Been A Good Run

First, thank you to those of you who emailed and asked about my dad or left comments to that effect. As it turned out, the doctor didn't get all the cancer the first time. He went back this past Tuesday to have another round of slicing and stitching. The doctor was able to do this round without a skin graft so we were thankful for that. They feel confident that it was all removed this time, but I won't feel okay about it until I hear what this last biopsy says...which will probably be another week. Anyway, my dad seems to be doing well and the doctor really did a great job with the stitches.

Now, on to explaining the title of this post. I've decided that my blogging phase is starting to fade. Where I used to not be able to wait to come home and blog, I usually don't give blogging a second thought these days. I'm not going to delete the blog because so much of my life is on it (I was amazed at the mountains and valleys of my life that were recorded in the last three and a half years...), but I'm not going to continue to post either. Blogging opened up doors for me to meet some new people and be exposed to new ways of looking at things. It has been a long, fun ride. I've enjoyed it all. Now I just think I'm going to go a different direction. I have a facebook page and you lovely readers are welcome to be my friends...just look for Steffany Stewart. I do moderately better since it is mostly short blurbs about daily life.

Thank you for all the encouragement and support you've provided in the last several years. It has meant a lot to me.

Steffany

Update

Daddy is butt-hair-on-his-ear free!

The doctor got what he thought was everything, but of course they will test it to be sure. If for some reason he didn't get it all (and they assured my parents that this doctor rarely has to go back a second time) then my dad will have to go to the hospital because it will require a skin graft to repair the hole.

For the moment, we're all breathing a sigh of relief! Thanks for all the uplifting of my family that went on today. I means very much to me!

Humor In The Midst...

Well, no recap necessary. Y'all already know about the stuff going on in my life, but I did want to share this small and somewhat humorous (in a completely ironic way) tidbit.

My friend Megan, our art teacher, has this sign hanging in her classroom:

There will be no crisis this week. My schedule is full.

I saw it today and just had to laugh. I always laugh when I see it...every time I take my kids to Art. She always knows what I'm laughing at and the kids just stand there looking like I've sprouted another head. Today one of the kids asked, "What is so funny Ms. Stewart?"

I could only respond, "Irony sweetheart...irony."

Tomorrow is the day the "cancer" is removed. Please say a prayer (or send out well-wishes as the case may be) that the doctor gets it all and that no hairy butt/leg skin needs to be taken and that come Wednesday cancer will just be a bad memory. I'll post an update as soon as I know something worth telling.

Seriously...More?

I'm beginning to think that this blog is really just a place where I can chronicle all the bad stuff that seems to fall into my life. What a horrible attitude to have right? Believe me, I'm trying to stay positive. I'm sure that somewhere I asked God for patience or understanding or to simply help me grow and well...He's answering prayer. Oh Lord...must all growing be painful?

Yesterday, we found out that my dad has skin cancer. While no one really was prepared for skin cancer, we're not surprised. My dad was a construction worker for many many years and even today still works mostly outside. The cancer is on his ear and has been there a while (you know men...never want to see a doctor) so they can't just burn it off or freeze it off. Next Tuesday he'll go in and have a local numbing thing and they will cut it off. Supposedly the doctor is really good and knows his cancer so we're all confident that he'll get it all. The only real concern is that if the cancer is deep then there might not be enough skin left to stitch back together the hole. The doctor mentioned skin grafts, but that is a bridge to cross when they come to it.

Surprisingly there is some humor to be found in that...I asked my mom where would they get the skin from and she said maybe his leg or maybe his butt. Of course, why would they put leg skin...with leg hair on it...on his ear. Then I had the thought that he does have some ear hair so what difference would that make. I was sharing this little bit of funny with my friend Rachel and was mentioning that he might have butt skin on his ear to which she reminded me that some guys have hairy butts. So...Daddy might have some funky hair growing out of his ear if grafting is required.

When I first heard, I was understandably upset and scared. And if you don't understand that then you'll want to stop reading right here... My rational, clear thinking brain knew that if he's got to have cancer then this is the kind to have. I know that it isn't on the same level as lung cancer or such. I know that he's got an experienced doctor and that this isn't the bad kind that might spread. Once it is removed, most likely he'll be 100% fine. I know that it doesn't require radiation or chemo...just a local numbing thing in the office and he can go to work the next day. My heart though...it locked on the word cancer. Cancer is bad...people die from cancer. I was scared and worried and needed to have a moment to just be freaked out.

I had three wonderful friends whose first words when I told them were to the effect of disbelief and concern for me and my family. Then came the encouraging words of "It'll be okay!" and "Usually this kind of cancer is treatable and curable!". I had some people rush into saying "Oh you won't have to worry about that." and "That really isn't the bad kind" and "I"m sure he'll be fine." I felt like my feelings and concerns weren't valid. I, unfortunately, took one person's head off even though I know he was just trying to be supportive. The others I just tried to not be sarcastic to and look at their intentions.

My mom said it best...we're sensitive because it is our person that we love so the whole cancer thing (even if it is the kind that shouldn't freak people out and that isn't really much a blip in terms of cancer) effects us differently. I know those people were being supportive and caring. I was just sensitive (and in some cases overly sensitive) to the comments. So, I'm thinking that I'm not going to tell anyone else. Tuesday will come and Wednesday will roll in cancer free so why make a big deal right?

I've shaken off those first frightening reactions to the news, and more calm about things. Still, I feel like saying seriously God...please no more.

Let's Change The World

Last week, my students did an in-depth study of Martin Luther King, Jr. We were, of course, getting ready for the upcoming holiday on Monday. We also talked at length about President Obama and the plans he had to change the world. We had some lively discussions and my second graders were pretty forward thinking.

With this in mind, I assigned a writing prompt:

If you could do anything to make a positive change in the world, what would it be?

Most of my students took to this writing assignment like ducks take to water...well all except for one little boy. He's super smart and very high in his thinking, but he hates to write. I thought he might get behind this assignment though because he had some really good ideas in the discussion. Alas...no.

Many of the papers that were turned in were single space, neatly written, and complete front with most of the back taken up in words. My little darling...his paper simply had one sentence.

I like the world the way it is.

When I came to his paper my mouth fell open. First, as a teacher I was a little upset that he didn't take the assignment seriously and this was the most he could muster. Secondly, I could only think how sad that truly was...leave the world the way it is? Now, I understand that he's just an eight year old, but come on! I'm working my way through the grading process (I'm not really the best on-time grader...parents hate that about me!) but I keep coming back to his paper. I wouldn't consider myself "globally aware" or even all that interested in the big picture going on around me. I do what I can (though seriously...what is "what I can") and I try to leave a good mark. If asked...nope...I think the world can be made better. Do I know how...well that might be a little gray. My definition of "made better" might be a little bit different from yours. Either way, the world is still in need of constant improvements...just like me.

So it always makes me think when I come across his paper and maybe...just maybe...he should get a little credit for that.

400+1

Today someone said to me, "May the trials of 2008 turn into the celebrations of 2009." Lord, I hope that is true. Usually, I love the start of a new year...it is fresh and brimming with possibilities. I suppose this one is much the same, but I'm just feeling a touch weighed down by the last moments of 2008.

As I've already mentioned, my Mimi died (my favorite recent picture of the two of us is on the picture slide show if you wait for it to roll around...it says I heart my Mimi) right before Christmas. In addition, the family dog was put to sleep that very same day and because of the situation it fell to me to take her to the vet. I didn't even get to stay with her...simply handed her off into the arms of someone she didn't know. Charlie, my newest kitty addition, has turned out not to be the stellar traveler that Toby is...stress induced intestinal upset the vet termed it. I would simply say the worst diarrhea ever. My computer had crashed and is now working...sort of. I won't go into the problems still plaguing it, but suffice to say a visit back to the shop is required. Work starts tomorrow and with all this going on I feel like I've had no restful break at all.

I told a friend tonight that I simply wished to just turn my life over to someone else to live and deal with while I found a quiet place to simply rest. Does this sound like depression or just a normal reaction to the crap life has thrown my way?

If you're curious at all about the title of my post, I hit the 400 post mark. It was that last post... I'd had plans to write a very reflective look back at the last few years and the life that was in those 400 posts. Now, I just don't feel up for it. I'm sure post 402 will be fine to be reflective in...what do you think?

A Life That Was Changed

Oh where to begin...

My grandmother passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly last Monday, December 22. It doesn't seem possible that only seven days have passed...it feels like forever ago.

I was just starting to come awake when I heard my mom say, "Oh my gosh!" followed by a long pause and then I heard her crying. You know that sound can never be good when followed by tears. I stumbled out of bed and in the living room I found my mom with her hands covering her face and my dad with his arms around her. I asked what was wrong and received no answer. Finally after asking yet again, my mom said that Mimi was on her way to the hospital in an ambulance. At that point all we knew was that they feared something had burst in her brain.

My dad decided to go on to work, but left us with instructions to call him as soon as we knew something. Unfortunately we didn't have to wait long. My aunt called back to say that Mimi was unconscious, not breathing, and that CPR was failing to bring back her heartbeat. It became apparent that we were not going to make it to her in time to say goodbye. After calling my dad to return home, my mom and I set about frantically trying to decide what we'd have to do to be ready to go. A short few minutes later, my aunt called again...Mimi was gone.

The "after" has seemed to pass in a blur. The conclusion was that she suffered a brain aneurysm. Thankfully, the amount of time she was actually in pain was very brief. The family had a private viewing on Tuesday and a memorial was held on Friday. In among those two heart wrenching events, my family tried to have some semblance of Christmas. Believe me, it was a hollow lackluster shell of what this holiday normally is for my family. I'm sure that just about the time this deep wound stops bleeding we'll be called together to intern her ashes and this hurt will surface again.

I know that my family isn't the first to lose a loved one at the holiday and I'd never want to make light or discount another person's hurt, but this has truly been devastating for me. My paternal grandparents have both passed along with great grandparents, but I don't remember it feeling this acute. Perhaps it was because of when I thought of grandmothers I thought of her. Maybe it just seems so unreal because I just saw her and hugged her and told her I'd see her in just three short weeks for Christmas. Perhaps it is seeing my mom go through this and realizing just how unpredictable life can be. I suppose mainly the shock of it and how unexpectedly it happened is what truly is hurting my heart.

As a family of Christians and believers in Christ, we know that Mimi is no longer suffering or experiencing any pain. For that I am grateful, but to be completely honest it does little to ease the hurt and sense of loss I feel today. I wrote a short piece to be read at the memorial and in that I quoted Isaiah 26:3-4. Yes, on one hand there is a great peace in knowing that Mimi is forever comforted and in the loving hands of Jesus. On the other, my heart is aching at the loss.

At the memorial the song Thank You by Ray Boltz was played and as I listened to those lyrics I realized just how much my life has been blessed and changed because I was given the privilege of having Mimi in my life even though the time was short. I would encourage each and every one of you to tell your loved ones just how much you love them. Wrap your arms around their necks and hug the stuffin' out of them. You are beyond lucky to still have that chance as you never know when it might be too late.

I also want to say thank you to the friends who have let me cry and rant on your shoulders. A special thank you to the friends who simply just sit in quiet with me and let me process. You all mean very much to me.

Blogging From A Far

Just a short one tonight friends...

My computer crashed. Or rather it picked up a virus (yeah apparently I did not have any sort of anti-spy ware on my computer...sigh). I'm taking the tower in tomorrow so hopefully they will get it fixed fast.

Until then, my friend Nina, has been kind enough to let me blog and check email from her house and working computer.

I didn't mean to be gone from blogging so long (though no one has asked about me...sniff sniff) but life sort of creeps up on ya you know? So, I hope you guys are all doing well. I hope to be back to regular blogging soon. I've got a major milestone in the blogging realm coming up too...400 posts. Who would have thought I'd have had that much to say?!

Until the next time...

Enjoy The Turkey

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Peace

Today I had lunch with a friend at this little hole in the wall place that serves generous portions and delicious pie. The decor is what you'd call eclectic. In and among pie plates and doors made into lighting fixtures is a huge piece of artwork. It is calming colors swirled into a very calming design and the most profound quote graces the entire thing.

peace.

it does not mean to be in a place

where there is no noise, trouble

or hard work but rather it means

to be in the midst of all those things

and to be calm in your heart

Lately, I've been trying to listen carefully and pay attention to the voice of God in my life. I know for some, they hear God speaking every day, but for me I have to be listening attentively. Even then I sometimes miss it all together. This has become more important to me lately because I'm seeing how God has open doors and is actively working in my life. That makes me want to listen even more!

I think this quote really touched my heart because my life has become this topsy turvy road that I sometimes feel has no end in sight. There are the every day ordinary things to do, then the extra stuff you never plan on, plus the holiday season and that wonderful madness...it all adds up to a life full of noise, trouble, and hard work being lived. Still, among it all, I've found recently a peace that has taken over my life.

I suppose this is truly where I see God at work because just a handful of months ago, all that "living" would have me spinning. Now, I seem to go with the flow and have an outlook that things are going as they should. I feel at peace with the changes that happened at school (mainly my now essentially teaching 3rd grade), the financial issues that have cropped up (car payment, insurance, etc.), and some personal relationships.

It is pretty neat to not only have other people see the changes, but to notice them in myself. My life is full of noise and trouble and yeah I have to work pretty hard at keeping it all spinning, but my heart finally feels like it is on track for finding rest in and among it all. And that is a very peaceful feeling.

Absolutely True

At school, one of my friends and fellow teachers has a sign hanging in her classroom that says:

There will be no crisis this week...my schedule is already full.

I laugh every time I see that sign. How true, right? I'm not sure when it happened, but my life became busy. Usually when I think about busy, I'm thinking about all the "extra" stuff that can fill up a square on the calendar. I've discovered that I'm quite busy these days just doing the ordinary stuff, not to mention all that extra stuff.

For example, you know that I'm busy with walking most nights (and if you're not familiar with that check out the post below...such an embarrassment, but a fun read all the same) and when you throw in church on Wednesday and WW on Thursday...well it just adds up.

Also on my calendar this week (in three boxes no less) was Toby. He was declawed and neutered on Tuesday. I had to take him to the vet Monday afternoon since I couldn't drop him off on Tuesday morning (sometimes work gets in the way of just about everything!). I picked him up on Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately for both of us, his healing hasn't been smooth. I had to take him back in this morning for an infection in one of the pads. Of course, Charlie doesn't understand either why his pal doesn't want to play with him so he's been driving me bonkers. Needless to say...one crisis we're all wishing hadn't happened.

There is this Fall PTO carnival at school this afternoon. It was stressed very heavily that you needed to sign up for a shift, but I've decided not to trek down to Spring and attend. I put in a monetary donation instead. There have been numerous things that come up at school that require money...more than I thought. Frankly, I'm a little tapped out at the moment in the spare money department. I'm sure it'll go on just fine without me.

Today, I'm doing a little Fall cleaning at home...more than just the usual vacuum and toilet scrub of the weekend. My friend Becky is coming to spend the weekend with me on Friday. As you've seen, my weeknights are a blur of activity so all that in depth cleaning gets to get done today. Don't you just hate anything that starts with in depth?! On the upside, the house smells wonderful! Clean is my absolute favorite scent.

So, however you're spending the weekend I hope your life follows that funny little saying and that all crisis stay away so you can get on with the getting on of living that busy life of yours!

TP Issues

Oh what a story...grab a kleenex as you might laugh until you cry.

I think I've mentioned before that my friend and I are walking in an effort to move more and add that dreaded exercise component to our weight loss efforts. The park where we walk is really nice. The walking track is paved and very well lighted. I always feel safe when I'm out there walking. The only thing that didn't look so hot were the bathrooms. Now, please picture in your head your worst camping trip bathroom experience. This was worse!

I should probably back up a bit and explain that before we'd gone to walk, I had drank a large amount at dinner. Normally I'm one that can hold my liquids, but not tonight...unfortunately.

We were half way around the track on our first lap when I realised there might be a problem. We talked about how dilapidated the bathrooms looked (I mean they have old time jail cells out in front of them...seriously) and I decided that I would just hold it for the remaining mile we planned to walk. Unfortunately, the further around the track we went the more I felt the need to go. So, when we got over there by the bathrooms, I just told Nina I didn't have a choice.

I briefly thought the jail cells were kind of fun and thought about bringing a camera for a photo opportunity the next time. Turning my eyes to where the door to the bathroom would be I found another iron gate looking thing. Strange, but when you've got to go...you really are only focused on one thing. Stepping into the bathroom I almost peed right there. Instead of stalls there were just toilets with concrete barriers between them.

Are you picturing this...NO doors, NO privacy, and in the first stall NO toilet paper...well not counting the wet, stuck to the floor pieces. Everyone take a moment for the involuntary shiver that you just had on the heels of that thought.

So, I quickly turn to leave, but my bladder apparently doesn't give a hoot about what the bathroom looks like. It is either pee in here or pee in my pants outside. Gosh, some choices are so hard to make! I yelled for Nina to stand watch. By this point, she's laughing and probably thanking her bladder for its holding capacity. I venture further into the bathroom (and I use the term so loosely) and find about 12 squares of toilet paper on the roll. I carefully pull off some and strategically place them around the seat of the toilet. I definitely planned to squat, but you never know.

Thank goodness for thinking ahead. Just as I bent my knees and got ready to do my business, I noticed the puddles on the floor (I'll leave any further description to your imagination...which you're probably now wishing wasn't vivid) and in my efforts to pull up the hem of my jeans, I lost my balance and landed on the toilet paper covered seat. At this point, I simply wanted to find relief and get the heck out of there. I finished quickly, wiped, flushed, and went to wash my hands. At which point in time I discovered no soap and no paper towels. Seriously, that just wouldn't fit with the decor right? I scrubbed my hands with cold water and let them air dry as we continued on our way.

Now, back on the trail, Nina and I are walking and talking when I notice that I don't feel right...back there. Trying to be discreet, I feel up my own rear. I'm sure the old man with the dog behind us found this very funny. Anyway, I finally mention my unease to Nina. Then (because I've obviously forgotten where we are...which is on the most lighted and populated part of the trail...and all the manners my mama taught me...you do not put your hands down your pants) I lift my shirt and reach back into my jeans. What do you suppose I come up with?

Yeah...a wad of toilet paper. I pull out a square or two and then in a fit of humiliation and total amusement I toss it to the ground. Yes, I know. I littered. Get over it. We walk about ten feet further and I realize I didn't get it all. So I reach back in again. Let me stop right here and say I don't know what came over me...I just had to get the TP out of my crack. (Yeah, my mama is rolling her eyes right now.) I find another wad and again toss it to the grass.

At this point, Nina is giggling hysterically. While I mention that I think I've got it all, she lets me know that I don't. Now it is hanging out of my jeans. I ask her to get it (and I'd return the favor of pulling TP out of her pants...you know if she ever had some hanging out of them) and she says no among her giggling fit. So, I reach back there and that is when Nina points out that there are people behind us.

Oh the shame....

Here I've been pulling TP out of my own pants and tossing it on the ground with an entire audience behind us. I'm sure they had a great laugh. I'll be lucky if I'm not asked to check my pants at my car before I step foot on the track.

Now, dab your eyes people and learn from me...peeing your pants is always a viable alternative, make sure TP stays where it belongs...which isn't in your pants, don't litter (there you green people...that make you feel better?), and if you feel like you've got something in your pants that shouldn't be...check it out when you get home.

I mean it folks...learn from me.

We Interrupt This Blogging...

...for a little bit of blog surgery. I'm trying to update my blog's look and change a few things around. I just feel the need for something a little...different. So, while I'm playing with gadgets and buttons, just take a look around. It'll all be straightened out soon!

***Update: What you're seeing is the final product. I love it!***

From My Pumpkins

Happy Halloween!

from Charlie!

from Toby!

I am not one to dress up my animals, but the other weekend while I was in the vet's office I noticed that they were having a little costume party on Halloween. I wasn't seriously considering getting them an outfit, but when I came across this little pumpkin hat thing I couldn't resist! I'm sure that Charlie and Toby wish I had tried just a little bit harder.

Their little faces probably don't convey it, but we wish y'all plenty of treats and absolutely no tricks!

Shake It Girl

Tonight I made a discovery. Well, actually it is an affirmation of a previously discovered discovery. Hmm...did I just make up some words? Either way...the discovery...God blessed me with zero ounces of rhythm.


A friend of mine and I are jumping on the exercise band wagon. Apparently eating rabbit food and drinking water will only take you so far. We walk several times a week, but we're trying to expand our routines while shrinking our number of fat cells. We already do walking (1 mile a few times a week), we're exploring the water aerobics offered at the community pool, tennis looks easy enough, and my suggestion...belly dancing!


Yep, we're taking belly dancing lessons from the lovely (not to mention tanned, blond, tiny) Dolphina. Tonight was our first go at it. This is when I discovered just how rhythmically challenged I truly am. I look like some large retarded bird on drugs. Trust me...it ain't pretty. So, while I'm trying to loosen my chakras and touch my loonycona...or something like that (whatever it was it sounded pretty darn dirty) my friend got a good laugh. I lost my balance (which happens easily when the trunk is more full than the hood...seriously the girls can't even touch that junk) and ended up on the floor. My snakes are pretty sad and my shimmy...well even sadder. I totally stink in the dance arena!


But, despite my obvious handicap, I still managed to walk away with my thighs screaming and my heart pumping. So, I gotta be doing something right. Right?! Now, if you'll excuse me I have to take a large quantity of Advil and crawl into bed.

Explain Please

So, it was brought to my attention that perhaps I acted like a tease...well maybe just a bit. Of course I could also argue that I just needed a little processing time. The older I'm getting the more I value that "shut up and say nothing for just a minute" time. Whatever my reason (notice I did not say excuse!), I'm fully prepared to do the explaining that so many of you asked for.


I should warn that this could possibly be a long post.


The Car
In short...wrecked, totalled, absolute loan mess, new car...sigh! The details are boring, but frankly there was a huge delay with the loan process. I did what the bank asked me to do with having the dealership fax over the sales worksheet. They let it sit on the fax machine for a day (all they can offer by way of explanation is some fuzzy "We're sorry.") which pushed it back till after the weekend. Then once the loan was approved I needed to have some documents which if I'd kept them it would have been easy to get them faxed over to the bank. But, since I'm all for getting rid of "clutter" I'd tossed it out. Basically, after a week of "I don't believe it!" moments I finally got to go and pick up my car. It is a 2008 Kia Spectra that I lovingly call Spence. And, after all was said and signed on multiple dotted lines, I bought a car! It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be and that is directly because of some great advice/support/coaching from Josh (see...I told you I'd sing your praises) and lots of the same from my parents. Now, that is a lot to sigh about!


That Job Thing
A few weeks ago, my principal called me in and said that because of low numbers they were going to have to do some changing around. My heart nearly stopped. I thought I was being sent to another campus. Luckily for me, she just wanted to tell me that my AG (above grade learners) 2nd graders should begin learning third grade material so I'd have a section of AG 2nd and OG (on grade learners) 3rd. So, while I'm still teaching Language Arts and Social Studies I now teach 2nd and 3rd graders. It has been an adjustment, but I actually like the challenge. At first, a lot of the other teachers (let's just say there were many...many schedule changes to make this work) weren't very interested in this change. I can't blame them either...I hate change, but this time I went in with a positive attitude and it has been really...positive. Imagine that! So, yeah...I don't just teach 2nd grade anymore. I bet that is going to look so cool on a resume too!


I Finally Cracked...
For a while I've been having some pain in my foot. Okay, more than just a little pain...a lot of pain. It started months ago, but finally was bad enough to drive me to the doctor. I was pretty stunned when my family doctor thought it was a benign growth on a nerve and sent me immediately to an orthopedic surgeon. After several sets of x-rays and prodding around, it was determined that it was a much simpler affliction...a stress fracture across three metatarsals. I spent three weeks in the most unattractive and uncomfortable boot and now I've moved into the post operative shoe. Not a big improvement in the attractive footwear department, but much improved in the comfort one. I have to wear it for the next four weeks and then be re-evaluated. This truly has felt like the year of the medical mishap, but thankfully the year is almost over and this was the last one!


There have been a lot of little other things along the way, but those were the big things. I really should start blogging as things occur instead of trying to play catch up. Seriously.

Slacker

Yep...that is me. A big ole slacker.

I am alive.

I have bought a car.

This is my year of the bodily ailments.

I'm love my new kitten Charlie though I'm sort of in naming remorse...I think he really is a Gus.

I don't teach just second grade anymore.

Tomorrow is my Friday so there is always a silver lining!

Finding the "want to" along with the time to post hasn't been easy.

I hope you guys are all doing well even though I won't be around to check things out for myself for a few more days yet.

New Favorite Snack

Yesterday I was picking up some items at the store and came across a new popcorn flavor. Have y'all seen that Orville Redenbacher's Natural popcorn before? It comes in a variety of flavors...the newest being salt and lime.

Oh. My. Gosh.

This stuff is delicious! My taste buds have a soft spot for salty and tangy flavors so they are pretty darn happy right now.

Seriously...y'all should try it!

Happy Birthday...

...to me! (Technically it isn't until Oct. 7, but I hit the post button before I thought to schedule it.)

Normally, I go on and on about my birthday. I can't help it...I love them! But this year, with so many things that have happened in the last few months, I just sort of feel kind of old.

How did that happen?!

Despite the old label, I am getting to have a birthday lunch, a birthday dinner, presents (which technically were given to me in September, but I've been a very good girl and didn't open or even peek), and a slice of carrot cake (my current obsession) so what could be better right?

Maybe being 21 again. I'm just saying...

Worth A Thousand Words

There have been some changes in my little world recently. I could go on and on, but aren't pictures better? Now don't get excited yet, I still plan to be a little bit wordy about each picture. Thought you were getting out easy huh?!

Charlie

Charlie is the newest addition to my little family. Toby has been really great about me being at work all day and him being home alone. But, sometimes, I just know he wishes there was more to do...I know this due to some bite marks and other naughtiness found around my house. So, because I was at the end of my rope with him, I decided to get him a friend to have for company. Enter Charlie...an adorable 10 week old kitten I rescued. Last night was his first night with us and after a few minutes of hissing and growling (yep, cats growl...who knew?) the boys settled right into a friendship. The played all night and were playing this morning when I got up. I think this is going to be the perfect solution!

Ike

Thankfully, any effects from Ike are starting to fade. I have my power, debris has been cleared away, and things are starting to return to normal. Despite all that, I wanted to go ahead and post a picture of the damage that happened around me. This tree is less than 100 feet from my front door. I was very lucky. As you can see, there was some minor flooding of the sidewalks. Also, that thing that looks like a big eye next to the roots is actually a part of the lamp post by my apartment. Ike hit very early Saturday morning and I took these pictures about mid morning Saturday. With the debris and such I probably shouldn't have been out walking around, but sometimes you just have to get a picture.

Wreck

When I went to the body shop to snap these pictures, I had a strange feeling. Perhaps it was because I was PMSing, overwhelmed by the prospect of buying a new car, or simply grateful that the car took the brunt of the accident instead of my body, but I was a little emotional about turning this car over to be totaled. I took all my things out of it and pulled off my two car magnet things and waved goodbye. This car was a good little car. It saw me through college, my first job, and always got me home safely when I ventured across the state to see my parents. While I'd been planning on getting a new car, I wasn't really ready to let this one go. But, looking on the bright side (see...I am trying) I wouldn't be able to get a new one until I got rid of this one. And I've decided that, while a little unnerving, the whole buying a car process excites me!

So there you go...my world in a few pictures.