Lake Day

So, Saturday Ronnie and I went to the lake with his parents. It was a wonderful day - I got sunburnt - Ronnie jumped off some rocks that he has wanted to jump off of for a long time - we found some golf balls next to a golf course (they were in the water) - but the real stories of the lake day came before and after.

We were supposed to meet Ronnie's parents at the lake at 11:00. We were right on track when we saw this...

These two cows - mom and child - held us up for 5-10 minutes. Then we had to stop to tell the local farmer that they were loose. SERIOUSLY!!!! Where do I live??? When we saw them and I started taking pictures, Ronnie asked if it was going to be my blog this week - I said "YES!! I haven't had to stop in the road for cows since I was in Belize.... a third world country!" He said I have had more blogs about animals than any other one thing since I started this about a year ago...

Hmmm...

I live in Southern VA... enough said:)

Anyway - The second big story for the day has to have a bit of introduction. Ya see, coming from Alabama, carries with it some stereotypes. I can't tell you how many Virginians get funny looks on their faces when after an intelligent conversation, they find out where I am from. Apparantly, most of them think we are uneducated losers or something. I even had one lady - a school teacher - say "Well, I guess you are GLAD to get out of there then!" after hearing my homestate was the heart of dixie. I get redneck jokes, accent comments (this coming from some people who don't even pronounce their 'r' in words!), etc. etc.....

As we were leaving the lake... having already been delayed that morning due to cows in the road... we saw this:

A DUMPTRUCK PULLING A BOAT TRAILER!!!! This was parked at the boat ramp! I was amazed! After all the comments, jokes, and funny looks.... I am so happy to see something more redneck than the things I have seen in Alabama!! :)

I do like my new home - its nice most of the time - and it provides PLENTY of blog material... It's just nice to know that although some places in the US carry more stereotype, 'redneck' is nationwide!

And for that teacher.... while VA is fine... I am PROUD to be a Bama girl:)

I have some serious thoughts developing in my head... maybe they will come into a real blog soon.

I may be WAY behind the times - this made me cry!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-ERm0_tuKM

I don't know how to imbed yet.... WAY behind the times...

Our church just got back from a mission trip to Uganda.... so it hits home... there is also a final verse that he added that is not in this video... he added it after his daughter was killed... here are the lyrics.

I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even herein this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you.

Survey

Here I am.... I have tried to blog a couple times this week, and it just hasn't happened. So sorry. I even posted one - but decided to pull it. Maybe something legitimate will come out soon. Until then... a survey.

Bloggy Survey...10 years ago: fall 1998 I was starting my Jr. year at the University of Montevallo. I do believe this was the first of several times that I would consider quitting music all together.... That Jr. year was a PAIN!

5 years ago: fall 2003 - I did a mission trip to Venezuela... my sister was getting married... I was getting ready to go to Germany

5 months ago: March - nothing amazing happened that month that I can remember.

5 things on my list of things to do tomorrow:
1. run
2. laundry
3. dishes
4. budget
5. unpack

5 bad habits:
1. saying yes to too much
2. always looking for 'what's next'
3. holding my feelings inside till i explode
4. exaggerating my emotions
5. letting people 'get to me' about silly stuff

5 places I’ve lived:
Alabama
Georgia
Virginia
Germany
Texas

5 things people don’t know about me:
1. There isn't much that I won't tell if someone asks... or... maybe you DO know that!
2. I am much more emotional than I want you to know.
3. I don't like to dry my hair
4. I usually feel guilty when I spend money... even when I spend it on stuff I need - - I still have guilt! I know!! what's wrong with me??
5. I think it will be fun to be an old lady... one day... later... not yet.



ok - - i will get ya stuff for real soon.

Jon's big day

Well, tomorrow is the day we have all waited for... My little brother... the one that has made the subject line more often in my blog than anyone else probably... is getting married.

He is the last of the three Warren kids to go through the wedding... umm... excitement. The first time mom and dad have been "mother and father of the groom."

Being at mom and dad's house this week has been exciting... but there is NEVER a dull moment here! I am reminded of how different my "life-pace" is in VA whenever I visit here. Its crazy here!

Since being here... here is a general list of the things that have happened to those of us already permanently attached to theWarren clan... this does not include what the bride and her family have been doing... because I dont even have time to get to that list... I am talking about less than 72 hours for us....

4 haircuts
2 eyebrow waxings (the haircuts and waxings have a long story in them too.... WAY too long for this late night blog)
4 pedicures
3 manicures
8+ hours decorating the church (Wednesday night till 1:30 am)
1 hour exercising
1 car accident - Jen had someone pull out in front of her Thursday - not her fault - totaled her car - she is ok - just sore... go to her page for more info.
1 day babysitting Aubrey
2 hours of normal Wednesday night festivities at church
1 trip to Hobby Lobby, the mall, Best Buy, Bruno's etc.
1 counseling session
3 trips to Starbucks
2 trips to Target
3 trips to Wal-mart
1 computer repaired (mine)
1 family dinner
1 rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Ok - that's all I care to think about now.

The bottom line... tomorrow, in the evening, my little brother will be a married man. He is marrying a wonderful, godly girl. I have never seen my brother so excited about something in his lifetime. I am praying already that tomorrow is the day my soon-to-be-sis-in-law dreamed of. I am also praying that their marriage will be blessed by God.

For the random day that Jon and Brantley read this.... I love you both so much!

I forgot to send a card

So, I am going to say Happy Birthday to my mom here! I am sure she will read it... sometime... soon... I hope.

Here are '50' reasons I love my mom!
1. She is so in love with Jesus it is precious!
2. She is a great encourager
3. She always gave me advice.
4. Usually I wanted it
5. She loves my daddy so much!
6. She has taught so many ladies so many things!
7. I hope my life has as much impact as hers has had!
8. She loves me
9. She loves my brother
10. She loves my sister
11. She treats my husband, brother in law, and soon to be sister in law as if they were her own.
12. She thinks fairness is important
13. Sometimes the 'in-law' children get it better than the real ones... HEHEHEHEHE!!!!
14. But we even like that because even that shows how much she loves us.
15. She wants us to be all that God wants us to be.
16. We can never get by with anything less than our best.
17. She gave up 12 years of her life to teach us.
18. She never went to college because of us - a sacrifice greater than I can imagine.
19. She looks forward to talking to me
20. I want to be a mom like her.
21. I want to love people like she does.
22. I want to have a spirit for Jesus like she does.
23. She loves her mom, and mother and father in law.
24. She loved her daddy so much!
25. She loves so much.... even when we do stupid things....
26. When Jonathan was little... she called him the wrong name when he was bad... Jen and I thought that was funny.
27. She loves Aubrey a ton too... and will make it a priority to love all her grandkids the same amount... even if, because of distance, she has to show it differently!
28. She is constantly in God's Word
29. She shares what she learns with us.
30. Even sometimes when its hard to hear what she just learned
31. I look just like her.
32. And that's a wonderful thing
33. Cuz she doesn't look 50.
34. Even though she is!!
35. My friends all loved my mom.
36. She made sure we all had a place to hang out,
37. Even when her house may not have been perfect.
38. She still opened it for us.
39. She knew we were more important than a perfect house.
40. That showed us love.
41. She likes to do projects.
42. She doesn't like to exercise.
43. I got it honestly.
44. She over packs.... for everything.
45. I got that honestly too!
46. She is the woman I look up to more than anyone else.
47. I miss her tons!
48. I can't wait till I see her again next week.
49. She has shown us the love of Christ through her life.
50. I want to be just like her.

I love you mom.
Julia

Totally different topics.

Ok - I have two totally different topics to hit today. Please note that they have NOTHING to do with each other. One was my planned blog for today---the other is my funny story for this morning that simply cannot wait until tomorrow for fear that I will forget the humor.


First of all... Today's funny story.

I woke up early, came to the living room to start my ritual of drinking coffee and checking my emails, facebook, and blogs etc. I heard something that sounded like it was coming from under the carport.


Actually, it sounded like Ziba - our dog that we had the first 7 months of our marriage. She used to sit under the carport and throw her food bowl against the wall until we came out to feed her.


I thought she was back.


Not really.



I don't believe stuff like that.



Regardless, there was SOMETHING making noise. I opened the blinds. We already had the windows open on some of the windows. I couldn't see anything.



I went into the extra bedroom to see if something had gotten in there and was making a mess of all my nicely stacked (haha) boxes that I am starting to pack in.



Nothing moving...



I could still hear it though.



Maybe Ronnie is bumping around in the bedroom?? I cracked the door - he was still sound asleep.



Oh well - I guess I just will see if it goes away (you see how brave I am right?)



Here is the list of options that went through my mind:
Fox
Wild Dog
Raccoon
Possum
Maybe a black bear?.... nah... that's not possible....

Here is what was NOT on my list!





"With a wingspan of 1.5 m (5 ft) the American Black Vulture is a large bird though relatively small for a vulture. (wilkipedia)"


They are STILL up there! Bumping around. We see them often on telephone poles around here - - but BUMPING on my ROOF! What in the world?? Did you notice how big they are?? 5 ft wingsspan??? The pics don't do it justice!!! They are huge! And not afraid of us when we walk outside!!! (Is there something that they want to eat at my house?? I don't want to know!) - - Welcome to the country my friends!


Anyway - I have to move on. Please pray that we don't get eaten up.


The second - and real reason that I wanted to be sure to post today is because of some friends.

Over the last 3 weeks I have come in contact with some friends that I had not talked to in years.


When I say years... I mean it. One friend from Georgia that I have not talked to really since I moved away from there - in 1992 (I think... could have been 91). She and two other girls were my best circle of friends during the Jr. High years that I lived in that town just south of Atlanta. It has been wonderful to take some time to catch up with what is going on! I was looking for her on Facebook - and had to gamble because of the name changes that girls go through with marriage and all that... but I just sent that email that said "Looking for childhood friend...etc... etc...


Second, I did a mission thing with Campus Outreach in 2000 in Panama City Beach. And all of a sudden, my discipleship leader found me on facebook and we are talking again for the first time since we left PCB in August of that year.


Finally, I toured in 1994 with a team called the Young Continentals. It was a 5 week tour on the West Coast with about 30 other teenagers between the ages of 12-15. There was a girl on that tour that became my closest friend on the tour. We met each other as we got off the planes in LAX that July, and were the last to have to say our tearful goodbyes 5 weeks later in LAX. Just a few weeks ago I was talking to Ronnie about those friends, and that we all so quickly lost touch after the tour. Since there were 30 of us, from different areas of the US, it was hard, "pre-email/facebook/myspace/blogland" for us to really stay in tough with each other. I think we mailed letters for a short time... but you know how it goes.


Anyway, my friend, just found me on facebook this weekend. Of course we both have new last names now - but after she was looking through old scrapbooks, she just gambled and tried to see if she could find me. I am so excited!


It is so wonderful to be able to catch up with old friends. Sometimes, in life, people impact our lives in such a short time - and then usually they are gone. There seem to be so many good-byes. It is so cool to be able to say 'hello' every now and then.


Now - one final disclaimer.... American Black Vultures and three old friends from days gone by have NOTHING to do with each other!


Have a nice day:)

Bragging on my man

Saturday, Ronnie and I were doing some "house-hunting" in an area where we might be interested in living. He got the new job in May - and well, life has been crazy since then, so, since he has the option of tele-commuting normally, we just haven't gotten serious about house-hunting.

Now, the search is ON!

So, we were just past this small town that is halfway between two cities that are acceptable in size - and looking at a nice little rental house. The rental house didn't seem to be what we were looking for, so, disappointed, we started driving back home.

As we were getting into town, we passed an older couple out trying to cut the grass. At first, it was cute, the little old man was pushing the lawn mower, and the little lady was standingback giving directions! Typical right?

Anyway, as we got closer, we realized he was down in the ditch next to the road... pushing the lawn mower with his left hand and supporting his weight on a cane with his right hand! As soon as we saw this, Ronnie told me to turn around.

I pulled up to the next turn place and we went back to see if we could help. I will be honest, I half expected them to either be offended, or at least be embarrassed that we would offer help. But Ronnie was committed. We got out of the car in their driveway, and of course they looked at us quite confused.

Ronnie just ran to the little man and asked him if he could help. The little man and woman came back to my car and talked to me while Ronnie cut their grass for them. Yep - that's my husband! With a huge heart towards helping people! In his polos and khacki shorts - - and his GOOD tennis shoes! Mowing the lawn... the thing he hates worse than anything in the world... just to help out an elderly couple we had never met before. Whoa! I love my husband! - for things like THAT!

We talked to them for a while. They loved to talk. She is 69, he is 74 and they have no kids. So, they have to take care of things themselves. They were hoping we would decide to get a house in the area so we can come back to visit them sometime. I don't think that house would have worked out - - but I do think we may stop by again sometime. Sometimes people just need to be shown a little love ya know?

As I was standing there, and the three of us were watching Ronnie mow their lawn - she looked at me and said "Ya know, you can just tell Christian love when you see it." I had not said anything about being a Christian up to that point. Of course, I looked at her and confirmed that we were, in fact, Christians.

Then, due to being in some serious conversations with a friend of mine of the last week. I have really been thinking about it. Although the church in general can be a tough place - - and people are never perfect - - and even the fact that Christianity as a religion can look like a whole lot of different things. When we are truly following Christ - and responding to people as HE would have us to do... yes, you CAN tell Christian love when you see it. It is unmistakable.

I just had to take a minute to brag on my man.

Not here.... again

I am not here! Today I am at Starbucks getting my "free coffee Wednesday" coffee. I wish I were at the beach like last time... however, I am still at Holding On.

This last week has been spiritually a challenge for me. I have faced and defended my beliefs more than I have ever really been required to before. While the challenge has been good for me - it has also been work. Its good to know that regardless of how the conversation goes - I am on the winning side. I cannot be beaten in an argument on the existance of God. Not because of who I am - - but because of who He is.

My Holding On topic is dealing with how I have managed this. Please go stop by - and either comment there... or come back here to comment!

Table Pics!

The tools...


The tools - rearranged!


The cut pieces... ready for assembly... yes I cut them all myself!


Partially through assembly - a work in progress


Rough draft - the front legs are too short because well... i thought 2x12 actually meant 2... and 12... and it apparantely means 1.5 and 11.5.

**** edit to add next picture*****With new front legs... no more leaning forward! no rocking from side to side.... waiting for glue to dry and then tomorrow... staining!

Table Update

IT STANDS!!! I have taken the pics, I just don't have time to post them right now - however, I cut, sanded, glued, drilled, and "screwdrove" (is that a word?) my self right into a little table... yes, she leans a little to the front - but she stands - on her own - without propping... I consider that an accomplishment.

My wonderful husband suggested that I simply go get a couple of the little "feet" things from homedepot to go on the front so she will be level....

I haven't stained her yet. I have to go teach tonight and have to leave in about half an hour - and currently am covered in a mixture of sawdust and wood glue - so, I will get pics up and get her stained hopefully tomorrow!

Watch out - I have a jigsaw!

So this weekend I was at World Market - only my favorite store in the WORLD! and I saw this amazing table. Don't just skip over that link - go look at it...

When you look at it, you will also see that there is a pricetag of $129!!!!! What in the world? Its a small accent table!

So, yesterday, I convinved R to take me to the brand new Home Depot in town and get the supplies I needed to make this amazing table.... $92 later, I have it - Look I have already saved over $30 AND I now have my OWN jigsaw with which I am sure I will make MANY MANY other things that I don't want to pay full price for. Or, at least I will be able to cut things. You know. Sometimes you just need a jigsaw. or. something.

Anyway - here we go, I will post pics of the process (of course that is assuming that I don't lose any appendages - there will be no pics of that:))

Comments heard while shooting fireworks

Two couples came to our house last night to eat and hang out - and of course... shoot fireworks. One of the girls that came is about 39 weeks pregnant and I was so hoping for a great blog on how she went into labor as we shot fireworks on the 4th of July at my house - however, she was not really cooperating - even after I sat and googled "naturally induce labor" and "eggplant inducing labor" No - we didn't eat eggplant, but apparantly there is some restaurant in GA that claims that every time a pregnant woman (38-40 weeks) eats their eggplant parmesan, she goes into labor within 48 hours! CRAZY! They have over 300 stories AND they guarantee it or you get a free meal!

Anyway, back to the story - since I don't have a great blog about rushing my friend to the hospital to deliver her baby - I will give you some quotes overheard during the fireworks extravaganza at the house.

Note: The girls were under the carport watching for the fallout. And protecting the 5 month old baby of the other girl that was here:)

I will use initials to protect the (not so) innocent...

JW: Whoa - I guess that didn't work! (this quoted while running around the house trying to make sure my roof wasn't on fire!)

JK: Ronnie - Where is your duct tape?

JK: I guess you neighbor has a tin roof huh?

JW: Whoa! That was a short fuse!

JK: Throw it.... FAST!

JM: Hey - That's my car!

KW: My baby just jumped with that one!

JW: I can't find the fuse!

JK: OW! That burnt my hair!

RM: Wait! Someone lives over there..... (too late - it was already lit!)

JW: that wasn't was I thought it would do!

and finally......

JW: Hey ya'll watch this......

Anyway - even after all those comments - we all made it through the night, with no major injuries, lots of laughter, no mad neighbors (at least as far as we know so far - I will let you know if that changes), and no baby deliveries.

It was so great to be with other young couples and just have a time of fun. Our life seems to be so crazy at the moment, knowing we are moving and trying to get ready for that... and yet wanting to be "where we are" as long as God leaves us here. Its such a torn feeling - but regardless, we had a blast last night and are so thankful for friends.

Summer days

Well, it's July 1. (Happy Birthday Jen!!!) here come the hot days of summer right? Well, so far this year, June has been ridiculous along the east coast - many days over 100.... however, last night, as R and I went to a little league baseball game (the semi finals in our county) - I had on shorts and a t-shirt and I FROZE! It had rained a bit earlier, and it felt more like I should be watching a mid-season football game in October! This morning, I expected all to be back to normal - and I was outside cutting the grass... and well, I even got a bit chilly doing that! Again, shorts and a t-shirt! It truly feels like fall here in southern VA right now?! What is going on? I know I am further north than I am used to being, but seriously!

Anyway, all that to say - as I was cutting the grass, the smell of the fresh cut grass, the cool breeze, the strawberry koolaid I was drinking to keep myself hydrated... I felt for a moment that I was living on 8th St. S.W. Decatur, AL. Back when summer was as it should be. So, I thought I would share with you a few memories of summer in the south.

I lived at this address for almost 7 years. We moved when I was three years old and my first real memory I believe happened in the driveway of this house. (I have some vague memories of things prior to this, but I think they are just combinations of pictures and stories). However, a little girl down the street "K" came running to my driveway where I was playing and brought me a sucker - one of those round ones with a hole in the middle. It was strawberry flavored. That was the beginning of 7 summers of fun. K had three sisters, I have a brother and a sister, and there was another little boy that lived in the house between us.

Jon, Jen and I had a trampoline, swing set, and tree house- the boy in the middle house had a slip n slide - and K and her sisters had a 4-ft swimming pool. We all spent many summer days, from daylight till dark running from house to house (or riding bikes, scooters, and skates from house to house) playing all day long! What wonderful days those were.

There were also the days mom would wake us up and say these famous words "If we all work hard to clean for ONE HOUR, then we can all go swimming!" Mr. H and Mrs. S had a swimming pool not far from our house. A HUGE swimming pool (at least for a kid it was big) and we would swim all day long. Jen was able to swim underwater by the time she was 2 if that tells ya anything!

The other factor involved was the "spend-the-night" times that Jessie and I would have. We played in the sprinkler in front of her parents house for HOURS on end! We would explore the basement, play games, and be more creative than I have been since then!

What wonderful memories lie in those dog days of summer for me and my childhood. I only hope that I can provide similar memories for my kids.... one day... :)

What summer memories do you hold on to?

Holding On

Hey - I am not here (am actually at the beach) however, you can also find me on "Holding On." Discussing "online interaction vs live connection."

I am gonna be better - I promise

Ok, I am going to try to be better at writing. So sorry for the lack of info on the excitement that makes up my life. Here is my list - the best way I can see to catch you up on the things that have happened...

1. You know this - but my bro came home from Iraq, leaving me with a couple of trips to bama to see him
2. My niece turned 2!! she is adorable!
3. Ronnie and I celebrated 1 year anniversary! WHOA we made it further than some people thought we would given the short-ness of our courtship
4. Ronnie is loving the new job, but the traveling is wearing on him
5. We are still looking to move - to aleviate some of the traveling... but finding time to find a new house in the midst of his traveling for work, and my trips to Bama has been tough - its a process
6. We celebrated our anniversary with a cruise - the "nothingness" was much needed... i wish I were still on the boat!
7. There will be pics posted soon
8. I have finished teaching my first TWO college courses... whoa! I just started number 3!
9. I am no longer working at the church - getting ready to move just required that I go ahead and stop that part time job, I didn't feel I could give it the time it needed.
10. The story for today...

Well - you know there has to be a story for the day - because for some reason my life seems to be more and more interesting daily... This morning, Ronnie had court like 2 hours away from where we live, so he was up at 5:00 to get ready. I was kinda excited because that meant I was going to get to sleep late and not have to get up running and all that jazz (I am not a perfect wife, but I do think its important for us to eat breakfast together when possible, so I usually get up with him and make breakfast for the two of us.... although usually that is just cereal) but on EXTREMELY early days, I forego breakfast... I am just sweet like that.

Anyway, he got up, I heard him go into the bathroom, and then, like 2 minutes later, the bathroon door opened in a hurry - I knew something was wrong... I rolled over - still mostly asleep and he let me know of the tragedy - "We have no water"

this didn't really make any sense to me honestly. How do you run out of water? I am a city girl - you can't run out of water! He opened the door to go to the front of the house and we heard this LOUD racket that we had not been able to hear before because we have a window unit AC in our bedroom that runs all night as well as a fan.

The pump is in the cellar. I don't even like to aknowledge that we have a cellar. It isn't a basement - its a scary room that i keep blocked up with boxes and suitcases so noone - nothing - can come in through the door.

By the time I got to the kitchen Ronnie was moving boxes and suitcases so he could go to the cellar to find out what the noise was.

Turns out - the pump is jacked up - or at least its really loud.... we called the landlord, woke up his wife... called ronnie's parents.... remember he still has court 2 hours away from here! he needed a shower!

so we went to ronnie's parents house for him to get ready, and I am currently awaiting a phone call from the land lord to let me know what time a "fix it" man will be here... Lord help us all if we can't get water for a week or something... I WANT TO BE BACK ON THE CRUISE!!! - At least I did get most of the laundry done yesterday so we have some clothes to wear!

Anyway - that's the story for today - and its only 7:30am as I write this. If the story gets more exciting I will let you know.... who knew? Well water can run out??!!!

***Update*** The well pump fix-it man came by (completely unannounced with no phone calls to prepare me or anything.... so he saw me in my glasses, old gray t-shirt and alabama shorts that i have had for like 10 years... oh well) and within about 30 minutes he had my water working again. We had already turned the hot water heater off though, so now I have to go down into the scary cellar and figure out how to turn it back on... I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.... oooohhh.. I HATE this cellar! The good thing is that we have WATER again!

This is good for a lot of reasons... showers, brushing teeth, flushing toilets - - but honestly, my biggest concern for the day was "How am I going to fix my coffee???" whew... thank goodness for the "well-pump-fix-it-man!"

Anniversary!

I am not good at writing these days. Life has kinda exploded on me.... However, I do want to mark one day... today - Ronnie and I have been married a YEAR! What a year it has been. In some ways, it has flown, and in others it has poked right along.... It has been a year of learning - (like how to live with a BOY in the house... sharing my stuff... etc. etc. ) a year of growing - (like growing up and being adults and all that boring stuff) a year of excitement (new job for him... multiple random jobs for me... politics, college professor, church musician, etc. etc.) a year of families... (from my brother and his year in Iraq, to his great grandmother who passed away back around Christmas)....

I have to say though, after the first year is past tense - God out did Himself in picking a man for me... that fits me better than I ever expected... that is more attractive than I ever could have desired... that takes better care of me than I ever knew was possible... that is more wonderful than I ever dreamed... no - life ain't perfect - it never is - but life is better with Ronnie than it ever was before - and the tough times are still tough, the sad times are still sad... but for this last year I have learned to lean on God more, by watching Ronnie lean on God more - and we have learned to trust - together...

The best part is that when we laugh, we laugh LOUD - we laugh LOTS - and we laugh often... its much more fun to laugh together!

Happy Anniversary to my best friend... my love.... my husband. I love you!

Excitement that few can understand!

My little brother - the one I have posted about for a year now... the one that I have so many fun memories with... the one that has been valiantly fighting for our country - is on the way HOME! I won't see him for at least a week... I am jealous of my parents and my bro's fiancee who get to see him tmo.... but the point is that my little brother is on his way HOME!

Praise God - thank you so much for protecting him... and Internet, and friends - thank YOU for praying for him during these months!!!

I can hardly WAIT to get my "Jonathan" hug....

lata

So much to say, such a lack of motivation

I am not sure why it is that I have not had any desire to write lately, but its just the way it is.

1. I just started packing up part of the extra bedroom - no we don't have a new house yet. But for now, his office will be in our house, in the extra bedroom. So, since he needs space, and eventually all that stuff needed to go back into the boxes anyway - I just decided to skip the "rearranging" and just box as much as I can for now. SO, back in the boxes go the books, decorations, etc. etc. - I am not very good at labeling my boxes though, so it will be kinda like Christmas when I open all the boxes in the new house... whenever that is. Just a surprise in every box!

2. I cannot keep plants alive. It is something I learned years ago when I lived in Germany! Those Germans loved to give me plants, and then laugh when I killed them... Every.Single.Time. So, as a new wife, I thought maybe my luck had changed. I have even focused on finding plants that people say are hard to kill... but still look nice. So far I have killed a rose bush, tulips, and 2 trailing petunias, as well as some Chocolate Mint herb stuff a friend gave me. Dead - I have some great pots of dirt though if anyone needs it. Only one plant has lasted long enough for me to brag about. I got it in January - its a house plant - has big leaves and doesn't seem to panic if i water it too much or not enough. I think watering for me is the problem, either I drown them, or they have no water for days.... I can't find the medium!

3. I have finished my first round of finals for the college courses I am teaching... everyone passed. I have also started round 2.... a larger class - this is gonna be fun.

4. Changing insurance is a pain in the tail... enough said.

5. Tupperware is still for sale at my house - contact me if you need something! Or go to www.my.tupperware.com/juliamayhew and order something online - you can see the catalog from there! If you are interested in SELLING TW - let me know too... its easy! I have made money already only doing it for like 3 months!

6. That's all folks.

10 days

Well, I havent been around in a few days... 10 to be exact. While this 10 day span included a trip to Alabama to teach a youth conference with Wings - and this 10 day time period has included some MAJOR changes in life.. the bottom line is that although there is much to say, I just am not yet sure how to say it.

Life is changing in southern VA - My man is changing jobs - we will be moving soon - thats enough info for the internet! but you can imagine the activity around the house these days!

I finished teaching my first set of college courses this week - and start another set tonight. WOOHOO!!!! I did enjoy the teaching more than I thought I would.

My brother will be home this weekend!!!

well - gotta go grade some final exams.

Suggestion

hey - My mom put together a great blog on forgiveness... go read it - I will write more after I do my homework preparing for my class tomorrow night.

Handouts

Short question - - why are some people always looking for handouts?? Just got an email from someone taking a course that I teach asking why the requirements are so much... What in the world? Their college degree is going to carry a lot of weight! Why don't they want to work for it?

Anyway - hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I plan to:)

Home again

Here I am, back in VA. What? You didn't even know I was gone? Well, that's because I am a tricky little girl.

This will be short - last week Ronnie was gone for a while to a training thing in SC. Yep, I stayed home all by myself, which is quite an accomplishment for this little city girl... to be home alone for like 4 nights IN THE COUNTRY! Then, Thursday morning, I flew my little self to Alabama for a few days with the fam. I got to go out to eat with all my grandparents Thursday for lunch - there is nothing in the WORLD like Cracker Barrel when ya haven't had it for a while. Ronnie got down there on Friday evening and we got to have my bday dinner with my family. SO MUCH FUN to be with mom dad, jen, aubrey, andy and brantley having my bday dinner. It would have only been better had Jon been able to be home. BUT, we did find out, that as long as nothing changes (it IS the Army ya know) - he has done his last mission and should be home no later than Memorial Day. WOW! I am so excited. I also got to talk to him on webcam for the first time since like October Saturday evening - it was wonderful...

Sunday morning we went to church, and then made the trek back to VA. So here, I am - home again. Ronnie was sickly yesterday so we spent a majority of the afternoon in the doc office - but the meds worked fast and he is headed to work this morning.

I am off to try my new exercise (getting in shape for the cruise ya know) - roller blading! I haven't really done this since middle school, so it could be interesting - but I have all protective pads and stuff. I am going to the park down town, so maybe not many people will be able to see me make a fool of myself! (its kinda hidden in the trees and by the river and stuff). Then of course today is church work day and "pretend to know what you're doing as a college prof" day.

Have a good one.

Me and Maria

So, today on the "Today" show - Maria Shriver (wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger) is on and is discussing her new book "Just who will you be?" the point is that when Arnold was elected as Gov, she couldn't be a journalist anymore... etc. etc. I am not going to go into any detail, only to say that her book was the EXACT SAME THING I taught to high school girls last week!!!!!

My point was being more interested in WHO you are than WHAT you become... WHO you are doesn't change.... WHAT you do will change many times throughout... etc. etc.

So, there ya go, if I were famous, I could have written the book, gotten the millions, and been on the Today show this morning... I have been teaching the same thing for a while now and have never read her book!!!

Me and Maria - we are just best friends like that - I just wish she knew that.

(disclaimer - I am not saying that I agree or disagree with anything written in this book, or any other part of her life - - I'm just saying I wish I had published it first:))

Flashback

I am not sure that anyone from my college days actually reads my blog - but as I am sitting here preparing for my class tomorrow night - where I will be discussing everything from Bach, to Mozart, to the way Beethoven developed the sonata and broke all the rules and all that jazz - I am flashing back to days at the good ole University of Montevallo, the days spent just listening to these sonatas, symphonies, and concerti while trying to make up some words to them so that when I got into the listening quiz I would remember which one belonged to which composer... the days sitting on the loading dock of the Music building, taking a practice break and standing there with my smoking friends - I never smoked, but those days carried enough second hand smoke to make anyone's lungs turn black. We discussed a bit of everything sitting on that loading dock. I loved the spring time when I could just sit there for a while, after spending hours in a clostrophobic practice room, and for just a moment, close my eyes and let the sun hit my face in the afternoon.
I remember half my music classes being taught by Dr. Bean... oh what would us Pedagogy students have done without him... and who can begin to say enough good about Dr. Rob - my favorite professor of all time - that man was not only a genius when it came to music, he also put a passion for music into each of us. Just watching him as he listened to music, or having a conversation in his office - it meant the world to me. I remember once, when I was struggling with coming up with information about a particular piece of music I had chosen for a Piano Literature class - I had to do a 50 minute presentation on it, and I couldn';t even find a recording. It had only been recorded once in history, and the CDs costed a ridiculous amount of money. I sat down with Dr. Rob (it wasn't even his class) and by the end of the conversation, he had given me his copy of the CD to use in my preparation, as well as a stack of books about that composer and that particular piece - books that weren't in the library! I got an A on that project and went directly to him to thank him!
Being a small school, and small music program, all the profs knew us by name, by face - and as much as it frustrated us all at the time, they knew when we missed their class - Some would call us, some would come downstairs to the "practice dungeon" to make sure all was well - regardless, if we didnt want them to know we had intentionally skipped their class, we better not be in that building at all that day!

All this just to reminisce for a little while - while I don't miss the days of the exams, the stress of presentations, the nightmares I still have about keyboard harmony class... (yes, I still wake up panicked at times because i dream i am late) - I do remember sitting one day in a theory class and realizing that I was living a dream - I had dreamed of studying music... and there i was, with tons of lines and spaces, dots and flags in front of me. I was studying music... sometimes it seemed like more music than I ever wanted... but I was doing it...

Anyway, on this rainy afternoon, what is it that you remember from 8-10 years ago that maybe you miss... or maybe you don't - but what is it that certain smells, sounds, and thoughts take you back to?

Update

So, someone gave a link in the comments to my last blog to the full story of the military funeral that I saw... Turns out that the people I had asked about the funeral were mis-informed. It was not the funeral of the Roanoke soldier, however it was a military funeral, of a vet from the Korean war. They apparantly have recently found some soldier bodies from that war, and this soldier from my city was identified.

My emotions are not diminshed by this not being what I originally was told. Can you imagine the closure that a family must feel to finally know what happened to their loved one? A wife? A sister? A brother? Now, for the first time in 50 years they know the end of the story. Both of my grandfathers fought in Korea. One in the Air Force, and one in the Army... I cannot imagine what the family of this soldier must feel today. relief? saddness remembered? regret? closure?

Anyway - having said all of that, I am sure the family of the Roanoke soldier still needs your prayers during this time.... and I know my family appreciates your prayers for my brother as he finishes his time over seas. He wants to finish this race strong, and we want him to, but even more than that, we want to see his smiling face and get that "little" brother hug I have needed for the last 7 months!

On to other topics. This is a birthday week for me... WHOA! I will be 29. (for the first time) I always thought I would feel older when I got to 29, but surprisingly I still feel about 21. I have decided though, that I might turn 29 several times before the next dreaded number. Don't get me wrong, I would rather have birthday's than the alternative right now - but maybe I will just stay 29 until my husband catches up with me... I married a youngster, he is only 26. So, I think I will stay 29 for about 3 years... or maybe longer.

Well, it's dinner time. re-run food here we come!

my experience yesterday afternoon

I was sitting in front of the CVS in my town. Across from the big graveyard, and traffic was all jacked up. I was stopped right at the entrance for the graveyard.

I have to believe God put me there. At the time, I was frustrated though, a funeral procession was coming and I was late getting to the church. Car after car turned into the cemetary.

There was a family standing along the road at first, they had American flags in their hand and it looked like they were waiting to cross the street at the entrance to the cemetary. I though thtey had just visited a grave or whatever. Then more people started to walk up, each carrying American flags. As some of the people in front of me in the traffic got frustrated and turned down the side roads, I pulled up a bit further, looked down into the cemetary and saw two lines of soldiers standing at attention. My heart dropped. About 10 days ago, a soldier from the VA national guard was killed in Iraq by an IED. He was 24 days from coming home, had taken his wife's place to go (she was called up and he rejoined so that she could stay home since she was pregnant with their second child). The guy was part of my brother's battalion. They trained at the same time about 8 months ago. I looked further down the road. Jon's group was trying to get back to their base about a week ago to make it to the memorial there overseas. It was strange to think I was at the other end of a funeral that started in the Middle East. As I looked up, I saw the Patriot riders... the motorcycle guys that stop any protesters from showing up at military funerals and send-offs. They are there to protect the families of the soldiers.

The tears started to fall then as they are falling now. I then saw the TV cameras coming to the street from the graveside - Then, the hurst with the coffin, I could see the American flag draped across the coffin through the window as it passed by me. As it passed, and turned into the cemetary - the tears flooded my eyes. Time was standing still. Then Someone behind me honked their horn, as the traffic in front of me started to go and I was just sitting there, watching, wishing I had known it was happening in time to go as support, wishing I could hug his family and say Thank you.... Anyway, please pray for this guy's family.... I don't know how they are handling it... and please continue to pray for Jonathan... He is so close to the end of his tour... don't let up on the prayers for his safety!

I'm baaack

Whoa, what a week! actually, what a "two weeks"! Its been kinda crazy around the house, but I think things are settled down a bit... at least today.

It was so crazy this week that I actually missed the Finale of the Biggest Loser - AND I missed the Office - one due to teaching my new college course, and one due to a Tupperware party. I have to get online and see the re-runs soon. Not right now of course - that would be too easy!

I also have been sickly, my voice sounds like I have sandpaper lining my throat. Wow. I think (hope) its just allergies, but since there was a fever involved for about 48 hours, it may be a combination allergy and cold/flu bugish thing.... So this morning my nose has joined my throat on its boycott of functioning properly and I have that nice tickle that makes my eye keep watering because my nose is tickling... You all know the feeling... close to torture!

On to better topics - I had a COMPLETE conversation on the phone with my 23 month old niece yesterday! Here is the script... (I have to add, she had this full conversation with me with NO coaching from mom on the phone.) (Also, mom and Jen have really worked to make sure she knows me and Jon since we are away while she is learning people... so she knows our picures, and our names and stuff!)

Me: Hello?
Aubrey: Hello Ju-Ju
Me: How are you?
Aubrey: good.
Me: are you playing with Bob?
Aubrey: Bob
Me: Is larry there too?
Aubrey: laura Carrot
Me: I am gonna see you next week ok?
Aubrey: Ok
Me: I love you
Aubrey: I love you
Me: Ok, Bye bye.
Aubrey............ Bye bye

And then mom got the phone back... It was so much fun! The reference to Bob, Larry, and Laura carrot are all Veggie tales stuffed... umm.. animals? Vegetables? Anyway - stuffed things that mom told me she was playing with at the time. its the first ACTUAL conversation i have had with her since I moved away before she was really getting words together, and she has now begun to really comunicate just recently! So much fun!

Well, its a beautiful day here - and I want to enjoy it - even though it will probably make my allergies decide to go into overdrive.... it just KILLS me to have to stay inside!

Have a nice day.

NOT MIA

I am still here - just running like crazy this week... its kinda like i tried to schedule as much as possible into one 7 day period...

start teaching college class -
get new tupperware recruit started
do separate tupperware party
have youth praise band play at church
get new equipment set up for adult praise band (i helped... didnt do it by myself... :))
get over sickness from the weekend (my throat is still horrible!)
have a sick husband...
teach girl's Bible study three days... in the MORNINGS! (I dont do mornings)

anyway - i am sure there are great stories buried in this list this week... i just havent come to the top to know what they are yet! be back as soon as possible...

Traveling, Meme, Sick

Well, sorry for the delay - we were traveling. R had a meeting in Norfolk for 4 days - in a great hotel! a Huge Marriott - on the bay, overlooking where the navy ships come in, our room was the 15th floor, in the corner, so we could see the USS Wisconsin docked to the right, and the path they used every morning to move another big ship through at 8:30. However, there was no free internet - I went and got online to read emails a couple times at Schlotsky's, but really, I just kinda was ok with the break.

I did a lot of work on my class for the University I start teaching at next week - I spent some quality time with my man - I went shopping at H&M - my FAVORITE store... but bought nothing - I know, I just didn't feel like trying on clothes, and I HATE trying on clothes... So there ya go. I worked out in the quality workout room they had on site, we went walking in downtown several times... we were 6 miles from the beach... i LOVE the beach - we NEVER made it... this hotel, as nice as it was, charged $14 every time you left the parking garage... regardless of how many days you were there... so we decided that we would just leave the car and only leave ONCE! how silly! its ok though - I had a BLAST and it was a WELL NEEDED time away for me.

I came home thinking that I had some friends coming to visit this weekend, but then woke up this morning with a 101 fever. While I am feeling a bit better and my fever is coming down now, I stil don't feel that great, so we are rescheduling our time for another day... another weekend... hopefully SOON!

I was tagged in a Meme by Tricia - for 7 random facts about me....

since I am still sickly, I might make it back to this one day - but for now, I am going to send you to THIS post - where there are WAY more things than you ever wanted to know about me!

nothing much to say

Do ya ever find that when the more stuff is going on in your life, the less you have to say about ... well.. anything? That has been my problem this week... things are happening... its been busy - good, bad, indifferent - nothing REALLY major - most things possibly significant but not amazing or really extra life changing or anything - just stuff - you know - what life is made of... however, nothing interesting enough to put on the internet for the world to read, yet mind consuming for me so that I can't really come up with anything ELSE To put on the internet for the world to read!

Basically, its a vicious cycle! Anyway - maybe one day something will be interesting enough to put on the internet - until then, you are stuck with my trying to come up with something to say that is not boring... yet not exciting either:)

Anyway - my brother seems to be doing well... we are TRYING to count down the days till he comes home... just gotta stop him from taking those long walks! mom and dad have a new blog on the home... which is what they have done lots of researching on and stuff over the years... Jen has a photography blog now... and is taking some kickin pics!

Anyway - hope all is well with you and yours.... (sounds like a bad Christmas card i know) -
Happy Weekend!