I’ve been a blog absent lately b/c the last few months have been a whirlwind.
In October, I started graduate school.
In November, I was started a new job and got engaged.
…and in December, my younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Cancer or not- things are good! The devil has yet to steal my joy!!!
I enjoy working on my masters. I’m learning about college students and their development and I actually look forward to my higher education.
I have an AMAZING job and an AMAZING boss. He values my opinion and creativity. I have the type of experience to really, really change student life at HCC and I have every intention to do so.
I LOVE Joe-William Driver and am so excited about being his wife. Planning a wedding is great but knowing that I get to be his ‘wife fa life’ is THE GREATEST feeling EVER!
My sister has breast cancer but breast cancer doesn’t have her!!!! She’s having surgery on MY BIRTHDAY (which I have thus coined her “bump-iversary”). Every year for the rest of our lives, December 30th will be special to the both of us!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
faith
I’m filled w/a complexity of emotions but am at a loss for words. I want to write but I don’t know what TO write.
I want to scream.
…and I want to cry. I’ve been holding back tears since 9:40 a.m.
God has a plan… right?
#faith
I want to scream.
…and I want to cry. I’ve been holding back tears since 9:40 a.m.
God has a plan… right?
#faith
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
1st week at HCC verdict...
pros...
1. My dean is awesome.
2. Everyone has been overly welcoming and super friendly! (just genuinely excited to have me on board!)
3. Ethnicity and diversity at it's finest.
4. My dean is awesome.
5. There's SO much room for growth! (responsibility, personally and professionally)
5. My dean genuinely trusts and values my opinion. (little does he know, I'm the best decision he's ever made! AND, I'm on a mission to prove that I'm worth it!)
6. The commute is amazing.
7. Professional Development opportunities.
8. I'm FINALLY working with and for students again!
9. Getting a taste of Student Government... pretty sure I'm going to love that!
10. Get to write some new policies and procedures (and put the smack down on getting that house in order!)
11. My predecessor (Troy) was promoted w/in the HCC system so I have an amazing resource so I won't feel like I'm struggling on my own.
12. I get to type w/an engagement ring on my finger! (and I didn't have that at my last job so it's an obvious perk to this one!)
13. My dean is awesome.
cons...
1. 193% sure, Hurricane Katrina has been in my office.... I got to get that figured out quick, fast and in a hurry b/c I can't function in a disaster area. FEMA needs to get in there quick and help me sort through the madness.
1. My dean is awesome.
2. Everyone has been overly welcoming and super friendly! (just genuinely excited to have me on board!)
3. Ethnicity and diversity at it's finest.
4. My dean is awesome.
5. There's SO much room for growth! (responsibility, personally and professionally)
5. My dean genuinely trusts and values my opinion. (little does he know, I'm the best decision he's ever made! AND, I'm on a mission to prove that I'm worth it!)
6. The commute is amazing.
7. Professional Development opportunities.
8. I'm FINALLY working with and for students again!
9. Getting a taste of Student Government... pretty sure I'm going to love that!
10. Get to write some new policies and procedures (and put the smack down on getting that house in order!)
11. My predecessor (Troy) was promoted w/in the HCC system so I have an amazing resource so I won't feel like I'm struggling on my own.
12. I get to type w/an engagement ring on my finger! (and I didn't have that at my last job so it's an obvious perk to this one!)
13. My dean is awesome.
cons...
1. 193% sure, Hurricane Katrina has been in my office.... I got to get that figured out quick, fast and in a hurry b/c I can't function in a disaster area. FEMA needs to get in there quick and help me sort through the madness.
the future Mrs. Joe-William Driver...
...well, I'm getting married!
and considering starting a wedding blog so that IF you want to read about the wedding, you can- and if not... you can stick to the usual tomfoolery that happens at dysfunctionaljewell. {just kind of feel like I don't wat to be that annoying blogger that you love to read, but hate reading about wedding all day, all the time... but then again- THIS IS MY FREAKING BLOG!}
Sunday, November 14, 2010
#free
I can’t begin to explain the sense of joy, relief and freedom that have transpired from leaving Rice. Of course, I could elaborate MUCH, MUCH more- but the bitches don’t deserve my time, my writing AND ESPECIALLY acknowledgement on my ma’freakin blog! Not today, hoe--- not today.
(and you know it's bad when I call a woman a b*tch, b/c I DO NOT LIKE calling females bitches... but if the shoe fits....)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
the dream...
A few nights ago, I had the weirdest dream.
My parents left my sisters and me to live in Jamaica and I was really upset, so I tried to leave w/them. They were on a boat w/6 other couples and I was swimming behind them in the ocean wearing floaties. They could see me, and my Dad was steering the boat in an S like pattern (watching me) but still trying to get away.
Joe was on a little inflatable boat paddling behind me, trying to catch up. He was yelling my name.
~~~~~
I was just on speaker phone w/both of my parents and so happened to tell them my dream.
This was their collective response….
“Being deep in the ocean symbolizes that you’ve jumped in head first to all the life changing decisions you’ve recently made and that’s a good thing. Some people don’t go all the way in, they just go ankle deep. B/C you were chasing after us, you are very attached to us, but you need to learn to be more independent. You need to grow up. You should be thankful that you had someone chasing after you b/c most people don’t. You’re in the middle of being cared for by us and being fully cared for, by Joe. Joe wants to provide for and take care of you."
Hmm... that could be fairly accurate. Of course, they said much more; I just can't remember all of it.
My parents left my sisters and me to live in Jamaica and I was really upset, so I tried to leave w/them. They were on a boat w/6 other couples and I was swimming behind them in the ocean wearing floaties. They could see me, and my Dad was steering the boat in an S like pattern (watching me) but still trying to get away.
Joe was on a little inflatable boat paddling behind me, trying to catch up. He was yelling my name.
~~~~~
I was just on speaker phone w/both of my parents and so happened to tell them my dream.
This was their collective response….
“Being deep in the ocean symbolizes that you’ve jumped in head first to all the life changing decisions you’ve recently made and that’s a good thing. Some people don’t go all the way in, they just go ankle deep. B/C you were chasing after us, you are very attached to us, but you need to learn to be more independent. You need to grow up. You should be thankful that you had someone chasing after you b/c most people don’t. You’re in the middle of being cared for by us and being fully cared for, by Joe. Joe wants to provide for and take care of you."
Hmm... that could be fairly accurate. Of course, they said much more; I just can't remember all of it.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
{Baptist church shout} THANKYA!!!!
I want to take a quiiick second to brag on me.
I am not overwhelmed w/school! Granted, it is DEFINITELY a lot of work, it’s encouraged me to have my head in a book or reading an article or doing something useful w/my life. I am very, very content w/this first week.
It was been assignment overload but I knew the first week would be tough. My advisor told me going in, “the first week will be the hardest”… and that has held true. I appreciate knowing that it’ll slow down a little, but I still want to be just as committed during the rest of the program that I have been this first week. Every day that I come home, I do something related to school work… and I want to keep that going.
When you’re excited about the work you’re doing- it actually makes you want to be better and do better. I am very excited about this journey and look forward to what’s in store.
Now, time to brag on me for a minute. This week, before Wednesday, I had 2 assignments to post. It is also an assignment for each person to read everyone’s assignments, and then reply to the they liked the most. Guess who had the most responses?! That’d be me baby, that’d be me! NO! it is not a competition, but I don’t give a crap! My papers were awesome! Clearly, I am the best writer on this ship!!!! Woooo-hoooo!!! I can’t wait to get feedback from my professors!!
And now the crappy part… I have to go read the awful responses from my classmates and find one that I “like.” I wish I could respond to my own post! :) I’m not being ugly, but I just feel like I’m in a league of my own.
But of course, to God be the glory b/c I’d be nothing and no where w/out my savior’s favor and grace.
{Baptist church shout} THANKYA!!!!
I am not overwhelmed w/school! Granted, it is DEFINITELY a lot of work, it’s encouraged me to have my head in a book or reading an article or doing something useful w/my life. I am very, very content w/this first week.
It was been assignment overload but I knew the first week would be tough. My advisor told me going in, “the first week will be the hardest”… and that has held true. I appreciate knowing that it’ll slow down a little, but I still want to be just as committed during the rest of the program that I have been this first week. Every day that I come home, I do something related to school work… and I want to keep that going.
When you’re excited about the work you’re doing- it actually makes you want to be better and do better. I am very excited about this journey and look forward to what’s in store.
Now, time to brag on me for a minute. This week, before Wednesday, I had 2 assignments to post. It is also an assignment for each person to read everyone’s assignments, and then reply to the they liked the most. Guess who had the most responses?! That’d be me baby, that’d be me! NO! it is not a competition, but I don’t give a crap! My papers were awesome! Clearly, I am the best writer on this ship!!!! Woooo-hoooo!!! I can’t wait to get feedback from my professors!!
And now the crappy part… I have to go read the awful responses from my classmates and find one that I “like.” I wish I could respond to my own post! :) I’m not being ugly, but I just feel like I’m in a league of my own.
But of course, to God be the glory b/c I’d be nothing and no where w/out my savior’s favor and grace.
{Baptist church shout} THANKYA!!!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
19. Start my masters program.
Today is the first day that I begin work on my masters in Higher Education.
Although it’s October 2010, I actually started researching programs in January of 2009. I’ve known for a while that I was ready to get a graduate degree but for some reason, I’ve been under the assumption that I needed to pay for it out of pocket.
I’m not really sure why I thought that was even an option- but it certainly isn’t! Financial aid is my new BFF (don’t tell O.)
Applying to grad school really kind of happened over night. I woke up one morning and told Joe, “Today; I’m going to look into getting my masters”…. And the next day, I was literally ready to apply.
I think since I already knew the program and school of choice, that it expedited the process a little bit. The first time I researched, I found a distance education program from Abilene Christian University (ACU).
B/C of my ridiculous work schedule, I cannot commit to taking a class on a particular day of the week so distance ed obviously--- makes the most sense for my lifestyle.
Each course is only 7 weeks long and there is no down time. Meaning, what most students typically learn in about 13 weeks, I am learning in half of the time. There is A LOT of reading, A LOT of class discussions and forums, A LOT of assignments, A LOT of video participation and of course a heaping load of writing {pretty sure my blog is going to suffer.}
Today is the first day and I’m already a little overwhelmed. I’ve had my textbooks about 2 weeks and even though class didn’t technically start until today, I started reading last week. This week’s work consists of 63 textbook pages, 4 assignments and 2 discussions… all due next Monday, and then module 2 begins.
To read w/comprehension and thorough process, I’ve estimated about 10 pages per hour. And this is taking notes in the margin, highlighting and rereading a sentence (when and if my mind wanders).
I get home at 6 pm and I’m in bed by 11 every night. That leaves 6 hours of study time each day. In order to be successful, I’m going to have to make huge sacrifices. No more TV and no more lounging around. I have to take advantage of EVERY free second that I have. I’ve committed to only responding to work related emails, during work hours. When at work, I need to also maximize that time so that when 5:00 comes, I am ready to get home and start w/my studies.
I know my blog w/probably suffer from lack of time; I pray that my relationship doesn’t…but Joe has been very supportive. {In all honesty, I'm willing to sacrifice the blog for a graduate degree---DUH!!!!}
Wish me luck… this may be the last update for a while.
Although it’s October 2010, I actually started researching programs in January of 2009. I’ve known for a while that I was ready to get a graduate degree but for some reason, I’ve been under the assumption that I needed to pay for it out of pocket.
I’m not really sure why I thought that was even an option- but it certainly isn’t! Financial aid is my new BFF (don’t tell O.)
Applying to grad school really kind of happened over night. I woke up one morning and told Joe, “Today; I’m going to look into getting my masters”…. And the next day, I was literally ready to apply.
I think since I already knew the program and school of choice, that it expedited the process a little bit. The first time I researched, I found a distance education program from Abilene Christian University (ACU).
B/C of my ridiculous work schedule, I cannot commit to taking a class on a particular day of the week so distance ed obviously--- makes the most sense for my lifestyle.
Each course is only 7 weeks long and there is no down time. Meaning, what most students typically learn in about 13 weeks, I am learning in half of the time. There is A LOT of reading, A LOT of class discussions and forums, A LOT of assignments, A LOT of video participation and of course a heaping load of writing {pretty sure my blog is going to suffer.}
Today is the first day and I’m already a little overwhelmed. I’ve had my textbooks about 2 weeks and even though class didn’t technically start until today, I started reading last week. This week’s work consists of 63 textbook pages, 4 assignments and 2 discussions… all due next Monday, and then module 2 begins.
To read w/comprehension and thorough process, I’ve estimated about 10 pages per hour. And this is taking notes in the margin, highlighting and rereading a sentence (when and if my mind wanders).
I get home at 6 pm and I’m in bed by 11 every night. That leaves 6 hours of study time each day. In order to be successful, I’m going to have to make huge sacrifices. No more TV and no more lounging around. I have to take advantage of EVERY free second that I have. I’ve committed to only responding to work related emails, during work hours. When at work, I need to also maximize that time so that when 5:00 comes, I am ready to get home and start w/my studies.
I know my blog w/probably suffer from lack of time; I pray that my relationship doesn’t…but Joe has been very supportive. {In all honesty, I'm willing to sacrifice the blog for a graduate degree---DUH!!!!}
Wish me luck… this may be the last update for a while.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
A WORK IN PROGRESS...
I don’t like asking for help.
When I was growing up, {living w/my real Mom} I did everything by myself and for myself. I woke myself up in the mornings for school, got dressed and fed on my own and even made it to school w/out any assistance from an adult. When I got home, I was fed, homework done and ready for bed- without any assistance.
I spent the majority of my childhood being independent. I had to learn at a very early age that there’s no obligation for anyone to do a single thing for you.
If I need something- I need to figure out how to get it done--- on my own.
My mindset has adapted to think that people that can’t provide or do things for themselves are helpless. {It’s harsh- I know. But don’t get me wrong, I’m talking about well able bodies.}
There are two situations at the current moment that are really testing my patience.
Although, I’ve dedicated my life and career to serving people- it’s from a “teach them to fish” philosophy; “buy a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”
Situation Number 1: I do not like to let people borrow/have “things”. I also don’t like TO BORROW things, myself. I always feel extremely guilty when someone buys or gives me something really nice. Maybe it’s b/c I don’t know how to express my gratitude--- or maybe it’s b/c I don’t want said person thinking that I’m incapable of providing/doing for myself.
The situation has presented itself to “help someone” by giving them something b/c we “have it” to give. We have two incomes, so we should be able to offer assistance to someone else. In my opinion, it’s the beginning of the end. Helping, in this particular fashion, sets the tone (for a lifetime) that this is an acceptable standard. My issue is not w/the person {LOVE that person to death}… it’s the concept that it’s okay to ask for “things” on a regular basis.
But if we say no (for whatever reason)… then I have to sit around and feel guilty about what we’re actually doing w/it that we weren’t able to give/lend it. If it’s money; whether it be, paying bills, getting a pedicure or going out to eat every day of the week…. I worked 80 hours a pay period to earn that money- so I should be able to do w/it what I want. {SIDENOTE: I don’t even like to let people borrow my DVDs!!!!}
Am I being selfish b/c I don’t’ like to let people borrow things?
I don’t think so, but not everyone agrees. I think I can attribute this to the fact that growing up, I didn’t have my own things so I may tend to be a little possisive over what I do have now {with reason}.
AGAIN… this is NOT w/everything….
Situation Number 2: PRIME EXAMPLE of why I don’t like to borrow things or ask for help.
I am borrowing something. It literally took everything that I had to even ask in the first place. I’d rather be HUGELY inconvenienced times a million, than to ask someone to help me. Joe is ALWAYS my first resort (and of course, I am shis.)… but there was nothing he could do.
So I asked to borrow something for 5 days. Today is day 1 and I’ve spent the entire day in tears b/c the borrower has literally cut me down to the dirt. I’ve apologized multiple times for my offense, but it’s taken w/a grain of salt.
A few things to point out: (1) When my offense was made, I swear to you- there were 3 bad options presented, I picked option C and the borrower flew off the handle. I have NEVER been belittled by anyone they way that I was today.
A lot of angry words were exchanged, “You shouldn’t even be here! I was so mad at you this morning that I couldn’t even text or call you! I cannot stand to look at you right now!!!!”
This awkwardly happened in front of about 20 other people but half of them in perfect hearing range to the royal chewing out that I’d just received. I spent the remaining hour covering my face and whipping tears from under my sunglasses.
Even while said borrower was talking, I was apologizing the entire time…. but my apology fell to deaf ears.
I couldn’t/can’t get the incident out of my head so I went 1 step further and sent an apology email.
The borrower continued to rip me a new one, and concluded the last lines of the response email with, “What you did was not right. It was selfish and inconsiderate. Enjoy your day.”
I promise…. that I considered all three options before I chose option C. I was already being a nuisance and trying to disturb as little as possible… and my choice caused the borrower to fly off the handle. When I chose option C, I honesty did consider the ramifications of both A & B and C seemed like the best option of the 3.
NOW… I feel indebted to said borrower. Now, I want to return that in which I have borrowed, but I borrowed it for a reason and there is no other way.
BUT THIS IS PART OF WHY I DON’T LIKE TO BE A BORROWER!!!!!!
When your intentions are pure and someone says that what you did was wrong, selfish and inconsiderate- it has a tendency to burn juuuust a little.
(2) What I did was NOT wrong, selfish nor inconsiderate. It may have been inconvenient but something cannot be considered wrong, selfish or inconsiderate if the intentions were coming from sincerity… which mine were.
I would educate the borrower on my perspective however; over the past month I have backed down waaaay more than is accustomed for me to do so…. because I am making honest efforts to “work on me.” I am a constant work in progress and this particular situation is a test of my growth.
I do bible devotions two times a day, from two different sources. I don’t do them every single day like I should, but it’s at least a few times a week.
September and October (FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES) have delivered the same principles.
(1) Practice humility.
(2) You don’t always have to be right.
(3) Live a peace w/those around you.
The morale: Avoid disharmony. It opens the door for evil to manifest in your life.
… so what next?
I have no idea.
Trying to put the principles into practice just makes me feel like less of a person b/c I’m not standing up for myself or what I believe to be fair and true. It’s obvious that I have to find a balance, but this is very new for me. However, I get the grave notion that when it comes to my spirit and what I (Tiffany Jewell Flenoy) believe to be honest and fair… is not what God says is right.
I desire more of Him and less of me and if this is the only way- then it is, what it is.
~~~~~~The bible says that if you have it, give it…. and if they ask more of you- give them more. Your blessings come from God. If you take care of His people, He will take care of you.
The bible says that God knows your heart and He has the final say.
…………………………and you wonder why I consider myself to be dysfunctional.
When I was growing up, {living w/my real Mom} I did everything by myself and for myself. I woke myself up in the mornings for school, got dressed and fed on my own and even made it to school w/out any assistance from an adult. When I got home, I was fed, homework done and ready for bed- without any assistance.
I spent the majority of my childhood being independent. I had to learn at a very early age that there’s no obligation for anyone to do a single thing for you.
If I need something- I need to figure out how to get it done--- on my own.
My mindset has adapted to think that people that can’t provide or do things for themselves are helpless. {It’s harsh- I know. But don’t get me wrong, I’m talking about well able bodies.}
There are two situations at the current moment that are really testing my patience.
Although, I’ve dedicated my life and career to serving people- it’s from a “teach them to fish” philosophy; “buy a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”
Situation Number 1: I do not like to let people borrow/have “things”. I also don’t like TO BORROW things, myself. I always feel extremely guilty when someone buys or gives me something really nice. Maybe it’s b/c I don’t know how to express my gratitude--- or maybe it’s b/c I don’t want said person thinking that I’m incapable of providing/doing for myself.
The situation has presented itself to “help someone” by giving them something b/c we “have it” to give. We have two incomes, so we should be able to offer assistance to someone else. In my opinion, it’s the beginning of the end. Helping, in this particular fashion, sets the tone (for a lifetime) that this is an acceptable standard. My issue is not w/the person {LOVE that person to death}… it’s the concept that it’s okay to ask for “things” on a regular basis.
But if we say no (for whatever reason)… then I have to sit around and feel guilty about what we’re actually doing w/it that we weren’t able to give/lend it. If it’s money; whether it be, paying bills, getting a pedicure or going out to eat every day of the week…. I worked 80 hours a pay period to earn that money- so I should be able to do w/it what I want. {SIDENOTE: I don’t even like to let people borrow my DVDs!!!!}
Am I being selfish b/c I don’t’ like to let people borrow things?
I don’t think so, but not everyone agrees. I think I can attribute this to the fact that growing up, I didn’t have my own things so I may tend to be a little possisive over what I do have now {with reason}.
AGAIN… this is NOT w/everything….
Situation Number 2: PRIME EXAMPLE of why I don’t like to borrow things or ask for help.
I am borrowing something. It literally took everything that I had to even ask in the first place. I’d rather be HUGELY inconvenienced times a million, than to ask someone to help me. Joe is ALWAYS my first resort (and of course, I am shis.)… but there was nothing he could do.
So I asked to borrow something for 5 days. Today is day 1 and I’ve spent the entire day in tears b/c the borrower has literally cut me down to the dirt. I’ve apologized multiple times for my offense, but it’s taken w/a grain of salt.
A few things to point out: (1) When my offense was made, I swear to you- there were 3 bad options presented, I picked option C and the borrower flew off the handle. I have NEVER been belittled by anyone they way that I was today.
A lot of angry words were exchanged, “You shouldn’t even be here! I was so mad at you this morning that I couldn’t even text or call you! I cannot stand to look at you right now!!!!”
This awkwardly happened in front of about 20 other people but half of them in perfect hearing range to the royal chewing out that I’d just received. I spent the remaining hour covering my face and whipping tears from under my sunglasses.
Even while said borrower was talking, I was apologizing the entire time…. but my apology fell to deaf ears.
I couldn’t/can’t get the incident out of my head so I went 1 step further and sent an apology email.
The borrower continued to rip me a new one, and concluded the last lines of the response email with, “What you did was not right. It was selfish and inconsiderate. Enjoy your day.”
I promise…. that I considered all three options before I chose option C. I was already being a nuisance and trying to disturb as little as possible… and my choice caused the borrower to fly off the handle. When I chose option C, I honesty did consider the ramifications of both A & B and C seemed like the best option of the 3.
NOW… I feel indebted to said borrower. Now, I want to return that in which I have borrowed, but I borrowed it for a reason and there is no other way.
BUT THIS IS PART OF WHY I DON’T LIKE TO BE A BORROWER!!!!!!
When your intentions are pure and someone says that what you did was wrong, selfish and inconsiderate- it has a tendency to burn juuuust a little.
(2) What I did was NOT wrong, selfish nor inconsiderate. It may have been inconvenient but something cannot be considered wrong, selfish or inconsiderate if the intentions were coming from sincerity… which mine were.
I would educate the borrower on my perspective however; over the past month I have backed down waaaay more than is accustomed for me to do so…. because I am making honest efforts to “work on me.” I am a constant work in progress and this particular situation is a test of my growth.
I do bible devotions two times a day, from two different sources. I don’t do them every single day like I should, but it’s at least a few times a week.
September and October (FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES) have delivered the same principles.
(1) Practice humility.
(2) You don’t always have to be right.
(3) Live a peace w/those around you.
The morale: Avoid disharmony. It opens the door for evil to manifest in your life.
… so what next?
I have no idea.
Trying to put the principles into practice just makes me feel like less of a person b/c I’m not standing up for myself or what I believe to be fair and true. It’s obvious that I have to find a balance, but this is very new for me. However, I get the grave notion that when it comes to my spirit and what I (Tiffany Jewell Flenoy) believe to be honest and fair… is not what God says is right.
I desire more of Him and less of me and if this is the only way- then it is, what it is.
~~~~~~The bible says that if you have it, give it…. and if they ask more of you- give them more. Your blessings come from God. If you take care of His people, He will take care of you.
The bible says that God knows your heart and He has the final say.
…………………………and you wonder why I consider myself to be dysfunctional.
the dark before the dawn
You know it's darkest outside right before the break of dawn.
I'd say I shouldn't have gotten out of the bed today... but today has actually been one of many, many days.
...praying there are brighter days ahead.
I'd say I shouldn't have gotten out of the bed today... but today has actually been one of many, many days.
...praying there are brighter days ahead.
Monday, October 4, 2010
...to get me through.
Don’t Be Surprised
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed”
(1 Peter 4:12–13, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD
It’s one thing to know that you’re going into a challenging season. You get prepared for it. You get mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches us off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of us.
The Scripture says that we shouldn’t be surprised by fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in your future! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith. Keep your joy and keep declaring God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle. You will defeat every enemy, and right now, I declare that you will fulfill your destiny in Jesus’ name!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for walking with me in every season of life. Today, I cast all of my cares on You. I cast all of my difficulties, all of my questions, and all of my concerns. Thank You for working all things out for my good. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed”
(1 Peter 4:12–13, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD
It’s one thing to know that you’re going into a challenging season. You get prepared for it. You get mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches us off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of us.
The Scripture says that we shouldn’t be surprised by fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in your future! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith. Keep your joy and keep declaring God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle. You will defeat every enemy, and right now, I declare that you will fulfill your destiny in Jesus’ name!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for walking with me in every season of life. Today, I cast all of my cares on You. I cast all of my difficulties, all of my questions, and all of my concerns. Thank You for working all things out for my good. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Friday, October 1, 2010
that lil slut...
Today, my nephew {Trey, age 12} called me at work to tell me he broke up w/his girlfriend, Olivia. Olivia is like his 3rd girlfriend in the past month since school has started. A few weeks ago, I chaperoned the 6th grade dance and saw the CUTEST little black girl (Kayla) and thought, “OMG, she’d be really cute for Trey!” {Sidenote: All his other GFs have all been Caucasian. Granted, we’re like 1 of 10 black families in Katy and we love and appreciate all races, personally- I’d love and appreciate a little black girl in Trey’s life.}
About 20 minutes into the dance, I saw Kayla w/a group of girls doing the black girl thing; rolling her neck and shaking her finger in someone’s face, talking loud and stupid. I instantly changed my opinion about her being cute for Trey. She seemed fairly dramatic for a 12 year old and Trey is definitely not ready for that. I actually laugh at the thought of her doing the black girl thing to Trey, b/c I’m also pretty sure that he’d start laughing his damn self. I kind of feel like she’s the kind of girl that lets boys touch her boobs in the bathroom. {that lil slut}
Not only did Trey call to say he’d broken up w/Olivia, he also wanted to let me know that today he asked his new crush, Kayla to be his girlfriend- she’s supposed to give him the answer tomorrow {Friday}. Little does he know I’m praying that lil slut says no.
My sister and I are chaperoning another dance in a few weeks, and Kayla better hope she and Trey are broken up by then. I dare her to do something stupid to my nephew... I carry a pocket knife. {well, it's really like a fingernail clipper/nail file thingy...}
About 20 minutes into the dance, I saw Kayla w/a group of girls doing the black girl thing; rolling her neck and shaking her finger in someone’s face, talking loud and stupid. I instantly changed my opinion about her being cute for Trey. She seemed fairly dramatic for a 12 year old and Trey is definitely not ready for that. I actually laugh at the thought of her doing the black girl thing to Trey, b/c I’m also pretty sure that he’d start laughing his damn self. I kind of feel like she’s the kind of girl that lets boys touch her boobs in the bathroom. {that lil slut}
Not only did Trey call to say he’d broken up w/Olivia, he also wanted to let me know that today he asked his new crush, Kayla to be his girlfriend- she’s supposed to give him the answer tomorrow {Friday}. Little does he know I’m praying that lil slut says no.
My sister and I are chaperoning another dance in a few weeks, and Kayla better hope she and Trey are broken up by then. I dare her to do something stupid to my nephew... I carry a pocket knife. {well, it's really like a fingernail clipper/nail file thingy...}
can't sleep
It’s 4 am and I can’t sleep.
Actually, I’m sitting in the bathtub w/a pillow and the computer b/c I don’t want to wake up Joe… why am I not in the living room? {relocating now…}
I’m a week away from my class reunion and at this point, I have a forever running ‘to-do’ list in my head. This afternoon, Amanda, Jenny and I met at the Briar Club to review a few last minute details… which actually ended in disappointment but whatever. I was briefly excited about the possibility of something new but my shimmer of hope quickly faded.
Tomorrow, Cassie and I are meeting to go over a timeline for the weekend and then we’re meeting again on Saturday w/the entire committee.
I am tired… is it bad that I’m just ready for this to all be over? I can’t even begin to imagine the HUGE weight that’ll be lifted on the morning of October 10th when I wake up and the reunion is over. I’m physically exhausted.
Don’t get me wrong; it’s been real and it’s been fun…. but it’s been far from real fun.
…I’m also EXTREMELY nervous about needing a PLAN B----- but that’s a worry I’ll have to keep to myself. Maybe I’ll tell Cassie tomorrow.
{p.s.... doing a little internet stalking and just got really pissed off.}
Actually, I’m sitting in the bathtub w/a pillow and the computer b/c I don’t want to wake up Joe… why am I not in the living room? {relocating now…}
I’m a week away from my class reunion and at this point, I have a forever running ‘to-do’ list in my head. This afternoon, Amanda, Jenny and I met at the Briar Club to review a few last minute details… which actually ended in disappointment but whatever. I was briefly excited about the possibility of something new but my shimmer of hope quickly faded.
Tomorrow, Cassie and I are meeting to go over a timeline for the weekend and then we’re meeting again on Saturday w/the entire committee.
I am tired… is it bad that I’m just ready for this to all be over? I can’t even begin to imagine the HUGE weight that’ll be lifted on the morning of October 10th when I wake up and the reunion is over. I’m physically exhausted.
Don’t get me wrong; it’s been real and it’s been fun…. but it’s been far from real fun.
…I’m also EXTREMELY nervous about needing a PLAN B----- but that’s a worry I’ll have to keep to myself. Maybe I’ll tell Cassie tomorrow.
{p.s.... doing a little internet stalking and just got really pissed off.}
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
only the beginning...
I love so many things about Joe-William, but here are a few more…
-The day I was accepted into my Masters program, Joe called/texted my entire family in efforts to plan a celebratory dinner that night. {Little did he know that you can NEVER spring a plan on my family the day of! We’re always into something and need advance notice.} But I love that he thought enough of me, to want to celebrate me and my accomplishment.
-I’d been saying that I want to make a few changes to my diet and adding a lot more fruit. I didn’t think much of the comment and it was said in passing. One day, Joe came home w/a plethora of fruit that he’d bought from the grocery store and made me a fresh fruit salad. {Not to mention, he’d actually called my Mom to see the best fruits to put in it. She and my Dad make fresh fruit salad every week, and now Joe makes one for me also.} He buys fresh fruit… and cuts them up for me w/his own hands.
-One day last week, I wasn’t scheduled to work until afternoon but I woke up at regular time b/c I’d planned on going in any way to get some work done. When I was finished w/my hair, Joe woke up and said, “Oh, I really wanted to take you to breakfast this morning but I guess I’ll miss out on that.” And of course I changed my plans and we had breakfast together at Waffle House that morning. I was definitely overdressed for Waffle House but I was w/Joe so, it didn’t matter.
He always makes me really excited about the fact that this is only the beginning for us. He makes me wonder what I did to deserve him.
-The day I was accepted into my Masters program, Joe called/texted my entire family in efforts to plan a celebratory dinner that night. {Little did he know that you can NEVER spring a plan on my family the day of! We’re always into something and need advance notice.} But I love that he thought enough of me, to want to celebrate me and my accomplishment.
-I’d been saying that I want to make a few changes to my diet and adding a lot more fruit. I didn’t think much of the comment and it was said in passing. One day, Joe came home w/a plethora of fruit that he’d bought from the grocery store and made me a fresh fruit salad. {Not to mention, he’d actually called my Mom to see the best fruits to put in it. She and my Dad make fresh fruit salad every week, and now Joe makes one for me also.} He buys fresh fruit… and cuts them up for me w/his own hands.
-One day last week, I wasn’t scheduled to work until afternoon but I woke up at regular time b/c I’d planned on going in any way to get some work done. When I was finished w/my hair, Joe woke up and said, “Oh, I really wanted to take you to breakfast this morning but I guess I’ll miss out on that.” And of course I changed my plans and we had breakfast together at Waffle House that morning. I was definitely overdressed for Waffle House but I was w/Joe so, it didn’t matter.
He always makes me really excited about the fact that this is only the beginning for us. He makes me wonder what I did to deserve him.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
something new
…planning a class reunion is stressful. I AM NOT doing it again. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the vast majority of it, but it’s awkwardly time consuming. It’s been 17 LONG months and I can’t wait to finish and start focusing on something else---- like my graduate program.
The morning of October 10th will probably be the best morning I’ve had in a while. For the 1st time in almost 2 years, I’ll wake up and NOT think about my reunion ‘to-do’ list.
...looking forward to something new...
The morning of October 10th will probably be the best morning I’ve had in a while. For the 1st time in almost 2 years, I’ll wake up and NOT think about my reunion ‘to-do’ list.
...looking forward to something new...
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Always, somtimes... never.
...this is going around, so of course I had to do my own.
ALWAYS
-Kiss Joe before 1 of us leaves for work.
-Say ‘I love you’ when I get off the phone w/any member of my family.
-Rotate the same handful of outfits even though I have enough clothes to last a lifetime.
-HATE getting up in the morning for work.
-Wake up before 7:30 a.m. on the weekends.
-Keep up w/my friends’ blogs.
-Order the same thing at a restaurant.
-Miss working w/students.
-Boss people around.
-Set my alarm for an hour and 40 minutes before I want to wake up… (makes me feel like I’m sleeping in if I get to press the snooze button.)
-Am very conscious of what we spend our money on.
-Try to have my closed by 11 p.m.- even on the weekends.
-Worry about EVERYTHING.
-Pop my knuckles.
-Have a very oily face… DRIVES ME BANANAS!!!!!!!
SOMETIMES
-Say yes when I feel like saying no.
-Just feel like crying.
-Get really pissed when the TV doesn’t record something I’ve been looking forward to watching.
-Want to call old friends; but then I remember how shitty they are.
-Can’t believe that God loved me enough to give me Joe-William.
-Need recognition for a job well done.
-Skip church to sleep in late.
-Curse in front of my parents for the sake of a good joke.
-Go weeks w/out wearing makeup.
-Don’t stick up for myself.
-Don’t care if my biological Mom lives or dies.
-Don’t paint my toenails.
-Don’t keep up w/the news
NEVER
-Chew on the left side of my mouth… feels weird.
-Wash clothes as much as I should.
-Vacuum. I make Joe do it,… for some reason- I can’t wrap my head around it.
-Want to stop being best friends w/BFF.
-Have the urge to workout.
-Care about my weight b/c it only fluctuates b/w 10 and 11 pounds.
-Drink the leftover milk in my cereal bowl.
-Say ‘ugly things to people even if it’d be justified for me to do so.
-Call my grandmother when my parents tell me to.
-Fold my clothes after taking them out of the dryer… shoot, I don’t even take them out right away.
ALWAYS
-Kiss Joe before 1 of us leaves for work.
-Say ‘I love you’ when I get off the phone w/any member of my family.
-Rotate the same handful of outfits even though I have enough clothes to last a lifetime.
-HATE getting up in the morning for work.
-Wake up before 7:30 a.m. on the weekends.
-Keep up w/my friends’ blogs.
-Order the same thing at a restaurant.
-Miss working w/students.
-Boss people around.
-Set my alarm for an hour and 40 minutes before I want to wake up… (makes me feel like I’m sleeping in if I get to press the snooze button.)
-Am very conscious of what we spend our money on.
-Try to have my closed by 11 p.m.- even on the weekends.
-Worry about EVERYTHING.
-Pop my knuckles.
-Have a very oily face… DRIVES ME BANANAS!!!!!!!
SOMETIMES
-Say yes when I feel like saying no.
-Just feel like crying.
-Get really pissed when the TV doesn’t record something I’ve been looking forward to watching.
-Want to call old friends; but then I remember how shitty they are.
-Can’t believe that God loved me enough to give me Joe-William.
-Need recognition for a job well done.
-Skip church to sleep in late.
-Curse in front of my parents for the sake of a good joke.
-Go weeks w/out wearing makeup.
-Don’t stick up for myself.
-Don’t care if my biological Mom lives or dies.
-Don’t paint my toenails.
-Don’t keep up w/the news
NEVER
-Chew on the left side of my mouth… feels weird.
-Wash clothes as much as I should.
-Vacuum. I make Joe do it,… for some reason- I can’t wrap my head around it.
-Want to stop being best friends w/BFF.
-Have the urge to workout.
-Care about my weight b/c it only fluctuates b/w 10 and 11 pounds.
-Drink the leftover milk in my cereal bowl.
-Say ‘ugly things to people even if it’d be justified for me to do so.
-Call my grandmother when my parents tell me to.
-Fold my clothes after taking them out of the dryer… shoot, I don’t even take them out right away.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
a text from joe's niece
Makenzie: “I reckt”
Me: “Huh?”
Makenzie: “Had an acettent”
…I waited for almost 10 minutes before I texted her back b/c I still had no idea that she was trying to tell me that she “wrecked” in an “accident.”
Me: “With who? Who was driving?”
Makenzie: “No not that on the bike”
~~~
Lol… gotta love a cute kid.
Me: “Huh?”
Makenzie: “Had an acettent”
…I waited for almost 10 minutes before I texted her back b/c I still had no idea that she was trying to tell me that she “wrecked” in an “accident.”
Me: “With who? Who was driving?”
Makenzie: “No not that on the bike”
~~~
Lol… gotta love a cute kid.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Finally Friday!
This week has been a very atypical.
Manic Monday
I was rear ended.
I was already annoyed that I’d left my headset at home and would have to hold the phone. In all honesty, I don’t really do that much talking on the phone in the first place, but in the past month of so- I have become obsessed w/my headset. How marvelous it is to just talk, hands-free! AMAZING.
I-10E, headed to work came to a standstill. My car could have literally been in park. And I (on the phone) just happened to look in the rearview mirror and saw the car behind me coming full speed. (I’m convinced he was also on the phone and not paying attention.) I frantically started repeating, “OHMIGOD!! OHMIGOD!! OHMIGOD!!”…. needless to say, I am FREAKING out the BFF on the other line.
All I could do was brace for impact.
BAM!!!!!.... shoot. I was hit.
I looked at the phone and this whole time, the phone had been on mute and BFF was screaming, “Hello! Hello! Are you okay?! HELLO?!”…. (cut to me calling him after it was all over- he said, “I just knew you had died. It was like in the movies when someone gets in a wreck and the phone shatters and slides down the street 20 feet while the person is laying on the side of the road dead.”)
…pulled over and got out of the car… nervous black kid in his early 20’s “Ma’am,….oh my God, ma’am- I’m so sorry.”
TJF: “Are you okay? What happened?”
Kid: “I’m so sorry…. my foot slipped off the break, onto the gas and I just froze up.”
Confirmation again that he was probably texting.
I look at his car.
“Holy crap!...was your car like that before you hit me?”
“No ma’am.”
I look at my car.
No damage…at all.
TJF: “Well, we can exchange information if you want, but I don’t need to make a claim at all- my car is perfect…. Well, let me just make sure I can open the trunk.”
Trunk opens fine.
Kid: “Ma’am, are you sure? Again, I’m so sorry.”
TJF: “Quit calling me ma’am before I change my mind.”
Kid: “Okay….again, I’m so so sorry.”
TJF: “It’s fine. Let’s get out of here! (I pat him on the shoulder)…. Have a great day!”
….I’m sure that he was petrified that he’d be dealing w/ABW (angry black woman- remember, I try to suppress her as much as possible) but I was just thankful to have no damage to my vehicle and that we were both unharmed.
No need for ABW to come out.
Hump Day
…this will eventually turn into a blog in itself, but it’s definitely worth honorable mention.
Things w/my small group have practically crumbled, yes- even before it’s gotten a chance to get off the ground. And I’ve been in constant prayer and have let many, many tears fall…. but I’m trusting that God knows best. He knows my heart and that’s all that matters.
Celebration Thursday
LUNCH- My staff at work is comprised of only 4 people, but when someone has a birthday- we celebrate. (But I’ll admit, it’s nice to get out of the office every once in a while.) It was a little easier when our staff had 5 people on it, but this 4 ppl thing is going to bankrupt me. I work in Events and it’s a part of our job to stay on the up and up w/restaurants and all the Houston social scene. The tradition has been to try something new for someone’s birthday. The last birthday, we ate Singaporean food and it put about a $55 dent in my wallet- for lunch (and we also contribute to a gift.) Last year for my b-day, we went to Olive Garden and had unlimited soup and salad…. but that was my choice. Compared to everyone else, I’m pretty low maintenance. (Not that they're snobby or anything,... but I could eat Waffle House every day of life. Ppl just prefer different things is all.)
This time, we ate fairly low key… and I appreciated it b/c (1) my food was actually really good (2) I only had to pay $10.
The conversation over lunch was also a lot more relaxed b/c I wasn’t thinking in the back of my head, “I wonder how much this is going to cost me!” You know what, $55 for lunch might not be a big deal to some- but I’ve very frugal w/my money and I don’t want to spend $55 on dinner w/my boyfriend- let alone on lunch...
Thankfully, my birthday is around the corner so I can rest assured that I can really enjoy the next b-day lunch b/c not only will I not have to pay, I’ll walk away w/a gift! (I'm thinking WH...!!!) ;)
DINNER- Joe and I keep pretty busy schedules throughout the week so we rarely have time to actually go out to dinner. When we do go out, we default to Mexican but I was determined to try something different. We ate at Rockfish on Westheimer and it was DIVINE. I’d never actually been inside, but have driven by it several times. Looking through the window, it looks like a really nice and expensive place. I looked up the menu online and the prices were extremely reasonable, so I made an executive decision we were having seafood for dinner.
Sooo glad we did- it was heavenly.
It was the perfect way to finally kiss away a very hectic week. (AND, we had an appetizer, 2 entrées and iced teas- and it was only $34.)
Finally Friday
Today is Friday… and it’s a Labor Day weekend so I’ll get the extra time that I need for ‘Project Re-coop.’ Joe’s brother is coming into town this weekend w/the kids and I love those guys, so it’s bound to be an interesting weekend filled w/laughter.
Sidenote
I am STILL having awful reunion nightmares. Seriously, I can not wait until this is finally over. The other day I looked at a calendar and realized that as of this month, we will have been meeting for 17 months. We genuinely needed all that time, but when it’s over, I’ll be able (1) get a peaceful night’s rest (2) finally be able to invest my spare time into something else. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a great experience, but it’s time to move on to new things. :)
Manic Monday
I was rear ended.
I was already annoyed that I’d left my headset at home and would have to hold the phone. In all honesty, I don’t really do that much talking on the phone in the first place, but in the past month of so- I have become obsessed w/my headset. How marvelous it is to just talk, hands-free! AMAZING.
I-10E, headed to work came to a standstill. My car could have literally been in park. And I (on the phone) just happened to look in the rearview mirror and saw the car behind me coming full speed. (I’m convinced he was also on the phone and not paying attention.) I frantically started repeating, “OHMIGOD!! OHMIGOD!! OHMIGOD!!”…. needless to say, I am FREAKING out the BFF on the other line.
All I could do was brace for impact.
BAM!!!!!.... shoot. I was hit.
I looked at the phone and this whole time, the phone had been on mute and BFF was screaming, “Hello! Hello! Are you okay?! HELLO?!”…. (cut to me calling him after it was all over- he said, “I just knew you had died. It was like in the movies when someone gets in a wreck and the phone shatters and slides down the street 20 feet while the person is laying on the side of the road dead.”)
…pulled over and got out of the car… nervous black kid in his early 20’s “Ma’am,….oh my God, ma’am- I’m so sorry.”
TJF: “Are you okay? What happened?”
Kid: “I’m so sorry…. my foot slipped off the break, onto the gas and I just froze up.”
Confirmation again that he was probably texting.
I look at his car.
“Holy crap!...was your car like that before you hit me?”
“No ma’am.”
I look at my car.
No damage…at all.
TJF: “Well, we can exchange information if you want, but I don’t need to make a claim at all- my car is perfect…. Well, let me just make sure I can open the trunk.”
Trunk opens fine.
Kid: “Ma’am, are you sure? Again, I’m so sorry.”
TJF: “Quit calling me ma’am before I change my mind.”
Kid: “Okay….again, I’m so so sorry.”
TJF: “It’s fine. Let’s get out of here! (I pat him on the shoulder)…. Have a great day!”
….I’m sure that he was petrified that he’d be dealing w/ABW (angry black woman- remember, I try to suppress her as much as possible) but I was just thankful to have no damage to my vehicle and that we were both unharmed.
No need for ABW to come out.
Hump Day
…this will eventually turn into a blog in itself, but it’s definitely worth honorable mention.
Things w/my small group have practically crumbled, yes- even before it’s gotten a chance to get off the ground. And I’ve been in constant prayer and have let many, many tears fall…. but I’m trusting that God knows best. He knows my heart and that’s all that matters.
Celebration Thursday
LUNCH- My staff at work is comprised of only 4 people, but when someone has a birthday- we celebrate. (But I’ll admit, it’s nice to get out of the office every once in a while.) It was a little easier when our staff had 5 people on it, but this 4 ppl thing is going to bankrupt me. I work in Events and it’s a part of our job to stay on the up and up w/restaurants and all the Houston social scene. The tradition has been to try something new for someone’s birthday. The last birthday, we ate Singaporean food and it put about a $55 dent in my wallet- for lunch (and we also contribute to a gift.) Last year for my b-day, we went to Olive Garden and had unlimited soup and salad…. but that was my choice. Compared to everyone else, I’m pretty low maintenance. (Not that they're snobby or anything,... but I could eat Waffle House every day of life. Ppl just prefer different things is all.)
This time, we ate fairly low key… and I appreciated it b/c (1) my food was actually really good (2) I only had to pay $10.
The conversation over lunch was also a lot more relaxed b/c I wasn’t thinking in the back of my head, “I wonder how much this is going to cost me!” You know what, $55 for lunch might not be a big deal to some- but I’ve very frugal w/my money and I don’t want to spend $55 on dinner w/my boyfriend- let alone on lunch...
Thankfully, my birthday is around the corner so I can rest assured that I can really enjoy the next b-day lunch b/c not only will I not have to pay, I’ll walk away w/a gift! (I'm thinking WH...!!!) ;)
DINNER- Joe and I keep pretty busy schedules throughout the week so we rarely have time to actually go out to dinner. When we do go out, we default to Mexican but I was determined to try something different. We ate at Rockfish on Westheimer and it was DIVINE. I’d never actually been inside, but have driven by it several times. Looking through the window, it looks like a really nice and expensive place. I looked up the menu online and the prices were extremely reasonable, so I made an executive decision we were having seafood for dinner.
Sooo glad we did- it was heavenly.
Finally Friday
Today is Friday… and it’s a Labor Day weekend so I’ll get the extra time that I need for ‘Project Re-coop.’ Joe’s brother is coming into town this weekend w/the kids and I love those guys, so it’s bound to be an interesting weekend filled w/laughter.
Sidenote
I am STILL having awful reunion nightmares. Seriously, I can not wait until this is finally over. The other day I looked at a calendar and realized that as of this month, we will have been meeting for 17 months. We genuinely needed all that time, but when it’s over, I’ll be able (1) get a peaceful night’s rest (2) finally be able to invest my spare time into something else. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a great experience, but it’s time to move on to new things. :)
Sunday, August 29, 2010
#6- Lead a small group.
A few months ago, I signed up to work w/the youth group at our church and was actually starting to get discouraged because a months had gone by w/out being contacted.
And then!!... I got an email!....with LOTS of application information and a crazy screening process!
Tonight was my first night as a small group leader for RPM (Radical Praise Movement). I co-lead a group of fifteen 9th grade girls! Although, I’m a little nervous about co-leading this group for two reasons…
1. My co-leader is a good 7 months pregnant! Meaning, that baby girl will be popping out at any given moment! She didn’t say how far along she was, but I’d place a bet on 7 months. Oh wait, she said the baby is due in October, so I’m right! Eek!
2. Um… she’s VERY quiet! (And no, not quiet compared to loud-mouth me--- but quiet in general!) Her name is Elizabeth and she and her husband are from Ghana. She has a SUPER thick accent that I LOVE w/my heart and soul.
Today was really a get-to-know each other day, so we really just went around and shared random tidbits about ourselves. Well, of course I shared- and my girls shared as well… but Elizabeth, not so much! We had 35 minutes of small group time, and all I know about her is that she’s a full time student at HCC.
….but that’s okay. :) Everyone is not a share-a-holic like I am!
Joe and I attend a predominately white church, but yes--- there are black people. There are actually quite a few races that attend (and TONS of bi-racial families) but again- the prominence is not black. When I got to RPM, the small group director ran up to me and said…
“So, I’m really sorry- but I wanted to explain this to you ahead of time. I wanted to make sure that you know that we did not intentionally pair the only 2 black small group leaders together!”
As it turns out… Elizabeth and I are both black… and on the outside, it may have looked as though they thought “Hey! Let’s keep the black ladies together!” … but they assured me, that wasn’t the case. In all honesty, I wasn’t (and wouldn’t have been) concerned. There wasn’t a question on the application that asked about race, so they had no way of knowing… but I definitely appreciate that they were conscious of the issue and wanted to keep me updated.
Out of 15 girls, 7 of them are homeschooled! Wow!... is that homeschool the new black? (no racial pun intended) I was SURPRISED when I learned that about half of the girls don’t attend public school. And, one of the homeschool girls made the comment, “just so everyone knows… us homeschool girls are pretty normal!”… and they actually are! They’re not some crazy freak weirdoes! (and I appreciate that more than anyone else!)
Anyway… new small group leaders start out w/9th graders, so that as my girls move to the next grade, I will also move up w/them. I think it’s a great way to invest in getting to know these girls over the next few years. I am totally dedicated to this group of young women, and my prayer is that the Lord use me as his vessel to minister to these sweet little people! :)
(My 2nd prayer is that Elizabeth not have her baby during small group hours b/c I’m pretty sure I’d have to be rushed to the hospital as well.)
And then!!... I got an email!....with LOTS of application information and a crazy screening process!
Tonight was my first night as a small group leader for RPM (Radical Praise Movement). I co-lead a group of fifteen 9th grade girls! Although, I’m a little nervous about co-leading this group for two reasons…
1. My co-leader is a good 7 months pregnant! Meaning, that baby girl will be popping out at any given moment! She didn’t say how far along she was, but I’d place a bet on 7 months. Oh wait, she said the baby is due in October, so I’m right! Eek!
2. Um… she’s VERY quiet! (And no, not quiet compared to loud-mouth me--- but quiet in general!) Her name is Elizabeth and she and her husband are from Ghana. She has a SUPER thick accent that I LOVE w/my heart and soul.
Today was really a get-to-know each other day, so we really just went around and shared random tidbits about ourselves. Well, of course I shared- and my girls shared as well… but Elizabeth, not so much! We had 35 minutes of small group time, and all I know about her is that she’s a full time student at HCC.
….but that’s okay. :) Everyone is not a share-a-holic like I am!
Joe and I attend a predominately white church, but yes--- there are black people. There are actually quite a few races that attend (and TONS of bi-racial families) but again- the prominence is not black. When I got to RPM, the small group director ran up to me and said…
“So, I’m really sorry- but I wanted to explain this to you ahead of time. I wanted to make sure that you know that we did not intentionally pair the only 2 black small group leaders together!”
As it turns out… Elizabeth and I are both black… and on the outside, it may have looked as though they thought “Hey! Let’s keep the black ladies together!” … but they assured me, that wasn’t the case. In all honesty, I wasn’t (and wouldn’t have been) concerned. There wasn’t a question on the application that asked about race, so they had no way of knowing… but I definitely appreciate that they were conscious of the issue and wanted to keep me updated.
Out of 15 girls, 7 of them are homeschooled! Wow!... is that homeschool the new black? (no racial pun intended) I was SURPRISED when I learned that about half of the girls don’t attend public school. And, one of the homeschool girls made the comment, “just so everyone knows… us homeschool girls are pretty normal!”… and they actually are! They’re not some crazy freak weirdoes! (and I appreciate that more than anyone else!)
Anyway… new small group leaders start out w/9th graders, so that as my girls move to the next grade, I will also move up w/them. I think it’s a great way to invest in getting to know these girls over the next few years. I am totally dedicated to this group of young women, and my prayer is that the Lord use me as his vessel to minister to these sweet little people! :)
(My 2nd prayer is that Elizabeth not have her baby during small group hours b/c I’m pretty sure I’d have to be rushed to the hospital as well.)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Day Zero update
...just a quick update on Day Zero progress.
With and/or for Joe
14. Spend the night in Galveston.
My ENTIRE family (parents, sisters, brothers in law, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles) spent the night in Galveston in a 4 bedroom beach house- there were about 30 of us. We were packed in there like some sardines and Joe and I actually slept on a leather couch bed--- where out feet hung off all night long. If one of us got up, that side of the bed would fly up in the air. It was definitely too little for our big asses.
When I originally added this to the list, I had no idea it’d include my whole family. Joe and I rode w/my sister and Robert, and I genuinely LOVE them! We always have so much fun together.
The J-O-B
28. Refrain from inner-office gossip for a month.
I really tried to do this for a good 3 months in a row, but wasn’t able to actually keep it longer than a day, until April. In all honesty, I had no idea just how much I gossiped until I had to make the conscious effort to stop talking about other people. It was actually a very peaceful month,…gossip is awful.
I began every day with prayer and asking the Lord to help be mindful of my gossiping. Refraining from gossip was probably one of the hardest thing I’ve ever had to, but I definitely enjoyed it.
I’d love to eventually get to the point where this is my standard.
Relationships
86. Attend 3 functions hosted by a sorority sister. (wedding, b-day party, shower, etc.)
I don’t know why I don’t hang out w/them more often; they really are fantastic people to be around!
Event #1: May 29th- Joe and I attended Ashley and Ashlee’s crawfish b-day party at the pool and even though I RSVPed yes, no one thought I was actually going to come. AND when I did- of course they made a big deal out of it! We only stayed about 2 hours b/c Joe wanted to go to the Woodlands for another party. It was a short 2 hours, but the food was f-ing awesome and the company was even better.
Event #2: July 30th- A lot of the girls were in town for Victoria’s wedding on Saturday, so on Friday night Adrienne hosted a couple’s game night at her house. Good clean fun… totally loved it. It was really nice to see everyone, and then also to meet all ‘the guys.’ We spent a lot of time laughing, and Lord knows I love a good laugh. (It was actually Joe’s b-day but he didn’t mind spending it w/a few crazy girls.)
I almost don’t want to hang out w/them again b/c it’ll be the ‘last’ time… but then I just remind myself, “dummy! It doesn’t have to stop after the 3rd time!!’
This was a great way to remind myself just how fantastic it is to have sorority sisters.
89. Go golfing w/my Dad.
In my head…………I’m really good at golfing.
In reality, I’m not that interested.
Joe and Dad had been making plans to go golfing so when they confirmed their plans, I tagged along. We ended up just going to the driving range b/c golf is kind of expensive!
Dad bought two buckets of balls… and I hit MAYBE 6 balls total.
a. I use the term “hit” very loosely.
b. It was 500 degrees outside.
c. It was 500 degrees outside.
d. Neither of them was interested in helping me improve, so I looked SUPER dumb.
e. I feel like I can’t swing the club the right way b/c my boobs are in the way.
f. When I actually did hit the ball about 30 yards, no one even saw it b/c as I said… they were not interested in what I was doing at all.
I was only outside about 10 minutes before I packed up my clubs and sat in the car and waited for them for an hour.
I made the effort, and that’s all that counts.
…I’ve done other things to, but these were the only ones worth mentioning :)
On Saturday, I’m supposed to have breakfast at Ikea w/my mom and younger sister, but Mama didn’t really sound too interested in eating at a furniture store.
Also, I'm considering an edit of my list, but I need to further contempate the idea.
With and/or for Joe
14. Spend the night in Galveston.
My ENTIRE family (parents, sisters, brothers in law, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles) spent the night in Galveston in a 4 bedroom beach house- there were about 30 of us. We were packed in there like some sardines and Joe and I actually slept on a leather couch bed--- where out feet hung off all night long. If one of us got up, that side of the bed would fly up in the air. It was definitely too little for our big asses.
When I originally added this to the list, I had no idea it’d include my whole family. Joe and I rode w/my sister and Robert, and I genuinely LOVE them! We always have so much fun together.
The J-O-B
28. Refrain from inner-office gossip for a month.
I really tried to do this for a good 3 months in a row, but wasn’t able to actually keep it longer than a day, until April. In all honesty, I had no idea just how much I gossiped until I had to make the conscious effort to stop talking about other people. It was actually a very peaceful month,…gossip is awful.
I began every day with prayer and asking the Lord to help be mindful of my gossiping. Refraining from gossip was probably one of the hardest thing I’ve ever had to, but I definitely enjoyed it.
I’d love to eventually get to the point where this is my standard.
Relationships
86. Attend 3 functions hosted by a sorority sister. (wedding, b-day party, shower, etc.)
I don’t know why I don’t hang out w/them more often; they really are fantastic people to be around!
Event #1: May 29th- Joe and I attended Ashley and Ashlee’s crawfish b-day party at the pool and even though I RSVPed yes, no one thought I was actually going to come. AND when I did- of course they made a big deal out of it! We only stayed about 2 hours b/c Joe wanted to go to the Woodlands for another party. It was a short 2 hours, but the food was f-ing awesome and the company was even better.
Event #2: July 30th- A lot of the girls were in town for Victoria’s wedding on Saturday, so on Friday night Adrienne hosted a couple’s game night at her house. Good clean fun… totally loved it. It was really nice to see everyone, and then also to meet all ‘the guys.’ We spent a lot of time laughing, and Lord knows I love a good laugh. (It was actually Joe’s b-day but he didn’t mind spending it w/a few crazy girls.)
I almost don’t want to hang out w/them again b/c it’ll be the ‘last’ time… but then I just remind myself, “dummy! It doesn’t have to stop after the 3rd time!!’
This was a great way to remind myself just how fantastic it is to have sorority sisters.
89. Go golfing w/my Dad.
In my head…………I’m really good at golfing.
In reality, I’m not that interested.
Joe and Dad had been making plans to go golfing so when they confirmed their plans, I tagged along. We ended up just going to the driving range b/c golf is kind of expensive!
Dad bought two buckets of balls… and I hit MAYBE 6 balls total.
a. I use the term “hit” very loosely.
b. It was 500 degrees outside.
c. It was 500 degrees outside.
d. Neither of them was interested in helping me improve, so I looked SUPER dumb.
e. I feel like I can’t swing the club the right way b/c my boobs are in the way.
f. When I actually did hit the ball about 30 yards, no one even saw it b/c as I said… they were not interested in what I was doing at all.
I was only outside about 10 minutes before I packed up my clubs and sat in the car and waited for them for an hour.
I made the effort, and that’s all that counts.
…I’ve done other things to, but these were the only ones worth mentioning :)
On Saturday, I’m supposed to have breakfast at Ikea w/my mom and younger sister, but Mama didn’t really sound too interested in eating at a furniture store.
Also, I'm considering an edit of my list, but I need to further contempate the idea.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
#on a serious note
I was at an event a few days ago where there were a bunch of international people.
I was w/another lady and she and I were talking to another gentleman. He looked at us, and said, "You can look at most of these people and almost guess how bad they're going to smell before you even get close to them."
...The lady I was with started laughing.... but I turned around and walked away.
I have literally never been so digusted. I was extremely shocked.
Sometimes I feel like b/c I'm a college educated woman that uses grammar properly, that ppl almost forget that I'm black. Most of the time, I speak correctly.
When did it become okay to make racist jokes about a minority TO a minority? Racist jokes aren't acceptable in the first place, but it's extremely unacceptable for 2 non-minorities, to make a joke about a particular race/orgin of people around another minority. (Don't get me wrong, the lady I was with, didn't say anything, but she laughed... and in my book, that makes her just as guilty.)
I seriously wanted to call him an idiot and then punch him in the face,..... and I feel like had he said it today- I'd actually do it.
In my lifetime, I've been fairly blessed to have never experience any type of racial slander, or prejudice against me personally.... and this was the 1st time I've ever heard a statement of that nature- period.
......I'm sure this post makes little to no sense, but that's just how shaken up I've been about it. It's been bothering me quite a bit over the past few days. I feel really bad about it. I feel like I should have said something.... and I feel like I owe someone an apology.
I want to let him know that he was wrong.
....but until then....
all I have it this post.
I was w/another lady and she and I were talking to another gentleman. He looked at us, and said, "You can look at most of these people and almost guess how bad they're going to smell before you even get close to them."
...The lady I was with started laughing.... but I turned around and walked away.
I have literally never been so digusted. I was extremely shocked.
Sometimes I feel like b/c I'm a college educated woman that uses grammar properly, that ppl almost forget that I'm black. Most of the time, I speak correctly.
When did it become okay to make racist jokes about a minority TO a minority? Racist jokes aren't acceptable in the first place, but it's extremely unacceptable for 2 non-minorities, to make a joke about a particular race/orgin of people around another minority. (Don't get me wrong, the lady I was with, didn't say anything, but she laughed... and in my book, that makes her just as guilty.)
I seriously wanted to call him an idiot and then punch him in the face,..... and I feel like had he said it today- I'd actually do it.
In my lifetime, I've been fairly blessed to have never experience any type of racial slander, or prejudice against me personally.... and this was the 1st time I've ever heard a statement of that nature- period.
......I'm sure this post makes little to no sense, but that's just how shaken up I've been about it. It's been bothering me quite a bit over the past few days. I feel really bad about it. I feel like I should have said something.... and I feel like I owe someone an apology.
I want to let him know that he was wrong.
....but until then....
all I have it this post.
#annoyed
our computer has a virus... so I have to act like a crazy person, and get on a computer anytime I see one open... it sux.
I never realized how much I actually relied on having access to the internet when and where I want, until our computer hasn't worked for 3 days.... that's right, it's only been 3 days. I'm miserable, and I hate it.
.....I don't know when we'll get it fixed b/c I'm toally against investing money in an old computer. It's not worth it, ....we just need a new one.
I never realized how much I actually relied on having access to the internet when and where I want, until our computer hasn't worked for 3 days.... that's right, it's only been 3 days. I'm miserable, and I hate it.
.....I don't know when we'll get it fixed b/c I'm toally against investing money in an old computer. It's not worth it, ....we just need a new one.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Joe's bday... (a little late)
I had this really cute idea for Joe's bday that I wanted to write one thing that I love about him on a post it note, and use the notes to spell something.
Orginally- I was going to work on it while he was sleeping on Thursday night... that way, he'd wake up on his actual birthday and see my creation. Well, TOTALLY glad I started this ish when I got home from work b/c it was A LOT harder than I thought! I feel off the stool 3 times, stuck myself with a pin, and didn't really think about how I was going to do all of this in the dark--- I definitely needed light.
I used two full notepads so I had some left over notes, but I still wanted to use them. When he got home, I showed him this...
And he was quite impressed! After a few seconds, I turned him around and said... "and when you finish reading these, you can start on the other ones!"
He really loved this one! The pic doesn't even do it justice--- it was HUGE! I suggested he get a highlighter so that he could mark the ones he'd already read. (1) I spent alot of time on writing thoughtful notes and I wanted him to read all of them. (2) Joe HATES reading, so marking each one of them was the only real way to decifer if he actually read them all.
I'd also planned a 'surprise bday breakfast'.... which I didn't really too well about keeping the surprise aspect of it, but- the plan was to wake up at 5 a.m. and go to Waffle House for breakfast before work. (side note: I took the day off, but Joe had to work!)............. alarm went off at 5 a.m. and we both rolled over and said, "Um, maybe later!"
After he got home from work on Friday, we hung out for a little bit and then headed to my line sister's house for a Couple's Game Night. I love my sorority sisters, and we really did have a great time. (We were supposed to spend Friday night @ dinner w/the fam, but everyone had so much going on that Saturday was a better day.)
THE CAKE:
There's a REALLY FUNNY story that goes along w/my choosing that particular picture for Joe's cake, and it was an inside joke that my entire family shared. :)
When I ordered the cake, I was told it was only $19.99. When it was scanned across the register, it read $59.33. WHAT THE HELL!? Well, apparently---- my membership @ Sam's had expired and you can't buy ANYTHING there w/out having a paid membership. I was PISSED, but in love w/the cake so I paid $60 for a bday cake!!!! OUTRAGEOUS! Of course after the fact, I had brilliant ideas on how I could have avoided paying that much money for it, but like most bright ideas- it didn't occur to me unitl I was driving off.
I took it straight to the restaurant...
As you can imagine- it caught the attention of everyone that worked there.
Apparently, the manager wanted to make our dinner extra special and literally- came to the table every 5 minutes to ask if we were ready for the cake. At one point, I had to yell across the table, "Dude- we haven't even eaten dinner yet!".... super annoying!
AFTER DINNER.... candles lit...
sang a little tune ♪ ♫ and blew out candles!
took a few bday pics to capture the moments...
(I didn't post all the pics, but apparently my Dad was SUPER photo happy that day and jumped in EVERY one of Joe's pics. When he got in ours, I was like... "Geez, he sure is being ridiculous!" #thisguyhere
After we left the restaurant, we packed up what was left of the cake and headed home. (we made a stop at my sister's house first, but nothing big.)
I think this was a great way to ease Joe into actually wanting to celebrate his birthday. We really missed that his family couldn't be here as well to help us celebrate but then again.... there's always next year!
Happy birthday, baby.... I love you!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
♥ em...
Keisha asked me to write a blog about hanging out w/my sorority sisters, so she could read it.... apparently- I'm taking requests now. (And actually- Keisha you are a requesting fool! You sure did ask me to write about Mel Gibson! Sheesh!)
....anyway, spent a few hours w/my LOVELYsorority sisters, and all the line-brother in laws, and it was fantastic! I think sometimes I take for granted just how wonderful they really are. It was a task on my Day Zero list to attend at least 3 functions hosted by my sisters, and has proved to be the most beneficial!
♥ those girls.... such a sweet, sweet gift.
....anyway, spent a few hours w/my LOVELYsorority sisters, and all the line-brother in laws, and it was fantastic! I think sometimes I take for granted just how wonderful they really are. It was a task on my Day Zero list to attend at least 3 functions hosted by my sisters, and has proved to be the most beneficial!
♥ those girls.... such a sweet, sweet gift.
Friday, July 23, 2010
2 cry or not 2 cry (as deemed appropriate by Tiffany Flenoy)
When my sister and Robert got married, I bet Rob $50 that he’d cry at their wedding.
In MY head, marrying the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with, is the PERFECT set up for some tears. Not only did Robert not cry, I don’t think Krystal did either…. but I sure did.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a crier; but it’s also truthful that I don’t like to cry. When the tears start to build; my chest literally starts burning, they come on their own, and it’s something I have absolutely no control over.
I can safely say that in my 28 years of life, in the flesh- I have only seen a handful of men break down and cry. Yeah, I see it on TV and in the movies all the time, but I’ve only seen it in person 3, MAYBE 4 times.
Apparently, what I think a man should shed tears about is vastly different than what they actually do cry about.
A few examples…
(sorry, BFF- I’m putting you on blast. But don’t worry, I’m about to do the same thing to Joe.)
BFF- When I moved from Huntsville to Houston, I would have put all my money on the notion that BFF would shed tears in my honor. We’d spent just about every day together for almost 2 years and now, I was moving 80 miles away. Cry worthy, right?
Nope. He didn’t shed one single tear. Me? I was HYSTERICAL. I was literally leaving everything I’d grown accustomed to for 7 years; for something new…. I guess it wasn’t as emotional for him as it was for me.
Cut to 3 weeks later…. we were about to buy movie tickets, and guess who got teary eyed? And why did he get upset? B/C we were avid movie goers- and he JUST realized we wouldn’t be able to go to movies together on a regular basis.
….3 weeks later?... that fool was crying on his own b/c by that time; I already had a new best friend that I liked way more than I ever liked him.
okay, okay….kidding about finding a new BFF, but not kidding about how awful his timing was!! I’d already cried about that mess, why was he so late to come around?! I needed his ass to cry WITH me. And when he finally did get upset about it…. AWKWAAAARD. (After all, we needed to get to the movies on time.)
Joe- After only 6 months of dating, Joe and I moved into an apartment together (that’s an entirely different blog in itself.)…. but like every couple, AND every person living with a roommate; we were in the process of learning more and more about each other every day.
We are both VERY strong and independent people, and often times, will disagree about one specific topic for days. There have been times where I wasn’t sure we’d ever be able to move past our issues. There have been times I have been brought to tears, and simply can’t stop crying. There have been times when I just KNEW Joe was going to cry too.
…but he’s yet to shed a tear.
Be that as it may, EVERY SINGLE TIME we watch Marley & Me--- Joe cries. Literally, every single time.
We can be in the heat of battle; and he won’t cry. Put on M&M, that boys gonna cry- without a doubt………… would bet my money in Vegas on it.
~~~~~
In all fairness, both Joe and BFF have appropriately cried (with me)… and I’ll be honest- I didn’t know how to handle that! In both instances, they started crying first, and both instances it indeed, lead me to tears. But still…. didn’t know how to handle it.
Apparently- I have mixed feelings about men crying.
(1) I just want a man to cry when I DEEM it necessary for him to cry- not when he feels like doing it.
(2) I don’t want him to cry first b/c clearly; I don’t know what to do.
(3) It really might just be better if men don’t cry around me at all.
Of course I deem it absolutely necessary for Joe-William Driver to cry when he asks me to marry him; but there’s a 99.98% chance that he’s not going to do it.
Since ‘society’ hasn’t given the seal of approval for men to cry on a regular basis, neither have I.
Since ‘society’ says men are supposed to cry when they propose to their girlfriends, so do I.
So when is it appropriate for a man to cry? I have no freakin’ idea, but here’s what society says.
What Men Say Makes Them Weep
Source: MensHealth.com
Death of a pet 33%
Crying is for girls! 20%
Birth of a child 16%
Being dumped 15%
Sad movies 8%
Physical pain 6%
Weddings 2%
I’ll have you know; Rob and I have placed a double or nothing bet…. I’m pretty sure he’s going to cry during the birth of their first child but Robert Lucero says no.
In MY head, marrying the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with, is the PERFECT set up for some tears. Not only did Robert not cry, I don’t think Krystal did either…. but I sure did.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a crier; but it’s also truthful that I don’t like to cry. When the tears start to build; my chest literally starts burning, they come on their own, and it’s something I have absolutely no control over.
I can safely say that in my 28 years of life, in the flesh- I have only seen a handful of men break down and cry. Yeah, I see it on TV and in the movies all the time, but I’ve only seen it in person 3, MAYBE 4 times.
Apparently, what I think a man should shed tears about is vastly different than what they actually do cry about.
A few examples…
(sorry, BFF- I’m putting you on blast. But don’t worry, I’m about to do the same thing to Joe.)
BFF- When I moved from Huntsville to Houston, I would have put all my money on the notion that BFF would shed tears in my honor. We’d spent just about every day together for almost 2 years and now, I was moving 80 miles away. Cry worthy, right?
Nope. He didn’t shed one single tear. Me? I was HYSTERICAL. I was literally leaving everything I’d grown accustomed to for 7 years; for something new…. I guess it wasn’t as emotional for him as it was for me.
Cut to 3 weeks later…. we were about to buy movie tickets, and guess who got teary eyed? And why did he get upset? B/C we were avid movie goers- and he JUST realized we wouldn’t be able to go to movies together on a regular basis.
….3 weeks later?... that fool was crying on his own b/c by that time; I already had a new best friend that I liked way more than I ever liked him.
okay, okay….kidding about finding a new BFF, but not kidding about how awful his timing was!! I’d already cried about that mess, why was he so late to come around?! I needed his ass to cry WITH me. And when he finally did get upset about it…. AWKWAAAARD. (After all, we needed to get to the movies on time.)
Joe- After only 6 months of dating, Joe and I moved into an apartment together (that’s an entirely different blog in itself.)…. but like every couple, AND every person living with a roommate; we were in the process of learning more and more about each other every day.
We are both VERY strong and independent people, and often times, will disagree about one specific topic for days. There have been times where I wasn’t sure we’d ever be able to move past our issues. There have been times I have been brought to tears, and simply can’t stop crying. There have been times when I just KNEW Joe was going to cry too.
…but he’s yet to shed a tear.
Be that as it may, EVERY SINGLE TIME we watch Marley & Me--- Joe cries. Literally, every single time.
We can be in the heat of battle; and he won’t cry. Put on M&M, that boys gonna cry- without a doubt………… would bet my money in Vegas on it.
~~~~~
In all fairness, both Joe and BFF have appropriately cried (with me)… and I’ll be honest- I didn’t know how to handle that! In both instances, they started crying first, and both instances it indeed, lead me to tears. But still…. didn’t know how to handle it.
Apparently- I have mixed feelings about men crying.
(1) I just want a man to cry when I DEEM it necessary for him to cry- not when he feels like doing it.
(2) I don’t want him to cry first b/c clearly; I don’t know what to do.
(3) It really might just be better if men don’t cry around me at all.
Of course I deem it absolutely necessary for Joe-William Driver to cry when he asks me to marry him; but there’s a 99.98% chance that he’s not going to do it.
Since ‘society’ hasn’t given the seal of approval for men to cry on a regular basis, neither have I.
Since ‘society’ says men are supposed to cry when they propose to their girlfriends, so do I.
So when is it appropriate for a man to cry? I have no freakin’ idea, but here’s what society says.
What Men Say Makes Them Weep
Source: MensHealth.com
Death of a pet 33%
Crying is for girls! 20%
Birth of a child 16%
Being dumped 15%
Sad movies 8%
Physical pain 6%
Weddings 2%
I’ll have you know; Rob and I have placed a double or nothing bet…. I’m pretty sure he’s going to cry during the birth of their first child but Robert Lucero says no.
Awkwaaard...
Thursday, July 22, 2010
birthday smirthday
Earlier today Joe asked me when his birthday was…. not the physical date, but in relation to today.
TJF: “It’s a week from tomorrow.”
JWD: “Oh, okay… I guess we’ll just stay at home all day.”
TJF: “Actually, it’s on a Friday, so we’ll be at work.”
Last year for Joe’s birthday, we’d only been dating about a month and I was FREAKING out b/c I didn’t know if he expected me to do something ‘special’ and/or buy him a gift. I actually took a half day at work, so that I could get it all figured out.
TJF: “If you could eat anywhere today- where would it be?... do you have a favorite restaurant?”
JWD: “Yeah, actually I do.”
…..I’d prepared myself to hear something grandiose, where I was going to have to pay a pretty penny to entertain my new friend.
TJF: “Okay,… well- we’ll eat there for dinner. Where is it that you want go?”
JWD: “Panda Express.”
TJF: “Wait? Whaaaa??”
JWD: “Yeah- I love that place! It’s my favorite restaurant!!”
….and off to Panda we went.
I have a fairly large family, and we are ALL about birthdays. LOVE EM. Don’t really celebrate Mothers Day/Fathers Day (b/c we express our love and gratitude EVERY DAY!)… but let it be your birthday!! We’re going to plan a surprise party, take you to dinner, have a pool party, hang a piñata, go bowling, jump in a bounce house, drink a margarita, drop it like it's hot and buy your ass a cake w/your face on it. We LOVE birthdays!
Joe Driver?... not so much.
Before Joe and I get married, he’s going to need to get with the program! We literally have a birthday every other month or so. We are forever getting together to celebrate the birth of someone.
February- Mama
May- Krystal
July- Joe
August- Trey
September- Dad and Robert
November- Clayton and Trent
December- Kathy and Me!
I appreciate that just about everything about Joe is very low key… he adds normalcy to the hectic mess that is me.
…Joe’s birthday is a week from tomorrow.
I wonder what we’ll do?...maybe I'll scheme a little something on my own.
TJF: “It’s a week from tomorrow.”
JWD: “Oh, okay… I guess we’ll just stay at home all day.”
TJF: “Actually, it’s on a Friday, so we’ll be at work.”
Last year for Joe’s birthday, we’d only been dating about a month and I was FREAKING out b/c I didn’t know if he expected me to do something ‘special’ and/or buy him a gift. I actually took a half day at work, so that I could get it all figured out.
TJF: “If you could eat anywhere today- where would it be?... do you have a favorite restaurant?”
JWD: “Yeah, actually I do.”
…..I’d prepared myself to hear something grandiose, where I was going to have to pay a pretty penny to entertain my new friend.
TJF: “Okay,… well- we’ll eat there for dinner. Where is it that you want go?”
JWD: “Panda Express.”
TJF: “Wait? Whaaaa??”
JWD: “Yeah- I love that place! It’s my favorite restaurant!!”
….and off to Panda we went.
I have a fairly large family, and we are ALL about birthdays. LOVE EM. Don’t really celebrate Mothers Day/Fathers Day (b/c we express our love and gratitude EVERY DAY!)… but let it be your birthday!! We’re going to plan a surprise party, take you to dinner, have a pool party, hang a piñata, go bowling, jump in a bounce house, drink a margarita, drop it like it's hot and buy your ass a cake w/your face on it. We LOVE birthdays!
Joe Driver?... not so much.
Before Joe and I get married, he’s going to need to get with the program! We literally have a birthday every other month or so. We are forever getting together to celebrate the birth of someone.
February- Mama
May- Krystal
July- Joe
August- Trey
September- Dad and Robert
November- Clayton and Trent
December- Kathy and Me!
I appreciate that just about everything about Joe is very low key… he adds normalcy to the hectic mess that is me.
…Joe’s birthday is a week from tomorrow.
I wonder what we’ll do?...maybe I'll scheme a little something on my own.
(this is actually MY birthday...)
Tiff's 25th @ Pappasitos
Krystal's 26th @ Babin's
Trent's 4th @ Pump It Up
My 27th @ Lupe Tortillas
Clayton & Trent's bday breakfast @ Denny's
Trent's 3rd @ Chuck E. Cheese
Clayton & Trent's bday breakfast at Denny's
Kathy's surprise 35th @ Red Zone
Trey's 11th @ the Lakemont Pool House
....see what I mean, we love to celebrate a birth! (wait... I think we might just love an excuse to get together and have cake!)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
This Nap’s for You.
…if there is one thing I’m an expert at, it’s taking a nap.
I have to give credit where credit is due- I’m from a family of nappers, my dad being reigning king. In all honesty, I’ve never seen anything like it in my entire life. He can literally fall asleep in 62.2 seconds. If he’s sitting up, there’s a very strong possibility that he’s taking a nap. The real kicker? In 62.3 seconds, the full-snore is in effect. He will fall asleep, anywhere at any time. I’m genuinely surprised that he doesn’t sleep during church.
Now my mom is less subtle w/her naps. I don’t think my dad has intent-to-nap, it just happens. Mama,… she naps on purpose. At any given time, when she is ready to go to sleep- she gets a pillow, a blanket and lays downs. She doesn’t care who’s around, she’s taking a nap. And just like my older sister, Kathy… the best nap takes place in the bed. But, if Mama’s in the bed, she never wants you to know that she’s actually taking a nap. Her excuse? “I’m resting my eyes.” (defined by Webster as ‘taking a nap’)
But both my sisters? Also nap takers…. Well, Krystal isn’t as much of a nap taker as she is a ‘if you wake me up, I’ll punch you.’ You have to be fully armored to wake Krystal from any type of sleep; man…. she’s an ugly sleeper! I feel sorry for her husband for ever having to wake her up a day in his life. She’s the sweetest person ever, talks a lot, never met a stranger; but I am literally scared for my life to ever wake her up from sleeping. BUT,….once she actually gets out the bed- she’s good to go!
When we were little, Krystal used to talk in her sleep….like full conversation that made little to no sense at all. I’m not a sleep talker, but I am a sleep responder. If you start a conversation w/me, I’ll talk back. Krystal is a sleep-talking, conversation starter. She might wake up in the middle of a sleep cycle and ask you how your day was at work today….
Kathy… like me… just likes to nap! We don’t have to be tired, or have had a long day… all it takes is the intent-to-nap (which we were both born with). Just thinking about it now is making my eyes burn, it’s 7:00 on a Thursday---- perfect day for napping.
If there’s one person that hates more than anything the very thought of sleeping the day away, it’s Joe Driver. First, I should mention that Joe (like my Dad) doesn’t fall asleep on purpose. When (and if) Joe takes a nap, it’s b/c it snuck up on him. Two hours ago, Joe fell asleep on the couch and when he woke up, he resumed watching TV like he hadn’t been asleep.
TJF: “I guess you were tired, cuz you’ve been asleep for almost a half an hour.”
JWD: “I wasn’t sleeping.”
{not only does Joe not like to nap, he doesn’t like for me to know that he indeed has napped.}
TJF: “Swear on our love that you weren’t sleeping.”
JWD: “I swear on our love I wasn’t sleeping.”
{not only does Joe not like to admit he’s napped, most of the time, he sincerely doesn’t know he’s even been asleep.}
TJF: “When you closed your eyes, it was 5:00. It’s now 5:30… you were asleep.”
JWD: “Oh…. I didn’t know.”
…..my point exactly!
I read an article today that says, “You need to sleep before learning, to prepare your brain, like a dry sponge, to absorb new information.” It also said that a Harvard Medical School study showed that a 45-minute nap improves learning and memory.
…that’s all fine and dandy, but I’d nap even if that wasn’t the case.
On Tuesday nights, I participate in a small group Bible study at my church. It starts at 6:30, but I need to be in route no later than 6 p.m. Two weeks ago, I got home at 5:45…. And yes, I laid my butt down, and genuinely slept for 15 minutes! It was the best nap EVER! Seriously… I kid you not, before I went to sleep I was grouchy and tired. A mere 15-minutes later, I jumped out of bed completely refreshed and ready to get my praise on!
Okay look, there’s an art to taking a nap. A true nap is when you are able to completely relax and close your eyes w/purpose. I’ll have you know that I woke up in the middle of that 15 minute nap (feeling like I’d slept for 8 hours) and said, “Yes!! 8 more minutes!!!” …the best naps are napped w/intention and purpose (remember that, they’ll be a quiz later.)
If I was a rapper, I’d write a song about napping and the name of the song would be “Tap that Nap.”
If I was a baker, I’d bake a cake dedicated to napping and it’d be called “Nappers Delight.”
If I was a wrestler, my signature move would be called “The Nap Down.”
If I was a hair stylist, my best style would be called “Wrap that Nap.”
If I was a gardener, the name of my garden would be “Nappy Roots.”
If I was a pimp, and you called to tell me that one of my hoes was acting up, I’d tell you to “Slap that Nap.”
If I was blogger, I’d write a blog about napping and call it “This Nap’s for You.”
...finna get on that nap,
~tjf
I have to give credit where credit is due- I’m from a family of nappers, my dad being reigning king. In all honesty, I’ve never seen anything like it in my entire life. He can literally fall asleep in 62.2 seconds. If he’s sitting up, there’s a very strong possibility that he’s taking a nap. The real kicker? In 62.3 seconds, the full-snore is in effect. He will fall asleep, anywhere at any time. I’m genuinely surprised that he doesn’t sleep during church.
Now my mom is less subtle w/her naps. I don’t think my dad has intent-to-nap, it just happens. Mama,… she naps on purpose. At any given time, when she is ready to go to sleep- she gets a pillow, a blanket and lays downs. She doesn’t care who’s around, she’s taking a nap. And just like my older sister, Kathy… the best nap takes place in the bed. But, if Mama’s in the bed, she never wants you to know that she’s actually taking a nap. Her excuse? “I’m resting my eyes.” (defined by Webster as ‘taking a nap’)
But both my sisters? Also nap takers…. Well, Krystal isn’t as much of a nap taker as she is a ‘if you wake me up, I’ll punch you.’ You have to be fully armored to wake Krystal from any type of sleep; man…. she’s an ugly sleeper! I feel sorry for her husband for ever having to wake her up a day in his life. She’s the sweetest person ever, talks a lot, never met a stranger; but I am literally scared for my life to ever wake her up from sleeping. BUT,….once she actually gets out the bed- she’s good to go!
When we were little, Krystal used to talk in her sleep….like full conversation that made little to no sense at all. I’m not a sleep talker, but I am a sleep responder. If you start a conversation w/me, I’ll talk back. Krystal is a sleep-talking, conversation starter. She might wake up in the middle of a sleep cycle and ask you how your day was at work today….
Kathy… like me… just likes to nap! We don’t have to be tired, or have had a long day… all it takes is the intent-to-nap (which we were both born with). Just thinking about it now is making my eyes burn, it’s 7:00 on a Thursday---- perfect day for napping.
If there’s one person that hates more than anything the very thought of sleeping the day away, it’s Joe Driver. First, I should mention that Joe (like my Dad) doesn’t fall asleep on purpose. When (and if) Joe takes a nap, it’s b/c it snuck up on him. Two hours ago, Joe fell asleep on the couch and when he woke up, he resumed watching TV like he hadn’t been asleep.
TJF: “I guess you were tired, cuz you’ve been asleep for almost a half an hour.”
JWD: “I wasn’t sleeping.”
{not only does Joe not like to nap, he doesn’t like for me to know that he indeed has napped.}
TJF: “Swear on our love that you weren’t sleeping.”
JWD: “I swear on our love I wasn’t sleeping.”
{not only does Joe not like to admit he’s napped, most of the time, he sincerely doesn’t know he’s even been asleep.}
TJF: “When you closed your eyes, it was 5:00. It’s now 5:30… you were asleep.”
JWD: “Oh…. I didn’t know.”
…..my point exactly!
I read an article today that says, “You need to sleep before learning, to prepare your brain, like a dry sponge, to absorb new information.” It also said that a Harvard Medical School study showed that a 45-minute nap improves learning and memory.
…that’s all fine and dandy, but I’d nap even if that wasn’t the case.
On Tuesday nights, I participate in a small group Bible study at my church. It starts at 6:30, but I need to be in route no later than 6 p.m. Two weeks ago, I got home at 5:45…. And yes, I laid my butt down, and genuinely slept for 15 minutes! It was the best nap EVER! Seriously… I kid you not, before I went to sleep I was grouchy and tired. A mere 15-minutes later, I jumped out of bed completely refreshed and ready to get my praise on!
Okay look, there’s an art to taking a nap. A true nap is when you are able to completely relax and close your eyes w/purpose. I’ll have you know that I woke up in the middle of that 15 minute nap (feeling like I’d slept for 8 hours) and said, “Yes!! 8 more minutes!!!” …the best naps are napped w/intention and purpose (remember that, they’ll be a quiz later.)
If I was a rapper, I’d write a song about napping and the name of the song would be “Tap that Nap.”
If I was a baker, I’d bake a cake dedicated to napping and it’d be called “Nappers Delight.”
If I was a wrestler, my signature move would be called “The Nap Down.”
If I was a hair stylist, my best style would be called “Wrap that Nap.”
If I was a gardener, the name of my garden would be “Nappy Roots.”
If I was a pimp, and you called to tell me that one of my hoes was acting up, I’d tell you to “Slap that Nap.”
If I was blogger, I’d write a blog about napping and call it “This Nap’s for You.”
...finna get on that nap,
~tjf
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 14, 2009- 1:30 a.m.
…is when Joe said I love you, for the first time.
JWD: “I probably shouldn’t say this, but it just feels right”…………(SILENCE) “Tiffany, I love you.”
TJF: “Hey! Thank you!”
Lol… from that moment on, he said it every day- all the time. And I always said “thanks!” When someone says I love you, it’s almost your inclination to say it back- but I was determined not to! Did I love Joe? Yes… but I wasn’t ready to say it--- so I didn’t. Most of the time, after he said it, I’d laugh and then say, “thanks.”
I waited a little over 2 weeks before I ever said it back.
Last night, July 14th at 1:30 a.m.; Joe-William Driver woke me up to say “I love you.” (I THINK!)
“I love you too… now go to sleep.”….was my response.
He has a tendency to wake me up mid-REM and say sweet things to me that he knows I love to hear, but will only remember for two seconds. Although last night wasn’t any different- his intensions were.
I am a sleep talker and will have a full blown conversation w/you while I’m sleeping and not remember AT ALL the next day that I even talked to you…which is why I don’t answer the phone if I’m anywhere near being asleep. I call it my ‘sleep face.’ I squint my eyes and pinch-press my lips and cheeks upwards. (I feel like only one of my teeth is showing when I have on my sleep face.)
I’m going to buy one of these off E-bay so that from now on, when Joe starts talking to me in the middle of my sleep cycle- I just put this on my head and wake my butt up.
JWD: “I probably shouldn’t say this, but it just feels right”…………(SILENCE) “Tiffany, I love you.”
TJF: “Hey! Thank you!”
Lol… from that moment on, he said it every day- all the time. And I always said “thanks!” When someone says I love you, it’s almost your inclination to say it back- but I was determined not to! Did I love Joe? Yes… but I wasn’t ready to say it--- so I didn’t. Most of the time, after he said it, I’d laugh and then say, “thanks.”
I waited a little over 2 weeks before I ever said it back.
Last night, July 14th at 1:30 a.m.; Joe-William Driver woke me up to say “I love you.” (I THINK!)
“I love you too… now go to sleep.”….was my response.
He has a tendency to wake me up mid-REM and say sweet things to me that he knows I love to hear, but will only remember for two seconds. Although last night wasn’t any different- his intensions were.
I am a sleep talker and will have a full blown conversation w/you while I’m sleeping and not remember AT ALL the next day that I even talked to you…which is why I don’t answer the phone if I’m anywhere near being asleep. I call it my ‘sleep face.’ I squint my eyes and pinch-press my lips and cheeks upwards. (I feel like only one of my teeth is showing when I have on my sleep face.)
I’m going to buy one of these off E-bay so that from now on, when Joe starts talking to me in the middle of my sleep cycle- I just put this on my head and wake my butt up.
(p.s. I will never get Lasik b/c I feel like that’s a picture of a man getting Lasik surgery--- not interested in that!)
my phone screensaver
This is the current picture as the screensaver on my phone. (1) For some freaking reason, I LOVE ♥ ♥ taking pictures of the sky. I don't know what it is about the sky, but it can bring a girl to tears in a second. I took this picture on my phone on the way to Clement's graduation party in the Woodlands.
(2) The reason I changed it to this picture was because I thought I needed something a little more adult. Orginally, it was a picture of Joe.... this one to be exact...
...but a few months ago, I was at a very high-end event at work and a member of the Rice Board of Trustees asked to use my cell phone, and when she gave it back- that picture popped up and she kind of made of made a weird face and I felt stupid, and a little immature. It's almost like she was disappointed that it wasn't this..
I guess it was time for me to grow up..... that being said, what's the screensaver on your phone? You might need to do the same damn thing!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Lebron James...
….now typically, I’m not naturally inclined to write about sports, (w/the exception of writing about my boyfriend, Reggie Miller) but Lebron is the new hot topic.
First and foremost, I stumbled on this website a few days ago, and almost had a heart attack.
http://kissmyasslebron.bigcartel.com/
…Awful, right?!
And if you didn’t know, his mural is being taken down in Cleveland.
I recently read an article that NBA Commissioner, David Stern was disappointed in Lebron but NOT for choosing to go Miami but for the method in which he chose to announce his decision… and primarily b/c the Cavs found out the exact time the rest of America did.
Click here to read the article.
Do I fault LBJ for leaving?
No.
Do I think there’s a WHOLE LOT of hating going on?
YES.
A few weeks ago, Joe and I watched a documentary called, ‘More Than Just A Game” about Lebron and his high school basketball team. Here’s the movie trailer.
….There was never really a time when LBJ wasn’t LBJ (if that makes any sense)… but he didn’t do it to himself. The very same hometown folks that are trashing him left and right for ‘being a cocky, arrogant traitor’ made him cocky and arrogant. It is b/c of their following that Lebron thinks he’s God’s gift to the game.
Be that as it may, I don’t fault him for wanting to leave. He gave his ENTIRE professional career thus far to his hometown, and DID NOT get a championship ring. Was the expectation really for LBJ to retire in Cleveland? If so, that’s just stupid. LBJ is an incredible athlete that has numerous years left in his career and to think that he’d spend the rest of his life in Cleveland is ABSURD.
I understand the notion that Cleveland feels betrayed; but not only do I think it’s irrational- I think it’s gone way too far!
Low and behold, as in any long-term committed relationship; it’s about the ring.
♪ ♫ All the Cleveland Cavs, all the Cleveland Cavs.
All the Cleveland Cavs, all the Cleveland Cavs.
If you like it than you shoulda put a ring on it
If you like it than you shoulda put a ring on it.
Don’t be mad when you see that the Heat want it… cuz if you like it---- THEN YOU SHOULDA put a ring on it! ♫ ♪
First and foremost, I stumbled on this website a few days ago, and almost had a heart attack.
http://kissmyasslebron.bigcartel.com/
…Awful, right?!
And if you didn’t know, his mural is being taken down in Cleveland.
I recently read an article that NBA Commissioner, David Stern was disappointed in Lebron but NOT for choosing to go Miami but for the method in which he chose to announce his decision… and primarily b/c the Cavs found out the exact time the rest of America did.
Click here to read the article.
Do I fault LBJ for leaving?
No.
Do I think there’s a WHOLE LOT of hating going on?
YES.
A few weeks ago, Joe and I watched a documentary called, ‘More Than Just A Game” about Lebron and his high school basketball team. Here’s the movie trailer.
….There was never really a time when LBJ wasn’t LBJ (if that makes any sense)… but he didn’t do it to himself. The very same hometown folks that are trashing him left and right for ‘being a cocky, arrogant traitor’ made him cocky and arrogant. It is b/c of their following that Lebron thinks he’s God’s gift to the game.
Be that as it may, I don’t fault him for wanting to leave. He gave his ENTIRE professional career thus far to his hometown, and DID NOT get a championship ring. Was the expectation really for LBJ to retire in Cleveland? If so, that’s just stupid. LBJ is an incredible athlete that has numerous years left in his career and to think that he’d spend the rest of his life in Cleveland is ABSURD.
I understand the notion that Cleveland feels betrayed; but not only do I think it’s irrational- I think it’s gone way too far!
Low and behold, as in any long-term committed relationship; it’s about the ring.
♪ ♫ All the Cleveland Cavs, all the Cleveland Cavs.
All the Cleveland Cavs, all the Cleveland Cavs.
If you like it than you shoulda put a ring on it
If you like it than you shoulda put a ring on it.
Don’t be mad when you see that the Heat want it… cuz if you like it---- THEN YOU SHOULDA put a ring on it! ♫ ♪
A Short Neurological Test
1- Find the C below.. Please do not use any cursor help.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
2- If you already found the C, now find the 6 below.
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
69999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
3 - Now find the N below. It's a little more difficult.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
This is NOT a joke. If you were able to pass these 3 tests, you can cancel your annual visit to your neurologist. Your brain is great and you're far from having a close relationship with Alzheimer.
Congratulations!
eonvrye that can raed this rsaie your hnad
To my 'selected' strange-minded friends: Only great minds can read this- This is weird, but interesting!
If you can raed this, you have a sgtrane mnid too-- Can you raed this? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a word are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! If you can raed this forwrad it!
NICE!... I like it! ....or should I say I lkie it!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
2- If you already found the C, now find the 6 below.
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
69999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
3 - Now find the N below. It's a little more difficult.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
This is NOT a joke. If you were able to pass these 3 tests, you can cancel your annual visit to your neurologist. Your brain is great and you're far from having a close relationship with Alzheimer.
Congratulations!
eonvrye that can raed this rsaie your hnad
To my 'selected' strange-minded friends: Only great minds can read this- This is weird, but interesting!
If you can raed this, you have a sgtrane mnid too-- Can you raed this? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a word are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! If you can raed this forwrad it!
NICE!... I like it! ....or should I say I lkie it!
Monday, July 12, 2010
FLBJ.....smh
....hmmm, pretty sure this has gone a little too far! http://kissmyasslebron.bigcartel.com/
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday, Bon Voyage!
This time last week; a SEVEN DAY series:
Sunday, Bon Voyage!
This time last week… I wasn’t sick. This time last week, I was looking forward to starting a 7 day series about my vacation.
…today, right now- not so much. I haven’t been any type of sick since March 2008, so I’m guessing it was finally time. My throat hurts, I have a runny nose, and I’ve been fighting a fever for almost three days now. As tough as I am, being sick held me down. I spent two days of my cruise, in the bed. (Side notes about my throat hurting (1) there was a solid 24 hours in which I could only whisper b/c talking any louder than a whisper hurt like hell. (2) I spit in a cup b/c my throat was filled with tiny knives that would scratch my insides if I dared to swallow.)
…but this time last week- I felt fine. And actually, I’d had 3 REALLY strong margaritas and participated in some “Baby Got Back” tom-foolery w/gay Bobby.
Okay, so here goes… I’ll start by saying that (1) I had to take notes every day. (2) We did so much in one day, that even looking at my notes; I’m still genuinely confused about what happened on what day. (3) I’m sure I’m leaving something out.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Our party consisted of six ppl…
-Joe
-APD (Joe’s Mom)
-Josie (APD’s friend, AND Joe’s brother Jimmy is married to Josie’s daughter Ursula)
-Jackson/Kelly (Ursula has a sister, Ingrid… and Jackson/Kelly is Ingrid’s son.)
-Dustin (Jackson/Kelly’s friend, and Joe used to work w/Dustin’s dad at a ranch.)
-Me (Joe’s girlfriend)
…Jackson/Kelly from here on out will only be called, Kelly and although he and Dustin have graduated from HS, Kelly is 17… which is a HORRIBLE age to be when you’re on a cruise!
Getting to Galveston, parking and actually getting onto the cruise ship was almost effortless. Thank the Lord that the buffet lines were already open b/c we sure were hungry! We were on the boat by noon, but weren’t expected to pull out of port until 4 pm. Um, it was HOT… like for real… blazing hot, so I tried to spend as much time in the AC as I could before we pulled out of port.
We spent the next few hours touring the ship, updating statuses, and sending final text messages. From my ‘Day Zero’ list, it’s been my intention to go an entire week w/out FB and w/out my cell phone… and this was going to be the only time I’d be able to do it, and not die instantly. I took a deep breath- and turned my phone off. So far, so good.
….but then Joe got up from our table to get ice cream or something, and was genuinely gone for 20 minutes. Just as I was about to turn on my phone to call him, he showed up.
If you’ve never been on a cruise, there are 3 things you have to do on the first day. (Third one is optional.)
(1) Load your sail & sign card w/money.
-think of it as a pre-paid debit card. Any purchases made on the ship have to be made w/your sail & sign card… but of course, for your convenience, they’ll take your cash in the Casino. If you run out of money on your card, it’ll just start a running tab in which you have to later pay back to Carnival. AND, an AUTOMATIC $70 is taken from your card for gratuity! So… even though Joe and I had $500 each for a 7-day cruise in which all our food was paid for, in actuality- we only had $330….. which was later reduced to $145- but I’ll explain about that in a sec. (And if you did the math, you’d notice it was $100 short… we kept that in cash.)
(2) Participate in the safety drill.
-On my previous 2 cruises, these safety drills actually consisted of getting a life jacket from your room, putting it on and going to your muster station. Apparently the drill has changed, b/c this time we didn’t have to put on the life jackets. But yes, EVERYONE on the cruise has to participate, and it doesn’t actually start until ALL the guests are at the correct muster stations. Of course, Joe and I had already bought chilled refreshments… but they were ‘politely confiscated’ when the safety drill began….. and there they sat on the ledge- lonely- and losing their chill.
(3) Purchase (w/our sail & sign card) our Shore Excursions. At your ports of call, shore excursions allow you to participate in activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, etc. After having purchased two excursions each, our $430, was brought down to $245. We were going to the Irie Mon Beach Party in Jamaica, and Scuba diving in Cozumel. We didn’t have an excursion planned for the Caymans, so we were just going to walk around and shop w/our $100 cash. (we both actually lost the majority of that cash by the time we’d reached the Caymans on Thursday. Damn, Roulette table!)
We attended a seminar in the Spa so that we’d have a chance to participate in the free raffle. Neither of us won anything, but we signed up for the Biggest Loser. For the most part, I’m fairly good about maintaining my weight and I’m was more than encouraged when I found out that the winner from last week actually GAINED two pounds! The only thing we had to do, was go to the gym three times during the week and be at the final weigh-in on Saturday morning.
At dinner that night, we met Jose… our bartender! Jose made sure I had two STONG margaritas before leaving for karaoke. I’m going to go ahead and blame “Baby Got Back” on Jose…. and the third margarita I had when we got to the lounge.
….Sunday stops here b/c I don’t remember much else after that.
Sunday, Bon Voyage!
This time last week… I wasn’t sick. This time last week, I was looking forward to starting a 7 day series about my vacation.
…today, right now- not so much. I haven’t been any type of sick since March 2008, so I’m guessing it was finally time. My throat hurts, I have a runny nose, and I’ve been fighting a fever for almost three days now. As tough as I am, being sick held me down. I spent two days of my cruise, in the bed. (Side notes about my throat hurting (1) there was a solid 24 hours in which I could only whisper b/c talking any louder than a whisper hurt like hell. (2) I spit in a cup b/c my throat was filled with tiny knives that would scratch my insides if I dared to swallow.)
…but this time last week- I felt fine. And actually, I’d had 3 REALLY strong margaritas and participated in some “Baby Got Back” tom-foolery w/gay Bobby.
Okay, so here goes… I’ll start by saying that (1) I had to take notes every day. (2) We did so much in one day, that even looking at my notes; I’m still genuinely confused about what happened on what day. (3) I’m sure I’m leaving something out.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Our party consisted of six ppl…
-Joe
-APD (Joe’s Mom)
-Josie (APD’s friend, AND Joe’s brother Jimmy is married to Josie’s daughter Ursula)
-Jackson/Kelly (Ursula has a sister, Ingrid… and Jackson/Kelly is Ingrid’s son.)
-Dustin (Jackson/Kelly’s friend, and Joe used to work w/Dustin’s dad at a ranch.)
-Me (Joe’s girlfriend)
…Jackson/Kelly from here on out will only be called, Kelly and although he and Dustin have graduated from HS, Kelly is 17… which is a HORRIBLE age to be when you’re on a cruise!
Getting to Galveston, parking and actually getting onto the cruise ship was almost effortless. Thank the Lord that the buffet lines were already open b/c we sure were hungry! We were on the boat by noon, but weren’t expected to pull out of port until 4 pm. Um, it was HOT… like for real… blazing hot, so I tried to spend as much time in the AC as I could before we pulled out of port.
We spent the next few hours touring the ship, updating statuses, and sending final text messages. From my ‘Day Zero’ list, it’s been my intention to go an entire week w/out FB and w/out my cell phone… and this was going to be the only time I’d be able to do it, and not die instantly. I took a deep breath- and turned my phone off. So far, so good.
….but then Joe got up from our table to get ice cream or something, and was genuinely gone for 20 minutes. Just as I was about to turn on my phone to call him, he showed up.
If you’ve never been on a cruise, there are 3 things you have to do on the first day. (Third one is optional.)
(1) Load your sail & sign card w/money.
-think of it as a pre-paid debit card. Any purchases made on the ship have to be made w/your sail & sign card… but of course, for your convenience, they’ll take your cash in the Casino. If you run out of money on your card, it’ll just start a running tab in which you have to later pay back to Carnival. AND, an AUTOMATIC $70 is taken from your card for gratuity! So… even though Joe and I had $500 each for a 7-day cruise in which all our food was paid for, in actuality- we only had $330….. which was later reduced to $145- but I’ll explain about that in a sec. (And if you did the math, you’d notice it was $100 short… we kept that in cash.)
(2) Participate in the safety drill.
-On my previous 2 cruises, these safety drills actually consisted of getting a life jacket from your room, putting it on and going to your muster station. Apparently the drill has changed, b/c this time we didn’t have to put on the life jackets. But yes, EVERYONE on the cruise has to participate, and it doesn’t actually start until ALL the guests are at the correct muster stations. Of course, Joe and I had already bought chilled refreshments… but they were ‘politely confiscated’ when the safety drill began….. and there they sat on the ledge- lonely- and losing their chill.
(3) Purchase (w/our sail & sign card) our Shore Excursions. At your ports of call, shore excursions allow you to participate in activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, etc. After having purchased two excursions each, our $430, was brought down to $245. We were going to the Irie Mon Beach Party in Jamaica, and Scuba diving in Cozumel. We didn’t have an excursion planned for the Caymans, so we were just going to walk around and shop w/our $100 cash. (we both actually lost the majority of that cash by the time we’d reached the Caymans on Thursday. Damn, Roulette table!)
We attended a seminar in the Spa so that we’d have a chance to participate in the free raffle. Neither of us won anything, but we signed up for the Biggest Loser. For the most part, I’m fairly good about maintaining my weight and I’m was more than encouraged when I found out that the winner from last week actually GAINED two pounds! The only thing we had to do, was go to the gym three times during the week and be at the final weigh-in on Saturday morning.
At dinner that night, we met Jose… our bartender! Jose made sure I had two STONG margaritas before leaving for karaoke. I’m going to go ahead and blame “Baby Got Back” on Jose…. and the third margarita I had when we got to the lounge.
….Sunday stops here b/c I don’t remember much else after that.
...wind blown...
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