bruised ribs

...hurt! LOL

I'll start from the beginning... On Friday evening, word was going around that we were off on Monday (Memorial Day) in observance of the holiday. But, some of us "crazy karates" weren't particularly fond of taking the day off - so we banded together and came up with our own mini-class, to work on some kicks, forms, and fighting. Needless to say, I was so excited!

Well, the family goes and after stretching, a few kicks and different things, we get to the sparring part of class. How it works is you'll spar with one person for a few minutes then change partners, to practice different things and learn to defend different techniques. T and I usually choose to fight each other first - as sisters, we feel the liberty to be a little "rough" with each other. Plus, we're on the same "level" so really can give each other a good challenge. Next, comes a red belt (the belt right before black), and she's got hard kicks...needless to say, she's pretty good! LOL Next in line is a black belt...one of the best from, not only our studio, but in our form of karate - he's been the "grand champion" of many tournaments and his training is personally overseen by the best from our form of karate. I'll state the obvious, he's awesome.

He had been working with me earlier, before sparring, and I was still working on some techniques he'd just got through showing me. I was thinking heavily about my foot-work and other things, and was thinking I might get a little help with him being a great black belt. It just wasn't my luck! I guess he was ready to spar, and before too long there's a kick to my ribs that leaves them stinging. I've been hit there before and I figure it will ease up before long. I bend over trying to release some pressure, but to no avail. Finally, I move on to another black belt - one who is much more understanding and one I respect very much. I asked him not to kill me (a typical joke!) and not to hit me in the stomach. I had to bend over again and he asked what was up - I told him I had been hit in the stomach and it hurt. He stopped and told me to just breath... and then it was time to change partners again. Before I even began fighting the next round, I had to go sit down. I couldn't keep going.

It was funny, as soon as I stepped out, several of the guys started holding their hands up saying, "It wasn't me!" "I haven't touched her!" "I haven't even fought her!" LOL

I have become friends with a firefighter, Gary, who's been coming up through the ranks with me. Him and his wife have become fast friends to our family (we actually had plans for them to come over following karate). With Mom being there, she wants to take all the precaution she can - so she asks Gary to just come and look at my ribs. He steps out and by this time, I was drawing attention, obviously. Having been in there with many of these people, they pretty much know me and how I rarely step back from sparring and sit it out.

The instructor of the class was over there, checking on me. He was apologetic, especially since I got injured by a black belt. He handled it the best he could.

I sit back and watch as they separate the black belts to spar from the underbelts. As it turns out, the same guy ends up hurting another guy, ultimately bloodying his nose. I guess it goes to show how remorseful he was for hurting a lower belt female...

About 20 minutes later, my stomach starts this sick/hurting sensation. Like a knot in my stomach that hurts, yet makes me sick. Mom gets Gary to once again look at it, and he pushes on it some more. He concludes I've got bruised ribs because the back of my ribs are hurting, too. My stomach starts hurting so intensely and I'm ready to get out of there.

I come home, lay down, get some ice on the ribs, take some pain killer, and try to relax. I'm grateful Gary and Tenny still came over, gave me a "distraction" while I wasn't feeling so well. I did end up getting really nauseated before the evening was over, and throughout the night I'd wake up nauseated. But, so thankfully, by morning that did pass!

Now I'm just sore and have a battle mark left at the bottom of my rib cage. It appeared last night, looks like the side of a foot or something. I'm glad it was me and not T...because then I really would be mad - nobody messes with my little sis and gets away with it! LOL

It could've been a lot worse. As it is, I'll probably steer clear of sparring for a few weeks, to make sure it heals completely.

And I had a tournament coming up soon...even if I can do it, won't be exactly trained for it. But I'll count the blessings of them only being bruised, not broke, fractured, or separated!

Hopefully, you all had a better Memorial Day! Mine wasn't all bad, I did learn how to make homemade ice cream (peach, at that!) and made a great batch! Strawberry flavor is next! I also have been baking and out and about visiting family and delivering bread! So, it's been a great weekend and I don't want to focus too much one the 5% of bad that did happen....although I guess that's already happened to an extent.

I got a "G"...

Write ten words beginning with the letter you’ve been given. Include an explanation of what each word means to you and why. If you want to play, ask for a letter in comments. I’ll issue you a letter. Thanks for the magnicificant letter, dear eph 2810!

1. God ~ because he is first and foremost in all I do and all I am.

2. Georgia ~ it's where I live and will always be "home" to me!

3. Generosity ~ where I am generous, others will be generous to me. Being generous is more than an action, it's a way of life.

4. Gravity ~ it keeps us from orbiting around the earth!

5. Gelatin ~ because I really like to make 100% fruit juice jello jigglers!

6. Gymnastics ~ I wasn't blessed with talent in this area! haha

7. Google ~ just google it!

8. Gold ~ when you compete, do your best and go for the gold... even if you don't get the gold when stacked up against the other competitors, be able to at least say you could give yourself gold for heart! :-)

9. Genuine ~ it's how I live life, just how I am...I'm genuinely me!

10. Ground ~ He is the ground beneath my feet...He's my stability, He's my everything!

Just Can't Stay Away...

...from karate tournaments! LOL

You see, we were supposed to be going to a karate tournament this morning, a tournament that was about 3 1/2 or 4 hours away (according to some). Last night, as we talked about it we decided it was just too far to drive. So, I got up this morning, spent some time with the family and birds, and decided I missed it too much - so, I had to go seek out a karate event! haha

That was a great adventure in and of itself about how I ended up where, but the good news is that I did indeed find a place to fill my karate crave for a time! :-)

Then, I headed to visit some family. I first headed to see one my great-aunts or 4th cousins or something along those lines haha - all I know is that she's family and that is what matters! I went in, got a few books to read from her, talked about books, TV, the recent deaths in the family, and all kinds of things. I came out to a beautiful rose just laying on the driver's side of the car just as neat as it could be...it freaked me out! I looked around and saw no one around. I'm thinking, "Boy, I've got a secret stalking admirer!" I think about if any of my pals who "owe" me one would have pulled something like this - but the only who who really would owe me is at work...plus no one (not even that friend) knew I was going there. It couldn't have been a prank by one of my friends.

I head home (looking behind me to make sure no unusual car is trailing me!). I'm going through my head trying to figure out who could and would do something like that...and looking for rose bushes! haha

When I got home, T says, "Strange things always happen when you go out by yourself...you get pulled over, someone leaves roses!" My Dad is thinking about it and realizes his builder (and friend) lives right across the street...and is like, "I bet it was him!" I'm hoping above all hopes that this was the case.

After about 30 minutes I'm like, "Dad, please call Luke and just see. I've got to know!"

As it turns out, Luke's wife has rose bushes and he had walked over while I was in the house and laid it there. That was such a relief!

I then head off to see Uncle Dee (the one who was in ICU when everything else was happening) and Loretta. Uncle Dee hasn't been able to eat lately, but today he said he was eating just about anything and everything and had finally stopped losing weight! What an answer to prayer this was for us all, as he's so thin and starting to get unhealthy due to all he's lost already.

But, his spiritual walk is still in question. He has such a good heart, but I want to know for sure that he's given it 100% to Him before anything else happens. It's like he's on the edge and I'm so afraid to push, pull, or tug - afraid I'll tip the balance in the wrong direction. All I know to do right now is show him love, pray, and let God work as only He can.

After that, I went to see Granny Duh. She had went to her house to clean and while I was there she let me get some things of Papa Hoyt's that I wanted - mostly hats. I went through a hat stage when I was about 10 or 11, and I remember him getting new hats and being like, "Hey...come try this one on!" And one time he bragged about having all of the autographs of a team...So I got those hats! :-) And he was really into Civil War re-enacting and he would dress T and myself up (when we were smaller) and get pictures - and I remember that hat! So, Granny Duh also let me have that hat! I was ecstatic to be able to find those hats!!!

Well, a storm is brewing and I need to get comfy! Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
What is the last thing you had to have repaired?

My toilet seat...how embarrassing! LOL Something was broke on it, and we had to get a new one.

Soup
If someone gave you $2,000 with the stipulation that you had to spend half of it on yourself and give the rest to charity, where would you spend the $1,000 and which charity would receive your remaining $1,000?

I would try to find a CD or some type of investment to put it into - yes, it's for me...my future! :-D And to charity? Would our Praise in Motion group work? If not, I'd give it to our local housing/pregnancy crisis center. The gentleman who runs it is awesome and would put it to wonderful use!

Salad
What is one of your favorite songs from the 1980s?

LOL, I don't know...I'm not sure that I've really heard anything from the 80's.

Main Course
You enter a pet store. Which section do you go to first?

The fish! How peaceful to hear the sound of water and relaxing to see the graceful, beautiful fish moving about. *peaceful sigh*

Dessert
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how athletic are you?

Umm...well, I push myself when it comes to being athletic. I'd probably give myself a 6 or 7. I'm so thankful to be blessed with a tiny part of athleticism (is that right grammer? :-S )...but definitely have room for more!

Links to other Friday's Feasts....

well, I thought I'd put Mr. Linky in to do his job...but he evidently decided to take a little break during regular working hours. I'll try to get him back up and running soon!

computer keyboard was sick...

Well, I must've been contagious...the keyboard got sick! haha Some letters wouldn't work at all, while others gave me a few more than I had bargained for! That poor, faithful keyboard has been officially retired and will now begin enjoying it's retirement complete with a house full of boxes, used tissues, free {discarded} food, along with a life time supply of tissues and credit card offers/applications. I'm sure the blessed thing will be completely taken care of and cared for. ...I have such a generous heart :-D Ok, enough of that!

So, that's what was happening and causing me to be unable to make my usual rounds and visit all of my pals! And it also explains why my ThT never made it up... But now, I be back!

I've been so sore from karate - I guess that's what happens with you to go 2+ classes in one day! I suppose I do enjoy it that much.

Oh, for my Mother's Day story...Mom had this grand idea of buying a bird (a cockatiel) for my Meme (grandmother on Dad's side). It would keep her company, be something she could take care of and hold. So, for several weeks we looked for the friendliest one we could find. Ended up driving about two hours and found the one. On Sunday, we took it over to her house - complete with a cage, food, scooper, and verbal instructions. :-) She just kept going, "Daaaaavid!" which is my Dad's name.

Well, last night she called and said she wouldn't be able to keep it...she said the feathers just went everythere, including her kitchen, because her living room and kitchen are together. I was badly disappointed, because this bird was like my baby. Yes, we have a cockatiel already, Miss Daisy, but she don't care much for me...which is a mutual agreement. But this bird was just so sweet and he loves me...hey, if I kissed him would he turn into a prince or something? ;-) lol

So, Granny Duh (my other grandmother) who's been staying with us since all of our tragedy, came downstairs this morning after Dad and Faith had picked up my little baby from Meme's house. She went in there and we filled her in on the poor, orphaned bird. She held it a little and was like, "you've got to take it all the way back there?" She was lost in thought for a moment then said, "What if I just keep him?" I wanted to jump up and down! "We can name him Hoyt...and call him Ho-Ho!" Then we all laughed. She did name him Mr. Guilford in honor of my Papa Hoyt :-) And it just makes my day to know I can go see him and hold him!

There's a sample of what's been happening...

i can't believe it...

wow, this is shocking to me...over at the blog olympics hosted by binnsy's hovel (great place, btw) i came out with a medal!

i've also had a little stomach bug...finishing up my 3rd day with this horrid little thing. i'm hoping and praying after this, that it's finished and done - and that my family escapes from it! :-)

so, while i've been a little under the weather, i got my sister (who is going to beauty school for hair in the fall) to color my hair. i started yesterday when i began to feel better, putting some highlights in it. then, this afternoon (after a rough morning), we put in some "low lights" with a reddish tint...don't worry, it's not red, it's still definitely blonde - but don't let that get out! hehe i'm happy with it and i'll try to get some pictures taken and up when i feel like putting on some makeup! lol mom and tarah say they really like it...i can't wait to get my blogging buddies' opinions! :-D

in karate, we have been learning the purple belt form - chun par 1...the funny thing about this form is it's so different than any other form. once you learn it and go back to another form, you start trying to create what i call "combos" haha overall, the form isn't all that bad - except that i get dizzy. you make a complete circle like 15 times in the form - which lasts under a minute! ...ok, maybe it's a little bit of an exaggeration! :-P

my grandmother is still with us...i can't imagine what emotions will go through my head the day she decides she's going home. it feels so right to have her here with us at night. it's going to be like my right arm saying it wants a vacation, i'll fight with her tooth and nail to keep her here. i do know it will be part of the healing process, as bad as i will hate that part. i guess that's selfish, isn't it? i just love her so much and want to have her close!

well, i guess i'll go rest. hopefully, by tomorrow, i'll be 100% better and ready for anything :-)

value profile

Your Values Profile

Loyalty: You value loyalty a fair amount. You're loyal to your friends... to a point. But if they cross you, you will reconsider your loyalties. Staying true to others is important to you, but you also stay true to yourself. Honesty: You value honesty highly. You're unflinchingly honest, even when it's not easy. For you, integrity is very important - in yourself and others. People may not always like what you say, but they know they can trust it. Generosity: You value generosity a fair amount. You are all about giving, as long as there's some give and take. Supportive and kind, you don't mind helping out a friend in need. But you know when you've given too much. You have no problem saying "no"! Humility: You value humility a fair amount. You tend to be an easy going, humble person. But occasionally your ego takes over. You have a slight competitive streak - and the need to be the best. Tolerance: You value tolerance a fair amount. You are open to new cultures, beliefs, and ideas. You have very few prejudices that you're aware of. And while you are tolerant, you do stand true to what you believe.

The Five Factor Values Test

Six Flags Pictures...finally!

Well, I'm only a day and a half or so late! haha

We went to homeschool day at Six Flags with Al, Stacey, and their kids - Savannah & Talon. Stacey is the lady who sings (wonderfully, I might add) with Praise In Motion and Savannah does Sign Language with Faith.

Here's T and Nathan one our first ride...the trolley ride to the park! lol


Faith, Talon, & Savannah before any rides - notice how the hair is still fixed! ;-)


Nathan & T walking to the Scream Machine


Stacey & Savannah at lunch...I might get hurt if Stacey saw this on the web! shhhh :-D


Nathan in a crazy hat...a couple of ladies were wearing these "fuzzy" hats and asked Nathan to take a picture of them. He grabbed a hat and took a picture of them while he, too, was wearing one...makes for great blackmail!


Faith & Myself. I had leaned over to talk to her and Mom, with the camera in hand, said, "Freeze!"


Notice the uneaten Lay's lol ....definitely lunch!


I was playing peek-a-boo with Dad while in line for the Scream Machine - and he caught me! It did help the time pass quicker while waiting...


Here is Mom's game of peek-a-boo...but I caught her with rabbit ears slightly tall for her height - not that she's short or anything! haha


Here's the Dejavu...stuck! Ok, T and Nathan rode Superman - something I wanted to ride but was to...~clears throat~ shall we say....well, it was just too early to ride any coasters yet. So, they rode it first then I had plans to go back. Well, we went back to ride it a little later and as we top the hill we see it stopped in mid-track and one of our friends who was about to board said it was stuck...and the kids in it probably wouldn't be down for another hour or so. It was rumored that half of the parents were laughing while the other half was going to maintainence and complaining...well, as it seemed to turn out it was the Dad half of the bunch that was laughing, "oh, Charlie, you've had this coming for a lllloooonnngggg time!" while the other half - you can guess which half - was at the maintenance booth. haha Needless to say, I didn't get to ride Superman this trip.


The Acrophobia is the "tower" that takes you way into the air - like, higher than every single roller coaster, Goliath included - and drops you at 65 MPH at a 10 degree tilt. It makes it feel like a free-fall or something. Dad rode it once (he's the one waving on the right) and said that was it for him!


Here's Tim, Me, and Faith riding the Acrophobia once again...Everyone but Dad loved it!


We're dropping straight down....


T & Nathan walking back from Goliath. T was holding up her phone and I was so confused. Then she told us her story...She had put her phone in her pocket for the first time - she gave it to Nathan all the other times, to put in his pocket. Well, when the ride was over she reached down to get her phone and it wasn't there. She goes and asks the guy what she should do. He responds that they were going 75 MPH and at speeds like that the phone would be just a bunch of pieces after hitting the ground, but she could go and file a report just in case. They call Mom (from Nathan's phone) and tell her what happened. Amazing Mom has the bright idea to call it and see what happens. It rings and goes to voicemail. A few minutes later a lady calls back and says she has the phone. Evidently, her kids had been playing in a grassy area under the coaster and they heard it ringing and called the number back when they got it...how astounding is that?


T & I did get rescued by two superheros - Batman & Robin - but our victory picture was taken before our "heros" were able to recover from their huge ordeal. :-D I never saw my true superhero....Superman! I looked and looked, but he was no where to be found. Guess I'll have to continue to wait on him to come save me! lol Next trip to Six Flags I'll search high and low once again!

Well, hope those pictures were worth the wait! I'll post about our Mother's Day soon! Have another great story for later! :-)

six flags

today we went to six flags for homeschool day...my head is still spinning and my stomach is in my throat! and, i don't understand, all i rode were the kiddie coasters and i screamed louder than any of the kids! haha

just kidding! fooled ya! :tongue:

rode the ninja like 4 or 5 times in a row before lunch - then went to hit the acrophobia a few times, another wooden coaster, and the cyclone before having to leave due to the park closing...i guess there's always next time!

i'll try to get some pictures up tomorrow! have a great weekend!

purple belt testing

no, we haven't quit karate! t and i actually got our test papers for the next rank - purple - and tested today! :-)



poor little faith, kids advance slower the "adults" so she was a little behind us in getting her stripe on the yellow belt. so, naturally, she'll follow us in our purple belt. when we got our test papers yesterday, and she was a little upset about it (not with a bad attitude or anything, mostly just down) and told mom, "i'm not going to back a class with maegan and tarah, i'm so used to being beside them...i'll just go to the day class and kids' class until i catch back up." she's a pretty smart kid! obviously, we were never in the kids' class and the day class is smaller so they combine all belts - which means she'll still be able to be beside us.

needless to say, we're excited. this means learning new kicks, one difficult one is the back-crescent kick...on tuesday nights our instructor "cheats" and sometimes teaches us things beyond our rank! shhhh, don't tell the head instructor! ;-) and learning a new form, one that has confused many people - one of those being my dad. hehe

i remember being a white belt and looking at a purple belt like they had been there forever and thinking, "wow, they probably know a lot and are awesome at karate!" lol now i know the truth and how far purple belts really have to go...

needless to say, we're both excited, just wishing faith could've tested with us...but her day won't be too far in the future!

personality quiz

i found this quiz over at daylily lady's blog and couldn't resist...

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have high extroversion. You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends. You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation. Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!" Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have medium neuroticism. You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic. Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy. Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is low. You're a pretty conservative person, and you favor what's socially acceptable. You think that change for novelty's sake is a very bad idea. While some may see this as boring, many see you as dependable and wise.

The Five Factor Personality Test

karate tournament - may 5th

wow, what a day saturday...

we started the day off by going to our 3rd karate tournament. we've barely begun and already i'm so addicted i can't imagine not going! lol



the day started off with faith doing her forms.


after a "good luck" kiss from me! lol

she comes out with 1st place in forms!

as tarah's group was semi-lined up to begin their process, she was out running around with us as faith was getting ready for her sparring match.



she's done well enough to carry home 1st place in fighting, as well! congrats my little girlfriend!


here we are, as you can tell we're both so nervous for her. for some reason she's not as agressive as she usually is...but, if we look this much alike too often i could see why people would think we're twins! haha


next is t's form...she places 3rd place.


then, we have some time to just hang out in the halls as we wait for the rest of her age group to do their forms before they begin fighting.





next, come t's sparring...she gave us a scare! she was up against a great fighter and she hardly moved, she just stood there - almost like she was just waiting to win! lol


thankfully, she did pull it out of the hat 5-3 for 1st place!


after that, i went to check on my other buddies from the studio - particularly gary and junior. they both have been so supportive and have helped me out quite a bit at my sparring. gary placed 1st in forms! he's the guy on the right, the guy on the left, tim, is one of my instructors who helped me out during the tournament! in this picture, they both look like they've been up to meanness! lol



then came my form...nerve-wrackingly, i was the first competitor!



my form places 2nd place!

it's off to nathan's forms - which i missed because i had to gear up to spar.



i believe he came in 2nd in forms, as well.

meanwhile, i'm getting lined up to spar...


with two fights, i won the first by the skin of my teeth - 4-5. then i took the second round 3-5! needless to say, those were some great matches!



i believe nathan came in 2nd in sparring...he just didn't seem to have his best day - and that's ok!

needless to say, that tournament we full of smiles!


but the day wasn't half over yet! after we had concluded our competing, we had a black belt (from our same school, different studio) who needed some wall pads. well, we were in a basketball gym and usually there are as many as you could ever use, but these were screwed into the wall! so, we had to hunt down the lady who would know where some loose padding was and had access to them! thankfully, after only a few minutes of looking, she came back with some! the purpose of these pads were to help break the fall for the flying sidekick (i think that's right! lol) competition. unfortunately, due to prior commitments, i couldn't stay to see it. hopefully, i'll get to see it next time! :-)

we then headed to get a bite to eat before heading to a booking for praise in motion where we were invited to a mother-daughter banquet. even though us girls were so exhausted, He provided the strength and i can honestly say that is one of the best worship times we've had! there was laughter and tears, fun and seriousness, smiles and sighs. but it was all for His glory and in the end, i feel many hearts were turned towards Him!


that day couldn't have been better - well, maybe just a touch! :-D but i must say it was a very wonderful day...likely the best since all of the tragedy in our family recently.

how do you survive?

my widowed grandmother has been with us almost a month. it's been such a blessing to have her here with us, i can't imagine her not being here now! i miss her when she goes and spends the weekends with my aunt!

she has been down today and has had the feelings of being alone. it's so hard on her, as she lost two of her "best friends" a week apart (her husband then her mother). in three days, it will have been a month for papa hoyt. it seems so unreal.

then, as i sit and weep with her, it's hard to realize that i've lost my two "grandpas" and two steady men who proved to me that great, Godly men still existed are now gone. even though i visit them at the graveyard, it still seems as if it's a nightmare i'll wake up from. like tonight, we were eating with granny duh and she said what i was feeling, "it seems he should just walk right in...it's like we're waiting on him!"

how in the world do you help your widowed grandmother survive such a loss? we assure her there's not a single reason to rush home, she's such a blessing to have here. i feel as if i'm inadequate to be here for her. when she's asking these questions, how can i be what she needs? i want so much to take it from her - onto myself. i'm so thankful for my mother (radical one) who always seems to come in at the perfect moment. her words seem to always be blessed and full of grace and wisdom.

there's the question of how to continue to help my dad heal, as well. i mean, i've never walked in his shoes. i can only imagine the tremendous wounds that must come from losing a parent. i would feel so lost without my "dad" what do you do, what do you say? he just seems to get quiet and to himself...how do you pull him out? so many questions, so much hurt. even though all these questions seem overwhelming, i realize there is always a way through it no matter how steep they seem. i've made it through "impossible" situations and i came out fine (if not better and stronger) on the other end. this will prove to be no different, i've just got to trust Him Who knows more than i.

wow, if only it were a nightmare, i'd wake up and go see papa hoyt and pawpaw after getting it all straight in my head. i'd hug them and kiss them and cry over them. then, as a stream of tears comes pouring down, i realize i'm not going to "wake" up. i'm stuck in this nightmare - as we all are.

oh, how i long to have just one more hug from pawpaw after a "wisdom" session, hear one more joke from papa hoyt followed by a hearty laugh, to watch memeow lead a song - even though she may be off key! lol precious, precious memories. thank God i have those!

friday's feast

Appetizer
From which country(s) are some (or all) of your ancestors?

england
ireland
cherokee - whatever "country" you want to call it! haha

Soup
How would you describe your sneeze?

lol, something i hope others wouldn't describe as an earthquake. i think it's usually pretty quick and quiet, sometimes a "string" of them.

Salad
What is the last thing you cleaned?

my bathtub - dumped a bunch of bleach in it with hot water!

Main Course
Who made the strongest first impression on you?

my dad, in the hospital room when i was two years old. even though he had very little, he sacrificed a few dollars and bought me some delightful toys - then he took the time to sit down and play with me!

Dessert
Name one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime.

to do something great for Him...i don't know what it is yet, but i know there's a way for me to change others' worlds, i've just got to seek and find what His purpose is for me. ok, i guess that is broad, so one "tangible" accomplishment would be to get married (to God's best, obviously) and have kids - at least one son (maybe it's something with not having brothers, haha!).

LINKS TO OTHER FRIDAY'S FEAST...

thankful thursday

finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things

Thankful Thursday: What no_average_girl is thankful for this week puppies who seem to make life brighter. if you want to know how to live life following desires, watch a puppy. they are mighty selfish, but they only do what they want to and hold no grudges or get upset, they know they are making their own decisions. grandmothers who trust you enough to drive their cars - even if it is to just get gas! :-) karate tournaments to train for - they give you a reason to really expect the best of yourself. the Love Letter our God has so faithfully written and preserved for several thousand years, and although it was written in a very technology-deprived world, it's somehow so relevant in life today. guys who decide to save themselves for marriage. it's a very rare thing in our culture, but a decision i truly admire. Links to other Thankful Thursdays

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so, i got a silver medal!

first off, i want to thank you all for your encouragement and support. yesterday was one of those days you're glad is in your past - as was commented by sweet kimber, one day i will probably laugh about it. well, i already laugh at the fact that i was "fleeing" at 30 mph, in the slow lane, behind a dump trunk, with my blinker on. anyway, on to more light-hearted news....

i participated in my first blog olympics, something i first heard about from my good friend eph2810. the host this round was crazie queen. the next blog olympics are hosted by binnsys hovel on may 15. to find out the details go to trying to catch up.

anyway, i was awarded a medal! come out and play with us on the 15th!

emotionally drained

hey all...i'm just so emotionally drained from today. when will life be "normal"?

i had a busy day scheduled. a political meeting at 9:00, cpr training with my grandmother at 10:00 and going to karate, either the day class or early in the evening - depending on what happened.

i guess there's just some things that aren't meant to happen, you know? well, i had successfully met and signed the papers and had gotten the mail from the post office by 9:30, just in time to run home to pick t up and go to my grandmother's house for the class.

on the way back, i noticed a police car. now, i usually take note of them and didn't really think anything about it, but just watched my speed extra careful. i see they are turning left and i was going right. well, i look behind me and see they had made a right hand turn instead of going left. that's weird, i thought. well, they get right up behind me and follow me a ways. i'm trying to figure out what's happening, but there are no sirens or lights.

before too long, the sirens come on. i slow down to 30 mph, to let him know i don't plan on getting away and immediately call my mom, as my grandfather was a state trooper for years who told mom to go to a public place before pulling over, and as a female i do fear for my safety. i let her know he's pulling me over, i don't know why, but i told her where i was planning on going, to wendy's. in the meantime, the officer walks up to the car and commands me to get off the phone. i was talking to mom, and she heard his tone. i was like, "mom, i've got to go...i'm at wendy's." he then informs me that i could be arrested for "obstruction of justice" because i didn't pull over. he said he could charge me with "fleeing" from him! ha, yeah, in a mustang i'm going to flee from him at 30 mph in a 45 mph zone in the slow lane behind a dump truck! looking back at it now, if i was wanting to flee, i could've even gotten on the interstate and easily left him in the dust...but did they see that? nope!

he says my tag is expired and he needs my license and registration and all that stuff - well, he demands it. i tell him it's my mother's car, and i don't handle that type of stuff. but i go through the glove box and find enough to satisfy his demands. before another demand comes out, "give me your car keys!" by this point, i was shaking and in tears. i looked in my rear-view mirror and saw two other cop cars, sirens blasting pull up behind his car. what am i now, a common criminal? i do my best to follow the laws, the speed limits, everything only to have some punk pull me over and humiliate me.

he comes back up, and once again says i was fleeing from an officer, but he was only going to give me a citation for the expired tag...what am i supposed to do - get down on my knees and thank this guy? i asked, "there's no warning, nothing?" "no warning. just this citation." ok, this is my first time to be pulled over. i, personally, have done nothing wrong, in my mother's car, and i get the ticket on my record?

he stuck it in my face and said, "i need you to sign here." second lesson, through politics i was taught to never sign something you didn't read and aren't fully aware of what you're signing. i tell him i'm not thinking straight and asked, "can i have a parent come look at this before i sign it?"

"no. you're 20 years old!" he practically shouts.

"ok, so what if i don't sign?"

"well, in that case, i could arrest you!"

i'm ready to have this ranting man out of my face, so i just sign the thing after skimming over it. i then have to pull over complete out of traffic to regain my composure. thankfully, mom and dad had come there and were so encouraging and gave me hugs as i cried. then, my dad and i went down to the police department. what's sad, is his supervisor was in the car with him and was listening by microphone. said he was a little "excited" because i was fleeing and he didn't know what he was dealing with - drugs, stolen car, etc. ok, so then why didn't he soften when he realized i didn't have a record...period?

this lady supervisor was good at "spinning" things to cover. i guess i'm just another number, another "could be" criminal - and i must be treated as such.

turns out, the tag office forgot to send us a notice. thing is, through politics i think i know just about every judge in the county...except this one! thankfully, we did get a letter from the tax commissioner saying his office was to blame and the failed to send the notice.

ok, guys, i think i'm done ranting now...it's just been a hard two months and this on top of it just seems makes the lava come out of an already-boiling volcano. hopefully, it's out of my system now and i can go grab a book and relax before i get another stress headache....