Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Wednesday

Well Spring Break is about half over...that's sad! Work has been CRAZY this week - so it's a good thing I was on Spring Break. Apparently "they" (not sure who "they" are) want to write off 32 million dollars, and the VP (I report to a supervisor, who reports to a manager, who reports to a director, who reports to the VP mentioned here) is wanting to review ALL the Cash accounts before he gives the blessings. It's understandable that he wants to look at them, and that he's wanting to start with the "big" accounts. Guess who reconciles the "big accounts"? You guessed it - ME! So I've been busting my tail to have something done this week, so hopefully we won't have to come in Sunday when he's wanting to go over them! YIKES! We've almost gotten it done, and I've put in quite a few hours getting my part done, so I haven't gotten to "play" much for my Spring break...haven't had time to type on my blog about the weekend for goodness sakes!

This weekend was great! My sweet wonderful husband and I took off Friday! YAY! We stayed up late on Thursday for some unknown reason (I'm still not sure why we did that...? - and no it wasn't for marital relations either - I know y'alls dirty minds!). We slept late on Friday morning - YAY! I LOVE sleeping in! I wish I had a job where I went in at like 10AM everyday, but I wouldn't want to work as late as that would require! We got up and packed, loaded up, and left by 11. Got "fancy coffee" on the way out of town. We headed towards Branson. My sweet wonderful husband was really wanting to go to Cosmic Cavern after he saw a special on TV about it, so we figured we'd go do that on Saturday. On the way to Branson we saw the sign for "Hurricane River Cave," and I suggested we stop. We weren't on a schedule, so there was no hurry. It was COOL - it was the first time I'd been in a cave, and I really enjoyed it. Fortunately we were the only ones there, so it was just the 2 of us and the guide. At one point in the tour when we were in one of the "big rooms" of the cave, the guide turned out the lights to show us what it was like in the dark - WOW - it gave me an inkling of what Hell is like because I couldn't see ANYTHING! Once we left there we went on to Branson, and got a room at the hotel my parent-in-laws stay at, and then went to find some food. We went to the Toy Museum Friday night also, and that was kinda neat. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I was expecting if that makes any sense. The people were really nice, and there was Christian music played throughout the museum, so that was cool too. Saturday we got up and went to Cosmic Cavern, and I was just as excited as he was at this point. While it was cool, I think I liked Hurricane better...At Cosmic we had one other couple and the guides, so it wasn't as crowded as the group ahead of us (they had like 15 people), so it was nice. The main noticeable difference in the 2 caves was Cosmic has had more "destruction" than the other cave...the stalactites (sp?) were all broken and stuff. It was a bigger cave, but it wasn't till we got to the back of it that we got to see some of the neater things, that weren't destroyed. We headed back to the hotel, and crashed for a nap, and then went to eat at Landry's (YUMM!!!!!!!) and played indoor miniature golf. Sunday we got up and tried to shop a little, but most things didn't open till noon, so we went driving around and stumbled upon a trout hatchery by the Lake. That was kinda neat too, they had little bitty fish, and some really big fish and you could feed them like at the zoo (and it was free - not the food - that was a quarter, but "entrance" was free). Then we headed back in the rain. It was a VERY relaxing weekend - and I needed it!

I'll try to post some pictures from the weekend a little later, I need to get a little homework done, as the week is half over, and I was going to take the time to get all caught up, and I haven't cracked a book yet! YIKES!

I'm supposed to hear from some Monroe friends (who are here visiting family), and we're supposed to do dinner or games or something...not sure when that's gonna happen though, the week is half over, and I haven't heard from them yet...? I'd call, but I don't have their cell number...oh well...we'll just go about life, and when/if they call we'll go meet them.

Off to study for a bit!

Thursday, March 24, 2005

wow...

well - I promised one of my friends I'd give her something to read this afternoon...so here goes. I think it's kinda funny because I harass several of my friends that have blogs and don't update them very regularly. I'm have a decent excuse this time though - didn't work Friday for getting ready to go out of town...was in Monroe all weekend with family, as we all leaned on each other as we said good bye for now to mamaw. It makes it SO much easier knowing #1 she's not suffering anymore, and #2 that she's with Jesus now! She's the first family member I've lost that I can say with as much certainty as a person can have, that she was saved! Several of her family members went on before her, so I know she's enjoying that reunion right now. I'm hoping she can't see us down here though because I know it would bother her immensely to see what's going on with her children. I think she was able to finally let go and go home to be with Jesus after seeing her kids "play well together" for several days. She loved listening to them laugh and cut up, and they did that up until she passed away. They behaved until Sunday, and then it all ended.

One thing that I learned was how blessed I am! I got the call that it was all over, and I still had several people that I had to call...people that cared because it was my grandmother. And at the funeral home the only time I wasn't visiting with my friends was during the "family time." Almost immediately after family time was over I had friends there, all the way up until I went to pick up my brother from the air port. These people meant so much to me, they were there when I was down, and made sure we spent the time laughing and visiting and such. I just felt so blessed!

In other news, my favorite red head found out what she was having........a puppy!....ok...I'm just kidding...she's having a little girl! She said they are 90% sure, but that's pretty much because the doctors can't "guarantee" with a girl because there's nothing to "see"...she said they did get lots of looks at the leg area, and there were only 2! ;-)

I'm excited - today's my Friday!!! I'm off tomorrow, and me and my sweet wonderful husband are off to play! I can't wait! We haven't decided for 100% sure where we're going, but it won't be in Little Rock, and it'll just be the 2 of us, so it'll be LOTS of fun! Not that I don't have fun with people, but we both just need a few days away! The last couple weeks have been extremely stressful, and some of that's gone, and next week is Spring Break, so we don't have to worry about getting homework done over the weekend! I'm hoping next week during the week we'll get to get a lot of studying done, as it won't be too much longer till finals are upon us! (4 weeks!) But we'll enjoy the week, and it'll help remind us what we have to look forward to this summer!!!

In other good news...the guy that my sweet wonderful husband doesn't get along with so well at work...they compete to much to get along, and the guy is like 22, and thinks drinking is where all the fun is at...anyway...he's going to nights...they are about to start a "night shift," and the other guy will be "in charge" of the night crew, and my sweet wonderful husband will still be on days! That should make his job SO much more stress free!

Ok - I better get this posted, as I told someone they could read it at 1, and it's 1:06, and I still have to spell check!!

Friday, March 18, 2005

Mamaw Fern

As we come to the end of her life, I struggle with letting her go at times, but it’s harder seeing her “tired,” so the Lord has granted a peace about it. Last night, as I lay in bed, knowing my husband and I will leave our cozy apartment in Little Rock tomorrow, to bid our final farewells to Mamaw, all I could hear in my minds ear was her laugh. It made me smile! I don’t remember a time when Mamaw wasn’t smiling or laughing (except the one time she put me in the corner for leaving her at Granny Jenkin’s – but she was taking too long, and I wanted to go back – but that’s another memory for another day). I will always remember the twinkle in her eyes. It was such a happy glow, and usually meant she was up to something. It was never mean spirited, as that wasn’t her nature, but when you saw the gleam you could be prepared to hear her giggle, as some joke was told, or funny thing happened.

I also think of her very generous heart. And I don’t say that just as a spoiled granddaughter who got gum or candy at every visit! I don’t think anyone who met her would say otherwise (and they didn’t get the gum and candy!). She gave birth to 3 children, raised 8, and yet has 16 people that call her mama saying good bye. WOW! Not to mention all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I can’t ever remember her saying “No” when someone asked her for something. When we’d come in for a visit, and want to know what’s going on with her, her stories were always about helping someone. And it wasn’t because she was bragging, it was because that’s what she did, and loved doing it!

One of my favorite Christian songs talks about leaving a legacy. The chorus that speaks to my heart says this: “I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me, did I chose to love, did I point to You enough? I want to leave a mark on thing, want to make an offering, child of mercy and grace who blessed your name un-apologetically…” It goes on from there, but that’s how I hope to live my life, and it’s how Mamaw DID live her life, she pointed to Jesus by her life. She never apologized for her faith, or what she believed it, and had a personal relationship with Jesus. She loved going to church, she especially loved “singin’s” at the church, and I think she knew all the Gather songs by heart from watching them so much on TV.

If I had to say what Mamaw’s legacy was, it would be “child of God, mother of many, friend to all.” She’ll be missed, but her life will live on in each one she’s touched, who do as she did, and continue her legacy.

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

in class...

Ok - didn't take the time to write this morning, but hey - ya got 2 posts yesterday, so I'm keeping up!

Today was rather...dreary...the day started out pretty well at home...left for work on time and had all my junk with me when I left. It was overcast ALL day which always affects a persons mood...it's so hard to be "chipper" when it's all dreary out side...on my way to work mom called me to update me on Mamaw, which I was ok with, it was what I expected, but it was hard to hear that daddy was up last night at 2ish, and was upset. VERY understandable, but it breaks my heart. I'm thinking he's been the big brother for the last year and a half through all this, and last night the word was that in about 3 days he's losing his mom, and he was the son again. He's been SO strong through all this though, please keep him in your prayers. The hospice nurse came by last night and said mamaw will probably go into a coma today, and within 72 hrs everything will be over. They started morphine last night too, so she shouldn't be in pain at all. Mom said mamaw doesn't talk, her only sounds are the occasional groan like when they try to turn her (to prevent bed sores), but that she does open her eyes, and can nod her head yes, so questions have to be worded where she can affirmatively answer.

My friend that's currently in Nebraska working for the company I work for is in town since yesterday, but it's looking like with my school schedule and his class schedule (the class he's here for at corporate) that we won't get to see each other at all...but he'll be going to Monroe tomorrow after his class gets out, so we might get together in Monroe...depending on when we go down south. My luck we'll be going down south Saturday when he's flying out of LR, and I'll still not get to see him...who knows! It's not like we saw each other "all the time" or anything - just when I went to Monroe he was on the list of people to visit, and now he's not there...I haven't seen him since he moved the end of last year...

I can't wait till Good Friday!!! I still don't know where we are going, but I'm ready for Spring Break (which is the following week), and I'm ready for a trip somewhere "just for fun."

I did good in the class I'm in right now - paid close attention for about 75% of the class - lately for this class I've been playing Spades all through class, and not paying close attention. I paid real close attention till my mind started wandering, so I decided to write here, for the last few minutes of class. I was even mostly prepared for the class - go me! For my next class I've read the equivalent to Cliff's Notes for Court Cases for most of the class, which is more than I've been ready for the last couple of classes. It's been so hard to focus on reading for class. The down-side is that for Spring Break - I get to play catch-up during the week, but at least there won't be classes to go adding to the load. I WILL BE DONE BY FINALS! LOL! And then it's off to the west with the in-laws! I'm looking forward to the summer and having "free time" again.

Ok - need to spell check, post, and potty before next class.
Bye for now...

Monday, March 14, 2005


You failed!

It's Monday...

Well - I've gone almost a whole week without posting...eek! Work has been so busy, and that's usually when I post!

I meant to post a happy birthday on Friday to a friend that had a special birthday - big 3-5! Unfortunately I wasn't able to be with him and his family for the big day, but I'm sure they had a wonderful day!

I didn't get very many responses to the covenant marriage question which was a little disappointing, but I guess y'all don't wanna talk to me about that stuff...Our church is doing a big push right now for covenant marriages, and had a "ceremony" last night for the 57 couples who converted their marriages. My stance in a nut shell - I have a covenant marriage, not the kind recognized by the state, but a covenant between my sweet wonderful husband, God, and myself, which was witnessed by most of my close friends and family on June 5th of last year. With the state's stance on separation of church and state, the requirements of a covenant marriage aren't going to be met....it requires counseling before marriage, (which most people do anyway) and counseling before divorce, which #1 state won't enforce, if they do it won't be "Christian counsel" required and #2 Divorce isn't an option for my sweet wonderful husband and I, so it's not an issue. I've tried to talk it over with several people, and haven't been able to change my stance, to see the need to change our marriage. Granted - there would be NO harm in changing it, BUT there's no need in it either. Several from our church seem to just be blindly following the pastor, which I DO think you should follow the pastor, as he follows the Lord, but in this one, I think the church should step up, and not require the state to "fix" the marriage problem in America today! Marriage is an institution created by GOD, not the state, so His "rules" apply, not the states. Ok - I've rambled on long enough on this subject!

My sweet wonderful husband and I are taking off Good Friday (YAY!), to go out of town. We're running away for a few days, and I can't wait! Both of our Spring Breaks are that next week, so we don't have to worry about doing homework on that weekend. I need an escape. I'm just hoping that that's not the time my grandmother goes to meet her Savior. I'm figuring it'll be this week sometime, I've told two of my professors that I might have to miss a couple days of classes, and the other 2 I can e-mail. According to my mom, she barely stays away 5 minutes at a time these days, and has already told mom that she's "tired," and has become extremely weak. Knowing my grandmother, a VERY independent woman, I'm sure she's ready to go on home now. She's lived a VERY full life, raising 3 children and 5 step children, spoiling MANY grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She'll be missed by all of us when she goes on, but I KNOW I'll see her again! And right now I get to see her smiling face all day while I'm at work as I have her picture right by my monitor, and it's from the days when her health was good!

Ok - on to happier thoughts so as not to end on something sad...I started Weight Watchers last week! YAY! I'm excited about it! I tried it once before for two whole weeks, and didn't have any luck, but I don't think I was nearly as into it as I am right now(actually I know I wasn't). And according to my home scales I've already lost 2 1/2 lbs!!! YAY!! While I know that's mostly water weight right now, I'm still excited, as my weight has been stuck at a number I don't like for a while now...and it's a little lower already! Woo hoo!

Ok...back to work now...
Don't miss me too much!

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

wow.....

How sad....I realized I hadn't posted at all yesterday! I know all my faithful readers were very disappointed! LOL! I guess I can give you a treat then...I'll post a new picture of Odie...



he got a new outfit this past weekend. I had some friends visiting from out of town that went to Build-a-bear, and I was IN the store...how do you resist buying such cute clothing when you are IN the store...I couldn't ...so I bought some...hehehe...my sweet wonderful husband is beginning to complain that this is the Valentine's day present that keeps on giving! hehehe

We had a WONDERFUL time this weekend with our company! Need more company...so who's next?!? We went to The Old Mill on Saturday afternoons...of course we had WONDERFUL weather this weekend...and took lots of pictures...I'll try to post one of my sweet wonderful husband and I later tonight...well...so you don't get too disappointed it'll be up by the weekend?...hehehe...don't wanna be a liar!...I don't want to post any of the pictures of the friends because I don't have their permission, and they might not like themselves online - I dunno... Then on Sunday we overslept, so we were heatherns and didn't go to church...once we were all up and dressed we had lunch at Tia's YUM! Then decided since the weather was still beautiful we'd go to the zoo. It was SOOOO much fun...the whole weekend...it was a stressfree weekend, and I don't get those very often...so someone else needs to come up and give me another one soon...

A sorta sad note...my mamaw isn't doing so well...the hospice nurse has said we are looking at a week to 2 weeks at the most...and that's pushing it...I'm pretty much ok with it because mamaw told my mom last week that she was tired (and not in the "sleepy" sense). I will miss her terribly when the time comes...but have tons of fond memories, and I know she's saved, so I'll see her again. She's lived a full life, so I'm ok with her getting to meet Jesus real soon! Please pray for the family though - 8 kids are about to lose their mother, and all 8 spouses are about to lose their mother (she's been like a mom to all of the spouses too)...and I can't count the number of grand kids and great grandkids! wow!

Well - 2 families of friends have bought tickets to go to NYC in the next couple of months...could I BE more jealous?!? hehehe I'm glad they'll get to experience it, and I have been 3 times already, but...whine...I wanna go again...! I'll have to discuss it with my husband, and see what we can work out for our "next" trip up that way...

Got a question to generate comments...and I have it where anyone can comment...so feel free...you don't have to be a member of blogger to comment(but inappropriate stuff will be deleted)...The question...what are your thoughts on "Covenant Marriages"? Our church is doing a big push for people who's marriages aren't "Covenant Marriage" to change them...My sweet wonderful husband and I don't have one, so it's been a hot topic around our house...and the verdict is still out on what we will do, but I'm wanting feedback from the readers....I did discuss it with the house guests this weekend, so they know what my thoughts are, but I'm not wanting to share that yet....will do it later this week...I want to hear from you for now...

Bye for now...

Friday, March 04, 2005

*singing* FRIIIIIIDAAAAAY!!!!!!

YAY! The week has finally reached it's end! WOO HOO! It's been a good day today...haven't done as much as I should, but I figure that's "ok" because I've worked my tail off (promise - I don't have a tail anymore!)... As you can tell by the fact that I haven't had any time to blog! Ugh! So much for starting yesterday with a post...oh well...

I really should be creating some invoices, but instead I'm on here...and yes I'll be whining at 4:30 when I can't leave because I have to finish the invoices...but for now...I'm enjoying what I"m doing! I have several meetings next week, but it shouldn't be nearly as hectic as this week was...

Oh for those who haven't asked me/ or someone else who asked...the pregnant person is my favorite little red head! I choose not to use names, but if you actually know me and are reading this, you should be able to figure it out. Her baby is due on the 3rd birthday of her sweet son! I can't wait to meet him or her! (I've put my vote in for a girl!) I think in about 4 weeks or so they'll know what they are having...if I understood correctly...

I'm having company this weekend - YAY!!! I love my Monroe Peoples!!! It's just one family coming up, but that's ok...we'll still have a blast...I've determined it's easier for people to come up and see me because up here, I'm the only one to visit (well that's not 100% true, but our nurse friend works on the weekends usually, and our other couple friends come play with us usually when people are up, so we're all in one place). When I go to Monroe I have SO many people to visit! And I realllllly want to see them all, and that's REALLLLLY hard when you come in LATE Friday night, and leave after church time on Sunday...there's only so many hours in the day. It's even worse right now while my Mamaw is so ill, cause I want to spend as much time with her as I can when I'm in town...that time is so limited...fortunatly I have wonderful friends that understand the situation, and make it as easy on me as they can (they are still there, and I do want to see them too!)...*sigh*...

Ok - I'm supposed to leave in 11 minutes, and I still have to do the invoices, so I better get off here for now...granted my sweet wonderful husband won't be home for a little bit (they are still on overtime), but with company coming - I've got some cleaning to do!!! ACK!
Bye for now...

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Day 2

Well today is both day 2 of the month of March, as well as day 2 of close...I'm almost to a month of writing my thoughts on here...wow! I've kept it up this long!

I'm sitting in Juvenile Law right now, and have missed the first half of class, and the last half of my Family law class because my computer crashed! Granted I did volunteer in Juvenile to present the first case because she said that while she was taking volunteers, she was going to call on people who hadn't presented yet, and I was one of those, and had only read the first case. Yay me...granted with computer problems I sounded much like a bumbling idiot, but that's ok, it's taken care of now. After running adware software to remove spyware, and finding quite a bit, and running Norton, and finding nothing, I'm not 100% sure what caused my blue screen. And have missed enough of the conversation in class today, that it's pretty much a lost cause.

Today was a reallllly good day! I found out some friends are coming to visit this weekend! YAY!! I miss my peoples! My sweet wonderful husband said the same thing! We're excited!

I also mentioned to my boss that I'm interested in the Financial Analyst 2 position that's just come open...asking if it's realistic with my school (me thinking it was, but noting my inability to work overtime), and she said it was possible, and that it was a good option! That was promising! Granted it's not certain because they haven't decided if they want to fill it as a 1 or a 2...so waiting on that to see if I can apply for it... The Parallegal position appears to have fallen through the cracks, for now anyway, which I believe there's a reason for it, so I'm waiting to see what the Lord has for me!

The other good news I found out...a good friend of mine is expecting....I'm so excited...I was told I could tell, but I'll leave it as "sort of" a mystery to give her a chance to tell anyone else she wants. (Even though she's already had a couple of months - I was shocked she kept it a secret that long.) She knows this site, so she can comment if she wants...if not maybe tomorrow I'll give her identity away...But pray for her & her family that all goes well...

Work was pretty good...busy...but good overall...I felt like I knew what I was doing which is always a good thing!:-)

Overall a good day - yay! Almost time for me to go home - even better! Hopefully tomorrow I can do this when I want (in the morning over breakfast while getting the day started, but before work)....we'll see! Well time to get ready to shut down, and need to spell check and post this, and save everything and then actually shut down and go home to my sweet wonderful husband!
Bye for now!

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

goodness...

Goodness...it's been a while since I stopped long enough to post...I've got TONS of "busy work" on my desk, so it's hard to be slacking when ya have a big box of stuff to go through (and about 12 more down stairs!)...

Friday was a typical work day...well except we got our Federal taxes back, and my school tuition reimbursement and it was payday...woo hoo! We went to Build-a-Bear and got Odie some casual clothes, I'll have to take pictures later and post them...then went to Macaroni Grill....YUM! I'd been craving it! Had even forgotten how yummy the bread was - that's WAY too long between visits! When we got home we watched "The Village" - it was good! Not quite what I was expecting, and one that you don't figure out till the very end - I like those kinds of movies!

Saturday was Studying, and then we went to dinner with my ma-in-law & pa-in-law...went to Grandpa's - a fish place - it was yummy too...then we watched "The Notebook"...I really liked that one...guys if your wanting to be reallllly sweet to your ladies, watch this with them...I will warn it does have a few scenes that don't need to be in a movie (although it's getting to the point where they all do now), and don't watch the "deleted & extended scenes," there aren't any good ones, and lots of sexual nudity that's not needed at all (it was good that it was left out of the movie)...I must say I don't cry in movies...but this one I bawled...it wasn't all that "sad" really...I don't want to give away too much, but it was sweet!

Sunday was church, and then we went to the in-laws for soup. We were going to go to the shooting range after wards, but that morning I couldn't find the extra bullets to my (Gerald's) gun, and couldn't find my safety glasses (they got put somewhere in the move, so we could find them later HA!), and the range requires safety glasses on the pistol range. So we agreed to go this coming weekend, and plan ahead more, so we can find everything! We ended up spending the day at his parents house, then church, then home to finish homework. I really wanted to watch the other movie we have "The Vanishings" (I think that's what it's called), but my husband wanted us to be all responsible and stuff, so we didn't watch it, and did homework (no fun!)....

I was supposed to bring those movies back to a classmate tonight, but they are still sitting by the TV where we left them. I was also supposed to bring her some movies, and you can probably guess where they are - yep - right beside her movies! Oh well - she knows how absent minded I am!

Well it's day one of close, so I probably should get back to work...I'll try to make myself take breaks to write here.
Bye for now!