Mel's blog

Wow. It's been a YEAR.

2010-09-09T11:45:00.001-07:00

Maybe it's the hope of Fall in the air, but I feel the energy to reflect and write more- I had pretty much forgotten about this blog until today. Poor thing.

So... some quick updates and some pictures to come soon.

1. I am 17 weeks pregnant! I feel great now, but I can't believe I survived my miserable first trimester. It was brutal. (I had no idea pregnancy could do that a woman. ) We find out in 2 weeks if we're having a little brother or little sister! That's my favorite OB appointment and I can't wait. :)

2. Grady Cole will be 2 in October and he is something else. He is creative and hilarious and has a MIND OF HIS OWN. He talks like a little adult which adds to his cuteness but also to my daily frustration when he can specifiy, "No, mama. I don't want to see THAT construction equipment. I want to the see the mini excavator and yellow backhoe." He keeps us laughing, though. Some of my favorite moments are when he sings songs to himself, has "dance-offs" with Brad, reads me books he has memorized, and says, "I love you, Mama," and blows me a kiss across the room.

3. We are moving... maybe. We put our house on the market yesterday and have a contingincy offer on another close by. A little more space, a killer interest rate (4.25!!), and the timing for baby #2 make for a good window to try. If we sell before closing date, hooray. If not, we'll probably stay put. 1100 sq. feet is tight, but we like our current location. Let's just hope I can survive having a house on the market with a toddler in the mix. Yikes.

4. Brad is finishing up his current project in Southlake and will soon be starting another one. In Frisco. I am not so happy about the super-long commute (on top of 12-hour work days) when I'll have 2 kiddos all to myself from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., but the "glass half-full" view is that it's only a 14-month project. Sigh.... I miss him like crazy when he's gone. :(

More to come! No, really....

The Finish Line

2009-09-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

2007 Tyler Half Marathon

Sometimes I think of life in terms of a race. As a distance runner, I understand the importance of training, of ingesting just the right things to keep you strong, and the desperate need to have fans cheering you on when that hill in front of you threatens to beat you once and for all. I like the challenge of having a big, intimidating, "seems impossible" goal, because in the middle of a tough run, I find that spiritual moment where I know how weak and insignificant I really am. And when I'm at the end of my rope... at the end of "me"... I find there is always more. That surprise, that realization that you are capable of more than you think, tells me a lot about how small our perception of God is. If we really KNEW just how big He was, if we really KNEW just how much more we could do on this earth, if we really KNEW how much more potential He has placed in each of us- then we would get off our rears and be challenged to make a change. (Disclaimer: the previous words are being influenced by my current reading of Crazy Love- talk about uncomfortable... I am squirming just THINKING about Chan's chapter on lukewarm Christianity.)

So- the main reason I run (really far distances) is that it teaches me something and I like the challenge of conquering something seemingly impossible. And here's why I am EXCITED about the "finish line" in a couple months.

Summer, 2003: I decide I am going to run a marathon. I form a training group, pick a race, and talk a bunch of other people into my crazy idea. (I also meet Brad in this training group and we get to know each other through those grueling 6 a.m. long runs.)

November, 2003: Three weeks before the race, I get injured at the 20-mile mark and can't run the marathon (coincidentally, so does Brad with the same injury.... ahhh... kind of like sympathy pains?) I was pretty bummed after all those months of preparation.

Fall, 2004: Attempt #2 for the marathon, get another injury during training at the 15-mile mark. Grr.

Spring, 2005: After a new-found love for adventure racing has taken over, decide to train for the marathon a third time. Get another injury over half-way in to training and can't make it.

2006 Tyler 12-hour Adventure Race

Winter, 2007: Decide I want to, ONCE AND FOR ALL, meet my goal and run that marathon. Brad and I decide to run the Cape Cod Marathon for our 30th birthdays in October of 2008. Instead, (surprise change of plans!) I delivered Grady at the same time we would have been crossing that finish line (let me insert, here, that 30 hours of labor is a different kind of marathon, so I didn't miss out on that "challenge" aspect of the weekend. But what an adorable result!)

Present Day: Aren't you excited for us after reading my dramatic journey up to this point?! Ha- not sure anyone will ever read this. (I haven't blogged in like 6 months?) We are just 2 months away from FINALLY crossing that finish line when we run the San Antonio Rock-n-Roll marathon in November. I've changed my training approach (translation: I run a LOT less) and am so far injury-free... hang in there, little IT band!

So, if you hear the shouts of triumph all the way from San Antonio as we hobble across that finish line on November 15th, know that it's been a process over many years to finish this race (if we actually make it this time!) ... and be encouraged that just like the set backs in running, you are gauranteed to have ups and downs in your life. But you are also gauranteed to finish the race- and you aren't alone on the journey. With fans cheering you on and a heavenly Father that scoops you up when you fall, keep trudging along. There is going to be one MAJOR post-race celebration on the day we all get together at the ultimate finish- I hope there will be Chick-fil-a chicken biscuits there. :)

2009 Oklahom City Half Marathon

This and That

2009-01-30T10:36:00.000-08:00

Man, I am a terrible blogger. I'm good at plenty of other things, though. Like eating cookies... yeah, I am pretty much the best at that- I'll throw down a challenge any time. I think I'll spend some time this next month adding posts: "Things I never blogged about." Like wedding pictures (Yes, that was more than a year ago, but we just got them a few weeks ago.... don't get me started) and the rest of our Europe trip last April... oh, and the incredible first few months of my son's life... in no certain order. :)

It's been a really fun transition into a family of three with Grady's arrival in our lives. The hardest transition of my life so far, but still wonderful. Being a parent is HARD- and I only have one child! I constantly marvel at the amazing parents around me and have found a new sense of gratitude for my own parents... you learn a lot in just a few months.

Grady is such a delight. We are always laughing with him- I had no idea 3-month-olds could have so much personality! He seems intent on being the center of attention and is very good at being LOUD. Is that a boy thing?

And here are just few random items about what's been happening in this crazy life of mine:

1. We are headed towards another half-marathon in a couple months. I kind of wish we could do the full, but it's hard enough to log any miles at all with a new baby.... he can't run quite fast enough yet to keep up.

2. I am figuring out this part-time work thing- it's tricky, but I am SO thankful to still be in ministry... such a blessing that it worked out for us!

3. I successfully fed our family for 11 days on 20 bucks. I didn't exactly need to, it was just to see if I could- and I made the rule all food had to be good (no Ramen noodles... not that those aren't good, it just would have been an un-nutritious cop-out.) The challenge was a success, but I spent so much time in the kitchen I decided it was worth taking some more expensive short cuts to balance the whole cost/time issue... it was fun being creative, though. (Disclaimer: I did use some frozen items from the freezer and spent exactly $19.99 on top of that.) Also, I don't know that I'll ever go back to store-bought bread... making it is so easy and it tastes tons better.

4. Brad and I got a Wii and I haven't laughed so hard in a LOOONG time as I did watching Brad hoola hoop on the wii fit. Hilarious. You gotta come over and see.

5. I read a book that I thought would give me ideas on how to cook different kinds of healthy grains in lots of recipes... instead it depressed me since the whole first part of the book describes how the meat industry is basically killing the planet... I'd much rather be an uninformed, mindless comsumer who contributes to the problem.

6. I left Grady overnight for the first time last weekend! Brad did amazing and he described the experience to be a lot like a 24-hour adventure race. I assured him that I totally believed him.

More to come... hopefully sooner than 3 months...

One Year

2008-12-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

So much can happen in one short year! Brad and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary this weekend and we can not believe how the last twelve months have just flown by. It has been an amazing year and I couldn't be happier than I am every moment I get to spend with Brad. I fall more in love with him every day. What a great adventure.

As we celebrated our first year of marriage, we laughed and laughed about God's sweet timing and the way He can bless us in such unexpected ways. We would have never believed that we would have a 7-week-old on our first anniversary (we had to get a babysitter- thank you, Aunt Suzanna!!) and would you believe we had baby pictures BEFORE our wedding pictures? Life is pretty amazing... and wonderfully unpredicatable sometimes. (We have also been nervously laughed about what surprises next year may hold!)

Grady's Birth Story

2008-11-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

Okay... I know it's been six weeks, but here it is.. .finally. More to come!
Grady Cole was born on October 19th at 2:00 a.m. We could not be more thrilled. I began having "need to breathe through them" contractions on Friday night about 9 p.m. I stayed up all night pacing, breathing, and then finally getting ready to head to the hospital early Saturday morning when they were finally about 4 minutes apart for a couple hours. We were (thankfully!) admitted when they confirmed my water had broke (oops- I didn't even know) and I was SO relieved they didn't send me home because I was already exhausted.

Then the fun began with more regular contractions, pitocin to speed things up after a few hours, and what seems like a blur of back rubs, monitors, and staff shift changes. I had great nurses- and since I was progressing slowly I had a lot of time to spend with them. Grady's heart rate dipped a little low a time or two, but I'll never forget sometime onSaturday evening when the doors opened and staff came rushing in. I was suddenly getting a shot to stop labor, being flipped over and having my belly rubbed- all eyes were on that monitor and I could see Grady's heart rate dropping off the graph. A few moments seemed like an eternity, but everything was okay after that and we were back at square one. Late Saturday evening we decided something was wrong after his heart rate dropped again with strong contractions, so the C-section was set in motion. I was terribly dissappointed, but so relieved knowing our baby would arrive safely after 20 plus hours of laboring.

During the operation (it's now Sunday by this time) they confirmed that the cord was wrapped around his neck 3 times and that part of it was up by his head which explained his distress. I am so thankful for a capable hospital staff! God is so good.

We are having a BLAST and learning so much- the pics above are from his first moments of life... more to come on the amazing moments of the past six weeks.

The Countdown...

2008-10-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

We officially have FIVE days until the ETA for Baby H.... (who, by the way, FINALLY has a name!! "Grady Cole Henderson." Good thing he wasn't early or his birth certificate might have said "Baby H.") If he doesn't make his grand debut by then, we have an induction scheduled for Wednesday morning the 22nd!

It STILL does not seem real that we'll be meeting this little blessing so soon and I still just don't feel "pregnant enough" to be that close to the end- I expected to feel pretty miserable by this point, but I feel so good I'm not in a hurry to evict this little guy!

So, in honor of the 5-day mark, here's my Top Five Memories looking back over the last 9 months...

1. Seeing that "plus" sign in the little window one random Tuesday morning in February. I can't believe I didn't pass out and I am even more amazed that I actually made it to work and managed to function at ALL that day.

2. Telling Brad the news two days later on Valentine's Day. His face was priceless and I was shaking like a leaf. We celebrated by going to eat at Planet Burrito and I know our jaws were hanging open for most of the evening- Brad describes the whole evening as "kind of a blur."

3. The first ultrasound and the moment we saw the little life that was growing inside me. We were speechless when we saw the hearbeat and little fluttering kicks on the screen. We'll never forget the overwhelming sense of relief knowing that everything looked good and the baby was growing healthy.

4. The second ultrasound and finding out we were having a boy! That was by far the most fun doctor's visit and we loved having our family there for the big "reveal!" I couldn't peel my eyes off the screen as the doctor looked closely and explained all the ways our baby was growing healthy and strong.

5. The way God has blessed our marriage over these last 9 months. With only 11 months of marriage behind us, we have learned so much about each other and I can honestly say EVERY DAY has been better than the last. It has been so easy to love Brad and this pregnancy has showed us a great deal about priorities, God's sovereignty, and the unexpected in life.

*** We continue to pray for a safe delivery and for whatever it is that comes afterwards (something called parenthood, I believe?) We know our adventure is just beginning and as always appreciate the support and prayers from everyone!

Showered with blessing...

2008-09-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

I had a fabulous shower 2 weeks ago with my precious church family and friends. I don't have pics yet, but it was so such a special day and I felt so supported and loved... I don't know how people get by without a church community.

Last weekend I had another shower... this one was unique because it was back home where I grew up. I was really blessed- it means so much to be honored by people who were such a significant part of my childhood.

My sweet sister-in-law, Suzanna, brought this beautiful cake! My other sister-in-law, Lauren, and my sister, Mollie, made some incredible nametags and decorations. How CUTE are they?

Jaime asked for some maternity photos- this is the best belly shot I have from the shower (can you believe we hadn't taken any yet?) And please note the stain on my shirt- that happens a lot these days since my stomach bumps into things... the little fingers which belong to my adorable niece on the couch may have had something to do with it, too (I'm squishing her, by the way, which is easy to do right now, let me tell you! She was laughing, though, I promise.)

Scary Milk!!

2008-09-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

I had a moment yesterday.... I bought a carton of milk and as I was putting it in the fridge I noticed something VERY frightening on the box. This milk will not expire until AFTER my due date!! Yikes! How crazy is that? Ok, so it IS the organic kind with a crazy long shelf life (for milk, anyway) but STILL... the fact there is a perishable food item in my refrigerator that could outlive my pregnancy gives me little fits of panic.

People keep asking me if I am "so ready for the pregnancy to be over." My answer is a definite NO. I feel pretty wonderful most of the time and I am thrilled to still have a few more weeks to prepare. Baby H can just stay in there as long as he wants... well, within reason. :)

Now everytime I open the fridge the milk is staring at me... like it knows...

Lost Pines Resort

2008-09-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

What a great, long weekend. It was the perfect recipe for a memorable get-away: family, amazing food, lounging, sleeping late, gorgeous scenery...

The resort was beautiful.

We laid around the pool, made s'mores in the evenings at the fire pit, and just enjoyed the lazy pace and being together. A GREAT way to celebrate. We finished off the mini-vacation with a trip to downtown Austin where we stayed in a hotel and and met my family for a fabulous meal at The Melting Pot. I actually had to run to the bathroom at one point because I was laughing so hard that a dangerous level of pressure was put on my poor cramped bladder (thanks for that, Baby H.)

We even had a celebrity sighting in our Austin hotel... apparently this guy ran the Nike 10K Human Race and was chatting with his friends and new baby in the lobby. (That's Matthew M*Conaughey in case you're a little slow like me... Brad had to tell me twice that he was standing there... but I think Brad's main focus was how much he hated his shirt).

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day! Ours was the best yet...

Relaxation and Celebrations...

2008-08-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I am pretty much loving August of 2008. Things have slowed down a little with the end of summer (just for a couple weeks, but I'll take it!) I've actually had a couple weekends HOME to clean up around the house and lounge with my adorable husband watching random TV entertainment and just being silly. I read a whole book in two days, made cookies, and beamed at my very short to-do list. I am hesistant to flip the page in my planner (I know the shift of busier days is ahead with September), but I hope I don't forget to intentionally plan for a little relaxation among all the "to-do's." It's good for the soul, you know. :)

Baby news: I am 32 1/2 weeks pregnant... I feel fantastic most of the time and am continually thankful for a healthy pregnancy and a baby boy that is growing right on track. We are nervous new parents, of course, and after our first "Prepared Childbirth Class" last week, I'm not sure that Brad will be attending the birth. He would have appreciated a little "heads up" on the video. (He handled it way better than the poor man who was almost hyperventilating afterwards... poor guy.) We aren't sure what to expect as October draws closer- but we are excited to find out. Any words of wisdom from you knowledgeable parents out there are appreciated, by the way.

Big Birthday news: Since October will be "baby month" we are planning a birthday excursion for ourselves this weekend. (Brad and I are both October birthdays and both turning 30! That's a reason to celebrate!) Since we can't travel far or run a destination marathon as we'd originally planned (insert hilarious image of me running a marathon at 9 months pregnant), we are content to hit a resort hotel this weekend and then hang out in Austin with family and soak up as much attention as possible before being upstaged by the new October birthday this year.

Other unrelated news: I am so excited that we have finally upgraded our sad, mildew-y wicker patio chairs for these that arrived yesterday!! I am even more excited for fall weather to enjoy them... hooray for rocking...

The smell of new carpet...

2008-07-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

You know that feeling when you walk on velvety-soft sand in your bare feet? Well, my new carpet isn't quite that nice, but is a considerable step up from the well-worn and rather stained former carpet that I happily saw ripped up a couple weeks ago. It's amazing how lovely, new carpet can make a whole house seem so clean and fresh. I occasionally sprawl out on it and enjoy not wondering about the origin of that mysterious yellow stain from the previous home owners. I think we also felt better about plopping a new little human life down on a fresh canvas. All for the peace of mind... oh, and because it looks pretty. :)

Aside from smelling my new carpet, my days are spent (already!) wrapping up the summer here in the next couple weeks- although you wouldn't guess that from the consistent 100+ temps lately. (Yuck. Bun in the oven + walking around in an oven = very high electric bills. TXU, you're welcome.)

Here is the family pic from our "Homecation 2008." Please note how adorable my grandad and his girlfriend are- and yes, that is my parents' dog in a t-shirt.

AND- camp was greatness. It was a special week for our kiddos and I LOVED the incredible times of worship. (Although I did get attacked there by a 2-lb chihuahua that tripped me while I was running- I almost crushed his little body into pieces but saved him by dive-rolling into the mud. He thanked me by trying to bite my neck.)

Summer Daze...

2008-07-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Do you remember those summer days as a kid that seemed to drag on and on with lazy mornings and afternoons of swimming and lounging? I miss those days. Summers are nothing like that in the youth ministry world- quite the opposite, in fact. There is much to love about a youth ministry summer, but I sometimes daydream about what it would be like to have the gift of unscheduled time. I would start by swimming until I got all pruny. :)

Since my blogging is chronically sporatic, I'll give you some all-important life updates.

1. I am in my 26th week of pregnancy- ALREADY. Wow. That is 6 months according to "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and 7 months according to Babyzone.com. I am completely confused by the whole system anyway, so it's no surprise to me that there is no consensus on the month-thing. Maybe I'll just start counting down the actual days. We have 105 of them until Baby H's ETA.

2. Last week I accidentally kicked a dead rat covered in maggots with my bare toes. It was as gross as it sounds and I am forever scarred.

3. I leave in 5 days for one of my all-time favorite summer events: CAMP! I love it despite the vicious wasps and balmy east Texas weather.

4. I just got back from the Blanks Family's 2nd annual "Homecation." The motto for our event: "Less fuel. More fun." We played games, ate until we were stuffed, and laughed at our own dumb jokes for 3 whole days. Awesome.

This is my cutie group of 7th graders on our mission trip in June. They were so much fun.

It's a....

2008-06-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

BOY!
We had a blast at our appointment this morning. Our families drove up for the "big ulstrasound" and we documented guesses with the video camera (everyone there guessed girl) before getting the word from the doctor that it was definitely NOT a girl! We are so thankful to see that everything is good and he is healthy and active. (It's weird to be able to say "he!")

Europe Part 1

2008-05-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Our first stops in Italy were my favorite. Lake Como was probably #1 of the whole trip.

(This picture mysteriously shrank.) We hiked up a few miles into the mountains in Lake Como for some incredible overlooks.

The lake climate is amazing and it is just breath-taking everywhere you look. Sprawling gardens, beautiful hiking trails, balconies built high into the mountainside. Everyone here seems relaxed... there is no car traffic and you couldn't hurry somewhere if you tried.

This is the view from our hotel room balcony in the early evening. Can you see what we didn't want to leave?

Italy Stop #2: The Cinque Terre. Gorgeous! We hiked some trails and would have been content to do so for days and days.

We didn't want to leave our Cinque Terre village, either. Our little loft hotel room is in the upper part of this cliff sticking out into the ocean. Talk about a room with a view!

We're Back!

2008-04-09T11:42:00.001-07:00

We are home from Italy! I'll post some of my favorite pics soon, but here is one of my new all-time favorite places. (Lake Como... incredible.)

Speaking of incredible, here's a little announcement that spurred our somewhat impromptu trip overseas... I could have posted this sign across my pack for our little 10-day adventure:

That's right, folks. Brad and I took along a very small passenger! Having been married just a few months, you can see why this is what we call "the surprise of our lives." We are thrilled and still a little in shock that with an October due date, we'll have a two-month-old on our first anniversary! We know God's timing is always perfect... and He continues to teach both of us so much though we still feel like we have so much to learn. We can't wait to see where this new adventure will take us... and are incredibly thankful to have so much support along the way.

Here are a few lessons I have learned (or re-learned) lately:

1. God is in control, even when we think we are.

2. It is not possible to eat too much gelato.

3. It is very possible to eat too much pasta.

4. Pregnancy hormones and jetlag are a pretty brutal combination.

5. The European foot paddle for flushing a toilet is pretty much the greatest invention ever.

Bad Blogger...

2008-04-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

I know I am... I'll try and do better. Sometimes I have a hard time completing a thought in my own head, much less an entire post. Am I the only one who feels so A.D.D. sometimes?

I realize that I must, in the proper blogger etiquette, catch you up on all the very important aspects of my life that you may have missed in my absence:

1. I couldn't sleep last night and was wisely spending my waking hours watching American Idol. Did anyone else see the little orphan girl find her sister during the charity promo? Was anyone else bawling like a baby? Good grief.

2. I do not understand this fashion trend:

Please don't be offended if you own a pair... I just don't get this one. With shorts? Really? If you haven't seen this, they are making appearances on the feet of high school- twenty something girls all over the place. I notice them everywhere I go now. (Or some variation of them.)

3. People of Blog Land, you gotta try mashed cauliflower if you've never made it. It looks just like mashed potatoes, has 110% of your daily vitamin C requirement, and tastes veggie-licious. Add a little milk, garlic, etc., and even paprika if you want to be fancy. Mmm... There are recipes all over the world wide web.

4. Brad and I are coming up on our 4-month anniversary. Hooray for us! We are having so much fun and are about to head to ITALY next week! More on that later... we'll have wedding pics soon, but our photographer posted a couple of his favorites. I hope it's ok if I re-post a couple here... (His name is Fred Egan so I'm giving him due credit!)

Our wonderful wedding party

I love this one: Isn't he the cutest groom ever? Ricky did the ceremony and my brother is in front.

Best part of this pic is my dad's face as he pelts Brad in the head with rose petals.

My sister...

2008-01-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

is AMAZING. It's not her birthday, there is really nothing particularly special about today, but I just had a need to tell the blogging world that I am indeed blessed to have such an incredible person in my life. She is such a wonderful friend, brilliant at everything she does, and goes out of her way to show people how much she cares (example: planning my entire wedding including... to name just a few... taking engagement and bridal photos, choosing decorations and music, designing and printing invitations, basically being in charge of the entire reception... all while working and raising 4 little kids.)

We've always been close, even through the years when I was annoying and always wanted to borrow her clothes.

She is the perfectionist in the family.

She has always been really funny... and very creative at finding ways to have fun.

I'm not sure why she gave me a mullet here, though.

My mom used to dress us alike, which I probably thought was cool.

As you can see, I followed her everywhere. Poor girl.

Thanks for being a great big sister, Mollie! Can you imagine your life without your siblings? It sure would have been more boring...

A month and counting...

2008-01-07T13:11:00.001-08:00

We've been married one month today. Ahh... sweet, isn't it? I am going to post pics a little backwards because I don't have any from the wedding yet. SO- here's a couple from our trip to the amazing Playa del Carmen where we are already dreaming of returning next year. (We could have easily stayed another week.... 6 days was not long enough!)

I don't think that's our footprint...

This place is amazing- my mouth fell open when we stepped on the resort.

It was the perfect time of year to be at the beach- gorgeous!

This tree was too big to fit in the frame.

It really couldn't have been a better trip. I'll have to tell you in a later post about an incredible discovery! Love to all...

A Soundtrack to Life

2007-10-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

If your life had a soundtrack, what songs would play? What songs would you wish to be true for you but just aren't? The reasons for asking this question are:

1) I often think, "If life were a musical, what song would I be singing at this moment?"

2) I think Heaven just might have some musical-like components.

3) You know that Third Day song, "There's a light at the end of this tunnnel, there's a light at the end of the tunnel, for you...?" Well, I had a dream in which I was running away from a giant tornado... and that song was playing, like a soundtrack, except the lyrics were "There's a light at the end of this funnel, there's a light at the end of this funnel..." I woke up at 3 a.m. cracking up.

This is my middle niece eating snow last Easter. I'm pretty sure there is a soundtrack playing in this girl's head all the time. (Most likely High School Musical.) Last week, she was being a pirate on the front porch and she jumped up onto the railing and sang, "Behold! The pizza man!" She is the queen of randomness- so hilarious.

Life is good....

2007-09-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

We brought Stellar Kart in concert a couple weeks ago. It was AMAZING. If you haven't listened to their stuff, you are missing out! You should consider adding them, Hawk Nelson, and Family Force Five to your playlists. A little Christian Alternative can turn that frown upside down, mister! :)

So... at the risk of a little TMI, here's a weird story: Last night I had a dream that I was waiting in line to get on some really awesome swings with a whole lot of other people. When it was finally my turn, I ran up to one of the swings, then turned to the guy next to me and said, "Hey, I REALLY have to go to the bathroom. Can you save my swing for me until I get back?" He said he would. I then woke up (for real), and got out of bed because I actually DID have to go to the bathroom. I went back to bed, back to sleep, and resumed the dream right where I left off. Dreams are so incredibly fascinating to me. Anyone ever kept a dream journal before? Or just had a really weird/memorable dream?

Here's the pic we chose for the paper for the engagement announcement. Isn't Brad the cutest thing EVER?! My sister took these while we were in Colorado and I think she did a really great job. She had so much equipment that someone had to walk along behind her to hold the flash/battery-thing because it was so heavy (not ideal for hiking!) This spot by the waterfall is gorgeous. I highly recommend visiting Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. I've been there 2 summers in a row and I still want to go back!!

Random summer moments with the family

2007-08-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in my last post that my Colorado trip was too amazing for words. Here's just a couple visuals to help explain why. This first one is Brad and me on Trail Ridge Road in the National Park. So incredible!

This one is my stud brother posing for an Abercrombie modeling gig he's workin on.

This was the beginning of our 6 hour mountain climb. The whole group made it up (my brother and Lauren (his gf), my dad, my sister, and brother-in-law, me and Brad. It was quite an accomplishment!)

I was at my parents' house a couple weeks ago and my nephew was learning to ride his bike without training wheels. It was so much fun to watch. The picture below is him "testing" his helmet on the driveway to see if it works.

And this pic doesn't even do justice capturing the extreme cute-ness that is my youngest niece, Maegan.

I didn't really have anything much to say in this post except brag about how precious my family is. Feel free to comment on how much you like them, too. Ha ha.

Catch up

2007-08-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

My kiddos in a "mud" pit (more like "rocky water" pit, but still so fun)

Summer is pretty much over (in terms of scheduling, that is, NOT in terms of weather unfortunately.) I haven't been blogging because... well, is it possible to be really busy and really lazy at the same time? If so, that's my excuse. So here's a couple very pivitol things that have happened to me lately just so you can catch up on my life:

1) I went to Colorado this summer to one of my all-time favorite places EVER. Rocky Mountain National Park rocks my socks off (as my JH kiddos would say.) There were 8 of us in a 2- bedroom cabin with one bathroom. It was too fun to suffciently describe in this post.

2) I started learning about china this last week (the plate kind, not the country.) I don't know much about either kind of china come to find out. Question: You married peeps, did you register for China? Why or why not? Would you do something different if you had the chance? I feel kinda like an old woman talking about stuff like this.

3) A couple weeks ago I was edging my lawn and my weed eater caught on fire. I wish that I had this on video so I could add the visual to this post. Needless to say, it didn't work so well after that, and the scene of me standing in my driveway with flames and smoke coming out of it was priceless.

You're pretty much up to speed on my life now. It's hard to believe I could fit so many significant events in one post, I know. More to come!! :)

My Summer on an Air Mattress

2007-06-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

What would I do without my Coleman queen-sized air mattress? Well, I'd spend a bundle on chiropractic care, for one. I travel so often once the summer hits (and sleep on the floors of various gyms and churches around the country- glamarous, I know!) that I find myself saying a little "thank you" prayer each time I unroll and inflate this little gem.

The pic is from my latest trip with my hilarious 6th graders. This was one of the smallest groups we've ever taken, but they were mighty big fun. Ha ha.

My 7-year-old nephew left me with this great joke as he headed out for his final tee ball game last week, and I'll do the same for you. I'm just thoughtful like that. :)

What makes this sound: "Oooo, ooooo?"

Answer: A cow with no lips.

That kid CRACKS me up! More to come.... eventually....

NEWS FLASH!

2007-05-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

I AM ENGAGED! A surprise proposal by the lake at sunset is enough to make any girl swoon, but I gotta say that I couldn't be more thrilled because I am going to marry the most amazing guy ever! Brad put together the perfect evening- to my astonishment he kept everything a complete secret- we headed to dinner at the Gaylord Texan after the proposal where I was shocked (again) to find our families waiting with cameras and gifts for an amazing engagement dinner that I'll never forget. I'm still in shock!*****************

A reenactment of the proposal*************

Greeting my surprise guests********************

Dinnner with the families***********************

He picked out the ring all by himself!!************

With our siblings******************************

With our parents

It couldn't have been a more amazing night. My head is still spinning! :)

Worms and Record Labels

2007-04-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was almost attacked by a mutant earthworm. In moments like these you re-discover that "girly squeal" that apparently we never completely grow out of. Despite my near-death experience, I have to say that I absolutely LOVE having my own backyard. It is heavenly. It has become the place that I unwind, pray, and just try and BE STILL for a moment. Do you guys have places like this in your homes?

In other breaking news, earthworms aside, my amazing cousin has a debut album being released in a couple weeks and you'll be able to stroll into a music aisle near you and find it sittin on a shelf. Pretty cool... for many reasons. To name a few: 1) he's very talented 2) he's only 17 3) I've heard there is a shortage of indi-emo-rock artists in the world 4) God has worked in this guy's life in an AMAZING way. What a story! Here's just a glimpse of where he's been:

About 4 years ago my cousin and his family (my aunt, uncle, and his older sister) were on vacation in Colorado. As they were hiking around a mountain, my uncle started to feel ill and lay down on a bench. He stopped breathing and died right there in front of his wife and kids. Not surprisingly, this sent my cousin (then about 12 years old) into a very dark time in his life. He withdrew and fell into a severe drug habit, ultimately leading to an extended period of rehab- and a fierce battle with depression. God met him in the valley, however, and has slowly helped him to a peak- where he is thriving in his passion for music. And now there are teens around the WORLD who watch him closely and are influnced by his heart and his life. Praise God!

Sometimes I just picture myself with my jaw dropped before the Lord, completely in awe of all He does. I think my eyes might just pop right out of my head when I see Him face to face someday. Maybe with my new spiritual body I'll be able to pop them back in. Ok, that's a little gross. Sorry. (But not sorry enough to delete it. Ha!)

Random things that have nothing to do with each other except that they are on the same post...

2007-03-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

Under the threat of being fined by Elisa Jane, here ya go:

1. I went to pick up my mountain bike from the hospital (bike shop) today over lunch. When I walked in, the man behind the counter said to me, "Can I ask you something? How much do you weigh?" I looked at him in astonishment for a second then replied, "Why?" He proceeded to explain something about my tire pressure being at too high a setting- for a much bigger person. I explained that I only weigh 90 lbs, but usually have 2 or 3 friends with me on my bike which explains the need for excess tire pressure. Ha. What a presumptious question to ask a woman!

2. I begin my annual class series this week for my 8th grade girls to help prepare them for HS. It is one of favorite times- we have a blast. Question: Looking back, what do you wish you had known/someone had told you as you entered high school?

3. I had a retreat last weekend (theme: "KING") and as part of the fun we had teens "jousting" with pool noodles loaded with peanut butter up on stage. They wore T-shirts with targets on them and ran at one another, attempting to get closest to the opponents "mark." It seemed fool-proof except we loaded too much PB on the noodles and at the first run, I'M STILL NOT SURE HOW THIS HAPPENED- a huge (I mean HUGE) glob of PB was launched 15 feet into the air and stuck to the projector screen about 15 feet up. Let's just say, I totally fell apart as the MC of the event and we will probably never be allowed back at this facility. Ever.

Love you guys. Ta ta for now.

Whoa...

2007-02-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

Life is full of things that just amaze me. Here's a few examples:

1. There is a windchill factor of 6 degrees here this morning. I wore shorts this last weekend. How does that happen?
2. I met a woman named Bonkey this week. How does that happen?
3. A friend of mine told me her sister-in-law had a baby over the weekend... except no one knew she was pregnant- even her. As a woman in her forties who was told she could never have children, she attributed her weight-gain to depression (due to the emotional pain of "infertility") and attributed her physical "symptoms" to pre-menopause. She went to the doc when she was 4 mos along and they even put her on hormones for the "symptoms." HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? She thought she was sick when she went to the hospital, and came home with a 6 1/2 pound, full-term baby girl. Try explaining that one to everybody.

By the way, I realize #3 sounds like something I made up. I didn't. And just so you aren't too traumatized by that strange story, here's a joke to leave you with from one of my hilarious youth group-ers:

Question: How does Hitler tie his shoe laces?
............................................................
............................................................
wait for it............................................
................................................................
................................................................
Answer: In little knot-sies.

Have a good one!

Starts with a "B"

2007-01-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

Last week my five-year-old niece got a birthday card in the mail that said:

What starts with "B," ends with an "R," and has two "E's" in the middle?

(Open card): "BIRTHDAY CHEER!"

So... it is assumed that the sweet sender of the above card (my niece's Bible class teacher), upon seeing the cute little bear on the front, sent this without realizing what it said. Since both the sender (an older lady) and the recipient (a five-year-old) were oblivious to the hidden message, it was up to my clever sister to catch this and point it out to the rest of us. I told her it needs to go in my niece's scrapbook- (you scrap-bookers know there are stickers for EVERYTHING. I'm thinkin little Budweiser di-cuts?) Kidding. Kind of.

So here's a totally unrelated question for the day: What is your favorite stress-relieving activity? What's that self-indulgent thing or activity that always makes you feel like a million bucks? I would like to collect all your ideas, then try them all in a "Day of Extreme Spoiling" for myself sometime. So don't let me down.

Christmas and peacocks

2006-12-19T09:57:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I look around and think, "life is pretty stinkin' fun." I had a glorious weekend, topped off with my first family Christmas of the season (my Dad's side of the family- always a highlight.) After a beautiful mountain bike ride around Grapevine Lake on Sunday, I got to sit and watch the sunset over the cliffs by the water. Does it get much better than that?

Here's a couple more reasons life is fun from the family Christmas:
1. I came out of the "Blanks family annual white elephant exchange" (which typically results in the most ridiculous junk ever) with a sweet laptop whose only crime was a faulty battery. (Understanding some of my extended family's very comfortable financial situation, I suppose this is unacceptable laptop behavior. Fortunate for me, indeed!)
2. My nieces and nephew are hilarious and constantly giggle. Throw in holiday foods with high sugar content and the prospect of gifts and it's almost heaven for them.
3. There was a peacock watching us open gifts through the second story window. I'm not sure how to explain this one.
4. I spent time reading my grandmother's textbook for her high school homemaker's class from 1935. Girls, let me just tell you we would have all failed that class MISERABLY. No wonder her house was always so amazing and she seemed to be able to do ANYTHING. And if you ever need advice on how to properly store a hat, just let me know.
5. It doesn't matter how old we get, the grandkids will always sit at the "kid's table," which is cool because we can still throw food and escape scolding by the "adults."

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! Looking forward to seeing you girls from up north soon! Wee!!

They say it's the little things...

2006-11-29T07:22:00.000-08:00

And one little thing that makes me smile is a Sonic drink. Why? Well, the reasons are many, so here's a little list to start the ball rolling. Additional reasons are welcome and expected.

Why I love Sonic:
1. Because it's America's drive-in and I'm an American.
2. Because I feel like a wish is granted as I push a button and a drink appears at my car window.
3. Because they put a little picture of a tater tot wearing a santa hat on the cup.
4. Because it's an acceptable excuse to leave the office- almost like golf.
5. Because I can order a "Large Diet-Cherry Coke with easy ice and three extra cherries" and not be considered high-maintenence.

The holidays always bring about these deep thoughts and life ponderings for me. Heavy stuff, I know.

I am a homeowner!!

2006-11-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

Well, people, after what seems like months and months of paperwork and waiting, I am officially the owner of my very own little house and I couldn't be more thrilled. I am so thankful I just feel like I could burst. I moved a couple days ago and am still in shock. I'll post pics soon, but in the meantime, I have a question for you artistic/interior design-savvy types: I would like to paint the boring white kitchen but the counter tops are a dark pewter almost green-ish color. The cabinets are a natural medium-color wood. Suggestions? Anyone have a favorite paint color they have used or seen? I welcome any ideas!

Ever been referred to as a "filly?"

2006-11-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

Why is it that sometimes the most ridiculous songs get my feet tapping and have me singing along until I realize the stupid lyrics I'm rockin' out to in my car? Ok, so it's difficult to to assign the term "rockin' out" to country music. I admit to liking country music. But only some of it. And only sometimes.

I found myself cranking up the volume on a song yesterday and feeling my mood lighten the way it does when you hear a particularly fun and favorite song on the radio- except I've only heard this song a few times and here's what I was singing:

I gotta go before she runs like a fast little filly
She's a five alarm fire, a hot bowl of chilli
An' she's burnin' a hole in this hillbilly
An' I can't let her get away
I gotta say somethin' kinda funny, just a little bit crazy
That'll make her want to think about bein' my baby...

A HOT BOWL OF CHILI? You've got to be kidding me. Yet... I find myself humming along and loving this song even as I'm typing these dumb phrases. How does that happen?

Now, there is a line that must be drawn on the stupidity. So don't even get me started on how much I can't stand the "Two Pink Lines" song. Anyone know what I'm referring to? It's so awful I laugh out of sheer horror every time I hear it- I simply can NOT believe they even play that song on the radio, much less that it's a HIT.

Any stupid lyrics in your head that you have a hard time admitting? If so, why not confess it and entertain us all on the world wide web.

Why I love my job...

2006-10-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

Well, there's lots of reasons, really, which I won't go in to at this time. But one reason that I love my job is that you just never know what the day may hold around here. For example, yesterday I spent 3 hours in a very interesting lecture on some pressing theological issues, followed by participating in a photo shoot which was intended to mimic the Beatles Abbey Road album, and then put together a powerpoint slide of pictures of people hoarding Pop Rocks and fart putty. Like I said... you just never know.

Speaking of Pop Rocks, that has got to be one of the weirdest inventions in modern culture. Seriously, I don't think we gave whoever invented those got nearly enough credit. You think he's rich? Still alive? I have a vague memory of Christina getting a Pop Rock in her eye in junior high. Did that really happen? I also remember her getting a blood vessel sucked out of her eye at the dentist by those sucking tubes they stick in the back of your mouth. Sorry if that grosses anyone out. It looks grosser in print than when you just say it. I don't know how this post has ended up on this subject.

The Anti-Melanie

2006-10-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

So, I made a momumental discovery last night. I have found her. The person who is my exact opposite- the person who I could NOT be more different from in the way we think, talk, communicate, process, and basically exist. She is an amazing woman- the kind of person I love to have around because she loves to do the things I hate to do. She actually finds great JOY in the intricate details and administrative tasks that send me into fits of yawns. This amazing discovery hit me last night as she requested to have a meeting with me about a meeting. And meet we did. And no detail was left untouched. I tend to overlook details because I get bored or distracted.

It's funny how seeing differences in others can shed light on things about yourself. I love comparing communication and personality styles. The Myers-Brigg is one of my favorite tools in counseling because it's one of the most fun tools and people always get a kick out of looking at how differently individuals think and process. Most of you have probably taken some version of this. Do you know your letters? I'd be interested to know.

Remember...

2006-10-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Seems like a loaded word to me at the moment: REMEMBER. Hundreds of times a day we tell ourselves to "remember something," from remembering to take the sheets out of the dryer or set the Tivo. REMEMBER to smile. REMEMBER to go to the bank. REMEMBER to call your mom. I send these little reminders to remember to myself constantly. (And yet still manage to lose more of those mental sticky notes than I seem to retain.)

I did a lot of remembering this last weekend. I remembered what it felt like to be 18 and going off on my college adventure. I remembered the emotional connection I felt with the stretch of sidewalk between the campus center and Moody Colliseum. I remembered that stupid grin you give "the GATA next to ya" when you sing about why all the girls on campus are guy-less. But mostly, I remembered the role so many people have played in my so-sweetly blessed life.

So, in no certain order, here are a few highlights I "remember" from my wonderful weekend of remembering.

1. Summer tearing up when she came into breakfast.
2. Seeing the Bible Building and tower outline in the skyline as we drove into town.
3. Seeing Titus and Korben together in matching pj's. So cute.
4. Christina still taking up the whole bed- even tho it was a king size. Ha ha.
5. Titus smiling so big at me that his eyes disappear.
6. Summer tearing up at The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
7. Eating at Rosa's with so many old friends!! It was so great to see everyone. And Rosas rocks.
8. Singing around the fountain.
9. Remembering Olive Garden dinners and late-night Sonic runs.
10. Summer tearing up when we said goodbye. (Precious every time, Summer.)

In the middle of all this remembering, I thought about how we struggle sometimes to really remember just what Christ did for us. A strong sense of "remembrance" includes more than just a mental picture- it's encompassing of all your senses to your very soul. And I think that's one reason we all feel such a strong "soul connection" with ACU and the people there: Because Christ moved in all our lives so evidently in those years, and that is one of the sweetest memories a person could have.

Another year and countless more blessings...

2006-10-10T13:51:00.001-07:00

Thanks for all the birthday highlights, everyone. In looking back over the years, some of my best birthdays were spent with you guys. Surprise parties in the lobby of Sikes, chicken dinners in La Casa, and our frequent visits to Olive Garden. Does anyone ever eat there anymore?

Breaking news in my world: I am embarking on a very exciting new endeavor these last few days- which I attribute in part to my increasing "adult-ness" with another year gone by. I am looking into BUYING A HOUSE. How insane is that? Here's the latest one I've found that I'm putting an offer on today. I am finding that since I'm not in a hurry, I can put down offers on whatever I want and just wait and see if anyone accepts. Kind of like a fun, really expensive game. I selected the pic from the backyard to post because I like the latice and the green children's toy on the left seems very happy to live here. If I do end up getting a house, you better believe you'll all be invited to a crazy-exciting party. For those of you home-owners, any advise from your wealth of knowledge? And those of you, who, like me, are blissful in your renting worlds- does this idea sound as scary and huge to you as it does to me?

2006-10-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Anybody remember what it was like to be in seventh grade? What a time that was. I remember spending a good part of that year giggling and making up songs with Christina (we were quite the composers in those days- brilliant and under-appreciated masterpieces about smelly feet and volleyball games.)

I went to a seventh grade girls' volleyball game last night. I had a funny, "too-bad-that-wasn't-on-film" moment: Arriving after the game had started, I made my way into the stands filled with enthusiatic parents. I recongized one of my kiddos serving- I didn't know she was on the team and watched her serve two rockets in a row (did we serve like that overhand at 13?!) Impressed with her awesome-ness, I proceeded to yell, much too loudly (as any good fan does), "GO, MEGAN!!!!" right before the ref was about to blow the "go-ahead-and-serve" whistle. Her head snapped over to the crowd and her look of complete shock and confusion was priceless. I guess no one ever cheers for this girl. Her mom is sweet, but very quiet. As the whistle blew, she completely WHIFFED the serve. The entire half of the stands in my line of sight then turned and glared at me as if I had just run out there and punched her in the head. One guy's expression as he made eye contact with me said "You idiot. If I could throw my Sonic smoothie at you right now, you'd better believe I would." I got a big kick out of this (guess I didn't totally grow out of the giggling phase), but I did apologize to Megan after the game and offer to go tell her coach it was my fault.

Do you guys remember what you were like at that age?

Saltines and Quarantines

2006-09-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

A joke for you: "What did the mayonnaise say to the refrigerator?".........

"Shut the door, I'm dressing!"

Bwah, ha ha. I was very sick the last 24 hours and that joke is one of the few lucid memories I have from reading a magazine during my quarantine to the couch.

Ever notice how some things sound great in theory, but once you experience them, you realize it wasn't all it's cracked up to be?

Take, for example, a sudden, contagious-though-not-life-threatening illness. Ok, so being sick isn't super-fun, but don't you ever think "Wouldn't it be nice if I was then forced to stay home and relax? No work, no cleaning, no errands, no cooking..." Well, in theory that sounds like it might have some perks, but in reality it STINKS. Being FORCED to stay home somehow takes the fun out of being there. And somehow Sprite and crackers don't add anything to the thrill.

Any other examples of things that you may build up in your head as greatness, only to find you were WAY off the mark?

Ah, the evening ritual-

2006-09-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

(In repsonse to Elisa's most recent post.)
In a great effort to create some sort of routine for my days, I have been wrestling with the "evening ritual question" for a long time. My intentions: go to the gym before work so my evening will be wide open and I can slow-cook a casserole, thoughtfully chopping herbs while listening to "dance around the kitchen" music. My reality: when that alarm goes off in the morning, this seems like an absurd idea. The result: I go straight to the gym after work. My saving grace in this pattern is one essential, brilliant solution: THE SNACK.

THE SNACK, a favorite among the young and old alike, has evolved somewhat into a new staple for my energy, sanity, and in many ways, better nutrition and health. Eating a nourishing, high-protein snack (the protein component is essential) every few hours is key for me and my schedule- especially late in the afternoon (pre-workout) when you hit that slump and before you become so famished for dinner that you'd eat the rubber off the bottom of your crosstrainers.

Some current favorites of THE SNACK include:
An apple with peanut butter
String cheese and some blueberries
KASHI snack bars (especially the Chocolate Peanut)
Almonds and a banana
Smoothies (Yogurt&Fruit)
A whole wheat english muffin w/ turkey

As I look at those options, I am fully aware they don't sound as tempting as ice cream and Snickers, but I keep them around and have found that I have more sustained energy, and don't get those hunger pangs late in the day. I am on Week 5 of this method, and have noticed such a difference. Highly recommend it!! Who doesn't like snack time?

The buzz...

2006-09-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

The Blanks Clan is doing great amid the chaos, as usual. This is the latest pic of the Beam kids (along with the Miller crew- they're pretty much one unit.) Can you believe how big they are? The top two are Ashlyn and Brenden, the little one of the far right is Meagan, and the bottom left cheezo with the pigtails is Kayden. They are hilarious. Loud, but hilarious. Here's a copy of Brenden's first poem from the 1st grade as proof for you skeptics: (spelling unchanged for authenticity purposes...)

What wode it be to be a pese of popcorn.
I will put butter on you.
I will eat you.
I will put cheese on you.
Don't you dare.

Speaking of popcorn, my parents bought a new trampoline over Labor Day and the result of all the little bodies bouncing through the air (with side-netting, of course) reminded me of one of those old air poppers. Does anyone even make those anymore?

Babylon

2006-09-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

A bit on the serious side, but my thoughts today are more in keeping with the somber tone of this day in history, perhaps. We did a study in Daniel this summer with the youth staff, and in a recent meeting we were talking about the 3 possible scenarios that can happen when we go through "the fire." (Referencing the fiery furnace, parallelling life's trials.)

Scenario A: We can be delivered FROM the fire and the dividend is that our faith is BUILT. Scenario B: We can be delivered THROUGH the fire and the dividend is that our faith is REFINED.
Scenario C: We can delivered BY the fire straight into His arms, the dividend- our faith is PERFECTED.

I was thinking this morning about 9/11 and the reality of this Babylon that surrounds us- our culture- everything that tries to convince us that we really aren't captive. We're all in the fire at one time or another, and though you and I pray most often for Scenario A (who wants to go through a fire?), ANYof the 3 possible results are desirable outcomes. Remember there was a 4th in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God doesn't leave us in there alone. And one of my favorite additions- as if coming out of there without being incinerated wasn't enough, it's noted that they didn't even smell like smoke! (3:27). What an idea- to be so focused on the one leading us through life's fires, that no one would even be able to tell we were touched by the Babylon that tries to consume us. Hmm...

Tra la, I'm here!

2006-09-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

SO- my roommate mentioned that she got caught up reading blog posts into the wee hours of the morning when she realized how much there was to read in catching up with old friends... so I looked around a little this morning. Folks, I'm out of the loop. It's official.

How about a story of the day?

So I pull up to the Sprint store, hoping this will be the last time in my life I have to go in there (complications...again-grr.), and as I'm walking towards the store, I hear someone honking their horn in the parking lot... loudly... and repeatedly. I think to myself, "Some psycho is really making a scene." As the honking continues (and I continue walking), I realize no one else is around- could the idiot be honking at ME? I glance over my shoulder to see a guy now jumping out of his truck and running towards a silver Honda which is driving through the parking lot. That's strange... I have a silver Honda that looks just like that one. Did you know a standard transmission vehicle gains momentum downhill at a surprising speed when you don't set the parking break?

So, Mr. Horn-Honking guy chases down my car, which rolls through 2 rows of cars, miraculously missing all other vehicles, with me in close pursuit. As I'm approaching the embarrassing scene, the guy grabs the spoiler on the back of my car and bears down in a weight-lifting competetition-sytle- manner and as his feet skid across the parking lot and he managed to stop my car as I jump in a set the brake. Oops. By this point another guy has come running to the car that I hadn't noticed, and I smile at everyone, thanking them for their help, grateful Mr. Horn-Honker was not a wee-little woman or small child.

While this was a first for me, I think it is a scenario that somewhat reflects my life when I get in too much of a hurry. I forget to set the parking break on my brain all the time. Too bad there's no one to chase me down in those instances and force me to slow down before I crash. (Ok, I have no idea what the metaphor is referring to, but it wrapped up the story nicely, didn't it?)