Thu - September 1, 2005
Happy New Year
Resolutions: 1 cup of coffee a day and eat
healthy. That's all. Oh, and organize, redo my wweb page, de-stuff entire
house, frequent flyer visa, bible study, read more, watch TV less, simplify,
walk, spend more time with friends, pray and overall, settle down somewhat.
Ok, then, here I go. Got a good start this morning and arrived home by 1pm. Spend all afternoon with laundry, Ben's "errands" and cleaning up camper. Heck, I even threw in all Jen's laundry from camp. Annie arrives, we order pizza and are amazed at the coverage and devastation of the hurricane. Made some phone calls to tell Melissa's friends of her new phone number and birthday reminder. And then, sleeping in my own bed 3/4's of a way through the vacation puts the icing on the cake of the 13th day.
Skip ahead to Sept 8, 2005
I have so much more to tell you...I have to tell you the story behind the mustaches...I have to tell you why we had to switch bandwagons in the middle...I have to tell you about family camp at Springhill....I have to tell you about Annie's parents and Tony's mom...and I have to tell you the WHOLE engagement story...and I have to tell you about the true vacation in Ludington...so stay tuned. But I must quit tonight so I can tell Melissa...happy 19th birthday. I hope it was a happy one. Can you feel the love tonight?
Ok, then, here I go. Got a good start this morning and arrived home by 1pm. Spend all afternoon with laundry, Ben's "errands" and cleaning up camper. Heck, I even threw in all Jen's laundry from camp. Annie arrives, we order pizza and are amazed at the coverage and devastation of the hurricane. Made some phone calls to tell Melissa's friends of her new phone number and birthday reminder. And then, sleeping in my own bed 3/4's of a way through the vacation puts the icing on the cake of the 13th day.
Skip ahead to Sept 8, 2005
I have so much more to tell you...I have to tell you the story behind the mustaches...I have to tell you why we had to switch bandwagons in the middle...I have to tell you about family camp at Springhill....I have to tell you about Annie's parents and Tony's mom...and I have to tell you the WHOLE engagement story...and I have to tell you about the true vacation in Ludington...so stay tuned. But I must quit tonight so I can tell Melissa...happy 19th birthday. I hope it was a happy one. Can you feel the love tonight?
Posted at 11:29 PM
Sun - September 4, 2005
We are family
Something has changed inside
me.
I don't know if I know what it is yet. I do know. I just don't know if I can describe it.
I am a spiritual anorexic.
I starve myself.
I am starving to feel His deep love not just talk about it.
I am starving to know the real purpose of my life.
Oh, and I'm very sneaky about it. No one REALLY knows. I go through all the motions. I know all the answers, I even know all the questions.
But I'm starving.
I want to feel full again.
Family Camp has fed my soul. The new friends, the challenges from the word of God. The music. I would guess I've been here close to 100 times, but this was the first time I got to experience Springhill. Yesterday was awesome. I kept calling the blob...the blog! New friends! Martha (Annie's mom) and I were a little engrossed in wedding thoughts. Stories from Tony's mom that had us all scheming of ways to "use" them. Relaxing, eating, taking pictures, introductions, eating, relaxing. And to top it all off, PERFECT MICHIGAN WEATHER. Later in the day we took a wedding walk to see what the chapel and dining hall looked like at 6, 7 & 8pm. I believe Annie will be the most agreeable bride there ever was. Not that she doesn't know what she does and doesn't want...it's just that she knows what's important. But her easygoingness didn't keep her or any of us (including Jen) from getting super excited at all the possibilities that this wedding will hold. Chapel in the hills, dancing under the stars, baptism, communion, reunions, food and photos. Whichever way you look at it...save this date.
Benjamin Graham and Anne Marie
August Nineteen, Two Thousand and Six
or
Ben & Annie
8.19.06
Then we had a great dinner...family camp style and we head to the hill for SNL. Camp songs, Ben & Murphy skits, and more challenges from the speaker to fill your kids tool boxes with all the right tools. (It was hard not to feel guilty, but it's never too late). Then back to our "circle" for yet another campfire, guitars, and snacks. The only thing missing for me was Melissa, but we even got to include her in a very short speaker phone conversation. "I'm so confused, what the hell is going on?" Click. Pretty sure we'll never have that combination of friends again...and for definite sure I will never eat another deep fried twinkie. Well, until next year.
As I sit here this am and watch the sun rise over the craft house, I reflect on one line the speaker said. "You'll never drift into a disciplined life." So I have a lot of work ahead of me. In the meantime, I am in awe. In awe of how wonderful blessed I have been. So undeservingly, overly blessed. Family, friends-new & old, health, home, food, water, time. I have time. Truly blessed.
Dear God this is my humble prayer.
Help me.
Save me.
Feed me.
Satisfy me.
Amaze me.
I'm hungry and I'm finally ready.
I don't know if I know what it is yet. I do know. I just don't know if I can describe it.
I am a spiritual anorexic.
I starve myself.
I am starving to feel His deep love not just talk about it.
I am starving to know the real purpose of my life.
Oh, and I'm very sneaky about it. No one REALLY knows. I go through all the motions. I know all the answers, I even know all the questions.
But I'm starving.
I want to feel full again.
Family Camp has fed my soul. The new friends, the challenges from the word of God. The music. I would guess I've been here close to 100 times, but this was the first time I got to experience Springhill. Yesterday was awesome. I kept calling the blob...the blog! New friends! Martha (Annie's mom) and I were a little engrossed in wedding thoughts. Stories from Tony's mom that had us all scheming of ways to "use" them. Relaxing, eating, taking pictures, introductions, eating, relaxing. And to top it all off, PERFECT MICHIGAN WEATHER. Later in the day we took a wedding walk to see what the chapel and dining hall looked like at 6, 7 & 8pm. I believe Annie will be the most agreeable bride there ever was. Not that she doesn't know what she does and doesn't want...it's just that she knows what's important. But her easygoingness didn't keep her or any of us (including Jen) from getting super excited at all the possibilities that this wedding will hold. Chapel in the hills, dancing under the stars, baptism, communion, reunions, food and photos. Whichever way you look at it...save this date.
Benjamin Graham and Anne Marie
August Nineteen, Two Thousand and Six
or
Ben & Annie
8.19.06
Then we had a great dinner...family camp style and we head to the hill for SNL. Camp songs, Ben & Murphy skits, and more challenges from the speaker to fill your kids tool boxes with all the right tools. (It was hard not to feel guilty, but it's never too late). Then back to our "circle" for yet another campfire, guitars, and snacks. The only thing missing for me was Melissa, but we even got to include her in a very short speaker phone conversation. "I'm so confused, what the hell is going on?" Click. Pretty sure we'll never have that combination of friends again...and for definite sure I will never eat another deep fried twinkie. Well, until next year.
As I sit here this am and watch the sun rise over the craft house, I reflect on one line the speaker said. "You'll never drift into a disciplined life." So I have a lot of work ahead of me. In the meantime, I am in awe. In awe of how wonderful blessed I have been. So undeservingly, overly blessed. Family, friends-new & old, health, home, food, water, time. I have time. Truly blessed.
Dear God this is my humble prayer.
Help me.
Save me.
Feed me.
Satisfy me.
Amaze me.
I'm hungry and I'm finally ready.
Posted at 04:41 PM
Mon - September 5, 2005
It's official
Ok, I'm going to Tarantino this one,
also.
"Annie, will you marry me?"
Family camp is wrapping up. Mark and I still have 3 days at Ludington State Park. Tony is going to take Jen back to Chicago via Muskegon to get all her stuff back to her apartment. Melissa has called to say she has finished her first 2 days of rehearsals and learned songs from "The Lion King" and "Hairspray". She tried a church on Sunday but is more interested in asking her friend "L" where he goes to church, than in one that has a Starbucks inside. She is very chatty, but we don't have cell phone service for very long. I have never seen Jen this happy. My head is ready to explode. So we take a deep breath, fill the BW once again with gas and get 11 rolls of film developed at Meijer in Ludington. Annie thinks her and Ben are going to go out to eat somewhere nice cuz it's their 1 year dating anniversary. In reality, Ben has the ring and is trying to get to the Ludington Pier in time to greet the USS Badger with it's captive participants. It's coming into the horizon just as they start their walk. As it comes closer, Annie becomes excited and starts waving to the crowds. Ben gives the thumbs up signal and in unison they shout for all to hear...
...when the stunned, happily waving Annie turns around to Ben, he is down on one knee with the ring box open...she is still a little dazed and so he repeats what the happy revelers on the boat have just shouted..."Annie, will you marry me?"
She said yes.
They kiss.
Everyone cheers.
The captain blows the fog horn extra long and a few extra times for good measure.
Mark hears it while getting ice at a party store down the road.
But the stories don't stop there. They are greeted at the restaurant by friendly fire from some that were on the boat and some that were not. The whole restaurant cheers for them. People come up to them and pray for them, give them tip money for their meal, and relay their vacation story of just dropping their daughter at YA in California!!!!! Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us. You will have stories to tell.
"Annie, will you marry me?"
Family camp is wrapping up. Mark and I still have 3 days at Ludington State Park. Tony is going to take Jen back to Chicago via Muskegon to get all her stuff back to her apartment. Melissa has called to say she has finished her first 2 days of rehearsals and learned songs from "The Lion King" and "Hairspray". She tried a church on Sunday but is more interested in asking her friend "L" where he goes to church, than in one that has a Starbucks inside. She is very chatty, but we don't have cell phone service for very long. I have never seen Jen this happy. My head is ready to explode. So we take a deep breath, fill the BW once again with gas and get 11 rolls of film developed at Meijer in Ludington. Annie thinks her and Ben are going to go out to eat somewhere nice cuz it's their 1 year dating anniversary. In reality, Ben has the ring and is trying to get to the Ludington Pier in time to greet the USS Badger with it's captive participants. It's coming into the horizon just as they start their walk. As it comes closer, Annie becomes excited and starts waving to the crowds. Ben gives the thumbs up signal and in unison they shout for all to hear...
...when the stunned, happily waving Annie turns around to Ben, he is down on one knee with the ring box open...she is still a little dazed and so he repeats what the happy revelers on the boat have just shouted..."Annie, will you marry me?"
She said yes.
They kiss.
Everyone cheers.
The captain blows the fog horn extra long and a few extra times for good measure.
Mark hears it while getting ice at a party store down the road.
But the stories don't stop there. They are greeted at the restaurant by friendly fire from some that were on the boat and some that were not. The whole restaurant cheers for them. People come up to them and pray for them, give them tip money for their meal, and relay their vacation story of just dropping their daughter at YA in California!!!!! Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us. You will have stories to tell.
Posted at 05:20 PM
Wed - September 7, 2005
Free at last
Every morning brings a fresh, new, empty page
in my life story book. What will I have written on that page at the end of the
day. I want to fill the pages up with new and interesting things I've learned.
Funny stories that will always make me laugh, and even just tidbits of
information that will help me recall me when I can't
anymore.
So we sleep when we want. Wake when we want. Eat when we want. Do what we want. Decide what to do with our time. Hmmmm It's sure quiet.
I miss everyone and so I send post-cards. I'm trying to think through some things about the vacation and life itself. Some conclusions:
There's so much to see and you can't see it all.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to see some of it.
3 weeks is a long damn time.
You win some, you lose some.
I also am trying to think of a song or title to sort of wrap the whole thing up for my avid blog readers. I can't decide, but here are some that are in in the running:
What Were We Thinking?
Our Excellent American Adventure
I'll Leave The Light On For You
Love Is In The House
One Fine Day
We'll Meet Again
It All Comes Down To Love
I even have a poem rolling around in my head and put to the tune of the theme song from Gilligan's Island. You can bet I'll post that, dorky or not.
Nothing is really popping out at me, I might just have to lay it all out there and you do with it what you will.
So today we decide to do nothing. We must have hiked 7 or 8 miles yesterday. I nap and when I wake up Mark is out like a light on the couch...with his head down hill. Is this what empty nest will look like?
We take another hike to finish discovering L.S.P. Then we grow impatient with the campfire and microwave our hot dogs.
I pick up my book. "Restlessness in mid life is often God's hand at your back urging you to move on, to reevaluate and perhaps alter your course." And so I ask the question again for the umpteenth time. God, what do you want me to do with my life? What is my mission? I hear no answer.
And so as the day and this vacation comes to a close a storm is rolling in. It was eerie....almost like God saying...."here, finish it up this way."
Life is not always going to be smooth sailing. Storms will come and the rain will fall. Sometimes it could be severe. Yes, even you newly engaged, and those of you on the brink of falling...will not always "feel" this much in love. He/She will not always be able to meet all your needs, neither should you expect she/he to meet all of yours. Whether alone or with your soulmate, times may get tough. Keep your anchor rooted deep in the ways of God and always think more highly of others than you think of yourself. Make preparations to weather all life has to give you. Some of you reading this have already been through some storms of life..., sickness, separation, disappointments, loss and even death. I wish I could guarantee you that this will be the worst storm to come your way. But I can't. I can promise this...the storms will end and the rain will stop. The sun will always shine, and sometimes it will shine the brightest after the storm. You all have taught me so much and I just want to say for the legacy record, not just the vacation, but the last few months have been the time of my life. I will never forget all the highs and lows, the sun and the rain, the laughter and the tears. Someday, far into the future, if you or your children's children stumble upon this journal, I hope you will stop for a moment and vow to use your talents and dream big dreams... mend any broken relationships....rekindle your life's passion, and listen to the small still voice.
Tonight, sitting alone at this picnic table, and in between the thunder and lightening, I finally learned the answer to my never-ending question, "what am I suppose to be doing with my life?" The answer was not audible but I heard it loud and clear, "you're doing it right now." God bless whoever reads this.
So we sleep when we want. Wake when we want. Eat when we want. Do what we want. Decide what to do with our time. Hmmmm It's sure quiet.
I miss everyone and so I send post-cards. I'm trying to think through some things about the vacation and life itself. Some conclusions:
There's so much to see and you can't see it all.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to see some of it.
3 weeks is a long damn time.
You win some, you lose some.
I also am trying to think of a song or title to sort of wrap the whole thing up for my avid blog readers. I can't decide, but here are some that are in in the running:
What Were We Thinking?
Our Excellent American Adventure
I'll Leave The Light On For You
Love Is In The House
One Fine Day
We'll Meet Again
It All Comes Down To Love
I even have a poem rolling around in my head and put to the tune of the theme song from Gilligan's Island. You can bet I'll post that, dorky or not.
Nothing is really popping out at me, I might just have to lay it all out there and you do with it what you will.
So today we decide to do nothing. We must have hiked 7 or 8 miles yesterday. I nap and when I wake up Mark is out like a light on the couch...with his head down hill. Is this what empty nest will look like?
We take another hike to finish discovering L.S.P. Then we grow impatient with the campfire and microwave our hot dogs.
I pick up my book. "Restlessness in mid life is often God's hand at your back urging you to move on, to reevaluate and perhaps alter your course." And so I ask the question again for the umpteenth time. God, what do you want me to do with my life? What is my mission? I hear no answer.
And so as the day and this vacation comes to a close a storm is rolling in. It was eerie....almost like God saying...."here, finish it up this way."
Life is not always going to be smooth sailing. Storms will come and the rain will fall. Sometimes it could be severe. Yes, even you newly engaged, and those of you on the brink of falling...will not always "feel" this much in love. He/She will not always be able to meet all your needs, neither should you expect she/he to meet all of yours. Whether alone or with your soulmate, times may get tough. Keep your anchor rooted deep in the ways of God and always think more highly of others than you think of yourself. Make preparations to weather all life has to give you. Some of you reading this have already been through some storms of life..., sickness, separation, disappointments, loss and even death. I wish I could guarantee you that this will be the worst storm to come your way. But I can't. I can promise this...the storms will end and the rain will stop. The sun will always shine, and sometimes it will shine the brightest after the storm. You all have taught me so much and I just want to say for the legacy record, not just the vacation, but the last few months have been the time of my life. I will never forget all the highs and lows, the sun and the rain, the laughter and the tears. Someday, far into the future, if you or your children's children stumble upon this journal, I hope you will stop for a moment and vow to use your talents and dream big dreams... mend any broken relationships....rekindle your life's passion, and listen to the small still voice.
Tonight, sitting alone at this picnic table, and in between the thunder and lightening, I finally learned the answer to my never-ending question, "what am I suppose to be doing with my life?" The answer was not audible but I heard it loud and clear, "you're doing it right now." God bless whoever reads this.
Posted at 06:52 PM
Wed - September 14, 2005
September morn
Since you went away the
days grow
long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall
- Autumn Leaves, Lyrics by Johnny Mercer and Jacques Prévert.
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall
- Autumn Leaves, Lyrics by Johnny Mercer and Jacques Prévert.
It sure is quiet around
here.
I'll get used to it, soon.
It's been 3 years since my visit to Paris in the fall.
Meghan, happy 18th on the 10th. Let's see what are your perks now? Cigarettes and guns?
Mark, 53 on 9-11. Is that getting more and more depressing?
I need to snap out of this negativity.
Ok, then, have a peachy keen day!
Sailor football, anybody?
I'll get used to it, soon.
It's been 3 years since my visit to Paris in the fall.
Meghan, happy 18th on the 10th. Let's see what are your perks now? Cigarettes and guns?
Mark, 53 on 9-11. Is that getting more and more depressing?
I need to snap out of this negativity.
Ok, then, have a peachy keen day!
Sailor football, anybody?
Posted at 07:32 AM
Thu - September 15, 2005
Survive this
If I'm going to have this thing, I'm going to be
completely honest and open. I am way to excited for Survivor Guatemala. So
excited, in fact, that I about had a TIVO heart attack when I learned President
Bush was speaking to the nation, but that's at 9pm so I'm safe. Speaking of
President Bush...I don't know him personally but I have 2 observations. Number
1. (And I should have stated my peace way back at election time) I seriously
can not believe that anyone still believes we went into Iraq for these reasons.
1) Cause his daddy didn't get Saddam so he had to. 2) WMD's or 3) to keep oil
baron families up and running. I personally believe that the president knew
enough about Al Qaeda and the holy war that his convictions would just not let
him do anything else so as to keep these fanatics aware of our country's morals
and strength. (We do still have morals, don't we? I'm sure we believe just like
the mothers hidden behind their burkas while the elders of their tribes strap
bombs around their young sons' waist, that suicide bombing is wrong?) I also
firmly believe that the president felt he might even be committing political
suicide if he invaded but did it anyway because of his convictions. These Iraqi
suicide bombers and Al-Queda (the same ones that hijacked the four planes with
moms and dads saying good-bye over cell phones to their loved ones on the
ground, remember those guys?) have something in
common.
Number 2. Call me naive, right-winged, conservative, or old school, but do not call me stupid. Press...did you hear me....I am not stupid. You will never get me to believe that our government saw that the majority of the hurricane victims would be poor AND African American and so they all decided to sit back, fold their arms, and egotistically refuse to do anything to help these people survive. I simply cannot wrap my brain around that. I just heard Chris Mathews suggest that the Republicans did nothing so the area would weed out the democrats and maybe when they rebuilt it could become more republican. Said of course in his smug fashion, as if he thought some bible-thumping, white-shirt-fat-tie pastor with b.o. went scuba diving that day along the 13th Street Canal and was responsible for the levee break. And I kinda like Chris Mathews. I'm not letting myself, President Bush, or pastors with b.o. off the hook, though. Shame on us. Shame, shame, shame. Shame first of all, that all of us SUV driving, flag waving, vacation taking, stuff collecting, starbucks drinking, church attending, alcoh(work, shop, insert almost any leisure activity here)olics have not taken care of the poor people in our lives. And shame on us secondly, for not caring enough to give or do anything since the disaster. I heard Wal-mart gave 5 million dollars to the relief effort. I've also heard that if the whole country would stop shopping there for a week our economy would collapse. What? 5 million isn't enough. I've been to churches that if they would only sell the clothes, jewelry, and cars they wear and drive on one Sunday, they could stamp out poverty in a small African country for good. So yeah, shame on us. I thought we all were children of God.
Number 2. Call me naive, right-winged, conservative, or old school, but do not call me stupid. Press...did you hear me....I am not stupid. You will never get me to believe that our government saw that the majority of the hurricane victims would be poor AND African American and so they all decided to sit back, fold their arms, and egotistically refuse to do anything to help these people survive. I simply cannot wrap my brain around that. I just heard Chris Mathews suggest that the Republicans did nothing so the area would weed out the democrats and maybe when they rebuilt it could become more republican. Said of course in his smug fashion, as if he thought some bible-thumping, white-shirt-fat-tie pastor with b.o. went scuba diving that day along the 13th Street Canal and was responsible for the levee break. And I kinda like Chris Mathews. I'm not letting myself, President Bush, or pastors with b.o. off the hook, though. Shame on us. Shame, shame, shame. Shame first of all, that all of us SUV driving, flag waving, vacation taking, stuff collecting, starbucks drinking, church attending, alcoh(work, shop, insert almost any leisure activity here)olics have not taken care of the poor people in our lives. And shame on us secondly, for not caring enough to give or do anything since the disaster. I heard Wal-mart gave 5 million dollars to the relief effort. I've also heard that if the whole country would stop shopping there for a week our economy would collapse. What? 5 million isn't enough. I've been to churches that if they would only sell the clothes, jewelry, and cars they wear and drive on one Sunday, they could stamp out poverty in a small African country for good. So yeah, shame on us. I thought we all were children of God.
Posted at 07:52 PM
Sat - September 17, 2005
Friday Night Lights
Well that was fun. I don't care much if we win or
lose, well it would be fun if we could win...I especially wish it for Mr. Rose's
sake. But everything else was fun. Sometimes I feel like an emo little
teenager when I'm hanging out with Kate. And I'm sure it APPEARS we've had one
too many when, in actuality, we are just high on life. I could write a book!
Funny story, I just had to drive under the gimungus Sailor Country banner and I
lost track of the fact that I really don't have any more "Sailors". It seems
like yesterday when I picked Ben up in the circle drive his sophomore year and
he excitedly told me that he had auditioned for "Broadway Bound" and gotten the
lead role. I'm positive I'll be rudely awakened at around 4am the last
Wednesday in October and it will hit me like a ton of bricks, "Go back to sleep,
you're not welcome at the parent singing tree ticket line this year."
No more parent teachers conferences with Mr. Anama urging me to write a book. No more girls running up and hugging the UPS man right in the middle of all their friends. But I digress. I was talking about the fun Friday night. I talked to a lot of acquaintances about their kids and mine. I thought some of the old gang would come up and say hi, I won't mention any names but how about that MSU/ND game? I missed some faces, though. I guess the further removed I get, eventually they will all seem somewhat familiar yet I won't have the connection. But I digress again. The Station was fun with just our little threesome. If it wasn't for the high-wasted jeans and sweatshirts with turtlenecks, Kate, Diana, and I could have been mistaken for just another table of girls from Shores.
Went to the store and bought double everything and then made Jen some week-end meals. Tony! Don't go breakin' her heart...and sneak off to the Bears/Lions while she is working. They play Atlanta at Ford Field on Thanksgiving. So food ready for the week, the lawn is mowed, got a couple of new books to delve into, but Mark talked me into the movie "Crash". You gotta love a movie that is well written, acted, and has an awesome soundtrack. It's the kind you have to watch again to catch everything. I'm rambling on now...I guess, for the time being, I will either ramble or rant, (wow, what was with that political entry?) because I still can't bring myself to write about an E.N. I think I might need a 12-step program. Hi my name's Julee and I have an empty nest.
No more parent teachers conferences with Mr. Anama urging me to write a book. No more girls running up and hugging the UPS man right in the middle of all their friends. But I digress. I was talking about the fun Friday night. I talked to a lot of acquaintances about their kids and mine. I thought some of the old gang would come up and say hi, I won't mention any names but how about that MSU/ND game? I missed some faces, though. I guess the further removed I get, eventually they will all seem somewhat familiar yet I won't have the connection. But I digress again. The Station was fun with just our little threesome. If it wasn't for the high-wasted jeans and sweatshirts with turtlenecks, Kate, Diana, and I could have been mistaken for just another table of girls from Shores.
Went to the store and bought double everything and then made Jen some week-end meals. Tony! Don't go breakin' her heart...and sneak off to the Bears/Lions while she is working. They play Atlanta at Ford Field on Thanksgiving. So food ready for the week, the lawn is mowed, got a couple of new books to delve into, but Mark talked me into the movie "Crash". You gotta love a movie that is well written, acted, and has an awesome soundtrack. It's the kind you have to watch again to catch everything. I'm rambling on now...I guess, for the time being, I will either ramble or rant, (wow, what was with that political entry?) because I still can't bring myself to write about an E.N. I think I might need a 12-step program. Hi my name's Julee and I have an empty nest.
Posted at 10:43 PM
Fri - September 23, 2005
Joy to the world
I have already seriously thought about putting
on Christmas music... speaking of Joy...Happy Birthday. I have been a little
constipated in the memoir department lately. Dang it! I might need some
Imodium A-D or a cohort to jump start the process. But here is another entry in
my version of how I saw it all go down. Julee's
Memoirs
Posted at 01:00 PM
Tue - September 27, 2005
Oh Happy Days
365 of them to be
exact!
Click on Season 1 & 2 in the Music Video Link
Web Page
Mom...Don't forget to give them a couple of seconds to load.
Kids...Whaaaaat?
Annie...I'm kinda sad there are no USS Badger photos
Kate... Back to work now!
Joel... Good Morning!
Tony...Straight Home
Hopefully it's not Tarintinoed
Looking forward to Seasons 3 & 4
Click on Season 1 & 2 in the Music Video Link
Web Page
Mom...Don't forget to give them a couple of seconds to load.
Kids...Whaaaaat?
Annie...I'm kinda sad there are no USS Badger photos
Kate... Back to work now!
Joel... Good Morning!
Tony...Straight Home
Hopefully it's not Tarintinoed
Looking forward to Seasons 3 & 4
Posted at 08:10 AM
Thu - September 29, 2005
I debated...
I have so many thoughts rolling around in my
head. And they range from trivial to very heart wrenching. I do not mean to
underestimate the seriousness of hurricanes, supreme court nominees, and the
energy crisis but track with me here for a minute, and I’ll try to broaden
my blogging horizons and step out of my memoir comfort zone soon.
Melissa is a bit frustrated/homesick. Her classes are boring at best. One could test out of music theory if they scored 100%, so essentially 90 New Kids have been lumped into a theory class where the professor tried to teach (on the first day) what a musical note was. 2nd day he was all over the place from circle of 5ths to double sharps. I sorta wished they offered these classes along with the rest.
Basic Internet Hook-Up 101
Interpretation of Time Zones 101 (How to calculate when your parents are sleeping)
Interpersonal Psychology 101 (How to live with someone besides your parents)
On a more positive note, she found a church that she likes called: Sandals. My quest for tickets to her 1st show has helped me check stuff I really want to do off my list. Like the Pop Reunion Concert and Women's Retreat at Springhill. She has already booked her ticket home for Christmas. I wonder if she keeps in touch with the old ones, as she starts to collect a whole new slew of friends. But don’t hold your breath, she has never been the one to make the first move.
Jennifer! Seems NP has pulled some of her grant money because they just found out she’s not living on campus???? WHAAAAAT? And Ed's is blaming their slowness on the gas prices so she is barely getting one shift a week there. That’s not going to cut it for rent, tuition, books, and cell phone overages. But beware of the power of her prayers.
On a more positive note, Tony. We are sure enjoying having him in Jen's life. We do selfish things like offer him the bug to travel back and forth, just so we can have him stop by and say hi for a few minutes. Then we practically insist that he stay overnight when he returns so he doesn't have to drive while sleeping. He always responds with gratefulness and appreciative e-mails addressed awkwardly with various salutations: "Hello there," & "Hey there," Listen. We know enough intimate details about you from family camp, and you obviously have read the journal so go ahead and call us whatever you want....Grover & Juls, Mark & Julee, be creative.
Ben has now claimed the title: Kid that lives the closest to home. Even though he sometimes gets frustrated with the politics of it all… the job, the system, the economy, the separation from Annie, I believe, and I believe he believes, this is right where he’s supposed to be.
On a more positive note. We're goin' to the chapel. We just could not be any more thrilled that Annie has entered our lives. Her comfortable, agreeable, and non judgmental attitude has calmed us all down quite a bit. No guilt trip intended, but I get cards and letters out in the U.S. postal mailbox from Annie…phone calls…AND e-mails! She may skip ahead 2 spaces, forgo all the informal niceties, and go straight to ma and pa! Please collect $200 as you pass go. NOOOOOW you wished you would have answered just one or two of my e-mails, don’t ya?
Life in general finally feels slowed down somewhat. What am I saying? It feels like somebody slammed the brakes on... and I like it a lot. I can sleep when I want, eat when I want, eat what I want, drink when I want, walk when I want, listen to what I want, and watch what I want. And even though I can not get Mark to do the dishes, it’s still nice to have him around for those meaningful discussions about the 2nd half of life, and invigorating, romantic talks about our hopes and dreams. Oh, and to walk the dog when it’s pouring down rain. So yeah! And the minute he shaved that face mullet we were back on speaking terms. Soul mates.
Stay tuned. I could write a book.
Melissa is a bit frustrated/homesick. Her classes are boring at best. One could test out of music theory if they scored 100%, so essentially 90 New Kids have been lumped into a theory class where the professor tried to teach (on the first day) what a musical note was. 2nd day he was all over the place from circle of 5ths to double sharps. I sorta wished they offered these classes along with the rest.
Basic Internet Hook-Up 101
Interpretation of Time Zones 101 (How to calculate when your parents are sleeping)
Interpersonal Psychology 101 (How to live with someone besides your parents)
On a more positive note, she found a church that she likes called: Sandals. My quest for tickets to her 1st show has helped me check stuff I really want to do off my list. Like the Pop Reunion Concert and Women's Retreat at Springhill. She has already booked her ticket home for Christmas. I wonder if she keeps in touch with the old ones, as she starts to collect a whole new slew of friends. But don’t hold your breath, she has never been the one to make the first move.
Jennifer! Seems NP has pulled some of her grant money because they just found out she’s not living on campus???? WHAAAAAT? And Ed's is blaming their slowness on the gas prices so she is barely getting one shift a week there. That’s not going to cut it for rent, tuition, books, and cell phone overages. But beware of the power of her prayers.
On a more positive note, Tony. We are sure enjoying having him in Jen's life. We do selfish things like offer him the bug to travel back and forth, just so we can have him stop by and say hi for a few minutes. Then we practically insist that he stay overnight when he returns so he doesn't have to drive while sleeping. He always responds with gratefulness and appreciative e-mails addressed awkwardly with various salutations: "Hello there," & "Hey there," Listen. We know enough intimate details about you from family camp, and you obviously have read the journal so go ahead and call us whatever you want....Grover & Juls, Mark & Julee, be creative.
Ben has now claimed the title: Kid that lives the closest to home. Even though he sometimes gets frustrated with the politics of it all… the job, the system, the economy, the separation from Annie, I believe, and I believe he believes, this is right where he’s supposed to be.
On a more positive note. We're goin' to the chapel. We just could not be any more thrilled that Annie has entered our lives. Her comfortable, agreeable, and non judgmental attitude has calmed us all down quite a bit. No guilt trip intended, but I get cards and letters out in the U.S. postal mailbox from Annie…phone calls…AND e-mails! She may skip ahead 2 spaces, forgo all the informal niceties, and go straight to ma and pa! Please collect $200 as you pass go. NOOOOOW you wished you would have answered just one or two of my e-mails, don’t ya?
Life in general finally feels slowed down somewhat. What am I saying? It feels like somebody slammed the brakes on... and I like it a lot. I can sleep when I want, eat when I want, eat what I want, drink when I want, walk when I want, listen to what I want, and watch what I want. And even though I can not get Mark to do the dishes, it’s still nice to have him around for those meaningful discussions about the 2nd half of life, and invigorating, romantic talks about our hopes and dreams. Oh, and to walk the dog when it’s pouring down rain. So yeah! And the minute he shaved that face mullet we were back on speaking terms. Soul mates.
Stay tuned. I could write a book.
Posted at 04:07 PM
Mon - October 3, 2005
Dear Diary
OMG. I had a blast this week-end. The only
thing missing was my bf and I couldn’t squeeze in our usual TGIF happy
hour. I guess we’ll have to have a double this week.
At the last minute on Saturday, we decided to show our support of the choir program and headed to the MSHS Performing Arts Auditorium. I can’t believe we almost passed on this night. We were entertained from beginning to end. Even though some of the alumni have made it in the big times, my list of favorites went like this...in no paticular order.
Point of Grace (the Bush sisters plus one)...Loved it! Cut a CD for crying out loud!
Tim Cutting (Ben Folds/John Mayer)...need I say more?
Ashleigh Twining...cut the apron strings...it’s your time.
The Hanukkah Song...We love you David...stick to directing
Nick Caruso...ever since “Summer’s In The Air” you have always been our1st choice
favorite.
The Others...singing originals, bluegrass, jazz, opera, and old faithfuls.
The Pit Musicians...and Mathew D’Oyly. Without them it wouln’t have happened.
Jason Olthoff...gave whole new meaning to the the term MC. I guess by the time SNL premier came on I was all laughed out. There’s your Loren Michaels replacement.
I could have used a few other familiar faces, there were no Doctors or Dancers. And a few stingers from Nate Ericksoncouldn't shouldn't have hurt anyone's feelings.
Of course I don’t mean to leave out anyone. Catching up with old friends is always a pleasure. The Arts will forever be the legacy that this public school will leave and not just on this side of town, but literally around the world. They came. They sang. They gave. It’s tradition.
The cast of characters this week-end was electic and delightful. Mom and dad came for 24 hours and we made 60 pints of applesauce and discussed future plans including restoring the family barn. It’s always a treat to have our kids' friends stop by and Sunday was no exception. Meghan came with a Halloween Party invite. (Costume ideas anyone?) I drilled her with questions and idle chit chat. She will probalby think twice about turning her car off the next time . She will surely be a character in the book. Then Tony came for the usual switch.......his ATM/baseball/Ben stories for our bug/cooler/Jen stories. LOL
Let’s not forget sports ...Go Green, Go Blue, Go Blue & Green? And then I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my team here... There’s always next year. And the Lions. WTF?
At the last minute on Saturday, we decided to show our support of the choir program and headed to the MSHS Performing Arts Auditorium. I can’t believe we almost passed on this night. We were entertained from beginning to end. Even though some of the alumni have made it in the big times, my list of favorites went like this...in no paticular order.
Point of Grace (the Bush sisters plus one)...Loved it! Cut a CD for crying out loud!
Tim Cutting (Ben Folds/John Mayer)...need I say more?
Ashleigh Twining...cut the apron strings...it’s your time.
The Hanukkah Song...We love you David...stick to directing
Nick Caruso...ever since “Summer’s In The Air” you have always been our
The Others...singing originals, bluegrass, jazz, opera, and old faithfuls.
The Pit Musicians...and Mathew D’Oyly. Without them it wouln’t have happened.
Jason Olthoff...gave whole new meaning to the the term MC. I guess by the time SNL premier came on I was all laughed out. There’s your Loren Michaels replacement.
I could have used a few other familiar faces, there were no Doctors or Dancers. And a few stingers from Nate Erickson
Of course I don’t mean to leave out anyone. Catching up with old friends is always a pleasure. The Arts will forever be the legacy that this public school will leave and not just on this side of town, but literally around the world. They came. They sang. They gave. It’s tradition.
The cast of characters this week-end was electic and delightful. Mom and dad came for 24 hours and we made 60 pints of applesauce and discussed future plans including restoring the family barn. It’s always a treat to have our kids' friends stop by and Sunday was no exception. Meghan came with a Halloween Party invite. (Costume ideas anyone?) I drilled her with questions and idle chit chat. She will probalby think twice about turning her car off the next time . She will surely be a character in the book. Then Tony came for the usual switch.......his ATM/baseball/Ben stories for our bug/cooler/Jen stories. LOL
Let’s not forget sports ...Go Green, Go Blue, Go Blue & Green? And then I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my team here... There’s always next year. And the Lions. WTF?
Posted at 10:26 AM
Wed - October 5, 2005
L'shana tovah
It's Rosh Hashana. The holiday of repentance,
forgiveness, and new beginnings. There's something on the roof at night around
here. Something big. I can hear it sitting at the computer in the den.
Maybe I could write a TV show about it. Where is Quentin Tarantino when you
need him.
Basically, I got nothin'.
Oh wait...I do have a small tidbit. I entered a contest to try and win tickets to see Rosie O'Donnell in Fiddler on the Roof. The entry was a two hundred word essay on why you love Broadway, showing your skill about your knowledge of Broadway. I wrote a Top 10 list on "Why I can't win." See if you can find the reference to Broadway in each excuse. Answers tomorrow. Ha ha!
I LOVE Broadway, and there’s a reference to it in every excuse but ...
Here are the Top 10 Reasons I can’t win
10) I should tell you... I never win anything
9) I was waiting for Rosie to star asTracy Turnblad or a Rizzo revival.
8) I might be the craziest girl on the block, but who would update my blog?
7) It would mean I would have to give up meeting another sister friend Wynonna at her book signing in Chicago on Oct 14.
6) On my virgin trip to Broadway I always envisioned my name in lights. I’m writing my memoirs, maybe I could talk to the producers. It’s Julee, with two e’s.
5) If I could have been a talented writer, I would not have used my last vacation day writing this list
4) Unfortunately, I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game...
3) I consider myself a thoroughly modern millie, but alas, I voted for W.
2) It’s my husbands turn to pick the next vacation destination....oh well...pop - six - squish - uh uh....he had it comin.
And the number one reason I can’t win...
1) Mama mia!!! I have nothing to wear.
Thanks for stopping by.
Have a great Wednesday.
Basically, I got nothin'.
Oh wait...I do have a small tidbit. I entered a contest to try and win tickets to see Rosie O'Donnell in Fiddler on the Roof. The entry was a two hundred word essay on why you love Broadway, showing your skill about your knowledge of Broadway. I wrote a Top 10 list on "Why I can't win." See if you can find the reference to Broadway in each excuse. Answers tomorrow. Ha ha!
I LOVE Broadway, and there’s a reference to it in every excuse but ...
Here are the Top 10 Reasons I can’t win
10) I should tell you... I never win anything
9) I was waiting for Rosie to star asTracy Turnblad or a Rizzo revival.
8) I might be the craziest girl on the block, but who would update my blog?
7) It would mean I would have to give up meeting another sister friend Wynonna at her book signing in Chicago on Oct 14.
6) On my virgin trip to Broadway I always envisioned my name in lights. I’m writing my memoirs, maybe I could talk to the producers. It’s Julee, with two e’s.
5) If I could have been a talented writer, I would not have used my last vacation day writing this list
4) Unfortunately, I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game...
3) I consider myself a thoroughly modern millie, but alas, I voted for W.
2) It’s my husbands turn to pick the next vacation destination....oh well...pop - six - squish - uh uh....he had it comin.
And the number one reason I can’t win...
1) Mama mia!!! I have nothing to wear.
Thanks for stopping by.
Have a great Wednesday.
Posted at 07:49 AM
Perspective
From:
Kate
Subject: That big thing you keep hearing
Date: October 5, 2005 9:44:42 PM GMT - 04:00
To: Julee
I'd get it the He** off your computer and out of your
den!
:-)
Good luck with that one!
Kate
Subject: That big thing you keep hearing
Date: October 5, 2005 9:44:42 PM GMT - 04:00
To: Julee
I'd get it the He** off your computer and out of your
den!
:-)
Good luck with that one!
Kate
Posted at 10:09 PM
Fri - October 7, 2005
New blog low
Somebody has been pushing the insanity envelope
again!
I can't even believe I'm using precious gig-a-byte space on my iDisk to talk about this, but just like Halloween and Christmas decorations someone has to be bold enough to point out stupidity.
If couples that are truly committed to each other, as deeply in love and as obviously devoted to honest and upfront communication as the Lachey's can't make it, what hope do any of the rest of us have for forging a true and lasting relationship?
If she can read, she missed the fine print that said soul when she sold her line of clothes, perfume, Daisy Duke jeans, exercise DVD, and reality TV show.
By the way, what does a publicist actually do besides monitor the orange level alert button in the tanning booth?
Like gasoline, if the public would stop buying, we....just like these hideous hollywood shams would not go anywhere.
For the record, these items are approved by the J.A.W. administration for decorating in the fall. Mums, bowls of apples, gourds and Indian corn. The jury is still out on stalks of corn and miniature bales of hay. The rest of it goes without saying...just like the Pitt's, Chesney's, and Cruise's.
For heaven's sake Paris, give the ring and our favorite city back.
Entry title in Melissa's new blog: "Fire on the mountain run boys run!"
I can't even believe I'm using precious gig-a-byte space on my iDisk to talk about this, but just like Halloween and Christmas decorations someone has to be bold enough to point out stupidity.
If couples that are truly committed to each other, as deeply in love and as obviously devoted to honest and upfront communication as the Lachey's can't make it, what hope do any of the rest of us have for forging a true and lasting relationship?
If she can read, she missed the fine print that said soul when she sold her line of clothes, perfume, Daisy Duke jeans, exercise DVD, and reality TV show.
By the way, what does a publicist actually do besides monitor the orange level alert button in the tanning booth?
Like gasoline, if the public would stop buying, we....just like these hideous hollywood shams would not go anywhere.
For the record, these items are approved by the J.A.W. administration for decorating in the fall. Mums, bowls of apples, gourds and Indian corn. The jury is still out on stalks of corn and miniature bales of hay. The rest of it goes without saying...just like the Pitt's, Chesney's, and Cruise's.
For heaven's sake Paris, give the ring and our favorite city back.
Entry title in Melissa's new blog: "Fire on the mountain run boys run!"
Posted at 10:04 AM
Sun - October 9, 2005
Lessons Learned
Note to self: Stay home more often and just
breath, oh and get Howard's oatmeal cookie
recipe.
So a pretty quiet week-end overall. Got a walk in every day. Very thankful for the return of Friday night happy hour. Friendship is my new drug of choice, and it's more about the hour(s) than the happy. Fireplace going all day Sat. Out to Meijer late to get a few groceries and Benadryl. Reading a couple of good books. Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, and Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Regrets, although they say, it's never too late. Then to church with Ben and Annie. Click here and you can download sermon (more of a talk). Mars Hill. Pizza Hut afterwards for some wedding talk. Not a long enough visit. Be still and know that I am God. To practice, I drove home sans music. Just me, 1/4 moon, and a cajillion stars. More free therapy. That would be a negative on the Broadway contest. Which was probably more of a positive for me. But here are the answers to my quiz in Monday's post.
10) I Should Tell You...song from Rent
9) Characters from Hairspray & Grease
8) Craziest Girl On The Block...song from West Side Story
7) Chicago the Musical
6) The Producers...Broadway Play
5) If I Could Have Been...song from the musical Working
4) Line from a song in Wicked
3) Thoroughly Modern Millie
2) Line from a song in Chicago
1) Mama Mia
Happy 23rd Anniversary Ruth and David and many more!
So a pretty quiet week-end overall. Got a walk in every day. Very thankful for the return of Friday night happy hour. Friendship is my new drug of choice, and it's more about the hour(s) than the happy. Fireplace going all day Sat. Out to Meijer late to get a few groceries and Benadryl. Reading a couple of good books. Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, and Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Regrets, although they say, it's never too late. Then to church with Ben and Annie. Click here and you can download sermon (more of a talk). Mars Hill. Pizza Hut afterwards for some wedding talk. Not a long enough visit. Be still and know that I am God. To practice, I drove home sans music. Just me, 1/4 moon, and a cajillion stars. More free therapy. That would be a negative on the Broadway contest. Which was probably more of a positive for me. But here are the answers to my quiz in Monday's post.
10) I Should Tell You...song from Rent
9) Characters from Hairspray & Grease
8) Craziest Girl On The Block...song from West Side Story
7) Chicago the Musical
6) The Producers...Broadway Play
5) If I Could Have Been...song from the musical Working
4) Line from a song in Wicked
3) Thoroughly Modern Millie
2) Line from a song in Chicago
1) Mama Mia
Happy 23rd Anniversary Ruth and David and many more!
Posted at 10:46 PM
Wed - October 12, 2005
Fri - October 14, 2005
Cheerleader mode
My dear, dear
friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel
such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as
you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not
against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up
any minute! Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and
praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before
you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good,
will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces
worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do
best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable,
authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the
ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned
from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes
everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Saint Paul
The Book of Phillipians
New Testament
Saint Paul
The Book of Phillipians
New Testament
Happy 13th Birthday Austin! The party is over
now dude! In Jewish tradition, even though they are encouraged to keep the
commandments, up until this day, it's only been recommended. On their 13th
birthday it becomes an obligation! Yikes! Seriously, I wish for you today
three things. I wish you happiness, not the highest- score - video - game -
happy, but true happiness...like the smile that comes from just petting a gerbil
or the feeling you get when all your homework's done kind of happy. I wish for
you friendship, not popularity. True friends that don't judge and stomp on you
when your down, and are the first ones to start the crazy cheering when you're
on your way up. I wish for you love! Not the kind that you have for Jeff
Gordon or Angela has for Junior, but true love like Saint Paul had for his
friends in the above mentioned verses. Reread those again and insert your name
at the very beginning. That's really what I wish for Austin (and
y'all).
Posted at 10:11 AM
Sat - October 15, 2005
Can you hear me now?
Jennifer: Say hello
Melissa
Melissa: Umm hello Wynonna Judd
Wynonna: Hellooooo, how are you?
Melissa: Me...I’m fine.....HOW ARE YOU?
Wynonna: I’m good...I’m here with your sister and we’re having a party. What are you doing?
Melissa: Ummm.....You’re pretty much my idol. Umm.... so I’m out in California singing....ummmm..... pretty much because of you. Ummmm....yep, you and Jesus.
Wynonna: That’s great sweetie. Keep singing and don’t ever give up on your dreams.
Melissa: Ummmm......OK...I won’t!
Wynonna: I better go now.
Melissa: Ummmm.... nice talking with you Wynonna Judd and thank you.
Moral of the story: Jennifer is about the most unselfish, considerate, sister, EVER!
Roach laughed and gave the request to his wife, even though he proably knew she wouldn’t sign the book... “To the Wilke bitches”
Funny story.
Remember the time we were all at family camp and we called Melissa and put her on speaker phone. Somehow, her phone mysteriously recorded her overly deafing reply of “I’m so confused...what the he** is going on?” Tonight, even though it’s illegal, I’m sure she is pushing ever conceivable programing button known to mankind to see if she somehow captured that cross country conversation.
Melissa: Umm hello Wynonna Judd
Wynonna: Hellooooo, how are you?
Melissa: Me...I’m fine.....HOW ARE YOU?
Wynonna: I’m good...I’m here with your sister and we’re having a party. What are you doing?
Melissa: Ummm.....You’re pretty much my idol. Umm.... so I’m out in California singing....ummmm..... pretty much because of you. Ummmm....yep, you and Jesus.
Wynonna: That’s great sweetie. Keep singing and don’t ever give up on your dreams.
Melissa: Ummmm......OK...I won’t!
Wynonna: I better go now.
Melissa: Ummmm.... nice talking with you Wynonna Judd and thank you.
Moral of the story: Jennifer is about the most unselfish, considerate, sister, EVER!
Roach laughed and gave the request to his wife, even though he proably knew she wouldn’t sign the book... “To the Wilke bitches”
Funny story.
Remember the time we were all at family camp and we called Melissa and put her on speaker phone. Somehow, her phone mysteriously recorded her overly deafing reply of “I’m so confused...what the he** is going on?” Tonight, even though it’s illegal, I’m sure she is pushing ever conceivable programing button known to mankind to see if she somehow captured that cross country conversation.
Posted at 12:03 AM
Wed - October 19, 2005
Holy Full Moon Batman
Brothers,
I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward
the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ
Jesus.
Phillipians 4:13 & 14
Phillipians 4:13 & 14
I went back tonight. Back to high school. I was
trying to hold off until November, but I got lazy after work, and the thought of
walking past the neighbors in pitch black didn't thrill me. But neither did
going back to high school. To the bug it was almost like going home. To me
it was pleasantly cleansing. As I entered the music hallway the smell of
sawdust meant the fall play set was in full swing. The call back list for
Allegros "A Chorus Line" was up but I couldn't read it without my glasses. The
band members were in the parking lot perfecting and the parents were selling
scrip. I never did want to be one of those parents that hung on to the past
so with each step I moved on. Down the road. New adventures.
I got a ticket to go see the New Kids Show! Hal-le-lu-jah! A week in California, time spent with Melissa, maybe a trip to the ocean, and I might even try to celebrate Disney's 50th just because of the pure coincidence.
Some stuff went down at the neighbors last night. 7 or 8 of N.S.'s finest, 4 or 5 squad cars, all of which pointed to a stolen car in garage. While eavesdropping in the dark cold kitchen,
Cop #1: Do you mind if we take a look inside?
Homeowner's friend: You'll go to jail for somebody else's **** Don't do it.
Homeowner: I'm not going to go to jail for somebody else's ****
Cop #2: Do you do dope around here?
Homeowner: No, I don't let them in the house
Cop #3: Where do they do dope?
Homeowner: In the garage!
Homeowner's friend: Not your garage, someone else's garage
Cop #4: Why didn't you know that car was in your garage?
Homeowner: I sleep a lot
Cop #5: Do you sleep 24/7?
Homeowner: No, but sometimes I sleep 24.
Cop #6 or 7: Whose car is it?
Homeowner: It's Bill or somebody's, yea Bill's
Cop #7 or 2: Why don't you tell Bill to come and get his car
Homeowner: Bill who?
Slowly the cops left in intervals of 2 and that was the end. Stay tuned for scenes from next week's episode of
CSI Skeetown
Seems like the siblings had a hot time in the old town. All the groomsmen and bridesmaids are in place for the first wedding. I can't imagine the best men staying serious long enough to toast the happy couple. At last!
I'm looking back on fond memories, few regrets, and good times gone by, but moving forward with anticipation and high hopes that the best is yet to come.
I got a ticket to go see the New Kids Show! Hal-le-lu-jah! A week in California, time spent with Melissa, maybe a trip to the ocean, and I might even try to celebrate Disney's 50th just because of the pure coincidence.
Some stuff went down at the neighbors last night. 7 or 8 of N.S.'s finest, 4 or 5 squad cars, all of which pointed to a stolen car in garage. While eavesdropping in the dark cold kitchen,
Cop #1: Do you mind if we take a look inside?
Homeowner's friend: You'll go to jail for somebody else's **** Don't do it.
Homeowner: I'm not going to go to jail for somebody else's ****
Cop #2: Do you do dope around here?
Homeowner: No, I don't let them in the house
Cop #3: Where do they do dope?
Homeowner: In the garage!
Homeowner's friend: Not your garage, someone else's garage
Cop #4: Why didn't you know that car was in your garage?
Homeowner: I sleep a lot
Cop #5: Do you sleep 24/7?
Homeowner: No, but sometimes I sleep 24.
Cop #6 or 7: Whose car is it?
Homeowner: It's Bill or somebody's, yea Bill's
Cop #7 or 2: Why don't you tell Bill to come and get his car
Homeowner: Bill who?
Slowly the cops left in intervals of 2 and that was the end. Stay tuned for scenes from next week's episode of
CSI Skeetown
Seems like the siblings had a hot time in the old town. All the groomsmen and bridesmaids are in place for the first wedding. I can't imagine the best men staying serious long enough to toast the happy couple. At last!
I'm looking back on fond memories, few regrets, and good times gone by, but moving forward with anticipation and high hopes that the best is yet to come.
Posted at 09:12 PM
Sat - October 22, 2005
48 hours
Did my time,
workin' all week,
Tonight's all mine...tomorrow I'll sleep.
Tonight's all mine...tomorrow I'll sleep.
First of all, let me just worship at the church
of Wynonna this morning. I've read the book AND seen the movie. What a novel
idea....scenes from a lifetime....her story....and that is exactly what she did
with this collection. This is not a CD...this is an ALBUM! If I was stranded
on an island and could only have one thing...it would be my iPod. Wy? Because
I would preload it with a podcast of the bible, photos of my loved ones, and
this recording of heartfelt, story-telling, and soul searching songs. Here's
the skinny; that woman can sing anything, make it her own, then serve it with
such a strong dose of authentic country that it almost puts her in a category
all her own. It gives me hope for an industry that had started to slide down
the sugar coated pop trail. Now if she'd do a Wy version of old time gospel
songs, I think my head would
explode.
The last 2 days have been a plethora of excitement.
THURSDAY: Annie and I booked it to Chicago to pick up Jen for Lindsey's wedding week-end. Another great novel idea. A wedding web page. Check it out. Dave and Lindsey. Fastest trip there and back EVER. The conversation on the way home was a mix of wedding, marriage, and girl talk...and then more lovely web discoveries. This gal is a friend of Ben and Annie's and will graciously and permanently put their day on film. The Wedding Photog.
Speaking of new web sites. I have a convert! My sister Joy has posted 3 entries and my emotional gamut has gone from jealously, laughter, tears and back again. There is rumor that soon she'll have her first convert, Angela. See that's how theaddiction cycle legacy is started. Joy's Journal.
FRIDAY: Jen and I head to the dermatologist to aggressively attack her wart situation. She chooses to have the injection. The doctor agrees; most efficient remedy. The nurse reads the possible side effects which range from upset stomach to fatal. We must sit in the waiting room for 30 minutes to see if Jen has a reaction, but the nurse's last words to us are, "no one ever has." We try to schedule the next appointment but before Jen can answer whether she has class on Tuesdays or Fridays she has crumpled to the floor, not unlike what happened to the wicked witch of the west when she got the bucket of water. Fortunately, she takes a nurse down with her, to break the fall. I'm sure she was only out for 10 to 15 seconds, but my mind had already pictured taking care of an invalid daughter, or worse. Dr's and nurses using scary words like stat and trauma. Of course, I began laughing inappropriately while she is coming to, She is asking silly questions and repeatedly apologizing...did I say repeatedly? We recuperate in a back room and in between blood pressure checks I timidly tell her this WILL be blogged. Her comment, "It better be!"
I gratefully spend the rest of the day chatting with Ben and Melissa, (via verizon), Adam, Christi, Joe and Bruce at our 15-minute boss's day celebration, always meaningful conversationalist Marti (over merlot), Annie's delightful parents (with Mexican & Apple Pie). Late that Friday evening....in what seemed like an eternity away from the morning's dr. visit...Mark, Tony, Annie, and I put the day to rest (sprawled on the sectional in front of a glowing fire). I'm assuming 3 people that read this will be slightly jealous, and rightly so, but to the rest of the team...a bit of unsolicited advice.
C'mon now, let's get back out there on the field and live!
Life can change in an instant. Cherish your relationships. Reach out. Mend your heart. Make a memory, leave a comment, heck, you might even wanna revisit or get your own blog. Scenes from a lifetime. I'd read it.
The last 2 days have been a plethora of excitement.
THURSDAY: Annie and I booked it to Chicago to pick up Jen for Lindsey's wedding week-end. Another great novel idea. A wedding web page. Check it out. Dave and Lindsey. Fastest trip there and back EVER. The conversation on the way home was a mix of wedding, marriage, and girl talk...and then more lovely web discoveries. This gal is a friend of Ben and Annie's and will graciously and permanently put their day on film. The Wedding Photog.
Speaking of new web sites. I have a convert! My sister Joy has posted 3 entries and my emotional gamut has gone from jealously, laughter, tears and back again. There is rumor that soon she'll have her first convert, Angela. See that's how the
FRIDAY: Jen and I head to the dermatologist to aggressively attack her wart situation. She chooses to have the injection. The doctor agrees; most efficient remedy. The nurse reads the possible side effects which range from upset stomach to fatal. We must sit in the waiting room for 30 minutes to see if Jen has a reaction, but the nurse's last words to us are, "no one ever has." We try to schedule the next appointment but before Jen can answer whether she has class on Tuesdays or Fridays she has crumpled to the floor, not unlike what happened to the wicked witch of the west when she got the bucket of water. Fortunately, she takes a nurse down with her, to break the fall. I'm sure she was only out for 10 to 15 seconds, but my mind had already pictured taking care of an invalid daughter, or worse. Dr's and nurses using scary words like stat and trauma. Of course, I began laughing inappropriately while she is coming to, She is asking silly questions and repeatedly apologizing...did I say repeatedly? We recuperate in a back room and in between blood pressure checks I timidly tell her this WILL be blogged. Her comment, "It better be!"
I gratefully spend the rest of the day chatting with Ben and Melissa, (via verizon), Adam, Christi, Joe and Bruce at our 15-minute boss's day celebration, always meaningful conversationalist Marti (over merlot), Annie's delightful parents (with Mexican & Apple Pie). Late that Friday evening....in what seemed like an eternity away from the morning's dr. visit...Mark, Tony, Annie, and I put the day to rest (sprawled on the sectional in front of a glowing fire). I'm assuming 3 people that read this will be slightly jealous, and rightly so, but to the rest of the team...a bit of unsolicited advice.
C'mon now, let's get back out there on the field and live!
Life can change in an instant. Cherish your relationships. Reach out. Mend your heart. Make a memory, leave a comment, heck, you might even wanna revisit or get your own blog. Scenes from a lifetime. I'd read it.
Posted at 10:13 AM
Mon - October 24, 2005
The circle won't be broken
What do you say to someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
If you think about it, life is really funny on so
many different levels, especially the circle of life. One generation after
another...trying to do their best at loving, teaching, caring, protecting,
encouraging and even letting go with grace. All the mama animals do it
tenderly and instinctively. I guess the big difference between us and them is
the emotional connection. I've never seen ANYONE do it with such heart, soul,
emotion, grace and conviction as my mom. I'm not saying she's a saint and she
would be the first to admit that, but she did the best she knew how...if she
would have known any better she would have done better. Sometimes I feel she
even did better without even knowing.
Mom
Let me thank you for the awesome education at your ivy league school of motherhood. You have taught through word and deed and sometimes silently. You have passed on faith, hope, love, forgiveness, patience, gratefulness, tenacity, and BALANCE. I want you to know, when we can no longer share early morning living room chats, I will be striving to pass on the legacy to my girls so that the circle/chain only grows stronger and healthier. With a grateful and overflowing heart I wish you nothing but a but a delightful happy birthday with no wind. I love you and I couldn't have done it without you.
Love, Julee
P.S. Are you watching the white sox? :)
Mom
Let me thank you for the awesome education at your ivy league school of motherhood. You have taught through word and deed and sometimes silently. You have passed on faith, hope, love, forgiveness, patience, gratefulness, tenacity, and BALANCE. I want you to know, when we can no longer share early morning living room chats, I will be striving to pass on the legacy to my girls so that the circle/chain only grows stronger and healthier. With a grateful and overflowing heart I wish you nothing but a but a delightful happy birthday with no wind. I love you and I couldn't have done it without you.
Love, Julee
P.S. Are you watching the white sox? :)
Posted at 07:00 AM
Tue - October 25, 2005
Love is in the house
Let's
review:
SATURDAY: It still seems so strange to me that my kids friends are getting married. And just like Christmas and Halloween decorating, I feel as if I could come up with a Top 10 Wedding Mistake List without batting an eye. Number 1 on the list would definitely be go ahead, smile and have a good time. I know people can get nervous but c'mon...at least during the vows segment....get a little excited. Somewhere on that list, and I'm stating my funeral wishes right now, since I can't plan another wedding: Folks, God created pianos for the sole purpose of eliminating church organ music. So that took up the majority of the afternoon and evening.
SUNDAY: Up leisurely. A little football, a little baseball, and the playoffs started in Matt/Julee vs. Tony/Jen Taboo series. World championships to be played during Christmas. A little internet surfing, a little journaling, nothing very exciting but relaxing none the less. Since Jen hadn't been able to enjoy the fireplace yet, we left the children in the living room before who-ha hit his game winning home-run. Houston, we have a problem!
So back to work, school and springhill! I'm sure the next few week-ends will be a lot of the same. But for now it's a busy work week, which has already included a stop at the store because I got this hankering to fix stir-fry chicken and veggies. And if I don't get my butt off this computer and walk in the daylight...it's back to good 'ole boring h.s. halls again for me tonight.
I feel compelled to keep up with the jones. So hopefully I'll see ya a couple more times this week.
Angela's (let's start calling them journals)blog.
SATURDAY: It still seems so strange to me that my kids friends are getting married. And just like Christmas and Halloween decorating, I feel as if I could come up with a Top 10 Wedding Mistake List without batting an eye. Number 1 on the list would definitely be go ahead, smile and have a good time. I know people can get nervous but c'mon...at least during the vows segment....get a little excited. Somewhere on that list, and I'm stating my funeral wishes right now, since I can't plan another wedding: Folks, God created pianos for the sole purpose of eliminating church organ music. So that took up the majority of the afternoon and evening.
SUNDAY: Up leisurely. A little football, a little baseball, and the playoffs started in Matt/Julee vs. Tony/Jen Taboo series. World championships to be played during Christmas. A little internet surfing, a little journaling, nothing very exciting but relaxing none the less. Since Jen hadn't been able to enjoy the fireplace yet, we left the children in the living room before who-ha hit his game winning home-run. Houston, we have a problem!
So back to work, school and springhill! I'm sure the next few week-ends will be a lot of the same. But for now it's a busy work week, which has already included a stop at the store because I got this hankering to fix stir-fry chicken and veggies. And if I don't get my butt off this computer and walk in the daylight...it's back to good 'ole boring h.s. halls again for me tonight.
I feel compelled to keep up with the jones. So hopefully I'll see ya a couple more times this week.
Angela's (let's start calling them journals)blog.
Posted at 06:39 PM
Wed - October 26, 2005
Tall Tall Trees
Do you ever fail to recognize a certain beauty in
something just because you have become accustomed to it or it feels like it's
always been there? These trees are in MY yard. It always feels like I have to
go SEE the fall colors or take a color tour and turns out they've been right
here all along. Sometimes I take things for granted. So I just wanted to say
that...that, and I love you Mark. Seems like I always have but I promise I
always will.
Posted at 10:00 PM
Fri - October 28, 2005
Drop and give me twenty
"Ladies and a handful
of male readers, we are beginning our final descent into something completely
and utterly random. Please fasten your seatbelts, do not panic, and practice
the zombie survival skills we discussed earlier (deleting.)
1.
a) Are professional basketball players employees of the NBA-----yes.
b) Do most employers enforce a dress code-----yes
c) If you don't agree with the dress code are you free to quit and look for another job----yes
2. I'm confused as to why they did not wear white socks?
3. Cutest baby on a blog award...Aidan
4. Jars Of Clay new album Songs of Redemption
5. What is exactly the point of the Grand Rapids weatherball?
6. Average age of 2005-2006 college student---26
7. Oil companies report record breaking profits for the 3rd quarter----ya THINK?
8. Randers E&C, Inc. MVP of the year----Adam A.
9. For being a Houston fan, Tony sure spends a lot of time in Chicago
10. "Sure, I'll come over, eat your chocolate, and swim in your crocodile proof pool. Heaaall yea!" - Stephanie from Survivor
11. A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
12. I will pick: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe as this year's family Christmas movie.
13. I would tell you the amount of my check at the Secretary of States office, but then I would just be sapping my will to live.
14. I love my iMac, iBlog, iPod, Macintosh, Empires, and Golden Delicious but doggone it, I wish I had a comment button on my journal.
15. Can it already be a year...and so once again I ask myself, OBGYnot
16. This just in...by an extremely small margin, cornstalks and miniature hay bales have been approved for Halloween decorating.
17. Good judgement comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgement.
18. We, and I use the term lightly, have agreed on Halloween costumes. Pictures can be downloaded @8:01pm, 10-29-05 Feel free to copy us.
19. Against EVERYONE else's better judgement, I have started playing Christmas music.
20. Stay tuned for more merlot induced entries.
a) Are professional basketball players employees of the NBA-----yes.
b) Do most employers enforce a dress code-----yes
c) If you don't agree with the dress code are you free to quit and look for another job----yes
2. I'm confused as to why they did not wear white socks?
3. Cutest baby on a blog award...Aidan
4. Jars Of Clay new album Songs of Redemption
5. What is exactly the point of the Grand Rapids weatherball?
6. Average age of 2005-2006 college student---26
7. Oil companies report record breaking profits for the 3rd quarter----ya THINK?
8. Randers E&C, Inc. MVP of the year----Adam A.
9. For being a Houston fan, Tony sure spends a lot of time in Chicago
10. "Sure, I'll come over, eat your chocolate, and swim in your crocodile proof pool. Heaaall yea!" - Stephanie from Survivor
11. A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
12. I will pick: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe as this year's family Christmas movie.
13. I would tell you the amount of my check at the Secretary of States office, but then I would just be sapping my will to live.
14. I love my iMac, iBlog, iPod, Macintosh, Empires, and Golden Delicious but doggone it, I wish I had a comment button on my journal.
15. Can it already be a year...and so once again I ask myself, OBGYnot
16. This just in...by an extremely small margin, cornstalks and miniature hay bales have been approved for Halloween decorating.
17. Good judgement comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgement.
18. We, and I use the term lightly, have agreed on Halloween costumes. Pictures can be downloaded @8:01pm, 10-29-05 Feel free to copy us.
19. Against EVERYONE else's better judgement, I have started playing Christmas music.
20. Stay tuned for more merlot induced entries.
Posted at 03:33 PM
Sun - October 30, 2005
Mon - October 31, 2005
50 is the new 40
Looks like I can get a lot done when I stay off the
computer for a couple days. So yeah, daylight savings time. Not so much. We
are not saving anything, especially time. Well except for the farmers, but
you'd think they all had electricity in their barns by now. I wanted to go to
bed yesterday at around 5:45. We've been hornswaggled...and that's a terrible
thing to swaggle anybody's HORN.
Halloween Party = Us proving to the world that West Michigan is not as conservative as everyone thinks. Good times.
Hopefully today will be the last day ABC announces it's Friday's shows with the phrase...A, Boo, C. and thankfully NBC and CBS didn't catch on in time.
This time in my life = I quote from the movie Mortal Coil (you haven't seen it? Rent it.) "Maybe eternity isn't anything different than this. Maybe it's just like this...without time."
So tomorrow I'll probably wake up and be 50 years old. Living in the same house, married to the same guy, same dishes in the sink and ignoring the same old dog. It will be a great day.
Halloween Party = Us proving to the world that West Michigan is not as conservative as everyone thinks. Good times.
Hopefully today will be the last day ABC announces it's Friday's shows with the phrase...A, Boo, C. and thankfully NBC and CBS didn't catch on in time.
This time in my life = I quote from the movie Mortal Coil (you haven't seen it? Rent it.) "Maybe eternity isn't anything different than this. Maybe it's just like this...without time."
So tomorrow I'll probably wake up and be 50 years old. Living in the same house, married to the same guy, same dishes in the sink and ignoring the same old dog. It will be a great day.
Posted at 07:08 PM
Tue - November 1, 2005
Let's Talk About Me
I have discovered the reason behind the blogging
craze and therefore the secret to life in general. People like to talk about
themselves. Ever been in a conversation when someone's eyes glaze over or they
keep looking beyond you? Start asking them about themselves and watch the
drastic demeanor change. I worry that I use others to define myself (otherwise
why do I covet the comment button?) I should look to my creator for my self
worth, acceptance, and purpose in
life.
Update:
Friday I wore many hats. Worked till noon. Started upstairs to prepare for the peak hotel season. By the time I fell asleep for my benydryl induced nap I had collected quite a few bags of garbage and enough sneezing to wake up sober neighbors. A late afternoon walk with Marti turned into a relaxing dinner at the Hearthstone.
Then back upstairs for most of the day Saturday-- viola-- the Home For The Holidays Hotel is now accepting reservations. Should be a banner year.
And then the event of the year for the Henry Street Cultural Club finally arrived. The characters were an eclectic group of cats and bats, good and evil, dead and alive. The decoration team outdid themselves, clear down to the master bedroom. I wonder if those mummy's got out before the alarm clock went off. Stanley Ipkiss even showed up hidden behind The Mask. It was a good 20 minutes before he revealed his true California identity to the cast of shocked relatives and onlookers. Too bad he couldn't have housed a stow-a-way.
The spirits flowed freely for old friends and new...all in the spirit of a hallowed happy hour gone bad. GOOD Grief!
Monday was dedicated to the den and before you could say, "that redecorating was about 10 years past due" there were 4 kids pulling into the drive to start the big celebration.
We practically had the Sardine Room to ourselves...hello merlot! If there had been other patrons, I'm positive they would have been annoyed. Melissa was the last one with her thumbs up so we took the risk and ask her to pray over speaker phone...then her friend the amazing "O" sang the most soulful, heartwarming rendition of happy birthday mama julee that I've ever heard. Ben ended that phone call with this comment, "Melissa, tell your friend that mom really liked his song but she loves his magazine!" O well.
Today was just as good as the last three. 1/2 day of work with ugly cake celebration. Phone calls from almost 100% of the relatives. I got in 3/4 of my walk before I was hijacked to Hoffmaster by Jen and Tony. Lovely picture taking hike. Kate stopped by with a bag of well wishes. Candlelight dinner and a lazy, cozy, evening including some reality TV and reading my lone card from Melissa...some things just have to go in the paper journal.
I like my vantage point. Bring on the 50's.
The tombstone will list the year I arrived on the scene, and the date of departure separated by a small hyphen. That tiny punctuation mark is suppose to represent my life???? Who I was, and my contribution. Did I make a difference. I hope I am not too wrapped up in myself and what people think of me to pursue God, live out loud and fulfill my purpose.
Update:
Friday I wore many hats. Worked till noon. Started upstairs to prepare for the peak hotel season. By the time I fell asleep for my benydryl induced nap I had collected quite a few bags of garbage and enough sneezing to wake up sober neighbors. A late afternoon walk with Marti turned into a relaxing dinner at the Hearthstone.
Then back upstairs for most of the day Saturday-- viola-- the Home For The Holidays Hotel is now accepting reservations. Should be a banner year.
And then the event of the year for the Henry Street Cultural Club finally arrived. The characters were an eclectic group of cats and bats, good and evil, dead and alive. The decoration team outdid themselves, clear down to the master bedroom. I wonder if those mummy's got out before the alarm clock went off. Stanley Ipkiss even showed up hidden behind The Mask. It was a good 20 minutes before he revealed his true California identity to the cast of shocked relatives and onlookers. Too bad he couldn't have housed a stow-a-way.
The spirits flowed freely for old friends and new...all in the spirit of a hallowed happy hour gone bad. GOOD Grief!
Monday was dedicated to the den and before you could say, "that redecorating was about 10 years past due" there were 4 kids pulling into the drive to start the big celebration.
We practically had the Sardine Room to ourselves...hello merlot! If there had been other patrons, I'm positive they would have been annoyed. Melissa was the last one with her thumbs up so we took the risk and ask her to pray over speaker phone...then her friend the amazing "O" sang the most soulful, heartwarming rendition of happy birthday mama julee that I've ever heard. Ben ended that phone call with this comment, "Melissa, tell your friend that mom really liked his song but she loves his magazine!" O well.
Today was just as good as the last three. 1/2 day of work with ugly cake celebration. Phone calls from almost 100% of the relatives. I got in 3/4 of my walk before I was hijacked to Hoffmaster by Jen and Tony. Lovely picture taking hike. Kate stopped by with a bag of well wishes. Candlelight dinner and a lazy, cozy, evening including some reality TV and reading my lone card from Melissa...some things just have to go in the paper journal.
I like my vantage point. Bring on the 50's.
The tombstone will list the year I arrived on the scene, and the date of departure separated by a small hyphen. That tiny punctuation mark is suppose to represent my life???? Who I was, and my contribution. Did I make a difference. I hope I am not too wrapped up in myself and what people think of me to pursue God, live out loud and fulfill my purpose.
Posted at 09:05 PM
Thu - November 3, 2005
Cinderella/Take 2
Anybody want to meet me at Rt. 30 tomorrow and
head to the farm to watch Greta star in Cinderella? Curtain is Saturday at 7pm.
C'mon it'll be fun. Call the cell.
I hear you Jennifer, do I hear another?...leaving MI Sat. around 2pm, heading back Sun. after coffee!
I hear you Jennifer, do I hear another?...leaving MI Sat. around 2pm, heading back Sun. after coffee!
Posted at 09:59 PM
Mon - November 7, 2005
I Don't Know
Monday
morning
Long to-do list
C'mon den...inspire me
Self inflicted tiredness
3 Catholics and a Protestant happy hour
Nate stopping by
Saying, "how do you do"
One in the same
Stairmaster/Hoffmaster
24-hour trip to Indiana
Mother-daughter slumber party
I don't mean to meddle
I do mean to motivate
Watched 3 laps of NASCAR
Maybe I'm softening
Paper chain has 19 links
Coining a new phrase...Tivol
Rethinking my career
Music and photos
Why is Paris burning?
There are still pirates?
Looks like end times
Soon I will know a soldier in Iraq
Verse of the week: Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Long to-do list
C'mon den...inspire me
Self inflicted tiredness
3 Catholics and a Protestant happy hour
Nate stopping by
Saying, "how do you do"
One in the same
Stairmaster/Hoffmaster
24-hour trip to Indiana
Mother-daughter slumber party
I don't mean to meddle
I do mean to motivate
Watched 3 laps of NASCAR
Maybe I'm softening
Paper chain has 19 links
Coining a new phrase...Tivol
Rethinking my career
Music and photos
Why is Paris burning?
There are still pirates?
Looks like end times
Soon I will know a soldier in Iraq
Verse of the week: Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Posted at 10:36 AM
Wed - November 9, 2005
Remember When
Wow! 53 years...but who's counting? Happy
Anniversary...I can see by her time stamp that I will have to get up with the
chickens if I'm to beat savvy city farmer with my birthday/anniversary cards.
But it's all good! I got so excited yesterday at work when (on my coffee break,
of course) I discovered we have another recruit. I was debating taking my lunch
at 10:14am just so I could read Nic's masterpiece(s) when my cell phone rang.
It was Jennifer calling to tell me that she will probably get to tour Europe
once again this summer with the NPU choir. Way too much excitement to be holed
up in a cubicle, so I punched out and went home. No sooner get into my jogging
(to go jogging...what were you thinking?) pants than Melissa calls with detailed
information on the New Kids Show...please pray that I don't have any delays on
November 25th...I have a stopover flight, have to rent a car, and travel about
45 miles on the 91 Los Angeles freeway to make it on time. And then I found
out when I return on the 3rd Jen has a Christmas concert in Chicago. It's a
good thing Annie is taking care of Ben for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Deal of the
Day: The Rat Pack sings Christmas. The blogs abound! California vacation!
Summer wedding plans. Parental 53rd Wedding Anniversary! The fat lady hasn't
even begun to sing. But she did put together a couple of new slide
shows.
Click on these links:
Remember When
Since You've Been Gone
Click on these links:
Remember When
Since You've Been Gone
Posted at 12:12 PM
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Published On: Jan 13, 2007 10:43 PM
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