Awesome weekend coming up!

I am so stoked about this coming weekend. I'm going camping and rafting with some friends.

8 of us are showing up on the Hiwassee River Saturday to do some lazy river rafting. I'll have a 1-man inflatable kayak thingy. I heard stories that last year people did the 2-man ones, and there was quite a bit of, um, opposition among the rafters, a sight to behold with much laughter nonetheless.

After this, 11 of us will head to camp for some drinkin' and story-tellin' around a fire...I'm leavin' this part to be determined on how it'll turn out.

Sunday afternoon 9 of us are heading over to the Ocoee for some Class III and IV rapids! I did this one last year. It was soooo much fun. The guide kept picking on me...which was hilarious 'cause he kept dumping me under the rapid. I'd scream under the water, then laugh uncontrollably every time I came out...repeat about a dozen times!

It's gonna be a blast!

Sometimes it's good to be single and childless...

Because last night I finally got to catch up on my sleep!! 13 hours, oh yeah! I'm feeling good today!

Man's companion

I went out of town for business, and things were terrific! Everything related to work went right. And on top of that...I got 2 marriage proposals!

I took notice that even though the proposals were joking, they both only did so because I was doing some kind of service or kindness to someone else. One time was because I offered to get drinks for everyone from the kitchen, the other was because I was emptying the trash. I think this is rather telling of the behavior of the modern woman. As I offered to get drinks, the other women in the room were saying the guys could get their own drinks.

When did we as women lose the unction to serve and help? I feel happy when I can do something, even as little as emptying the trash, to make another person's environment better. I think it's a real tragedy that in today's society that women believe we are equal to men in all things. I support gender roles...I personally think we got the better end of the deal!

Flooding in Middle Tennessee

So everyone may be aware by now that Nashville is under water in many places. The rain just won't stop. We have gotten 25% of a year's average in 2 days; 18 inches...in two days...

Fortunately for me, I am still dry with power and clean water. I was wise to cancel all my weekend plans and just stay home. From the time it started raining until the time the rain had pretty much stopped, I only stepped outside enough to walk Titan. When I finally did venture out a short while ago, I saw plenty of areas where there had been high waters, but the water had receded in most of the roads and parking lots leaving behind the debris, sediment, and destroyed pavement.

I have been a bit surprised that CNN and Fox have not covered this story at all, at least not from what I've seen. I understand they are covering the oil spill in the the Gulf and a car bomb that didn't detonate in Times Square. Interesting...I guess they just all know that Tennesseans are resourceful enough to take care of ourselves and don't need to plea to the nation to take care of us.

I chopped it all off!!

Don't hate me...


Over the last 6 months I have cut off about 18-19 inches of my hair. It is now above my shoulders! And I have BANGS!! I've not had bangs in like 15 years, or my hair quite this short in about 20.

I like it though. I needed a change, and this is sufficing for now.

Anniversary

Today I got a 2-year service award at work. April 7 will mark two years I've been with my company and moved back to Tennessee.

I'm really please with what I have accomplished while at work. I won't take this opportunity to list examples as that would be conceited, but I am pleased.

I've been asked to leave my job and move these last few months, with family moving away, and whatnot, but I really just enjoy my job too much to give it up.

A quick "thanks" to my boss for giving me a shot, putting up with me for 2 years, and encouraging me to do better.

Opportunity lost.

Even though opportunity was lost, it can still be redeemed. Repent for the cause of the loss, and God can redeem.

Just a reminder.

HaloScan

With HaloScan failing, I was forced to change things up a bit. I'm just gonna stick with blogger commenting for now.

Snow/Ice storm!!

I'm certain everyone knows by now that Tennessee has been hit with some snow, then ice. I walk outside on the snow, not in the snow, but on top of the snow. It's 4-5 inches thick in some places and with a layer of ice on top, I just walk right over the top of it, no footprints left behind.

Anyway, I was out letting Titan run around, sliding into cars and snowbanks, and I notice someone trying to back out of a parking space. I questioned whether I should assist as a good neighbor would, or let them stay stuck so they wouldn't be out driving in this mess. Well, I decided to help. After a few minutes of digging out the snow from behind the tires and pushing the car to get it going, the car gets unstuck. The driver, from Michigan, is extremely thankful, and comments that neighbors just aren't that "friendly" anymore. I was glad I could help change that perception! Later that afternoon, she stops by my apartment and gives me a gift certificate to Starbucks! Score two!

So, I've been sitting in front of a fire all weekend, at home staying warm. Thankfully I was able to get the food I need (hot chocolate included), and rent a couple movies, and make a great weekend of it.

I am sorry to have missed playing with the nephews, but driving an hour when it was not required, I figured it was best to stay home, especially after hearing about 2 ambulances and 1 mailtruck flipping.

So, how was your weekend?

Still good.

I just got back from a trip to Hobbs, NM. I had very interesting experiences there, but most importantly, the job I went to do flowed seamlessly. We were converting the hospital there from one computer system to another one that we can support. I'm thankful for my first transition to have gone so well.

In my personal life, things are still going pretty well. I'm enjoying time with friends and family. I'm happy to have my dog back upon returning from my business trip. And on top of everything I think I'm coming to a personal realization about releasing self-condemnation about making mistakes...Praise God!

All is well.

Just checking in.

I hope everyone has all their Christmas shopping done, 'cause the stores are chaos now. If you're travelling this holiday, as I am, I pray you have a safe trip.

Anyway, I hope everything is as well with y'all as it is with me!

Wow....time flies!

I have been so busy! Lots of change going on in my life.

The most significant change is tomorrow is my last day at my job!! I got a new position in a different department. I'll get to do some travel, which is AWESOME! I'm completely stoked about the job. The best part is that I'm not leaving my current job because I'm unhappy. I've been in a great job with great coworkers and manager. I'm simply moving on because the opportunity is difficult to pass up. I think that is the best way to leave a job...no burned bridges!

Yeah, plans are fluid.

Oh ye of little faith. The pictures from the cruise are posted!


Check out those hues of blue!! So beautiful that a camera can't possibly do it justice.

On the way back to the ship in Cozumel.

Dr. Who, the chef! The Mexican Cooking Class was the bestest excursion ever! If you go on a cruise and have the opportunity...DO IT!!!

View from the aft.

Check out sexy Dr. Who!!! (That's my dress, btw)

Dr. Who and I went on a cruise through the Caribbean instead of going on the motorcycle ride. We had a blast!! We did my all time favorite shore excursion of a Mexican Cuisine Cooking Class, alcohol included. Oh man....did we have fun!! If I get to it soon enough, I'll attempt to post some pics again.

9 days on the motorcycle!!!

Starting out first thing Saturday morning we're taking off for 9 days on the motorcycles!! Nate and hopefully Dr. Who on their bike and me on Little Red. The destination is the road...eventually leading us to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. What I'm learning though that the trip isn't so much about the destination as it is about the road that gets you there. I'm SO STOKED!

I finally bought myself some proper motorcycles boots and pants, too!! I'm getting Diadora (Italian leather) boots and Fieldsheer pants. The boots speak for themselves with the word "Diadora". The pants are kickbutt! They have protection for the shins, knees, kidney areas, and hips! Plus the material is abrasion resistant and waterproof!! They're going to look awesome with my Scorpian jacket! Can you tell I'm excited?

So...send us your prayers for safety while we're on the road. It's appreciated.

Going to NYC!

Photos finally worked!


Between the skyscrapers...

Central Park...

Empire State Building...

First subway ride ever (*note the worried look! Good thing Aunt Whiskey Girl is there.)...

in Central Park...

Still in Central Park...

View from Central Park (We go to the Big City just to find the closest thing to home!)...

I've tried to add photos to the previous post like three times but blogger is being disagreeable, or my computer needs to be cleaned up. One or the other, I don't have time to mess with it right now.

Tomorrow immediately after work I'm taking a plane to NYC. We're celebrating Mentsh and Dr. Who's birthdays. We have a lot of activities planned, and I think we'll have a blast. Unfortunately, I'll be arriving late Friday night and leaving Sunday evening. I couldn't afford to take a day off of work... :(

I'm stoked about getting outside of my comfort zone again. It's been a long while since I travelled. It's gonna be fun, and I'll be with my family!

See y'all later!

I'm in Panama City Beach!!

Mom and I decided a while back that we both were desperate to put our toes in the sand and walk the beach, so we made a pact to head to PCB for Labor Day weekend. One thing led to another, and I'm here with my mom, my sister Mentsh, her two daughters, and my stepmom. We are having a BLAST! This is the first time for the younger neice to ever see the beach. The older one saw it when she was a baby, so it doesn't really count, either. They are becoming quite the little beach babies!

Mom made a new creation on a variation of Fiesta Lime Chicken tonight...it was SO GOOD! We've walked the beach twice, built a sea turtle out of sand, swam in the ocean, had fish nibble at our feet, and went to a beachside restaurant. Tomorrow we're going putt putt, and I'm hoping to convince the others to go the jetski route.

OH! We were driving around and we passed by one of those places that rents scooters, and one of them had two SPYDERS for rent!! I was so tempted, but it's not something the others would enjoy, so it'll have to wait for another trip.

I hope y'all are having as great of a Labor Day weekend as I am!

Happy Birthday!!

Two birthdays today...my brother-in-law, Mike, and a friend, Phil.

Happy Birthdays, old men! I hope you're having a good one!

I'm in Michigan.

I drove here through the night last night after work with one of my girlfriends. As I drove through Indianapolis, yes, I thought of you, MM. It was 1am, and I don't have your phone number with me. Maybe if you get it to me by the time I pass back through on my way home, we'll stop by, and you can meet my dog!

I'm enjoying holding little Jackson in the picture in the post a few down. He is so cute and such an agreeable baby!

Funny video!

This is Titan at North Lick Creek. It should be called Slick Creek!

I can still barely breathe...

I don't think Titan will be chasing after skunks again.

Poor feller had been begging to go out for some time while I had my hands full coooking. So as soon as I finished up my cooking and cleaning up around 5am, I decided to walk him. He finishes his business, and we cut between cars heading back to my apartment, and suddenly Titan takes off running full force, dragging me about 15 feet behind on one of those retractable leashes, and boy am I thankful for those extra feet!

The foolish dog was going after a damned skunk! It was still dark, just starting to light up some, so I could see he went after an animal, had it in his mouth, dropped it, then I pulled him away, and I realized it was a skunk when I saw the white striped animal dash into a hole in the ground.

I don't have to tell you how wretched that smell is...like something nasty was burning. I stood outside my door a moment contemplating how to approach the situation, while Titan is foaming at the mouth and drooling. I decided an immediate bath was about the best I could do with supplies on hand.

So now that he's been bathed, I had to throw away his nice leather collar. He's out on the patio until I'm convinced he's stopped drooling and stinking.

Anyhow...fun way to start a weekend, especially when I'm supposed to be gone all day today!