnell "Cadillac" Williams had a few carries for 12 yards, certainly not the kind of numbers he had in a game at Auburn. But, this is their first season and some will probably see limited playing time. Still, I can't wait to see what unfolds this year (Jason Campbell also did not play...he's 3rd on the depth chart at Washington, so there ya go).
Yay! Fall! The changing of leaves and the cheering of fans enjoying "football" worldwide!! Yay!!!
Manchester United has started their season off with a bang (2-0) and my Auburn Tigers will face their first opponent on September 3rd!
I've already seen a couple of my former favorite players in the Big Time (NFL) take a stab it the pros. Carlos Rogers needs to step up his conditioning routine. Ronnie Brown didn't play (I hope he's not holding out like Carlos did...and, if he is, I hope he's staying in shape!). Carnell "Cadillac" Williams had a few carries for 12 yards, certainly not the kind of numbers he had in a game at Auburn. But, this is their first season and some will probably see limited playing time. Still, I can't wait to see what unfolds this year (Jason Campbell also did not play...he's 3rd on the depth chart at Washington, so there ya go).
Yay! Fall! The changing of leaves and the cheering of fans enjoying "football" worldwide!! Yay!!!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
SCC celebrates Christmas with a new album AND book!!
(Taken from an article at www.stevencurtischapman.com)
Steven Curtis Chapman Spreads Holiday Cheer With New CD, Book. All I Really Want For Christmas CD To Release September 27th
All I Really Want For Christmas CD To Release September 27th; Tommy Nelson Shares Second Installment Of Shaoey & Dot Series With A Christmas MiracleNashville, TN (August, 2005) –
Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman is ready to spread the holiday cheer this season with his Christmas CD, All I Really Want For Christmas, releasing September 27th on Sparrow Records. In addition, bookshelves will be stocked this fall with Shaoey And Dot: A Christmas Miracle (Tommy Nelson Publishing), the second installment of the “Shaoey And Dot” picture book series penned by Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth.
With more than one million of his Christmas titles sold to date, Chapman’s All I Really Want For Christmas is his 15th studio project in his 19-year career with Sparrow Records. This collection of 12 original and traditional holiday favorites includes new Chapman originals, such as “The Night Before Christmas,” “The Miracle of Christmas,” “All I Really Want,” as well a new version of the timeless hymn “Angels From The Realm of Glory.” Also included are Chapman’s renditions, previously recorded for his 2003 Hallmark release, Christmas Is All In The Heart, of “Silver Bells,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” and “Home For Christmas.” Ed Cash produces the new songs while Brown Bannister produced the songs from Christmas Is All In The Heart.
Rounding out the holiday project are a couple special appearances, one from country superstar Vince Gill who shares his voice on a new version of “Christmas Is All In The Heart.” Another special guest is Chapman’s first adopted daughter, Shaohannah Hope. Shaoey starts the CD off with her touching narration of “The Christmas Story” taken from the Book of Luke. She closes out the project, joined by her dad, singing her rendition of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” a special hidden track at the end of the CD. Shaohannah, now age 6, also appears with her dad on the CD cover.
All I Really Want For Christmas’ first single, the endearing “All I Really Want,” promises to be a song we’ll want to hear for years to come. The song focuses on a topic dear to Chapman’s heart – adoption. “All I Really Want” shares the story of a little boy’s one item wish list to Santa, asking not for toys at Christmastime but for a family. Chapman sings:
“All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in, a shoulder to cry on if I lose and shoulders to ride on if I win / There’s so much I could ask for but there’s one thing I really need / All I really want for Christmas is a family.”
To promote the single, Chapman will be filming a music video in Los Angeles at the end of the month. The video will be directed by Brandon Dickerson who is based out of San Francisco. Dickerson will also be filming Chapman in another music video for Chapman’s song, “Remembering You,” the first radio single from Songs Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
J. David Huffman, COO, Creative Trust, comments, “With All I Really Want for Christmas, Steven is giving what everybody wants for Christmas – a warm, emotive experience about all the joys of the holiday season for all ages.”"Steven has once again delivered a pristine offering of songs for this new Christmas album,” says Peter York, President, EMI CMG Label Group. “He has captured the emotion, wonder and miracle of Christmas and invites the listener to enter in." Chapman will do a nationwide tour this holiday season promoting All I Really Want For Christmas with friends MercyMe. Together they will appear in 21 markets beginning the day after Thanksgiving in Greenville, SC and ending December 20th in Indianapolis, IN.
Shaoey And Dot: A Christmas Miracle will be released by publisher Tommy Nelson this November, in time for National Adoption Awareness Month and the Christmas season. This story is a wonderful reminder of the miraculous love that makes every Christmas a special one while sharing with its readers the many joys of adoption.
“Shaoey and Dot are a charming duo in fun-to-read, rhyming stories with big, big messages,” said Vice President and Associate Publisher Dee Ann Grand. “Like the kid in all of us, Shaoey and Dot give and receive all the joy and fun of the giving season, but in the end, they learn the true, real miracle of Christmas.” The Shaoey and Dot series, named after the Chapman’s first adopted daughter, Shaohannah (Shaoey) Hope, was launched with the Chapman’s first picture book, Bug Meets Bundle, in November 2004. Filled with delightfully whimsical illustrations from Mary Beth’s brother, Jim Chapman, the Shaoey and Dot picture book series truly is a family affair. Jim Chapman also illustrated A Christmas Miracle.
All I Really Want For Christmas Track Listing (not final order):
Narration of The Christmas Story
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
All I Really Want
Angels from the Realms of Glory
The Night Before Christmas
The Miracle Of Christmas
Christmas is all in the Heart
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Go Tell It On The MountainSilver Bells
Winter Wonderland
I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Steven Curtis Chapman was honored with a Grammy Award this year for the 5th time, has an American Music Award as well as two certified Platinum and seven Gold albums, nine million total albums sold and 43 No. 1 radio hits, among numerous other honors. He is the most-awarded recording artist in the history of the Gospel Music Association with 49 Dove Awards spanning his 19-year recording career. His current recording, All Things New, is his 14th project with Sparrow Records as well as the title of his most successful tour to date, which hit 70+ cities nationwide. He also appears on the upcoming release Songs Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe soundtrack releasing this fall and also has the first single going to radio, “Remembering You.” Chapman has performed at the White House and has appeared on such outlets as CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, Hallmark Channel and E!. He has also taken on the role of producer and record label founder, helping to launch the career of Casting Crowns. A passionate advocate for adoption, Chapman and his family have established Shaohannah’s Hope, a foundation providing information and financial grants to families who desire to adopt. For more information please visit http://www.shaohannahshope.org/ and www.StevenCurtisChapman.com.
Tommy Nelson, the kids division of Thomas Nelson Inc., creates and distributes products designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith. Named one of the top fifteen children’s publishing companies in North America by Publishers Weekly, Tommy Nelson publishes best-selling authors and brands like Max Lucado, Frank Peretti, the International Children’s Bible®, and Hermie and Friends™.
Friday, August 12, 2005
How did I get so old????
Cholesterol.
That word held no meaning to me til about 4 months ago when I found out I have hypothyroidism. Thanks to a wellness screening at our school, we (my doctor and I) were notified that I had abnormal levels of both the thyroid stimulating hormone and triglycerides. Joyous. The bad news was, I had to take a pill for my thyroid. The good news was it might help level off my triglycerides. Only time would tell.
Well, boys and girls. I feel pretty old and out of shape because today, I received my little blue card in the mail. That card held the news that my triglycerides are really stubborn and do not like Synthroid (Well, more likely, they don't like my choice of food....then again, with them being so high, they probably DO like my choice of food and have little parties each time I open my mouth!). Oh well. It's too bad the Synthroid and my cholesterol didn't like playing together b/c now I have to take yet another medication.
The moral of the story? One, go ahead and get a checkup. If I hadn't gone to that free screening at work, I wouldn't have found out about my thyroid. One in 10 women are diagnosed with thyroid problems. They can lead to serious complications (try death) if left undetected. The same goes with junk that clogs up your arteries. It's kinda important to have blood flowing unrestricted thru your body.
Oh yeah...and eat your fruits and veggies. However, you've seen all those commercials with the healthy folks working out and eating right and still have high cholesterol. Sometimes, it's just genetics that deal you the icky high cholesterol card. Even if you're thinking you're healthy, get your blood checked. You never know.
It's past my bedtime...
(Anyone with advice on dealing with CHO, let me know, k?)
P.S. IT'S OFFICIALLY FRIDAY!! YAAAAAAAAY!!!
That word held no meaning to me til about 4 months ago when I found out I have hypothyroidism. Thanks to a wellness screening at our school, we (my doctor and I) were notified that I had abnormal levels of both the thyroid stimulating hormone and triglycerides. Joyous. The bad news was, I had to take a pill for my thyroid. The good news was it might help level off my triglycerides. Only time would tell.
Well, boys and girls. I feel pretty old and out of shape because today, I received my little blue card in the mail. That card held the news that my triglycerides are really stubborn and do not like Synthroid (Well, more likely, they don't like my choice of food....then again, with them being so high, they probably DO like my choice of food and have little parties each time I open my mouth!). Oh well. It's too bad the Synthroid and my cholesterol didn't like playing together b/c now I have to take yet another medication.
The moral of the story? One, go ahead and get a checkup. If I hadn't gone to that free screening at work, I wouldn't have found out about my thyroid. One in 10 women are diagnosed with thyroid problems. They can lead to serious complications (try death) if left undetected. The same goes with junk that clogs up your arteries. It's kinda important to have blood flowing unrestricted thru your body.
Oh yeah...and eat your fruits and veggies. However, you've seen all those commercials with the healthy folks working out and eating right and still have high cholesterol. Sometimes, it's just genetics that deal you the icky high cholesterol card. Even if you're thinking you're healthy, get your blood checked. You never know.
It's past my bedtime...
(Anyone with advice on dealing with CHO, let me know, k?)
P.S. IT'S OFFICIALLY FRIDAY!! YAAAAAAAAY!!!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Bloggerific!
I promise I tried to update you all last night. It's just that when I finally got around to doing so, the site was down for maintenance.
Well, we're closing in on the end of the first week of school here in good ol Plano, USA. It's not been too bad. There's been some adjustment among the 11th graders who just moved up from their high schools (we have 3 feeder 9th-10th grade schools and 3 Senior High (11th-12th)) as well as the teachers/interpreters. We're just used to block scheduling and the district went to 7 period days this year. What that means is, instead of having a set of 4 classes every other day (1st-4th on MWF and 5th-8th TTH or however the days work out), we have 7 classes M-F. The good thing is the classes are only 50 minutes now as opposed to A day classes being one hour and B day an hour and a half. Only having 50 minutes can be bad, too. Well, at least from an interpreting standpoint. It seems the teachers haven't been able to cram all they need into their 50 minute periods....efficiently. Sure, they get it all in, but our fingers are on fire!! LOL. Ouch. I need a massage.....
Nap time has been a necessity for me (and Dillon) in the afternoons. I just need to learn to nap more wisely. I can't just lay down and do one of those sissy "power naps" for 15 minutes. It takes me that long to get comfy!!!! I practically go comatose once the Sandman finds me. That's not so good when bedtime rolls around and I'm wired from my 2 hr siesta! I have, however, cut out much of the caffeine I used to intake. If I DO have any, it will be around breakfast or lunchtime. Nothing after 5. That could be why I'm dead at quitting time! ;-). More water is in my diet now, too. Yay!
Well, that's it. Nothing exciting yet. I'm so happy that tomorrow is Friday!!!!
Well, we're closing in on the end of the first week of school here in good ol Plano, USA. It's not been too bad. There's been some adjustment among the 11th graders who just moved up from their high schools (we have 3 feeder 9th-10th grade schools and 3 Senior High (11th-12th)) as well as the teachers/interpreters. We're just used to block scheduling and the district went to 7 period days this year. What that means is, instead of having a set of 4 classes every other day (1st-4th on MWF and 5th-8th TTH or however the days work out), we have 7 classes M-F. The good thing is the classes are only 50 minutes now as opposed to A day classes being one hour and B day an hour and a half. Only having 50 minutes can be bad, too. Well, at least from an interpreting standpoint. It seems the teachers haven't been able to cram all they need into their 50 minute periods....efficiently. Sure, they get it all in, but our fingers are on fire!! LOL. Ouch. I need a massage.....
Nap time has been a necessity for me (and Dillon) in the afternoons. I just need to learn to nap more wisely. I can't just lay down and do one of those sissy "power naps" for 15 minutes. It takes me that long to get comfy!!!! I practically go comatose once the Sandman finds me. That's not so good when bedtime rolls around and I'm wired from my 2 hr siesta! I have, however, cut out much of the caffeine I used to intake. If I DO have any, it will be around breakfast or lunchtime. Nothing after 5. That could be why I'm dead at quitting time! ;-). More water is in my diet now, too. Yay!
Well, that's it. Nothing exciting yet. I'm so happy that tomorrow is Friday!!!!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
I, I will survive...
Howdy.
Day 2 is over and I'm already tiring of technical "teacher speak." :-p We kicked the day off with convocation at 7:30. Everyone in the disrict donned their school's colors and shuttled, carpooled or drove to Prestonwood Baptist Church (aka the "Baptidome") for our little "kick off" to the school year. Last year, it was held in the afternoon and, in my opinion, that's a much better time to get folks in the mood for kicking off (instead of kicking AT) something ;-). Actually, everyone was pretty with it (don't ask about how they were doing this afternoon...lol...can you say "glassy eyed??"). Me and 5 other colleagues had the...umm...privilege of interpreting the event. We have 3 Deaf on staff and since each sat with their respective schools, 2 of us were assigned to each. Gotta love teaming. I tell ya...I wouldn't have made it thru 2 hours of presentations, cheers, songs, and playful "educational" banter w/o being able to trade off with someone. Of course, when you "team," you are still on the clock in case the person you're working with needs a sign fed to them now and again (Emily will know what I'm talking about).
Since I got up at 5:30AM and I am a professed night owl, I managed to forget my glasses. It wasn't too bad and I got the chance to "swing (across town!)" home and grab them after it was over with. It's good I did b/c Giggs had found the dryer lint bucket in the laundry room and also got hold of a napkin to shred. Sometimes I wonder why we even bought a cross-cut shredder. We should just let the dog do it!!!
The rest of the day was more teacher meetings/workshops and interpreting them. Our shining monent was when the principal of the school we are working at (for the week...for me, anyway) stood and acknowleged what a great job we (interpreters) were doing and asked everyone to thank us (with applause). One of my coworkers said that in the 7 yrs she's been working at this school, that was the first time someone thanked the interpreters. It meant a lot. We were fried by the end of the day!!! "Administration" "Legislation" "Reformation" "Proliferation" Oh man...shoot me now!! LOL
On a side note, have y'all used Terra Server or Google Earth yet? Yikes!! You can zoom in to see your house!!!! (It's on the news....sorry for the diversion) Dillon's had it on his computer for a while. While it's neat to "visit" other places, it's kind of weird. I'm just glad it's not a live feed!!!! YIKES!
Day 2 is over and I'm already tiring of technical "teacher speak." :-p We kicked the day off with convocation at 7:30. Everyone in the disrict donned their school's colors and shuttled, carpooled or drove to Prestonwood Baptist Church (aka the "Baptidome") for our little "kick off" to the school year. Last year, it was held in the afternoon and, in my opinion, that's a much better time to get folks in the mood for kicking off (instead of kicking AT) something ;-). Actually, everyone was pretty with it (don't ask about how they were doing this afternoon...lol...can you say "glassy eyed??"). Me and 5 other colleagues had the...umm...privilege of interpreting the event. We have 3 Deaf on staff and since each sat with their respective schools, 2 of us were assigned to each. Gotta love teaming. I tell ya...I wouldn't have made it thru 2 hours of presentations, cheers, songs, and playful "educational" banter w/o being able to trade off with someone. Of course, when you "team," you are still on the clock in case the person you're working with needs a sign fed to them now and again (Emily will know what I'm talking about).
Since I got up at 5:30AM and I am a professed night owl, I managed to forget my glasses. It wasn't too bad and I got the chance to "swing (across town!)" home and grab them after it was over with. It's good I did b/c Giggs had found the dryer lint bucket in the laundry room and also got hold of a napkin to shred. Sometimes I wonder why we even bought a cross-cut shredder. We should just let the dog do it!!!
The rest of the day was more teacher meetings/workshops and interpreting them. Our shining monent was when the principal of the school we are working at (for the week...for me, anyway) stood and acknowleged what a great job we (interpreters) were doing and asked everyone to thank us (with applause). One of my coworkers said that in the 7 yrs she's been working at this school, that was the first time someone thanked the interpreters. It meant a lot. We were fried by the end of the day!!! "Administration" "Legislation" "Reformation" "Proliferation" Oh man...shoot me now!! LOL
On a side note, have y'all used Terra Server or Google Earth yet? Yikes!! You can zoom in to see your house!!!! (It's on the news....sorry for the diversion) Dillon's had it on his computer for a while. While it's neat to "visit" other places, it's kind of weird. I'm just glad it's not a live feed!!!! YIKES!
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Melancholy Amy...
Well, boys and girls, school's almost here. Say it with me now, "EEEEWWWWW!!!" Soon, chants of "5 more minutes, Mom...pleeeease!!" and cries of "The dog ate my homework" will resound over this great nation. I shall be thinking and pleading the former when my alarm goes off tomorrow morning.
Work for my district begins tomorrow. The summer has flown by. Absolutely sprouted wings and took flight like a rocket. I find myself wanting to freeze the moment. Perhaps it's b/c of too much TiVo, but the desire to pause time has almost overtaken me.
Did I use my time wisely this summer? No. I don't think I did. Did I make the most of every moment? Some days, but not many. Am I regretful? Of course. Now I find myself wishing I had more time..
Isn't that always the case? Well, except for when you're in the dentist's chair (even then, there's regret like, "Why didn't I floss (more)?" or "Man..I should never have eaten all that candy growing up!"). Ah, and when you're in school, there's nothing you want more than a break from it all! For some reason, 2 months isn't enough. Give us an inch and we'll take a mile.
I don't really have a point to make. If you are one of those who reads really hard between the lines, maybe you could glean a little bit of awareness of your lack of time-management skills or something. Or, maybe it spurs you on to grab life by the horns and have a blast. I dunno.
All I know is, I don't want that alarm clock to go off at 6 am tomorrow.
Work for my district begins tomorrow. The summer has flown by. Absolutely sprouted wings and took flight like a rocket. I find myself wanting to freeze the moment. Perhaps it's b/c of too much TiVo, but the desire to pause time has almost overtaken me.
Did I use my time wisely this summer? No. I don't think I did. Did I make the most of every moment? Some days, but not many. Am I regretful? Of course. Now I find myself wishing I had more time..
Isn't that always the case? Well, except for when you're in the dentist's chair (even then, there's regret like, "Why didn't I floss (more)?" or "Man..I should never have eaten all that candy growing up!"). Ah, and when you're in school, there's nothing you want more than a break from it all! For some reason, 2 months isn't enough. Give us an inch and we'll take a mile.
I don't really have a point to make. If you are one of those who reads really hard between the lines, maybe you could glean a little bit of awareness of your lack of time-management skills or something. Or, maybe it spurs you on to grab life by the horns and have a blast. I dunno.
All I know is, I don't want that alarm clock to go off at 6 am tomorrow.
Monday, July 25, 2005
This is worth making a new post for...
I was gonna stick it in the "comments" section of my last post, but hey...this one deserves some time in the limelight ;-).
MY NIECE JUST CLEANED THE LIVINGROOM! Complete with dusting, vacuuming, and a bit of tasteful rearranging. She even attempted to re-alphabetize our DVD collection (it's all out of whack)! I helped her finish that daunting task. Here's the kicker: no one asked her to!
Ok, so family visits aren't all that bad ;-).
Thanks, Kennedy. Need a job?
MY NIECE JUST CLEANED THE LIVINGROOM! Complete with dusting, vacuuming, and a bit of tasteful rearranging. She even attempted to re-alphabetize our DVD collection (it's all out of whack)! I helped her finish that daunting task. Here's the kicker: no one asked her to!
Ok, so family visits aren't all that bad ;-).
Thanks, Kennedy. Need a job?
All in the Family....
Well,
I haven't been able to swing by for any updates b/c I've had my hands full the past few days. Some of my family has come out to the great sweltering state of Texas for a little visit. My father, oldest sister and her 2 kiddos made the 12 hour trek last Thursday. This is the week of her annual Mary Kay dealio in downtown Dallas, so they decided to squeeze in a visit with us as well.
I still have my sanity, and that's saying a lot ;-).
No, seriously. For someone who's 12 hours away from family most of the year, this visit is a sight for the weakened heart (even though the heart has hammered a time or two!). There was a soft place somewhere in there that longed to see someone familiar. It's great that the in-laws are only a couple of hours away, but I can't tell you how good it is to have Dad here. He's got shingles by the way :-(. Poor guy can't travel anywhere without getting sick. I know helping with my niece and nephew (10 and 13) hasn't helped his energy lately, either.
Not much to report. We spent the greater part of Friday shopping with Laura as she purchased some finishing touches for the convention (it started last night), then met my cousins from Ft. Worth for dinner. Saturday, we took Logan to play paintball. Fortunately, it was at a Celebration Station and not some random field out in the middle of nowhere (Did I mention it's blazing hot here???). So, we got to stay indoors while he suffered outside (in a mesh "tent-like" thing) and Kennedy played some games. Sunday, it was more playing as we went to the "grown-ups Chuck E. Cheese," Dave and Busters. That was a lot more fun (and had great food!) than the day before. The in-laws came up to join us and we took the train downtown.
Not sure what we'll do for entertainment today. I fear computer games and playing with the dog is becoming less alluring as time ticks by.......
I haven't been able to swing by for any updates b/c I've had my hands full the past few days. Some of my family has come out to the great sweltering state of Texas for a little visit. My father, oldest sister and her 2 kiddos made the 12 hour trek last Thursday. This is the week of her annual Mary Kay dealio in downtown Dallas, so they decided to squeeze in a visit with us as well.
I still have my sanity, and that's saying a lot ;-).
No, seriously. For someone who's 12 hours away from family most of the year, this visit is a sight for the weakened heart (even though the heart has hammered a time or two!). There was a soft place somewhere in there that longed to see someone familiar. It's great that the in-laws are only a couple of hours away, but I can't tell you how good it is to have Dad here. He's got shingles by the way :-(. Poor guy can't travel anywhere without getting sick. I know helping with my niece and nephew (10 and 13) hasn't helped his energy lately, either.
Not much to report. We spent the greater part of Friday shopping with Laura as she purchased some finishing touches for the convention (it started last night), then met my cousins from Ft. Worth for dinner. Saturday, we took Logan to play paintball. Fortunately, it was at a Celebration Station and not some random field out in the middle of nowhere (Did I mention it's blazing hot here???). So, we got to stay indoors while he suffered outside (in a mesh "tent-like" thing) and Kennedy played some games. Sunday, it was more playing as we went to the "grown-ups Chuck E. Cheese," Dave and Busters. That was a lot more fun (and had great food!) than the day before. The in-laws came up to join us and we took the train downtown.
Not sure what we'll do for entertainment today. I fear computer games and playing with the dog is becoming less alluring as time ticks by.......
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