Mornings

Mornings suck. That's pretty much been my mantra my whole life. Most of you have figured that out about me, to the point that it's a running joke. I have NEVER been a morning person, and today is the kind of day that proves I'm right! (which of course means the Belknaps are wrong!! :)

I have been up later than normal at night this week, which has made me slightly sleep-deprived and running late every morning. Then a lady a work reschedules a meeting from yesterday afternoon to 8:30am today. It's a GOOD day if I make it to work by then, but it's usually 8:45-9:00 before I get to work. Since my boss is a 9:00-9:30 kind of lady, I don't worry about it. So, I work extra hard to get up, be early, and somewhat coherent by 8:30a for my meeting. I gather my things right on time when lo and behold an email pops up cancelling the meeting. At 8:30am exactly. Seriously??? I gave up an hour of wonderful, perfect sleep for that? You can imagine how happy I was.

Once something like that happens to your day, you know it's just going to get worse.......and then it did.

So my theory that mornings are the worst thing invented by God was validated in a matter of about 45 minutes today. If I had the chance to start every day at noon, I totally would. In the meantime, I will just suffer through as little of the morning as I have to. Just don't be surprised if I'm not as pleasant about it as I should be!

Small World...or is it a Big One?

I have had 2 very different things happen today to remind me about God's world, and the wonder associated with His plan.

First, I found out that someone I have known indirectly for years has very direct knowledge of a person in my life right now. The minimal information I received gave support to a belief that I already had in my mind, which gave me hope and peace for the future.

Then, I received an email from someone that I've never heard of before telling me that he has heard of me. He then told me that what he has heard of my trial has been an encouragement to him for his own life.

All of this made me stop and think about how small (and big) God's world is. It's amazing how one thing in your life can bring about connections you would never expect. It also reminded me that the smallest (or biggest) actions in our lives can be an example of God to people we will never meet. It brings a whole new perspective to me on why God has such high expectations of us. Some action that we deem as "small" or "not related to anyone else" could very well be what God plans to use for that "someone else" without us ever knowing.

If you always do your best for God, you never have to worry about what your actions show to others. It's tough to do sometimes, but God wouldn't ask it unless it was possible. Never underestimate why God puts something in front of you - it's His plan, not yours. He has a whole world to reach, and He uses you (and I) to do it!

Happy Birthday to Me!

So I am officially 30! Lovely. I have to admit, I wasn't looking forward to this birthday at all. It wasn't just the age thing, either. Life just isn't what I expected in this moment, and is lonelier than I had hoped. But, I have been blessed with an AMAZING group of friends and family that did their best to keep me from dwelling on it. I am eternally grateful for that, as it made this birthday very special. Plus, with my birthday being on Sunday, I managed to get a whole weekend's celebration out of it. Here's the rundown:

On Friday, some of my best-est friends the Turners surprised me with a Cookie Bouquet at work! I have to admit, these are a guilty pleasure, but I usually get a bite of one every couple of years or so by random chance. So I was very excited to get my own! Unfortunately, some of the cookies were injured in the transport from work to home (not by me) and I managed to only get pictures of the two that remained intact. You can see how yummy they looked by the picture above. (I am enjoying a taste of a cookie as I type!). Then my friend Amy at work gave me a gift card for a massage, which is totally awesome. I already have plans for that one. Friday night led to pedicures with Mom and Heaf, which are always a good time.

Mom, Heaf, and I spent most of Saturday afternoon shopping, but I think the heat wore all of us out sooner than we expected. We then got to play some indoor "Slip-n-Slide" with Ella, which basically involves her diving on her nap map from school in her bathing suit and pretending to dry off. Still not that easy for big people since we're all longer than the mat and end up with carpet burn!! :)

Sunday brought church and lunch at Saltgrass (another favorite) with the folks. I got a Happy bday call from John and Paula (the in-laws) and an email from Jared (brother-in-law). It was really good to hear from them. Then I ran a couple of errands to get Ella's presents ready for our party that night. Later, I got an email that was unexpected, but much appreciated.

The party was at one of the McKinney city pools, but it was actually a great set-up for the kiddos. The shallow end had a sloped entrance and allowed the kids to walk in to very shallow water which was great. Then there were two large anchored floats. One was a snake, and the other was a sectional alligator that the kids could walk across with rope monkey bars above it for holding on. It was so intriguing that one of the "big kids" (27 yr old Jon) decided he could run across without using the ropes, like they do on that crazy Japanese MX game show or the Wipeout reality show. Let's just say he made it about 3 steps and ended up with one MAJOR rope burn! I think we may have to sign him up for the game show, but I don't think he'd win. It was totally classic! There were about 50 people laughing at him. Good times.

There was a great crew of people there. Most of the small group came, along with some old (and new) friends from Webb Chapel, and a couple of Ella's neighbor friends. We had a pretty good time. Once the pool crew kicked us out, we headed back to Heaf's house so Ella could open presents. She got all sorts of junk that a 3 year old girl would love: My Little Pony, Barbie, a gardening kit, books, stuffed animals, a bike from Nana and Pawpaw and an indoor trampoline from Mim and Grumps. That kid stocked up!! I got some great cards and gift cards, along with a couple of other gifts (movie, candy, James Avery charm).

Then back to work on Monday...but the birthday kept going. I'm beginning to think this turning 30 thing rocks! I got a free lunch, another gift card for a massage, a gas gift card from the company, balloons, and more bday cards. Then my friend Christine took me to dinner because she couldn't make the party on Sunday. Plus, I got other cards from friends in the mail, which is always nice compared to getting bills!!

I know this is an eternally long post, but there was a lot that packed itself into this weekend. I just want to say thank you to all my friends and family that made the effort to make this birthday such a special one. It ususally stinks to get old and hit this kind of milestone, but you all made it so wonderful that I could never complain. Love you guys!

Mamma Mia!

This weekend was a huge hit for the movie industry. "The Dark Knight" has basically torn up box office records left and right and is on pace for total world domination. As I have yet to see it (don't want to mess with all the crowds this early), I will be giving my opinion on "Mamma Mia!" instead.

I went to see this movie on Friday night with Lynn (aunt) and Casey (cousin), who had seen the show on Broadway and really loved it. Basically, I had seen one preview and knew some of the ABBA songs prior to watching this version. No major expectations on my part....and that was a good thing.

The movie isn't terrible, but neither is it some work of genius (like I know DK will be!). The basic premise of a girl trying to figure out who her dad is before she gets married isn't bad. She has three candidates who fit the timeline, so she invites them out to the Greek island where she and her mother still live a few days before the wedding. (The scenes filmed in Greece provide gorgeous scenery).

Overall, the movie is a funny "summertime" show with upbeat and recognizeable music from ABBA. There are some good comedic performances from people you wouldn't normally expect to present them, and the singing is ok. You have to understand that the stars chosen are not primarily trained as vocal performers, so don't expect their presentations to be top-quality.

There is one major pitfall to this movie - the subplot that involves Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan evaluating their long-held feelings for each other. There is no way on earth that you will ever convince me that they have any romantic chemistry at all! When Pierce starts singing what is supposed to be a love song to her, I nearly choked while trying not to laugh. I needn't have worried, as about half the audience started laughing too. It was a total train wreck. He's not that great of a singer, and it was totally cheesy! Then when she returns the favor of a love song later, it is just as painful. Meryl looks like she is dancing to a song playing on the camerman's stereo just off-camera. So pathetic.

Outside of those two scenes, the movie is full of goofy fun that most people can enjoy. And it gives everyone an excuse to sing all those cheesy ABBA songs with no embarassment! Just be prepared - THEY WILL NEVER LEAVE YOUR MIND ONCE YOU LET THEM IN!! I saw it on Friday night, and have the Mamma Mia! MegaMix still playing in my head even as I type this. You have been warned. Listen at your own risk!

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays!

Well, it's July - and that means birthday time in my world!

In my immediate family that includes me (27th), Geoff (20th) and Ella (30th)! For my parents, July means Ella is having a birthday and they will be coming in town. They might say hi to me and Geoff since they'll be here anyway.

In my extended "family" that includes Candas (14th) and Dave (18th)...and probably someone else that I'm missing. For those of you who are trying to procreate..I would recommend the Sept/Oct range. It's apparently a good time of year! (Just saying!)

This particular year Ella is VERY proud of the fact that she is turning "Free". That sounds all cute and everything until she asks how old I'm gonna be....30! I turn it into a joke and tell her I'm going to be 10 times as old as her, and she just laughs and laughs. Funny...until you actually think about it. Seriously, who wants to be 10 times older than someone? Or to be three DECADES old? I feel like I should have a cane or something. Gross.

Anyway, the birthday party will be heating up at the pool on the 27th (Ella's party, not mine), with lots of presents to open. Ella has been waiting on them for months now...so I guess I need to get shopping!

Fireworks! Fireworks!

I LOVE fireworks!!! They are just so cool, and always bring a smile to my face. Plus, as the nice man mentioned during communion Sunday....they are also legal explosives! You just can't go wrong.

As much as I love the local Fourth of July shows available, I have to admit I kinda missed the shows from our trip to Disney World (see photo above). DW has them in every park, every night, 365 days a year. Seriously - that is so awesome. Plus, it's fireworks on "Disney Crack" (technical term) so that means every show is amazing, and every park has its own unique backdrop to add to the mix. All trapped within the wonderful Mouse bubble that is Orlando. So awesome!

Anway, I just thought I'd share a photo taken on our trip, and hopefully bring a little smile to your face as well.

P.S. For those of you who are living greener than myself - so sorry for the smoke, etc. that the fireworks send into the atmosphere. I've chosen to believe for now that the Mouse Bubble protects the FL area, and can therefore enjoy the shows with no guilt.

The Theory of Emergency Services Relative to AV

As you can see by the picture above, things have been a little "broken" in my life lately! Horrible pun, I know - but it had to be said. It's just crazy how life gets like this sometimes. First Sherry's ACL, then Chad's foot, then Heaf's foot, and now Ella's wrist! I seriously hope we're all done now.

Sherry has decided that if you are thinking that going to the ER sounds like fun....just call Al. If I'm anywhere in your immediate vicinity, something will happen to you that will require a trip. Dr. K tried to blame me for Ella's wrist, even though I was at work at the time of the incident. (I have a watertight alibi for that one). Even last week, I had to take 2 different ladies from work to 2 different ER's in one afternoon!! Seriously? Maybe there is something to Sherry's theory after all......I'll have to contemplate further.

This whole thing has just seemed like some sort of comedy of errors, even though every event was a freak accident. It's like being in the M*A*S*H version of the Seinfeld "Bizarro" episode. Instead of just meeting a different version of yourself, you meet the injured version!

As most of you know, everyone is currently healing wonderfully and should be back to their individual versions of normal soon. But, just as a reminder...if you feel the need to meet your injured self....just give me a call! The ER is never too far away!