Monday, March 30, 2009

I'm Back!

(This is the entire group at the Piccadilly Circus in London, England. We had already had a full day at this point and it wasn't over.)


(This is most of the group-I am in the front wearing brown vest-2nd or 3rd from left. We are in Lucerne, Switzerland up in the Alps going to visit one of the local farms-barn in back. It was snowing like crazy!)


(This is most of the group. We are standing in front of Neuschwanstein Castle in south Germany. This is what Sleeping Beauty's castle was replicated from.)

Good afternoon my fellow bloggers!

I just wanted to check in and say that I'm back. I had hoped to blog while away but was unsuccessful, as you can see. I promise to have lots to blog about in the next days, weeks to come. I am still a bit 'out of it' today and am trying to get back into the swing of things at work.

To sum it all up, I had an AWESOME trip. Everything was really all so fast that I never actually got to the point of, 'wow, I am in Europe!' I saw many, many things while in all countries; memories to last a life time. I made sure to do a journal (old fashioned blog) for everyday. So, I'll put some of that into my blog.

I'll be back later in the week with photos and trip stuff. Although I enjoyed the trip more than I can describe, it is good to be home. Back to reality.

Until next time . . .

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Bon Voyage

Well, I can't believe it, but vacation time is finally here; as well as my 30th Birthday! Wow, can't believe that either. I hope to be able to access the ole blog while I'm away. Just in case I can't here is an outline of my whereabouts as I'm 'just roving around':

3/19-3/21 London, England
3/21-3/23 Paris, France
3/23-3/25 Lucerne, Switzerland
3/25-3/26 Innsbrook, Austria
3/26-3/27 Munich, Germany

This trip has been a year and a half in the planning and I am just so excited; not to mention to be turning 30 in London, England! Oh mercy, to have a good looking British gentleman sing Happy Birthday in that beautiful British accent!! :) Oolala

I hope I'm able to blog while away, but if not, I'm sure to catch you all up when I get back. I would love for all my wonderful friends to be there with me, but know you'll be there in spirit. Know that when I am at Harrods, donning that classy Harrods bag, that my wonderful friend Sara will be there. And, when I am combing the depths of the Louvre my wonderful friend Nicole will be there. Not to mention, the Flat Brians will be everywhere!

I can't wait to get home and share the wonderful memories, laughs, and pictures. You may have to bare with me a bit and bring me back down out of the clouds. I can't describe what feeling I have while traveling. The one thing I do know and can explain, is that I love God even more and realize his beauty and majesty with each trip he blesses me with. I've said it before, maybe not on here but I've said it, that I realized to a small degree just how big God is the first time I went across the pond. (The pond, by the way, is ginormous. What a moving feeling knowing that it takes over 5 hours to fly 600 mph over WATER!!!) My love and faith for Him grew immensely at that moment and hasn't stopped since. I think that this is why I love traveling so much; seeing God's wonders, beauty, and brilliance. Oh, but I guess I'm getting dramatic; at least that's what my mother would tell me. But, it's the truth and how I feel on the subject.

Anyway, Happy Spring to everyone and if I'm not able to blog while away I'll catch you all up when I get back.

Until next time . . . Bon voyage!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Get your GREEN on!!

yep...this is a 2 post day!!

Just wanted to send out a friendly reminder to everyone to "Get your GREEN on" tomorrow. Tomorrow is March 17th, better known as St. Patrick's Day or 'get pinched' day!

Until next time . . .

This is it...

....the countdown is on. I can't believe that in just 2 days I will be zooming over the Atlantic (at a speed around 500 mph and comfortably at 36,000 feet) headed for Europe! This has been a long awaited trip; been planning since the end of 2007 and made official in January 2008. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT IS FINALLY HERE!!! It seemed like such a long way off when I started planning, and now that it is here, it seems like only yesterday. Ain't it funny how time feels? When we wait for something it feels like an eternity, but when the time is here or past it feels like only yesterday.

Anyway, I am doing my best to get packed. I should have been finished by now, but my things are spread out in piles in my house. I will do better this evening. I have been working on my palm pilot today, trying to get email accounts and address set up so maybe I can use it overseas. I haven't had the thing out in forever; almost forgot how it all worked. I'm going to try to blog whenever I get to a spot where there is WIFI; can't make any promises though.

Well, I better get back to work. Lot's to do here as well.

Until next time . . .

oh...don't forget to wear green tomorrow!!!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

They have arrived!

"What", you may ask, "has arrived?" Well, I returned to my little cubical after being at lunch, and there they were. I knew they were coming, but I didn't know when. As soon as I saw them I said, "Ah, look at them. We are going to have so much fun!" And, in just six sweet days we are going to embark on a great adventure across the pond...me and the Flat Brians! Oh, don't get me wrong, it would be awesome for my dear friend to be with me, but this is the next best thing.

You have no earthly idea what I'm talking about. Well, what I am about to tell you may not be suitable for young viewers due the graphic nature. The details, haunting, are going to be so heart wrenching one may need to seek medical attention. Just Kidding! Just Kidding! I could have said the details are classified and if I told you I'd have to kill you. But, this is just such an awesome, fun, and exciting idea (and so Sara) I just have to share.

Steming from the idea of "Flat Stanley" Sara had this novel idea to create the Flat Brians so they could join me in Europe. So, that's just what we're going to do. The Flat Brians are going to Europe. For 10 short days they are going to dine with the Queen of England (not really, but they're going to London) and shop at Harrods, climb the Eiffel Tower and view the City of Lights (Paris), go the tip of the Swiss Alps accending from a cable car, stroll ancient old Austrian streets, and step back into WWII History (Munich, Germany)..and so much more!

Meet the Flat Brians
They are a delightful family; full of spunk and life. The best part is they will have no comment as to where they get their photo taken, or how many for that matter! Not to mention, they pack super light. LOL. The Flat Brians are the Brian Family on paper. Three little paper bodies with a picture of each of the Brians to show who is who. Believe me, I will post a picture when one is availalbe.

What's the purpose of the Flat Brians?
To have fun and well, they are going with me on vacation. They will be present for every photo stop and adventure.

More information to come on Flat Brians and their European Adventure.

Until next time . . .

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

I'm inspired....

by my friend Sara. She always has wonderful things to say (and not to mention, posts in her blog). She can make anyone laugh at the drop of a hat; especially anything involving the 'Flat Brians' or a Harrods bag! She is true to what she says and believes. She is uplifting. Most of all, I am inspired by how much love and devotion she has for her family. I am grateful and thankful to call her 'Friend'!

By the way, today is Sara and Derek's 14th Wedding Anniversary. I want to extend a Happy Anniversary out to them. Here's to many more happy years.

And, that's all I'm going to say today. Can you believe it?

Until next time . . .

p.s. 1 WEEK FROM TODAY = Bon Voyage to Europe!!!!!!!!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Sprung Forward

You probably think that is a silly title and sprung isn't a word; to be politically and grammatically correct it should probably be 'sprang', but I like sprung! Anyways, I say this because over the weekend it was time to move up our clocks and begin daylight savings time; in other words...Spring Forward. And since this has already happened....we Sprung Forward. Although I hate giving up any sleeping time, I simply love spring and the extra daylight. Time to get out in the yard and work in the dirt!!! I have had the heat off and the windows open since Friday and I love it. But, I think the ole heat will come back on later this week as the temps are going to be high in the 40's with lows in the 20's...BRRR. Just another one of those cold snaps trying to bring in Spring. My Easter Lilies (better known as jonquils or daffodils) are blooming. I think they shot up over night! It is so pleasant to see that little pinch of yellow color. Speaking of yellow, the dandelions are also giving some yellow pop across my yard. Many of my bushes, mainly the lilac, are starting to bud. The fields all around my house are springing with green color. It is simply wonderful to see. I still feel abit unsettled in my life, but I know for sure I wouldn't give up my country life for nothing. I may work in town and my work may take me to large fascinating cities, but I definitely know I'll be coming home to the country. There is no place like it!

HAPPY almost SPRING!!!

Until next time . . .

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Oh...what bliss!

This morning I awoke to a gorgeous day! It feels like spring, looks like spring, and even smells a bit like spring. How amazing and excellent is the work of God. The Earth knows when it is supposed to tilt or rotate on it's axis (whatever it does) to change the season. I have noticed this week the sun is coming up earlier. My bedroom windows are on the east side of my house with my bed right next to the window. What a wonderful feeling waking up seeing the sun shine in. It just gives a whole different peace and start to a day. And, the spring peepers (frogs) are simply going nuts. There is a pond just down the road from my house. In the evenings I love to stop my car by it and just listen to them sing. Pretty soon I'll be able to open the windows of the house.

One can always tell when the weather is changing; kids get rowdy or restless. We had a house full of children last night for our Wednesday night kids program. The Lord certainly is blessing us. We had 15 teenagers! In the years past we have averaged 5-8, now 15 is our average. God is so good. It is so amazing to see Him begin to work in their lives. I normally work with the teens, but I also help with the Tiny Tots (2 yrs -1st); which is what I did last night. With it being fishing season and all I felt it was good to talk about being 'Fishers of Men'. It was good fun. Those little bitty ones can come up with the funniest things too! Aside from the teens there were about 20 children ranging from PreK-6th grade. I give all praise and glory to God for the work He is doing.

Yeah! It's Thursday. Next to Friday, Thursday is my favorite day of the week. It's a psychological thing for me. I know that when we get to Thursday the week is whooped!

Well, I better get to work...burning daylight. Have a great rest of the week! But before I go I must say HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY to my cousin Patrick. Man, I can't believe he's 16!

Until next time . . .

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Hump Day & Signs of Spring

Some weeks feel like the longest ole weeks. Then, after we make it through Hump Day it is gravy; seems like. I have never understood why some weeks take forever and some just fly by even though there are the same hours in every week. Maybe it is things we have on our minds; if it's good things it takes forever to get to them and once we're to them time flies; if it is bad things time seems to stop, or at least more very slow. Or, maybe it's the weather.

It has been the longest, coldest winter that I can remember for a while. Don't get me wrong there have been pretty days and good lazy days this winter, but I'm ready for warmth. I love spring. I enjoy watching the changing scenery and see those little hints of color as the trees and plants start budding again. Grass is beginning to pop a little at home, so here and there we see colors of green. My daffodils and tulips are starting to pop their heads up as if they are saying, "is it safe to come out yet?" Then when they finally get popped up you can almost hear them say, "Ah, I had a nice nap. Now it's time to sparkle." My herb garden, which needs an overhall, is beginning to have new live as well. My chives are parsley are just as green as they can be. I am afraid I lost some of my rosemary due to many cold days/nights. We'll see though.

I simply can't wait until it warms up a little so I can get outside and get my hands in the dirt. Give some TLC to my plants and flower beds; making them look nice for another season. It's almost time to get back to those started and unfinished projects from last season; I have so many - hardwood laminate for living/dining room, vinyl tiles for kitchen & bath rooms, back porch, and finish painting my master bath room. I have had the supplies for all these projects for a while, but there is just not enough man power or hours in the day to get everything accomplished. However, this year is the year!

Anyway, I'm going to go for now and get back to work. Lot's to do before I can go on vacation; which I am excited to say is 2 weeks from today. I get excited in the very beginning and then when it gets down to it it is weird. I get to the point where I can't believe I will be going somewhere. It's almost like it's not real or something. Then, by the time I get home I think, "man, was I really there?" ANYWAY, I'm get off subject.

Have a wonderful day and week. Happy blogging.

Until next time . . .

Monday, March 2, 2009

How quick things can happen

Well, I'll start this Monday morning by saying how thankful I am that a couple people I know who had a bad wreck on Saturday night are ok. What started out as a fun filled evening could have ended in tragedy, but thankfully it didn't and God was protecting them. My sister and some friends had a spa party Saturday night and Melissa and Tana were the beauty consultants. We all had a wonderful evening. My neighbors house was packed with ladies who came out for a night of pampering. Everyone was laughing, cutting up, and simply having a wonderful time. M & T are great at what they do I might add. They make everything so much fun and really put a lot of effort into having a good party.

Even though I wasn't in the accident, I can't help but remember talking to M & T just before they left; we all went out at the same time. It is amazing how we replay things in our minds after we find out something has happened. I consider M & T to be friends, even though we are only just acquainted, and it bothered me when I heard this morning of their accident. It bothered me because we were all just having a wonderful time and then a little while later they were in an accident. I remember telling them when they were leaving something on the lines of 'what a fun night' and 'be careful going home'. I almost told them to call one of us after they got home so we would know they made it safely, but I didn't. I just knew that they would be ok. Even though they had a wreck they were ok because God took control.

This all just goes to show just how fast something can happen and how life can change. We go through our day, have fun times, and then it can all change in an instant. We never know when our time is up and God is going to call us home. The most important part is to just be ready when He calls us. I think when bad things happen and our lives are spared we realize sometimes how fortunate and blessed we are. It made me stop for a moment and thank God, even though I thank Him everyday for my blessings and life. But, I stopped for another moment today just to think would I really be ready if God called me home today? (Spiritualy yes I would be ready) My sister and I, like so many, are on the road everyday to/from work. One just never knows what will happen.

I didn't blog this to be morbid or sad; simply stating what is on my heart and my mind at this moment and to maybe trigger a spark in others as they read. We should live our life for God daily because we never know how quick something could happen and He call us home.

I am so thankful that M & T are ok. Thank you God for these wonderful ladies and the life they live. Thank you for your protection over them. I pray that they recover quickly from their bruises, aches, and mental stresses that a wreck can bring.

Until next time . . .