To Certain

Today I listened to a Celtic Christmas CD at work and was reminded of something nonsensical that I figured out just a few years ago. You know the song, The First Noel. In the first verse, it says, "The first Noel, the angels did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay..." Okay--the phrase "to certain"--I, Angela Dawn Good, could not figure out what in the world the song writer meant when he/she used the VERB "to certain". How do you CERTAIN something? How did I finally figure it out -- a bulletin board while I was student teaching in Pensacola, Florida. A SECOND GRADE BULLETIN BOARD! There was a picture of the manger with a gift tag "To: Certain Poor Shepherds." Funny--it all made sense after that! Wow--imagine if I wouldn't have seen that bulletin board...I would probably still be trying to figure -- how do you certain something?

Aren't you glad that you found MY blog today?

Punching is unacceptable!

One of my Sunday School kids got punched by his younger sibling and it caused his tooth to fall out. He was telling us the details today when one of the other children piped up and said, "Punching is unacceptable!" The tone of voice that was used caused me to believe that this other child had heard this reprimand from a parental authority.

We also learned that Miss Lauren doesn't like spiders. She informed the children that she uses bug spray to paralyze the spiders before smashing them with the end of said can. She then obtains them with a kleenex and flushes them!

What a big day for us in Sunday School! We learned alot!

* * My Wonderful, Wonderful Weekend * *

Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless. ~Bill Watterson

This is the first weekend in quite some time that I haven't had anything pressing to do!

Friday night -- sappy chick flick
Saturday -- trained Misty in the morning + bought some FABULOUS nail polish (No Spain No Gain) + went walking with Trudy + got a pedicure with Gloria + came home and watched Two Weeks Notice = GREAT DAY!
Sunday -- taught the munchkins about Zaccheus (who was a wee little man and wee little man was he) + a special service at church for a returning solider + went walking with Rhonda at Harlem High School's bike path = A FABULOUS WAY TO END THE WEEKEND!

Today at church, we sang the National Anthem...do you ever stop and think about the words of our National Anthem? We have so many freedoms in America that we take for granted daily. We need to be thankful for men and women who are willing to defend our freedoms!

A Whole Bunch of Randomness...

You have been warned--A Whole Bunch of Randomness. I figured, why not put it right up there in the title so everyone knows that today...well, today is just a BUNCH of crazy Angie thoughts.

1. My heart goes out to the little man at the Lou Bachrodt dealership who got thoroughly scared tonight when I test drove a 2009 Camry. We were exiting the dealership and I attempted to go out the exit through the entrance drive. The poor guy was seated in the passenger seat. Nervously I laughed and said, "I did pass drivers ed." I should've went on to explain that I use my driving as a witnessing tool to tell people about Jesus and if he were to die today while riding in the car with me, does he know Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior?

2. Everyday last week from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., I sat at my desk and laughed. Most days it was because one of my co-workers talked about punching another co-worker right in the mouth...and the thought of that just cracked me up. Not that it's right and I am all for hitting people...I know that this person would never punch this other person right in the chops--that's what makes me laugh! What was odd was that it was from 2-3 everyday. I wanted to post a sign, "Angie has mentally left until 3:00 p.m. Please direct all questions via email as she will be able to answer them between random bursts of laughter.

3. Last Friday I found the VERY same jean jacket that I had been eye-balling at a store--I found it at the THRIFT STORE for 95% off of the retailer's price. (Happy dance.)

4. Taking the time to workout improves my mood by 1000 times.

5. Painting my toenails and fingernails make me happy.

6. Sorting things is great therapy. Packing and actually moving...well...

7. Drinking Mrs. Molencupp's tea in the afternoon is guaranteed to keep me up late.

8. Reading lets me escape into another world. Right now I am currently reading a book about Mozart's sister who was equally as talented as he was--however being a woman hindered her from being as recognized.

9. Going to Wal-Mart before work is the best time of day to go there! No one in their right mind is there at 6:30 in the morning. I'm there--so NO ONE in their right mind is there.

10. Sometimes you just need your bestie to listen and let you cry about the trials in life.

Mrs. Molencupp's Hot Cranberry Tea

Yield: 1 gallon

1 cup boiling water
3 small tea bags
1 cup sugar

2 cups water
1/2 cup red hot candies
20 whole cloves

1 quart cranberry juice
12 oz. orange juice concentrate
6 oz. lemonade concentrate
2 quarts water

Directions:
1. Steep tea bags and boiling water for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of sugar and set aside.
2. Boil cloves and red hots in 2 cups of water. Strain cloves. Set aside.
3. Mix juices and 2 quarts of water in a large pot. Combine all ingredients and simmer on stove.

Serve hot or chilled. If chilled, mix with ginger ale.

Thrift Store and sushi

This past month has flown by at whirlwind speed and I know it's because I've been busy. With the approach of November, I'm looking forward to a slowdown. I've neglected my friends...forgot things...forgot people...forgot if it was Thursday or Friday and had a panic attack that I was experiencing "Casual Friday" on Thursday...laughed so hard I thought for sure I was going to be asked to keep it down...and the list goes on and on. Oh, let's not forget laughing during church on a Wednesday night when it wasn't really funny. Yeah--not good. Not good at all.

Having said all that -- about a week ago, the Lord allowed me a bit of a break and I was able to stop & enjoy the beauty of fall. I think that's what I miss the most...just being able to sit outside and bask in the sunshine while the leaves float to the ground. Or spending time at the apple orchard. Running from here to there and attempting to learn something so foreign to me -- it's been challenging.

On the brighter side of things, Maggie greets me at the door after 7 most evenings. She seems happy to see her human. I'm definitely happy to see her.

My next project is to start boxing up stuff that I don't need right now. I'd like to weed through some stuff in the garage and get it properly boxed up for easy moving. I know that I can safely put away the spring and summer items.

Tonight I was given the opportunity to spend quality time with my dear friend who is dealing with much sadness in her life. We started out the evening with some hot beverages at Meg's Daily Grind...and then we meandered to State Street's Goodwill where we filled a cart to over-flowing. No worries--we didn't purchase everything in the cart. I obtained some work clothes and a fabulous PHEOBE-style skirt. (I know when S. Derrer sees it -- she's going to to say that it's totally ME!) It's totally Pheobe and what I would pick out. It has purple, teal, a hint 'o'pink, and brown...the bottom hem has brown crocheted lace. It's soo cute! It's my motivation for working out with said friend.

After the thrift store, we went to Woodmans and bought sushi and dined in the car. We laughed...ALOT! Oh my goodness--I learned that there are health ordinances established by the Health Department. One of them is -- you cannot spit on other people. (See, former second graders -- that wasn't just a crazy Miss Good rule!)

What else did we discuss? More like--what didn't we discuss! Oh my soul! My friend (while I was trying to encourage her and cheer her up) -- she cheered me up and brightened my Friday night.

Thank your best friend for the part they play in your life!!! It might be just the encouragement THEY need!

Des Moines

On October 24th -- Tanya and Jason got married! The wedding was soo beautiful! The bridesmaids wore brown silk dresses. My role in the event was Personal Attendant. I've never had the opportunity to star in that leading role. It was fun!

On Sunday, we went to Jason and Tanya's house for the gift opening and then wedding leftovers. It was nice spending extra time with Tanya and her family.

Tanya, Shawna, and I performed our traditional Purchasing of the FUN Pajamas on Monday at...you guessed it, OLD NAVY -- where shopping IS fun! We also enjoyed a yummy cup of coffee...because we cannot get together without purchasing jammies and coffee! It's a must! I think that if we lived closer to one another, we would:

A. have to expand our closets to contain the pjs

B. have a serious (and I mean SERIOUS) caffeine-addictions

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend spent in Des Moines, Iowa with friends! Many thanks to all of you who prayed for my safe journeys. I did nearly freeze-to-death Friday night driving Ruby over there...she is without heat. After putting on my winter coat, scarf, and gloves--I spent the remainder of the trip (circa 2 hours) laughing at myself because I was thinking that I looked like Clark Griswold when he got locked in the attic on Christmas Vacation. Isn't laughter the best medication? :)

What day is it?

This week has been insanely busy for me...from running to Terracon and then to The District and then back to Terracon to answer Misty's questions...and then off to meet Rhonda for some much needed therapy. I leave the cottage around 6 in the morning and return well after 7 at night. It's crazy...completely crazy. I wish that I could take a week and dedicate to training my replacement so I could focus on my new job. Obviously God knows that I can handle this and He is going to take care of me during this crazy time.

On Friday, I actually felt like I needed to phone a friend just to confirm that YES, it was Friday and it was okay to wear jeans to work. Isn't that sad?

Today while training Misty, we heard some peculiar noises from the back area. Without the radio on and me talking to myself, the pipes creeped us out. Well, I don't think it was really an "us" being creeped-out situation...it was more Angie-being-creeped-out.

It's official -- being friends with Rhonda is great for my heart and my mental health. Besides making me extremely accountable for working out, she's a huge blessing in my life! She helps keep me mindful of the things of the Lord and I honestly believe without her friendship during this crazy/hectic time in my life--I would be lost. (Thanks Rhonda!)

Tomorrow is Sunday. (See--I have to tell myself, oftentimes outloud, what day it is and what day the following day will be.) I'm teaching the children about Jesus calming the storm. What a good reminder that Jesus is in control over EVERYTHING and there's nothing that happens in our lives without Him ordaining. I love this story because even now in 2009, it's applicable.

I do wish you a wonderful week filled with God's grace...and remember, He is there and He will calm all the storms in your life!

Much love --

Thankful for the little things...

A yummy candle. Heat. A welcoming cat. Warm, chunky applesauce. A friend to workout with. A camera. Snow flurries that I saw on Saturday (because they are a reminder that winter will be here soon--and that means my busy-ness will be coming to an end). Loyal friends. A good book. A funny movie. Oatmeal. Toenail polish. Fuzzy slippers. The cottage. My family. And sooo much more...

Aunt Becky's Applesauce

8 cups peeled, cored, chunked apples (Granny Smith pictured)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg

Combine all ingredients and cook over medium heat until apples are soft.

Serve warm or chilled.

Danger--your entire house will smell DIVINE!!!

Thank you, Columbus!

Today is Columbus Day and I didn't have to work at The District. I did however go in and help Misty with her Monday morning stuff at Terracon. Since it was her first day and I had some new hire stuff to input, I opted to give up some of my day off in order to avoid working over the weekend. Good choice, I think. :)

After helping Misty, I came home and lit my most favorite fall-ish candle -- Home Sweet Home. I had picked this up awhile ago when I had a coupon. It was well worth the wait!

Now I am making some of my Aunt Becky's apple sauce. She shared the recipe with me when I was visiting her in September. I will post it. It smells divine.

It's weird having today "off" from my job-job but working at the other place. The most amazing thing happened -- I am slowly getting ready to bid farewell to TerraLand not the people...but the place and the extra work. I've introduced a couple small things to Misty and I know that she is going to catch-on quickly. I'm so thankful that I recommended her for my former position!!!

And so now you know how I spent Columbus Day! What did you do?

God is good ALL the time.

It honestly feels like I haven't blogged in forever...well, that's an exaggeration. I mean really -- forever? Come on, Angie.



QUOTE OF THE DAY: "It's hard to talk to crazy people!" This quote just soo happens to win "Quote of the Day" because the person who said it...well, this person isn't quite in their right mind.



There's a potential for snow on Sunday night. Now before you get all panicky--I think I might have to agree with the rantings of Douglas and Eric. Doug (I believe it was Doug who said this) brought up the possibility that the Weather Channel could be based out of Florida...and when there's a potential for inclement weather (i.e. snow, ice) Floridians freak-out! It's a lovely theory, DW. Quite a gem...and kind of believable!



My last thought for the day is this -- God is good all the time. ALL the time. Not just when things are going to bright and sunny...but when you are soo sad about something that seems unbearable. God is good. God sends along people (dear friends) to encourage you on your way.

RE Not Blogging

I do apologize to my blog stalkers for not posting much the past week. I've been struggling. Why lie? I mean really -- this is MY blog. You see I recently started a new job as Engineering Secretary for The District. (I like calling it that because it sounds classified and cool.) And this new job has some unique personalities...and one particular one who just shocked me beyond belief with some comments about something I had done. My first reaction was -- Lord, I just left a job I love and people that I love...FOR THIS? No way. I'm going back there.

I'd like to say that after spending the weekend in much prayer and begging with the Lord for some type of a sign...it took my boss (my old boss who I love dearly) to tell me that it's okay to be scared and too not really like where you are at. God isn't going to give me more than I can handle. He knows. He opened this door and it's a good opportunity. Sometimes (for me atleast), I need confirmation that the people I am leaving behind -- that they are going to be okay. I know it sounds weird and it might sound strange to you. But it's how I am wired. And they are going to be okay! They are going to continue on and God is going to work out all the details.

To my friends and family who have prayed for me for the past couple days -- to you (and you know who you are) -- THANK YOU! THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR ME WHEN I WAS SOO DISCOURAGED AND SAD...Thank you for calling me & leaving me voicemail messages. For the cards and the emails. They have meant soo much!!! Your support and love mean alot!!!

DESPERATELY SEEKING: Navy Shoes w/A Chunky Heel

I need some navy blue dress shoes. Not fancy-Sunday shoes. I'm envisioning blue loafers with a stacked, chunky heel. Do you know it's practically impossible to find these? Well, I take that back...you can find them however they are $175 per pair. I about had a heart attack last night while searching the internet. I hate it when I can picture the EXACT shoe that I want (style AND color) and then I cannot find it...or I find it but it's WAY OUT OF MY PRICE RANGE! I mean really...I have a black pair -- chunky heel, cute with jeans or dress pants...why, oh why, can I NOT find navy ones? In my head--these shoes are super cute! I could attempt to find another black pair and then spray paint them. No--I won't do that! Not yet, anyway...oh, maybe I should check Gordman's. They have some off-the-wall shoes.

If you see any navy shoes with a chunky heel--please let me know where! And by doing that -- you will have helped this silly cottage chick who's going crazy trying to find navy shoes! Many-many thanks.

And when my heart is overwhelmed...Lead my to the Rock which is higher than I...

I have about 20 thoughts right now floating around my brain. First and foremost -- I love that we sing out of a hymnal at my church! I love it how today's special music was wonderful and exactly what I needed to hear. Second -- I love my Sunday School kids. I love how they wait all week long to tell me something and then they are just bursting at the seams to get it out. Third -- I love my church family. I love how we know each other and can pray for each other specifically. I love how they encourage me when my heart is heavy...as it is right now. The Lord has brought the most special group of people into my life that have encouraged me and loved me and I know that they are going to be praying for me.

Yesterday I was reading in Psalms and I love Psalm 34. Right now I needed to be reminded that when this poor GIRL cries that the Lord hears. Psalm 34 brings me great comfort. I know that through this...God is in control. God knows my heart and He knows that I can bear this difficulty even though I really don't think I can.

Friday wasn't such a good day. Getting reprimanded for FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS isn't something that I can take lightly. Doing what I was told and then getting spoken too critically about...oh, let's not forget infront of others...well, it pained me. I'm not going to lie. (I mean really--afterall, this is MY blog. But no details.) Just know that on day 5--I KNOW! I KNOW AND I AM NOW SAD...and I would give anything...ANYTHING...to just go back to the plain Jane coffee that I gave up. The plain Jane coffee was nice and warm and comforting. The plain Jane coffee brewers never-ever threw people under the bus. It's not what you do. People are soo rude. Lord, am I rude? What are you teaching me through this? Do I have to stay and endure this? Is it wrong that I'd prefer the other? "Lord, please help me! (This has been my heart's cry all weekend long...HELP ME, LORD!)

A little moment inside Angie's brain...Danger-Danger!

Tomorrow starts the beginning of my craziness in my life...as if my life needs anymore craziness. Actually this is good craziness and it's temporary (as in 3 months or so). Temporary craziness holds the promise of ending and then normalness...which explains why I am not freaking out too much about this. Here's the deal--tomorrow I start my new job but for the next couple weeks I am going to be going to the old job first thing then the new job then back to the old job then working out with Rhonda and the home--where I believe I will slumber only to wake-up and start the cycle over again. I was informed by Gloria that this will just be a blur once it has been lived through...and you know what? I'm totally okay with that. I think in our lives there are things that the Lord allows us to go through and then blur the events so we only remember the goodtimes. Why else would someone have more than one baby if they truly remembered the excruciating pain of the first child? Why would we get back in the car with a good friend after she scares the heebie-jeebies out of us? We do it--because we forget. :)

It is comforting to know that my family and friends are praying for me during this time. God is good and He is going to help me multi-task and manage this. He promises to NEVER leave me nor forsake me.

So...I raise my cherry coffee mug and offer a toast..."Here's to forgetting this craziness and too remember the goodtimes at Terracon." (Clink, clink.)

Happy Fall!!!

A Little Reminder from A Dear Friend...

This week I am saying goodbye to a job that I LOVE. And my dear friend, Kari, sent me a note to let me know that I am in her thoughts and prayers this week as I say goodbye to a place that I have invested the last 4 years (okay--it's been 3 years and 11 months) of my life.

My new position is engineering secretary for the Rock River Water Reclamation District. It's a fabulous opportunity to expand the skills that I have acquired at Terracon. And BONUS--it's less hours with a set schedule!

As previously stated in this post, I've been with Terracon for 4 years...and during that time, I've learned to love my office. What do I love most about the office? My co-workers. I won't lie--there have been a few (a slight few) that I haven't seen eye-to-eye with...but on the whole, I love each of them dearly. It's been a long road...crazy at times...maddening at times...and just plain laugh-yourself-silly at times, but we're this family that has managed to come together during the insanely busy fall season and the not-so-busy winter months.

Wrapped up in the co-worker bundle is also the friendships that I have made with other receptionists in our other offices and the people at corporate who offer an encouraging word or a listening ear.

I can honestly say that I won't ever regret a single day that I worked at Terracon. I had a wonderful boss who is my friend first and boss second. He made choosing this new job easy. His advice, "Take that job, Angie. Take it and go laughing all the way to the bank!" His support during this change means so much!!!

I hate goodbyes. I'm not kidding. I cry when E.T. says goodbye to Elliott. In the movie The Mask (which is a comedy), I cry when Jim Carey is in jail saying goodbye to his dog. NO ONE CRIES IN THAT MOVIE--IT IS A COMEDY!!! I cry when I say goodbye to my friends in real life. I cry when I say goodbye to my family even though I know that I will see them again. Goodbyes are not easy for me. And this goodbye I am on facing with my co-workers...it makes me sad too.

Where has the week gone?

This past week, I caught a cold. Well, I think it was a cold. Sore throat, cough, runny nose, and a painful right ear. I thought it odd that only one ear was sore...oh well. Weirder things have happened, right?

Thanks to the recommendation of my friend Sara, I found a little miracle worker named COLD-EEZE. Homeopathic and delightful. It has gobs and gobs of zinc and other good things! Combined with Herba Tussin tea & much prayer -- I'm well. Well, as well as well can be...and what's amazing--I prayed that I would feel well by today and God miraculously healed me. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers and knowing what we need day by day.

On Wednesday, September 9, 2009 - we moved the coffee trip to Edwards Apple Orchard West. Gloria, Jackson, Reagan, and I got their first. We had a few minutes to chit-chat which was nice. This is my favorite picture from that day!

We took this picture on Saturday, September 12 ,2009 at my Aunt Becky & Uncle Butch's house in Defiance, Ohio.

Slippers

Today I spent 87% of it in my pajamas drinking hot tea, sipping on Emergen-C (vitamin C fizzy stuff that my Mom introduced me to a couple years ago), and sleeping. I just have a sore throat and some sinus issues...nothing big. I just needed a day off!!! My boss graciously said I could leave at 9 this morning.

This picture is proof of the existence of my pink fuzzy slippers. I LOVE THEM!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2 shots espresso
1 cup steamed and/or frothed milk
2 tablespoon pumpkin spice
1 tablespoon white chocolate chips
~Mix to taste
~Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin spice latte

Aaron had fun today sitting up the tree and spying on all the garage sale customers. At one point he said, "Here comes someone new!" Perhaps he's been spending too much time with his stalker Aunt Angie!

"They're Ba-ack!"

I love fall. I really, really, really love fall. While running office errands the other day, I actually saw two trees that are already changing from green to orange and gold. My heart went pitter-patter...I could feel myself smiling for no apparent reason.

The orchards are open. The cider is DIVINE! The apples are crisp and juicy. And Starbucks has their pumpkin spice lattes back. Perhaps it's for the best that this time of year is my busiest at work...I don't feel as guilty about my once a week splurge on a pumpkin spice latte.

There's a creepy movie out where this kid says, "THEY'RE BA-ACK!" I've never seen it--I just now that line and the way the kids voice carries out the A-A sound... This sign near the drive-thru at Starbucks reminded me of that creepy kid's voice.

FYI--I did find a recipe to make these lattes...I will share it in another post.

So please join me in falling in love with autumn. It is the most wonderful time of the year.

Another Lime Green Moment

I, Angie Good, tried sushi tonight. Yes--SUSHI. Rhonda and I had went to Woodman's after working-out...while in the back of the store, Rhonda got super excited about the cooler with sushi. I didn't get so excited...too be honest, I was kind of scared. She then explained the difference and that American sushi was mostly veggies. (She's right, by the way!) Anyway---we purchased our groceries and walked out to our vehicles...and right there in the parking lot, she opened the sushi and I tried it. I, Angie Good, tried and LIKED sushi!!! Who would've thunk? This was totally a lime green moment for me. I'm adventurous...not necessarily where food is concerned...until recently.

I like sushi.
I also discovered that I like blueberries if they mixed with yogurt. (And preferably FRENCH VANILLA!)

Wow---these lime green moments are kind of fun. What next? Oh--I know. I know. I'm sure that if Tiffany is reading this post that she is on the brink of picking up her cell phone and calling me with an idea! I know, Tiff! I need to be more brave, because I'm going to keep getting the same results if I keep doing what I am doing. Perhaps there's some logic to that theory.

Honestly, is one nice guy too much for a crazy girl like me to ask for? I don't think so, but then again this is coming from the girl that went years without trying (or attempting to try) blueberries until most recently. Perhaps I should take one step at a time...or shall I rephrase that---ONE LIME GREEN MOMENT AT A TIME!

Today I discovered that Starbucks is now serving my second favorite beverage--their pumpkin spice latte. (My first favorite is the peppermint mocha b/c it's sold at Christmastime and it makes me nice & toasty on the inside. Peppermint Mocha + the movie Holiday Inn...GOODTIMES!) I haven't had Starbucks in LITERALLY weeks... WHY? I've decided to enjoy International Coffee's Cafe Mocha at the cottage in the morning for 2 main reasons:
A. It's cheaper...WAY CHEAPER than "The Bux."
B. I can leave 10-15 minutes later in the morning. (Yes, I can slack-off and SAVE MONEY!)

Oh--and in December, International Coffee makes a peppermint mocha of their very own...and I promise you, I am going to buy a case of that stuff. A CASE! Well--maybe...unless a case is like 48 or 60 containers--that would be OBSESSIVE.

By the end of the day, I was carrying on a nice conversation with myself and my computer. I was "discussing" the fact that if it chose not to print--it's days were going to be numbered. (This speech is similar to the speech I gave to Ruby a couple months ago when she was acting-up.) Well, we have a transfer employee who doesn't know Crazy Angie. Well, surprise-surprise, he met her today! He just stopped in his tracks and watched me talking away. I feel kind of bad...but seriously I had been at work for over 9 hours!

There's a new chick flick coming out in two weeks--Choose Love. Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhardt--my two favorite actors. Jennifer for her role in Four Christmases and as Rachel on Friends. Aaron for his amazing role in No Reservations. I'm hoping to find someone to go see this with...so if you know of anyone, please let me know. I'm open to suggestions!

It's Labor Day weekend this coming weekend. Wa-hoo! On Monday, they are calling for a chance of rain...and you know what? It's okay. I still get the day off whether it rains or it's sunny or goodness - it even snows. In case I don't get back to blogging, I hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!!

The Most Ludicrious Statement

Said to my friend, "Single people are not busy!" REALLY? I read this statement two days ago and I have decided to comment.

Being single does not mean that I have GOBS of free time. Being single means that I can have a bowl of cereal for supper & not have to explain to my husband how this meets all food requirements for a meal.

Being single does not mean that I have time (or the desire) to watch your 18 screaming children while you gallivant out-n-about. Being single means that I can volunteer to take your children for an afternoon to brighten my day and give you some much needed YOU time...and it means that I can watch your children so you can enjoy a date night with your hubby while I put "Out with the boys" on Facebook. It will make people wonder.

Being single does not mean that I should volunteer for every organization ever known to mankind. Being single means I can meet up with a friend for a 2 hour coffee session and not have to worry if my children are tying up the babysitter.

Being single does not mean that I don't know who Thomas, Percy and James are...nor am I clueless about "Shining Time Station". Being single means on a Friday night, I can put on my pajamas at 5:45 when I get home from working a 10 hour day and watch sappy chick flicks and eat peanut butter from the jar.

Being single does not mean that I can fill every single slot of ministry at the church while you decide to sign up for one time slot. Being single means I have more flexibility to help out--please just don't assume that I can because of all of my "single free time!"

Being single does not mean that I don't ever want to be married. Being single does mean that there's a hope...hope that somewhere out there--there is a nice boy looking for a crazy girl like me. And I am okay with that.

Monday

Today I am feeling kind of morose and I am sure it has to do with the fact that it's Monday and my weekend has come to a screeching halt.

On Saturday, I went with Kari and her children to the apple orchard. Edwards Apple Orchard WEST which just so happens to be less than 10 minutes from the cottage. LESS THAN 10 MINUTES...danger-danger. Jugs of fresh apple cider, warm apple donuts, bowls of chili...if that doesn't make your heart go pitter-patter, please get some help!!!! I love the apple orchard and ALL THINGS fall. On Saturday, we saw some turkeys (real turkeys, not ourselves in mirrors :)), two 7-day old goats -- so cute, a llama, some chickens with some weird feathers...and some sheep. We HEARD the sheep too as they were very vocal about our visit.

On Sunday, I went to Sunday School where I was blessed and encouraged by Lauren's lesson on Paul and Silas. They choose to worship God even though they were in jail. Wow--they choose!!!!

Sunday night I was in the nursery with Mrs. Whitt, senior. It was alot of fun. We had two girls who played very well together. This allowed Mrs. W and I too catch-up! It was encouraging to spend 60 minutes with her.

And today...well, today is Monday. Today was kind of hectic in TerraLand. I'm convinced though--this is the CALM before the storm. Speaking of TerraLand...scroll down and you can see the men in my life. :)

Here's to a great week!!!!

The Winter Gang

Front Row: Eric and Dennis

Back Row: Angie, Lauren (the engineer), Jeff, Joey, Jon, Paul, Jason, and Doug

What a month!!!!

This month has been trying.
-I have neglected a dear friend not once but twice. I don't do this! It's very uncharacteristic of me!
-Managed to not keep accurate records and it cost me...not once, not twice, but thrice. Again--I don't do this either. I'm too the penny. I'm obsessive about THIS! Ugh!
-Said goodbye to dear friends as they moved on to another ministry in Wisconsin
-Forgot to send Thank You notes for something that happened that I am SUPER THANKFUL for the extra help with...again, not me!!!
I'm sure there's more...

So now you see ----- I'm thoroughly looking forward to saying, "Goodbye" to August and "Hello!" to September. Perhaps in September, God will give me back some of my mental health and peace of mind. It's my earnest prayer.

On to a happier thought...with the temperatures dropping & Edward's Apple Orchard (the next best orchard to Meckley's in Somerset, Michigan) opening this weekend--I've been thinking about FALL!!!!!!!!!!

What I love about Autumn:
*A change in the air...in the fall, the air has a nip in it that makes you thankful for the extra quilt that you put on before you dozed off to sleep.
*Trips to the apple orchard to bring home prize apples to make chunky applesauce in your crockpot.
*Beautiful colors that call you to take a drive even when gas is $2.53 per gal.
*Hooded sweatshirts, jeans, and warm socks, but not quite parting with those sandals yet. :)
*A crockpot full of soup
*Sitting outside on my lunch break and enjoy the sunshine while not being so sweltering hot.
*Autumn sings the beauty of the earth and reminds of in the Bible where it describes the trees of the field clapping their hands.
*Bundling up in a blanket while sitting outside enjoying a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning.
*The Apple Butter Festival in Bryan, Ohio -- with the steam engines and spending the day with my Aunt and Uncle.
*Huge mugs of warm apple cider

My Favorite Hymn :)

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.

God's Love

Recently my pastor spoke on 7 Truths about God's Love for Us. I would like to share these with you--as they were a huge encouragement to me.

1. God's love NEVER changes, even when I am angry with him. Jonah 4:1 -- But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.

2. God's love never changes even when I disagree with Him. Jonah 4:2 -- And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish; for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

3. God's love never changes even when I am selfish. Jonah 4:3 -- Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.

4. God's love never changes even when I stop communicating with Him. Jonah 4:4-5 Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry? So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.

5. God's love never changes even I'm constantly "up and down" in my life. Jonah 4:6 And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.

6. God' love never changes even when I'm defensive and refuse to change. Jonah 4:7-9 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished to himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.

7. God loves me even when I selfishly choose not to love others with the same love God loves me. Jonah 4:10-11 -- Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night. And should not I spare Ninevah, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

One word: Friends. I honestly believe with my whole heart that I have the world's best circle of Friends. They encourage me when I am sad...they pray for me when I don't have the words to say. They listen to what I don't say. They love me unconditionally.

I recently found some headbands in the Dollar Bins @ Target. It's been YEARS since I've bought headbands. Why? I really don't know. I like them. I liked them in years past. Recently when perusing the dollar bins, I found these two and thought to myself, Well, Angie Good. You always are wearing your sunglasses on top of your head to keep your hair out of your face so why not give these headbands a whirl? Sometimes I have the best conversations in my head. :) Sooooo for $2, I decided to give them a whirl. And guess what? I LOVE THEM!

Choices

I have to choose between two things and for blogging purposes I will refer to them as coffee from my pot and coffee from the cafe.

I like the "coffee from the pot". It's comfortable. I know how many scoops to put in the pot. I know where to find the filters. I know the coffee in the pot.

The cafe coffee is richer. It will have more possibilities. It's something different. It's new. It will provide me with more caffeine.

Sooooo I'm asking the Lord, "Should I stay with the coffee in the pot that I know and love? Or should I be brave and accept the new adventure of the cafe coffee?"

It's difficult waiting and knowing. And I don't want to be selfish and just dive right in to the cafe without thinking about the pot and realizing what I would be giving up. It seems sad to leave the plain Jane pot...and I feel selfish asking for the fancy latte when there are so many people out there without even coffee pots.

Lazy Sunday...

What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon...at the cottage! Actually I wouldn't have minded sitting outside, reading Sense & Sensibility, and sipping on an iced lemonade...however the storms rolled in this morning and it's been overcast ever since. We could use the rain--so I am totally not complaining. Likewise--I think lazy Sundays are the best!!!

5 Objects...

that I would use right now to defend myself:

1. My cat

2. Rachel Ray orange-handled kitchen knives

3. Sauce pan

4. The Complete Works of Jane Austen

5. Nail files

In January when I went down to visit my parents, my dad had this thought that I should get a gun. He actually laughed when he said, "What are you going to do Angie? Throw the cat if someone attacks you." Okay--in all seriousness, MAYBE! She's kind of big and she does have claws in her rear paws. Oh--and she has bit me before so I know her teeth are sharp.

This Facebook fill in your favorite five items made me laugh as I remembered the conversation with my father. I love you, Dad! Thank you for being concerned about me and my safety.

A lake carries you into recesses of feeling otherwise impenetrable. ~William Wordsworth

Additional Note RE: 08/10/2009 8:24.00 post

After re-reading my original post on August 10th--I realized to the average reader it sounds bad. I do not normally act out in such a way as to evoke a choke-hold type maneuver...however I thought it slightly hilarious that my boss would say, "Go ahead and do this and spend time doing this...and I am just going to change the WHOLE thing." I know he was teasing--but after 11 hours of being stuck there--I kind of wanted to choke the living snot out of him. Not literally. I am not prone to violence...at all. Well, unless you are an earwig--those bugs must, MUST, MUST be flushed...I'm sorry. I know it's not nice to be cruel to God's creation--but earwigs are my exception. (shudder)

I just thought I would put this out there to let you know that I do not normally react that way when given a task that is not pleasant. Afterall, I REALLY, REALLY LOVE MY JOB!!!!

Presence

Items packed:
-Baggies of cut-up veggies (including: red pepper, green pepper, broccoli)
-Homemade chicken salad
-Ezekiel English muffins
-Granola Bars
-Large beach tumbler full of water
-The Complete Works of Jane Austen
-Burt's Bees SPF 15 Sunscreen
-Striped beach towel
-Clippies that I am pretty sure are from circa 1997
-Sunglasses
-Swimsuit

Gas to/from Lake Geneva: $6.00
Cooler to keep lunch cold: $12.00
Spending the day soaking up the sun and enjoying Nancy's company: PRICELESS

Today I spent my Mental Health Day with my friend Nancy. She originally wasn't going to go...but after I had turned Ruby around at I-90, she decided to go and I am so glad that she did. Honestly, it was nice having someone to talk too about stuff. I honestly believe that the MINISTRY OF PRESENCE is sooo valuable. Have you stopped to consider that just BEING around others and listening and caring means more than all the words that you can utter? I was reminded of that today. We need each other...oftentimes more than we care to admit outloud. Instead of getting so wrapped up in ourselves, we need to reconnect with those people around us who we care about and haven't seen in awhile. Call up your family member that you haven't seen since the last reunion 4 years ago...send an email to someone just to say "hi." Call your parents and tell them -- THANKS FOR BEING MY PARENTS! You just never know when you might not have that opportunity anymore.

How true

"I do not really like vacations. I much prefer an occasional day off when I do not feel like working. When I am confronted with a whole week in which I have nothing to do but enjoy myself I do not know where to begin. To me, enjoyment comes fleetingly and unheralded; I cannot determinedly enjoy myself for a whole week at a time." ~Robertson Davies

*August 14, 2009...MENTAL HEALTH DAY *

I'm exaggerating when I say that the phones have been ringing non-stop this week...but it seems that way to me. It seems like I am constantly beginning something new and then having to stop to grab the phone. Is it just my imagination? And honestly--do the others not hear the phone ringing? Have they tuned it out for so long that they no longer hear it? Well...they will hear it tomorrow. Yes, TOMORROW. Oh yes--I made sure that I adjusted the ring volume today to enable them to hear it more accutely! (Evil laughter!)

Tomorrow, August 14, 2009--I, Angie Good, am taking the ENTIRE day off. Infact if my work ringtone chimes, I'm 89.62% sure that I am sending it to voicemail. Honestly--what could they possibly want that they can't tell me after the beep? Don't get me wrong--I will listen to the voicemail...and if it's urgent (i.e. life or death...)...OH MY GOODNESS--total movie moment. Do you remember in Two Weeks Notice when Hugh's character texts Sandra's character "911 Emergency." She totally bails on a wedding that she is a bridesmaid in and goes running to his apartment...and then when she gets there, she sadly realizes that he's not -- A. dying; B. been hit by a meteor; C. severe loss of blood. I love how she reiterates that "what is an emergency" conversation they had previously had. :)

Where was I? Oh--writing about tomorrow and the whole "they-can-leave-me-a-voicemail" tangent.

Tomorrow I am going to Lake Geneva. I had some chicken breasts in the freezer that I baked tonight and cubed. In the morning, I will whip up some chicken salad and take some fruit & my favorite yogurt with me.

If Nancy isn't feeling up to it, I will be dragging Jane with me...Jane Austen. I'm about 10% into Sense & Sensibility...and I am pretty sure that I will be getting upset with the same characters...but I promised Kristin that I would give it another whirl.

When I asked for tomorrow off and it was granted (ask and ye shall receive)...my heart was so happy! A whole entire Friday all to myself...infact the last Friday (or week day) that I had off was July 3rd...it seems like FOREVER even though more realistically, it was only 6 weeks ago. Where does the time go? In a rush. I am convinced now that Lauren isn't working with me, the time flies. Pretty soon I will be digging out the fall decorations and then right after that--Christmas. Wow.

Perhaps thinking about the summer flying by and wondering why in the world I haven't taken any other Mental Health Days off...perhaps that was the driving force behind taking tomorrow off. Whatever it was----Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to work at a place where I can take a day off at a moment's notice! :)

Summer Faves

While sitting at Starbucks today, enjoying my $2 iced coffee. Yes--they do have a $2 drink there that is GOOD! I realized that I love my sunglasses...not only do they protect my eyes from the sun's harmful rays, but they double as a headband to keep my curls out of my face. BONUS! 2 for 1! I've had this pair of sunglasses for several summers...I believe they first came into my life when I was nanny spending many an-hour at the country club soaking up the rays.

My second summer favorite is reading...especially Jane Austen. For whatever reason, I like to kick the summer off by reading Pride and Prejudice. It's probably wishful thinking...maybe this summer, I will meet Mr. Darcy. Or maybe I will realize that Mr. Darcy might've been right in front of me all along...

Isn't this next snapshot the most gaudiest cup you've ever seen? I mean really--HOT PINK...on the other side, it reads "Summer Fun." This tumbler was purchased when I went on vacation to Florida with Tanya. It signifies more than just another crazy beach tumbler. This beverage holder reminds me of all the other crazy things that we did on THAT trip---driving to Florida (hello, there are these cool things called AIRPLANES)...going through Memphis at about 5 in the morning and trying to catch a glimpse of Graceland...spending quality time with Slicker...and the list goes on and on...Oh--FLIP FLOPS at Old Navy. Wow--a vacation is not complete without ONE trip to Old Navy and multiple pairs of FLIP-FLOPS! Shopping is fun there....that slogan is soo true.

And finally...FUN FLIP-FLOPS. This photo should actually include a bottle of sassy nailpolish too...but I wasn't thinking when I snapped this photo.. Flip-flops...the happiness that they bring to my feet. Perhaps it's because you can slip them off and on quickly...whatever the reason, these are probably my NUMBER ONE FAVORITE THING of summer!

Now I ask -- what are your summer favorites???

Lime Green Moment

Today my lime green moment came near the end of my day when my boss was getting ready to leave. He asked me to stay and input some information into the billing screen and then said, "Don't kill yourself over putting this in because I will probably change it anyway." I then shook my fists at him to his face. Somedays I do it when he has already exited my office--but not tonight. Really...let me put it all in and then you go right ahead and change it all. :)

This lime green moment was brought to you by the crazy, slightly sleep-deprived (only because of the random lightning and thunder last night) Angie.

Randomness...

I recently finished the book Elvis Takes A Backseat. It was quite a delightful read. In it, a group of three women (one is a struggling teenager who's trying to figure out why her mother left her with her father many years ago, one is in her late 30's who's trying to sort-out the loss of her husband, and the third is the crazy aunt). These women set out on a roadtrip to Memphis, TN to return a statue of Elvis...and along the way, they discover so much more! I highly recommend this book. Infact, I've added it to my basket at http://www.half.com/. It's 75 cents. Yes, 75 cents. The shipping is around $3...but really -- when I priced it at Borders, it was $14. This book is definitely one I hope to read again...and again.

Today during my lunch I sat outside underneath the tree in the front of the office. The poor tree received a most peculiar trimming last week. I'm not even sure if they really were supposed to be trimming our wonderful shade tree (Eric had his doubts about it). Either way--the tree is still comforting even if it's slightly lopsided.

Since I finished my book about the roadtrip, I decided to resume reading Sense & Sensibility. I actually promised Kristin that I would attempt to re-read it. And in all honesty, last week when I went to Barnes & Noble looking for a cheery card, I found a sequel (of sorts) to all 6 Austen novels...apparently this sequel was penned in 1913 and is supposedly the first sequel to combine all 6 novels and their wonderful characters...I cannot wait to read it. (Clearance books...totally my weakness...which is why I do NOT usually go in to Borders or B&N without some purpose...because left to my own devices, I will leave with a $6 clearance book...and since it was raining, a small mocha!) I hardly want to dive into this sequel without finishing Sense & Sensibility...and Lauren promised I would enjoy it once I finished it.

I'm ready to the apple orchard to open for the season. (You were warned that this post is RANDOM--do you doubt me?) My love for the apple orchard was rekindled a couple weeks ago - if not a month ago - when it was in the high 60's and at night, the temperature dropped to 45. Do you remember? (Seriously--if you don't, scroll down on my blog and you will see a picture of me wearing MULTIPLE layers of clothing. It was chilly!) Anyway...ever since that week of chilly weather--I've been wanting a nice mug of warm cider and a warm apple muffin. I wonder if I can get apple cider at the store yet? I know they make that instant cider drink...but I am going to be honest with you--that stuff doesn't even come close to the REAL DEAL! I know, I know. I can handle the International Cafe Mocha drink in place of my mocha from The Bucks...well, too be honest, because:
A. it's cheaper;
B. it's sweeter;
C. I can make that at my house and not have to worry about people seeing me out and about in my jammies!
But that faux cider drink...(GAG!) It's not right. They should not have tried to put yummy apple cider in a powder form. Don't do it. RESPECT THE APPLES! Leave them as God intended them to be!!! Free the apples!!!

I think it's more than just the cider and warm donuts...it's the whole orchard experience. I'm sad to say that last fall, I only went to the orchard ONCE. That's sad. That's like living in Pensacola and only going to the ocean once (twice, maybe). It's like living in Ireland but never going outside and snapping a picture. SERIOUSLY--I live close to the orchard! CLOSE!

My most favorite orchard experience is from my youth. Meckley's. It's an orchard about 10 minutes from where I grew up. Every fall, my mom, brother, grandma, and I would go there and get pumpkins, cider, and donuts. We would spend a couple hours. They had crafts and fun activities for the kids. They had a hay-ride and we picked apples a few times.

Apple crisp sounds yummy. I have a pretty snazzy apple corer/peeler from Pampered Chef. I purchased it when I taught second grade. It came in handy in the fall when I wanted to make a crockpot full of chunky apple sauce!

Speaking of apple sauce...I have a confession. I do not (under any circumstances) like un-chunky apple sauce. It has to be chunky...and preferably warm. Sigh. Just sitting here writing about it has made my mouth water. Chunky apple sauce is the best dessert ever. What I love to do is -- throw all the ingredients in my crockpot in the morning and then head to work (or if it's the weekend, run some errands) ... and then when I return home, the warm apples plus the cinnamon waft through the air! Yeah--I think it's about time for the orchard to open! What do you think?

The thing about moving...

The thing about moving is I love to sort through my stuff and organize it so really packing up the stuff is great fun. I like to go through and really ponder if I am using the items I have collected for a time...or am I just hoarding this stuff and would someone else use it more. Sometimes I have gotten rid of stuff that I wish I would've kept...however most of the time, I really don't miss the items that I donate to the Goodwill. The thing about moving that I really don't love is the hauling of items from one place to the next. I could do without that. If I could have the powers of Elizabeth from Bewitched and be able to twitch my nose and have stuff move...that would be AWESOME! Alas--I shalln't.

Today it is going to be 90 degrees with a heat index of 100! Originally I had thought about going through the stuff in the garage...not today. I think I shall wait until it's slightly cooler.

I've lived in the cottage for 2.5 years and I know that I have accumulated stuff and kept stuff from my old apartment that I don't use. If I haven't used it in the last 2.5 years--then it's getting donated...aside from yearbooks, extra special items from my family. Oh--and I will not part with anymore of my teaching stuff.

At my new place of residency (which I am super-excited about this window being opened only by the Lord), I will have three...THREE bedrooms! It's super cute...I think Maggie is not going to know what to do with herself. I mean really--going from the four room (TOTAL) cottage to an entire house. Don't worry--I will post pictures when it gets closer to my time of residency.

During this past week while driving to work, I did get to thinking about my blog name and how it's CottageChickandMaggie...I'm going to leave it as such...because Cottage Living is a STATE OF MIND! It's finding things that aren't necessarily matched perfectly but when they are put together, they fit. I think in a way that's how life really is. Look at your friends. You may not see eye-to-eye on everything...but the big things--the important things--they are what makes your friendship work.

The rain today has put me in a thought-provoking kind of mood...so be prepared...there might be more blogging today. :)

I read the grossest thing once...Geese poop (on average) two pounds per day! Imagine a flock of 15 flying overhead...YOU DO THE MATH!!!

Begin with Me (Sung by Point of Grace)

This song is a good reminder -- the Lord wants us to change ourselves...not attempt to change everyone else around us.


Lord I know sometimes you look down and shake Your head
When we know what we should do and do the other thing instead
We're living in glass houses and we're throwing sticks and stones
The love that will come to us is the love that we have shown
Ignite a fire in my spirit
And when I want to make a difference
This will be my prayer

(Chorus)
Begin with me
Turn my world upside down
Come change my heart around
Lord keep on washing me clean
Begin with me
Come and renew my mind
And lead me to the light
'Til I am more like You Jesus
Begin, begin with me

Have you ever noticed how we love to give advice
We offer up suggestions without thinking twice
Got 20/20 vision when we're watching someone else
But it's a little blurry when we're looking at ourselves
I can't forget to check the mirror
That's where I find the only one
That He wants me to change

(Repeat Chorus)

Starting right here, right now
Lord I surrender to You
Ready to serve Ready to love
'Cause that is all that matters in the end

(Repeat Chorus)

No sock monkey.

In January, I was "elected" to be in-charge of our office website. (Please note--I was on vacation when this "Election" took place.) Basically what it is -- each office has it's own local website which will be linked corporately. It's kind of a cool concept. And in January, I worked on uploading documents and such...well, then came February when I neglected the website and focused on those BOXES. March--the same story. In April my workload got a bit busier...May, June, and July--kind of the same story. And now, here it is August -- and I haven't even added a picture or updated any of the documents previously uploaded. I'd like to get our website up and fully functional by the end of August. (Fingers crossed.)

Sooo yesterday I went down to the Sinnissippi Park bike path and snapped some photos. I also went meandering downtown in a vain attempt to snap a pic of the Sock Monkey statue...which I was sadly informed TODAY that the sock monkey has been removed. My boss suggested that I try Midway Village. I've never been to Midway Village. From what I gather, it's kind of cool. I shall see soon... :)

I've added a couple of the pictures of the red symbol and the Rock River. There are a couple other places that I would like to go visit. I mean really -- if I am doing this for WORK -- why not pick another FABULOUS day and head out & about!

Only in Rockford...

:)

A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give. ~Author Unknown

Why?

Today the question I would like to address is, "Why did Angie Good wait until the last minute to buy all the craft supplies for VBS thus causing herself unnecessary stress?"
A. Craft supplies are expensive and since Angie had to fork-out the money beforehand she needed to make sure she had the extra money in the bank thus waiting for payday was a MUST!
B. Angie is not using her credit card anymore. Period. (Please see A.)
C. The unknown, mystery head-count was still needed...
D. Since approximately 10 yards of felt were needed--Angie waited until it was 40% off at JoAnn's...thus saving her church money.

~So it's not merely the fact that Angie Good is normally a slacker...Angie Good just had to be careful! Angie Good had reasons.

Happy 1st Birthday, Madisyn!!!

On Friday, while perusing the shelves at Hobby Lobby, I found these FUN "Gel Chipboard" letters. And what a blessing---the sign read: "All Chipboard letters 50% off!" I picked these up because they were lime green with pink polka-dots! (And well, I'm feeling kind of lime green-y...see previous posts.) I then meandered through the paper aisle which was also the same percentage off...and picked up a couple sheets and made my way to the checkout.

It's funny because with this card--I could totally envision what I wanted to do even before I had my clear cupcake stamps out. I love it when I have a card idea in my brain -- and it's SOOO much better when I get that idea put together and it looks BETTER than what was in my head.

On the inside, I stamped "Sweet birthday wishes" and on the back I used my "Hand stamped for you because you are priceless" stamp. This card has got to be one of my ALL-TIME top favorites. (It's a close tie with the pink polka-dotted tractor card that I made for Emma Kate.) I love stamping!!!!

A snapshot of my weekend

Friday -- run around on my lunch trying to find the VBS craft supplies [ending in frustration when I realized my lunch hour was up and I still hadn't decided on adhesive!]
-- worked 9 hours
-- biking with Gloria [thankfully she reminded me of a dangerous curve where I could've seriously wiped-out]
-- began putting together the craft supplies for one of the smaller crafts
-- watched Kate & Leopold
-- attempted to make a grocery list for tomorrow's shopping EXTRAVAGANZA [FYI--I don't think it's a real shopping "extravaganza" as it is groceries and the remainder of the craft supplies for VBS.]

Saturday (if all goes well...) -- hair cut at 9:30
-- Woodman's for said groceries
-- JoAnn Fabrics [decide on adhesive...FINALLY!]
-- walking at the bike path
-- put together the other 3 craft kits for VBS

Sunday -- Sunday School, church, and then off to Madi's birthday party EXTRAVAGANZA!!!
-- make a cake for Lauren. Her last request, "I would like a cake. Beef-A-Roo gave me a cake. Logli cake is good!" I think I might surprise Lauren by making a two-layered chocolate gem! I will miss working with her day after day. She's a gem!

Mags -- some quotes that reminded me of Maggie

There are few things in life more heartwarming than to be welcomed by a cat. ~Tay Hohoff

A catless writer is almost inconceivable. It's a perverse taste, really, since it would be easier to write with a herd of buffalo in the room than even one cat; they make nests in the notes and bite the end of the pen and walk on the typewriter keys. ~Barbara Holland

Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to a good many ailments, but I never heard of one who suffered from insomnia. ~Joseph Wood Krutch

As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat. ~Ellen Perry Berkeley

Cats do care. For example they know instinctively what time we have to be at work in the morning and they wake us up twenty minutes before the alarm goes off. ~Michael Nelson

A little prep work for VBS...

These bowls are from the Cherries Jubilee collection! My friend Angie gave me four of them for my birthday many moons ago...the others I picked up on clearance at Kohl's. They brighten my day! When I put fruit and yogurt in them, it makes me smile! I feel as though I am dining at a quaint cottage bed & breakfast...instead of my home-sweet-home.

Tonight these bowls will serve a different purpose. They will be used to help me sort beads for a Vacation Bible School craft.

Lyrics

Here are the lyrics to You Will Never Walk Alone by Point of Grace.

Along life's road
There will be sunshine and rain
Roses and thorns, laughter and pain
And 'cross the miles
You will face mountains so steep
Deserts so long and valleys so deep
Sometimes the Journey's gentle
Sometimes the cold winds blow
But I want you to remember
I want you to know

You will never walk alone
As long as you have faith
Jesus will be right beside you all the way
You may feel you're far from home
But home is where He is
And he'll be there down every road
You will never walk alone

The path will wind
And you will find wonders and fears
Labors of love and a few falling tears
Across the years
There will be some twists and turns
Mistakes to make and lessons to learn
Sometimes the journey's gentle
Sometimes the cold winds blow
But I want you to remember where ever you may
Jesus knows your joy,
Jesus knows your need
He will go the distance with you faithfully

The 4 songs on my playlist...

I picked four songs to add to my blog -- the first song is a Hawaiian take on Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Camie Walker introduced me to this artist the year that I taught Allie. We had a luau in the classroom in the middle of January...complete with faux palm trees, painted on sunburns, and real coconut milk. This song reminds me of the fun activities that I did year to help me MAKE IT THROUGH!!! :)

The second song I choose was by Chris Rice, Come to Jesus. This song was very inspiring during a time in my life when I felt discouraged and overwhelmed.

Wonderful World takes me back to my childhood and reminds me of playing outside and watching the clouds float by. It reminds me of swinging and laughing...of chasing lightning bugs and just loving being outdoors.

And last but NOT least...Point of Grace's, You Will NEVER Walk Alone. This CD was given to me when I graduated from college. The worlds to this song have stuck with me. We, as Christians, will never be alone. God is with us and He is always there!

Luke 9:57-62

Tonight at church, Pastor Bodwell spoke from this passage of the Bible and it was as if he was speaking right to my heart. God's plan (which is PERFECT...Proverbs 18:30) does not always line up with what we desire. His plan is so much better for us. He wants to pull us from our comfort zone -- I believe so we won't go around with a gloating attitude, "Check out what I did!" instead of our attitude should be humbling and praising God for what He did through us. (Actually what He did WITH us.)

Thank you for the wonderful reminder that even though things around might be falling apart...God has a plan and purpose for our lives. And He loves us!

Quote from the last chapter titled, Enriching Your Relationships, of Fresh Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson:
"It's much like that with love. When we love someone who doesn't love us, are we fools? Or are we better people for having loved, even if that love wasn't returned? When we learn to trust others, we are changed in the process. We trust because of what it does for us, not because of what it does for the other person."

I read this book over the course of a couple months...pondering the points of each chapter. And this last chapter was very encouraging. I had meant to post this...and remembered the quote tonight when I was getting ready to pass this book on to Lauren.

Coffee

Today is Wednesday and if you've spent any amount of time reading through my most recent posts, you know that Wednesdays are the day that I get together with whichever girls can make it to a pre-determined location for coffee. Nectar from Heaven, another name I have given this divine brew. Today was NO exception. We met at Meg's on Alpine Road. Sweet--Meg's! Okay--I must confess: Meg's is okay. My first coffee "love" was Gloria Jean's which got ran out of the mall by Barnes and Nobles. My second "love" was (and still secretly IS) Caribou Coffee which moved from their location the day after my birthday 2008. Tragic. Thankfully I had went ON my birthday to get my FREE birthday drink!!! And now the choices are, sadly, Starbucks (which is okay if you want intense caffeination) or Meg's. Actually there's a cute coffee place in Winnebago, but let's GET REAL--I am not driving 25 minutes for coffee. Sorry. And I am sure there's some little coffee stop somewhere else that will suffice. But for all things considered--there are these two choices and then our CHEAP choice--McDonald's. McDee's food -- (as we used to say in 7th grade) GAG MY WITH A FORK! Yuck! Their iced coffee -- it's good. I've had better (refer to my first two coffee LOVES listed above while I weep)...and FO-SURE, I have had worse. (Do you like my ghetto/gangsta talk?)

Today our coffee gathering was attended by Kristin, Patty, Lauren, and myself. A small gathering. BUT--we found these cool reclining patio chairs. (sigh) They were wonderful as was the weather. We sat outside and discussed this and that...nothing flashy or fabulous. Just life. It's good. It's good to meet with the girls and talk about life.

Lime Green Moment today

Today I had a lime green moment and it was FABULOUS! It was totally unlike myself...I went all out and put everything on the line. And I must say -- it felt good! Look out world, lime green Angie is ALIVE and WELL!

I love the Cubs!!!

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

From pink to lime green

Do you like the FABULOUS new color of my Blog? Deep down--I think I am a lime green kind-of girl. The pink was nice for awhile...but I needed some change in my life. I didn't want to go CRAZY and scare you by changing the entire look of my blog--by moving things all around the page, so I started with the color. Most changes in our lives are good.

A new hair cut. A new skirt. Some new flip-flops (can I get an "Amen"?). Meeting a new friend for coffee only to realize that you are kindred spirits. Washing your car so it looks new. Cutting a vase of flowers. Change. It's all around us. And it's about time that I start embracing it.

Soooo...here's to the new "Lime-Green-Go-Crazy-Be-More-Honest-Laugh-More-Get-Real Angie." Enjoy my blog. (And if you don't...well, it doesn't really bother me, because after all--it is MY blog not yours!!!)

Unashamed

Today I finished reading Francine Rivers book, Unashamed, about the life of Mary, Jesus' mother. This book was INCREDIBLE!

Rivers took the facts of Scripture and mingled a tale that gripped your heart. The fact that Mary's own children doubted Jesus tore my heart into pieces.

Mary's thoughts (although fictional) at the crucifixion were difficult to endure. Watching her beloved Lord (and I love how Rivers showed the change in Mary's mentality from "my son" to "my Lord, Saviour") being nailed to the cross.

Rivers leaves the reader with Jesus' words to Mary (right before his betrayal), "They must choose." As we all must choose to accept the free gift or too turn away from it.

Le Cookery

While perusing the shops near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin--Bry and I stumbled on the CUTEST kitcheny store, Le Cookery. They had everything from crocks to unique kitchen towels (I could've spent ALOT of money on these cute cherry towels and matching apron!)...to a cutting board with an Elvis head made of out of veggies. Hmmm...I wonder who that reminded me of? TANYA!

Oh--they also had a stainless steel colander with cut-out cherries instead of holes for the fruit to drain. It was soo cute.

This store will DEFINITELY be one that I will visit again.

Some random shots @ Lake Geneva

We were bored on Saturday...

Bryan and I went up to Lake Geneva on Saturday, July 25, 2009. It was a picture-perfect day!!! We meandered along the path near the lake and then went in some of the stores. And wonder-of-wonders---they had a Caribou Coffee right on the main street. It was a day that I won't soon forget.

One of THOSE days!

Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. ~Langston Hughes

Ummm…if this quote is true and the rain oftentimes sings a lullaby…yesterday the rain didn’t sing to me unless it was some kind of 80's angry ballad. The rain drenched me as I went walking. What did I learn from this?
A. Before walking, check the weather!
B. When that still, small voice says, “Close your windows it’s going to rain today.” I’m going to listen to that voice.

Not only did I get drenched! Drown rat drenched! I also found a SOAKING wet kitchen! Apparently the wind (during the 30 minute storm) was enough to send the precipitation INTO my cottage. Thankfully the ONLY rooms affected were the kitchen (which received the brunt of the water) and the living room.

After cleaning up all the water, Maggie decided to knock over a cup of water…MORE WATER!

And then when I was getting ready to eat some soup (because I was COLD from walking in the rain), I knocked my spoon out of the soup dish which caused some chicken tortilla soup to go flying across the kitchen.

Yeah---yesterday was one of THOSE days!

On Saturday night, Gloria asked me to watch her children. They are soo much fun to be around. Jackson and I played with Thomas when I first arrived. Reagan sat and entertained herself in her vibrating seat for a bit. (I imagine that her FUN seat is similar to the chairs at QNails...minus the back massage...but the whole vibrating seat thing must be comforting for her.)

After we finished playing and watched CARS (I love Owen Wilson!)...Reagan got a bit fussy. Nothing bad--just a "hold-me-Angie-Good-and-talk-to-me" kind of fussy. So I went over to her and said, "it's okay, Cranky Pants." She calmed down when I picked her up and gave her some lovin'.

A little later she got fussy again for a minute...and Jackson went over and said (in the same sing-song kind of pitch that I used), "Okay Cranky Pants!" It was sooo funny.

* * * * * * * * * July 22, 2009 * * * * * * * * *

Today I...
- sent something via email that I didn't originally intend to send. Too cope with this thought, I told myself, Angie, God knew BEFORE today that you were going to send this out. It's no mistake.

- heard a song on the radio that reminded me of someone silly. The song and the thoughts regarding the individual made me LAUGH & it really did brighten my day! I think I might tell said individual tomorrow.

- took a marvelous photo after having coffee at Gloria's. I was really thankful that it turned out. (See the second post down.)

- learned that parabens are really bad for us. A. The chemical has been found at the center of breast cancer tumors and B. our bodies convert it to estrogen. I'd like to know if it does the same to my male co-workers...because then it would just prove a crazy theory that I have. :)

- got soaked in the rain and it felt pleasant.

- listened to my new little device while I walked.

- pondered if www.dictionary.com is a better resource for children than a regular old-fashioned dictionary. I think that hand-held, true-blue dictionary is the best bet for children...especially lower elementary. However I concur that letting high school students use the website for a quick reference -- this might be acceptable.

- laughed and laughed. It's soo good for your soul!!!

What I love about "Coffee Wednesdays"...

I'd stop drinking coffee, but I'm no quitter. ~Author Unknown

It all started about three months ago with Lauren, Leah, and I...
"Let's meet for coffee."
Said one of us, "How about on Wednesday since Leah has the day off?"
Said the other two, "Sounds great!"

Somehow that small little meeting turned into a little gathering...and now, I wouldn't miss Wednesdays for the world!

What do we discuss? Happenings in our lives. Stresses from work. Some have stresses with children. Others just plain life stresses.

What I know about this group? They are wonderful friends who love the Lord and who will pray for me even when I don't necessarily voice what's on my heart.

Why do we do it? For the fellowship. For the once-a-week-get-together-with-the-girlies.

It's known by my co-workers as "Coffee Wednesdays." That's how I would like it to remain.

So whether there are two of us gathered...or more...too me Coffee Wednesdays mean so much more than just leaving the office for a couple hours. For me--it's being given a special gift from God.

Thank you, Coffee Club! See you next Wednesday!!!

The Coffee Club

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr....

Today the high temperature is 66 degrees. SIXTY-SIX. It is July 18th! I don't mind it soo much...as I would rather have a couple of cooler days right smack-dab in the middle of summer so that we will appreciate the heat more. It will come. The temperature will warm up again once this Canadian clipper leaves us. Until then...dress in layers, people. Today, for example, I broke out my most favorite long-sleeved white t-shirt (from Old Navy) and wore my pink tye-dyed Mackinaw Island t-shirt over top of it. And the outfit was completed with jeans and my pink fuzzy slippers.

Since the weather is more fall-like, I am making a crockpot of Chicken Tortilla Soup which makes me miss my favorite tech. Such is life...

This weather makes me want to call Edward's Apple Orchard and see if they are open...doesn't a cup of warm cider sound heavenly?

I snapped this picture tonight because the sky is the perfect shade of blue. I love summer!

The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it. ~James Bryce

A couple weeks ago, my brother (Bryan) came to visit for an extended weekend. While he was here, we discovered the bike path near Harlem. (It's incredible by the way...)

There are random evenings when I walk the path alone...recently I checked-out from the library a book by Tracie Peterson called A Lady of Hidden Intent. It's the second in the trio of The Ladies of Liberty. Peterson's style of writing is charming and realistic.

The main character, Catherine, is ripped from her home in England and shipped off to America because of a horrible injustice. Catherine gathers her resolve once in America and becomes a seamstress. The book spans approximately 5 years.

It's a wonderfully written book. Peterson doesn't give you the same, "we met in the morning and we will be married tomorrow at high 'noon!" Her style of writing invites you to become a part of Catherine's life and watch as God answers her prayers in only His magnificent way!!!

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things. ~Author Unknown

"Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the Universe together!" ~Carl Zwanzig

Tall, dark, and handsome...

PTUNA1 and some other random thoughts...

For the past three days, I have seen a gray-ish colored Toyota Camry (I think it's a Camry--it's not a Corolla) with the license plate "PTUNA1". Confession: I am a license plate/numbers freak. SERIOUSLY--I will look at the numbers and try to figure out some type of mathematical equation. I found myself doing this very thing tonight on my way home from work! I'm such a nerd! Anyway...this whole "PTUNA1" thing was driving me crazy..."Pee-Tuna One??? Then it hit me yesterday after having been behind PTUNA1 for about 10 miles...PETUNIA ONE. I honestly can create and solve LONG DIVISION problems with random numbers faster than figuring out something SOOO OBVIOUS!!!

My second random thought involves the world news bit that I caught last night. A study was done on the effects of the food we eat and our bloodstream. They took 2 adults (I'm going to guess late 30's/early 40's) -- male and female. They drew blood before eating and then they sent them to your typical restaurant where they ate an appetizer, a meal (which I believe was a fried sandwich) and then dessert (which was a cookie loaded with ice cream, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream). The two adults ate until they were stuffed. Two hours later, they went back to the lab and had another vial of blood drawn. When they held up both vials (before/after), it was sickening. The plasma was clear...however in the blood drawn 2 hours after the meal, the plasma was clouded with (this is soo gross) with FAT and grease!!! This doctor doing the test said that you MUST choose each meal carefully. You cannot eat healthy all week long and then "blow-it" on the weekends. Another interesting thing was their heartbeat. They played the before heartbeat which sounded healthy and swishy (as it should), however after the unhealthy meal, you could HEAR a difference in the beating of the heart. The doctor said it's because the arteries have to work harder to move the fat/grease through them.

My third random thought is this -- God's will isn't this huge GRAND thing. God's will is TODAY. It's what I am doing right now. It's how my choices today impact me! Each day is something special. I think we oftentimes just focus on -- God's will is where will I go to college, who will I date, where will I work...instead we should be looking for the little things that make each day special. It's God's will that I work with this person and get along with them. It's God's will that I got behind this person driving 45 in a 55 because God might be protecting me from an accident. Don't look for the BIG, GRAND things...look for little ways everyday to encourage those people around you! (And by doing that -- you will be fulfilling the will of God!)

"Her name is Lola..."

Lola. (Thanks Barry Manilow!) I'm thinking that it's SERIOUSLY about time to send Ruby to that special place where all naughty cars go...you know...SWIM WITH THE FISH/REST IN PEACE/DIE EVIL CAR!

I've been researching the new Toyota Corollas...and I really like the XLE model. I'm not sure on the color. I like the red...however I'm thinking silver is FLASHY and FUN! The blue is also nice...but I keep coming back to the silver...perhaps it's because of the SILKY SILVER SHIRT incident.

Happy 4th!!!!

Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella. ~Pepper Giardino

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!! (Something was a-muck with my shutter speed...I have 12 months to figure this out!!!)

Jackson at the fireworks!!!

Strawberry Margarita

Don't be nervous...this is my favorite OPI nailpolish color!!! I am going to the Rockford Symphony Concert tonight at Rock Valley College! We've discovered that we can listen for free by sitting on the grassy hill next to the theater. I'm looking forward to the fireworks afterward. Photos to follow...

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Today I actually didn't feel like talking much. Can you believe that? I mean seriously....me, Angie Good...NOT talking? I know! I know! What next? Is the sky going to fall?

Before you go and get Henny Penny all up in the feathers :)...

Today is the LAST day of our work week. Infact, I technically am not supposed to even work on Saturday because it's the official 4th of July holiday...so today I had to plow through a pile of stuff and I wanted to work on it quietly. Why are people stunned by my silence? I wasn't slamming things around or throwing my stapler...I was just subdued.

I felt like I was 12 years old...

And here they are...the New Kids with their opening act, Jabberwocky. The concert was GREAT! It was worth EVERY PENNY!

My favorite song they performed live...hmmm...I liked Joey's Please Don't Go Girl from the Hangin' Tough CD (circa 1988). Good stuff.

Their newer songs are okay. My favorite is Summertime. Great tune!!!

Thanks for still having THE RIGHT STUFF, guys!!!

9 Reasons Why Today ROCKED...

A. Coffee with the girls.
B. The proverbial Cat is away...and you know...us, mice, well...we like to play!
C. Figuring out a NEAT Excel trick!!! (Thanks DW! Oh how I doubted you!)
D. Helping someone figure out the issues of life
E. Just knowing that tomorrow is my "Friday" for the week!!!
F. Finding Cubbie tickets that weren't too pricey...anyone game to go to the game?
G. Remembering the bag o'raw veggies for lunch!!! Sliced cukes, some strips of yellow & green peppers, raw broccoli...what is better than that?
H. Laughing hysterically at an email
I. Going down Memory Lane with "high maintenance"...(sigh)...the good ol' days when Pain Aid was just another packet of medication full of caffeine that made us spacey...and you could buy gum for 50 cents a pack! (Have you priced candy bars lately? I bought a Twix for Lauren the other day and it was $1.19. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT...? Okay--get out your copy of Season 1 of the Golden Girls...I know, I know..."I remember when candy bars were 4 for a buck!" Just call me Rose from Saint Olaf.)

My brother

I have loved having my brother here visiting since last Thursday. His boss needed him to deliver some parts to Marengo, Illinois to the Nissan plant. Bry was ecstatic! He not only got to see his eldest most-beloved sister, but he also got PAID!!! Seriously--win-win.

Many thanks to the Delaneys for letting him hang out Thursday night and Friday night. Bry loved it. He went with Greg and Aaron to see Transformers 2...and I think they grilled out a couple times. He had a BLAST with them!!!

On Saturday, the girls and I got back from Chicago around 5ish. They departed for Des Moines and I immediately took Bry with me to run some errands...laundry soap, picking up the NKOTB old school CD, Hangin' Tough for $6. It was fun listening to the CD from my childhood. Bryan said, "This brings back good memories, Sis. Like riding in the V.W." I love my brother.

Sunday was church and then we came back here and watched the end of Transformers (the first one). Before church, we went to the bike/walking path by Harlem High School for a nice stroll. It was nice being out and laughing with Bryan. It was a great afternoon for a walk!!!

On Monday, I worked and Bryan hung out with Maggie. Later that night we went back to the bike/walking path over by Harlem High School and we went for an hour walk. Again--MUCH laughter!!!

On Tuesday, Bryan mopped the kitchen floor and transplanted the catnip plant for me while I went in to work. Some time in the morning, his co-worker called and said they have work if he wants to come in. He debated for a few minutes and then decided to head back to Michigan. (His trip back to Michigan was UNEVENTFUL and the traffic in Chicago flowed quite smoothly!!! Thank you, Lord, for traveling mercies!!!)

So here I am back at the cottage and missing my brother. He's one in a million and my very best friend. Thanks for spending time in Rockford with me, Bryan!!! I love you!!!

Random memories of our trip to Chicago...

I'm not quite sure how to document the trip to Chicago with Tanya and Shawna, so I think the best way will be jot random little things that I remember...and I am sure that each memory will trigger another memory and so on and so forth. So here goes...

1. The New Kids on the Block concert. Seeing one of my most favorite (okay, my ONLY favorite) boy band was quite an experience. They sang all their old songs...so at some points during the concert, I felt like a 12 year old screaming and dancing and singing along with the songs from my childhood. Then they introduced their new songs which I'm not quite familiar with. All in all ---- the concert was great!!!

2. Meandering down Navy Pier. Apparently every-other-time that I have been to Navy Pier it has either been for dinner or in the early-early spring when it was too cold to walk the length of it. WOW--the end of the pier gives a great view of the city and Lake Michigan. We didn't get to ride the Ferris Wheel but that's okay. There's always next time!!!

3. Cindy, our cab driver from the Amphitheatre to our hotel. She was interesting. First she told us that she was fired from her former driving position...oh she was fired NOT ONCE...but TWICE! Why would you tell your passengers this??? Later her phone rang (which was giving us GPS directions and she was SURE that the incoming call would cease the GPS function) and it was her brother who she claims drinks and has a 9 year old son. Again--why would you tell the people in your cab? She then discussed her former GPS system and how it says, "Caution! Caution! You are speeding!" Too be honest--it was quite funny even though we were quite scared, but here's the deal---she was honest. And she didn't over-charge us like the punk did who took us to the concert. All in all--we lived. And now we have a new BEST FRIEND, CINDY (who dots her "i" with a heart).

4. Walking around (literally AROUND) the Amphitheatre...we didn't take the most direct route. It was dark. Shawna informed us of the dangers of wild cats in populated areas. I actually had to ask her not to talk as I was about to pee my pants!!!

All in all--our weekend was packed with fun memories that I will cherish. I love these friends and I am truly thankful that they are still in love with New Kids on the Block too!!!

@ Navy Pier

I think he was looking for a photo opp!

Darth Vadar

A 6.5' Darth Vadar made out of Lego's!!! I couldn't believe it. There was a R2D2...but no Yoda. :(

Navy Pier

Tanya and I at the end of Navy Pier. What a lovely day for a stroll...

Relaxed

My cat loved laying on top of the dryer once it has ceased operations. She just lays there--like this--and enjoys the heat. I find this rather odd because she enjoys laying on top of the dryer even in the SUMMER.

When I see this picture of Maggie, I think, this is how a vacation should be. Totally relaxed. Just chillin'. Nothing pressing to do but to lay on your backside soaking up the sun and perhaps reading a good book.

This photo almost makes me want to call in sick to work and take a week long STAY-CATION!

Therapy

To you -- this is just 8 quarters. $2.00. Some loose change.

To me -- this is a 20 ounce Iced Coffee @ McDonald's. It is a Wednesday treat. It is 60 minutes (some weeks MORE/some weeks less) of spending time with the friends that I love and need to be around MORE!

I'm soo glad that we do this crazy little thing once a week...in the middle of the week because I need this. I desperately need the encouragement and the laughter and the joy of being around these friends.

To this group of friends that encourage my soul and bring a ray of sunshine in the middle of the week---to them, I raise my cup O'iced coffee and I say, "Thank you!" (We really shouldn't CLINK them together...it would be dangerous!)