Broken Glass

In the last month I have had some major bad luck with glass. A few weeks ago I knocked over a vase of glass flowers I have had since college. Shattered on the floor...Tonight, this happened:

My picture above the fireplace fell and shattered this evening. It actually landed like this and I watched the whole thing happen. Stuff like this just makes me sick. If it is ok, I am going to whine a little bit. It stinks when things like this happen to a single woman, even though it will be easily repaired by replacing the glass. When things go wrong in the home, I always have this initial feeling of loneliness. Isn't that ridiculous? It does sort of pour salt in the wound when things happen and you have no one to help you out. I'm not even going to clean it up tonight....or tomorrow. Perhaps I should consider all things plastic and leave glass out of my life.

Looks like I'm making a trip to Michael's on New Year's Day...

A funny little thing happened in Columbia, SC...

Ok, I know you ATL girls probably see this sort of thing all the time, but this was a first for me. My folks and I did a little shopping in Columbia, SC over the Christmas weekend and made a stop for a jolt of caffeine. I walked over to the condiment bar with my father, looked up at the Starbucks "happenings" bulletin board and saw this:

If you did not go to Lee University, then you probably have no idea what this picture is about.

During my time at Lee, I had a friend named Steve Fee. I met him because he dated my next door neighbor, Melissa Dodson (Does anyone remember that?!?). When he graduated from school he started making music on the main stream Christian music scene. A few months ago I was listening to the local Christian station and heard a strangely familiar voice giving an interview. Then I realized, it was Steve Fee! I had no idea he had released a CD. So, being the supportive friend that I am, I purchased it at Pathway bookstore in Cleveland, TN (of course!). Well, when I saw his poster up in Columbia I almost fell out! I was laughing so hard I had to take this picture. Way to go, Mr. Fee!

Father/Daughter Time

During my recent trip to SC for the holiday, my father and I changed my oil. Ok, my father changed my oil and I "supervised." I thought it would be a good time for me to become more intimately acquainted with "the ole' girl" not to mention quality time with Pops.

And next time, I intend to get a little more dirty with the actual oil job.

CAUTION: Interaction Required

So, Mur did this on her blog and I thought it would be fun too. Post comments to guess. Come on, it could be fun!

Movie Quotes
I have picked 20 of my favorite movies in no particular order and posted a quote from each. Try to guess the movie but NO GOOGLING/using IMDb search or other search functions.

1. "There's a lotta things about me you don't know anything about, Dottie. Things you wouldn't understand. Things you couldn't understand. Things you shouldn't understand."

2. "My nails, I bit them all because of you! And my hair! Look at my hair! I cut it off just for you! Of all the pigheaded fathers!"

3. " You'll be wearing rubber gloves. Do you own rubber gloves?" "I rent 'em. I have a lease with an option to buy."

4. "I gotta go to college." "You don't have to go to college. This isn't Russia. Is this Russia? This isn't Russia."

5. "My orders came through. My squadron ships out tomorrow. We're bombing the storage depots at Daiquiri at 1800 hours. We're coming in from the north, below their radar." "When will you be back?" "I can't tell you that. It's classified."

6. "Brad, no chocolate! Your acne! Sarah. It is time for your cough syrup...Daryl, fasten your seat belt." "She's definitely losing it." "I am not losing anything, I am still in control here! Got it?"

7. "I been saving' this money for a divorce, if ever I got a husband."

8. "I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite."

9. "Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"

10. "In this house, it's hard to survive. Some'll be dead, who are now alive. Mr. Uwatsum is gone, cause he knew too much. Bye for now, but rest assured we'll keep in constant contact with each other."

11. "Fraulein, is it to be at every meal, or merely at dinnertime, that you intend on leading us all through this rare and wonderful new world of... indigestion? "

12. "Now, I had heard that word at least ten times a day from my old man. He worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay. It was his true medium; a master. But, I chickened out and said the first name that came to mind."

13. "No wonder you're late. Why, this watch is exactly two days slow."

14. "I woke up when I heard our dog barking, and I thought Chadwick was coming in then. But then I realized that it couldn't be, 'cause we don't have a dog. "

15. " I'm sure that in 1985 plutonium is available in every corner drugstore, but in 1955 it's a little hard to come by."

16. "Kay, hold still right there. Now, just imagine you're weightless, in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by tiny little seahorses."

17. " Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple. "

18. "Leapin' lizards!"

19. "I already know an awful lot of people and until one of them dies I couldn't possibly meet anyone else. "

20. "How do you feel?" "I use to use my hands."

Lesson Learned: Great lyrics never leave you

This morning I made the trek south to Florence. As I found myself closer to the equator, the weather completely changed and by Fayetteville, NC I had my windows cracked and the sunroof open. I also found myself half undressing in the car so I wasn't so stinkin' hot! Well, I removed my scarf...Anyways, I listened to the Christmas station until it went away and then transistioned to my "Christmas Songs that don't suck" CD from Kirsten. Once that was complete, I started surfing the radio for other Christmas stations. Needless to say, the first 4 1/2 hours of the trip was strictly Season's songs. I was done at that point and started to surf the radio for ANYTHING else. And then I found it...the tune was familiar and before I knew it I was singing along and even dancing a little bit. I don't care if they were lip syncing, I loved Milli Vanilli! "Blame it on the Rain" was playing and I realized that even after 20 years, I still knew the words. I truly believe regardless of the time in between, great lyrics will never leave you.

My Christmas Blessing

On Friday night, a public utilities worker pounded on my door insisting that I stop using any water due to a meter leak outside. In order to isolate the situation, he was going to shut the main water valve to everyone in my complex. To make a very long story short, it was my meter that was leaking. The condo association sent a plumber on Saturday to make the appropriate fix but unfortunately was unable to complete the job. I thought I was going to be without water all weekend but the plumber was a quick thinker. He asks, "Do you know any of your neighbors well enough to ask them if you can borrow water until Monday?" Unfortunately, I only knew one neighbor and she wasn't home. His response? "Well, now's as good a time as any to introduce yourself." He showed me the house that would be the easiest to borrow, so I went to the door. I recognized the gentleman. A few years ago, this family moved in and he had TN plates on his truck. Well, if you know me at all, I always chat with people from TN and he was no different. I made small talk with him then about being from TN then and when we see each other, we normally say hello. He agreed to open his water up to me while I offered to pay for the 36 hours worth of resources. He insisted that wouldn't be necessary. (This is another confirmation that Tennesseans take care of each other!) So, I got water for the weekend! Today the plumber came back, made the fix, and I am back in business. This evening I had already planned to make cookies for my family and decided to send some over there, too. Fortunately, I have many small food/gift bags for Christmas goodies and filled it up with some homemade cookies and an assortment of Hershey's Kisses from my candy jar. I walked over and knocked on the door to make delivery. He answered the door saw the bag and insisted that he couldn't take it. He says, "That's what neighbors do." I have to admit, I teared up and told him that I really appreciated it and wanted to just bring over some cookies and candy. We exchanged "Merry Christmas" and I left praying that the Lord would pour out His blessing on this family. They had surely blessed me.

Gossip Magazines

So, I don't think I would be making a wrong assumption if I said we all take a peeksy at the gossip magazines at the Grocery store register. Today was a rather classic moment. This woman in front of me was probably in her 40s or 50s. She put all of her items on the belt waited until all of them were put in bags and then she took a quick look around, grabbed OK magazine, and threw it on the belt. The way she did it was so funny because you could tell she was embarrassed to purchase. I just laughed...inside...well mostly inside.

The Cookie Exchange

Last week I went to a cookie exchange with some girlfriends from work. It was really a lot of fun! Everyone brought great treats and our hostess with the mostess fed us all kinds of snacky savory foods. Of course, ever since I have eaten cookies at every meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. What's worse? I have eaten unashamedly. Good thing I'm training for a race or I would be in even more trouble!!!

Thanks, Debbie Meyer!

Ok, people. Laugh if you must, but this banana was purchased last Sunday, December 7. Thanks to Debbie Meyer and her infamous green bags, it has barely ripened and isn't mushy. This is a wonderful investment and I must encourage you to purchase. Your grocery shopping will never be the same.

Christmas Music At Work

My officemate has graciously let me listen to the All Christmas All the Time radio station since returning from the T-Day holiday. I have made some discoveries:

• Debbie Gibson sings "Sleigh Ride" and I L-O-V-E it. This just continues to support the fact that "Electric Youth" was not her last great hit! Unfortunately, they don't play it enough for me.
• EVERYONE and their mother sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Fun Fact: Originally written for Judy Garland in "Meet Me in St. Louis". Notice that some versions say "...muddle through somehow..." and others say "...hang a shining star on the highest bough..." or something like that. The latter was introduced by Frank Sinatra.
• Jimmy Eat World should never have covered "Last Christmas." This song is sacred only to Wham!

Just a thought...

Kenny Loggins is terribly underplayed on the radio.

Paperwhites stink

I'm probably not your average girl when it comes to flowers. If a suitor wanted to bring me flowers, roses would not excite me. I prefer flowers that are simple with clean colors of green and white. So, a few years ago I started growing Paperwhites for the Holiday season. Well, the other night I was sitting at the dining table working on schoolwork and noticed this horrible smell. I had no idea what it was. Did I have rotten potatoes or something? Negative. I discovered something that has absolutely broken my heart. Paperwhites stink!

My Visit to TN

I made a very quick trip to the homeland, Cleve-Vegas, TN for Thanksgiving. It's always nice to go back and see where I grew up and essentially spent most of my life. Other than the few folks I ran into at the Cracker Barrel, I didn't really do much visiting. However, I did have an opportunity to meet up with the Hutchins family and Sara Murphy. Here is a picture of Mur and I with William. Eleanor was not in the mood for pictures and I didn't even think of getting a pic of Johnny (sorry, dude). It was so awesome to be able to spend some time with these folks. This is an example of worlds colliding. Johnny was one of my best buds in my high school years and Mur (her real name is Mary but we call her Mur, very funny story) became one of my bestest friends in college. Funny thing is the two didn't meet until I moved here. Now they are married and reproducing. I love these guys and Mur, I'm still waiting for my bottle of whiskey/Grandma's cough syrup circa 2001. I also met up with Murph. It's funny how she lives in DC now and we traveled about 10 hours to see each other. I think next time we will take the short route and just meet up in NoVA! She is training for Shamrock, so that will be cool to have her down for that. Unfortunately, I didn't get a pic with Murph. I should have but am horrible about remembering to bring this camera around...

Keri bought a house!!

So, my baby sister purchased her first home. I am so proud of her. She is a permanent resident of Cleveland, TN now. I guess there's no chance of convincing her to move to the East Coast.

Daddy Long Legs

My officemate recently loaned me a book, Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster. I immediately fell in love with it and jotted down a few noteworthy quotes:

"It isn't the big troubles in life that require character. Anybody can rise to a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage, but to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh - I really think that requires spirit."

"Oh, I'm developing a beautiful character! It droops a bit under cold and frost, but it does grow fast when the sun shines."

"To bring a man into line, there are just two methods: one must either coax or be disagreeable."

"...a woman, whether she is interested in babies or microbes or husbands or poetry or servants or parallelograms or gardens or Plato or bridge - is fundamentally and always interested in clothes."

Christmas Party Rule

As you know, I love to cook. Almost as much as I love to cook, I love to share recipes. I have found a few ladies at work that enjoy the same thing. During a recent sugar discussion, we decided to have a cookie exchange. One of the girls just recently remodeled her kitchen and, anxious to share, offered to host. We set next week as the date and began finalizing the details. Well, you will never believe what happened. One of the invited guests insisted that we have the party at work after hours because she didn't want to drive anywhere and then she began to push her "rules" for the cookie exchange. If this is not appalling to you, let me share a little secret. When invited to attend a party, do not insist on changes to the party's agenda or location. Be thankful you were included...

I'm Legal

You will be happy to know that I am listening to Christmas music in its appropriate context, between Black Friday and Christmas Day.

Confessions of a Christmas Caroler

Today, I did it. 48 hours early. I was driving along I-95 to my folks' house and began the radio scan for something decent to listen/sing along with. Wouldn't you know they already have Christmas music playing. I had to. I just had to! I actually was tempted on Monday and listened to 2 songs before the guilt was overwhelming and I had to turn it off. "Mindy, don't rush the seasons!" Well, I rushed Christmas music 48 hours and I am not apologetic. I enjoyed it. Don't worry though. I still haven't had my Peppermint Mocha yet. There are still things that are sacred for Christmas only!

French Onion Soup cheese

So, last weekend I made a big pot of my mom's fabulous French Onion Soup. I ended up experimenting with cheeses to go on top. I ran out of Provolone (which is my choice) and used a Mozzerella/Parmesean mix for my last bowl. I decided I prefer the Provolone but wondered what other people prefer on their French Onion Soup. Is there a cheese choice I have not mentioned? Do tell...

I may be crazy...

A few weeks ago, my running partner and I were remembering how great cold weather running is. This morning I woke up for our Saturday morning long run and found the temperature to be 29 degrees. When we arrived, we were laughing that we weren't exactly ready for this drop in temperature! It took a good mile or 2 before my fingers were warm and for some reason my wrists were cold. Isn't that odd? Well, we managed to make our goal for the morning but my nose ran the entire time. Sometimes I wonder if we are crazy for running in the cold but then when it is over and I feel so great, I know that I'm not crazy just ambitious. The sacrifices we make for fitness...

Competition at the "Track"

My during the week running spot is a park called Mt. Trashmore. It is all that it sounds like it would be - a previous dump, but I digress...
I'm always entertained by the dudes that are running around there. You see, there are two kinds: the old guys and the young guys.
I have this unspoken rule about running with the old guys. I purposely don't pass them because I like to think that my mere presence on their heels pushes them to run faster and harder. I feel like it is my civic duty to challenge them. And trust me, everytime I do it, I can tell they are pushing themselves harder than usual to beat this girl. I love it!
Now, the young guys are a different story. I am not morally opposed to passing a young guy. Typically if I do, he picks up the speed so much that I end up passing him again after about a half a mile because he is worn out by his sprint. Today was interesting episode. I heard a young chap on my heels and this dude knew he had a spectator. So, I watched him pass me and begin hurdling park benches and fences. I was impressed because he looked so graceful doing it. So, I tried to keep up with him for awhile just to see what else he could do to entertain me. Then, it happened. The brother didn't quite make it over the park bench and did a little tuck and roll. He actually performed that one gracefully, too! I think the embarrassing episode gave him a second wind because he was gone after that! Oh well, the first mile was fun...

MBD's Response

I have had numerous concerned citizens inquire about my well-being post election. I considered holding a press conference to give my formal statement but decided posting to my blog would be sufficient.

I have experienced a roller coaster of emotions in the last 4 days. I knew I would need to “gird my loins” as Biden advised when I found myself dry heaving around 6pm on Tuesday. I began to prepare for the worst. Fortunately, I was in good company with new found GOP friends at a party when the news came. On the ride home, I began to think about everything and how I felt. I spoke to “Bright Eye,” Karin, first and we discussed the usual woes. Then I began a text war with Joel and he saw the bad side. Once I went to sleep, I knew that I would be in a better position come morning to logically formulate ideas and opinions.

I woke up the next day and my first thought was something that struck me in 2000. John Page wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson and today the words are engraved across the street from the White House. He took a verse from Ecclesiastes and wrote: “We know the Race is not for the swift nor the Battle to the strong. Don’t you think there is an Angel riding in the Whirlwind to direct this storm?” I have to believe that God is sovereign and knows what He is doing. He has appointed this man.

Then I had a second thought. There are times when advising others that certain things are not successful or promising and it falls on deaf ears. For example, parents tell their children not to touch the stove because it is hot. It isn’t until the child actually experiences the heat that he/she understands the parent’s caution. The same is true today. Citizens are curious about bigger government. What if you can really just let the government take care of you? How bad could that be? That curiosity supports my idea of the era of mediocrity. At what expense to us? I’m not sure. We will see it more prevalent than ever but that doesn’t mean it will stay. Remember, just like the muscles in your body, you must be broken before you are made stronger. Sure, January 2009 - January 2012 will be challenging, but anyone can endure challenges for a season.

It would be very easy to take you down the road of concerns and complaints. I have them. If you know me at all, you already know that is true. But it is a new day with new opportunities.

I have had several people ask me, “What do we do now?” This is the time that you put your action where your mouth has been. This begins by praying for our leadership and their decisions. This is also achieved by making a difference in your local community. As conservatives, we believe that it is not the job of the government to take care of people. Their role is to govern. We need to step up to the plate and make sure we are doing it. If your church doesn’t have an outreach program in your community, you either need to move churches or make sure one is started. Tutor tomorrow’s leaders and love on them. Volunteer feeding those less fortunate and give them a reason to get up in the morning. You see without an intrinsic reason for change, government is just giving away fish. There is no hope or salvation with a government check. But when God’s people get out there and offer meaning to life and eternal salvation, we have taught others how and why to fish. Which is a better plan? To give time and money directly to your local needs? Or to be forced to send money to DC so that it can pass through hundreds of hands before ever seeing the light of day in your world. I challenge you to show your community that you don’t need the government to force you to be compassionate.

There is a great concern about the financial well-being of those of us in the middle class. There is good reason for that concern. But let me remind you, if you build God’s house, He will build yours. No matter how much is taken away from you through taxes, know that you are living under God’s economy and you will not go without.

There are a number of promising items that can bring progress to this nation. Nonetheless, I vow to fight tooth and nail against socialism. I will do my part to keep watch on such violations and my Congress representatives will be hearing from me often. My motivation to stand athwart history yelling STOP has only increased. This is our moment and this is our call.

And may I remind you, we got Reagan after Carter…

Happy Halloween!!

So, I have heard it from several people that I don't blog enough. Well, I don't. I'm working on it...


Tonight I went to my friend, Adrienne's Halloween bash. I must say it was lots of fun and there were great costumes. If you know me at all, then you know I'm not wild about costume parties. I just don't get it into it mostly because I'm not creative enough to come up with a clever costume. Once again, I came up with a lame one. In an effort to grab something last minute, my friend, Kirsten, and I headed to Party City to see what they had left. She bought horns. It turns out, horns are her trusty standby. She has more than one pair. I found a VERY nice 1st place ribbon.

I wanted to come up with this clever story when people asked "What did you win first place?" I even sent a text to someone I thought was clever enough but no response. So, I opted for the answer to that question would be "What do you THINK I won first place for?" That way, if someone had a clever answer, I could steal it the rest of the night.


Two noteworthy events occurred at the par-tay: First, our bossman came out! Everyone was shocked and I think he really enjoyed himself. Second, one of our co-workers showed up incognito. He walked in, got some food, and then walked out costumed head to toe. Then, he stood outside the house staring inside while we all made guesses as to who it might be. Once some of the girls chased him down and discovered his identity Mystery Machine style (those pesky kids), we all went on and on about how awesome that was....and rather creepy.

Words of Wisdom from my professor

So, I am sitting in class right now and my professor said something that I am STILL laughing about (outloud, I'll have you know). We are working on a new piece of software (well, new to us) for our class project. Apparently, this software is peculiar in the sense it is easy to delete work. His solution went a little something like this: "I realize this is a multicultural environment, but I'm a Christian...so, Jesus saves and so should you!" Man, this guy is great!!!

Weekend O' Fun

I just spent an awesome weekend with an old friend. My buddy from college, Joel Andrews, moved to DC a few weeks ago. Of course, I was excited to have him come visit. This time around we did the usual Colonial tour. Next time maybe my life will be more exciting and I will show him the high life of Beach life!?!?!

Anyways, first stop: a ferry ride. We drove "the country mile" to the James River and rode over to Jamestown. Joel made some new friends while we waited.

On the ride over, we got out of the car and checked out the sites.

Once in Jamestown, we did what every other tourist would do. We went straight to the Visitor's Center. (In fact, we visited every visitor's center we could find!) Joel found his way to Alabama's flag and I went straight to the beautiful Tennessee flag.






Following Colonial Parkway, we headed to Colonial Williamsburg while stopping to read all historic placards on the way. Joel was a little disappointed when we stopped at this Visitor's Center and I refused to rent colonial costumes. I think these guys made him jealous.

We did all the normal touristy stuff in W'burg until it started to rain. It put a little damper on our time.

A lady asked me when I was taking this picture if I wanted in also. My knee jerk reaction was "no thanks". I guess I am on sabbatical from picture posing due to the last 3 years. I sort of wish I had gotten in this one.

Last but not least, we made a stop at the College of William and Mary. I have always loved this campus and this was my first visit to the Wren Building.

After W'burg, we headed to Yorktown. Needless to say, we were pretty much out of steam at this point and the rain was a pouring.

That evening we joined my girlfriend, Adrienne, for everyone's first Doumar's experience. Doumar's is credited for inventing the waffle cone in 1905 at the St. Louis World's Fair. It's a great dive and I had to visit since it was on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives recently. The food is typical fast fare but the environment is fun. Our waiter was awesome and the waffle cone is delish! I guess you could say we had an educational weekend.

Joel, I will come North soon so you can show me around. Then, we will plan something a little more present day excitement for Va Beach trip round 2.

OBX Saturday PARTY

We spent all day Saturday in the sun. Morning time was at the beach

and afternoon we spent it at the house's pool.

Well, we didn't get in the pool, but we did get in the "cold" tub to cool off. It was nice not to have a rigid schedule. I don't do that often.

Late afternoon, some friends from Va Beach made a trip down for a nice dinner at the Sanderling.

Cake and presents followed at the beach house and some gaming. I won't mention that I was in absolute last place in Apples to Apples. My friend, Rob Socia, had no mercy on this birthday girl!

OBX Friday Fun

Our first night at the beach house was filled with lots of yummy food. Adrienne made chili and then we had funnel cakes and other fried confections while we waited on Pattee to find her way.

We also discovered our love for "Would you rather..." That game literally entertained us the entire weekend. Here's one for you:

Would you rather only eat from a liquid diet or only eat things burnt to a crisp? I was alone on the burnt option...

We also made a night trip to the beach to peek at what was in store for the next day.

OBX for 3-0

I know you are all DYING to know what I did to celebrate the third decade of my life. I had an awesome girls weekend and welcomed several ladies from different parts of my life to VA. Travelers arrived planes, trains, and automobiles style on Friday and we headed south to the Outer Banks, NC. Attendees were:

Sheila Tandoc is a friend that I made while at Liberty Tax Service. She is my personal helpdesk and loves taking pictures. You can always count on her to arrive camera in hand and depend on her to post ALL pictures.

Brittany Carpenter Jepson is one of the first friends I made in kindergarden. From there we attended North Lee, BJHS, BCHS, and Lee University together. To be honest, it's weird to go to graduate school without her!

Ali "Ali-san" Krizner is another friend I made at Liberty Tax Service. She was a fellow Southern Belle in this quasi southern state. Ali has played a role in my running and has become my recipe swapping buddy.

Adrienne Wilker is my newest buddy from General Dynamics and cheese companion. She "hosted" my birthday weekend organizing the girls and our fun. We had a great time experimenting with fried confections the weekend prior.

Patricia "Pattee" Williams is a former Starbucks barista. She is also my church buddy and Half Korean, half Greek, and full FUN friend.

Karin Kramer is a an old college buddy and former neighbor. She also lived here in Va Beach when I originally moved here. She is one Hip Conservative and I can always count on her to travel to DC for an inaugural event.

Chuckle, chuckle

I sat down with a young guy this morning and shared a little bit about my current situation. He said something that was both profound and funny:

"With patience and a fast bimmer, you are going to go far."

Thanks, Mike!

Proud to be a woman

I have spent the last 20 years emotionally and intellectually involved in the GOP. So, I live for election season every 4 years. A few months ago I got wind of a possible VP selection that I found to be appealing. I told folks when we talked Veepstake speculations to watch out for the governor of Alaska. I knew this would be a valuable pick for a number of reasons. When I woke up on Friday, I was prepared to accept Mitt Romney as the pick. I was certain McCain wouldn't pick my girl. My mother called me at 8:30 to inform me the rumors started to fly and it could be Sarah Palin. The day was gone at that point. I had to keep my eyes to Foxnews.com for the story. Before I knew it, my inbox on both my phone and computer was filling up with emails about Palin. It was her! McCain picked my girl!!! I couldn't believe it. Ecstatic and elated are the best descriptions for my reaction. Gov. Palin is an amazing woman and a brilliant pick. Not only will I vote, I will vote with enthusiasm. And for the first time, I plan to participate in the campaign process in my area. I will forever remember this moment in time when a woman of character and substance, a woman that has found balance between family and career, and a woman that isn't afraid to get dirty and sweaty has the opportunity to break the glass ceiling of executive leadership in our country. I have been proud of my country many, many times before now, but I am especially proud to be a woman right now.

DMV Select

So, I have dreaded going to the DMV to title and register my car. I made a trip to a regular DMV location yesterday. If you know me at all, there are very few places that I go without my water bottle. I mean, you never know how long you will be somewhere and your mouth become parched. Upon entering the DMV, a lady told me that they could not help me until I took the water bottle out. NOTE: Do not bring any water bottles into the building. In fact, I would suggest keeping any food or drink at least at a 5 mile radius. I thought, "This is going to set the tone for this visit." I returned and was informed I didn't have the right information. Not much direction or help so that I can return for a successful trip. Well, my girlfriend at work tipped me off to the DMV Select location at the Courthouse. I made the trip this afternoon. I LOVED it! The woman was extremely helpful and courteous. Even though I didn't have a piece of info that she needed, she told me what to do to get it and then waited while I made a phone call to track it down. I let her know over and over again how appreciative I was for her pleasant disposition. I am sending a comment card and letting you know that you should visit them for all your DMV needs (except licenses because they don't do that). No wait, friendly staff, and a very nice facility. You can't go wrong. As for the DMV proper, they are on my hit list with the USPS.

FDT Wisdom

"This crisis half a world away confirms what I’ve been saying for a while: This election cycle, the traffic in the world is very heavy …and dangerous; it’s no time to give a kid with barely a learner’s permit the keys to the car." Fred D. Thompson

John L. Hutchins - It's been so long

I completely forgot to mention what a wonderful pleasure it was to see John L. Hutchins on my trip to Cleveland. His extensive library (including the Septuagint and Die Bibel) would lead you to believe he has profound theological knowledge. I hear he is pretty smart. I mean, he did marry Mur...

Much Needed Girl Time!

Me and Mur

Joanna and Amy "Whatup" Watkins made a trip north to visit with Mur and I on Saturday. What fun!!! We kicked the day off with a trip to Becky's. Joanna bought 3 pairs, Whatup bought 3 pairs, and I bought 2 pairs. Joanna informed me that at the beginning of the trip, she was praying for safety and Whatup interjected "and allow us to find good deals at Becky's". Joanna wanted us to remember that Whatup prayed our steals and deals in. According to Whatup, "You have to trust Him in the little things." Amen, sister. Then we scooped up Mur and headed to Gardner's Market. I tried my first Muffleta (since I was going to be eating chicken salad later at Jenkins) and really enjoyed it. Then, we decided to do what every good Lee Alumni/COGers would do in Cleveland - Pathway Bookstore.

I'm not 30 yet, so I can get away with being silly. We laughed alot and fortunately did not get thrown out. To kill time until we got hungry again for Jenkins, we decided to do some drive-bys of old residences and then visit the campus (my 2nd time). Whatup and I decided to get pictures with the Sigma fountain (SHINE ON!) and the Beach Building. Joanna and I just got a random picture on the fondly remembered Ped Mall.

Me and Whatup - ENE Spring '97 with our fountain

This could be our last visit to the Beach Building. It is being replaced.

Me and Joanna on the Ped Mall. The furniture there is nice these days.

Lee University Tour

So, I did something that I never do when I go home. I took a tour of Lee University. Brad and I took Pattee and Rob around to show them the school and I decided it was time to get a picture with my brick!

Whitewater Rafting

I finally made a trip home to Cleve-Vegas. My friends, Pattee and Rob, decided they would come if I took them Whitewater rafting. My buddy, Kent Holmes, is still guiding and made arrangements for us to take a trip. I was excited to see Kent since it has been forever since we last spoke. Fortunately, we were the last trip down and Kent only took the 3 of us in the raft. I promise it was the best trip down I have ever had. He was able to play around alot and we revisited a lot of the rapids since there were only a handful of rafts out that afternoon. Of course, he gave his tourist lines of the history of each rapid and the geology of the mountains. Pattee and Rob said he has ruined it for them to ever go with anyone else. It was tops!

Fruit of my labor

If you remember, I have planted tomatoes for the first time in my life. Yesterday, I picked my first ripe tomato! Now, I am not a huge tomato fan but there is something about eating from your own backyard. I sliced the tomato, threw half an avocado on top, and enjoyed every yummy morsel. I can't wait for the others to ripen. This garden thing is awesome. Stay tuned for the lone jalapeno that should be ripe soon.