The Run Down

Okay, it's been a super long time since there's been a post relevant to our lives. So, here's the run down on what's been going on in our lives. The new job had taken all my time, and I've been completely wiped out when I get home! I'm growing by leaps and bounds, and I look forward to the day I am more confident in this position.


Rob and I both voted. Of course, I posted about my vote, but Rob also took his civic duty seriously as well and cast his ballot. Sadly enough, we went to bed before the ballots were tallied. We did however see how our state voted as well as our beloved Tennessee. Now we have a new president elect, Barack Obama. Here's to the first black president... or at least semi black president of the United States. It is my hope that he can help the US move forward in overcoming our differences as well as bring the US back to the forefront of world leadership. Since I work with people the world over, I know this election was BIG not only for us Americans but for the world.

Other than that, we've been working diligently with our church. Trying to find a place for our youth. We spent a few hours last Sunday in a meeting to discuss ways to keep our youth involved in church and being a Christian. It always amazes me that we require so little of ourselves as Christians that then spills over to our children. We live in a "what can you do for me" society yet as Christians it should be "what can I do for you." We spend too much time creating programs for our children without actually teaching them that being a Christian is more about what we can do for others than it is about having fun programs that pertain to my needs. It is all of our jobs to bring up the youth in a pleasing sight to the Lord. Be sure your attitude reflects the way you would want others to treat you!


Oh, and in BIGGER NEWS!! L.B. came to visit along with Ty Pennington! No, they did not come together, but they were here at the same time. Rob's sister and family including our youngest niece L.B. came to visit. During the weekend, Extreme Home Makeover was in town. So his sister and I went on a Ty Pennington hunt. We didn't see Ty, but we did see the monstrous house his crew and all the volunteers were building. I've never seen an Extreme Home in person before, but I will say it does look a little odd and out of place to have this million dollar home in one of the "older" parts of town. This house literally reaches every point of the property line. It could eat the houses around it. Not sure what I really think of the whole process. But, it was super cool none the less! Here's a pic of the team working on the Extreme home!


Last but not least on my list... Countdown til the Twilight Movie Premier!! 12 Days and counting!

Book of the Week: Breaking Dawn

So working has literaly sucked the life out of me, hence no posts. I finished Breaking Dawn, the final book in the Twilight Series, a few weeks ago. Quite possibly the best book ever, and definately the best book of the series. Stephanie Meyer, you are amazing. Thank you for giving us such a beautiful story!

Bella really comes in to her own and the story comes full circle. It was an amazing way to end such a turbulant saga. Plenty of Vampire and Warewolf action as well as unbeatable love story. Of course to appreciate the book you have to read the others. So, just know, it's all worth it in the end.

Work. You may be wondering what's going on with work. Training, training, and more training. I won't complain because I've never had a job where you actually recieve any training. I'm full to the brim with information, and today I got to put it all to the test! Today was my very first day doing the job by myself. Took the training wheels off and boy did I go fast! I'm taking on the world one customer at a time! Many appologies for being a big slacker on the blog!

Work Day No. 1

Work day number 1 of job number 3 in a two year span! Whoo hooo! So, I'm finally back in the work sadle again. Of course, I didn't want to jump right in, I'm only working part time. This job does seem promising though. I spent the usual first day feeling a bit awkward with not a whole lot to do. At least I'm getting all that boring company policy training out of the way. Looks like a reasonably fun and young group to work with so here's hoping!

Last night I finished the last book in the Twilight Series... totally the best book ever. I will post my review soon.

Book of the Week: Eclipse

Yup, you might have guessed it. The third installation in the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer. I know I gave New Moon less than stellar reviews, and I would say that if I had posted about this book mid way through I would have given Eclipse even less. Thank goodness I stuck it out!

As you read, I served my civic duty as a juror, er, something like that. Anyway, wasting my time at the court house gave me a great chance to finish Eclipse. The majority of the book focuses still on Bella and her struggle to deal with young love. For the most part, I found myself agitated by Bella. Gosh, was I that hard too as a teen... I sadly know the answer. I just wanted to shout at the book... "Bella, grow up! These are people here, you don't get to have it all!"

I battled through all her drama to get to the real action. Soooo glad that I did. I loved this book! LOVE IT! I've been renewed with this series. I am as hooked as I was after reading Twilight. Such raw emotions were explored in the final chapters. I couldn't stop reading. You must check this book out, but please, read the other two beforehand! On to book #4, Breaking Dawn...

Oh, and if you were wondering, no I didn't get picked for a jury and was finally dismissed!

Civic Duties

Today I embarked on 2 of my American Civic Duties. I was summonsed to jury duty... ugh. Of course, this had to happen the week I was supposed to start my new job. But, I guess better sooner than later. And, once I was there I really wanted to be put on a jury! It is truly a wonder to know that I would play a part in our judicial system. Even though I believe that so many of my fellow Americans abuse our court system. I wasn't selected today, so here's hoping for tomorrow.

While I was at the court house, I did take advantage of changing my address on my voter registration which meant I HAD to vote today. I'm not sure that I was quite ready to make my decision, but the way things work I didn't want to miss my opportunity later on in November. It was quite a different voting experience here than the last time I voted. Last time it was a computerized system, this time I voted with pen and paper. Yet, like the last time, there were names on the ballot that I had no idea who they were or what they stood for so voting for or against them seemed strange. So, in some cases, I didn't cast a vote for anyone.

Completely separate order of business... did you see Oprah today! Oh my, my, my! I wasn't raised on a farm nor do I know that many farm owners. At least not up close and personal to have a true opinion about the way they run their farming business. Which brings me to Oprah... what in the world?!?

Today she did a look into the farming industry free range vs. not so free range. I'm guessing this follows on the heels of the expose she did on puppy mills. For one, I think we're missing the big picture here... I mean these farm animals ARE headed to slaughter. While I think they should be well maintained, I'm not sold on "giving these animals a life" just to then take it away in mass quantity makes a whole lot of sense. I'm sure Rob will have more insight being that he is more knowledgeable about working farms. But still, these animals are our food... puppies we choose to take as pets. BIG DIFFERENCE!

I guess a way to tie that in to my post is that this discussion was also sparred on by a proposed bill in California to force farms to be free range. Yet again, our justice system at it's finest. But, this is America. A land where the people still have a voice even if it is small. We can make our views and opinions known which in turn means we need to take that responsibility seriously.

Be sure and take advantage of your civic duty, the liberties we are given being American. PLEASE VOTE... YOUR VOICE MUST BE HEARD!

New Project: Bows

Have you seen the prices of hair bows? I mean the prices for baby bows are crazy! So, I decided to take on a new project and start making bows. None of my 3 of my nieces were blessed in the begining with tons of hair. But, my neighbor on the other hand has a little girl with a head full of dark hair.

I made a few bows for her. See how cute she is!

Here's a picture of me and "Cottontail." The only reason I am posting this one is becuase she's smiling so great for the camera! I look a mess...

I promise I made her a few in different colors. The creme one just looks so striking against her dark hair. Get instructions here on how to make hair bows yourself.

Remebering...

3 years ago this weekend was a moment in life I will never forget. Rob and I were engaged. Rob had just gone through round 1 of his thesis review and we were getting ready to go home the next week for engagement photos.

Now, I read somewhere that the greatest fear a bride-to-be has is that her fiance will not live to see the wedding day. That something tragic will happen and the love of her life will not longer be a part of her future. And well, I can attest that that could very well be true at least as I nearly experienced it.

Here's to the fire of 2005!

In memorium: 2 VERY UGLY old recliners, may you rest in peace.