Tuesday, November 7, 2007

My aunt and I find my wedding dress

Well, I went off to a town my aunt and I call lizzle, which is actually Lisle (pronounced lyle) to shop for a wedding dress. We found one. It appears it was there waiting for me. Next wednesday I go in to meet the seamstress to do a fitting (alterations will cost half of what the dress costs).

Afterwards, I bought myself a foundational undergarment and we hit the outlet store. I found two pairs of jeans at quite the steal, and a couple tops. One jean is soooo comfy, but is has the letter N embroidered on the pocket. My question is, who embroiders their jeans? I suppose if your sister kept borrowing stuff without asking, maybe. So, I decided that N stands for "no".

No, I did not vote today. Mostly because I wanted to show politicians how much I don't care for their ads and phone calls. Also because it is hard for me to choose between tweedle-dum and tweedle-dee. Really, they both are bad choices, I do not want to elect either of them.

Rudy Guiliani, please don't ever call me at 9:30 am again!

Sunday, November 5, 2006

Dad's gonna get hitched... again.

How can I maintain any semblence of peace over this? Dad's wedding is Saturday! Simple, by the GRACE OF GOD.

God doesn't ask us to judge others, he asks us to love others, and leave the judging up to Him. That seems really hard sometimes, but I have to have faith in this, God has always been faithful so far. He is the One who will never let me down. I have a perfect Father in God, I can just love my imperfect, human father just the way he is.

It took me a while to get to this, but my sister and I had a great talk, and once again she reminded me how she pulled me out of the sea of loneliness, so we can be a family together again. I will never again be alone here on earth, and I also have a place secured in Heaven. Pretty neat if you ask me.

God gave me a new life, he forgave me my sins. How can I not forgive others who have hurt me in the past? I am on a quest to know Him more and more each day. Every time He reveals a bit of Himself to me I am totally amazed. Everytime I follow His heart and do His will, my soul is afire. I can do nothing but praise Him for the past year of growth in my life, and I am confident that He is my Savior, my Dragon-slayer. Through Jesus, nothing is impossible.

So, in a wierd way, I am looking forward to a celebration of His love in my father's new marraige. I pray that all intentions are good, and hearts won't be broken... but it is not in my hands anymore. Thank you Christ.

Friday, November 3, 2006

My new sister-in-law-to-be has a thing for bees

If any of you know me, you know my phobia. Bees. Wasps, yellow and black buzzing things that sting, whatever you call them. I hate bees. Kelly, Dave's sister, loves bees. She bought her dog this costume. Of course, she had to put it on to show to me when I was out on Wednesday. On the dog, not herself. This picture isn't Kel's dog, but you get the idea. Kelly has two seperate bee tatoos. That is how much she loves bees.

Other than that, we get along great. I have to admit, I dressed up as a spelling bee one year for halloween. (Bee costume plus dictionary equals... get it now?) Anyway we really hit it off, I tried on gowns for the wedding, she tried to bust me, but I don't play into that. Then we went out for pizza. Finally someone I can order a pizza with! We both had salads and pizza, then talked about a lot of stuff, and even woman stuff. We even both busted on Dave for picking bow ties, but we set him straight. Its an ascot, not a regular tie... who leaves fashion to straight guys anyway?

I came home feeling good. I am not just getting a husband, but a whole family. A new mom, dad, brother, and something I always wanted... an older sister. Don't worry Dave, we are not in on a mega conspiracy against you. We just bonded, and that should make you feel good. I feel great being loved by his family, and not just him. Thank you, thank you Dave for giving me love, as well as another family I can settle into. Bees and all.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Details work themselves out

Well, this weekend was busy. Dave and I did lots and lots of wedding stuff. We decided we want the chapel, booked a hall, and registered at two stores. Kohl's and Target. I also attended a Bridal Show and got to see more stuff NOT to spend my money on. No limo, no bathroom attendants at the Legion Hall... sorry. Yes, the reception will be at the Legion Hall. Interested in details? Here is our Knot webpage. I update it as often as I know stuff. Now I have to go get a dress. Wish me luck. Dave's sis and I go on Wednesday!

Friday, October 27, 2006

Sometimes I feel so small

I had so many crazy things happen yesterday, including finding out that mom did not have her autopsy like we asked. Horrible, huh? Too bad she's creamated!

This is when I feel so small, helpless, and totally out of control, like the kitten in the picture. This is when I have to trust that God, the german shepard, is just loving me and cleaning me, not eating me.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

The craziest costume ever

Some people truly enjoy dressing up their dogs. Take this poor pup who ends up looking eerily like an oompa loompa. I got this from a halloween costume contest email forward. Poor puppy.

I have been busy doing... well not much. It feels like all I get done is work and sleep and work and my house is a mess. I swear Abby and Phoebe are in a conspiracy to grow their own puppies and kittens from their sheddings. I found a small cat just behind the corner of my dresser this afternoon.

Actually, I have made plans to do stuff like dress shop for the wedding. Dave and I are anxiously awaiting a call from Carter to see if Montgomery is available. The theme at our house is "Get Carter!" Of course campus pastors are quite busy, and we are hoping to hear from him tommorow. I would like to order invitations soon. I suppose I could go buy the stamps....

Well, in the meantime, whittle out my invitation list. Note to people not sure they are coming to my wedding: stay on my good side these next few weeks.

Believe it or not, I look forward the most to buying and using a fancy schmancy pen to write addresses on envelopes with. Should I get blue or black ink?

Dad actually wrote me a check today, so I guess that means that his name goes on the invitation? What suprised me the most is that he thought I was going to ask for more money than I did. I really think I can pull this off with the budget I set, I pray that I can.

Did you see how expensive wedding dresses are? Good thing catering comes at cost (Thanks Kell!) and mom is making the cake (thanks Linda!) and Rob has a place in Sedona, his parents want to take us there for our honeymoon (thanks Dave, Linda, Rob!) Too bad I don't know a dressmaker... or a florist... or a videographer...

I think I will end up wearing tennis shoes to my wedding. If my dress is long enough, no one will see it. I have very bad feet, and heels make them even worse.

Maybe the craziest costume ever is a wedding dress with tennis shoes, not a dog as an oompa loompa!

Friday, October 20, 2006

In less than three months...

I am so in love. I love Dave more today than yesterday, and I cannot wait to feel how much I love him tommorow. I really can't wait to see how I feel on January 7th. Yes, we picked a date!

Ok that leaves me with... no time! Good, just the way I want it! Dave and I want to be married. We are ready. We already feel like husband and wife, we just want to make it official and have a party.

Dave's sister is a caterer, his mom is on the cake. We are hoping to secure our church (well, Montgomery campus) so I hope it is available.

tee...hee... I feel like a little girl, all aburst with excitement.

Now, I have to go spend my time looking for wedding stuff online.

follow up, no go at Montgomery

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

An announcement...

I thought that 3 dogs would keep me busy. I was wrong. No, I don't have a gazillion dogs, still just the one (and the cat that sometimes thinks she is a dog.)

On top of being busy with work, I actually have been busy with friends, and family, and stuff. Dave got a new car, a new job, and proposed to me this week. He was pretty busy too.

With his new job, we are going to try to adjust our schedule to be more day friendly, so dont expect me to stay up so late anymore!

So yes, we are engaged. The date is set for xx, pending our meeting with the pastor tommorow. Dave will get the rock once he has saved up, seeing as he just started his new job... I am starting a pool, and betting around Christmas or my birthday. But, it will be a suprise. I am excited, as is Dave. We already have the bridal party picked out, so if you haven't heard from us yet, sorry!

Hope all is good with all of you. I also got some bad news this weekend. It seems as if YOLA has tricked my dad into agreeing to marry her. They plan on marrying next month so that she can stay in the country. Lets hope she doesnt use him and steal all his money and stuff and leave him.

But back to the good stuff...
Our friend Mandy took Dave and me out to see a movie Saturday night after church. We saw THE DEPARTED and if you have any itching to see it, go... you will not be dissapointed. Finally a good 2 1/2 hour movie that doesn't feel like 4 hours. A performance by Jack Nicholson you cannot miss. Marky Mark Whalberg proves yet again that he can act. Matt Damon proves he hasn't forgotten his south Boston accent, and can act. Leonardo DiCaprio redeems himself after the whole Titanic fiasco. Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and if that doesn't convince you the movie is directed by Martin Scorcese. Best movie I have seen in a long time. Be prepared for violence. In the meantime, I have to try not to say the F word so much, and I was doing so well and this movie brought it back.

Oh yeah, and I'm engaged! Sorry if the photo is misleading... I am not pregnant, just wanted to emphasize how busy I felt this week.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

I've been neglecting the computer

Just wanted to let you know that it has been a busy week.

Sunday, October 8, 2006

Here's to new friendships, new begginings

Yesterday, Dave and I helped a friend move in to her new apartment.

Have you ever seen someone and felt a pull to them right away? That is how I felt the first second I saw Mandy, even before I met her. Somehow, I was given the courage to open my heart to her when she needed it. Okay, that was God. Mandy needed some things, long story short, and I had them. Both of us are now enjoying having comforts of home. My new stuff that Mom gave me for Christmas was just sitting in a box, not anymore. Now I eat off my Fiestaware plates, and Mandy has my old ones for now. I am so glad that I didn't just toss that stuff in the garbage like so many people do.

God has shown me my heart for ministry in all of this, and it feels really really good. I cannot wait to get involved more and do more things like this. It was Mom's too. She was homeless for a while. She almost got divorced and lived on her own wits. I almost had to do the same. I was saved by her good grace, and the grace of God. I want to do that for others. I want to help people who feel hopeless find hope. It is great that Mandy came and reached out to the Body of Christ for help, because I got to see it in action. God is so awesome right now, I cannot wait to sing His praises!

Everything seems to be starting new, and its fall!?!?! Dave is blossoming in Christ! I feel like God is doing amazing work in my life. I am able to go on because of Him. Thank you Jesus!

Too much to write here, and I have got to get ready for church! TTFN!

Thursday, October 5, 2006

Strrrrrreeeettttcchhhhhh!!!

Recently I have been attacked by my shoulder. My shoulder has taken me hostage. Yesterday I woke up and could not turn my head to the right, and had a lot of pain in my shoulder and upperback. Actually, if I remember properly it started the night before, but my memory is dulled by pain medicine. Part of the joy of fibromyalgia. Actually I prefer to call my problem "Shelley-itis" because whatever is going on seems to be something I cannot find in books (or on google.) I think this problem stemmed from me picking up knitting again. Repetative motion is not my friend. I thought I was getting better, but man I clamped up and was spazzing and trying to do anything hurt. I had Dave drive. After dinner I ended up falling asleep. I woke up better, not 100 percent, but better. I love driving around town at 2:30 am doing errands. In the meantime, I will try not to push myself, and stretch, stretch ,stretch.

Happy Birthday Becky (October 2) and Ashley (October 6) this week! My homegirls Bob and Silent Jay.

Saturday, September 30, 2006

This much, at least, I've figured out. I know this much is true.

"I am not a smart man, particularly, but one day, at long last, I stumbled from the dark woods of my own, and my family's, and my country's past, holding in my hands these truths: that love grows from the rich loam of forgiveness; that mongrels make good dogs; that the evidence of God exists in the roundness of things.
This much, at least, I've figured out. I know this much is true."

Wally Lamb has this terrific book "I know this much is true."

I finished reading it the other day, and just knew I had to blog on it. First of all, the thing that drew me to it was the fact that it was 897 pages long. I was in the library, and it called to me. Something on the back read "non-stop reading" so I took it home. The back cover did not lie. I was drawn into the life of Dominick. I related so much to him, not on an equal level, but the writing was such that I could have been him. I have to defend myself, I am not an Oprah fan, but she reccomends this book, its part of her book club. I have on occasion been lead astray by Oprah, but not this time. Not that Oprah influenced the picking out of the book, I only saw the giant "O" when I was checking out at the library.

When I was going through Mom's stuff, I ran into a sheet of paper that is probably one of the best things ever. Its written on a square note page from some bank that probably doesn't exist anymore.

1Peter 1:18 God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors... HE DID THIS FOR YOU!

Every day, God proves how big He is... bigger than I can conceive. He gives me the strength to overcome the empty life I inherited, and walk into the loving arms of the Unchanging One... the One that does not break promises, the One that gives me GRACE and TRUTH to get me through this life into eternity with HIM. Into the loving arms of Christ.

This much, at least, I've figured out. I know this much is true.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Let sleeping polor bears lie...

Found this photo hilarious! Had to share.

Day off, got the oil changed (in my car, still need to change the oil in my squeeky shoulder) ate a quick dinner with dad and YOLA and Dave. Yola cooked, she probably didn't mean to make Dave ill, but she did. See, Dave is allergic to mushrooms, and he started eating his stuffed piece of meat before he saw them. He stopped, but it was too late and we had to stop at Walgreens for Benadryl. Were headed elsewhere than home. It was good, but I was not sure exactly what type of meat it was. It was pan fried and breaded and had lots of flavors, so I was able to eat it. Quite the opposite with Dave. And he was so polite, could not even tell her that he couldn't eat it.
They just got back from this great trip parts of the western US I never got to see, nor probably ever will. Its also the trip mom wanted him to take her on. Not that it was possible for him to do it, but dammit man, show some respect.

On a good note, finally got to watch Grey's and ER and Earl and Desperate Housewives. Did she really shoot her husband? I can't believe Abby had to have a hysterectomy, although I saw it coming since the season finale last time. I just love Abby so much. And I could lay on the floor next to Izzy all night... Crying is good, helps me in the mourning process. I have to feel to heal, I truly feel that way.

Monday, September 25, 2006

Last of the Dogsitters

Pictured above is Shadow, the Keishound, and Tottie, the Alaskan Eskimo. Oh yeah, my aunt and cousin too, but they aren't the point.

Last night I spent the night dogsitting for them. That's right, with 3 dogs at my house, I left and went to care for 2 more. My aunt and family headed off to a wedding in Michigan (they are home safely) thus needing someone to care for their 2 fuzzy pups. That's where I come in. I am the last option. I am the only option. I am the last of the dogsitters.

How many people do you know would leave their own doggie and bed to go to some other doggies and bed? Well I did. Shadow and I go way back, to when I was struggling with my life so much, and it was a treat to dogsit for him and his older, now passed buddy Woody. I got to have a house all to myself, a free frozen pizza and the best dogs ever. Tottie is the world's cutest dog, and don't you dare say otherwise to her, she won't have it. You will definitely change your mind after rubbing the heart shaped spot on her belly.

So, it was hectic in that I had to spend the night in a different bed, and hurry up, getting to church a few minutes late, again. I had only a few minutes to say goodbye to Daisy and Rugby today as well. Dad came home and picked them up while I was at work.

It is kinda sad, but after a dog overload, I am happy to hang up my dogsitter hat and just cuddle with my two OWN muffins, Abby and Phoebe. Dave also mentions that he appreciates the lack of spagetti noodles worth of leashes and the room to move his legs on the bed once again.

On that note, I am going to give my own pets some attention.

And Robin, I think you look nice in this picture, you are not a beet, I love you.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Continued Adventures

Dad sends me photos from his trip. Continued glimpses into his vacation.

I asked him in a text message when he was returning, he just said he was leaving soon. Not many details, I suppose he is waiting until his return to fill me in on what all of his pictures are, and what he liked.

Mom used to tell me what was going on in her life. You know, what town she went to with whom, what restaurant they ate at and if they had anything good. I got highlights, and even some details. She would even let me know if they went somewhere else and what happened. With Dad, its text messages saying "XXX OOO DAD" No conversations, no complete sentences with any real info.

In the Bible, even Paul would say hi from certain people and talk about important stuff to whomever he was writing. I guess what I am trying to say is that Dad is not a good communicator.

When we he come back? Today? Sunday? Monday? The world may never know... until he shows up!

Friday, September 22, 2006

A Map of the World

Thanks to my public library, I have an outstanding amount of resources at my fingertips. I just checked out three paperback novels and finished the first one in two days. A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton. I had read her The Book of Ruth a few years ago and remembered how much I enjoyed it.

The book deals with the death of a child, marraige, friendship, false accusations, prison, and Racine.

Sometimes I find a book makes me feel better, that my life could always be worse... or make a best seller one day.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Dad treks across the US

Thought that you all would get a kick out of my dad on vacation. Here he is at Little Big Horn in Montana. Site of Custer's Last Stand. He is posing in his biking gear near the marker for where a Native American warrior fell. As you can tell, he is still the dork he always was. Dad and YOLA biked a 5 mile course, thus the biking gear.

I remember when my family went out there years ago. It was one of the best trips I ever took. Even though all you see is a field, my imagination was spiked. Still I carry this torch inside me for history (despite failing as a history major.) Dave and I toured many Civil War battlegrouds last October. (My personal favorite being Cold Harbor- you can feel the loss of life still in the earth, overwhelming and spectacular all at once. I cried, of course.)

The more I found out about Custer, the more I felt sorry for him. He did some great things in the Civil War, but then he had to go out west and take care of the injun problem. Almost wished that he could have died as a hero of the Civil War, instead of the killer of indians.

I may not see the Big Picture about all this. I know God has plans that exceed even our greatest expectations. It still hurts. I know He is strongest in my weakness, so I wipe away the tears.

On a brighter note, New Fall Season on TV kicks off tommorow!Here is what I am taping, for all of your inquiring minds!

Tuesday- House on Fox and Boston Legal on ABC

Wednesday- Justice on Fox (new show, checkin it out)

Thursday- My Name is Earl on NBC, Grey's Anatomy on ABC, ER on NBC

Sunday- Desperate Housewives on ABC followed by Brothers and Sisters, a new show I am not sure if I will like but its easy enough to tape.

Have a great week!

follow up... Brothers and Sisters was a nap... haven't been taping Boston Legal

DOH!

I forgot to hit a little button on my remote, and will not be taping my shows tonight! So sad!

Tuesday September 19, 2006

Monday, September 18, 2006

Feeling useless?

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...

Noah was a drunk Abraham was too old Isaac was a daydreamer Jacob was a liar Leah was ugly Joseph was abused Moses had a stuttering problem Gideon was afraid Samson had long hair and was a womanizer Rahab was a prostitute Jeremiah and Timothy were too young David had an affair and was a murderer Elijah was suicidal Isaiah preached naked Jonah ran from God Naomi was a widow Job went bankrupt Peter denied Christ The Disciples fell asleep while praying Martha worried about everything Mary Magdalene was possessed by 8 demons The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once Zaccheus was too small Paul was too religious Timothy had an ulcer..AND Lazarus was dead!

Sunday, September 17, 2006

My sister came to visit! Yeah!

Today was quite a day. Emotional to say the least. Megan called and woke me up at like 11am. Now if you know me, that is like the earliest I get up. So, being glad that I took a shower last night, I agreed to meet them for brunch ASAP. Megan, my cousin Ashley, and my Aunt Robin all arrived at Butterfield's Restaurant much later than me. (Well it felt like it when I just got up and started drinking coffee only after arriving at the restaurant.)

Breakfast was had by all. It was terrific, and I highly reccomend the joint. If you like smooties, you haven't lived until you have had one from Butterfield's. Mom used to have a smootie and bowl of soup for a meal. Favorite location. Anyways...

After our meal, we went to do something I could not do alone. Go through a lot of Mom's stuff. Who wants what, what is this, what can we move where for the meantime, this should go to so-and-so, etc. Mom chose me to be executor of her estate, but there was no way I was going to go through all that stuff alone. We barely got through her room, and a lot is still left, but we got condensed to one closet for now, mostly. We haven't even touched the basement stuff. It was quite emotional. So many tears. Becky showed up too. Dave was resident dog wrangler and car loader. Becky and Dave were mom's special elves, and became part of the family throughout the whole ordeal.

Time went by way too fast, and before we knew it Megan and Becky had to go. We took the time to say a prayer, praise to the Lord for where we are, and hope for our future.

Thank God for church! Dave and I would have been so down if it wasn't for the great folks at CCC.

Ok, gotta run the dogs down. Such is my life!

Friday, September 15, 2006

The cat is getting used to it- kinda

When I brought Phoebe home, it was just her and me. Then one day Dave came and brought this thing called a dog. Abby and Phoebe gradually grew to love each other. It took time. Now with three dogs in the house, she was mad at me. Its been 5 days, and things are getting settled down. The cat is coming out of hiding less, and being more bold. Hopefully they will all continue to get along until Dad returns from his little trip... I think the dogs all really enjoy it, but sadly Dave and I could not deal with this long term. We both love them all to death, but 3 dogs with no yard is not easy. Especially poor Dave when I am at work has to walk them all by himself.

Just so you know, that is not my cat above, but some random internet cat. Feel free to look at my yahoo photos and profile photos for pics of Phoebe (cat) and Abby(dog). I believe Daisy and Rugby are somewhere in my Yahoo! photos too!

Oh, and PS, the depression has gotten much better today.