Friday, June 30, 2006

Feast 100!!!

Ok, Part 2 of the other post will have to come next week...keep you in suspense and it keeps you coming back! LOL

I'm so excited, I get to play FASTPITCH softball this weekend with a team who picked T up to pitch for them! :-) I thought I was too old, but they are going to get special permission for me to play! I'm like jumping up and down - especially on the inside! haha Please pray my ribs hold out for an entire two-day tournament. I'll likely be playing short-stop and catching some.

Now to the regularly scheduled post...


Appetizer
On average, approximately how many times per day do you yawn?


Depends how much sleep I got the night before...1-3 times?

Soup
What was your most memorable school field trip?


Probably when we went to a honeybee farm - and got to observe (from a distance) the bees hard at work! I realized how hard the bees work for honey.

Salad
Fill in the blank: I was extremely __________________ this week.


I was extremely excited this week!

Main Course
Which color do you think of when you hear the word "soothing"?


light blue, the color of the sky! It's so....soothing :-D And refreshing, and calming!

Dessert
What is something that, if you had to, you could save up the money to buy within one month?


Ok, maybe I'm just a bit blonde here...but this question don't make sense to me....

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Stolen Wallets & Crushed Phones

Ok, so maybe that's a little dramatic...I report, you decide (whoah, I sound like Fox News now...:-D). Ok, Tarah had a softball tournament this weekend as a "pick-up" pitcher for a local team to play a couple of hours away. I'm too old (and getting older by the day!) to play in these tournaments. So, I have to settle for having some fun on the sidelines - like keeping the score board, warming T up, all that stuff!

It was a two-day tournament. On Sunday, we had three guys go with us - N, T, & J (for short!). N gets out and accompanies Tarah to the field and decides to leave his wallet and keys in the camper, on the table, in plain view of an outsider looking in. So, I have this bright idea of "stealing" his wallet...mostly starting out as a joke - as I know he would never hesitate to play one on me. T and J are still in the camper and T jumps in and is like, "Yeah, let's do it!" J starts laughing and plays along, having the idea to unlock and crack the window just a bit! :-D

After a long game, Tarah's team lost and that was the final elimination game for their team. So, we head back out to the camper to eat at Dad's favorite barbecue, before going home. Tarah and I go to the tiny bathroom to freshen up a bit (we're going to eat and we are both hot, sweaty, with makeup running...girls, you can't go eating like that! haha). A few minutes after everyone settles in the camper, N shouts out, "Hey, where's my wallet?"

I didn't get to know the immediate reactions, but I heard everyone play it off cool. No pressure, but I would naturally be the next to be accused of having the wallet - and anyone in my family can testify that I have a hard time dodging direct questions. So, Tarah and I finally come out of the bathroom (we had to wait for the straight iron to heat up, had re-do our hair, etc. LOL) and here it comes..."Where's my wallet? Do you have it? Where did you put it? Have you seen it?" I'm trying to keep a poker, natural, concerned face through the entire line of questioning. N gets this worried look, "Hey...the window was open, there was water in the seat, what if......" haha I don't even know how the "water effect" got there, but he obviously thought someone had spilled it getting his wallet!

Then Tarah is put on the hot spot - but she knows absolutely nothing about it! That's the funny part!

Anyway, about half an hour later, we all concede and decide to give him his wallet right before we go in to eat. He then got...well, I won't go there! haha

So, later that night N is over at the house, my other two partners in crime had already went home. I went upstairs to get comfy. Well N decides it's time for me to pay for my part. He nabs my phone and starts texting.

Anyway, my phone is gone from where I knew it had been, so I naturally pick up the house phone and call my cell to find it (can you tell I've done this before?). It rings in another room and Mom yells, "Busted!"

I go to see where it was to find N running with my phone. Ok, so the first thing that goes through my head is that phonebook has over 200 numbers in it...some people (guys, particularly) that I don't want wrong ideas given to, some I have in there to just as a caution (incase they call, I know who it is and I'm not caught off guard) and definitely don't want to have to explain some super sweet text message I supposedly just sent.

So...what else does Spare Rib over here do? Why, she runs, catches, and tackles the guy! The entire chase Mom is like, "Maegan, your ribs! Your ribs! Slow down!" Ok, so I get N down and have one arm pinned and he's scream, "Ouch! Ouch!" Who does my family take up for? "Maegan, don't hurt him!"

I get a bit defensive, "Just give me my phone and I'll let him go. I just want my phone!"

I give and resign to the fact I'll do "damage control" later, when he's finished. My ribs are starting to get sore.

Not too long later, he passes the phone over. I open it up and it's cracked! My phone is cracked! It's got a small black spot with the rest of the screen white with about 10 "threads" running through it...I can't believe it! The phone I just got, less than a month ago, is almost useless!

So, I get a little flustered at the fact that I don't know who is texted or what was said. And I can't even see if/when/who texts and says what. I look at him and am like, "Ok, so who did you text and what did you say?"

My entire family was filling me in on the story. Who he texted, what he said. I didn't know he had carefully talked it over with my family, but evidently he had....and my Dad was even in on it.

So, at the end I learned a valuable lesson. Don't get caught up in the heat of the moment. Don't let your emotions rule. When someone plays a joke, let it run the course and mop up later when it's all died down...and remember to laugh! haha

I was hoping to go back to karate early this week (like Monday) but the whole "tackle" ordeal through that idea right out the window. The ribs are extremely sore once again :-( I hope I can still get to karate sometime this week, but I may have to wait a whole week. Awww, it's just so sad.

Well, this turned out to be an entirely long post! I guess I'll have to post what went down with the cell phone and how that turned out in a Part 2 post so I don't lose my readers due to long posts! :-D

Monday, June 26, 2006

Surveys...

Your Style is 1950s

High heels, pretty dresses, classic makeup...
You're a feminine beauty who knows how to play up her assets!


You Are Strawberry Kiss Lip Gloss

When it comes to life, you want the best of everything:
The best clothes, the best friends, the best guy - and you usually get all three.

You impress most people you meet with your genuine class and style
Strawberry is a classic, admired flavor that goes with many things. Sound familar?


You Are a Golden Blonde

Men see you as flirty and fun, yet deep and thoughtful
You've got all the pizzazz of a blonde...
With the intensity of a brunette

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you like your job?


The job of being a sister, counselor, best friend, 2nd mommy (to my little sister! haha), baker, or political volunteer? All of them go up and down - but overall I'd have to say they all average out to a 9! :-) Smiling and enjoying life works wonders on jobs and chores!

Soup
When was the last time you think you were lied to?


Oh wow...lying is something that seems to be done almost daily these days. Honestly, I try to not dwell on the negatives, attempting to deal with facts. Not to say that I just don't do anything...I learn to not trust those people and move on - but dwelling and focusing on the fact that I was lied to only injures me, in the long run.

Salad
Share some lyrics from one of your favorite songs.


Oh, that's hard.... Let me share a few from a selected few favorites! haha

From Held by Natalie Grant:

Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling

Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held

This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it, let the hatred NUMB our sorrow
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow



From Do They See Jesus In Me by Joy Williams:

Is the face that I see in the mirror
the one I want others to see
Do I show in the way that I walk in my life
The love that You've given to me
My heart's desire is to be like You
In all that I do, all I am

Do they see Jesus In Me
Do they recognize Your face
Do I communicate Your love, and Your grace
Do I reflect who You are
In the way I choose to be
Do they see Jesus In Me



One more....What Are You Waiting For by Natalie Grant:

so you wanna change the world
what are you waiting for
you say you're gonna start right now
what are you waiting for
it only takes one voice
so come on now and shout it out
give a little more
what are you waiting for


Main Course
What do you do/take when you are in pain?


It depends on the pain...I hate - absolutely hate - taking pain medication like tylenol and ibuprofen. So, my family knows if I'm asking for it, that I must be hurting something fierce! haha I think the only times I've taken prescription pain killer is when I had an implanted tooth - and they drilled into my bone for that, so I wasn't about to go without something strong! And when I had my upper wisdom teeth pulled...I was in tears over that one, because I didn't take enough of the medication. Next time (for the lower wisdom teeth), I'm taking FOUR of the horse pills before they even begin to numb me! haha

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: My __________ is very __________.


My rib is very much better.....yeah, that works! haha I'm so excited about my ribs feeling better, ya'll, I actually got to drive tonight! I was as excited as a 15-year-old behind the wheel for the first time! :-) I'm like jumping up and down on the inside!!!!

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

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


A freezer to keep things fresher, longer! :-)

Water which I'm so addicted to!

Grandmothers who are a delight to see - hearing stories and ageless wisdom!

Blog friends who help to create my own little "bubble." Who share joyous moments with me, and allow me into their little bubble to make me feel as if I'm right there!

comments otherwise known as tiaras!


Links to other Thankful Thursdays





Click here for the Thankful Thursday code


Click here for Chrixean's blog


Trackbacks, pings, and comment links are accepted and encouraged!



Tuesday, June 20, 2006

What ='s 100%?

You guys may have already seen this, but I wanted to share it. I thought it was, at the least, pretty intelligent! :-)

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonderabout those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 101%? What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these

Questions:

If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

AND, look how far the love of God will take you

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude
will get you there, it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Father of the Year!


On Thursday morning (my court date) I woke up and just happened to hear while I was between the stage of being asleep and actually being conscience that there was a Father's Day contest happening for Father of the Year. The rules were simple, send in a "description" of your Dad of 50 words or less - and the deadline was that afternoon.

Wow, I've got to do that...man, I've got to get up, get ready and get downstairs to get something typed and send it in - after all someone's got to win! Who cares about what the prize is...

So, I get up and begin getting dressed and ready to head to court. All the while, thinking about what to write. 50 words isn't much to describe two decades of memories, but I knew if I was creative he might have shot!

By the time I got downstairs and on the computer, I literally had like two minutes to think of something, get the right address imputed, and type. That's not long for how creative I need to get, as there would be hundreds - if not thousands - of highly qualified entries.

I type in what's in my heart (that's the best words, right?), check it for spelling errors. Not even having time to count to make sure I'm under 50 words. And not really re-reading it. Just sending it in with a prayer.

On Friday morning, the one morning this week we were able to actually sleep in, Mom wakes up to the phone ringing. It's the radio station telling, informing Mom that Dad had won the Father of the Year and asked to speak to him (now, we know the main DJ, the one who called, so it was funny because we haven't talked to him in forever and Mom was like, "Hey! It's Lisa..."). Dad's asleep and he takes like 30 minutes to wake up - like, taking a shower, getting dressed, eating breakfast long!

Mom starts nudging Dad, "David, you've won some contest, they need to talk to you!" He groggly gets up and starts talking!

Well, she runs into my room (where I'm sleeping with Granny Duh) and shakes me awake. "Maegan, Dad's won some kind of contest...what did you do?"

"No, he didn't!"

"Yes, he did! Now, what did he win?"

"Tell me he didn't!" I mumble again.

"He won...what is it?"

"I think," I begin, "he gets a dinner somwhere and something else." Remember, I hadn't even heard the prizes. Just decided on a whim to enter him.

"Is he going to be on the radio? Like, they are talking to him and he's half-asleep. You know how he is!"

"Yes! He'll be on the radio! They are recording him!"

I jump up and we both run into where he's walking around trying to wake up while talking to the DJ. You can tell he hasn't sounded very "enthusiastic" the entire conversation, so Mom mouths, "You'll be on the radio! They are recording!"

At that point, the DJ had asked for our address - obviously, they are not going to play that part on the air. But Dad starts giving our address with a new tone, a very upbeat, very dramatic tone! We busted out laughing at his sudden change, but it was too late to do anything! They had him recorded and it was done!

I run to wake the other two girls up. We have a family gathering around the radio in my room - piled on my bed and around in the floor. T's still in la-la land, sitting on the side of the bed. Well, I look up and she's just falling off the bed. No grunt, no yell, no reaction. She just hits with a thud as we stare stunned, then break out laughing as she sits up and smiles. She's definitely awake now! LOL

It was just a great morning, and an honor I think my Dad deserves. I'm just a little partial, but I honestly think I have one of the absolute best Dads in the entire world! I haven't met another man I would be willing to take his place.

What he did win was a dinner for two, a CD, 4 tickets for a theme park, and a night away! But the biggest honor for me was he did get the title Father of the Year!

Now, for my entry. I don't feel it's anything special or anything magnificant. Just words that seemed to flow from my heart about my Dad!


My first and one of the purest memories of my Dad is when I was 2 and in the hospital and having to stay in a "tent." My parents didn't have much and had another baby, my little sister, who had to stay with my grandparents. But I remember my Dad would work so incredibly hard at his job, then he'd drop by the dollar store get me a few toys to make my stay a little nicer - then he'd take the time to play with me! I get tears in my eyes thinking about how giving and selfless my Dad was during that period of time. My Dad has proven to be a man just like that over the years, hard-working, selfless, honorable, honest, and always thinking of others. He lost his father to cancer in March, and I'd love for him to be able to get away and have something to distract him as the only way we can get him to relax and really take a breather is to get him away from everything!


Love you, Dad!!!

Friday, June 16, 2006

Friday Feast

Appetizer
What is a word that you use that would not be considered common?


haha, I'm going to borrow a word from my karate buddy, Gary... "Swell" He's got us all saying it, if nothing else than to just bug him - because he says it all the time!

Soup
What theme of calendar do you have on your wall this year?


Umm....it's called the beautiful theme of not having one! :-D

Salad
Name 3 people you speak with by telephone a regular basis.


Mom, Dad, & T! haha They share the time with karate pals, my grandmothers, and Loretta & Uncle Dee.

Main Course
If you could buy a new outfit for someone you know - who would it be and what would you purchase for them?


I'd buy a new outfit for my sister because she loves new clothes, jewelry, and the sorts. I'd buy her a cute skort like she's been wanting (but unable to find). Then I'd go to American Eagle and find her a lovely shirt, likely a shade of light blue, pink, or green. I'd complete the outfit with matching, dangling earrings (or perhaps the "plastic, toy" type, depending), a cute pair of flip-flops and funky sunglasses! Oh, and couldn't forget a matching "play" ring! haha

And before you all think I'm oh-so-sweet, just know that today everything I wore (from the flip-flops, to shirt, to capris, to sunglasses, to watching, and ring) I wore was hers...all except for MY purity/promise ring! LOL No, I wouldn't steal her new clothes......but is there a law against borrowing??? ;-)

Dessert
What is the last beverage you drank?


The one, the only....refreshing, cold water! :-) It's about the only beverage I drink!

Links to other Friday's Feasts...

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Celebrate


....and guys! :-D


Well, it's official! They dismissed the "expired tag" charge on the grounds of our commissioners letter saying it was their office's fault. Thank you, Lord! It's a huge relief for me, now I don't have to worry about it any more! Even though I didn't realize it, the "charge" and pressure of having to appear in court made me feel criminal enough - and I hadn't done a thing!

We've been doing a bit of spring cleaning - yes, guys, I'm taking it easy...at least trying to! haha

I'm trying to get enough of my work done so I can go with my Granny Duh to a Civil War meeting. You see, my Papa Hoyt was involved with the re-enacting community before he passed away, and they are doing something special tonight - at least we heard it was in the works, although it's been hard to confirm what! But I hope to find out later on tonight...and I felt so special to be invited by my grandmother to go along, because that was something that Papa Hoyt and I shared - a love for history, especially the Civil War era. Many times I dressed up for re-enactments in period dresses while he would go out and play shoot 'em!

Gotta run and finish that cleaning, but did want to pass on the good news! :-) Thanks so much for your lovely words of encouragement - they helped so much more than you'll ever know.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

court date

Tomorrow is the day when I go to court to get the driving with an expired tag ordeal taken care of...Please pray that the judge will be merciful and listen to our side of the story before making a judgement. We've got a letter from our local Tax Commissioner saying it was their fault, blah, blah, blah. I'm hoping and praying the judge will pay attention to it, but there's no telling until he gives the verdict. To see the complete story, go to the original story.

I know or have connections to just about every other judge in our county (at least, I think so!) but it had to be this judge, one who doesn't seem to have many ties to people I know! LOL

And I know I'm not making my rounds as I usually do, I'm sorry you all - I've missed it and feel like I've missed part of my life when I miss out on yours, but I'm trying to keep these ribs happy! Hopefully, it won't be too long before they are healed up! :-)

Sorry for not posting a Thankful Thursday - God knows I'm thankful, and that's what matters! Love to all my good friends!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Anyone got a spare rib?


....Because I need one! LOL My family is started to call me spare rib now! haha It's crazy...I've only been out for like three weeks, but I'm so ready to go back. I honestly figure it could be September before I'm able to spar again - to give my ribs plenty of time to heal before getting beat in again. Obviously, I'll be able to go back to karate before then for forms, kicks, etc.

I've been trying to walk to keep somewhat in shape so I don't die when I am able to begin lessons again! LOL I've been trying to get things done around the house, as I hate feeling lazy and like I'm not getting things done. I can only justify reading being still and reading a book for so long!

During this time I have resumed a favorite childhood activity - no, not playing cars! Playing Super Mario Bros 3! Yes, the system in older than me, but who cares? It's great fun! I recall finishing up with chores and school work as fast as I could to be able to free my day up to play mario! Right before we stopped playing it, T and I had finally beat Koopa! What a grand day that was! :-)

It has been like 5 or 6 years since I've played. I have played N64 and Play Station since then, but it was never regular old Nintendo! As soon as I picked it up, it just all came back. I remembered the secrets, where things were hidden! Faith loves to watch me play. I'll watch her play for a few minutes, before she hands the controller to me, "Please play!" She begs me to go play so she can watch me! I guess she gets to watch while learning, where I had to learn by doing! LOL

So, I've had some fun while being so sore, as well!

Nintendo - $20.00
Super Mario Bros 3 - $3.00
Television - $500.00

Feeling like a kid again - priceless

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Karate Tournament

Well, it's official...I didn't get to compete in this tournament. I'm sure there was a reason, but it's definitely disappointing! However, lots of others did compete and I got to be a cheerleader! :-) That was so much fun and worth every minute!

I had to take pain killer for the ribs, the pain was almost unbearable a few times...by the end of the day, it felt like I had competed and taken a few good shots to the rib area. I guess the rapid, nervous heartbeat wasn't all that great on it! haha

Instructor Carl (who you will "meet" later on this post) talked to me about them. He said if I got sick the night I got kicked (which I did) then that means I took a really hard hit and it will probably be a couple of months. He said that when I do start back to karate, to take it really slow and easy. His advice was not to go to the doctor unless you had something sticking out! LOL He said all they'll tell you to do it wrap it and take it easy.

So, with it being established there was no way I could've competed, let's get on to those who did.... :-)

Faith
Faith's Form

Faith placed 3rd in forms, behind two boys who were simply great! One of them is the boy who beat her in her very first tournament in November, when she was an orange belt. Get this, ok? This little boy was a purple belt THEN...and he's STILL one! She's moved two ranks since that tournament seven months ago and is due for a third move anytime. She's going to pass the little guy! LOL

Me & Faith
The "Pep Talk"


Faith
Kicking

While forms did give Faith a minor set back, she didn't let it get her down for the entire tournament! She came back in fighting! We talked her through what they were doing and what she needed to do. She fought well enough to get the gold! :-) We were so proud of her!

Tim & T
Instructor Tim talking to T


T doing her form
T's Form

Her form took her to 1st place! Go T!

T & Tim
"Good Job!"


She has two tough fights, she wins the first round to fight for 1st. But then she loses, putting her in 2nd place :-( But there's always next time!

T Fighting
Lining up to fight


Gary is a friend who started karate about the same time as we did, so we started sparring together...except he hit a lot harder than I could even think about.......a lot harder! LOL I'd dread fighting him, because my head would get knocked around like it was a ball or something! As time went on, I think he finally realized how hard he hit! Now, he lets me beat on him like a punching bag! :-) Turn about is fair play, except that my hardest hit is like a mini-shove to him! hehe

Gary
Gary


He did get 1st in forms and fighting, which fighting is almost a given for him! And he's been doing really well in form competition recently!

Gary did get his knee injured. I didn't see what happened, but as he was fighting he said his knee buckled under him and popped 3 or 4 times before he hit the floor. I hated to hear that!


Elizabeth
Elizabeth doing forms


Chuck's Sidekick
Chuck's Sidekick


I was looking through the pictures and realized Mom had captured this "famous kick" of an instructor - as well as a great fighter. I have heard talk of it, but hadn't seen it yet.

Tim, Tim, & Carl
Tim, Tim, & Carl

Both Tim's are my instructors, as well as Carl. As you can tell from the picture, Carl is one hilarious guy! He can make some really quick comebacks with some wit intertwined!

Us Girls


Here's us with the trophies. Faith wanted me in the picture because she said I had helped her win hers... I just wanted to break down and give her a big hug. She had no idea what that meant to me - since I wasn't able to bring home any of my own.


Thursday, June 08, 2006

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
About how much money did you spend on gas this week?


ummm, I use plastic so it all comes in monthly! I'd probably say I use about a tank a week, and that's about $30 dollars. I use more when I'm "active" in karate.

Soup
What is your favortite brand of toilet paper?


Any kind that has the "double" rolls! :-) I do like Charmin though...

Salad
When was the last time you discovered something that you thought was pure genius?


When I found out you could use apple sauce in place of vegetable oil in baking - especially breads. Takes the trans fat to 0 grams! :-) Ok, I'm a health nut!

Main Course
What is the least amount of sleep you can get by on per night?


To be in a good mood? About 6 haha I can do with 3 but I'm so groggy and out of it!


Dessert
June is a popular month for weddings. Do you know anyone who is getting married this month?


Actually, I don't think so...most of the weddings have been happening earlier in the Spring or in the Fall.

Links to other Friday's Feasts...

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Cracked Ribs

My ribs are still sore...well, not sore - they actually hurt now. .. This is week number 2 - starting Monday. I went to one karate class since and even after wrapping it up with two ace bandages nice and tight, it still ached. Today marks an entire week of no karate classes for me, and I think I'm having withdrawals! LOL

It's become almost everyone's opinion they are indeed cracked...which pretty much seals my fate for the the karate tournament this weekend... As I've been told, I have a shot at competitor of the year in my age division, but now that's being brought into question with getting knocked out of the latest tournament. I'm sure it's for a reason, I just wish I knew it. As Ecclesiastes 3:1,3,4,7 says...

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak...


Then in verse 11...

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

He makes everything beautiful in its time. We cannot fathom what He has in store from the beginning of one season to the end of it. And while having cracked ribs is but a small example, I can look over my life's details and see how He's been actively weaving my life, making me who I am, knowing the people I know, and having my unique experiences.

Praise Him who brings all together for His glory!

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Blasting Fun Day!

Well, we just got back in from a concert! It actually started on Friday night with Warren Barfield and Building 429 as the headliners. They were both awesome! But I don't have pictures of them, although I was like right at the stage!

However, today, I took the camra! Tarah, Nathan, and myself had volunteered to help serve the artists' (or singers') food and drinks! Which means, you guessed it, a backstage pass! :-) Not only did I get to see the singers, but I got to see them up close, talk to them, and get pictures and autographs! How cool is that?

There was Joanna Martino - the American Idol contender in...help me out, American Idol fans...season 2, I believe. She was pretty good...backstage, she was extremely outgoing and talkative!

Joanna Martino

Here's Will riding the pony...isn't he cute?
Will

And Kristen...
Kristen

No matter what, I can be outside, at the karate studio, at a concert and you'll still find me talking away on that phone! LOL
Me

Here's Joel Engle up close and personal...he can sing! I think his most popular song is "Shadow of His Wings"
Joel Engle

Matthew West was so sweet. He took time to get pictures with me, T, and others - backstage!
T, Matthew West, & Me

Megan, Pam, & me...Pam was the "boss" and Megan was her daughter - the troublemaker! haha
Megan, Pam, & Myself

We worked so hard...hahaT

Natalie Grant - I loved her! Unfortunately, I didn't get my picture with her. I saw her in her "stage clothes" she went and changed, pulling her hair back, and looked so different that I didn't know her until they were saying, "There goes Natalie's bus" and waved bye. But I was so glad to have heard her sing Held and What Are You Waiting For. She was very personable, and tried to tell the story behind each song. Such as Held, it was written by one of her friends who's best friends had 8 miscarriages, then finally gave birth to a baby - a miracle baby. Two months later, they found him dead in his crib, due to sudden infant death syndrome. Another Day was another song she sung, the first time I'd heard it. She sang it right after she said her husband wasn't with her today, but she would love for him to be there...and she teared up. It was so sweet!
Natalie Grant

Oh, here's a picture of me with Joanna Martino...
Myself & Joanna Martino

Here's Chris Tomlin...he has an awesome stage presence! Think about his praise and worship songs, and multiply it by about 20! It was a huge church service. And it was so amazing how they left the stage. They got everyone raising their hands and singing, and as you're worshipping you open your eyes at the end of the song and they have quietly exited the stage. It took all of the attention off of them and put God in the smack-dab center. It was just amazing! I would definitely recommend seeing Chris Tomlin if you ever have the chance!
Chris Tomlin

This picture was taken backstage - the area we had "access" to because of our volunteer status! He was the only artist to not go out and meet the fans - even though he probably had the longest line! I think he was in a hurry to get somewhere, as they arrived late for their own concert! LOL

I just happened to think to get Billy's CD (which he wanted signed) and I was with the small group that tackled Mr. Tomlin! LOL I managed to not only get the CD signed, but to also get my volunteer pass signed, as well! :-)
Billy, Myself, & Hannah

Needless to say, today was a great time! Oh, and click on any of the photos to view more!

Friday, June 02, 2006

friday's feast

Appetizer
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest), how funny do you think you are?


Ummm...honestly, it depends on my mood. When I'm in what I call an "otter mood" (the fun mood) I can be probably an 8 or so. If I'm in my "lion mood" (my get-er-done mood) I'd be like a 4! LOL

Soup
Name a local restaurant would you recommend to a visitor to your town or city.


haha, let's just say I hope you either like chain restaurants or Mexican food!

Salad
What's a lesson you were lucky enough to learn the easy way?


Let's see...I'm one of those people who learn by doing. I have a hard time watching and learning - I'm the hands-on person that makes tons of mistakes in the process (the person you have to go behind and fix everything in their trail!).

I would say not to spar certian black belts, but my ribs have already learned that the hard way! ~grin~

Main Course
Where would you like to be 5 years from now?


My heart speaking, I'd love to find my Superman, be married (or have plans to do so), be one with God, and live close to my family and friends.

Dessert
If you could see the front page of a newspaper from June 2, 2106, what would you imagine the headline might be?


"Flying Cars Collide; Two Lost In Space"


Links to other Friday's Feasts...

Thursday, June 01, 2006

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


Muscles which give you the movement in your body.

Friends who give you wonderful opportunities (like guest blogging...check out
Nic's Place - I'm a guest blogger for her!)

Smiles which are contagious!

Family who are genous with their hugs and love.

Baking because it's an "outlet" when I'm upset, depressed, hurt, or just have lots of energy!

Karate Buddies who cared enough to check on me while I've been out hurting and sore.


Links to other Thankful Thursdays





Click here for the Thankful Thursday code


Click here for Chrixean's blog


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