This is my 100th post! I can't believe it. It doesn't seem like I've posted 100 blog posts so far...and then again, it feels like I've been blogging forever.
By the way...I have a confession...this is not truly my 100th post on blogger. I deleted some posts that I'd written back in 2009. I really didn't feel like they should count though, because I truly don't feel like I really started blogging until this year.
So, anywho...I've been racking my brain for a couple of weeks now about what to do. I feel like I should be throwing a party or something! Today I was thinking about it and it reminded me of when Dylan used to "celebrate" the 100th day of school in elementary school. We'd have to collect 100 of some small item that he could take to school. One year, they cooked 100 hot dogs for lunch. It was always a big deal.
And then I thought, I could do a list of 100 things...but what? Things about me? I don't think I'd get past 20... What about 100 places I've been? Don't think I'm quite at 100. I even thought about 100 books I've read...because I'm pretty sure I've read 100 books...but then I'd have to list out all 7 Harry Potters, all 16 of the Stephanie Plum novels...and that just seemed like not a very good idea either.
So...I'm still puzzled as to how to celebrate my 100th post...and still at a loss.
So, how about 100 words or phrases that describe me & my life?
Hectic, crazy, silly, sunshine, blessed, abundant, mother, daughter, aunt, sister, sister-in-law (or sister-by-law, if you ask my "brother-by-law"), friend, child of God, extraordinary, bright, colorful, cartoon watcher, passionate, friendly, shy, writer, reader, Facebooker, "soccer mom", happy, laughter, fun, comfy, teacher, secret keeper, talkative, coffee lover, baker, TV lover, loyal, loving, loved, sleepy, beach bum, forgiving, singer, generous, country girl, shopper, movie watcher, fortunate, swimmer, worker, dreamer, hopeful, joyful, smiling, goofy, vibrant, patient, impatient, fearful, adventurous, anxious, laid back, love rainbows, sarcastic, witty, pack rat, piler, procrastinator, helpful, unusual, quirky, animal lover, history lover, college graduate, sparkly, sentimental, loud, quiet, lazy, thoughtful, trusting, stubborn, informal, practical, curious, positive, conscientious, emotional, reliable, creative, traditional, planner, sincere, warm, trustworthy, strong, independent, healthy, playful, random, honest, and, as always, a brown eyed girl!
Wow...that was still tough...and I had to get some help! :)
It's been such a fun journey so far out here in the blogworld...it'll be interesting to see what the next 100 posts bring!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Eating crow...
Yesterday, I had to "eat a little crow". It wasn't good either! :)
Back up over a year ago...my mom "retired". I put retired in quotation marks because it's hard to think of my mom as retired. She's not that old - she was 54 when she retired...but retired she is. She was a church secretary and, I know you probably don't believe it but, her job was pretty stressful. She announced her retirement in March or April for the end of May. Somewhere between her announcement and her retirement she was diagnosed as being anemic. She had dealt with exhaustion for a while, attributing a lot of it to the stress and the fact that she doesn't sleep through the night. But, I think she realized that this exhaustion was more than just that. I don't think I even realized how serious it was until she said that if her hemaglobin got any lower, she'd need a transfusion. So...they began a battery of tests to determine WHY she was losing blood...she had an endoscopy and a colinoscopy. They tested her for all kinds of stuff. Her doctor didn't want to start her on iron supplements until they could rule out anything else...they never did and they started her on iron supplements. They eventually did two iron infusions (where they basically pump the iron directly into your blood stream...for faster results) and in the late summer/early fall she began to feel better.
Her retirement was one of the hardest things that I've seen her go through...and my mom has been through a lot. Her father passed away when she was 18...her mother followed when my mom was 21/22 (I was 6 mos old)...one of her brothers died suddenly when I was 18 and her other brother died a few years later (very tragically...I can't even write it). Anyway, she went from working 50 hours a week, at least, to having nothing to do. There were other factors that made this a difficult time and her not feeling well only made things worse. She spent some time with Dylan that summer...and some with Alyson. I knew things would get better in the fall when my sister had Ayden...but we had to make it to that point. And Mom wanted to make sure she felt better because Missy having Ayden was part of the reason she was retiring...so she could keep Ayden.
As I hoped & prayed, by the time Missy did have Ayden...and then went back to work, Mom was feeling a lot better. She constantly worries that the problem will come back and that she'll have to start back at square one. So...she tries to keep things in check and gets her regular check ups.
Over the years, Mom has given us a lot of "material" to work with. Sometimes she doesn't realize what she's just said or done...but of course, we do...and then the jokes fly. My dad's famous quote is that "it's an adventure being married to her"! And I can only imagine...sometimes he'll say "the other day, your mom was [fill in the blank]" and my mom just starts giggling. Most of the time she sees the humor in what she's said or done...and the jokes are all in good fun.
So...recently she went for a check up...her white blood cells are up. Sunday night she's telling me that they are testing her for "human parvo" (my dad says she just needs a good de-worming - HAHA!) and then she said, very unsure of herself, they were testing her for Epstein Barr...you know the virus that causes mono, she says... In my head, this sounded so bizarre...because I was pretty sure that mono WAS the virus...and then I thought that Epstein Barr was the test that they do on newborns as an indicator of how healthy they are. I said, I'm pretty sure you can't have "Epstein Barr"...and tried very hard to not giggle too loudly (we were in church)!
Well...folks...I was wrong. And I did admit it and e-mail her an apology. Epstein Barr is a virus and DOES cause mono. I also told her that I really hoped that she doesn't have this...because it's a nasty virus and can cause things other than mono...things even more serious.
So, what was I thinking about ??? The Apgar score. As soon as I typed the words "Epstein Barr" into google, "Apgar" came to mind...and I knew I was wrong.
So...I ate my crow...
She told me she was going to print my e-mail out where I told her she was right and I was wrong and frame it! :)
Back up over a year ago...my mom "retired". I put retired in quotation marks because it's hard to think of my mom as retired. She's not that old - she was 54 when she retired...but retired she is. She was a church secretary and, I know you probably don't believe it but, her job was pretty stressful. She announced her retirement in March or April for the end of May. Somewhere between her announcement and her retirement she was diagnosed as being anemic. She had dealt with exhaustion for a while, attributing a lot of it to the stress and the fact that she doesn't sleep through the night. But, I think she realized that this exhaustion was more than just that. I don't think I even realized how serious it was until she said that if her hemaglobin got any lower, she'd need a transfusion. So...they began a battery of tests to determine WHY she was losing blood...she had an endoscopy and a colinoscopy. They tested her for all kinds of stuff. Her doctor didn't want to start her on iron supplements until they could rule out anything else...they never did and they started her on iron supplements. They eventually did two iron infusions (where they basically pump the iron directly into your blood stream...for faster results) and in the late summer/early fall she began to feel better.
Her retirement was one of the hardest things that I've seen her go through...and my mom has been through a lot. Her father passed away when she was 18...her mother followed when my mom was 21/22 (I was 6 mos old)...one of her brothers died suddenly when I was 18 and her other brother died a few years later (very tragically...I can't even write it). Anyway, she went from working 50 hours a week, at least, to having nothing to do. There were other factors that made this a difficult time and her not feeling well only made things worse. She spent some time with Dylan that summer...and some with Alyson. I knew things would get better in the fall when my sister had Ayden...but we had to make it to that point. And Mom wanted to make sure she felt better because Missy having Ayden was part of the reason she was retiring...so she could keep Ayden.
As I hoped & prayed, by the time Missy did have Ayden...and then went back to work, Mom was feeling a lot better. She constantly worries that the problem will come back and that she'll have to start back at square one. So...she tries to keep things in check and gets her regular check ups.
Over the years, Mom has given us a lot of "material" to work with. Sometimes she doesn't realize what she's just said or done...but of course, we do...and then the jokes fly. My dad's famous quote is that "it's an adventure being married to her"! And I can only imagine...sometimes he'll say "the other day, your mom was [fill in the blank]" and my mom just starts giggling. Most of the time she sees the humor in what she's said or done...and the jokes are all in good fun.
So...recently she went for a check up...her white blood cells are up. Sunday night she's telling me that they are testing her for "human parvo" (my dad says she just needs a good de-worming - HAHA!) and then she said, very unsure of herself, they were testing her for Epstein Barr...you know the virus that causes mono, she says... In my head, this sounded so bizarre...because I was pretty sure that mono WAS the virus...and then I thought that Epstein Barr was the test that they do on newborns as an indicator of how healthy they are. I said, I'm pretty sure you can't have "Epstein Barr"...and tried very hard to not giggle too loudly (we were in church)!
Well...folks...I was wrong. And I did admit it and e-mail her an apology. Epstein Barr is a virus and DOES cause mono. I also told her that I really hoped that she doesn't have this...because it's a nasty virus and can cause things other than mono...things even more serious.
So, what was I thinking about ??? The Apgar score. As soon as I typed the words "Epstein Barr" into google, "Apgar" came to mind...and I knew I was wrong.
So...I ate my crow...
She told me she was going to print my e-mail out where I told her she was right and I was wrong and frame it! :)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday Minute
Well, it's kind of the end of something today...this is Ian's last Monday Minute. But I totally understand his reasoning for giving it up. I can't imagine how much time it would take to organize a meme such as this one has become! So...I look forward to continuing to read Ian's posts...and I'm going to have to get to know a new blogger who will be taking over the Monday Minute duties!
Anyway, today's co-host is none other than Laura the Purse Blogger. She is already one of my bloggy friends...I love reading her posts about her life and such...and she's always super nice when responding to MY posts! If you aren't her friend, please go over and check her out! You won't be sorry!
Ok...so on to the questions:
1 - Have you ever lied on one of your Monday Minute answers?
I have not...I don't lie anywhere on my blog. I feel like blogging is very personal, even though I put it out there for you all to read...but if I'm lying to you...then I'm lying to myself. Now, I won't deny that I may exaggerate things from time to time...but that's all for dramatic effect. And if, for some reason, I do post a piece of fiction...I'll let you know in advance!
2 - What is on your bedside table?
Lamp, remotes, alarm clock, usually my glasses...unless I'm wearing them...my phone and always a bottle or glass of water. It's this freaky thing that I began many years ago...I just don't feel right going to bed without a glass or bottle of water on the nightstand. I may or may not take a sip out of it from the time I lay down to the time I get up in the morning...I guess I just like knowing its there just in case.
And I do prefer a bottle so I can guarantee that I don't wake up and in the dark accidently drink a bug.
3 -Would you rather lose your sight or hearing?
That's a hard choice to make. I love music...I love singing and listening to music. So, it'd be hard to give that up...but it would also be hard to not be able to see the world and the people around me. I honestly, don't know how to answer this...
4 -Would you rather give up all forms of sexual contact for a year or give up your DVR for three months?
This is a question that I just don't think I'm qualified to answer...so, I'm not.
5 - Name one thing that you are proud that you've accomplished in life.
Dylan, most certainly. He's the best thing that has ever happened in my life. I truly am proud to know that I have raised him, he's quite stable in spite of the fact that I'm a single mom, we have health insurance and a home that I own...it's quite honestly the greatest accomplishment in my life thus far.
I just want to say that Ian will be missed from the Monday Minute and I appreciate meme's like this that give me something to write on a day when I can barely put two sentences together! :) Look forward to meeting our new host next week!
Anyway, today's co-host is none other than Laura the Purse Blogger. She is already one of my bloggy friends...I love reading her posts about her life and such...and she's always super nice when responding to MY posts! If you aren't her friend, please go over and check her out! You won't be sorry!
Ok...so on to the questions:
1 - Have you ever lied on one of your Monday Minute answers?
I have not...I don't lie anywhere on my blog. I feel like blogging is very personal, even though I put it out there for you all to read...but if I'm lying to you...then I'm lying to myself. Now, I won't deny that I may exaggerate things from time to time...but that's all for dramatic effect. And if, for some reason, I do post a piece of fiction...I'll let you know in advance!
2 - What is on your bedside table?
Lamp, remotes, alarm clock, usually my glasses...unless I'm wearing them...my phone and always a bottle or glass of water. It's this freaky thing that I began many years ago...I just don't feel right going to bed without a glass or bottle of water on the nightstand. I may or may not take a sip out of it from the time I lay down to the time I get up in the morning...I guess I just like knowing its there just in case.
And I do prefer a bottle so I can guarantee that I don't wake up and in the dark accidently drink a bug.
3 -Would you rather lose your sight or hearing?
That's a hard choice to make. I love music...I love singing and listening to music. So, it'd be hard to give that up...but it would also be hard to not be able to see the world and the people around me. I honestly, don't know how to answer this...
4 -Would you rather give up all forms of sexual contact for a year or give up your DVR for three months?
This is a question that I just don't think I'm qualified to answer...so, I'm not.
5 - Name one thing that you are proud that you've accomplished in life.
Dylan, most certainly. He's the best thing that has ever happened in my life. I truly am proud to know that I have raised him, he's quite stable in spite of the fact that I'm a single mom, we have health insurance and a home that I own...it's quite honestly the greatest accomplishment in my life thus far.
I just want to say that Ian will be missed from the Monday Minute and I appreciate meme's like this that give me something to write on a day when I can barely put two sentences together! :) Look forward to meeting our new host next week!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Five Question Friday...and oh, wait, what's that? A Feel Good Friday too!
First things first...time for Five Question Friday...brought to you by Mama M. Head on over...answer the questions and link up!
1. What is the first nightmare you remember?
I always loved The Wizard of Oz...the flying monkeys are a bit much...but I loved Dorothy...and the scarecrow...and the tin man...and the cowardly lion...I used to love waiting through the black & white part so she could go to Oz with all the beautiful Technicolor. And the witch didn't scare me, much. Except in my dreams. I remember dreaming, often, about the witch coming to get me and taking me away. Truly, that's the only nightmare I remember from my childhood.
2. Even if you're not a sports fan, what's your favorite sport to play/watch?
Ironically enough, I posted about this just yesterday! I'm not really a sports fan, per se. But I think I can be a fan of anything if it includes being outdoors and getting to have concession stand food!
3. If you could pull off one piece of trendy fashion, what would you want it to be (jeggings, hats, thigh high boots, etc.)?
I would like to just offer one piece of fashion advice here..."just say no" to jeggings. Maybe I'm missing the appeal, but I can't see that they would be that comfy OR that many people would be able to pull them off. Aren't they just skinny jeans?
Ok...now that I'm off my soap box about jeggings, I would love to be a hat person. I would love to feel like it's appropriate to wear hats anywhere and everywhere. I'm not just talking about ball caps...I would like to wear big, floppy hats and fancy, schmancy hats...Julia Roberts' hats in Pretty Woman. But where on earth would I ever wear a hat like that??? Certainly not to work...at church I'm in with the kids...I don't go to any events that would allow me to wear hats. So...not only do I want to wear hats often...I want to go to events that warrant a hat to be worn! :)
4. Did you make good grades in school?
Yes...I probably actually could've done better...but I just didn't care. And I still made good grades. Except in 5th grade when I made a D...I think it was the only one I ever made...and in 7th grade because I was just a little punkish. Thankfully, I grew out of that phase quickly!
5. What magazines do you subscribe to?
Currently, just Family Fun and Martha Stewart...but I never have time to read them...and I have all of my old issues collecting dust (yes, I'm a pack rat)...so I think I'm going to let them run out. Plus, with the internet, you can get all the good info online.
*************************************
And now...what I've been waiting for...a return to Feel Good Friday, with The Girl Next Door Grows Up!
I know that doing these memes is my own choice. I know that I don't owe 'The Girl' anything and she's not requiring me to do Feel Good Friday.
But, deep down inside...I just really feel like I need to do Feel Good Friday. I think it helps me to keep my perspective in the right place.
However, I just haven't been feeling it. Whether because work has been so crazy...or life has been so crazy...or I just can't seem to get it together, I just have been in such a blah funk, that I couldn't participate.
And really, how hard does she make it??? Not at all. One of the prompts is to make a list of 5 things that made you feel good...another is to write about something you did or something someone did for you...but, for the past few weeks, I just couldn't muster up 5 things that made me feel good.
And that made me sad.
But, I'm back...because in the midst of my crazy life, I got a break last weekend. And quite honestly, I think it was exactly what I needed. A weekend with nothing planned other than being at the beach...a couple of days sitting by the beach feeling a good ocean breeze...talking about everything with my bestie, except the things that make us heartbroken...laughing, alot...reading, alot...not sleeping alot, because our beds were so horrible...but even the horrible beds were OK, because we were away and we had fun and we needed a break from life.
And it made coming back bearable.
And I'm glad to be able to say that I. Feel. Good. Again.
And, that's why today is a Feel Good Friday. :)
I can't promise to always feel good...but I will always do my best...and every once in a while, I'll take a break...because we all need that as much as we need to do the things we do.
Thank you to Erika who gives us a chance to reflect on what makes us feel good...and thanks to a God who was gracious enough to work out the details and provide this much needed break.
Have a great weekend! :)
1. What is the first nightmare you remember?
I always loved The Wizard of Oz...the flying monkeys are a bit much...but I loved Dorothy...and the scarecrow...and the tin man...and the cowardly lion...I used to love waiting through the black & white part so she could go to Oz with all the beautiful Technicolor. And the witch didn't scare me, much. Except in my dreams. I remember dreaming, often, about the witch coming to get me and taking me away. Truly, that's the only nightmare I remember from my childhood.
2. Even if you're not a sports fan, what's your favorite sport to play/watch?
Ironically enough, I posted about this just yesterday! I'm not really a sports fan, per se. But I think I can be a fan of anything if it includes being outdoors and getting to have concession stand food!
3. If you could pull off one piece of trendy fashion, what would you want it to be (jeggings, hats, thigh high boots, etc.)?
I would like to just offer one piece of fashion advice here..."just say no" to jeggings. Maybe I'm missing the appeal, but I can't see that they would be that comfy OR that many people would be able to pull them off. Aren't they just skinny jeans?
Ok...now that I'm off my soap box about jeggings, I would love to be a hat person. I would love to feel like it's appropriate to wear hats anywhere and everywhere. I'm not just talking about ball caps...I would like to wear big, floppy hats and fancy, schmancy hats...Julia Roberts' hats in Pretty Woman. But where on earth would I ever wear a hat like that??? Certainly not to work...at church I'm in with the kids...I don't go to any events that would allow me to wear hats. So...not only do I want to wear hats often...I want to go to events that warrant a hat to be worn! :)
4. Did you make good grades in school?
Yes...I probably actually could've done better...but I just didn't care. And I still made good grades. Except in 5th grade when I made a D...I think it was the only one I ever made...and in 7th grade because I was just a little punkish. Thankfully, I grew out of that phase quickly!
5. What magazines do you subscribe to?
Currently, just Family Fun and Martha Stewart...but I never have time to read them...and I have all of my old issues collecting dust (yes, I'm a pack rat)...so I think I'm going to let them run out. Plus, with the internet, you can get all the good info online.
*************************************
And now...what I've been waiting for...a return to Feel Good Friday, with The Girl Next Door Grows Up!
I know that doing these memes is my own choice. I know that I don't owe 'The Girl' anything and she's not requiring me to do Feel Good Friday.
But, deep down inside...I just really feel like I need to do Feel Good Friday. I think it helps me to keep my perspective in the right place.
However, I just haven't been feeling it. Whether because work has been so crazy...or life has been so crazy...or I just can't seem to get it together, I just have been in such a blah funk, that I couldn't participate.
And really, how hard does she make it??? Not at all. One of the prompts is to make a list of 5 things that made you feel good...another is to write about something you did or something someone did for you...but, for the past few weeks, I just couldn't muster up 5 things that made me feel good.
And that made me sad.
But, I'm back...because in the midst of my crazy life, I got a break last weekend. And quite honestly, I think it was exactly what I needed. A weekend with nothing planned other than being at the beach...a couple of days sitting by the beach feeling a good ocean breeze...talking about everything with my bestie, except the things that make us heartbroken...laughing, alot...reading, alot...not sleeping alot, because our beds were so horrible...but even the horrible beds were OK, because we were away and we had fun and we needed a break from life.
And it made coming back bearable.
And I'm glad to be able to say that I. Feel. Good. Again.
And, that's why today is a Feel Good Friday. :)
I can't promise to always feel good...but I will always do my best...and every once in a while, I'll take a break...because we all need that as much as we need to do the things we do.
Thank you to Erika who gives us a chance to reflect on what makes us feel good...and thanks to a God who was gracious enough to work out the details and provide this much needed break.
Have a great weekend! :)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A sports fan, I am not...or am I?
When someone asks me what my favorite sport is, I usually either answer “I don’t have one” or “whatever Dylan is playing”. Because it’s the truth. Growing up, the only sport that my dad watched was baseball. Until the organization of the Carolina Panthers in the mid 90’s, North Carolina did not even have a professional sports team. I went to high school football games, but these were merely social events for me. I have very little knowledge of how football “works” and the last football game I attended with Dylan will most likely BE the last football game I will attend with him due to my constant questioning of what was going on. I also attended football games at Appalachian…but again these were social events. I cheered on my Mountaineers when they scored…but I really just followed the crowd and figured if we ended up with the ball it was a good thing. I think.
Let me interject this little oddity about Dylan…as I’ve implied in many of my posts, Dylan doesn’t spend a great deal of time with his dad. His dad is a super football fan. As in, on any given Saturday or Sunday, he is probably flipping between every possible football game available on TV. He grew up in a football family (his mom & sister both graduated from Florida State) and I honestly had a full blown, 20 minute conversation with my mom while he was sitting between us on the couch watching a game. He never heard a word of what we said, which was about him. I found this hilarious. Dylan is not quite the super fan that his dad is; however, he has an understanding of the game of football, how it works, all the rules…anything you need to know about the game…that I simply cannot attribute to anything except genetics. I certainly did not teach him these fundamentals and there is no other way that I can explain this vast amount of knowledge of the game that he has. It astounds me.
Anyway, as I’ve gotten older, my lack of interest in sports has not increased…even though I live with a teenager that does enjoy sports. I don’t claim any NCAA or ACC team as “mine”. I don’t cheer on a specific NFL team. Seriously, I read a book while everyone else watched the Super Bowl last year. I don’t have a favorite NASCAR driver. The only fan I’ve ever claimed to be was a Braves fan. This choice was based solely on the fact that my grandfather and dad were/are Braves fans and the fact that we get TBS on cable…and well, you know, they air almost all the games. I guess I should also claim the Panthers, you know, since they are based out of NC. But, I really don’t.
This lack of interest in sports wouldn’t stop me from attending a major league baseball game (I really do want to go to a Braves game) or from attending a high school, college or professional football game. And I certainly don’t let it stop me from cheering on Dylan at his high school soccer games.
Because I’ve found, that when you mix a live sporting event, in an outdoor stadium, throw in a few peanuts, popcorn, candy and a nice soft drink, I become the biggest sports fanatic EVER. Yes, that was me in the stands at the Varsity soccer game, imploring with the ref to “CARD THAT PLAYER”…not once, not twice, but several times. And I was that fanatic that whooped & hollered (because we are in the South, you know) when our team scored once, twice, three times! I was also the one who couldn’t believe the ref carded OUR player in such an obvious error. And I was the one that clapped & cheered generously when the game was over and we won!
Hmm…so, maybe there is a sports fan buried way down deep inside me after all! :)
Let me interject this little oddity about Dylan…as I’ve implied in many of my posts, Dylan doesn’t spend a great deal of time with his dad. His dad is a super football fan. As in, on any given Saturday or Sunday, he is probably flipping between every possible football game available on TV. He grew up in a football family (his mom & sister both graduated from Florida State) and I honestly had a full blown, 20 minute conversation with my mom while he was sitting between us on the couch watching a game. He never heard a word of what we said, which was about him. I found this hilarious. Dylan is not quite the super fan that his dad is; however, he has an understanding of the game of football, how it works, all the rules…anything you need to know about the game…that I simply cannot attribute to anything except genetics. I certainly did not teach him these fundamentals and there is no other way that I can explain this vast amount of knowledge of the game that he has. It astounds me.
Anyway, as I’ve gotten older, my lack of interest in sports has not increased…even though I live with a teenager that does enjoy sports. I don’t claim any NCAA or ACC team as “mine”. I don’t cheer on a specific NFL team. Seriously, I read a book while everyone else watched the Super Bowl last year. I don’t have a favorite NASCAR driver. The only fan I’ve ever claimed to be was a Braves fan. This choice was based solely on the fact that my grandfather and dad were/are Braves fans and the fact that we get TBS on cable…and well, you know, they air almost all the games. I guess I should also claim the Panthers, you know, since they are based out of NC. But, I really don’t.
This lack of interest in sports wouldn’t stop me from attending a major league baseball game (I really do want to go to a Braves game) or from attending a high school, college or professional football game. And I certainly don’t let it stop me from cheering on Dylan at his high school soccer games.
Because I’ve found, that when you mix a live sporting event, in an outdoor stadium, throw in a few peanuts, popcorn, candy and a nice soft drink, I become the biggest sports fanatic EVER. Yes, that was me in the stands at the Varsity soccer game, imploring with the ref to “CARD THAT PLAYER”…not once, not twice, but several times. And I was that fanatic that whooped & hollered (because we are in the South, you know) when our team scored once, twice, three times! I was also the one who couldn’t believe the ref carded OUR player in such an obvious error. And I was the one that clapped & cheered generously when the game was over and we won!
Hmm…so, maybe there is a sports fan buried way down deep inside me after all! :)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Fort Caswell...Part 2
OK...for those of you who didn't stalk check out my Facebook pics...here you go! This post will be picture heavy...but not word heavy...I promise! :)
Beach scenes...
Civil War Forts...
WWI & WWII Forts...
Buildings...
OK - I think that's all...you can see that this is nowhere NEAR the 97 pics that I posted on Facebook...these are the highlights though! I hope you enjoyed my trip! :)
Beach scenes...
Zac's bday dinner...
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| Me & D |
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| Zac & Ashley |
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| Sunset in Southport |
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| Me & Ash |
Civil War Forts...
WWI & WWII Forts...
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| At one time, this was actually a restaurant |
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| This once was used as a swimming pool...in the top of the forts...and there's a matching one...so there was a pool for girls & one for boys. We can't figure out how they kept the water clean and keep from busting the fort underneath! |
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| Lantana - this was our favorite place that we ever stayed. It was the base hospital...and is rumored to be "haunted". We never met any ghosts while staying there! :) |
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| This was originally the base stables...but is now used as the PX, where you can buy souveniers and necessities. |
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| Not sure what this is or was...Zac said the jail...but I think he was pulling my leg! :) |
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| When we were campers at Caswell, this was the PX. There used to be telephone booths outside this building...this is where we'd call our parents. Oddly enough, there are no longer telephone booths anywhere at Caswell! :) |
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| This is my favorite house at Caswell...the Captain's Quarters. Love the "turret" and that window! |
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| Girls' barracks |
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| Boys' barracks |
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| We stayed in this building once...I think it was called the "Staff Quarters" |
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| We also stayed in this house one summer...I was able to identify it because this is the only house with windows that open to a porch roof...and I distinctly remember sitting on top of that roof, watching the guys play baseball in the parade grounds! :) |
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| Bald Head Island Lighthouse...this sits on the other side of the Cape Fear, but is no longer a working lighthouse. |
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| Oak Island Lighthouse...which is a working lighthouse. |
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| Oak Island Lighthouse...at night, obviously! :) |
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| Dylan caught a sting ray in the cast net when they were trying to catch bait! :) |
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| Dylan in a "Live Oak" tree - that's the name of the tree...not saying that it's a "live" tree, although it is! :) |
OK - I think that's all...you can see that this is nowhere NEAR the 97 pics that I posted on Facebook...these are the highlights though! I hope you enjoyed my trip! :)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Fort Caswell
I can only hope that this post will make any sense at all...it's 10:45pm...I am STILL trying to catch up on sleep from my weekend trip...and I'm waiting for the washer to finish so I can put clothes in the dryer so Dylan will have the correct uniform for his game tomorrow! Whew...what a week...and it's only Tuesday! Dylan has a game tomorrow night AND Thursday night (thankfully at home!) and then we have movie night for the kids at church on Friday night...and I agreed to go to a Fall Festival workshop Saturday morning. I think I may have to have a caffeine IV put in so I can make it to Saturday! My prediction is that I crash...and crash hard Saturday afternoon.
Anyway, I wanted to tell you about my trip over the last weekend before it got to far away. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to Fort Caswell. Our church's youth group would attend summer camp at Fort Caswell every year. When people talked about going to Caswell, it was kind of like hearing people talk about going to Disney World. They talked about the fun time they had, the people they met, the experiences they had and how all of these things would bring them closer to the Lord. My parents chaperoned many of these trips...but for my sister & I, this meant a week at our grandparents. For my parents, it was a week that they shared with a group of young people in a place that was simply wonderful to them.
As I moved toward Youth age in our church, I couldn't wait until it was MY turn to go to Youth camp at Fort Caswell. And, quite honestly, the place lived up to the hype. Each summer, I spent a week in youth camp at Fort Caswell. This is where I came to know Jesus as my Savior. This place is where I made and strengthened friendships...the kind that last forever. Every year when we arrived, I would just feel the presence of God wash over me when I'd step off the bus. For six summers, I had the priviledge of enjoying Fort Caswell and everything that it had to offer. I truly cherish the memories...they aren't all deep and gooey...some are just plain funny and silly.
My best friend, Ashley, was on most of those trips with me. Her husband, Zac, also went to Caswell with his Youth group...but we are pretty sure they weren't there at the same time. However, he has the same precious memories of this place. And a few years ago, they began visiting regularly for mini-vacations. First of all, you can stay there for $30/person/night. For a weekend trip, that's an incredible deal for the beach! But they also loved sharing the memories of this place and making their own. A few years ago, they invited me to go with them, but I really didn't have the money to go...and I had to cancel. Then a few months ago, they asked if we would be able to swing a trip in honor of Zac's birthday (Sept 10) and I agreed.
You wanna know a secret??? When it came down to it, I really didn't have the money to go this time either. :) But I prayed and prayed and prayed...and God provided...cool, huh?
Anyway, we planned to leave on Thursday. I had to work on Thursday...but I swung getting off at 4pm. I work about 5 minutes from Zac & Ashley's house...so the plan was for Zac to go and pick up Dylan from school...I would leave my already packed car at their house so they could pack their stuff...and as soon as I got off at 4pm, we would be on the road.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Yeah...the best laid plans...
First problem...Ashley had one flat tire and another with a whole in it on Wednesday...so, Zac was going to have to take her car to get two new tires on Thursday...before we left. No problem...his work was slow Wednesday, so hopefully he will be able to take off early and get this done...still pick up Dylan and we'd be on schedule.
Second problem...since we are unsure of Zac's work situation, we have to arrange for Dylan to get home from school...otherwise it would be 4:00 before he got off the bus...and that's the time we are leaving from Zac & Ash's...which is at least 20 minutes from our house. No problem...my Mom offers to pick Dylan up.
Third problem...evidently pick up from the high school is CRAZINESS and Mom doesn't leave the school until close to 3:15...getting Dylan back to my house to meet Zac at 3:30...which means that Zac gets home at 4pm.
Finally...we got the car packed...and we leave Zac & Ashley's house at 4:55pm...breaking our necks to get to the bank before 5pm so Zac can deposit checks. By 5:00pm, we are headed toward I-40 on our way...and Zac says to Ashley, "Did you pack my tennis shoes?" To which Ashley replies, "No". So, back we go to their house...Ashley goes into the house to get his shoes...then she can't find her sunglasses...which she finds a few minutes later...in her purse. And we are off again at 5:30pm.
After we finally got on the road, it was pretty smooth sailing. We stopped for dinner...we stopped for bathroom breaks...
Now, when I'm on a trip and we stop at a convenience store for a bathroom break, I need some candy. My absolute favorite...which NO ONE has...are Chewy Sweetarts. I love them. They are my most favorite. But a good second best is Fun Dip. I mean, what's better than taking a stick made completely of sugar...licking it...sticking it in pure sugar...and licking the sugar off the sugar stick????
So, we stopped at this store on the way...I do my usual survey for Chewy Sweetarts...can't find them...and then I spot Fun Dip. I'm in heaven. I bend over and pick up the pack...and think, something's not right. I begin pressing all over the packets and can't figure out why there doesn't seem to any sugar in the packets...Ashley & Dylan are just looking at me...they are trying to form words...they are pointing at something. What's that??? A pile of sugar on the floor that is pouring out of the Fun Dip pouch. And what do I do??? Throw the pack back into the box of Fun Dip like it's a hot potato. By this point, we are rolling...but what really set Ash off was me bending over, picking up another packet of Fun Dip that's UNDER the open packet...dusting the sugar off that I have JUST spilled on it...and proceeding to the register.
We were still laughing about it on Saturday.
Finally we arrived and crashed...not to see the light of day until Friday morning.
Now...I'm not going to give you a play by play, minute by minute account...I would be here forever...and I have pictures!!! Basically our days went like this: wake up, eat breakfast, go to the beach (the boys fished), shower, and then it would be evening. We went to Southport Friday night...tried to convince Zac & Dylan to let us stay so we could watch Mary Poppins at the "outdoor theater" that they had going on. Saturday, we just poked around Caswell and then Sunday it was home again.
A little background on Caswell...I know you think this post is going to last forever...I'm afraid it might! :P
Anyway, Fort Caswell is situated where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Cape Fear was a main supply river in the 1800's. Fast forward to the Civil War and you can see where the fear would be. If the Union Army tried to take the Cape Fear, the Confederates would be completely cut off from supplies. So, Fort Caswell was built to protect the mouth of the Cape Fear.
I don't know the exact history...but from what I do understand, the Fort was never used during any actual battles and in 1949 it was sold to the NC Baptist Assembly to be used as a conference center and Youth camp. Many of the original buildings remain, including the barracks and a lot of the forts themselves. Including some from the Civil War. If you want to know more about Fort Caswell, you can click here. You can click on "About" and there's a section about the history.
It really is a beautiful place...and if my internet connection wasn't so slow and if it wasn't now 11:30pm, I would upload some pics. But since I've written a novel already and I really need to sleep now...I'll have to do that tomorrow. If you just can't wait another minute, I've made my Facebook album of this trip open to the public...so, click here and you can access 97 of the 134 pics I took over the weekend. :) Enjoy...and for those patient people out there...I'll do Fort Caswell, part 2 tomorrow!
Night!
Anyway, I wanted to tell you about my trip over the last weekend before it got to far away. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to Fort Caswell. Our church's youth group would attend summer camp at Fort Caswell every year. When people talked about going to Caswell, it was kind of like hearing people talk about going to Disney World. They talked about the fun time they had, the people they met, the experiences they had and how all of these things would bring them closer to the Lord. My parents chaperoned many of these trips...but for my sister & I, this meant a week at our grandparents. For my parents, it was a week that they shared with a group of young people in a place that was simply wonderful to them.
As I moved toward Youth age in our church, I couldn't wait until it was MY turn to go to Youth camp at Fort Caswell. And, quite honestly, the place lived up to the hype. Each summer, I spent a week in youth camp at Fort Caswell. This is where I came to know Jesus as my Savior. This place is where I made and strengthened friendships...the kind that last forever. Every year when we arrived, I would just feel the presence of God wash over me when I'd step off the bus. For six summers, I had the priviledge of enjoying Fort Caswell and everything that it had to offer. I truly cherish the memories...they aren't all deep and gooey...some are just plain funny and silly.
My best friend, Ashley, was on most of those trips with me. Her husband, Zac, also went to Caswell with his Youth group...but we are pretty sure they weren't there at the same time. However, he has the same precious memories of this place. And a few years ago, they began visiting regularly for mini-vacations. First of all, you can stay there for $30/person/night. For a weekend trip, that's an incredible deal for the beach! But they also loved sharing the memories of this place and making their own. A few years ago, they invited me to go with them, but I really didn't have the money to go...and I had to cancel. Then a few months ago, they asked if we would be able to swing a trip in honor of Zac's birthday (Sept 10) and I agreed.
You wanna know a secret??? When it came down to it, I really didn't have the money to go this time either. :) But I prayed and prayed and prayed...and God provided...cool, huh?
Anyway, we planned to leave on Thursday. I had to work on Thursday...but I swung getting off at 4pm. I work about 5 minutes from Zac & Ashley's house...so the plan was for Zac to go and pick up Dylan from school...I would leave my already packed car at their house so they could pack their stuff...and as soon as I got off at 4pm, we would be on the road.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Yeah...the best laid plans...
First problem...Ashley had one flat tire and another with a whole in it on Wednesday...so, Zac was going to have to take her car to get two new tires on Thursday...before we left. No problem...his work was slow Wednesday, so hopefully he will be able to take off early and get this done...still pick up Dylan and we'd be on schedule.
Second problem...since we are unsure of Zac's work situation, we have to arrange for Dylan to get home from school...otherwise it would be 4:00 before he got off the bus...and that's the time we are leaving from Zac & Ash's...which is at least 20 minutes from our house. No problem...my Mom offers to pick Dylan up.
Third problem...evidently pick up from the high school is CRAZINESS and Mom doesn't leave the school until close to 3:15...getting Dylan back to my house to meet Zac at 3:30...which means that Zac gets home at 4pm.
Finally...we got the car packed...and we leave Zac & Ashley's house at 4:55pm...breaking our necks to get to the bank before 5pm so Zac can deposit checks. By 5:00pm, we are headed toward I-40 on our way...and Zac says to Ashley, "Did you pack my tennis shoes?" To which Ashley replies, "No". So, back we go to their house...Ashley goes into the house to get his shoes...then she can't find her sunglasses...which she finds a few minutes later...in her purse. And we are off again at 5:30pm.
After we finally got on the road, it was pretty smooth sailing. We stopped for dinner...we stopped for bathroom breaks...
Now, when I'm on a trip and we stop at a convenience store for a bathroom break, I need some candy. My absolute favorite...which NO ONE has...are Chewy Sweetarts. I love them. They are my most favorite. But a good second best is Fun Dip. I mean, what's better than taking a stick made completely of sugar...licking it...sticking it in pure sugar...and licking the sugar off the sugar stick????
So, we stopped at this store on the way...I do my usual survey for Chewy Sweetarts...can't find them...and then I spot Fun Dip. I'm in heaven. I bend over and pick up the pack...and think, something's not right. I begin pressing all over the packets and can't figure out why there doesn't seem to any sugar in the packets...Ashley & Dylan are just looking at me...they are trying to form words...they are pointing at something. What's that??? A pile of sugar on the floor that is pouring out of the Fun Dip pouch. And what do I do??? Throw the pack back into the box of Fun Dip like it's a hot potato. By this point, we are rolling...but what really set Ash off was me bending over, picking up another packet of Fun Dip that's UNDER the open packet...dusting the sugar off that I have JUST spilled on it...and proceeding to the register.
We were still laughing about it on Saturday.
Finally we arrived and crashed...not to see the light of day until Friday morning.
Now...I'm not going to give you a play by play, minute by minute account...I would be here forever...and I have pictures!!! Basically our days went like this: wake up, eat breakfast, go to the beach (the boys fished), shower, and then it would be evening. We went to Southport Friday night...tried to convince Zac & Dylan to let us stay so we could watch Mary Poppins at the "outdoor theater" that they had going on. Saturday, we just poked around Caswell and then Sunday it was home again.
A little background on Caswell...I know you think this post is going to last forever...I'm afraid it might! :P
Anyway, Fort Caswell is situated where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Cape Fear was a main supply river in the 1800's. Fast forward to the Civil War and you can see where the fear would be. If the Union Army tried to take the Cape Fear, the Confederates would be completely cut off from supplies. So, Fort Caswell was built to protect the mouth of the Cape Fear.
I don't know the exact history...but from what I do understand, the Fort was never used during any actual battles and in 1949 it was sold to the NC Baptist Assembly to be used as a conference center and Youth camp. Many of the original buildings remain, including the barracks and a lot of the forts themselves. Including some from the Civil War. If you want to know more about Fort Caswell, you can click here. You can click on "About" and there's a section about the history.
It really is a beautiful place...and if my internet connection wasn't so slow and if it wasn't now 11:30pm, I would upload some pics. But since I've written a novel already and I really need to sleep now...I'll have to do that tomorrow. If you just can't wait another minute, I've made my Facebook album of this trip open to the public...so, click here and you can access 97 of the 134 pics I took over the weekend. :) Enjoy...and for those patient people out there...I'll do Fort Caswell, part 2 tomorrow!
Night!
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