HS Reunion

Yes it is that time in my life when I have officially been out of high school for 5 years. It is now time for the high school reunion. I have made plans to go 500 miles back to Iowa, to reunite with my old classmates. Boy am I scared. Looking up friends on my school alumni database, I have come to realize that no one has really done anything spectacular expect get drunk all through college. I have a feeling I am going to go back to a very different environment, then what I am use to. Our reunion will be at a bar and grill place. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Maybe I do need closure to my former life in Iowa. Maybe this trip will open my eyes to see how blessed I am. I think I will cherish all my friends even the more in a couple weeks. ... more to come after the reunion...

Theme Song

Don't you just hate commercials? All the little jingles get stuck in your head. I have the Indiana Beach song in my head now. "There's more than corn in Indiana.." How annoying!

On top of that song, I have Christmas songs stuck in my head also! On some of the radio stations they have their "Christmas in July" stuff going on. Every time that I turned on the radio I only heard Christmas songs. Kind of hilarious when it is 100 degress plus heat index! Yesterday I was singing the Grinch song, "Stink, Stank, Stunk..."

What song will be next?

Sunday

Jesus's Gems Sunday School is winding down. After today, only 1 more class. I will miss it and the kids, but I'm ready to go back to SS.

One of the moms didn't come get her kid from SS. I had to take Kid over to kid's church, making me late for service. Needless to say, I missed playing in worship band. After 4 years of the same routine, you would think that the parents would get a clue! Grumpy!

The Swans took Jenalee and I to Mancino's for lunch. I don't recommend the taco grinder-Nasty! The conversation was mostly about roller coasters, man I miss Cedar Point.

Spent the afternoon at Kem. Took a nap. Huge headache when I woke up. Talked with Jenalee.

Went to worship band practice, had to play trumpet and trombone parts. Struggle. I so can't even handle WB practice. I remember why I didn't go all last year.

Pastor Adam spoke in pm service. He is awesome. I miss the Phipps though!

Had a thank you/farewell after service for Kelly Ashlock. Had a welcome to Pastor Adam (Teen pastor)/ They didn't have enough cake for everyone, the servers were cutting into pieces less than 1 inch big. Umm pretty sure that isn't enough for even a whole bite.

Got Burger King for dinner. Yummy. I just made the whole day better!

Webster

In my recent working experience I have come across quite a few new words. These are two of my favorite:

equanimity: evenness of mind especially under stress/right dispositino/composure.
vicissitude: the quality or state of being changeable/natural chane or mutation visable in nature or in human affairs.

What is your favorite word??

My Hero

Daniel Freemyer is my new hero. He brought me a doughnut on this Monday morning. It was great to catch up with him.

This morning we had amazing Praise and Worship in APS devotions. My mom didn't know any of the songs. Funny. Lana was too short to see the projected words. Poor thing. What a wonderful morning!

It's been a long, long time

Wow somehow life got really busy, really fast! More stories to come. (Hopefully this weekend!)

High 5 Trend

Oh what to do on a Wednesday night? Yes that was the question last night. I am not too fond of Wednesday night church because there is no place for a "Transitioner", like myself, to go. Then I got a marvelous phone call; Christy was in town.

It was 7:30 and there I was sitting at Tree of Life all alone. Christy was late. Brianna and her parents were there. I talked to the mom for a couple of minutes. But alas another friend walked in, it was Dusty. Christy showed up a couple of minutes later with one of her other friends. The girls and I talked a bit and look at the clearance books. Then we decided to get drinks. I got the usual: Milky Way with 1/2 of the espresso.

After our drinks we decided to chat with Dusty a bit more. He was on his groovy wide screen laptop dealing with his eBay t-shirt madness. Just then 3 guys from the Network walked in. I even got up enough nerve to go to their table and say hi. (It's been a while since I have felt nervous around guys.) I realized how young I was even compared to these guys. Even a couple of years makes a big difference at this point.

A few minutes later we called Daniel F. Just after he showed up, Nick and Pastor John walked in. Talk about funny. We go months without seeing people or hanging out in a big group, and then all of a sudden everyone is there. But I have to say that was an odd group of people, being as most of us went to school together, but were only casual acquaintances.

We spent most of the night telling stories and laughing. The three "Network" boys were meeting with some younger guys. It was amazing to see guys meeting and talking about the Lord. I realized how much more I have to learn in my faith walk. I missed having times with the girls. The last time the girls and I were together, we ended up going to see the movie "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pant." I miss having accountability and talking about what God is doing in our lives!

During our fun night at Tree of life, we ended up looking at the pictures from Christy and Daniel's trip to Azerbaijan. It was good to see those pictures and to see pics of our long lost friend, Nate. Then Dusty was getting the latest advice about some European shoes. If there is one thing I know, it is shoes. I am no fashion mama, but that is one of the first things I notice about a person. And yes the shoes that Dusty picked out were very cool (even with navy pants.)

Who knew that Tree of Life was open until 11:00 (way past my bed time!) Nick was the first one to leave, on his motorcycle, after saying his goodbyes. Dusty became the new trend setter and gave me a goodbye high 5. Daniel gave me a hug goodbye, I tried to gave him a high 5-to carry on Dusty’s new tradition. Dan just laughed. High 5’s are where it is at!! Power to Dusty! Just as the rest of us were trying to leave, Nick was back. All he said was, “I got home too fast. So I came back to talk some more.”

My friends are funny! (And that beard fetish has to go boyz!)

It was good push myself out of my comfort zone and meet new people. The other friends are gone, either lost in love or another county. It is time to move out of the old, and look for greener pastures. Meeting new people actually was fun.

High 5 Dude!

It's the Little Things in Life

Things I’m really digging right now (or very recently):

*Praise and Worship Music (Especially the free online kind)
-Yes I think I did rebel against it while I was in college. Now I appreciate it.

*A simple smile and the nod of the cute computer boy who passes my desk everyday.

*Fun post-it notes from my friend Judy.

*My sexy black high heals.
-I have discovered that wearing these heal takes me out of my grip on college dress and brings me into a whole new world of formal business attire. These shoes demand respect and attention. It is amazing who will talk to you when you are wearing these heals. These heals make me stand tall and confident. It is a great way to get presents!

*Seeing a friend in Tree of Life!

*Spending an hour with Jenalee at the July 4th Brookhaven church picnic at the Hochstetler’s. Eating before we are ‘supposed’ to. Laughing during the pledge and Doxology b/c she has her mouth full. Continuing laughing due to the prospect of others listening to our conversation. Isn’t life grand!

*Being single in spite of the news that everyone getting married. Yup even Brian is getting hitched. Love is really in the air.

*An amazing 4th of July concert in Muncie. Even though I was sitting right up against the marimba and now I have hearing loss, I am truly grateful for the amazing world of music. The fireworks were cool too.

*Detours with a wise friend. Especially love her quote: “There were two boys there who I know did not go to Brookhaven. The tall one was handsome.”

*The prospect actually going to a real Sunday school class.

*Friday nights with new friends.

*Talking to guys who know music but aren’t on the obsessed end of the spectrum.

*Getting mail that is not a bill to pay!!

*My washed HONDA!! I HEART HONDA! (Wanna wax it for me?)

*The outdoors
-As I look out the window now I the little beauties of God's creation. The luscious rich gently swaying field of corn. The red and white delicate flowers opening up to expose their rich inner beauty. The soft wind blowing. The sun rays beaming on all the green riches. God is truly good all the time!

Enjoy today for we are not promised tomorrow!

JOY

What I'm listening to now: RIOT morning show.

Today's focus: JOY
Walk in joy no matter what my circumstance!

Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. It is a choice based on the knowledge that we belong to God and have found in God our refuge and our safety and that nothing, not even death, can take God away from us. Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing--sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war, or even death--can take that love away.--Henri Nouwen

Thought for the day: Become a love finder instead of a fault finder.

Classified

I have done the unthinkable. I have attended a "singles" group. More to come...

You'll Be in My Heart/Concert

Last night at the last minute I realized that I had American Hometown Band practice. I almost forgot.

I went to Muncie an was actually early to practice. I had to sit 3rd part, 1st chair. I remember when I use to have high aspirations for music. When my focus was to play 1st part in a symphony. I sat discouraged last night in my 3rd part. I would never become what I had dreamed of. I enjoyed the hard level of music however, it was enough to challenge me. Somewhere deep in my heart music is still intertwined with my soul. One day maybe I'll be able to look back and understand why I had to be at this place in my life.

Tonight is my actual concert in Muncie at Minnetrista Cultural Center. I would love to see you there!

Grapple

Yesterday I discovered the most amazing fruit. GRAPPLE. Yes that is right, it looks like an apple but it tastes like a grape. Yummy. But, don't take my word for it. Try it!

Protocol ?

For the last 4 years I have been teaching a special needs Sunday school class. I only have 5 children, whom I have become quite attached to. Two of my boys are from the same family; their dad is our youth pastor. Their dad accepted another position in Arizona, getting ready to do a church plant. I was devastated to hear that my boys were leaving. I have gotten to know the oldest boy (4 yrs old/severely Autistic) the best. He is my buddy and I am always delighted to see him. Their farewell party was on the weekend, but I was to be gone to the wedding. I went Thursday during my lunch break so officially say goodbye. It was sad to arrive and see all their things in boxes. How could I let them go?? Because I love those boys so much I brought presents for them. When I got there the younger boy (MiMH) had ripped off all his clothes and diaper, so he was running around naked. As his mother corralled him, I went and found the older boy, the love of my life. He discovered his gifts and was excited to open his gifts. Both boys played with their gifts for a while. One of their favorite things was the balloons. We would blow them up and make them squeal as we let the air out. The boys just laughed and laughed.

My lunch was only and hour. Time flew and it was almost time to leave. The mom was changing the older boy's diaper, so I was playing with the little guy. He ran off into his parent's room. I didn't follow him, but he soon came out. He was holding a condom in his little hand. He kept trying to give it to me. He doesn't talk but I guess he thought it was a balloon. I didn't know what to do. The mom wasn't paying attention. It would be embarrassing for her if she saw him with it. I took it from him.
What should I do with it??
a. Give it back to the mom, joking that they might need it.
b. Hide it in my pocket so the mom wouldn't see it. Then what?
c. Lay it on the table, with the risk of the little boy grabbing it again.
d. Hide it in an open box quickly as I left.

Well I felt a little panicked as I was holding it. I didn't want this to turn into an awkward situation, especially as this was the last time I would see this family who was so dear to me. I quickly hid it under her purse, b/c it would be too obvious if I put it in her purse. Maybe she would discover it later and think that it was misplace innocently.

With tears in my eyes I looked at my boys for the last time before the moved. I hugged and kissed the oldest. He was just playing with his toys, not realizing that this would be the last time he saw me. The little one was a little more aware that something was going on. He had a sad look on his face as I hugged him.

Tears ran down my face as I walked out their door. I cried all the way back to work. Why are goodbyes so hard??

God thank you for bringing those precious boys into my life for a few years. Even though many have tried praying for the healing from the special needs, I truly believe they are 'fearfully and wonderfully made'. They have blessed my life more than words can express. I pray that the transition will go smoothly and that they will be able to get into a school district. Lord bring amazing people into their lives that will love those boys as much as I do. I will miss seeing their little faces each Sunday, but I know this is in your plan. I don't know if I will ever see them again but I pray that Your hand of protection will be over them all their days.

God there have been so many transitions and goodbyes this year, so many good and hard times. Recently it was so hard to say goodbye to all my friends who graduated. Bless them all as they transition into the 'real' world. Guide them into the perfect areas and jobs where you can work through them. Guide and direct those who will be getting married in this next year. Help them to grow closer, not only to each other, but to grow closer to You.

It is hard to move on in life sometimes. Sometimes it seems easier to live in the past, to reminisce on the fun times. Lord thank you for blessing me with amazing friends and experiences. We have all been challenged and experienced growth. Guide and direct my future. Help me to have a loving attitude towards each day, no matter what happens. Thanks for being an amazing God.

"Miles to Go..."

I first want to send a great deal of thanks to that cute little guy who gave me a blessed wake-up call this morning at 4:45. Praise the Lord for my cat who jumped on me so early, because he wanted me to get up and feed him. I thought these 2 days without the family at home would be relaxing and wonderful. Turns out that all I do is chores, mostly having to do with that cute little guy, Oreo the cat. Needless to say I am tired this morning. But, most of that is my fault because I stayed up late watching a movie. Might I add, the movie was about a mother trying to kill her daughter-in-law. Odd.

Then I get to work only to find a promised "summer love letter" from my favorite person. These are my favorite parts:
"housing patrol"
"food patrol"
Please contact the proper authorities ...
..pray the prices dip ..
... hallmarks of a professional.
We have "miles to go before we sleep" so purchase some Tylenol P.M., support hose, "smart" teacher shoes and professionally appropriate clothing! Your professional debut is just around the corner!!

Doesn't that just make you want to pull up your skirt, stand on your desk and scream "Carpe Diem", sieze the day.

Yes checking my email seemed to be the highlight of my day...especially the email "Gotta love the south".

With no further ado, I must end my lunch and make some money to pay for my "sleepless trip."

Shopping

Everything happens for a reason, or does it?

Tonight I was all set to go to band. I grabbed my keys, then to my closet to grab my clarinet. But, the clarinet twas not there. Stupid me...I must have left it at church 2 Sundays ago. Obviously I haven't practiced.

Why does God give us gifts, and then shuts the door of opportunity. Community band does not classify as opportunity. I've met me music goals, what next. Am I supposed to throw away thousands of dollars so that I can pursue education??

No clarinet meant not going to band. Frustrating.

I got the mail and then started searching again for bridesmaid dresses. Mae and Daniel came over to give their opinion on the catalogs choices. Too bad the KKC isn't here to give her opinion. Not like she talks to me anymore. M & D and I went to the happin' mall. We tried on some dresses, clearance sucks! Then it was 9:00, closing time. We had to walk clear around the mall just to get to our car. Struggle.

Moral of the story: Don't have best friends. Don't park by the back entrance of the mall. Don't try on clearance dresses.

Party time

Do you ever have a day where nothing gets accomplished?? Today was that day. I worked 8-5, but what do I have to show for it?

This afternoon was a "surprise" birthday party for my boss. This event is something everyone looks forward to, no phones, no computer, just ice cream. Kim, Becky and I went over to "surprise" my boss, only to find out that Lana was talking to Dr. ** on speaker phone and ruined the whole surprise. But alas we still got our ice cream.

All us girlz signed our card for our boss, I wrote a simple poem that every elementary student knows:
You're the coolest.
You're the best.
We love you above all the rest.

The adults thought that was the funniest thing alive. Once again the bubble closes in on me. I can't break out. It wasn't even that funny.

At least there was ice cream!