End of the Spear...Hitting theaters today...

and me, square in the heart!

Grab some kleenex and extra cash (take out a loan!) for popcorn and coke and head to the movies this weekend. I wouldn't exactly call it the feel good movie of the year, but it's definitely worth watching. Oh, and I recommend staying put thru at least the first part of the credits. If you've seen Beyond the Gates of Splendor and are thinking, "I pretty much got the gist of the story...I think I'll pass on this one," forget that logic! There's a bit more expounding and it is pretty powerful stuff.

Ok..time for some of my rambling about what's going on in my head right now...

So, I was surfing around and decided to Google a few folks from the past. Surprisingly, someone that was close to my heart back in college came up as a honoree for 2004. Curious, I went to our alma mater's website and took a look. I thought it weird, b/c he graduated just before me, in 96.

Come to find out, he was also an honoree (in our field of study) for 2005. I saw a few other links and found out he got his Master's this past December. I started to cry. Weird, huh?

My emotions have been on edge lately (I'm pretty sure it's not hormonal, either) and this just sent me over (perhaps part of it was from seeing such a profound movie hours ago). I don't really want to divulge the bigger reason I think this got to me, but I will say that I somehow feel like less of a person knowing he has his Master's and I'm just floating thru life...a Summa Cum Laude graduate with her degree collecting dust.

Why does this bother me so? Why can't I just let God do what He wishes with my life (and actually tune into Him instead of wallowing in my many conjured up sorrows)? I just want to find my niche and feel complete for once in my life.

I was reading a book by Robin Jones Gunn (Christian Fiction). Many times, I can identify with the characters coming to life, right before my very eyes....their lives swimming thru my brain as I imagine what it's like where they are. To make a long story short, there was one in particular who had set her sights on something when she was young, achieved it as an adult, and was settled in a career that she enjoyed. Things changed, the job she had became sort of iffy, and another (seemingly odd) position came available. Instead of jumping in with both feet, she volunteered at first and found that she LOVED what she did. The pay was less, but there were other benefits. While she didn't take that job, it drew her closer to the Lord than she'd ever been (was a preacher's kid) and her obedience opened up a wonderful path for her that wound all the way smack dab in the middle of God's plan for her life.

Can I tell you that my heart leapt when the "odd job" came up and she realized that was the kind of work she was made for? It was like, "Hey, she is kind of like me (only she had a plan right after high school) and found her niche in sort of an odd place (she went from flight attendant to a camp facility coordinator) and really fell into step with the Lord." I envied her for a second.

Now, I also realize that these books can sort of be as bad as "soap operas" on tv...that we can tend to confuse real life with what we perceive to be real in the books. I think, however, that God could speak to me in this way, should He choose to. I mean, it would be the perfect opportunity, given I'm sort of unreachable at times.....

I don't know. Like I said somewhere on the pirate ship, my brain feels like scrambled eggs. I feel like I'm sort of grieving for the life I could have had (yet I have no idea what kind of life it should have been!! LOL). How ridiculous is that?

I can't make sense of much that's brewing in my head right now, so I guess I'll stop. Dillon wants so badly to figure out something to help me, but all I do is cry when we try to talk about it. Wanna see a guy fidget? LOL. Poor sweet hubby. He's a fixer, that's for sure. I am trying to train him to be a hugger first and fixer 2nd. ;-) I love him!

The day of bleh..

Ok, so I'm finally letting my emotions catch up with me. If we're going to personify feelings, I much prefer it when my imagination runs wild, I tell ya!

I'm still feeling stuck: can't use my degree b/c it's been so stinking long since I got it that I've forgotten everything (geez!) and I'm having a hard time trying to like what I'm doing now. I honestly feel cornered. I'm so lost in my thoughts that I can't figure out what I like to do or WOULD like to do. I can't even pin one thing down without another thought bumrushing me.

Do any of you remember the Micro Machine Man? Yeah. That's how fast words fly thru my brain.

I'm getting back into the habit of doing daily devotional readings. Even in that, I have doubts. I don't expect God to all of the sudden rain down answers upon me, just because I'm getting back into the Word....but that's what Satan keeps saying my reason is. It's not, doggone it. I miss my time with God and I know He misses it a zillion times more. Honestly, I feel better talking with him since I'm actually taking the time to commune each day. It's not like he's this giant gumball machine that I plunk a quarter in each time I want something, fully expecting the best of whatever it is to fall out.

Anyway, I can't adequately describe how I'm feeling, but I just know I hate it. I've felt this way before, off and on and it really wears me out. I feel like there has to be someone out there who can point me in the right direction...I have this insane need to find that person and pour my heart out. I guess it's b/c I've poured it out to God and my impatient finite way of thinking has won out. I think it's because I'm realizing that so many years in my life have come and gone and I know I can't get them back. I almost wish I could be in college again and cling to those years I spent cramming facts into my brain. I guess I don't feel worthy enough to flip burgers at Mickey D's.

Fun blog, eh?

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

I am SO sleepy!!! Thank goodness I didn't have to sit in English class (my 2nd of the day..same subj, only different teacher and student) while they read to themselves. I love to read my books, but I'm just so tired today that I fear I would have fallen out of my chair!!!!

Well, interview #2 was a doozy. Not really in a good way. Someone called my supervisor here to check up on me, but I don't know which company it was. She sent me an email saying, "PLEASE, please don't leave....you CAN'T leave!! Someone called and I gave you a horrible reference!!" Hahaha. Funny lady, she is.

So, how is everyone out there doing? I felt pretty doggone overwhelmed towards the end of last week (kinda felt as if I had reached my breaking point). I got over it (for the most part). I'm starting to wonder if I'm just supposed to stay here for a while longer. Then, getting my teaching credential popped into my head (only for the 3rd time). I have no idea what to do. I'll just stay in this holding pattern and learn to adapt and like what I do, or else get the signal and go find what I like. :-)

Well, I don't have much to write about. Sunday was the 50th anniversary of the deaths of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Roger Youdarian, and Pete Fleming. "End of the Spear's" debut is coming up next week (wow!). I haven't seen the trailer on TV yet, but I have heard of those who have.

Have a nice week, everybody.

OH! Dillon and I joined our community center (rec center) Sunday. I am hoping to do some swimming as soon as I get over my self-consciousness of others seeing me in a swimsuit (assuming mine still fits). They are refinishing the basketball and racquetball courts, though and those don't open til after the 13th. I'm trying to decide of racquetball with Dillon will be a good thing. I tend to play to relieve stress...and that seems better when not done with a significant other. We'll see, I reckon ;-). It's been a while since I played (did so regularly in and after college when I worked at JSU). I hope we start doing more physical stuff. We both need to.

Take care, guys!

Amy

That'sone of the pics I took at Orange Beach.

Picture from Orange Beach

Here is one of me and my crazy family (sorry it's a little dark). This includes my dad, 2 sisters, brother, 2 nieces, 5 nephews, one brother's girlfriend, and my hubby. Oh, and a partridge in a pear tree. Ok..so scrap that. There is a tree in there, though. Well, it used to be a tree....

We were supposed to be out there just as the sun went down. With all the bellyaching about having to drive (and then trek) down there for the picture, it's a wonder we made it at all!!!

Bloggedy, bloggedy, boo!

We're back!

Our trip to south (Orange Beach) and north (my hometown of Southside) Alabama went well. Christmas with my family was.....entertaining, as always. We were there from December 22nd til New Year's Eve. After a quick stop in Tyler to pick up the dog and celebrate my sister-in-law's New Year's Birthday, we happily headed back Dallas. Ahhh..home, dirty home! I don't know when I'll get our Christmas decorations put away. I do know it's good to be back. I miss my family terribly, but I guess TX is growing on me. Or, maybe it's just being able to be the two of us (plus Giggs) again. :)

Wow! The End of the Spear hits theaters in just 17 days!!! January 8th will be the actual 20 year anniversary of the deaths of Nate, Jim, Ed, Pete, and Roger. We watched the documentary last night (I just haven't felt up to it til then) and we were crying like babies!!! Wow.... It's one thing to read the book and feel compassion for the family and friends who were left behind, but to hear their recounting of the tragedy just blew us away. You know, it was kind of like watching "The Passion." You hear of what Jesus did for us all your life...but to see it right there in 3D just tears your heart out.

We're going to see Narnia today and I'm going to personally inquire about EOTS. I wonder if we can buy tickets yet? Hmm...I'll have to check on that.

September, I don't know what they're doing about Canada.

Oh, gotta go!! Time to go see Narnia!

Sunday morning blog....

Back by popular demand, it's the blog about nothing and everything!

So, I'm sitting in the living room alone on a Sunday morning. Well, no, check that. The dog has curled up on the couch and is snoozing. So, I'm sitting here in the quiet of Sunday morning, feeling as if I'm alone. Is that better? Hubby is sound asleep b/c he stayed up til goodness knows when watching a movie and wrapping my presents. Of course, I woke up at 4am hearing the paper rustle and I'm like, "Dillon??? What ARE you doing???" Come to find out, he can't watch and wrap at the same time, hence the late hour. Goober.

We rented a couple movies the other day (that's what he was watching), one for me (Monster in Law) and one for him (Fantastic 4). Fantastic 4 was a 2 day rental, so I lived in fear of 12 noon today and took it back at 11. I don't think Dillon ever had a clue I was gone. I also got donuts and pigs in a blanket. It's killing me not to have any (have to wait 30 minutes for one of my medicines kick in). Argh. My only question now is, should I go wake him? Hmmmm.....

I haven't heard anything from my job interview. It's sort of frustrating, yet I also know that God knows better than I do about matters such as this. It's awesome, that peace I have about stuff like that when He's involved (when I let Him be involved...er...acknowledge His involvement). It's all good, no matter what happens. Sometimes, it's easy to avert my eyes from Him, look at the choppy water and freak out. I only have little blips of those instances occuring now, though. I just tell myself to chill and let Him work. So, I'm chillin like a villain. (did I just type that??? OY!) I honestly don't know how unbelievers make it through life w/o having God to lean on or knowing He'll catch them if/when they fall.

OOH!! 5 minutes to donut freedom.....mmmmm...I'm so stinking hungry!!

Well, this blog about nothing and everything sort of is drab compared to my other one. I'll do better next time, I'm sure ;-).

Til then, have a very very Merry CHRISTmas and enjoy time with your family and friends. If anyone reading this finds themselves without friends or family this year (or maybe you are surrounded by them, yet feel alone), there's Someone who wants to be there for you and would give anything to spend time with you. In fact, He already has given up everything. No matter how worthless and unloved you feel, He loves you...CHERISHES you very much. His name is Jesus. No matter what anyone else tries to tell you, He'll never forsake you. He died for Y-O-U. No matter how dirty, no matter how empty you think you are, He's there waiting to fill you up. Just reach out to Him. It's as simple as that :-).

Merry Christmas, my friends.

Blogs away!!!!

I am having a Seinfeld moment. Time for a blog about nothing....and everything.

Stream of consciousness typing, here I come.....................

I mentioned my job interview the other day. The job is looking like it might pan out for me, but it's not really cut and dry as to whether or not I will take it. I am not sure that anything in my life is as black and white as that. Black and white? Yin and Yang? Doesn't that mean that "in a little bad, there's always something good" and vice-versa? Seems like I heard that long ago...when the "surf-style" logos were in (in the 80's). I think our youth minister was warning us about symbols of our culture or something (like the "peace" sign being a broken upside-down cross). Wow. Haven't thought about that in a long time.

What to do, what to do?

Lost in limbo over here....someone throw me a line or something!

Is the room spinning for anyone else, or is it just me?

Wow. Have any of you guys ever done this? Just typed whatever came to mind? I have the idea to just type and not correct typos and stuff, but that bugs me too badly....can't happen. So, this is semi-stream of consciousness typing.

Have I mentioned the tree in my life? I know some of you have read about it on the Ship (and maybe here?? I forget where I type these days). Yeah...I call it my Career Tree or something..."Tree of Life" sounds too blasphemous b/c my tree certainly gives no life. It's like my life IS a tree though...I'm confused. Hang on....ok. I'm ok. I think.

So, you got me. I'm like a trunk (lotsa knots and crevices and stuff where I've let the termites get to me and eat away at my roots). Those spindly things branching off me are, you guessed it, branches. Those are the paths that are out there for me. It's like for each given day, I have a branch to explore. Maybe not even for a day...maybe the branch is thicker like a life path. I dunno...I'm just making this up as I go.

Part of this tree has no leaves. That's the part where bridges have been burned or the insects have choked the life out of the branches b/c I just sort of gave up and let them up there. Maybe there are no leaves b/c I haven't let those branches see sunlight or maybe I didn't dip my roots into any water or nourishment. Perhaps I didn't give them a chance to see what it's like to flower.

Job choices. What's next? Which way do I go? Teaching, helping, mothering, ministering....there's so much going on, yet nothing. No breeze, though I feel as if I'm caught in a tornado.

No doubt my tree is lacking the true foundation of the knowledge of the One who gives life to everything...Who knows everything about my "tree," from the little legs on the insects I let infect it, to which "leaf" has fallen and why. Even though I know I have the ability to tap into His resources, I feel like the little tree on a hill in the middle of a desert.

Did you guys hear a chainsaw???

More End of the Spear Screenings

Feel free to pass this on:

Here are the latest additions of promotional screenings of the movie End of the Spear for church and ministry leaders around the country. Click on the links below for specific information on screenings in your city or you may want to let someone know about a screening in their city.
Dec. 13 – Philadelphia
Jan. 5 - Sacramento, CA
Jan. 5 – Washington D.C. (watch for time and location)
Jan. 5 – San Francisco (watch for time and location)

If you are a pastor, senior staff person, teacher, or community leader, please RSVP for a screening by following the instructions on your city’s invitation. Please include your name, your organization, screening city and show time, number of seats, and either your phone number or email. Seating is limited and your timely response is appreciated.

FAQ:

Can I host a screening in my city?
Our final list of locations for theatrical advanced screenings will be posted in the next Screening Update.
Will the movie release in my city?
End of the Spear will release in major metropolitan areas around the United States. This inspiring motion picture is scheduled to release in approximately 1200 theaters on January 20th. We are currently finalizing the list of theaters that will be showing End of the Spear. Find your nearest participating theater at www.endofthespear.com . For more information about participating theaters, group tickets, or theater rentals, you may contact 1-866-SPEARS-1 or check out the "Group Sales" page on the End of the Spear website.
What can I show to my group?
If you were unable to attend a pre-screening but would still like to get involved with this powerful project, please visit www.daretomakecontact.com. You can order a free “Dare to Make Contact” DVD featuring a 22-minute “Making Of” segment which can be shown in your group meetings. This DVD also includes a special 90-second preview of the film to show in your church or organization.

----------------------------------
This concludes my blog ad for the day. :-)

Had my interview with the medical group yesterday. Also had a weird week of multiple absences from work (allergies...weirdness). It was a crazy week, starting Tuesday. I had to take a 1/2 day for the interview yesterday. Sigh. No sick days left for next semester and only 2 1/2 personal days to get me thru til summer (unless I find another job).

The interview went quite well. I just have to decide if the extra days (right now, I'm working on a "school" schedule) is worth it.

That's all for now. Hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas season.

www.endofthespear.com For resources to help promote this film, go to: www.daretomakecontact.com

Go check this out!!! Call your theater and ask if they'll be showing it (you can also check the site, but I think it would be cool to let them know you're chomping at the bit to see this movie!).

Newsflash!!!

Well, I might have an interview coming up sometime soon....

I have received several calls regarding my resume on Monster.com and most have been from insurance companies needing sales agents. Not my cup o tea.

Well, the other day I had a message on our answering machine from someone who works for a medical group. I finally got in touch with him today and they are wanting to set up an interview. I asked him what the position was (lol...he never told me and I guess he thought I was dumb b/c my resume clearly is geared for the position) and he said Physical Therapist Assistant.

More details to follow.

Wow!! Christmas is coming!!

As I opened my inbox this afternoon, a shocking realization dawned on me. Thankgsiving is NEXT WEEK!!! Before you know it, we'll be dragging decorations out of the closet, and piling all sorts of paraphernalia on our poor leftover turkeys. (No, I don't mean husbands when I say that, either! Hahahaha!) Wow. Time flies...

Thus brings me to the reason for this speedy update: a wonderful Christmas concert that just might be heading to your neck of the woods. Steven Curtis Chapman and MercyMe will be teaming up (for the very first time!) to bring the joy of Christmas "to a heart near you." Reflecting on the true Meaning of CHRISTmas, the guys combine to minister us in word and song and "Rock around the Christmas tree" with all those who are brave enough to venture out into the "winter wonderland."

For more information, check out http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/ and be sure to click on "tour." There's also a pretty cool e-card to be found (and sent to your friends and family) at: http://www.buzzplant.com/thechristmastour/ecard1/

Bloggerific...

Nope. Not feeling it today, but I figured I'd post an update fearing that Slicer is on the prowl.....

So, for those of you who don't know me but post spam-filled comments on my blog, I had a birthday this past weekend. I am now a proud member of the "thirty-somethings." Joy. No longer am I the big 3-0. I'm now 9 years away from the big 4-0, though. :p Nine years is a long time and it's also frighteningly short, especially if you're somewhat of a ragamuffin like me.

On the job front, there have been no dynamic flashes of light nor booming commands from God as to what to do. Why must He always use that still small voice with me? Maybe I should borrow one of my students' hearing aids :p. :-)

Seriously, though....I feel like I'm exploding inside....or caught in some sort of cyclone. I have so many directions I "could" go in, but have no idea which way is up. I definitely don't want to do the wrong thing......... I am so afraid of making the wrong move that I'm paralyzed in one sense, and chomping at the bit in another. I'm getting frantic and frozen with fright all in the same instance. How is that possible? I can't wade thru all the mire that's in my head. I feel like I'm near the breaking point.

Any counselors out there? Have fun :-)

Have a great week, guys.

(All is not gloomy and glum in my world, contrary to this entry.)

Monday, Monday..

Well, how's everyone's week starting off? I hope to a roarin good start!

How's the weather been? I'm in some sort of weird biosphere or something. Is it springtime or fall???? I mean, the thermometer has been charting our temps in the mid to high 80's lately, so I just wanted to check. Whassup with that? However, I will say it's made for some nice days. It's just weird to be in November and still able to wear shorts and sandals. I'm not complaining, though. I prefer these temps to those that chill ya right to the bone. I mean, a nice night where it's cool enough to sip hot cocoa and sit before a crackling fire would be good...but I don't want blizzardy weather or anything.

We're doing well. The ripple effects of Kyle's life just keep rollin on out there. It's been good to read about other's memories of him (and hear some of Dillon's). I hate that I missed out on knowing him. And to think, we've passed thru Waco at least 4 times now. I wish we would have looked him up at least one of those times. Carpe diem, guys.

Not much else going on. We tried to take in a restful weekend w/ no travels to the inlaws. It pretty much worked. I should have taken the opportunity to straighten up the house, though. I know it's going to be a harder task to tackle during the week (I'm so tired when I get home).

Speaking of being tired....I think I'm crashing and burning guys. Things are getting to me more and more. I'm really starting to consider leaving this job...if not by the end of Christmas break...then at least by the end of the school year. Part of me wonders if I'm just in the "It's getting too hard...I can't....so I give up" mentality. I'm good at beating myself up and over-analyzing things. I do feel the need to spread my wings a little and this job really doesn't do it for me. The thing is, I still feel stuck. Where to go next?

I've posted a resume on Monster.com. It's for a Physical Therapy Aide. I feel that if I ever want to pursue that route, I gotta start "over" and work myself into it. The reason being is, though I've had a lot of the classes that are required to obtain an Assistant's License, I don't have everything I need. I sort of want to go that route before I take the plunge and apply for a Master's in PT. I'm not even exactly sure I want to do this, but it's an option b/c of my educational background (Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science/Wellness, etc).

I took one of those career questionnaires. It said I'm more apt to be a writer/journalist! That's just it. There are too many choices...to many things I might like to do, but don't know how to go about doing it (and get paid). I feel like my life is slipping away and time's running out.

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!! Lifeline, anyone???

I've been in a perpetual state of confusion since my latter years of high school. I guess you can see how I've come about feeling as if I've been sucked into a vacuum.

Thanks for reading. Comments appreciated. Prayer even moreso appreciated. :-)

Tragedy...

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.

:-(

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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."

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...;-)