The Lion...

I'm sort of going on my own this week for our Bible Study...

something really struck me in Chapter 6...

all the talk of battles with Satan, having too much pride to say "I need help" - the thinking we can do it all on our own... it was pretty powerful chapter.

But something really struck me with new eyes.

The image of a lion

When you think of a lion, I immediately think of something majestic, the KING of the forest, the one who is in charge...

I know my mom immediately thinks of Wizard of Oz... but that's another story :)

There's even a popular Christian picture of a Lion with his paws bleeding & a crown of thorns sitting atop of his head....

I even think of Aslan from The Narnia series... though I wouldn't know from the movie... I refuse to watch it.  I've mentioned it before here - but that 70's horrible graphic cartoon that I saw when I was 8 years old totally terrified me & ruined me.  It may be why I'm such an animal activist now too.  The idea of them cutting off that mane & that horrible ugly witch & her little demons all stabbing at Aslan & him DYING... what kind of cartoon is that madness? 

needless to say, I never watched the new movies... & yeah, I know... they're really good...

childhood trauma has nothing on a good movie

Anyways - I know that the Christ figure in that story line is a lion...

But wait... what does 1 Peter 5:8 say?

Stay alert!  Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

I'll just insert the part of the book that my jaw was hitting the ground.

"Just like a lion looking for something or someone to devour in order to satisfy its selfish hunger for destruction, the devil's influence on our hearts can be relentless & deadly.  The funny thing about lions is that they are actually beautiful & majestic creatures to look at, unlike the mental pictures we have of Satan.  Lions gives off the appearance of royalty, calmness & strength, so, as we peer at them behind the safety of glass, we often forget that lions are not only physically strong & powerful, but they are very patient predators.  They make their living out of quietly waiting in the shadows until just the right moment, when their victim is unaware of the danger & therefore most vulnerable to attack"

It really blew my mind reading this... because I've read the verse in 1 Peter before but never really tied the two images of a lion together...

I realized reading this how easy it is to be fooled in this world

Sometimes when we think we're doing the right thing, when we feel like we're really following God - are we really following that lion that is waiting to devour us?

I think so many people in this world do exactly that...

I mean, there are people who stand in front of people's grave side service & hold signs that say, "You're going to hell"...

& there are people who call others horrible names of hatred because they don't agree with things they do with their lives...

There are people who act like they are doing things for God... when God would only do things out of love - not hatred & cruelty...

But they think they're doing the right thing... don't they?  Following God in their opinion?

Which 'lion' are they following?

I'm walking away from this week with my eyes open
... even more aware then before that Satan is a sneaky little pain our sides, trying to confuse us
... waiting to devour.

Be aware...

Hodgepodge

1. May is National Blood Pressure Month...what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively?  What calms you down?  When did you last have your bp checked?

Oh, the usual raises my blood pressure:  traffic, work, pain, stupidity, laundry, open cabinets, belts laying all over the house.... the usual stuff

What calms it down?  laughing... the best way to ease stress

Yes, I've checked my blood pressure a lot - because its been too low lately.  It's about 95/60 lately. I've been feeling worn down & that's probably a good reason why.



2.  You found $1-what do you spend it on?  $10  $100?

$1.00 - A York Peppermint Patty
$10.00 - Probably a new DVD or book
$100.00 - running shoes


3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not yet enacted in the US.  How much attention do you give food labels before you buy?  Are you in favor of labeling if it means higher prices?  Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of the controversy?

Oh, I've been following this.

I've turned into a BIG TIME label reader since that mystery toxic reaction I had last year that caused that horrid neuropathy. 

if you really sit & read a label, it will freak you out & make you want to look into more natural foods.  Its scary to think what we put in our bodies.

Saying that - I refuse to look at the ingredients in those York Peppermint Patties that I just bought for $1 in the last question



4.  May 15th marks the birth date of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz.  At this point in time are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.

Ahhh - my momma will love this question.  She's a bona fide Wizard of Oz freak... & I use the word 'freak' in the nicest & loving way possible...

Saying that... at this point, I need brains.

Saturday, I'll be photographing a wedding.  With that, the day is hectic - lots of people, lots of situations you can't control - so my brain has to be 3 steps ahead of everyone else. 

When I get in my car at the end of the wedding, I think my brain actually will fizzle out... as well as my whole body. 

its tough being a photographer

Maybe I should wear a Dorothy dress at the wedding for inspiration... or even better - a Scarecrow outfit!



5.  "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book.  When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?

I feel that statement every day - Monday through Friday - between 7 & 4 ...



6.  Steak-yes please or no thank you?  What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked?  Sauce or no sauce?  Besides your own kitchen where's a place you like to go to get a great steak?

UGH, gag, puke & no...

Vegetarian here...

But saying that, I never was a fan of steak anyways when I did eat meat...

I could get into reasons why, but I'll refrain for all you steak lovers



7.  When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry?

This past Saturday - we were shooting prom pictures for some clients & was finishing up at 5:00 - & I had to be at an engagement session at 5:15...

we were trying to settle up at this first location & book it to the next...

Luckily, as we're going down the highway, I get a text that said, "We're running a few minutes late" - whew...

We literally pulled in the same parking lot at the same time as the engagement couple

That worked out nicely



8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I don't get it
I want to kick something
I want to jump on the scale & break it in two

So I said the other day I was at my heaviest... well, that was 3 less lbs ago...

Yep - gained 3 lbs this week! 
How does that even happen?

I got in over 8 miles on Saturday - I work out 3-4 days a week - I account for every calorie on My Fitness Pal (& I'm usually under if not right on it for the day)...

Ricky even said, "That doesn't make any sense"

I know when people see me, they think, "Suuurrrreeeeee, you workout"... "Suuuurreeeeeeee, you run that many miles in a week"....

Ricky even said, "Just quit working out like you do - its just going to chase you down anyways"... great.... that's encouraging...

sigh

Tuesday Ten Tidbits

1.  Gearing up for a wedding this weekend.  Its almost like gearing up for a marathon.  No joke!  I have to check my equipment, get everything together, make a plan on how the day is going to go.... even have to get nutritious snacks to make it through the day.  I'll be on my feet from 9:00am until about 10:00pm ... this could be even WORSE then a marathon

2.  If Kellie Pickler doesn't win Dancing with the Stars, something is wrong. If Jacoby wins, I'm throwing my fringe pants in the garbage.

3. I have to lay on that decompression table for 25 minutes, 3 times a week.  They always tell me, this is 25 minutes to relax & have time to myself.... except for the part where time for myself is pulling my spine with 60 lbs. of weight.  The doctor asked me yesterday, "Do you have a hard time relaxing?" ... I didn't even notice, but my leg was tapping & shaking while they were setting me up.  I don't have 25 minutes to lay down on my back... I have a wedding to gear up for!  I lay on that table with my arms in the air, holding my phone, catching up on emails & texts... & an occasional Ruzzle game. 

4. Our yellow lab, Buffy, didn't eat last night... or this morning.  I always get nervous when the dogs don't eat.  She'll be 11 years old in August... that's getting up there for Labs ... it always makes me sick to my stomach to think of something happening to my dogs :(  She didn't even want a treat this morning... or even run at the word "ball" ... something's not right with my baby.  I want to throw up.

5.  Finished reading "The Great Gatsby"... authors in the past knew how to take one sentence & tell a story all in itself.  Thank goodness for my Kindle where I could just tap a word & get the definition.  I's must bees stupid.

6.  I actually have 4 hours of the Royal wedding coverage of Prince William & Kate on my DVR.  I can't bring myself to delete it.  If DVR was around when Princess Di was getting married, I'd still have that one too...

7.  Its in the middle of May & I have yet to change my closet over.  Yesterday morning, there was still frost warnings.  But it's gonna slam down this week I think.  High's in the 80's... maybe it'll be time to pull out my shorts.

8. Still haven't watched the season finale of "Once Upon a Time" & "Revenge" ... ugh!  I need my DVR set up in the chiropractor's office while I'm on that table.

9.  Got my latest "Vegetarian Times" magazine in the mail yesterday... my only downfall with that magazine?  Half of the ingredients?  I've never even HEARD of, nor know how to pronounce, must less know where to GET the ingredients.  I may not be renewing this one.

10.  We took Sydney to my parents yesterday.  We always thought she would bark & go crazy seeing the horses.  She's a 'herder' & I thought for sure she'd want to get in that fence & tell them where to go.  She went up to the gate though & put her front paws on it & lifted herself up, while one of the horses leaned his head over & they touched noses... I can't believe no one had a camera around... it was the cutest thing ever. 

Weekend Wrapup

* Stopped into Target Friday to pick up a baby shower gift & saw my best friend from childhood, through High school, through young adult... So incredible seeing her.  When I run into her, I forget how much I miss her.  She knows me like no other.. I'm determined to not loose touch with her again. 

* Almost got in a fight with a Wal-Mart employee... that's always fun.  No joke, this lady was chasing me & Ricky down for loading up a yard swing on our own - because NO HELP WAS ANYWHERE.  She literally ran after us, YELLED at us in front of everyone that we are "NOT TO TOUCH THE CART"... how are we supposed to move it?  With our minds? ... the cashier apologized to us & said this lady has been written up many times for her attitude with customers.  When she pushed me out of the way of touching the cart, I told her, "The manager will be coming to talk to you in about 5 minutes, because that's how long its going to take for me to make a phone call" - the manager said, "I know exactly who you're talking about & I apologize - she's not the best in customer service"... I normally don't call on people.  I get people have bad days.. but really?  Some people just don't need to work in public service places.

* Ricky had to work Saturday morning - know what that means?  No, not that I get to sleep in - I always wake up when he leaves.  It means I get my house cleaned up.  I can always clean it so much better when he's not around.  There has to be a scientific reason why that happens.

* Went for a run & it was in the 50's & chilly... Spring is just fighting to get warmth in it

* Went to a baby shower... the cutest little touches in this shower.  Chocolate moustaches - moustaches on the straws - even little blue earrings for gifts for the attendees.  Not to mention chocolate covered kiwi & chocolate covered bananas.  AND they even had Vegan food... it was the most amazing baby shower ever

* Headed out to take pictures of some prom kiddos... beautiful... the dresses these girls wear now?  Simply amazing

* Then headed down to ANOTHER photo session.  Engagement.... of a young lady that was in my youth group while she was heading into the 'grown up years' of college... now she's engaged.  & I just love her fiancé.  They are really a perfect pair together.  I will say too, Logan has became my #1 photo guy... he was just comfortable with Brittany & it made for the best pictures. 

* Being on my feet all day, I got a big ole blister on my big toe.. never fun...

* Talk on Dating & relationships in small group for middle school... Its so cute when I ask if they've ever had a crush on someone, all those hands go up... but when you ask them more details about the opposite sex, it's just a giggle fest.  It was a real eye opening conversation for me really.

* Mother's Day!  Yipee... got to spend time with my momma for awhile.  Ricky went & visited his momma... being over 30 minutes away from her, he went on his own so I could spend more time with my mom.  Always love when I can just take time to spend with my family.

My parents on my mom's new yard swing...

Found this video in a store & knew I had to get it for my Wizard of Oz loving mom

* I was so blessed with surprises on Mother's Day... balloons, flowers & a card & gift card from Ricky from the doggies :) ... a surprise gift from Julie, Steve & the boys... & even got a card & candy from Ryan & Chasity.  The card made me ugly cry.  You know those are good cards :) ... Thankful for all the amazing people God put in my life.

* It was COLD on Mother's Day... brrr...

* Big night for Finales on Sunday... Once Upon a Time... Revenge... I had to DVR those - I'm all about Survivor!!!  What a season it's been.

Hope everyone had a great weekend... & didn't get in any fights with Wal-Mart employees :)

Friday Fragments

Let's see how this goes... I'm trying it at work... so this post may take me my whole work day

 

******

 

 

The Great Gatsby comes out today!

I love Baz Luhrmann

Moulin Rouge?  In my top 5 favorite movies ever

 

& I'm not a huge Leo DiCaprio fan, but I just watched Titanic last weekend & have a renewed soft spot for him

 

The only problem? 

Ironman 3 is also playing at theaters...

This is going to be a battle between the Hubs & I

I can tell

 

******

 

Downloaded the book "The Great Gatsby" on my Kindle

 

Its only 197 pages long

I think we had to read it in high school

(Isn't it a recommended reading book?)

 

But 197 pages is nothing

But in high school, 197 pages felt like torture, I'm sure

 

******

 

I ran for the first time this week with my back

Just an easy 2 mile trip

 

Not horrid pain... just the normal pain

so I guess that's a good thing?

 

I talked with the chiropractor & asked if this would mess up the progress with the decompression table.  He said as long as I kept it low miles, easy run, it should be OK

 

so we'll see how it goes

 

******

Anyone else having problems with Bloglovin' ?

I find my blog isn't getting updated in it
& then I check some of my favorite blogs & I'm not showing that there are any new updates... but there are new posts

Anyone else noticing problems?

I've contacted them repeatedly & they keep saying, "its fixed"
No... is not...

******

 

A big Happy Mother's Day to all you awesome mom's out there!

I don't know how you all keep it all together

I have a hard enough time taking care of 4 dogs :)

 

Hope Sunday is filled with extra doses of happiness for you!

 

******

 

Season Finales are coming up!

 

I'm so excited (& sad) to see the end of "The Office"

I heard the leak that Michael Scott will be back?

Must See TV

 

Scandal... this honestly is the best show on TV... Who knew the evil dude from Ghost could be so romantic & President-y

(I love making up new words)

 

Nashville ... someone's supposed to die?  As long as its not Deacon or Rayna, I'm good

 

Survivor - FINALE THIS WEEKEND!  This has honestly been one of the best seasons.  Even though I wanted to take Dawn's teeth & throw them back in the mucky water this past Wednesday.  Yes, I'm bitter for Brenda.  But I would really like to see Eddie take it all.  Underdog!  Odds are slim though - so I'll cheer on Cochran.  He definitely has been the secret stealth leader that pink-panty-man wished he was.

 

******

 

So this is the movie I talked about that we watched this weekend?

 

talk about WEIRD

 

it is about a man who takes women & keeps them prisoner's in his basement

 

HELLO!

When the story came out about those poor girls in Cleveland that got free,

Ricky & I were like, "This is just FREAKY"

 

Charles Ramsey- the neighbor

...the new John Cusak!

 

******

 

Hope everyone has a fantastic Friday!

Plugged in...

In this week's blog hop, one of the questions posed to us was "What is one way you plug into God?"

First, I love how that's worded...

Plugged in... that's where you get your energy... where you recharge when you are worn out & can't go on... when you are ready to fade out...

So what do I do?

Well of course, I'm doing this online Bible Study... what a cool way to be involved.  If you have never done one with Proverbs 31 Ministries, you really should think about it on the next one.  http://melissataylor.org/ is the site where we've been 'meeting' & every day, you get an email if you prefer with a devotion, or a thought, or an assignment.  There's a Facebook page where there is constant connection.  There is a Pinterest page that takes points of each chapter & turns into a cute little picture that you can use for your blog, or to print & put in your Bible... which I have done.  I have already made some blog friends through this - amazing women who love Jesus...

the world is so small through the internet

But what else do I do to plug in?

I'm also a big Beth Moore Bible study fan.  I just finished the study on "James" & have two more I just purchased & waiting to start.  I love these because they are so deep & easy enough to do on my own... though I have done them with a Bible study group & is equally amazing.  I'm not just saying that because during those meetings, home made food was always involved :)

I also love the ease of phones.  I have 2 different devotional apps.  One is "Our Daily Bread" - which I can remember my parents getting when I was young.  There was always a book for each month laying around the house.  Now, its right there online.  & even more so, in the palm of your hand.  http://odb.org/

I will also listen to sermons online... Steven Furtick - probably one of my favorites.
You can watch his sermon's on his website: http://elevationchurch.org/
I want to go to Elevation church so badly one day....

But probably one of the biggest things for me is Christian music.  (I accidentally typed "Christmas" music... that made me laugh)
There really is nothing that speaks to my soul like music.

I always say I can't even run unless music is pumping in my head because it goes straight to my heart... even more so with Christian music.

I've been known to run down the street getting my miles in with my hands in the air, praising Jesus with every step.

So I'm thankful for Christian radio stations that speak to my heart all day long... with devotionals even for commericals. 
Wally is the best Christian DJ around!  So glad his radio show is on in the morning... nothing like a Christian dude with a funny sense of humor!
http://www.allwally.com/

Its really been mentioned a lot at our church lately how we need to make sure we know how to feed ourselves.  That if we are coming to church to have someone take a spoon & put it in our mouths, then there's a problem.  We have to be able to know how to pick up the spoon ourselves, have food on it & put it down our own throats... take care of our nutrition...

Believe me - one thing this chubby girl knows how to do... is feed myself :)

& I love feeding myself with the things of God...

it never gets old to me.. it makes me smile to open my Bible daily & see what new things I'm going to learn.

Every day, I find something I didn't know was in the Bible...
Every day, I WANT to find something new...
Every day, I NEED to hear God speaking to my heart

.....recharging me

What do you do to get plugged into God?

Any great preachers or sites that I need to know about?

What's the best Bible Study you've ever done?

Hodgepodge

1. When the children of today grow up, what do you think they'll say about this period in time? What do you most hope they remember?

They'll think it was the best time ever... I mean I think the 80's was the best time ever.  Even if it meant phones with cords, & cassette tapes & neon colors & acid wash jeans!

I hope they remember the carefree attitude of being young... the innocence of it all.  You need that to get through the hard times of life.

Look at me getting deep...


2. National Teacher's Day is celebrated in the US of A on the first Tuesday in May, this year May 7th...share how a particular teacher positively impacted you.

Ms. Miller... I've talked about her before.  I don't even remember what made her so special except she just made us all feel so important.  I especially remember SOBBING having to leave her at the end of my 5th grade year.  I'm talking ugly cry!  Ms. Miller has since became a popular pastor in the area... just shows to me that she had a heart for God even when she was in a room full of 10 yr olds! 

Probably where you need to have a heart for God the most :)


3.  What's a dish your mama made, that if set in front of you today would whisk you right back to childhood?   

Poor Man's Lasagna... that's what it was called.  It was jus a simple pasta dish with meat & tomatoes in it. 

I havent had it in years...

couldnt eat it now since it has meat in it... so I'll stick with the memories


4.  Mother May I was a game we played when I was growing up...no pieces, parts, or plugs required. What games from childhood do you remember loving that were also pieces, parts, and plug-free?

Kick Ball!!!

It was the game of the neighborhood. 

I was blessed with a fun street - kids playing everywhere.  We'd get together & mark the bases & it was ON... like Donkey Kong!  Just some sticks marking a base & a ball... played until the street lights came on.

Do kids even gather like that anymore on the streets for some neighborhood games?


5.  Besides your own mother, tell us about a woman who influenced you as a child?

I'd say my grandmother, Teenie.  Ever since I was little, I mean LITTLE, she made sure I had on jewelry.  Every time I saw her, she would say, "Let me see your jewelry you have on today" & I better have something on.  Even if it was earrings.  But she prefered a necklace AND ring AND bracelet. 

to this day, every morning when I leave, I wonder what pieces of jewelry I'm wearing


6.  Mamma Mia! What's the best play or musical you've ever seen?

Of course you know what I'm going to say - Beauty & the Beast ... I've seen it 5 times on Broadway... & want to see it 5 more...

2nd place - Wicked... I am obsessed with that sound track

But I'm DYING to see Les Miserables in person on Broadway!!!


7.  What are three smells that make you feel nostalgic?

1. Charlie perfume ... makes me think of my mom back in the day
2. Corn - it makes me think of my grandmother's house... I don't know why, but always has
3. Stinking gym bag - makes me think of all the nights going to Karate with my dad


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I'm in total work depression...

they've finally gone & done it - blocked virtually EVERYTHING...

If you dont see me commenting as much, its because I cant get to you, or I can't see what you've posted. 

Sometimes I can read something, but can't comment.

I can't even blog myself anymore at work... I'm actually doing this at home Tuesday evening. 

I feel like someone has cut my arm off.

Hulu, Facebook, YouTube, Blogger... even took away Amazon. 
You mess with my shopping & I'm just sinking into a depression

What kind of work conditions is this?  Its inhumane I'm telling you!

So think of me chained to a desk with cob webs growing around my sad looking face...

For the record, I always left my office every day with every bit of work finished....

Being there 22 years, I feel like I deserve a shimmer of happiness...

apparently not

How it all came together...

So thank you for all your help with your thoughts on teen dating & relationships.

The message came together... Thank you sweet Jesus!

It was nice because the Pastor of our church knew what I was talking about that day & even found me before the class & prayed with me.  That's always an encouragement.

I totally had God on my side so I had nothing to worry about.

I talked about how different dating is today then in the past.

Did you know that in ancient days, men just took women as their wife.  Literally... took them...

& my favorite history fact is in Ancient Spartan, the men would WRESTLE women because they believed physical fitness was the key for a great marriage.

I'm not sure how that works... did you WANT a woman who could whip your butt?
What if the man was like a twig & easily breakable? .... weird...

Even dating not too long ago was different.... I mean, my parents were married when my mom was in high school.  Her girlfriends were either engaged or married as well.  Funny how things change...

Today, dating is just moving way too fast... taking way too seriously... & is just scary...
but who am I?  I'm an old adult who doesn't get it, right?  I'm sure every teenager feels that way.
We all felt that way as a teenager.

I had made 5 points in the lesson

1. Have your parents as your team mates.... trying to reassure the kids that even though it feels like parents just don't understand (there's my 80's DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince shout out... & I just dated myself worse).  But no one wants better for you, other then God, then your parents.  Just have to remind them of that.

2. Enjoy the friendship.... I think its so funny how dating happens without someone even KNOWING the person.  Don't know their favorite color, what makes them happy, what they want to do with their future, don't even know their family.... but they "LOVE" them... The best relationships come from friendships anyways.  Why the rush into dating?  Get to know someone & who they are before even thinking of dating.

3. Check your influences... we let things rub off on us so easily.  If everyone is doing something, then its OK - right?  Well, that's the thinking anymore.  The whole, "if your friends jump off of a bridge" idea.  But guess what?  Kids are jumping off bridges & their friends are following.  We live in a world where a show called "16 & Pregnant" is in its 4th season.  Influences are everywhere.

4.  Start with a Clean Slate ... this is what God is in the business of doing.  I gave an example... didnt they want to give their future spouse a glass of clean, sparkling, pure water?  Everytime they mess up in relationships, date someone else, give a part of themselves away, its like putting dirt in that glass.  Pretty soon, you have a glass full of mud, that gets thicker & thicker... but if they ask God for a new start... he can filter that all out... turning that water back into the clear, pure water that you can offer your future spouse.  But are they willing to stop throwing mud in that glass and ask God for that new start?

5.  JUST WAIT!!!  ... what's wrong with just waiting?  It doesn't mean you are weird, or odd, or something is wrong with you.  It just means you know God has a plan & a purpose.... He calls things to be in an order.  Some things are to be held onto for marriage.
I gave an example of a sky diver.  I can imagine the first time they stand at the edge of the plane, their stomach is in knots, the anticipation is incredible.  But what about those people that do it for a living - those people who tandem jump with others.  They probably jump out of a plane 5 times a day.  It's probably still exciting, but its nothing like that first jump.  The excitement isn't to the level as it is on that first jump.  Anticipation & patience is something that seems to be missing anymore...


So it all came together...& the kids held their attention to me the whole time... & wrote down the advice given...

now, I pray God moves in them... helps them make decisions that will effect their whole future.

Dating as a teenager... whew... glad I don't have to deal with that in today's world...

its tough out there....

Weekend Wrapup

*  My goal for the weekend was to clean my library... that was unsuccessful... weekend fail...

*  Worked on a Senior Collage for a client.  I always love putting together different designs for a client.  I loved that I gave them several options & they picked one & said, "We're 95% we're going with this one, but we 100% loved all of them" - score!

Any reason to use a New Girl clip.... I'll take it!

* Derby Day!  ... what a wash out.  I was so nervous watching every horse race. (& no, I wasn't there - but living a few miles from where the race is at, its TV coverage all day long on local stations)  I'm always afraid they're going to slide & break something - which doesn't work out well for a horse when they break something.

* Do you know they said that it has actually never rained ON the Derby... the race itself... & everyone thought, not this year.  When lo & behold, the skies cleared up just in time for the race - only to bust back through as soon as it was over.  That's weird, isn't it?!

* My aunt & uncle were up from Texas & went to the Derby... & lookie what happened - she made the local newspaper web site for her hat she wore :)  Her daughter actually made it for her.  Pretty cool, huh!

Luckily, she had tickets where she could stay indoors & didn't need to cover it up with all the plastic wrap everyone else has around their hats.

* Got caught up on "The Following" & watched the Season Finale... SHUT UP!!!  I was sitting on the edge of my couch the whole time & when it went off, those last 30 seconds, I was screaming like someone stabbed me in the back!!!!

* Rainy, cold, lazy days calls for grilled cheese sandwiches

* Taught the youth class on dating relationship... whew!  I felt like a 1,000 lbs was off my shoulder after that was over.

* Why do I know I need mascara & eye shadow but every time I walk into Target, I get a total mental block about it... & don't remember until the next morning I'm putting on makeup?

* Movie Night:  The Factory with John Cusack... I don't know why we even chose to watch it.  It was a scary, torture movie, which Ricky hates.  So we spent 90% of it fast forwarding it.  The 1 hour 44 minute long movie ended up being like 35 minutes long.  & we did watch the ending - which was STUPID.  Not every movie is a good one.

* I'm not comfortable with John Cusack cursing like a sailor ... he's still the goofy teenage guy from "Better off Dead" or  "Say Anything" to me... always will be

* We went out for lunch after church.. worst meal ever.  Tumbleweed needs some work.  They're going downhill. The food was cold, the order was wrong, the service was horrible, & we left hungry because neither of us wanted to eat our food.  That's always so disappointing.

* Did you see the new commercial during Once Upon a Time with the Evil Queen in the new Disney Fantasy Land area?  I about died!  All the Beauty & the Beast stuff.  I GOTTA GET TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!  In my Belle dress!!!!!

Friday Fragments - not really

Apparently, no Friday Fragments today...

I did good to just get my computer up today.

SLLLOOOWWWWWWW....

Momma said there'd be days like this.

So instead of frags, I'll just give some quick updates on what's going on

1. I've officially been inducted to the world of chiropractors.  Went 4 times last week & am scheduled for 40 visits on a decompression table.  It is like a traction table where weight pulls my spine down for brief periods of time hoping to have the discs slide back into place...

See that machine at the end?  That's what programs the weight to pull on me
See that belt around my waist?  Yep - that pressure always makes me want to pee
(HEY - that rhymed)

2. It's Oak's Day around here... which means no one is working around town it seems.  Luckily for me, I get off work at 1:00 today!  YAHOOOOO!!  The poor Hubs?  Not so lucky.

3.  I went for my first walk with my back yesterday.  Hills are a doozy & what causes me to want to throw something.  I need flat land, which is funny if you knew where I lived.

4.  I'm still in a tizzy over Scandal last night.... I love that show.  I don't look at Scott Foley & not think of him on Felicity or as Jennifer Garner's first husband.

5.  I'm teaching the youth Sunday about dating relationships.. thanks for all the advice you have shared with me.  I'm still sorta lost.  I have the beginning of the lesson & I have the end - I just don't have the middle to tie them together.  This is when I'm vastly aware that it'll be God working if this all comes together well.

6.  This is my last weekend with no plans until the end of July - so I'm hoping to enjoy it - trying to get my house a tad organized... & plan on making some homemade corn chips.  Exciting times.

7.  Does anyone else dread going to the grocery like I do?

8.  Upside of grocery shopping today?  Half price Frappachino's at Starbucks!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!