Ok, its Saturday... my first Saturday enemployed.
Tuesday was my last day at work. I didn't cry or anything. I'm pretty confident I'll keep in touch with those folks.
Dad came Tuesday evening and definitely surprised Mom. He was able to stay until today and spend some time with all of us. Their house really needs to sell soon.
Wednesday and Thursday were awesome. Matt and I went down to Atlanta with our wonderful friends Josh and Karen. We stayed at a great hotel and then ate dinner at Vespucci's. Its a little Italian Pizza and Pasta place just a block from the venue for the concert we were going to. Jonny Lang and Dave Barnes put on a great show. Unfortunately Thursday morning, Josh and Karen had to leave us. Matt and I had lunch at The Varsity which was good. I had never ate there. Similarly, Matt has never ate at The Beacon in Spartanburg so I have to take him there. Anyways, arfter The Varsity we went to The Georgia Aquarium and The World of Coke. Both were really cool. I got a new set of salt & pepper shakers which made me really happy. In case you didn't know, I collect salt & pepper shakers. By the time we left The World of Coke, we had enjoyed the day but were ready to get home. There's such a sweet feeling about heading home after you've been away, if even for a day or two.
So back to the begining of my post. Here I sit on my first unemployed Saturday in a very long time. I'm hoping to be able to use my time wisely and get alot of stuff done around our house. There are still a few boxes sitting around and some clutter that is definitely getting n my nerves.
Alright, I should probably get up and start working.
Ta ta for now.
cb
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
I don't do this often.
I'm updating my blog twice within 15 minutes of one another. Woah.
There are a few celebrities out there that will make me do a second take. Matt has a list of women that he thinks are gorgeous so I can have a guy here or there I like right? The different between me and Matt, also the different between most men and women is that men like women (celebrities) just for
looks. Women on the other hand like them for other things as well. for example, everyone knows I love to watch Tiger Woods. The man is awesome. Yeh, I think he has the looks but he has the golf game too. He is by far the best golfer in the world and I doubt anyone will be able to suprass him for at least 20 years.
I also could listen to Jonny Lang and Tommy Emmanuel play guitar
all day and never get tired of it. Jonny Lang is blond haired and blue eyed with a gruff blues voice and the ability to rock out on the guitar. He's played alongside B.B King. Need I say more? With Tommy Emmanuel, there's just something suave about him and the way he plays. If you ever want to relax just 
listen to his song Footprints.
And last but not least, my newest obsession... Curtis Stone. Ladies, sit down one day and watch his show Take Home Chef on TLC. You'll like it, there's no way you can't. He's Australian (an accent hehe), has the looks, and can cook.
There are a few celebrities out there that will make me do a second take. Matt has a list of women that he thinks are gorgeous so I can have a guy here or there I like right? The different between me and Matt, also the different between most men and women is that men like women (celebrities) just for
looks. Women on the other hand like them for other things as well. for example, everyone knows I love to watch Tiger Woods. The man is awesome. Yeh, I think he has the looks but he has the golf game too. He is by far the best golfer in the world and I doubt anyone will be able to suprass him for at least 20 years.I also could listen to Jonny Lang and Tommy Emmanuel play guitar
all day and never get tired of it. Jonny Lang is blond haired and blue eyed with a gruff blues voice and the ability to rock out on the guitar. He's played alongside B.B King. Need I say more? With Tommy Emmanuel, there's just something suave about him and the way he plays. If you ever want to relax just 
listen to his song Footprints.And last but not least, my newest obsession... Curtis Stone. Ladies, sit down one day and watch his show Take Home Chef on TLC. You'll like it, there's no way you can't. He's Australian (an accent hehe), has the looks, and can cook.
Here we go.
Ok so I'm not one to get super emotional often. Tomorrow is my last day so a blog about it is due. I decided to just do lists -- things I will miss and things I won't.
First, things I will miss about working at Cox CustomMedia (in no particular order):
1. My work husband. This may take some explaining. Joe and I affectionately termed one another work spouses. Before anyone gets all suspicious, Matt is completely aware and he and Joe are pretty good buddies. I think the terms actually started cause we "bickered" like a married couple. Anyways, he's a good friend and I'll miss him. Ok I can only be sentimental for a moment. He might think I actually like him. ;-)
2. Brent's dancing. This has provided me with many hours of laughing. If ever you are having a bad day, find Brent and tell him to do a little dance. No two are ever the same but they're always funny.
3. Pizza on Saturdays. Most everyone else at work is going to be glad to get away from the pizza but ever since the pregnancy I can't get enough of it and on Saturdays, it was free and there was always good conversation.
4. Working on an Apple. Usually either you're a PC fan or an Apple fan... one or the other. I'm special and I can say I like both. Each have their faults but I think I'd choose an Apple over a PC. I'd like to have one but their number one fault... they're overpriced so I'll just do without.
5. Wearing jeans to work. Most places of employment don't allow employees to wear jeans to work. I'm praying that my next job allows such but expecting that they won't. My wardrobe consists of jeans, tshirts, and flip flops. Ah.... its so comfortable.
6. Music. A lot of jobs such as retail (I hope I don't have to go back to retail) but such jobs don't allow the luxury of listening to your IPOD on the job. There's a good chance I won't be able to jam to The Beatles or Michael Jackson or whoever my group of the day is at my next job. (Sidenote: today is Dave Barnes day)
7. A really, really short drive to work. Current drive to work, 8 minutes, enough said.
8. And finally, the short jokes. There, I can't believe I said it. I have heard short jokes several times a day for the last three years. Most of the time they were genuinely funny but its one of those situations where "if we didn't make fun of you, you'd be worried." Ah, I'll miss it. By the way, "Your face is stupid."
Ok so those are some of the things I'm going to miss. What am I not going to miss?
1. Office politics. I know, I know, they're everywhere but some places can be extreme. If you worked on the middle row, you'd understand how ridiculous it can get.
2. Pink folders and red tags. No more reading about how the resident of the month has been married, had kids, and walked a mile uphill in the snow to get who knows where. I have learned that everyone, and I mean everyone, has a story; doesn't mean I have to hear all of them though. No more special handling either! While those have been transferred (supposedly to Missouri) for a couple of months, there were stragglers.
3. Over-emotional people. If you know me well at all, you know (like I said earlier) I don't get super emotional often so those people who do, REALLY get on my nerves especially when its over something silly. Rude awakenings are in store.
4. The thermostat: In the winter, its 30 degrees outside and 95 degrees inside the building. In the summer, its 95 degrees outside and 30 degrees inside. Someone should warn the next group of folks who have to work in this crazy building which also lacks clean air.
5. 9 hour days. Most places these days, considering the economy, try to keep overtime to a minimum. But not here... nope 9 hours a day six days a week are a thing of the past now. :-)
Well, I suppose thats enough. I think I could go on and on.
To my wonderful coworkers, cause the building really is full of some really great people, I hope everyone finds the job that fits them perfectly. Enjoy the rest of the week and I'll see you Friday for one last shindig.
cb
First, things I will miss about working at Cox CustomMedia (in no particular order):
1. My work husband. This may take some explaining. Joe and I affectionately termed one another work spouses. Before anyone gets all suspicious, Matt is completely aware and he and Joe are pretty good buddies. I think the terms actually started cause we "bickered" like a married couple. Anyways, he's a good friend and I'll miss him. Ok I can only be sentimental for a moment. He might think I actually like him. ;-)
2. Brent's dancing. This has provided me with many hours of laughing. If ever you are having a bad day, find Brent and tell him to do a little dance. No two are ever the same but they're always funny.
3. Pizza on Saturdays. Most everyone else at work is going to be glad to get away from the pizza but ever since the pregnancy I can't get enough of it and on Saturdays, it was free and there was always good conversation.
4. Working on an Apple. Usually either you're a PC fan or an Apple fan... one or the other. I'm special and I can say I like both. Each have their faults but I think I'd choose an Apple over a PC. I'd like to have one but their number one fault... they're overpriced so I'll just do without.
5. Wearing jeans to work. Most places of employment don't allow employees to wear jeans to work. I'm praying that my next job allows such but expecting that they won't. My wardrobe consists of jeans, tshirts, and flip flops. Ah.... its so comfortable.
6. Music. A lot of jobs such as retail (I hope I don't have to go back to retail) but such jobs don't allow the luxury of listening to your IPOD on the job. There's a good chance I won't be able to jam to The Beatles or Michael Jackson or whoever my group of the day is at my next job. (Sidenote: today is Dave Barnes day)
7. A really, really short drive to work. Current drive to work, 8 minutes, enough said.
8. And finally, the short jokes. There, I can't believe I said it. I have heard short jokes several times a day for the last three years. Most of the time they were genuinely funny but its one of those situations where "if we didn't make fun of you, you'd be worried." Ah, I'll miss it. By the way, "Your face is stupid."
Ok so those are some of the things I'm going to miss. What am I not going to miss?
1. Office politics. I know, I know, they're everywhere but some places can be extreme. If you worked on the middle row, you'd understand how ridiculous it can get.
2. Pink folders and red tags. No more reading about how the resident of the month has been married, had kids, and walked a mile uphill in the snow to get who knows where. I have learned that everyone, and I mean everyone, has a story; doesn't mean I have to hear all of them though. No more special handling either! While those have been transferred (supposedly to Missouri) for a couple of months, there were stragglers.
3. Over-emotional people. If you know me well at all, you know (like I said earlier) I don't get super emotional often so those people who do, REALLY get on my nerves especially when its over something silly. Rude awakenings are in store.
4. The thermostat: In the winter, its 30 degrees outside and 95 degrees inside the building. In the summer, its 95 degrees outside and 30 degrees inside. Someone should warn the next group of folks who have to work in this crazy building which also lacks clean air.
5. 9 hour days. Most places these days, considering the economy, try to keep overtime to a minimum. But not here... nope 9 hours a day six days a week are a thing of the past now. :-)
Well, I suppose thats enough. I think I could go on and on.
To my wonderful coworkers, cause the building really is full of some really great people, I hope everyone finds the job that fits them perfectly. Enjoy the rest of the week and I'll see you Friday for one last shindig.
cb
Sunday, June 22, 2008
I know I know....
Its been a while since I posted last. It isn't on purpose. I just haven't had much to write about. I have a lot going on right now. This week is going to be great though:
Monday and Tuesday: Last two days at work... for got. I'm not sad to leave the place. I'm sad to lose my job and sad to leave some great folks but Matt and I are confident that God has something better in store for me.
Wednesday: Matt and I are heading to Atlanta with another couple. We love them and its way fun that we got married 3 weeks apart. :-) We're staying at a historic hotel in Atlanta and we're seeing Jonny Lang in concert that night. He is definitely awesome.
Thursday: Since our friends have to leave early that morning, Matt and I are sleeping in and then enjoying the day in the city. We're thinking of touring CNN and maybe visiting the aquarium.
Friday: My first day at home without a job. I'm sure it'll be weird but hopefully I can get some things accomplished that I've been wanting to do.
So, its going to be a great week. If I think of something to write about, I'll come back.
cb
Monday and Tuesday: Last two days at work... for got. I'm not sad to leave the place. I'm sad to lose my job and sad to leave some great folks but Matt and I are confident that God has something better in store for me.
Wednesday: Matt and I are heading to Atlanta with another couple. We love them and its way fun that we got married 3 weeks apart. :-) We're staying at a historic hotel in Atlanta and we're seeing Jonny Lang in concert that night. He is definitely awesome.
Thursday: Since our friends have to leave early that morning, Matt and I are sleeping in and then enjoying the day in the city. We're thinking of touring CNN and maybe visiting the aquarium.
Friday: My first day at home without a job. I'm sure it'll be weird but hopefully I can get some things accomplished that I've been wanting to do.
So, its going to be a great week. If I think of something to write about, I'll come back.
cb
Monday, June 16, 2008
Guilty music pleasures...
Ok so I'm about to admit something for which I may suffer some backlash, but oh well. So be it.
I have two big guilty music pleasures.
The first one.... well I'm a child of the ’80s and thats my defense. Wait, I don't need a defense, its undeniably good music. The guy may be creepy, sick, and all around a lunatic but I think most people will admit he was a musical genius in his heyday. So I love Michael Jackson music. I mean come on... songs like Thriller, Smooth Criminal, and Billie Jean. They're classics. So I sit here working away with Michael Jackson: Big Ones jamming on the IPOD. Its sad that his life has turned out so twisted and weird!? What was Lisa Marie thinking when she married him?
Ok, guilty music pleasure number two? Its definitely completely different from the first. I'm not so quiet about this one as I have been about the first. Randy Travis. Yep, good ole country boy Randy Travis. I remember sitting in front of the tv when I was little and thinking he was the best thing in the world. Ok so I probably still sit in front of the tv and think he's the best thing (not in the world but good). I love his music and call me crazy but I even like his crappy acting. Oh boy.
Ok I've done it. I've admitted two guilty music pleasures for the whole world to see. Oh well.
cb
I have two big guilty music pleasures.
The first one.... well I'm a child of the ’80s and thats my defense. Wait, I don't need a defense, its undeniably good music. The guy may be creepy, sick, and all around a lunatic but I think most people will admit he was a musical genius in his heyday. So I love Michael Jackson music. I mean come on... songs like Thriller, Smooth Criminal, and Billie Jean. They're classics. So I sit here working away with Michael Jackson: Big Ones jamming on the IPOD. Its sad that his life has turned out so twisted and weird!? What was Lisa Marie thinking when she married him?
Ok, guilty music pleasure number two? Its definitely completely different from the first. I'm not so quiet about this one as I have been about the first. Randy Travis. Yep, good ole country boy Randy Travis. I remember sitting in front of the tv when I was little and thinking he was the best thing in the world. Ok so I probably still sit in front of the tv and think he's the best thing (not in the world but good). I love his music and call me crazy but I even like his crappy acting. Oh boy.
Ok I've done it. I've admitted two guilty music pleasures for the whole world to see. Oh well.
cb
Sunday, June 15, 2008
I Told You So
I think I have the best husband in the world. Granted, I'm sure I'm a little biased but thats my opinion. I take any chance I can get to brag on my husband. I love to praise him for the awesome way he serves as the spiritual leader in our family. He takes the authority given to him by God, as husband and eventually as a father, very seriously. He does a wonderful job discerning what is best for our family, not by this world's standards but by God's standards and for that I am so blessed. Now I'm not putting Matt up on a pedestal, I'm just praising him for doing a good job.
Like I said I'm biased so when someone else tells me this I just wanna scream "I told you so!" and jump for joy because God has blessed me with such an amazing Godly man for a husband. I was sitting in church this morning and Jenny looks over at me and says "You have the sweetest husband in the world," and I thought, "Mmmm hmmm, I know." Thats what I thought but I asked her, "What makes you say that?" You have to understand that Jenny is dealing with a LOT of family issues and is a strong woman for dealing with it but is having a tough time. Last week while at church she broke down in tears. She sat there and told me about how Matt looked over and said "Jenny, its going to be ok." She said it wasn't the words necessarily that made the difference but it was the tone of voice and the way she said it. She knew he was sincere. At lot of times when we deal with tough situations, people try to comfort us by saying everything is going to be ok, but sometimes they don't believe it anymore than we do in that moment. So it meant something to Jenny that someone reached out to her and was able to comfort her and when all was said and done, she believed those words, "Jenny, its going to be ok."
With that being said, I told you so!
Disclaimer: I am not saying Matt is perfect. Matt is human and I know he has flaws. I don't look past them, but I do focus on the amazing qualities he have that totally outweigh his flaws. He knows he makes mistakes and when he does he learns from them and that makes him a better man.
cb
Like I said I'm biased so when someone else tells me this I just wanna scream "I told you so!" and jump for joy because God has blessed me with such an amazing Godly man for a husband. I was sitting in church this morning and Jenny looks over at me and says "You have the sweetest husband in the world," and I thought, "Mmmm hmmm, I know." Thats what I thought but I asked her, "What makes you say that?" You have to understand that Jenny is dealing with a LOT of family issues and is a strong woman for dealing with it but is having a tough time. Last week while at church she broke down in tears. She sat there and told me about how Matt looked over and said "Jenny, its going to be ok." She said it wasn't the words necessarily that made the difference but it was the tone of voice and the way she said it. She knew he was sincere. At lot of times when we deal with tough situations, people try to comfort us by saying everything is going to be ok, but sometimes they don't believe it anymore than we do in that moment. So it meant something to Jenny that someone reached out to her and was able to comfort her and when all was said and done, she believed those words, "Jenny, its going to be ok."
With that being said, I told you so!
Disclaimer: I am not saying Matt is perfect. Matt is human and I know he has flaws. I don't look past them, but I do focus on the amazing qualities he have that totally outweigh his flaws. He knows he makes mistakes and when he does he learns from them and that makes him a better man.
cb
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Doesn't have much to offer...
This evening... or should I say late evening.... I was perusing some of the millions of blogs out there and found one guy's recent entry about his joy in moving back to his hometown and then he proceeded to list ten or so fun things he loved doing while growing up there. So I pondered... what does Hartsville have to offer?
1. Kalmia Gardens is nice but only if you are a nature-loving, trail walking type.
2. The South Carolina Cotton Trail makes its way through the city. Hartsville does have a good bit of history to it so if you're a history lover... you could occupy yourself for a couple of hours. I do have to admit that I enjoy this part of Hartsville. I always loved when the cotton fields were full and I'd pretend it was really a fresh blanket of snow.
3. Mr. B's has the best Southern food by far. Matt and I always enjoy eating there when we go home to visit. There macaroni and cheese and flat biscuits are well worth the money.
4. Ok so I'm starting to run out of things to mention so I'm gonna stretch and mention the Darlington Raceway. I know its in Darlington but really the two towns are only a few miles apart and since I did attend high school in Darlington its allowed on the list.
5. Alright... I give up. I tried and I only came up with four things. Therefore... as my title says, Hartsville doesn't have much to offer.
cb
1. Kalmia Gardens is nice but only if you are a nature-loving, trail walking type.
2. The South Carolina Cotton Trail makes its way through the city. Hartsville does have a good bit of history to it so if you're a history lover... you could occupy yourself for a couple of hours. I do have to admit that I enjoy this part of Hartsville. I always loved when the cotton fields were full and I'd pretend it was really a fresh blanket of snow.
3. Mr. B's has the best Southern food by far. Matt and I always enjoy eating there when we go home to visit. There macaroni and cheese and flat biscuits are well worth the money.
4. Ok so I'm starting to run out of things to mention so I'm gonna stretch and mention the Darlington Raceway. I know its in Darlington but really the two towns are only a few miles apart and since I did attend high school in Darlington its allowed on the list.
5. Alright... I give up. I tried and I only came up with four things. Therefore... as my title says, Hartsville doesn't have much to offer.
cb
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I love thunderstorms. Some of my best memories as a child include laying across the bed in the front bedroom at my grandparents' house. My cousin, Joseph, and I would lay there and watch the lightning strikes out across the cotton field that was across from their house.
To this day, lightning still amazes me. How is something that is so beautiful... so dangerous? How can someone see the wonders of nature and deny the existence of an all-powerfull God?
I know someone sitting out there reading this is thinking "lightning can be destructive." You are correct. We must remember that God is a God of love but also a God of wrath and justice. He wants no one to perish but hopes that all of us will turn and follow Him. But, for those who don't, they will have to face the God of wrath and justice.
I was reading C.H. Spurgeon this morning and loved this:
I love Thee, Lord, but with no love of mine,
For I have none to give;
I love Thee, Lord; but all the love is THine,
For by Thy love I live.
I am as nothing, and rejoice to be
Emptied, and lost, and swallowed up in Thee.
cb
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Some Men are Observant
We as women sometimes like to joke about how oblivious some men are.... jokes like "they wouldn't notice [insert word] if it slapped them in the face." sidenote: these jokes are probably not very encouraging and we as women should be careful to never disrespect the men in our lives. well anyways, sometimes they don't notice things right away. On Thursday night, Matt and Keith played a little Playstation football. My hat is off to Keith who was incredibly observant on that night. Conversation that night:
Keith: Are you ok?
Me: I think so.
Keith: You look like you're getting sick. Do you feel ok?
Me: Well I haven't slept well, I don't know.
Keith: You just don't look like you feel good.
Keith is the winner.
Friday morning sore throat. By lunchtime, coughing, sneezing, and all together don't feel good. Saturday, feeling worse. Sunday, slept til 2 pm and then back in bed at 9 pm. Monday, nauseaus. So finally a trip to the doctor. Diagnosis: really bad sinus infection with lots of draining (that explains the nausea) and a bad ear infection. ugh. As a result, all I want to do is sleep, sleep, and sleep some more.
Sorry I have nothing exciting to share just that I'm sick. Yuck.
cb
Keith: Are you ok?
Me: I think so.
Keith: You look like you're getting sick. Do you feel ok?
Me: Well I haven't slept well, I don't know.
Keith: You just don't look like you feel good.
Keith is the winner.
Friday morning sore throat. By lunchtime, coughing, sneezing, and all together don't feel good. Saturday, feeling worse. Sunday, slept til 2 pm and then back in bed at 9 pm. Monday, nauseaus. So finally a trip to the doctor. Diagnosis: really bad sinus infection with lots of draining (that explains the nausea) and a bad ear infection. ugh. As a result, all I want to do is sleep, sleep, and sleep some more.
Sorry I have nothing exciting to share just that I'm sick. Yuck.
cb
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Call me crazy
I thought sleep might be the best medicine (thanks to Joe) but here's the tricky part...... GETTING TO SLEEP! So I tossed and I turned and I tossed and I turned some more. When I did fall asleep I believe I woke up every 30 minutes so crazy as it sounds, its my day off and I got up at 7 am. I don't even get up that early to go to work. Good grief!? I think I'm gonna go get ready and head to Wal-Mart for grocery shopping and buy the best thing the pharmacy offers for sinus infections.
cb
cb
Friday, June 6, 2008
Ugh...
I am officially getting sick. I didn't feel my best last night but I was ok. I woke up, however, with the worst sore throat. By 10 am, I was queesy, likely from my sinuses draining. After lunch the coughing started and now at 12:38 pm, I have a pounding headache. Let's hear it for sinus infections. Woo Hoo!
On a different subject: Let's hear it for my husband who bought me a new phone! :-) cb
On a different subject: Let's hear it for my husband who bought me a new phone! :-) cb
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Reminiscing
Today has been one of those days where I have caught myself daydreaming. I tend to daydream a lot, especially when my mind is getting tired.
Today I have missed Ireland. For those of you who maybe read this and don't know I traveled to Ireland in the summer of 2003 and lived there from early June until the beginning of August. I think to date, it has been the best summer of my life. It had hard times. I got homesick and I dealt with spiritual warfare and living across the ocean from the place you call home, where the folks you love are... well it can be hard. But the experience was amazing.
Everyone should get to enjoy Ireland at least once in their lives. I was there two months and still didn't see it all. It has the most beautiful landscapes and sunsets that take your breath away. I sometimes joke that God created the rest of the world and saw that it was good and then decided to show off and He created Ireland. You'll often hear people comment "It's so green," and until you visit there you'll never really appreciate the truth behind that statement. Take the deepest green you've ever seen and multiply it by ten and maybe you'll get close. I remember when I arrived I was amazed at how sincere the people were. Now don't think that I mean before I went I thought they were an unsincere people. That is not the case. But, consider how often you run into someone and they ask "How are you?" and your answer most likely is "I'm good and you?" In Ireland try asking that question and you're likely to get the truth. You may hear about what ails them and not in a "woe is me" tone but a "you asked so i'll tell you" kind of tone. They mean what they say and they say what they mean. If they offer something to you, you take it... a cup of tea, a piece of chocolate. You take it because you know to refuse would just be rude. This can sometimes be difficult when you visit several people in one day and they all offer you tea or coffee. Next thing you know you're bouncing off the walls.
Here and there across the countryside, houses with thatched roofs do still exist. There are castle ruins strewn across the entire island, each with its own interesting story and each one more fascinating than the next. I often say that Dublin was my favorite part of living in Ireland. I lived with a wonderfully sweet lady named Florence in Tallaght. To get to Dublin I just walked to the corner and caught the bus. Thirty minutes later I was in a large city full of history. While Dublin is very historical and very fascinating, sadly, it is also very commercialized and aimed at tourists. Dang Americans. So now five years later, maybe I think staying in Donegal was my favorite. I lived with an American couple in a small town that still speaks Gaelic. You walk to town to get your groceries. You walk to the bank and the post office. On the way there, you're bound to pass someone returning from the market and you always speak. I remember the first time I was walking to the store and ran into a neighbor from down the street and I remembered enough Gaelic to say "How are you? I'm doing well. Thanks." I was so proud of myself and it felt so good to know watching video after video of the Irish language had paid off. And they appreciate that folks from outside the country have bothered to learn any of their very hard language.
Another favorite experience was working with kids at Drewstown House. The kids I worked with were so starved for attention and love. They were so excited that someone wanted to spend a week with them. That week was amazing. There were canoe rides and one very huge slip-n-slide made out of black plastic, dish washing detergent, and cold water. There were nightly devotions with stories and singing. A friend from here traveled with me when I went and that week were in charge of ten little girls. We had to be firm and make them listen. We had fun playing and goofing off which they enjoyed but when it came to go to sleep or time to quieten down... they couldn't stand us. (Kids are the same no matter where you go.) We left Drewstown house early on Saturday morning before the campers were awake. You can imagine the surprise when we were about to leave and there on the bottom of the stairs sat ten little girls who wanted to see us off.
I'm sorry if I'm boring you with all of this. I suppose I figure if I reminisce about it maybe I won't miss it as much. I should probably consider that it may have quite the opposite effect and I'll miss it even more.
I'll end this long rambling post with a plea. Something else I learned while in Ireland is that they are people starving for the truth. By the truth, I mean to hear about the forgiveness our heaven father offers. St. Patrick was passionate about Christianity reaching Ireland and he did amazing work. There are signs of his ministry around the country but there are also many signs of the ancient druids and some of the other religions which have led the people astray. They are a people in need of a Savior. There are some strong churches but they are few and far between. There is one large one in Dublin where we were able to worship and I also taught basketball (I'll save that for another post) at a church plant started by the first. So my plea, pray for the people of Ireland. Pray for the missionaries who are sacrificing to serve there. Pray that the Irish Christians will reach out to their fellow countrymen. And as always, pray for continued peace between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
slan (goodbye in Gaelic)
cb
Today I have missed Ireland. For those of you who maybe read this and don't know I traveled to Ireland in the summer of 2003 and lived there from early June until the beginning of August. I think to date, it has been the best summer of my life. It had hard times. I got homesick and I dealt with spiritual warfare and living across the ocean from the place you call home, where the folks you love are... well it can be hard. But the experience was amazing.
Everyone should get to enjoy Ireland at least once in their lives. I was there two months and still didn't see it all. It has the most beautiful landscapes and sunsets that take your breath away. I sometimes joke that God created the rest of the world and saw that it was good and then decided to show off and He created Ireland. You'll often hear people comment "It's so green," and until you visit there you'll never really appreciate the truth behind that statement. Take the deepest green you've ever seen and multiply it by ten and maybe you'll get close. I remember when I arrived I was amazed at how sincere the people were. Now don't think that I mean before I went I thought they were an unsincere people. That is not the case. But, consider how often you run into someone and they ask "How are you?" and your answer most likely is "I'm good and you?" In Ireland try asking that question and you're likely to get the truth. You may hear about what ails them and not in a "woe is me" tone but a "you asked so i'll tell you" kind of tone. They mean what they say and they say what they mean. If they offer something to you, you take it... a cup of tea, a piece of chocolate. You take it because you know to refuse would just be rude. This can sometimes be difficult when you visit several people in one day and they all offer you tea or coffee. Next thing you know you're bouncing off the walls.
Here and there across the countryside, houses with thatched roofs do still exist. There are castle ruins strewn across the entire island, each with its own interesting story and each one more fascinating than the next. I often say that Dublin was my favorite part of living in Ireland. I lived with a wonderfully sweet lady named Florence in Tallaght. To get to Dublin I just walked to the corner and caught the bus. Thirty minutes later I was in a large city full of history. While Dublin is very historical and very fascinating, sadly, it is also very commercialized and aimed at tourists. Dang Americans. So now five years later, maybe I think staying in Donegal was my favorite. I lived with an American couple in a small town that still speaks Gaelic. You walk to town to get your groceries. You walk to the bank and the post office. On the way there, you're bound to pass someone returning from the market and you always speak. I remember the first time I was walking to the store and ran into a neighbor from down the street and I remembered enough Gaelic to say "How are you? I'm doing well. Thanks." I was so proud of myself and it felt so good to know watching video after video of the Irish language had paid off. And they appreciate that folks from outside the country have bothered to learn any of their very hard language.
Another favorite experience was working with kids at Drewstown House. The kids I worked with were so starved for attention and love. They were so excited that someone wanted to spend a week with them. That week was amazing. There were canoe rides and one very huge slip-n-slide made out of black plastic, dish washing detergent, and cold water. There were nightly devotions with stories and singing. A friend from here traveled with me when I went and that week were in charge of ten little girls. We had to be firm and make them listen. We had fun playing and goofing off which they enjoyed but when it came to go to sleep or time to quieten down... they couldn't stand us. (Kids are the same no matter where you go.) We left Drewstown house early on Saturday morning before the campers were awake. You can imagine the surprise when we were about to leave and there on the bottom of the stairs sat ten little girls who wanted to see us off.
I'm sorry if I'm boring you with all of this. I suppose I figure if I reminisce about it maybe I won't miss it as much. I should probably consider that it may have quite the opposite effect and I'll miss it even more.
I'll end this long rambling post with a plea. Something else I learned while in Ireland is that they are people starving for the truth. By the truth, I mean to hear about the forgiveness our heaven father offers. St. Patrick was passionate about Christianity reaching Ireland and he did amazing work. There are signs of his ministry around the country but there are also many signs of the ancient druids and some of the other religions which have led the people astray. They are a people in need of a Savior. There are some strong churches but they are few and far between. There is one large one in Dublin where we were able to worship and I also taught basketball (I'll save that for another post) at a church plant started by the first. So my plea, pray for the people of Ireland. Pray for the missionaries who are sacrificing to serve there. Pray that the Irish Christians will reach out to their fellow countrymen. And as always, pray for continued peace between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
slan (goodbye in Gaelic)
cb
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Quick Update
Well, I had a quick checkup today and everything is ok after the miscarriage which is a relief. I wans't concerned but its nice to hear good things.
Im spending a lot of time thinking about a new job. I know God will provide the right job at the right time but my humanness worries about finding a job. I sent my resume to a business today where I have a contact. Let's say some prayers. Maybe this is the one?
cb
Im spending a lot of time thinking about a new job. I know God will provide the right job at the right time but my humanness worries about finding a job. I sent my resume to a business today where I have a contact. Let's say some prayers. Maybe this is the one?
cb
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Finally!
A job interview at 4 pm! woo hoo its at least a step in the right direction.
i'll let you know how it goes.
cb
i'll let you know how it goes.
cb
Monday, June 2, 2008
Lots to Write About
Ok first let me mention: If you tried to email my dad from the link in my post in the last few days it probably didn't work. Thanks to Joe, he informed me it didn't work and I have corrected it. It should have read jeric244@bellsouth.net .
I had a pretty good weekend in Hartsville. I was able to eat lunch with Melissa who has been my best friend since probably the second or third grade. Its always good to catch up with an old friend.
Dad has now raised $9,000 and his total is still rising. I have to say it again. He is so cool!
Coming back on Sunday was interesting. We came up on this little Focus wagon and across the back it read "Just Married." I of course thought how cute, and thought back to Matt and I leaving for our honeymoon. When we passed we saw it was an older couple probably in their 70s! How cute! They've found love this late in life and they get to enjoy the rest of their years with someone they love.
After we got onto I-26 mom's car started to act a little funny and eventually I had to pull over and it cut off. While we were home, someone replaced her fuel filter so I figured it had come loose or something. Being the Do-It-Yourself girl that I am, I got the car up on the jack and looked under. Yeh... I got it on the jack but didn't know what else to do from there. haha Well, while we sat waiting on Matt to pick us up, (we were 80 miles from Greenville) a very nice gentleman stopped and looked under the car and he just happened to be headed to Spartanburg. We got the car cranked and it seemed to run ok so he followed us as far as 385 and then Matt met us and followed us the rest of the way home. God took care of us.
I finally got some sleep. I had struggled to get any sleep while we were gone but I slept wonderfully in our bed. By the way, my most wonderful husband had flowers waiting for me when I got home!
cb
I had a pretty good weekend in Hartsville. I was able to eat lunch with Melissa who has been my best friend since probably the second or third grade. Its always good to catch up with an old friend.
Dad has now raised $9,000 and his total is still rising. I have to say it again. He is so cool!
Coming back on Sunday was interesting. We came up on this little Focus wagon and across the back it read "Just Married." I of course thought how cute, and thought back to Matt and I leaving for our honeymoon. When we passed we saw it was an older couple probably in their 70s! How cute! They've found love this late in life and they get to enjoy the rest of their years with someone they love.
After we got onto I-26 mom's car started to act a little funny and eventually I had to pull over and it cut off. While we were home, someone replaced her fuel filter so I figured it had come loose or something. Being the Do-It-Yourself girl that I am, I got the car up on the jack and looked under. Yeh... I got it on the jack but didn't know what else to do from there. haha Well, while we sat waiting on Matt to pick us up, (we were 80 miles from Greenville) a very nice gentleman stopped and looked under the car and he just happened to be headed to Spartanburg. We got the car cranked and it seemed to run ok so he followed us as far as 385 and then Matt met us and followed us the rest of the way home. God took care of us.
I finally got some sleep. I had struggled to get any sleep while we were gone but I slept wonderfully in our bed. By the way, my most wonderful husband had flowers waiting for me when I got home!
cb
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Happy Anniversary!
Today is six months since mine and Matt's wedding day. It some ways it seems forever ago and in some ways seems like only yesterday. One thing for sure.... I have the best husband out there. Sorry ladies. ;-)
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