Greenwood Hills 75080

WHERE'S THE LIKE BUTTON?

2012-02-11T10:15:00.010-06:00

My pastor asked me to be an administrator on our church's Facebook page. I literally spent all day working on some logos and miscellaneous artwork. And you know what? It wasn't work for me. It was fun! I had forgotten how much I enjoy being creative.

I've sent them to the pastor to pick from but I'm curious: which one would you pick?

{click on the image to enlarge}

Have a great day, y'all!

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE

2012-02-09T00:00:00.002-06:00

I can hardly believe you are turning 12 today! I still remember it like it was yesterday.

Your dad and I agreed on your name almost right away. I didn't know it at the time but the name Anna means grace, favor. How fitting because it has been such a blessing to see His grace and favor on your life. And we thought Leigh flowed well with Anna so we went with it. Leigh means pasture, meadow.

These are the ABCs of you:

Amazing
Beautiful
Creative
Delightful
Eager
Funny
Generous
Happy
Interesting
Jovial
Kind
Loyal
Modest
Nice
Outgoing
Pleasant
Quizzical
Responsible
Smart
Truthful
Unique
Vivacious
Wonderful
eXtraordinary
Yielding
Zealous

And these are just the tip of the iceberg!

Happy birthday, baby girl! We love you!!!

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH

2012-02-08T18:09:00.014-06:00

I ♥

Mr. Clean with Gain smells sooooo good and cleans really well. Take it from the owner of a 150 lb. St. Bernard whose slobber is like industrial strength glue when it's dry, this stuff cuts through dirt and grime. This will be my go-to cleaner from now on.

Pledge Multi Surface wipes work well on just about ever-y-thing.

HOME SWEET HOME

2012-02-05T12:07:00.052-06:00

Just got back from a quick trip to Louisiana. Check out the map. Did you know you can go through Leigh to get to Uncertain {TX}? That's probably only amusing to me. :)

We went to try out a little restaurant off Caddo Lake called Pelican Lodge Catfish Restaurant. Unfortunately, when we got there, it was closed. So, we headed to Shreveport.

We went to Ralph a Kacoo's for lunch. I had some yummy crawfish etouffee and bread pudding.

Afterward we went to the Louisiana Boardwalk. It was a lovely afternoon for a walk.

It's good to be home!

I'M A GOLD PERSONALITY

2012-02-02T11:23:00.023-06:00

It's Day Two of my sabbatical. I took a test to find out what personality type I am. I reason that if I search for a job that's in line with my personality type instead of following a title or money, I won't be miserable.

According to career counselor, Carolyn Kalil, I'm a Gold personality. It's scary how closely the report describes me:

"If you want something done, give it to a Gold. They are dependable and reliable and can be counted on to do what they say and be where they are supposed to be in a timely manner. If they say they will meet you at eight o'clock, they mean eight o'clock sharp - not five after eight. Punctuality is important to them. In fact, arriving early to make sure they are not late is not unusual."

OH. MY. GOSH! That describes me to a T.

She goes on to say:

"Proper behavior and doing things "the right way" gives them much pride. If you don't have strong opinions about right and wrong behavior, you're probably not a primary Gold. It is easier for Golds to do something themselves than to show others how to do it. They may even do a task over after someone else has done it."

That is a scary accurate description of me.

"The comfort of doing things in a familiar way makes Golds accustomed to repeating habitual patterns. This is how they know what is expected of them, what to do and what the results will be each time. They like their world predictable. Save the surprises for the Oranges. To others, this behavior may seem boring, but to a Gold it means stability and security."

This totally explains why I was so miserable in my last job. It was so unpredictable that it literally made me physically sick.

"The opposite of free-spirited Oranges, Golds are more serious by nature. They tend to be perfectionists who pay attention to the smallest detail. If there is a word misspelled on a page or the tiniest spot on a piece of clothing, they will be the first to notice."

HELLO! That's me!

"They also tend to worry a lot. After all, paying attention to all the details and everyone else around them creates anxiety. It is their nature to want to control so that things don't go wrong, but something always does. They try to prevent things from going wrong, yet stay prepared for when things don't go as planned. What may sound like pessimism to everyone else, they call being realistic and sensible."

This is so true. I usually have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C.

It goes on and on and so accurately describes my personality it's eerie. If you're a Gold like me or would like to get more insight into the Gold personality so you can understand them better, let me know and I'll send you the full report.

P.S. I just hit the spell check button and it said "No misspellings found". How Gold is it of me that I found that very satisfying?!

DAY ONE

2012-02-01T09:50:00.006-06:00

I QUIT! I couldn't make it to the end of February. Yesterday was my last day. Today is a new beginning.

{As I type this, the office is calling my cell phone.}

Today is the day I, Leigh Fitzgerald, start to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LEIGH FITZGERALD?

2012-01-25T18:06:00.003-06:00

No, really, I'd like to know 'cause I haven't felt like myself in a long, LONG time. Again, on the way home, the lyrics to Casting Crowns' song, Does Anybody Hear Her, that I've heard a hundred times before, hit me like a ton of bricks:

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

It's VERY hard for me to admit this but I have crashed and burned. I have jumped from one nightmare job right into another in the span of a year. At the outset, they both seemed like such blessings but they have been absolute curses.

This latest job was the straw that broke my back. So, I quit. And then I quit again. And I quit for the third and final time on 1.17.12. I told them I would stay through February but I literally have to take it one day at a time. I. AM. BURNED. OUT.

I'm going to take some time off to get my priorities straight. I don't know what the future holds but I'm praying that this is the turning point to peace and contentment.

I NEED A DO-OVER

2012-01-23T20:09:00.009-06:00

I was listening to the radio on the way home tonight and the song Undo by Rush of Fools was playing. I've heard it time and time again but I guess I had never really paid attention to the lyrics. This song pretty much sums up my heart's cry lately {pause the music in the playlist at the bottom before playing the video}.

I've been here before, now here I am again
Standing at the door, praying
You'll let me back in
To label me a prodigal would be
Only scratching the surface of who I've been known to be

[Chorus] Turn me around pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, need Your help
I can't do this myself
You're the only one who can undo
What I've become

I focused on the score, but I could never win
Trying to ignore, a life of hiding my sin
To label me a hypocrite would be
Only scratching the surface of who I've been known to be

[Chorus] Turn me around pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, need Your help
I can't do this myself
You're the only one who can undo
What I've become

Make every step lead me back to
The sovereign way that You

[Chorus] Turn me around pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, need Your help
I can't do this myself
You're the only one who can undo
What I've become

To quote the old Yiddish proverb, "I made plans and God laughed".

CHA-CHA-CHA-CHANGES

2011-09-17T12:22:00.014-05:00

And not just the blog design. Things have been interesting around here to say the least. More on that later.

I'm really excited about church tomorrow. A gentleman named Clyde Annandale is coming to Bethany Bible Church to perform. He portrays Bible characters to bring Bible stories to life. He has 52 different Bible characters in his repertoire!

Clyde's first performance will be at 9:15 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. We'd love you to join us if you can. Bethany Bible Church is located at 3300 W. Parker Road, Plano, TX 75075.

Have a great evening, y'all!

THINGS DON'T ALWAYS TURN OUT LIKE YOU PLAN

2011-08-28T17:28:00.008-05:00

I've been working on my bathroom remodel for almost four months now. The vision that I started out with isn't quite the reality it's becoming. Nevertheless, I'm happy with the results. Here are the final finishes and fixtures:

1. Crossville Wood Impressions porcelain tile in black walnut for the floor
2. Carrara white marble tile in random pattern for the shower
3. Bel Air 4-light chrome bathroom vanity light
4. Xylem Manhattan 36" bathroom vanity, sink (square), counter
(Carrara marble with square opening) & mirror (lights and faucet not included)
5. Moen 90 Degree widespread sink faucet
6. Moen 90 Degree shower fixtures
7. Cusio one-piece, dual flush toilet (bidet not included)
8. Frameless glass shower enclosure

I have had alot of fun picking the finishes for the bathroom. Not so fun: how long it's taken to finish and being over budget. But, in the end, this bathroom will get plenty of use. I can't wait until this project is finished so I can post pictures of the end results!

PROJECT MOM-AHH RETREAT

2011-05-14T12:41:00.011-05:00

My itty bitty bathroom has been in dire need of remodeling. A couple of weeks ago, I got up early one morning and started swinging a hammer. We're talking down to the studs. Now the hard part begins: putting it all back together.

My favorite part is picking the finishes. Here's what I've picked so far:

Stay tuned for updates...

2010 HAS COME TO AN END

2010-12-31T17:00:00.000-06:00

And I believe 2011 is going to be heaven. My resolution isn't a secret: get out of debt. I hope to be debt-free on everything but the house by the end of September. Yes, being out of debt will be heavenly.

I start my new job with Transwestern on Monday. I'm really excited. I was on vacation this week and Anna and I stopped by to check out my new digs. It will be nice to have my very own office again. And the commute is so much better.

I hope you and yours have a safe and Happy New Year!

BETTER THAN I DESERVE

2010-12-10T07:54:00.007-06:00

I drafted this post on November 18th but put off publishing it for some reason:

With the economy the way it is, the cost of living outpacing the pay increases for the last couple of years and, frankly, overspending or "stupid" spending, things have gotten a little tight. Not unbearable tight but uncomfortable tight. A friend was telling me about going to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes at her church and I had seen and liked his no-nonsense advice on Fox News so I started looking into it.

I heard of Dave Ramsey years ago and even had his Financial Peace book. I thumbed through it a couple of times but, for the most part, it sat collecting dust until I donated it, probably to make room for "stuff". I'd like to think that God caused the book to be delivered into the hands of someone that really needed it and that they are now financially at peace.

Recently, I bought, no, I invested less than $100 in Dave's online Financial Peace University series and it has changed my way of thinking. He's anti-debt and pro-cash: no credit cards, forget about the FICO score, save and pay cash for everything--a concept that our grandparents and prior generations understood but that has gone by the wayside. And now, we and the country as a whole are feeling and paying the price. I, for one, am no longer going to blindly follow the herd that is headed over the edge of the cliff.

It's not going to be easy 'cause I like "stuff". Sacrifices will have to be made, pennies pinched, coupons clipped, etc., but it is possible. I'm going to live like no one else so later I can LIVE like no one else. I want my daughter to go to college and not have to worry about tuition. I want to retire with dignity. I want to be able to help other people. I want financial peace for my family and I will have it!

Fast-forward a couple of weeks. I put together a budget, got my priorities straight and started working the plan. It's been hard and I've stumbled many times but I'm starting to see the fruits already.

I'm a firm believer that, when you get your priorities straight, from a biblical perspective, God honors that. One of the things that I made a top priority was giving at church. It was something that I had not been faithful about doing and it bothered me. Especially when I knew of the struggles my church was going through and, because of my priorities, wasn't able to financially help. So, now, when I get paid, that's the first check I write. The first fruits.

Now, I'm not suggesting that, because I'm tithing, I'm "buying" favor. What I am saying is that, when you get your priorities straight from a biblical perspective, God rewards your faithfulness. It doesn't always happen right away or in the way you expect it but it does happen. It's a biblical certainty. Like the servant in the Parable of the Bags of Gold:

Matthew 25:23 (New International Version, ©2010)
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, if you are still skeptical, allow me to present irrefutable evidence:

Exhibit A. In the midst of getting my financial priorities straight, an opportunity presented itself for me to change jobs. There was no anxiety or stress during the interview process. It has been almost effortless and all of the pieces are falling into place which affirms to me that this is God's plan.

Exhibit B. As a Senior Property Manager, I will be responsible for managing 3.4 million square feet of industrial property. Prior to that, I was a Property Manager responsible for 281,000 square feet of office property.

Exhibit C. When I start my new job, it will be an immediate 18% increase in pay with potential for bonuses.

I don't say all this to boast. I'm so humbled by all of this, it brings tears to my eyes. There are so many cool things that have happened over the past couple of months that have led up to this; some that have roots back to 2004. God is great and I am better than I deserve!

OPEN LETTER TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY

2010-11-03T11:46:00.001-05:00

Congratulations! Now get to work.

I NEVER VOTE FOR ANYONE. I ALWAYS VOTE AGAINST. ~W.C. FIELDS

2010-11-02T07:51:00.007-05:00

The newscasters are amped this morning, like King Kong on cocaine. The political ads are in full force. Local polling places are buzzing. The politicians are biting their perfectly manicured fingernails. It's election day! Time to decide how we're going to try to start to get ourselves out of the fine mess we've gotten ourselves into.

Funny thing is we Americans, scratch that, humans, are deluding ourselves that we have any control over this. Like I said here and here, God is in control:

Daniel 2:21: And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.

2 Chronicles 7:13-15: 13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.

So, when you're voting, don't put your faith in the politician on the ballot. Put your faith in the One who has the power to forgive our sin and heal our land.

If you don't know where to go to vote in Dallas County, he's a handy dandy link:
http://www.dalcoelections.org/voters.asp

Have a great day!

AND THE 5TH GRADE AWARD GOES TO...

2010-10-29T19:33:00.008-05:00

Although we didn't win grand prize, Anna won first place for the 5th grade! They changed up the voting this year to include a fundraising aspect. They placed a cup next to each pumpkin and you voted by dropping spare change into it. The person with the most change won. So, basically, you could buy the award if you wanted to.

The grand prize winner: a pumpkin spray painted black with a Darth Vader mask on it. A little lacking in the creativity department. And the parent(s) must have known how the votes were going to be tallied because their cup was full to overflowing with coins. Oh well...

There was some stiff competition this year. We're gonna have to up our game for next year (her last year). Somthing that requires structural support perhaps: how would you interpret President Obama's ego in pumpkin form?

CONSIDER THIS PUMPKIN PIMPED

2010-10-24T18:51:00.001-05:00

BEFORE:

AFTER:

We'll find out Friday if we've regained our title.

THIS SCHOOL IS MID-CENTURY COOL

2010-10-23T20:20:00.005-05:00

LIKE PENICILLIN ON OLD STINKY CHEESE

2010-10-18T13:16:00.012-05:00

Fox's The Good Guys has grown on me. Sure, it's campy, it's hokey and it's full of stereotypes but, by golly, I like it! The reviews have been mixed so I don't know how long it's going to be around but I'm gonna enjoy it while I can. Not to mention that it's good for the Dallas economy.

{pause the music at the bottom before playing the video.}

If you haven't watched, give it a look and let me know what you think. If nothing else, it's fun to see all the familiar locations they're filming around town. Now, it's time for me to get off my "computer machine" (classic Dan Starkism from season 1). Over and out!

PLAYING HOUSE

2010-10-18T07:52:00.019-05:00

The house in my blog header isn't a real house (gasp!). It's actually a dollhouse made by Brinca Dada called Emerson House. I was visiting their website (again) and noticed that they have some new way cool furniture coming soon. Check this out:

Have I mentioned lately that I heart MCM!

Speaking of toys...I first noticed this watch on Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side. It caught my attention right away and I started looking all over for it. Next thing I know, white watches are all the rage. Anywho, it's made by ToyWatch and I think it's way cool! So, until I can stomach the $295 price tag, I've satisfied my lust with a similar $15 version from Charming Charlie's.

From toy houses that look real to real watches called Toy. How's that for a segue! Have a great day, y'all!

IT'S FAIR TO SAY

2010-10-17T13:23:00.002-05:00

Anna and I had a great time at the fair!
{pause the music at the bottom to hear the music in the video}

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

PUNKIN PIMPIN' CONTEST

2010-10-06T20:21:00.007-05:00

It's that time again! Anna's school is having it's annual Storybook Pumpkin Decorating Contest. She took home the grand prize in 2008 and we took a bye last year. So, it's time to regain the title. We've got a plan so stay tuned for the big reveal.

I NEEDED SOME ZHUZHing

2010-09-25T20:02:00.011-05:00

It's hard to believe that almost a year has past since I was last blogging regularly. And what a year it's been. So, some blog zhuzhing was in order. I think I'm done...for now.

LET'S GET SHELLACed

2010-09-24T19:00:00.000-05:00

No, it's not the new term for getting liquored up. It's the newest trend in nail polish. According to CND's web site: "Shellac is the breakthrough, patent-pending UV3 technology that combines the ease of polish with the permanence of gels."

I was thinking about getting a facial one day so I went on The Spa at II Creeks' website. While I was poking around I saw that they offered a new nail service. The thought of having nail polish last 2 weeks, guaranteed, intrigued me. It's a little more expensive on the front end but, if it works like they said it would, it would be about the same in the end. So I tried it.

Overall, I was pleased. Some words of advice: 1) whoever does your nail needs to be good 'cause you can see every little imperfection and if it's really bad, they have to start the 4-step process all over; 2) the color of the bottle is not necessarily what the color will look like going on; and 3) the lighter the color, the longer you can get away with not getting them redone.

I got SHELLACed at the beginning of September and they're finally starting to look a bit shabby but I got a good 2-1/2 weeks out of 'em. So, this consumer gives SHELLAC two manicured thumbs up.

THE MUCH TALKED ABOUT, HIGHLY ANTICIPATED...

2010-09-24T10:09:00.007-05:00

...Natalie Taylor Dodd made her grand debut into the world on 9.23.10 at 7:16 p.m. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 13 ozs and 20" long. She's healthy and beautiful with head full a lot of wavy dark hair. What a blessing!

MAD ABOUT...

2010-09-23T19:08:00.007-05:00

But not for the reason you're thinking. Sure, Don Draper is dreamy but there's something else that has my undivided attention; something that causes me to become giddy with anticipation around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday nights. It's not the well-written dialogue, the award-winning acting or the intriguing plot lines. It's the Mid-Century Modern set design and costuming. If you asked me what Joan just said to Roger, you would get an oblivious "huh" from me 'cause I'm drooling over the couch they're making out on. And if you ask me why Betty just threw a lamp at Don, I'm more concerned that it's laying in pieces on the ground than how and why it got there.

My name is Leigh Fitzgerald and I am a MCM addict.

I HAVEN'T PLAYED WITH BARBIES IN A LONG TIME BUT...

2010-09-21T20:36:00.004-05:00

I'm adding these to my Christmas list.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2010-09-21T07:17:00.006-05:00

Please pardon my dust while I demo my site and rebuild my MCM dream.

FUN AT THE PARK

2009-09-27T09:38:00.006-05:00

AND THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL/LPGA CHAMP IS...

2009-09-07T13:13:00.016-05:00

{Pause the music at the bottom of the blog before playing the video.}

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES? UH, NOT HERE!

2009-08-24T08:46:00.020-05:00

To say Anna was glad to go back to school would be a gross understatement. She had a hard time getting to sleep and she woke up early this morning, like it was Christmas. Trey and I? Well, our butts were dragging.

Things were a li-ttle crazy at the school this morning. We had to park down the street and around the corner which caused us to run a little behind so I didn't get to take a lot of pictures. But the ones I took make my heart happy. It was so cool to see her friends' reactions when they saw her. It makes it easier to walk away and not worry about how she's doing. If these pictures are any indication, she'll be just fine.

One thing that will make me sad is when she tells me she's too old for pig tales. It has been a first day of school tradition since kindergarten.

SKOOL DAZE

2009-08-23T11:11:00.028-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted. I dabbled with Facebook but I think I prefer the blog. Anywho, Anna goes back to school on the 24th and she wanted to have a "Bak 2 Skool" party. It was so much fun! Here are the highlights:

Jon throwing Ella up in the air

Ella jumping off of the tanning ledge

Ella, the fearless monkey, jumping off of the hot tub...

...over and over and over again

Bud and the bubble machine

Ms. Teri and Anna

Mom, Melissa, Jon & Ella

Anna doing the "tornado" off the hot tub

Dad and Bud

More jumping...

...and throwing...

...and twisting...

...and chatting...

...and chillin'...

...and resting...

...and being goofy...

...and basketball...

...look, it's Kenny Rogers!...

...the Dads/Grandpas...

...hot tub and cigars...

...and more bubbles...

...and power naps...

...power naps to get ready for...

...Guitar Hero Rock Band!

Warm up

She's awake...

...and ready to ROCK!!!

Okay, time to get serious.

Ella had her own microphone

Uncle Jon singing "Lump"

Look at those serious faces!

We had a great time and Anna is ready to go back to school. Hope y'all had a great weekend, too.

I ALMOST FORGOT MY USER NAME AND PASSWORD

2009-07-02T07:12:00.015-05:00

Well, not really but it's been so long since I posted that it could've happened. I haven't had much to blog about. All things are status quo.

Can y'all believe the craziness going on in Washington?! I was thinkin'. There's still the whole "mystery" around whether Obama is a natural born citizen. If he's not a natural born citizen, he's not eligible to be president. That means he shouldn't have been nominated. That means he wouldn't have the authority to pick Joe "say it ain't so" Biden as his Vice Presidential candidate. That means his whole presidency, policies, appointees, laws, etc. are ILLEGAL. The mainstream media isn't concerned with the matter. Where are Woodward and Bernstein? This is bigger than Watergate! This is Pulitzer Prize-winning material. Hello? Anybody? Bueller? Bueller? Why aren't the American people demanding to know?

What's going on is simply, at it's core, evil. Pure, unadulterated, straight up EVIL. Socialized health care, government-run banks, government-run auto companies, government-run insurance and, what might as well be, government-run media. Presidential apology tours with our enemies. We are on a collision course with a one world government, just as God warns us in His Word. I don't think he's the Antichrist but I think he's the appetizer before the main course. Let's pray we just get indigestion and not explosive diarrhea!

WHEN I GO TO HEAVEN...

2009-06-28T14:49:00.001-05:00

...I hope my mansion is a replica of the house in the Alfred Hitchcock directed movie, North by Northwest, starring Cary Grant. This house doesn't really exist, it's a rendering and a pretty impressive rendering at that. I love mid-century modern architecture. And I liked almost everything about the movie: the architecture, the interior design, the clothes, the train, the soundtrack...

Other things I'm looking forward to when I get to Heaven:
5. I'll be reunited with family and friends;
4. no more politics as we know it;
3. no more death, diseases, poverty or war;
2. work will be a joy;

And the number one thing I'm looking forward to in Heaven:
1. there won't be any more Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and/or Extenz commercials. YAY!

"THE TALK"

2009-06-15T20:56:00.001-05:00

As a parent, you always think about the moment when you'll have "the talk". I always thought it would be when Anna was 30ish. Just kidding. But I certainly didn't envision it being at the age of 9. The conversation went something like this:

Me: Anna, you're too young to be watching this show (House).
Anna: Mom, I already know what they're talking about.
Me: WHAT!!!??? Mute the TV. Okay, spill it. What do you mean you know what they're talking about.
Anna: You know. The Latin word for the number six.
Leigh: No, tell me.
Anna: I don't want to say it. It's inappropriate.
Trey: You mean sex. Sex, sex, sex.
Anna: I don't want to talk about it.
Leigh: Anna you can tell us anything. You're not in trouble. We just want to make sure you have the facts.

A few minutes pass with more coaxing and assurances.

Anna (face beet red, eyes watering, speaking at the speed of light but at the volume of just above a whisper): It's when two people...
Trey: MARRIED people!
Anna: ...are in bed naked, hugging and kissing and moving around real fast.
Leigh: That's not exactly everything but we'll talk about it when you're a little older.
Anna: Okay.

So, we didn't have the official chat but this was definitely a spur of the moment dress rehearsal. And oh so hi-lar-i-ous! Anna told me I could post this but she had editorial control. It has her seal of approval.

I needed this comic relief after the conversation I had this morning. I found out I might not have the option to take the severance as I thought. Evidently, that comment was for my co-worker only. My boss said it would be hard for her to convince "them" to give me severance when I will probably be offered a job by the new company. My first though was, "fine, they can interview me but tell them not to offer me a job" but I held my tongue.

Thanks for your prayers and wise comments. They encourage me and help me stay focused. Believe it or not, when I came to work at this company, it was like mom said, not "forced or difficult" and it did "all fall into place". There wasn't a doubt in my mind that this was where I was supposed to be.

Well, it's past my bed time (is the post time so far behind because Blogger is in the Pacific Time Zone?). Sweet dreams, y'all!

AT A CROSSROADS

2009-06-14T09:11:00.001-05:00

I've stopped and started and deleted this entry so many times. Once because it was too whiny. Once because it was too angry. A couple of times I just stared at the blank screen and didn't have the words.

As long as I can remember, I've worked to make money to get things. In elementary school, my friends, Bonnie, Lori and I would mow yards so we could buy candy and whatever fad was cool at the time like jelly shoes and friendship bracelets. In junior high and high school, I worked at The Science Place in the summers as a teacher's aide and I worked in the gift shop and I also had babysitting gigs. What did I do with the money? I bought clothes and makeup...and junk.

In my junior year of high school, I got an internship with a law firm. I started working in the mail room, then worked my way up to receptionist and was backing up the paralegals when they needed help. I was making good money for a high school graduate. More than my friends were making.

And college? I was so sick of high school, I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Anyway, who needs college when you're making $18k a year right out of high school!? Hey, that was a lot of money in 1991! Yeah, go ahead, laugh, 'cause I'm laughing, too. What a bonehead I was. Little did I know, my philosophy would come back to haunt me. Life lessons learned the hard way.

I got off on my own and got a dose of reality pretty quickly. I changed jobs and got laid off shortly thereafter. I almost lost my apartment and things were uncomfortably tight...for quite a while.

Fast forward. 1996, married. Working. 2000, child. Working. 2002, new job. Work, work, work. 2009, at a crossroads.

I found out on Thursday, without a doubt, my job with my current company will end, probably by the end of this year. I will have the option to interview with the company that is chosen to take over the property management. I'll also have the opportunity to "tap out". In other words, I wink at my boss and take a generous severance package. Three weeks of pay for every year I've worked there. 3 x 7 = 21 weeks. A little over five months.

My dilemma: interview with the new company, accept the job and nothing changes except I have a new boss and my paycheck comes from a different place; pocket the severance and get right back in the game with a different company; or, could this be my one and only chance to cash out and pay off debt? I wouldn't be able to quit work altogether but maybe I can do something I actually enjoy on a part-time basis.

It's never really been an option for me not to work. At least, not one that wasn't quickly dismissed as impossible. And, as a working mom, I've wrestled with the guilt of not being able to be there for Anna 100%. I've come to grips with the fact that it is IMPOSSIBLE to work a full-time job and keep the house up in the manner that I would like it to be unless I choose to be an insomniac and, believe you me, no good can come of that. And because of the choices I've made, church attendance suffers because, honestly, I choose to go home on Wednesday nights and covet the weekends for recuperation when, in actuality, it is the one place we should concern ourselves with being more than anywhere else.

I've prayed to God to provide a way for me to be able to be a stay-at-home mom. I know that's the way it should be but I've set up a precedent throughout my life to work for things and this is where it's gotten me. I'm struggling to understand if this is the answer to my prayers and what the right decision is. Please pray for our family as we try to determine God's will for us through all of this. Until then, I'm gonna try to stay focused and work as unto the Lord and go out gracefully, whatever the outcome.

3RD GRADE: A TAKS-ING YEAR

2009-05-29T12:57:00.001-05:00

Anna, being in third grade this year, had to pass the reading and math TAKS tests in order to go to the 4th grade. She got a commended score on the reading portion and we've been waiting to get the results of her math test.

Today, I got a phone call from her teacher and she said Anna was standing next to her. For a moment, I thought maybe something was wrong like she was sick or hurt. Then her teacher started talking abou the TAKS math results and, again, for a moment, I thought maybe there was a problem because I didn't get a phone call when the reading results came in.

I was more concerned about the math portion for her, not because she's bad at math but because she has a tendency to rush and not double-check her work. Well, my concerns were unfounded because, out of 40 questions, this child got 39 right! Commended again, WOO HOO!!!

Anna, your dad and I are so proud of you! You are, as the song playing says, so amazing. You're such a blessing and we love you so much!

CIRCUS ELEPHANT OR VIRGIN MARY GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

2009-05-26T19:15:00.001-05:00

I had my doctor's appointment today. Long story short, I left with no answers. As she puts it, we're on a "fact-finding mission". She wants me to fast for twelve hours and give blood tomorrow. I sure wish they had prepared me for that beforehand so I could have gotten it out of the way today. I mean, HELLLOOO, they knew the reason for my appointment!

She didn't seem very concerned about much. She took my history and gave me some literature on eating better and exercising...stuff I had already been doing. One good thing that did come of the visit is that I learned I've lost six pounds. So tomorrow, it's off to give blood and then to the eye doctor. I've said it before and I'll say it again: getting old sucks!

Before my appointment, I had a scare with a pucker factor of 8. If you are unfamiliar with the term pucker factor, the Urban Dictionary defines it as "a term used to describe the tightness of your sphincter following a close call." That's the G-rated version. Anywho, I needed to go Home Depot to pick up a few things before my doctor's appointment. I grabbed my handy-dandy black leather zippered portfolio that has a notepad in it and all kinds of cool pockets and I made myself a list.

I felt so organized as I walked through HD checking off the items as I dropped them in my basket. I checked out, pushed the cart outside, grabbed my bags and jumped in my car. I even had enough time to do a quick drive-thru car wash, which was also on my to-do list. All-in-all, about ten to fifteen minutes had elapsed from the time I left the HD parking lot until I pulled into the doctor's office parking lot.

As I'm navigating the parking lot, I go to reach for my portfolio which also contains my medical paperwork and that's when it hit me. Gasp! Oh snap! I left it in the shopping cart at HD! The medical paperwork has my personal information on it including my social security number, date of birth, driver's license number. MY ENTIRE IDENTITY.

I pulled into the first parking space I could, ripped the receipt out of my purse and dialed feverishly. The automated message seemed to go on for-ev-er. Finally, I get a person and I tell her what I've done. She puts me on hold and my mind is racing with all of the bad things that could come of this.

"Mrs. Fitzgerald.", says the voice on the other end of the line. "Yes.", I said expecting the worst. "I have it.", said the angel on the other end. I let out a huge sigh of relief. It turns out the angel I was talking to was Cynthia, the same lady that helped me when we were remodeling our kitchen.

Crisis averted, I hope. If I get a bill for a circus elephant or a grilled cheese sandwhich with the Virgin Mary on it from eBay, we'll know that someone copied my info.

MEMORIAL DAY

2009-05-25T07:49:00.001-05:00

THANK YOU.

TAKING FIVE

2009-05-23T08:29:00.001-05:00

IT IS FINALLY OVER!!! My Byron Nelson duties are over for another year. We kept joking, probably more hoping, that with all the changes going on with the company, maybe this would be the last year. We shall see.

Now, I'm on vacation. It's a stay-cation. Not going anywhere or doing anything exciting. I'm gonna clear my head, clean around the house, go to the doctor for my cholesterol issue, get my resume together (as Edna Mode says, "Luck favors the prepared, dah-ling."), read, maybe go to the driving range, stuff goody bags on Wednesday and greet the troops at DFW on Friday.

Hope your week is calm and peaceful.

CERTAINTY IN THE UNCERTAIN - PART DUH

2009-05-20T00:34:00.001-05:00

I know I said I probably wouldn't be blogging much this week but, as Murphy's Law would have it, it's been an eventful week. And we're only two days into it!

Su-prise! Su-prise! Su-prise! The "official" confirmation of the rumors came out today. Well, DUH! No mention of the accidental e-mail. Nope, glossed right over that.

I talked to my boss and, surprisingly, she was...relieved. Relieved that she doesn't have to walk that fine line anymore. There are still specifics she can't talk about but this is a big check mark off the list.

This whole situation reminds me of a recent episode of The Office where the company (Dunder Mifflin) is having a company picnic and Michael and Holly do a skit called Slum-Dunder-Mifflin-aire. During the skit, they announce that the Boston branch is being closed. The problem: the branch hadn't been told yet. Giggle...snort...too funny!

And on that note, I'm going to bed. Sweet dreams!

CERTAINTY IN THE UNCERTAIN, PART DEUX

2009-05-19T07:18:00.001-05:00

Well, the rumors have been confirmed in a not-so-conventional way. That's actually putting it delicately. Remember that post when I hit the send button too soon? It's kinda like that only this person sent a confidential e-mail with a timeline attached to everyone in the company! My stomach is turning vicariously for this person just sitting here thinking about it. I feel so sorry for this person because this timeline contained the entire strategy for the company. This person then sent a "please delete my previous e-mail" e-mail but by then, almost 10 minutes later, it was too late. Seriously, I'm praying for this person because this is bad. Can you say major damage control?

I haven't talked to her yet but I know my boss is livid. I can say that confidently because I've worked with her for almost 7 years. I also know that calling her to grill her about this would be a big mistake. Unfortunately, there are people on our team that will do just that because they have no common sense. I'm praying for her, too.

During this period of uncertainty, my boss has been diligent in communicating what she can to the team while at the same time being responsible to keep this sensitive information confidential until she's been given the green light to tell us. Unfortunately, these same people hold that against her. They feel like the company owes them job security. I do not envy her her job one bit. If I were her, I'd probably get fired for insensitivity because if someone came whining to me about this, I'd be inclined to hand them a diaper and tell them to grow up and quit being a baby. I kid...or do I?

Like I said before, I'm along for the ride and my Father will see us through this storm. I am at peace about it all.

Philippians 4 (New King James Version)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Now, it's time for me to get back to work!

GIT BIZY, CHILD

2009-05-17T14:44:00.001-05:00

It's going to be a busy week. My portfolio manager and his analyst will be in town and I've got to meet with them. We'll be setting up the sky box on Wednesday and hosting tenants and brokers on Thursday and Friday at Byron Nelson. Thankfully, I don't have to work it Saturday and Sunday. When I first took on this gig I thought it was going to be fun but it's a lot of work and being charming takes a lot of effort (LOL). I'm going to try not to sweat the small stuff and enjoy it. Especially now that I understand golf a little more.

I don't know if being on vacation the following week is a good thing or not. Since I'll be out of the office most of this coming week, I have a feeling I'll be getting a lot of calls during my vacation which makes it really hard to disconnect and relax. But, I'm going to try to keep a positive attitude and hope that my co-workers can figure things out on their own. I'll be doing chores around the house and sitting by the pool finishing some books I recently bought like The Revolution A Manifesto by Ron Paul, which has been really good by the way.

Speaking of revolutions and manifestos, it's getting pretty ridiculous in Washington. Christians are increasingly coming under fire and being vilified. It's unfortunate that they don't realize that once the Lord takes us Christians home the Holy Spirit will no longer be here to keep things in check and the Antichrist will be free to rise. People will blindly welcome him with open arms like sheep to the slaughter. Our presence in the world is the only thing keeping him at bay. Until then, we've got to continue to fight the good fight. Remember:

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New King James Version)14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

IF MY PEOPLE...Humble. Pray. Seek. Turn.

THEN I WILL...Hear. Forgive. Heal.

I have a feeling I won't be blogging a lot this coming week so take care and I'll catch up with ya soon. In the meantime, stay classy, y'all!

HAPPY MUDDAH'S DAY, MA!

2009-05-09T20:18:00.001-05:00

Last night, I was giving myself a manicure. Anna was sitting beside me on the couch. At one point, I was filing my nails and, in my peripheral vision, I could see her studying how I did it as she filed her nails, too. It made me smile. Being a mom is the best job in the world.

The fam is getting together for Mother's Day breakfast this morning at Nikki's. All 10 of us squeeze into a corner booth and have a good time cuttin' up. I swear, I don't think the 60+ year old waitresses know what to do when they see us coming.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

THAT'S TEXAS WEATHER FOR YA

2009-05-06T16:16:00.001-05:00

I'm on my way to San Antonio where the weather is sunny, 96 degrees and feels like 103! Tomorrow, it's supposed to be a high of 98. Here in Dallas it's cloudy and 76 degrees. Let's hope the hot weather doesn't follow me back. I'm not ready for this yet.

Adios!

IRONY

2009-05-02T11:42:00.002-05:00

Last Tuesday, I gave blood at a mobile donation center. Now, before you go thinking I'm a hero or anything (that's sarcasm, y'all), I must confess that it was for a totally selfish reason: I wanted my cholesterol checked. You see, I hate needles and I hate going to the doctor. But I haven't been feeling well for quite some time now, like six to nine months, and I thought this was as good a place as any to start and it was convenient.

Fast forward to Friday. I went online to check my cholesterol level and I was shocked. No, I take that back. I was scared. No wonder I have constant ringing in my ears and hear a whooshing sound as my heart beats. Are you ready for this? My cholesterol level is...

2-6-6

For those of you who may not know:

under 200, you're good.
200 - 240, re-check it in a couple of weeks
240 and over, go to the doctor

This is one category in which I can say I'm an overachiever and it's not a good thing! After getting this little nugget of sunshine, I made an appointment with an internist. Stay tuned...

It's ironic that as I'm typing this blog, I just got a phone call and learned that my friend, Charlie Holden, died yesterday. He was 50. He had been complaining of pressure in his chest and went to the doctor. They were awaiting the results. Ironic.

By way of background, Charlie was a big guy with a big bark and an even bigger heart. Charlie, was a little hard to get to know at first but once you get past the gruff exterior, he was a hard working, motorcycle riding, big rig driving, grandkid loving teddy bear. My friend, who would be at work come h-e-double hockey sticks or high water, was, you guessed it, at work, and died of a massive heart attack. I can't type any more.

FOOT + MOUTH = SWEATY PITS

2009-04-29T17:54:00.001-05:00

Today, I put my foot so far in my mouth that when I wiggled my toes, my adam's apple quivered. I can joke about it now, but at the time, I was panic stricken! It went a little something like this...

I have been dealing with a tenant whose business hasn't been doing well. They need rent relief and to down-size. I started this process back in December. December! I would give him a proposal and he would ask for a different option. I would present him the second option and he would go back to option one with different requests. Back and forth, back and forth. Fast forward four months.

I've had it. HAD IT! So, I start drafting one of those "this is what I really think but I'm gonna "Save as Draft", come back later and edit it" e-mails. In the meantime, I get a phone call. Someone walks in my office. I got to the kitchen to get a drink. I go back to my office. I hit send. Oh shizit! I hit send! I DIDN'T MEAN TO HIT SEND!

I AM IN TOTAL PANIC MODE. My face is burning hot. My pits are sweating. My hands are shaking. Nothing left to do but call my boss in Chicago, who was copied on the e-mail by the way, and warn her that she might be getting a call from the tenant and ask her if I should pack up my belongings.

As soon as she answers the phone, I say, "Kim, I've made a monumental mistake. I hit send on an e-mail to the tenant that I shouldn't have." She says, "No. You didn't."

I read the e-mail to her: "Mr. Tenant (name changed to protect the bone-headed), we have been working on this deal since January. I have sent you proposal after proposal and it is time to move on." Her response, "No. No, you didn't. It's okay. Just send a follow-up e-mail. It'll be okay."

I hang up with her and start drafting the e-mail which went like this: "I hit the send button too soon. To further my e-mail, if you want ABC [boring details], you'll need to do XYZ [more boring details] and you have to sign the document today. I'm calling you now."

GULP. Dial. The longest hold of my life. "Hi, Mr. Tenant. Let's get this thing buttoned up!". He has a couple of questions and agrees to the changes. Really? Seriously? Did he get the e-mails? That was too easy.

I call our attorney who, naturally, is also copied on the e-mail because my humiliation wouldn't be complete without all parties being involved. Side note, our attorney is Irish, funny and I love working with her. She answers the phone with a half-disbelieving, half-laughing "Leigh!?" To which I reply, "Pick your jaw up off of the floor. I hit the send button too soon." She kids me about how the e-mail sounds like a girlfriend breaking up with her boyfriend. We have a good laugh, go over the document and she says, "Okay, I'll make the changes and send him the revised execution document. And I'll put 'P.S., it's time to move on at the end.'" Ouch but touche, good one!

So, I call Kim and tell her it's handled. It's 4:20 and she tells me to go home and have a glass of wine and I don't argue. By the way, Oak Leaf Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc is pretty good!

On my way home, I get a call from the receptionist saying that the document has been signed by Mr. Tenant and they are sitting on my desk. Yeah, he better make it snappy if he knows what's good for him! Just kidding. This could have gotten so ugly real fast.

The moral of the story: always vent in MicroSoft Word. And don't tell your husband 'cause he'll say "Let's move on" at every opportunity just to rub it in.

IT HURTS SO GOOD

2009-04-26T09:43:00.001-05:00

I had my second golf lesson yesterday and, when I woke up this morning, I was yelling, SORE! My shoulders. My back. My hips. My word, this is brutal! But it hurts so good.

Later, in the afternoon, I took Anna to her friends birthday party at Main Event. It was so funny being in the background and watching her interact with her two best friends. They would run up to each other and hug. When they were talking, they would use their hands and their expressions were hilarious. I overheard one of the other mom's say that Anna and the birthday girl were so cute in the way they talked to each other. Funny how they could see it, too.

CERTAINTY IN THE UNCERTAIN

2009-04-24T20:28:00.001-05:00

Things have been a little, a-hem, uncertain this week at work. Lot's of big announcements, restructuring, promises that more changes are coming and that, eventually, the company "won't be the same as it is today". Needless to say, the rumors and gossip are rampant and I'm trying my best to stay focused and not worry about anything.

I'm surprisingly calm considering. I know God is in control. If my time at the company ends, it's because He's got something better out there for me. Honestly, I'm kinda excited about the thought of a change.

I've been at this company for six and a half years and the past couple have been very demanding. My work/life balance has suffered as my career has advanced. I have a hard time disconnecting from work when I get home. I've developed some unhealthy habits like not eating breakfast and lunch which has my metabolism all jacked up and you couldn't tell by looking at me because it doesn't look like I've missed a single morsel.

As I'm re-reading this, I'm thinking I'd be crazy not to welcome a change. So, until the unknown becomes made known to me, this will be my go-to scripture:

Philippians 4 (New King James Version)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Thank you, Father, for Your Holy Spirit who brought these verses to the forefront of my mind. Thank you for a peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

PEEK-A-BOO

2009-04-22T19:35:00.001-05:00

I got an e-mail this morning with this article attached and I was so relieved. Let me explain.

For the past few days, I thought I was being paranoid. I noticed a small red dot appear on the East Coast on my cluster map. The next day or so, it got bigger. Then, it occurred to me that it was in the area of Virginia/Washington D.C. My mind started racing. I have family and friends in Texas and North Carolina so unless Big Red Dot found me through family members' or friends' blogs or by happenstance, which is possible, I think I've been discovered by the Men In Black.

Paranoid? Maybe. Maybe not. It's unfortunate that this thought has even entered my mind. So, with that said, if you're a blogger friend on the East Coast, leave me a comment. If not, this is for you: I see you seeing me.

THE TWIGHLIGHT ZONE

2009-04-19T09:54:00.001-05:00

I've tried. I've tried really, re-heh-heal-ly hard not to post about politics for the past few days. But ev-er-y time I turn on the news or look at a news website, this administration makes it so darn hard to keep my thoughts to myself. Chavez/Venezuela, Castro/Cuba, right-wing extremists being labeled as those who are pro-life and pro-immigration reform...I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I don't have a firm grasp on the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of The United States of America. When I was surfing Ron Paul's website, I noticed that they sold pocket copies so I bought some. I have five extra copies. If you'd like a copy leave me a comment and I'll be happy to send you one free of charge. There is information about Ron Paul and his Campaign for Liberty included in the booklet. At this point, I'm not endorsing or opposing his campaign.

Anywho, the fam is getting together this afternoon for the April birthdays (dad (4.1), Jon (4.13) and Melissa (4.30)) at what has become our go-to restaurant, On The Border, or, as we like to call it, OTB. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and getting in some much-needed laughs.

Hope you're enjoying your Sunday!

THE NINETEENTH HOLE

2009-04-18T11:08:00.001-05:00

I took my first golf lesson today. It's not that I like golf, per se. Commercial real estate is largely a golf-loving industry so a lot of the functions are golf tournaments. I usually have to coordinate and/or work these golf tournaments. I'd like to be able to play and network. Plus, I figured it's a good excuse to get outside and get some less-strenuous exercise. Or so I thought.

It's not as easy as it looks. Today's lesson was about grip, posture and swing. There are so many things to remember and I so wanna be able to do this yesterday. But, it looks like I'm gonna have to practice, practice, practice. And I definitely need to stretch some muscles out that I haven't used in a while, if ever.

If I can get past the initial embarrassment of looking like a complete hacker, I think I'm gonna like it. But, if I can't get the "swing" of things, you can find me at the nineteenth hole.

MY APOLOGIES

2009-04-15T08:42:00.001-05:00

I apologize for the delivery, but not for my determination.
I apologize for the coothlessness, but not not for my conviction.
I apologize for my quick temper, but not for my tenacity.
I apologize for the risque nature of the message, but not for the point of the message itself.

My conscience was bothering me...no, more like, I was convicted by the Holy Spirit, for the brashness of my message. I think my effectiveness and credibility as a witness for the Lord is tainted by the use of such worldly terms. What can I say, I still carry the burden of my old sin nature even though I am saved by the grace of God. So, I turn to my good friend, 1 John 1:9:

1 John 1:9 (New King James Version)
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I confess and I move on. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

Then, this verse "popped" into my head:

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New King James Version)
14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

IF MY PEOPLE...Humble. Pray. Seek. Turn.

THEN I WILL...Hear. Forgive. Heal.

Like I've said before, protests and rallies are great but if you're not looking to the Father for the answers, if you're looking to mankind to get us out of this mess, you're in for some more disappointments and discomfort. I have to keep reminding myself that even though things seem to be spiraling out of control, God is in total control. But, if we want to see things get better, the ball is in our court. Pray. Seek. Turn.

YOU ONLY GET SCREWED WHEN YOU GET INTO POSITION - UPDATED

2009-04-14T22:22:00.001-05:00

And I'm tired of not getting so much as a kiss from the tax man. So, tomorrow, I'm gonna take half a day off and make my feelings known about said assault on my wallet.

Well, I almost didn't make it. I found out this morning that the event was only an hour long, starting at noon. I didn't get off until noon so I flew from work and got there about 12:45. I almost didn't go but I am so glad I did.

There was still a good crowd and the cars driving by were honking and whoopin' and hollerin'. It was great! The police made everyone keep moving (no standing still) so it's hard to see from these pictures how big the crowd was.

It was a friendly, positive, peaceful protest. Not a counter-protester to be seen or heard from. I think they underestimate us. If they're not already, they'll soon be lamenting, as Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto did in Tora! Tora! Tora! when he said, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."

After the rally, I came home and paid my taxes. Freedom isn't free.

HE IS RISEN!

2009-04-12T10:16:00.001-05:00

It's not about bunnies, eggs and candy. These are distractions (pagan in origin) from the true meaning of Easter: Jesus died so we could live and he rose again to prove it was a finished work and that he had conquered the grave, death and hell.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (New King James Version)
15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Because He Lives
1. God sent His Son - they called Him Jesus, He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Chorus: Because He lives I can face tomorrow, Because He lives all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living just because He lives.
2. How sweet to hold a newborn baby And feel the pride and joy he gives; But greater still the calm assurance: This child can face uncertain days because Christ lives.
(Chorus)
3. And then one day I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with pain; And then, as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory - and I'll know He lives.

Happy Easter, y'all!

THE LAND DOWN UNDER AND ONE NATION UNDER GOD

2009-04-11T10:21:00.002-05:00

I've always wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand. I think it's because the people are a lot like Texans. They're friendly and loyal. Hard-working yet laid back. And they're patriotic and don't back down from a fight. All of the Aussie & Kiwi ex-pats I've met are very genuine and easy-going. So, in my recent disgust of the current administration I actually looked into applying for Australian residency. And I qualify! I thought about it for all of thirty seconds, came out of the fog and closed the web page. As much as I hate what's going on right now, I love America more. God willing, I will go to Australia and New Zealand some day but it will be as a tourist and not as a refugee.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

Side note: Trey just walked in from getting breakfast at Jack In The Box. I could tell something was wrong. He was traumatized by the experience. He ordered five breakfast Jacks, four sausage taquitos and two coffees. He got four breakfast Jacks, a mini-sirloin burger (burned), tea and a coffee. Problem: they didn't speak English so the order was, well, all "Jack-ed" up.

Edmund Burke said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.". Conversely, all that is necessary for the triumph of good is that good men do something but that "something" is futile if they aren't looking to God the Father for guidance. So, first and foremost, I continue to pray. In addition to praying, I've been checking out different politicians to rally behind for the 2012 election (I can't believe I'm already talking about the next election when he hasn't even been in office 100 days!). Ron Paul's campaign is looking pretty good to me right now. And I'm seriously considering taking time off from work to attend the Tea Party protest at Richardson City Hall on 4.15.09.

Father, please help us! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE

2009-03-29T09:16:00.001-05:00

First, you'll need to pause the music in the left sidebar if you want to listen to this video. Secondly, there are some expletives so if you have little ears around, you might want to wait or use earphones before playing this.

I have never seen this movie before but this clip pretty much sums up how I've felt lately. It is as relevant today, if not more so, than is was in 1976. What am I gonna do about it? First I'm gonna pray. Pray hard.

Father, as a nation, we have turned our backs on You and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Like the generations immediately following the great events in the Bible (Israel's exodus from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the flood, the crucifixion, etc.), we forget all too quickly that You are our rock and our salvation. And like those generations, we come to realize that, left to our own devices, we can't survive without your protection and guidance.

In 226 years, we have gone from a God-fearing country founded on Bible doctrine to wicked, idol-worshipping, politically-correct sheep being led by our noses over the edge of the cliff by our career politicians. If it's not too late, Father, please raise up God-fearing leaders that are unafraid and unapologetic in their defense of our country and move our wills to respond to those leaders. If it's not too late, please restore us to a place of blessing and an example to the world of Your grace and mercy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Next, well, I don't know what's next but I do know one thing for sure: I'm not going to drink the KoolAid that Barackingham Palace is serving. Wake up, America! We're circling the drain and there's only one Answer.

OBAMA LAMA DING DONG

2009-03-24T19:27:00.001-05:00

DISCLAIMER: As with all of my political musings, if you disagree, please, kindly agree to disagree and leave it at that. Don't leave me nasty comments.

I'm sitting with a glass of white wine making myself watch our P- P- President (ouch, that hurt). Trey can attest to the fact that I'm not a big drinker but after the day at work I had today and listening to such an smug, arrogant, condescending, watch-me-walk-on-water-conceited liberal, it is a need, not a want. WARNING: I might be particularly saucy (attitude-wise, not intoxication-wise).

It occurs to me that the administration is trying everything in their power to turn the economy around. Everything, that is, EXCEPT humbling themselves and looking up. So, Mr. President, here's my social action contribution o' the day / full-proof economic stimulus plan:

Psalm 121
1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Oh, but wait! That's politically incorrect! Any mention of God or the Lord offends the atheists. Israel is a pariah so any reference to her is not cool to all of the Anti-Semites of all varieties. The hard-core environ-mental-ists are more interested in worshiping the created instead of the Creator. See, it's all of these people that believe in him:

But, I believe in Him:

If you're a Bible-believing Christian, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. And you know we're in for, pardon the colloquialism, one helluva show. During these turbulent times and until His return, which I can't imagine is too far away, I pray that you and your families are protected and spared any discomfort through this storm.

A-TISKET, A TAKS-KET

2009-03-24T18:55:00.001-05:00

What's a tisket? And for that matter, what the heck is a tasket? I don't know but what I do know is:

ANNA PASSED THE READING PORTION OF THE TAKS TEST WITH FLYING COLORS!!!

To give you some perspective, the standard score is 2100. The commended score is 2400. ANNA GOT A 2502 out of a possible 2630!

Way to go, baby girl! I knew you could do it!

A NIGHT OF FIRSTS

2009-03-20T21:53:00.001-05:00

Well, it was a little em-bra-rassing (giggle, snort) for her but...mission accomplished!

Then, it was off to a little sushi joint in Richardson called Masami (SEC of Beltline & I-75) for dinner. The food is re-heh-heal-ly good. Sorry in advance for the quality of the pictures. The walls in this place are painted orange and the ceiling is black so they cast this weird dark orange-y hue when taking pictures with my cell phone camera which isn't all that great to begin with.

Anna ate edamame for the first time. She wasn't real sure about it at first.

But once she figured out how to eat it, she loved it.

She's a pro at the chopsticks.

Then, after two California rolls and one Masami roll, we both experienced the deliciousness of tempura (fried) cheesecake for the first time.

Needless to say, we ate way too much and left miserable and happy at the same time.

Don't worry, I got ALF's permission before printing the hint above. And guess what. She didn't die of embarrassment!

A GIRLY MILESTONE

2009-03-20T12:51:00.001-05:00

We're hitting a girly milestone today. I can't tell you what it is because if I do Anna would, and I quote, "die of embarrassment". Anywho, we're going to make a girls night of it topped off by sushi!

Trey, if you're reading this, stop crying. Now stop laughing.

Pray for Trey. He's in uncharted waters.

FOR A GOOD CLEAN FEELING NO MATTER WHAT

2009-03-18T20:05:00.002-05:00

Some mindless humor.

Now, I'll Orbit a conversation I had at work today.

Hi, M. It's Leigh. Hey, J needs R's bid for his file. Okay, call me back.

Hi, M. What do you mean $22,000. He gave us a verbal of $18,000. What the french, toast! You tell that son of a bisquit eating bulldog that we agreed to $18,000 and that's what we'll pay. Call me back.

Hi, M. Hey, while you're waiting on that doo doo head cootie queen to call you back, we're going to get some other vendors out here to give us a bid. Okay, call me back when you hear from that lint licker.

Hi, M. What's that? R said he could do it for $18,000? Pickle you, cumquat! If he's the low bidder, MAYBE we'll let him do the job. I'll let you know what we decide.

And scene.

YOU KNOW YOU'RE GETTING OLD WHEN...

2009-03-12T08:40:00.002-05:00

...the "oldies" radio station is playing music that you listened to when you were young. Yes, that's right. I'm listening to 98.7 KLUV and they are playing "Africa" by Toto. I'm humming and singing softly along ('cause I'm at work) and then it hits me: this is on the oldies station! What the french, toast!

I've been M-I-A for a while and it looks like I've missed some stuff. Couple of shout-outs:

CONGRATS to Kristin and Gerard on the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Isabella Grace Hefferon. We can't wait to see/meet y'all!

CONGRATS to Lindsey and Kyle on the news of their new addition. What a beautiful family!

Evidently, my last post was a month ago. I might blog about what's been going on later. Right now, it's too soon. I don't think I've ever been so...I don't even know what word(s) to use...as I've been the past few weeks and anything I would have posted would have been a ranting, bitter, hateful mess. I'm not real proud of myself right now. I'm struggling. Please pray for me.

THE NURSE, THE NEEDLE & THE LEFT BUTT CHEEK

2009-02-07T09:03:00.001-06:00

It seems like every year, right before Anna's birthday, she gets sick. So why should this year be any different?

When I picked her up from daycare Thursday night I knew something really had to be wrong because she didn't want anything from Subway. Not even soup! We get home and she has a temp of 101.4. Five Children's Tylenol later, the fever started coming down. Not gone but down.

Fast forward to Friday morning. Still feverish and throat hurts. Usually, I would have tried to treat her with over-the-counter meds at home but all I kept thinking about was the news reports of flu and strep throat going around. I didn't want to take any chances so I did a quick web check-in and, CareNow, here we come.

The place was packed. Mind you, it was 8:00 a.m. in the morning. They had just opened and there was a line almost out the door. People were hacking and coughing and generally miserable looking as they waited in the lobby to be seen. We were called back pretty quickly.

Dontcha love how the nurse sees you right away and then it takes the doctor 45 minute to an hour to get to you. Anywho, the doc finally came in, spent about 10 minutes with us and came back with the diagnosis. Yeah, this year, the pre-birthday culprit is strep throat.

I suspected it was strep so I had already prepared Anna for the possibility of a shot. I told her she would probably have a choice between medicine and a shot and, although medicine is less painful, a shot would make her feel better faster. To my surprise, she chose the shot. I was really impressed with her because, when I was her age, birthday or no birthday, I would have suffered until the medicine kicked in. I hate needles. HATE THEM!

About 20 torturous, anticipatory, anxiety-ridden, minutes later, the nurse walks in with the syringe. Anna assumed the position and I'm holding her hand, looking at her face 'cause I don't want to see the needle. She winced as the needle went in but then she started crying, hard, about the medicine hurting. So, I look over to see a syringe FULL of white, glue-like looking medicine, S-L-O-W-L-Y being pushed into her left butt cheek. The medicine, in the nurse's words, is "thicker than yogurt", something not disclosed to either of us beforehand.

Fast forward again to this morning. Anna woke me up to tell me her throat doesn't hurt anymore but her butt cheek does (yep, there's a bruise there). Was it worth it? I think so. But, if her birthday wasn't on Monday, I probably would have opted for the medicine.

If y'all have managed to stay well, keep washing those hands, drinking lots of fluids and taking your Vitamin C. And if you catch this crud, I hope this helps prepare you for what's to come.

COUNTDOWN TO ANNA'S NINTH BIRTHDAY

2009-02-01T20:13:00.002-06:00

Continued from 1.29.09...

10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ANNA

No. 7: I love your sense of humor.

You love to laugh and make people laugh. I love being silly with you. I love picking you up from daycare and hearing the new jokes you've learned from Ms. Teri:

Anna: Knock, knock.
Leigh: Who's there?
Anna: Panther.
Leigh: Panther who?
Anna: Panth er no panth, I'm going thwimmin'!

You crack me up!

No. 6: I love your big brown eyes and long eyelashes.

You have the prettiest, biggest brown eyes. They are kind eyes. Those eyes are gonna see alot of things in this lifetime. Some wonderful and some not so great. The important thing is not to let those not so great things make you lose the sparkle in those beautiful peepers.

No. 5: I love listening to you sing.

Whether it's when you're listening to your MP3 player or playing Guitar Hero Rock Band, I love listening to you sing. You get so into it.

To be continued...

CONFESSIONS OF AN OVERAMBITIOUS, OVERREACTING, ANALLY RETENTIVE, HABITUAL PROCRASTINATOR

2009-02-01T18:56:00.002-06:00

I'm exhausted. EXHAUSTED I tell you! After my post yesterday, I went to two Wolf Cameras (both closed just as I was pulling up), Hobby Lobby, CVS & Target. I found absolutely nothing I needed. I came home defeated, deflated, dejected, disgusted and determined. I did some more research and found a different kind of pinhole camera. I went to bed with a new supply list.

This morning, I woke up on a mission. I went to Michael's, Container Store, JoAnn's and back to Wolf Camera. I got everything I needed. It was noon and I could feel that familiar pang of anxiety, that flush feeling that starts at the top of your head and works its way down to your toes, as I realized I was losing daylight and we still had to assemble the project, take the pictures and get them developed.

I get home and we go about the business of assembling the camera. Somehow, we got on the subject of having to take the camera to school tomorrow when Anna chimes in that she doesn't have to take it to school tomorrow. I was dumbfounded and it came out in the form of, "Anna, don't tell me you don't have to take this tomorrow. Do not even tell me that I've been running all over creation trying to finish this and you don't have to take it tomorrow!". Her eyes were as big as dinner plates and she started to get upset. I told her not to get upset because even though I have been running around like a crazy person, this is what I get for not re-reading the instructions and waiting 'til the last minute, or what I thought was the last minute.

So, in the spirit of my new resolution not to procrastinate, we finished the camera, we loaded it with film in complete darkness and we took some pictures. By the time all was said and done, it was 5:54 p.m.

I did and I didn't want to get the pictures developed. The thought of getting in the car again didn't thrill me but my curiousity was peaked. I called CVS...closed. I call Wal-Mart...printer broken. I called Target...open 'til 8:00 p.m. Oh, what the heck! I can get stuff for lunch for the week while I'm waiting for the one-hour processing. So, I'm off...again.

After over an hour at Target due to details I won't bore you with, I go back to the photo center counter to see the fruits of our labor. The fruits were, how shall I say, not appetizing. They were out of focus, fuzzy and some downright unrecognizable. However, THE LITTLE CAMERA TOOK PICTURES! WE DID IT!!! There's a picture of Bud that we're going to use because you can actually make out a dog.

So, now all that's left is putting it in report form. We've got some time. JUST KIDDING! I've learned my lesson.

CONFESSIONS OF AN OVERAMBITIOUS, ANALLY RETENTIVE, HABITUAL PROCRASTINATOR

2009-01-31T10:14:00.001-06:00

Anna's science project is due on Monday. Did you hear me? MONDAY!!! Have we started? Uh, NOOOO! We have an idea: make a pinhole camera. Not such a big deal but when I heard some of the other kids projects, I thought to myself, "Leigh, you've done it again. You've bitten off more than you needed to chew AND you've waited until the last minute.". A couple of the projects are: which computer font is easier to read; and which soda makes you burp the most. Really...seriously? Why couldn't we have done something simple like that?

I do this to myself all the time. I get these grandiose ideas. Maybe it's my penchant for the thea-tuh and all things theatrical. And then, I'm so anal about the way I want it done, I can't let anyone else help (which is a problem because it's Anna's science project). And then, I wait 'til the last minute to produce. I tell myself it's because I do well under pressure. As Miss Scarlet says, "After all...tomorrow is another day." so why do today what you can put off 'til tomorrow, right? But I always find myself asking "why did you do this?". I think I need to adopt a new saying: Today is yesterday's tomorrow.

The reason I'm freakin' out is because the film isn't that easy to find and it's SATURDAY!!! Did I mention the project is due on Monday? I'll be visiting Film Depot today to see if they have the film I need. Er, um, I mean the film Anna needs.

Hopefully, we'll be able to pull this off, once again, and I'll really, really, reeeeallly learn my lesson this time. And maybe we'll have some cool pinhole camera pics to post on the blog. Wish me, I mean us, luck...

COUNTDOWN TO ANNA'S NINTH BIRTHDAY

2009-01-29T17:48:00.001-06:00

Continued from yesterday:

10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ANNA

No. 8: I love your personality.

You are a happy, outgoing, honest, funny, caring, polite, etc., etc., etc., young lady. I am amazed when I see you interact with people of all ages. There's something about you, kiddo. I hear it from people all the time. You've got something special and they sense it. I shake my head in amazement and awe of you sometimes. And then I look up and humbly thank God. I know He has something very special in mind for you 'cause you're just too good to be true.

To be continued...

COUNTDOWN TO ANNA'S NINTH BIRTHDAY

2009-01-28T19:04:00.001-06:00

Continued from yesterday:

10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ANNA

No. 9: I love having conversations with you.

When we have conversations, you actually listen, participate in the discussion and ask questions. There are some adults I interact with that I can't say that about. I hope this never changes. Please know that you can always talk to me. About anything. N-E-THING. We might have differing opinions, we might get upset or be disappointed with each other but know that I will always be here for you.

To be continued...

COUNTDOWN TO ANNA'S NINTH BIRTHDAY

2009-01-28T06:21:00.001-06:00

On these ten days leading up to her birthday, I thought I'd do a Top 10 list. So, in no particular order, here are the

10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ANNA

No. 10: I love watching you at church.

I love the way you are excited about going to church. The way you follow along in the hymnal, the overheads, the announcements and in your Bible. While other kids your age are coloring and wiggling and giggling, you are really paying attention. I love the way you want to find the books, chapters and verses on your own. And, although you don't always completely understand what the message is about (Ezekiel is a hard one for me to grasp, too), you are listening and asking questions. I LOVE THAT ABOUT YOU!

As you get older, you might...strike that...you WILL feel the temptation to make other things a priority. I understand. I've been there. But nothing, NUH-THING, is more important than your relationship with Him.

To be continued...

WOO HOO, IT'S FRIDAY!

2009-01-23T16:36:00.001-06:00

Yes, I'm alive. And, IT'S FRIDAY!!! WOO HOO!!! I can't wait to do absolutely nothing this weekend.

B-DAY HOLLA OUT TO CAROL

2009-01-13T09:42:00.001-06:00

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday dear Carol!
Happy birthday to you!

Any many happy returns!!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

THIS IS SERIOUS

2009-01-09T21:50:00.001-06:00

First, let me start by saying that, if you disagree with this post, DO NOT leave a snarky comment. We'll just have to agree to disagree. With that being said, Israel is on my heart and mind right now. What it must be like to have to literally fight for your very national existence. If Mexico was launching rockets into Texas, I guarantee we wouldn't hesitate to defend ourselves. Why on Earth shouldn't Israel be allowed to protect it's people, too?

And I'm VERY disappointed in the current administration's position at the U.N. Security Council resolution vote. According to an article on FoxNews.com:

"The United States abstained from the Security Council vote even though it helped hammer out the resolution's text along with Arab nations that have ties to Hamas and the Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied territories. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the U.S. "fully supports" the resolution but abstained "to see the outcomes of the Egyptian mediation " with Israel and Hamas, also aimed at achieving a cease-fire."

Condi, lemme tell you what's gonna happen today, tomorrow and 'til Jesus comes back, which, in this blogger's opionion, can't be too far away. The parties will agree to a cease-fire and Hamas (and Hamas-type radicals) will break it with the ultimate goal of wiping Israel off the map.

God told Abraham in Genesis 12:3: "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse;". I chose to be with the former and not the latter.

ANALLY RETENTIVE

2009-01-05T14:59:00.001-06:00

It's driving me CA-RAZY that I spelled "weird" wrong on my blog poll and I can't change it!

BE HONEST, I CAN TAKE IT

2009-01-05T08:54:00.001-06:00

Do some of the fonts look funny when you are looking at my blog? I'm using a font called "The Incredibles" and I think if you don't have it on your computer, it will look odd to you.

Thanks for your help and feedback!

CATCHING UP

2009-01-03T12:16:00.001-06:00

It just occurred to me that I never acknowledged the award Hollie (a/k/a Drama Mama) bestowed on me back in November:

Now, I have to:
1. Make sure I include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them upon my post of receiving this award. Check!
2. Post my five winners and make sure I link to them as well. Check!
3. Don't forget to let my winners know they won an award from me by emailing them or leaving a comment on their blog. Check!
4. List 5 of your favorite things. Check! Mine are:
#5. blogging;
#4. mid-century modern architecture and design;
#3. home improvement;
#2. friends; and my number one favorite thing is...
#1. family

5. Pass this blog award on to 5 fabulous blogs I love to read. Check! They are:

1. Hollie Anderson (a/k/a Drama Mama) the woman who got me hooked on bloggin';

2. Melissa Dodd (a/k/a How We Got Here...Where Are We Again?) this is crazy Aunt 'lissa;

3. Ann Griffith (a/k/a Griffith Family Life) found Ann through Hollie's blog & enjoy keeping up with her family;

4. Kristin Farr (a/k/a Drama Mama 2 B) this is my cuz Kristin; and

5. Amy Walker (a/k/a Chapters) don't know Amy (again, found her through Hollie's blog) but love her writing style.

Have a wonderful day!

RANDOM THOUGHTS ON NEW YEARS EVE

2008-12-31T17:49:00.001-06:00

Father, thank you for our many blessings: Your grace; Jesus; the Holy Spirit; Your Word; our lives; our church; our family; our friends; our liberty; America; our jobs; our home; our food; our clothes; our transportation; our health; our toys; our everything!

HA-UGE debt of gratitude to all the soldiers, past, present and future, for making it possible to celebrate in the land of the free (at least it is for now) and the home of the brave. They fight so we don't have to and so we can enjoy nights like tonight.

I need a New Year's resolution.

Mmm mmm, I can't wait to eat some black-eyed peas!

Is it a faux pas to drink mimosas before the ball drops since it has champagne in it? Oh, who cares!

I hope I can stay awake until midnight.

I hope if you're going out, you get home safely. It goes without saying but don't drink & drive. Designate a driver. I'm getting off my soapbox now.

It's already 2009 in some parts of the world like Tokyo, Australia and Europe.

Dick Clark is gonna co-host again? Seriously?! I think it's actually a robot.

2008 WAS GREAT BUT 2009'S GONNA BE DE-VINE!

ALL WORK & NO PLAY MAKES LEIGH A DULL GIRL ALL WORK & NO PLAY MAKES LEIGH A DULL GIRL ALL WORK & NO PLAY MAKES LEIGH A DULL GIRL ALL WORK & NO PLAY...

2008-12-29T12:33:00.001-06:00

I, mama bear, am slowly coming out of my sabblogical hibernation. I think the very first thing a bear does after emerging from it's den is eat. So, I thought, what better way to ease back in than to post a yummy black-eyed pea recipe.

I can't take the credit. I got it off of Paula Deen's website. If you've heard of Paula Deen, you probably know her recipes aren't real, well, health-conscious. So, don't be surprised when you see "saute onion in bacon drippings until tender" in the directions. Besides, everybody knows calories don't count on New Year's Day and, even if they did, you're gonna work them off as part of your resolution to lose weight in 2009, right? Yeah...riiight. Enjoy y'all!

Ingredients:
4 slices bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package dried black-eyed peas, washed
1 (12 ounce) package diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup water

Directions:
In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, crumble and set aside to use as a topping for peas. Saute onion in bacon drippings until tender. Add peas, diced tomatoes and green chilies, salt, chili powder, pepper and water. Cook, covered, over medium heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until peas are tender. Add additional water if necessary.

Yields 8 servings

And don't forget the Chow Chow relish! If you have any tasty black-eyed pea recipes, please feel free to post.

Mama bear out!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GEE-GAMMA!

2008-12-28T18:29:00.002-06:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR MOM-EEE!

2008-12-28T10:06:00.001-06:00

http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=EG1987961032423M8497375Y&product_id=

I'M TAKING A SABBLOGICAL

2008-12-09T07:23:00.002-06:00

Yes, another cheesey blog title. What can I say.

I've come to the realization that I CAN'T do it all so something's gotta give. As much as I love bloggin', it's gotta take a back seat for now. So, I'm going to take a sabbatical from bloggin' until after the first of the year.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

PSYCHO-BLOG-ICAL THERAPY

2008-12-05T07:14:00.001-06:00

Whew, what a week! Like my title? I was pretty pleased with myself. I need some psycho-blog-ical therapy but I honestly am having a hard time stringing a few intelligible words together. Just wanted to let everyone know I'm still alive.

Hope you're staying warm and toasty! A hot cup of cocoa sounds real good right now.

RECOUPERATING

2008-11-28T19:30:00.002-06:00

What did the Fitzgeralds do after a day of giving thanks? We came home, finished watching The Incredibles on NBC and then we played Guitar Hero Rock Band until the wee hours of this morning. Yep, they finally talked me into playing. Anna pooted out on us around 11:00 p.m. and Trey and I played until around 1:30 a.m. So, needless to say, the recouping continues...

We watched a few movies today: Breach (movie about espianage starring Ryan Phillipe), The Break Up (comedy with Vince Vaughan & Jennifer Anniston about, you guessed it, breaking up) and Fred Clause (comedy with Vince Vaughan playing Santa's brother, Fred). All three were pretty good.

Now, we're watching seven new episodes of Spongebob Squarepants. I know what you're probably thinking. You're probably thinking I'm a saint for watching it. Well, I'm actually a fan. Even Bud was chillaxin' while we got our SBSP on.

Flashback! Remember The Banana Splits Adventure Hour and all the cartoons that ran before, during and after the show? Like the Wacky Races, Super Friends and The Perils of Penelope Pitstop? Mom, if you're reading this, you're either cringing or laughing right now. I know you really liked Penelope Pitstop, especially when she yelled, "HEYULP! HEYULP!", NOT! Thanks for letting me watch even when you didn't want to.

11.27.08

2008-11-27T08:07:00.000-06:00

...Gobble gobble goo and
Gobble gobble gickel
I wish turkey
Only cost a nickel
Oh I love turkey on Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

TAKING A QUICK BREAK

2008-11-26T15:31:00.001-06:00

Well, my morning was off to a slow start. After catching up on my blogs and welcoming Aunt 'lissa to the blog-o-sphere, I finally started getting motivated around 11:10 a.m. I started in the kitchen and, well, I'm still in the kitchen. I'm taking a break. My hands are shredded, even though I'm wearing rubber gloves.

Don't get me wrong. The kitchen wasn't that bad. I just have an OCD way of cleaning. Some might think it's a good thing but at this moment I'm thinking not so much as I'm on hour 4 in our teeny tiny kitchen. And you wanna know something ironic? In a few hours, Trey will be home and he's got his mind set on cooking a turkey. So, the chance that the kitchen will remain pristine for very long is...well, to put it bluntly, I have a better chance of being struck by lightening while winning the lottery!

Anna has been so helpful today. And I don't mean the drag her kicking a screaming kind of help either. She knew my plan was to clean today so she was all up in my grill about it all morning. Seriously, to the point of whining about when we were going to get started. Then, every time she finished a project, she asked what she could do next. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! How did I get so ...What did I do to...Thank you, Father, for blessing me with this amazing kid!

So, we were both hard at work. Anna unloaded the dryer and she was folding clothes. I was in the kitchen (where else would I be?) and I hear this click, click, click followed by Anna yelling "Ow!". She got shocked by static electricity. It was so loud! We both busted out laughing.

Well, I better get back to work. I'm almost done. I just need to clean out the stove, frig, wipe down all the stainless appliances, clean behind the frig, sweep, mop...Oh my!

THANKSGIVING

2008-11-25T19:39:00.001-06:00

Today was Anna's last day of school before the Thanksgiving holiday. She made a card for her dad and me.

Cover says:

HAPPY THANKSGIVIN-
G
And the turkey is saying, "Who, Me? I don't want to be eaten!". Then it says "yum" and "yummy" at the bottom under pictures of a turkey, pie, macaroni and soda.

Inside says (italics is mine and I'm not correcting the spelling):

Dear Mom and Dad,
I love you so much and I be (should be "bet") we are going to have a great Thanksgiving. I can't wait! Can you? I can't wait to taist the crambaery saus, turky, deviled eggs, pumpkin pie, makoronie, and lots more. I am so thankfull for you because you are the perfect parents for me, and I love you so much.

Love, Your dater,
Anna F.

I got chills when I read "you are the perfect parents for me". You know the old adage, "You can pick your nose but can't pick your parents"? Well, we can't but God can and does...pick our parents that is, not our noses (heh heh heh). As The Captain, He picks the teams.

Anna, baby, I couldn't have said it any better than you did so I'll just second that emotion. We are thankful for you, too, because you are the perfect daughter for us and we love you so much. God knew the three of us would make a great team. You are a very special girl and I know He has great things planned for you. You never cease to amaze us!

MAMA MIA DRAMA MAMA!

2008-11-25T18:27:00.001-06:00

Like my new look? I have Drama Mama (Cuz, Hollie Anderson) to thank for it. Hol, you did a fantastic job! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I know my requests were a bit, well, out of the ordinary. For those that weren't privy to our e-mails, I'm a big fan of Mid-Century Modern architecture and style. Not easy to translate into a blog look.

I would love to buy an MCM house and refurb it. In fact, when we were thinking about moving, I dragged Trey to Irving to look at one. It needed work but it was so cool. It was in a not-so-great neighborhood and I half-heartedly tried to talk Trey into it but I knew it wasn't feasible.

I digress. Hol, you have a gift. Thanks for sharing it and helping me personalize my blog.

VA-K-SHUN!

2008-11-20T19:40:00.001-06:00

That's right, I said it. Starting tomorrow, I'm on VA-K-SHUN. Ten glorious days of back-to-back days off. "What am I going to do?", you ask. Whatever I want! Then, I'm gonna do absolutely nuh-thin followed by bon bon consumption and watching my stories. Then I'm really gonna start relaxing.

And if you believe that, I've got some AIG stock I want to sell you. You know I'm gonna be cleaning out closets, completing unfinished projects, getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas, etc., etc., etc.

As for now, I'm very tired and I'm ready to go noche noche. Bon soir, y'all!

OVERWHELMED

2008-11-16T17:41:00.001-06:00

I haven't had much to blog about lately. To be quite honest, I've been in kind of a funk.

I've been feeling a little overwhelmed. Work has been really busy especially after being out the week prior. I've missed a couple of deadlines which isn't like me at all. Luckily, my boss has been understanding to a degree. My voice mails are piling up. I think I have around 18 voice mail messages that need attention. Not to mention I'll be on vacation the 21st through the 28th. Truth be told, I will probably be dialing in and spending the majority of my vacation working.

So, please remember me in your prayers. I know I'm not supposed to be anxious or fearful . . . stream of consciousness moment . . . Wow! The Holy Spirit just reminded me of Philippians 4:6-7:

6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

and of Romans 8:15:

15For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

It's amazing how we have a head knowledge of these verses but we don't lean on them in time of trials (heart knowledge). Then, along comes the Holy Spirit to lovingly whack us upside the head and say "SNAP OUT OF IT!". The other thing that occurred to me is that verse 6 of Philippeans 4 is a command and verse 7 is what God WILL do when we obey.

So, going into tomorrow, my attitude will be that they can't eat me. But, if they try to, I'll just cry out, "Abba, Father" and then they'll be in BIG trouble!

...& DANCE LIKE NO ONE'S WATCHING

2008-11-12T18:00:00.001-06:00

Do you sometimes feel like a trained seal just going through the motions? If so, do it with style like this guy.

I hope you're week has been and continues to be carefree.

PROPS TO DR. D. & BEREAN MEMORIAL

2008-11-11T14:56:00.002-06:00

I wish I could take credit for the bulk of the information in my last three blogs but these are excerpts from the teachings of the late Dr. John E. Danish with Berean Memorial Church out of Irving, TX (their link is on my blog and a lot of his sermons are available online). I just inserted my personality into it here and there where it didn't conflict with the facts. The messages were from the Basic Bible Doctrine series. My in-laws are members and I have learned so much from this modest church's tape ministry. Dr. D. was a devoted Bible scholar and gifted pastor-teacher whose number one priority was edification (building up) of the saints (believers like you and me) through Bible doctrine on an expository (verse-by-verse) basis. Dr. Leon Atkins took Dr. D.'s place and he is a good pastor-teacher also.

I've just felt an urging to put this message out there, especially in the unprecedented times we're living in. You wouldn't believe the trouble I've had getting the messages posted. There were a couple of times that I lost the entire blog and had to start over. When it happened, I couldn't help but think of Ephesians 6:12:

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

So, if you're not a believer, the most important verse for you is John 3:16.

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

If you are a believer, cling to 1 John 1:9 so you can stay in fellowship with the Father and be open to His wise and holy counsel and guidance.

9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

THE SPOON FULL OF SUGAR

2008-11-10T19:00:00.001-06:00

Hi, faithful blog followers! Thanks for hangin' in there with me. I've laid out some bad news. To recap, the bad news is:

1. Adam and Eve sinned against God's expressed command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (i.e., they exercised negative volition) thus creating a monstrous wall of separation between God and man;

2. Sin has three types: imputed, inherited; and personal acts of sin; and

3. Sin has three penalties: spiritual death (i.e., we are born without a receiving instrument for divine viewpoint and are therefore are unable to communicate and understand God); physical death (comes as a result of our spiritual death otherwise if we were spiritually alive we would live forever); and the second death (final judgment and eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire).

The monstrous wall of separation that was caused by sin that has several components or blocks:
block 1 represents our enslavement to sin;
block 2 represents the penalty for sin which is spiritual death;
block 3 represents our physical birth through which we have an old sin nature and the resultant spiritual death;
block 4 represents the character of God particularly in two respects which are the perfect righteousness of God and the justice of God; and
block 5 represents our position in Adam in that we are all guilty of his disobedience in the Garden of Eden.

There is no way for us by our own efforts to get to God or God to get to us through this wall of separation. No affiliation with a certain denomination, no church membership, baptism, raising your hand in service, feeling sorry for your sins, walking down an aisle and agonizing at the alter, taking the Lord’s supper, good works, ethics promises, etc. will reconcile you to God and get you into Heaven. The situation is hopeless.

It takes something on God’s part to reconcile sinners to Him. And this is what Jesus Christ did. One by one, He removed all the blocks and this monstrous wall of separation no longer exists. This gift of grace is available to ALL sinners past, present, and future. The only obstacle that prevents a sinner from approaching God is the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross is the pathway from the penalty of death into the presence of God. This is called the doctrine of reconciliation and is the basis of the removal of the wall of separation.

Sin placed man in a slave market. The only solution is for someone to buy man out of this slave market. This is also known as redeeming. The buyer, or redeemer, has to be a man himself and someone free of the slave market because one sin slave can’t buy another sin slave and doesn’t have the right or price to pay the debt of another sin slave.

And here's the spoon full of sugar to help the medicine go down.

Jesus Christ is the first man to live since Adam that is free of the slave market of sin. After Adam sinned he entered the slave market as is everyone born in the human race after him. Jesus Christ is the only man born out of the slave market because he was born of a virgin and didn’t have a human father so he had no old sin nature and no guilt in Adam’s sin. Therefore, Jesus Christ is also referred to as the last Adam.

Most of us know the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 tells us that if we believe He died in our place on the cross for our sins, Christ's righteousness will be imputed to us, we will no longer be an enemy of God and we will have everlasting life:

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I've heard this story all my life but not until I learned the meanings of the of the word redeemed in Greek did I fully understand what it meant for Jesus to save us from the sin slave market. It makes the Word of God and what Jesus Christ did for us so much more meaningful.

In Revelation 5:9 the word redeemed is AGOROZO which in Greek means to pay a price or purchase in a marketplace:

9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed [AGOROZO] us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

The word redeemed in Galations 3:13 is EXAGOROZO which in the Greek means to take out of the slave market.

13Christ hath redeemed [EXAGOROZO] us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

And then, in Luke 1:68 the word redeemed is LUTROO which in the Greek means to set a person free.

68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed [LUTROO] his people,

So, picture this. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, He walked into the sin slave market, slapped down the payment and purchased us from the sin slave market. The moment we believe, He takes us by the hand and leads us out of the slave market. And then he sets us free. No strings attached. Now that's grace!

You can choose to remain in the slave market but why would you want to do that? The price has been paid. That's like choosing the death penalty over a presidential pardon. None of your sins will ever be held against you because Jesus Christ already paid the penalty for them. The only sin He did not die for and that God will confront you with is the unforgivable sin of unbelief in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. If you haven't accepted this free gift of grace, don't wait any longer. All you have to do is say a simple, private, silent prayer to God the Father in these or similar words:

"Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and spiritually dead. I believe your Son, Jesus Christ, died to pay for my sins and then arose from the dead to give me spiritual life. I now trust in Him as my personal Savior. Thank you for the forgiveness of my sins, for giving me your perfect righteousness and for everlasting life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."

SIN, A COMMUNICABLE DISEASE WITH ONE CURE

2008-11-09T20:00:00.001-06:00

You're a glutton for truth and I like that about you! Continuing from yesterday's blog, we established that God is the One who sets the standards so He determines what sin is and, finally, that sin originated with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when they deliberately went against the expressed command of God.

Remember when I asked, "How can such a small word be such a HUGE problem?" ? Here's how:

Sin exists in three types. First, there is imputed sin. In the eyes of God, we are unborn in Adam. When Adam sinned, he was acting as the federal head of the human race. Therefore, when Adam sinned, we sinned with him. Ergo, we are all guilty by the act of Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden. This is the same concept as the United States federal government. When the federal government declares war, all 50 states go to war. Likewise, when the federal government enacts laws, the 50 states are impacted. Romans 5:12-19 evidences our imputed sin:

12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— 13for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. 15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. 18Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Second, there is inherited sin. This is also referred to as the old sin nature. According to Romans 5:12 (see above) and Psalm 51:5, our old sin nature is inherited through our earthly fathers:

5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

We are powerless to control sin because we are unborn in Adam and his sin is imputed to us. We can't overcome sin because it is passed down to us through our earthly fathers by way of inherited sin.

Sidebar: this is why Jesus Christ didn’t have a human father. He had to be born of a virgin and free of a human father to escape the problem of imputed and inherited sin.

And third, there are personal acts of sin that we are responsible for committing against will of God. Galatians 5:19-21:

19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

As a result, there are penalties for sin. All are guilty and the penalty for sin is death. The first penalty is spiritual death. When Adam and Eve sinned, they immediately died spiritually. And since that time, Ephesians 2:1 evidences that every child is stillborn spiritually.

1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Because we are born spiritually dead, we consequently experience physical death. In time Adam and Eve died physically as recorded in Genesis 5:5:

5And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.

And finally, there is the second death. Sin brings death (eternal separation from God in Hell). Rev 20:11-15:

11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

So, this is the problem that we all face -- sin and the penalty of death. We're born with the communicable disease of sin. Our sin has separated us from God so, without reconciliation with God, we are operating without his divine guidance. This is why bad things happen to people, why there is chaos, mayhem and foolishness all around us and why there are so many opposing religions. But don't worry, there's one Cure but the path to the Cure is narrow.

This has been the medicine. Stay tuned for the spoon full of sugar. To be continued . . .

HOW CAN SUCH A SMALL WORD BE SUCH A HUGE PROBLEM?

2008-11-08T08:02:00.001-06:00

Welcome back! I knew you couldn't stay away after reading yesterday's blog. Where were we? Ah, yes, I asked if you ever wondered why bad things happen to people? Why there is chaos, mayhem and foolishness all around us? Why there are so many opposing religions? When you get down to the nitty gritty of it all, it's because of sin.

You probably know the dictionary definition of sin. As a noun it means a transgression of divine law. As a verb it means to offend against a principle, standard, etc. But who sets the standard and determines that an act is sin? Where did sin originate? Why are we seemingly powerless to control and why can't we overcome it? How can such a small word be such a HUGE problem? Well, wonder no more, Lucy, 'cause I'm gonna 'splain it!

A problem exists between God and man. Every man and woman is born without a spirit which is the conduit through which we receive God's divine viewpoint. Because of this problem there is a human need for reconciliation with God. How'd we get to this condition? Read on.

In the beginning, Adam & Eve enjoyed a perfect relationship and fellowship with the living God. God met with Adam & Eve on a regular basis in the Garden of Eden. He taught them divine viewpoint and they responded with positive volition. Adam & Eve were friends with God and they shared complete openness with one another for some time in the Garden of Eden.

Because of Adam & Eve’s obedience to God, they had a perfect relationship with each other. While they were in this state of innocence in the Garden of Eden, they experienced perfect happiness on a spirit, soul and physical level. Notice I said spirit? Adam and Eve had a spirit. "Then why don't we?", you ask. Keep reading.

Then, the day of alienation came when man chose to disobey (sin against) God. Earlier in Genesis 2:16-17 the Lord said to Adam & Eve:

16And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

So, God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, told Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. With this command, He set the standard.

Genesis 3:6 records the historical disobedience:

6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

By this act of disobedience (sin) against the express command of God in verse 16, immediately a monstrous wall of separation arose between God and man. This estrangement was immediately evidenced by Adam & Eve trying to hide from each other and making fig leaf aprons and from God by hiding behind the trees. Genesis 3:7-8 records:

7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"

And this is where sin originated. This wall of separation is a result of sin in the Garden of Eden. It created an impenetrable barrier between God and man. Sin is our failure to meet God's perfect righteousness. It is our failure in thought, word and deed.

So what does Adam and Eve's sin have to do with us? Why are we seemingly powerless to control and why can't we overcome sin? How can such a small word be such a HUGE problem?

To be continued . . .

HOME SWEET HOME, BABY!

2008-11-07T20:05:00.001-06:00

Business travel is fun, for about the first two to three days. Then, I'm ready to come home. Downtown Houston is pretty cool. It reminds me of Chicago on a much smaller scale. Houstonians aren't all that friendly. The people at the hotel were nice but they have to be. Enough about Houston. I'm home!!!

I lied. One more thing about Houston. I was at the hotel and went outside to catch a cab to the airport. The cab was there but the cab driver was not. The bellman went inside to see if he was in the hotel. I waited outside. This was around 1:15 p.m.

About five minutes later, a guy came walking down the sidewalk wearing a white fitted cap. He asked if I needed a ride and walked over to the driverless cab. In the meantime, the bellman came out and asked the guy where he went. The cab driver said he went to pray. He had gone to the mosque down the street to pray and left his cab sitting in front of the hotel. The bellman told him not to do that again, they guy said okay and we left for the airport.

Out of curiosity, I Googled Muslin prayer times and I couldn't believe the complexity of it. On the particular web site I was on you have to select your continent, city and state, the month and your Figh (I have no idea what this is). Once you hit submit, it spits out the latitude and longitude for Houston and then you select "Get Prayer Times". Then, it spits out a table of the different times you have to pray each day, six times a day.

This is a great segue into something I've been wanting to blog about. Ever wonder why bad things happen to people? Why there is chaos, mayhem and foolishness all around us? Why there are so many opposing religions? Well, simply put, it's sin. Such a small word, such a HUGE problem. I think we all know in concept what sin is. But where did it originate? Why do we do it? Why are we seemingly powerless to control and why can't we overcome it? God willing, come back tomorrow for more details.

To be continued . . .

MASSAGE OR MASSAGE-YNIST?

2008-11-06T18:24:00.002-06:00

I thought massages were supposed to be relaxing. I had one last night and I woke up this morning feeling like a boxer after an 18-round prize fight. She told me my back was nothing but one giant knot. She couldn't get them out but she sure tried...hard. There were times I had to ask her to stop it hurt soooo bad. So basically, I paid someone to beat me up. Man, I'm in the wrong business!

I am so ready to go home! I kid you not, this class had a girl in tears today. It wasn't me but I was crying on the inside. Four down, one day to go. Did I mention I'm ready to go home?

GOD IS IN CONTROL

2008-11-05T06:07:00.001-06:00

Whether you woke up this morning

disappointed or satisfied with the

election turnout, God is in

control. President-elect Obama

is going to be our president but

God is in control. The

majority has spoken but God is

in control. God commands

that we give this and all

government offices their due

respect.

So don't look out, look up! Our

redemption and our blessings

come from God not George Bush,

not Barack Obama, but God.

HOUSTON, WE HAVE AN UPDATE

2008-11-04T18:43:00.001-06:00

I'm staying at Hotel Icon in Houston. It was built in 1911 and was the home of the Union National Bank Building. It is really cool. It still has the turn of the century ambiance but with a hip, cool and groovy vibe. It reminds me of a cross between the hotel in The Shining (minus the creepiness) and Hotel ZaZa (minus the snottiness).

11th floor elevator lobby

11th floor hallway

My room

My door knocker

View from door into room

Mini-bar

View from room into hallway (I love the arched doorway)

My favorite part: the gi-normous shower

This is a towel holder in the bathroom

The building my class is in

I noticed that Houston has a fascination with circles. A lot of the buildings are round. This is the first round sky bridge I have ever seen.

I wish my camera skills were better. I haven't been able to get out as much as I had wished. It's dark by the time I get out of class and back to the hotel.

Well, I've had my blog fix for today. I better put my face in a book...

MY PURSE DOES NOT CONTAIN WMD!

2008-11-04T07:12:00.001-06:00

Well, I made it to Houston in one piece. The wait at the airport was interesting...

Once inside, I, like the rest of the human cattle, wound my way through the black ropey thingamajigs (how d'ya like that technical term?!) that serves as our corral. I HATE this part of travelling. I had to pull out my laptop, cell phone and keys and take off my shawl and shoes. I had a cumbersome three grey bins to shove down the line.

After the manly woman waved me through the metal detector, I was told they thought they saw something suspicious in my purse. I put all my liquids in my checked baggage so I knew it wasn't me. And, my purse was already at the point of peeking through the rubber hangy down things (more technical mumbo jumbo) of the x-ray machine so I knew it wasn't me.

Sure enough, after searching my purse, he conceded that it didn't contain WMD and cleared me. He said it must have been the lady before or after me. Funny thing is, he didn't run after the lady in front of me and he didn't stop the lady behind me who was still there. So, what's the point?

HI, ANNA!

2008-11-02T17:15:00.001-06:00

Hi, Anna baby! As promised, I'm sending you a message on the blog. Be good for your daddy. I'm going to take some pictures and post them for you guys.

Don't forget:
1. finish your homework and get your dad to check it;
2. take a shower;
3. lay out your clothes for tomorrow and get your dad to steam/iron them; and
4. say your prayers.

Help your dad in the morning by staying focused. Get your routine done and THEN watch cartoons.

I LOVE Y'ALL!!!