About a Dog...

She-who-must-be-obeyed is sick.

Well, sort of. She has a mass on her back-end (near her pee-er, to be precise). She has had this growth for a while, but late last week (perhaps in response to all that chocolate??) the growth seemed to get larger, and was irritating her to no end. Keith took her to the vet to have it checked out. It is a mast celled tumor, and it must go. These tumors can cause a histamine surge, which can be dangerous. She is on anti-histamines and pepcid for her stomach (apparently histamines can cause ulcers, too) until she has surgery to remove it, which is scheduled for Wednesday.

I am upset, and worried about her. In response to my worry, I am spoiling her rotten, and she is eating it up. We will not know the prognosis until after the surgery, but will let you know when we know.

Christmas in Memphis

My second post in a week - a minor miracle, if I do say so myself!

I just wanted to show everyone our Christmas Tree this year - it is a departure from our normal tree, but we have always talked about getting one like this. I don't know if we will use it every year, but it has been fun this year!

Here are some of my favorite ornaments:

A Carndinal - the Virginia State (Commonwealth) Bird

A lovely little mushroom

These are a variety of other ornaments:

**But my all time favorite ornament, which must be on every tree** is:

The Hedgehog!

For those wondering, She-who-must-be-obeyed is doing fine in spite of her all-chocolate diet Saturday Evening. She was miserable Saturday night (in part because she spent the night in her box, rather than in bed with us), and was a little puney on Sunday, but by Monday, she was back to her old self.

Merry Christmas everyone!

When Good Dogs Go Bad...

We went out this evening to a welcome home party for David. We had a very nice time -- and then, courtesy of She-who-must-be-obeyed, we came home to this:

This was a gift I got at a Christmas Party, which was going to be re-gifted since we are trying not to eat this sort of thing. Believe it or not, she was up on the table when we came home. (Remind you of anything, Kim?)

This is where she knocked several items on the floor, and tore open the shrink-wrapped box of chocolates:

And here is a close up of the deed:

And all of that led to this:

Yep - this "good" girl has gone bad. I have spared you the gross details, but lets just say that the couch and 2 of our 3 living room chairs had to have some deep cleaning done. I think she ate her weight in chocolate (well, not really, but she did eat half the box!)

Well, beyond our excitement for the evening, life is moving along. Things at work have been going well, although I was "flexed" again this week. It was nice to have an extra day off, but I am sure I will be feeling it next week - when paychecks come out. On the upside, it appears that I will be moving to a new job at the hospital. I will give more detail once it is official, which should be sometime this next week.

This week is going to be busy (aren't they all??) We have our Christmas Program on Wednesday evening - which includes getting the church cleaned up, a soup supper and then the program. Much fun will be had by all. Sunday, after an early service, we will be having our Christmas Open House Brunch. After which, we will have a greening of the church service. So, needless to say, it will be a fun time of getting ready for it all.

In response to some of my previous posts, God has answered my (and many others') prayers in wonderful and awesome ways over the last week or so. It has been my privilege to be witness the goodness of God. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!

Here we are again...

Here we are again...the end of another week. I have tomorrow off, not because I want it off, but because the company "flexed" the day. Meaning they give me the day off, and in exchange, they don't pay me. Bummer man. Just not a great time of year for this sort of thing.

This has been an interesting week. I can't really share details at this time, but I will someday. We'll see where these various roads take us, yes?

We are going to stay in town for Christmas. I am sorry we will not be able to be home for Christmas, but we should have a nice time here. Can't wait to get the tree up and get the place decorated. That will make the place cozy. I am looking forward to it.

Well, you can see I don't have much to say. I didn't want another week to go by without posting, so here it is...my crazy life - which is not so very crazy after all.

The beginning of Advent

Here it is Sunday evening again, and I can not believe we are at the beginning of another new week. It is also the beginning of Advent. Why does time move so swiftly? I just know that I will turn around and it will be Christmas Day - our third in Memphis. It seems impossible.

In the blur that was this week, I was able to complete the hat for the little one. I just hope I can get it to her before the flowers bloom in Charlottsville :). It's on it's way, J!

Saturday was spent doing a couple of fun things...Keith and I went with a friend to see "Into Great Silence", a documentary about the Carthusian monks in France. It was a very quiet, peaceful, and beautiful, albeit long, film. I recommend it highly, and hope to one day see it again.

After the film, I went to anothers friend's home and proceeded to help her spend mega-bucks getting supplies she needed (and some she just wanted:) ) for scrapbooking and making cards. We had fun shopping for them, and then unwrapping and playing with them when we got back to her house.

Things are going to get hectic and stressful - they always do. Our circumstances sometimes make it easy to become overwhelmed, worry about the future, fret over things we have no control over, and take things out on those we love. During this Advent Season, I hope that all of you can take some time out to reflect on the gift that God sent to us in his Son, Jesus Christ. I hope that you can take time to thank God for all that we have - and so much more than we need. I pray that you all have a blessed Advent!

I'm Back

I am so sorry that I have not posted in over a month. Where does the time go? I can't tell you where it went, or what I did with it. We were in the process of switching from Cable to other modes of TV and internet access. We are now the proud owners of satellite TV and a wireless modem. I was "off the bubble" during the transition, but now I am able to access the 'net from anywhere - no hotspot needed!

I have been working at the hospital for over a month now, and I really enjoy it there. It is a busy, fun, difficult, and interesting job. Just when I think people can not surprise me, yep, they do. I am still struggling with the events of this summer. I know, I know – it is a job, it did not define me. But I liked where I was and the larger picture of what I was doing. I still wonder what I am supposed to be doing. There is some talk of a couple of positions that may or may not materialize soon, or not so soon. I just am going to keep working here for a while and see what happens in the New Year. Please continue to pray – for God’s guidance, his provision for us, and my understanding / learning.

Mom and Dad came to visit for Thanksgiving. We had a great time, and enjoyed getting to spend time with them. We completed a puzzle – which I forgot to take a picture of before putting it away yesterday. Bummer. We got to eat some great food, go to church, and meet some of the folks that make living in Memphis worth it all. I was sad to see them leave. Sadder to not be going with them. I really miss Virginia, my family, watching the kids grow up, and seeing old friends. Ahh, well.

On to happier things…I have finished the following:

This is the cutest, easiest hat to make! I hope it looks as good on, as it does standing up on the dresser!

(for those who want to know, yes, there are 2 socks there. And they by-and-large match stripe for stripe!)

These are soon to be on heads and feet near you…well, near you if you live near Sumerduck. Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! Happy “Your-sister-is-having-a-birthday-so-you-should-get-something-too” Big Boy! I hope they both fit you. I have lots more sock yarn, if you want another pair! I miss you both – you need to write your aunt more often!

I have another hat on the needles now. I will be concentrating on it soon – This one is for a special little lady who is FINALLY home…sharing life for the first time with Mom and Dad alone. (I think there are dogs involved, but not sure). I will get it to you soon. I am sorry I missed the shower – I would have given anything to be there. It looks like you had a great time! I love you all!

Here are some fabrics that I have found in recent weeks:

My mom and I found some cool ones at Klassy Kats this weekend. Mom got them for me, so I better put them to good use soon. The three on the bottom are some that we got this weekend, and are among my very favorites. The piece on top I picked up simply because I fell in love with it. I don’t know what it will be, but whatever it is, it will be cool.

Here is a picture of Isabel with her “squinty” eye (pronounced “quinty-eyed”, if speaking Chihuahua.) It seems that she gets something in her eye, and she walks around with one or both eyes closed. Quite humorous. Apparently this is quite normal for Chi’s, and may actually be an allergy.

It has been a crazy couple of weeks, well, months. In spite of my own craziness, I have friends dealing with much more than I have been. I want them all to know that I think of, and pray for, them often. Call me if you need to. Anytime.

P.S. - For those wondering, Keith has now lost 60 lbs. and I have lost 40. I actually managed to get through Thanksgiving, with mashed potatoes, cake, and what-all and not gain any weight...a real feat, if you ask me. Probably a first in my life.

P.P.S - for my siblings: Guess what? Dad help me make tamales this weekend! They taste exactly like they did when we were kids (Wonderful!!) - and are great cold from the icebox! Thanks, Dad. I really enjoyed making them with you. Love you!

New Old Beginnings

I can't believe it has been three weeks since my last post. There have been changes since then, and my life is, once again, going to change.

Now, before anyone gets too very excited: no, we are not moving back to VA -- yet. I am still guessing it will be retirement before we will ever realize that dream. No, the change involves my employment. A week ago last Friday, I was looking around on the internet ('cuz it won't surf itself, as someone once told me), and found that, to my astonishment, my old job at the hospital was open. After a quick call to Keith, I called my old boss, and she offered me the position on the spot - with a raise from my previous salary. I spent last week getting the physical and I begin working there on Monday. The salary is not even in the same neighborhood as my work at the Navy base, and it is going to be difficult to adjust, but we will once again have health insurance, which we have been without since June 30.

I have said this more than once this summer, but I don't know where this road will lead, but I am going to enjoy the ride. I am excited about going back and working with my friends again, and hope that they are as excited about working with me. I am anxious to begin working again.

I am stil crafting. I have finished a hat for Jasmine (it's on the way, I put it in the mail on Saturday), and finished another hat, which, it turns out, is for a part-giant child. I had a head in mind for it, but apparently he will be 21 before he can wear it. So I got new yarn and began again. The socks now have heel flaps and the start of the heel turn, and I am hoping to finish them soon. (*I was thinking I would make three exactly alike, so if one is eaten by the washer, there is still a pair, but then, maybe not) These should show up on a pair of feet near you soon.

NOTICE *For members of the family and friends - I will take orders for the kiddos (socks, hats, scarves, or ponchos), but am not great at this yet, and can not promise delivery time...and I reserve the right to refuse!*

Here are a few pictures of Jasmine's hat:

We had a Blessing of the Animals service last weekend, and here is a great picture of "She who must be obeyed". She is unhappy to be toted around by our Sr. Warden, and is begging me to come get her!

Jasmine Update

I don't have much to say today, but wanted to post a couple of pix's of my brother David, his wife, Rachel, and most importantly, Jasmine. Please continue to pray for her, she is doing well, but has a long way to go. Her parents are also, I'm sure, in need of prayer. They try to get to the hopital at least 2 times a day, and continue to work. At last report, she is now 2 lbs and 9 oz, or 1170 grams and is 16 1/4 inches long!! She's growing despite going back and forth with her weight a little bit. Now she's on a 27 calorie diet. The circumference of her head is 10.5 inches. The pictures of her with Mom and Dad are a couple of weeks old. The picture of her by herself is from last Saturday.

Updates

Tomorrow I begin a second week of work. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone, and begin to get a feel for the place. Mostly getting to go to work everyday has been good, and good for me. Getting a paycheck will not hurt anything, either. I don’t think I will want to do this for the rest of my life, but I am very happy there. I am not sure where this road will lead, but I will enjoy the view for awhile.

Interestingly enough, the company I was working for had their contract renewed by the Government; however, they had a 40% cut. Translation: they cut seven jobs, where are due to end at the end of this week. Now, I do not completely understand why I was laid off, nothing was ever explained to me - other than the customer no longer needed my services. My friends and I have several working theories and they all end with “and Geo is a jerk.” (‘nough said.) All that said, one thing I am sure of is that it would have happened soon or later. If it had to happen, I am glad I had the summer off.

The pixs below include a couple of purses I have recently made using placemats (of all things). I am thinking about working on purses and totes to sell. I have had some feedback from folks who have seen them, so I am going to do some work on them. I also have gotten some great ideas from my mom – one of the best sewers (seamstresses) I know, she amazes me. She has made just about anything you can think of – from tote bags to wedding dresses, to quilts. I haven’t always appreciated her talent (especially as a kid wearing homemade cloths), but she has a lot of talent. She actually took a boy’s size 16 cassock pattern and enlarged it for my husband, who, at 6’4”, can not be described as “small”.

I am also adding a pix of some socks that I am attempting to knit. When I purchased the yarn, I was looking for the self-stripping stuff, but was told that this was not it, and it would not stripe for me, but would be very cute. As you can see, it seems to be self-stripping. I think they will be very cute. They are for someone else.

The last pix are two sets of placemats I bought and am going to make purses / totes out of them. I just need to get material for the inside and pockets, and the handles for them.

As for our diets: Keith has lost 50 lbs, officially as of today!! I am holding at 35 lbs, but I have not gone up, and am continuing to work at it. I have lost some inches, and am down 2 dress sizes. Today I tried on the dress I wore for graduation in May 2006, and am happy to report it does not fit. Just so you understand, it did not fit last fall or this past spring, but because I was too big for it. I am very pleased to also announce that the dress I bought for the wedding in April we attended is also too big! The best part is that in 2 more dress sizes, I will be able to shop in regular stores and be able to get things at Sams (I know, I know but it’s a great place to get jeans, sweaters – you know, the basics.)

Now, before I go for the evening, I have to say “Congratulations” to Casey and Jason, who were married yesterday in Winchester, VA. Welcome to the family Jason and Kayla (Jason’s daughter). I will tell you what I told Rachel – No back-cies! You are stuck with us now. We are a little crazy, but we can cook! Seriously, we are praying for you all, and that God will bless your union.

Have a good week – I’ll be in touch.

Anyone else seeing a color trend here?

Back in the saddle again...

Well, ladies and gents, I am back to work, and I am enjoying it. It is exhausting after my unfortunate break this summer. I was used to getting up and being dressed and ready by, oh, 11ish, then cat napping in the late afternoon.

The job is a good one. I am doing some work on a special project for Bill, who also works for June. She has been very busy and so in an effort to keep me busy, she has me working for Bill. I am learning a lot about the company and the AP department. I met with June today and we began to talk about what I could do, and how I can help her.

I will write more later. Love to all. Mel

Quiet Thoughts...

I am contemplating life, as I sit in the living room with the computer and a small but demanding bundle on my lap. This has been a personally difficult summer for me. I have had to reflect on parts of me that are not especially nice or pleasant; own up to things that I would really rather not even think about. Through it all, I have had to change those tapes that have played in my head most of my life. It has not been an easy process. Even in all of the difficulties that life has handed me this summer, I am reminded that I am, we are, fine. We have, in the words of a good friend, all that we need and so much more than we deserve. God is good. I am thankful for his provision for us during this summer; for my loving husband; for my wonderful church family; for my extended family (I miss you all); and for my small but demanding bundle – just to name a few.

I know so many people who are struggling. Their issues are many and varied: health, relationships, and faith – to name a few. Many of them have persevered through unimaginable situations, some are in the midst of a crisis, and others are just beginning the struggle. Some are faithful Christians, some are feeling their way back, and still others are, well, not. I must remind them, as I remember myself, that God IS good. He will answer their prayers. He will continue to provide, heal, and save. We must also remember to count our blessings and trust God to help us through the difficulties of life.

Enough contemplation: On to the news…

I have a job, albeit at temporary assignment, beginning Monday. There is a chance that this job could go permanent, or could lead to another job within the company. I am looking forward to it. The position has just been created, so I have the opportunity to help define the job. I am excited by the challenge.

Jasmine is, at last report, 2 lbs, 4oz. She is still on a respirator. Please continue to pray for her healing and strength for Rachel and David.

Cindy and Caitlyn are home, but Cindy still needs prayer for her recovery. They are home, and both doing well.

We're Back...

Well, we made it back Monday night at about 10:00 p.m. We had not planned to be out that long, but our visit with friends was too nice to leave any sooner than we did. (Thanks for the great dinner and wonderful evening guys!) That said, we were anxious to get back to the girls – we miss them terribly when we are away. We got a nice happy reception when we finally made it home.

Our weekend was a much needed retreat. The house we stayed in was lovely and quite comfortable. (Many thanks to our vacation benefactor!) There was no TV to watch, so we did a lot of reading, talking, and window shopping. It was a great time to relax, reconnect, and rejuvenate. We did find a little coffee shop/bookstore in Hardy, AR. It was a cozy little shop with Wi-Fi. We were able to check e-mails and buzz around the ‘net a couple of days.

I have now finished the Harry Potter series (books 6 & 7 while on our vacation). Wow, what a story. I really enjoyed reading the series, and am missing them now that I have finished. I was shocked by the ending, which was nothing like I imagined. I was talking to a friend and her daughter about how the author wrote the series – whether she had the basic outline of the whole story, or if she just built on the previous book – one book at a time. We came to the conclusion that she almost had to have an overall outline of the whole story, because of the way that she had weaved characters and information throughout the books.

I have an interview this afternoon, so please keep me in mind about 3pm. I am hoping to be back at work soon. This job will start as a temp job, but may well go permanent at some point. I’ll let you know!

There are updates to give, but they will have to wait for another day. My niece, Z, started kindergarten last week. She left me a message to tell me that she is a big girl, she had a good first day, and she LOVES it! I just can’t believe she has started school, where does the time go?

Let the celebration begin….

OK, so I am probably the only one celebrating today. On this day, Monday, August 27, 2007, I finally have my car back. (Final Cost: $4,239.35, thank the Lord for insurance!) I wasn’t able to pick it up until 7pm this evening, so pictures are from Tuesday. (Again, many thanks to the deductible donators – WE LOVE YOU BOTH!) It looks great, drives great and most of all feels great. I have missed having my car, not just because I love that car, but because I have missed having my independence. I really don’t like driving Keith’s car – it is far too big and long, especially to park. So, I have been driven all over town to get to where I needed to be, and have spent far too much time in this house.

I am having dinner with a good friend tomorrow. I will probably leave extra early just to be able to go visit some of my favorite places and get out a bit. One of my favorite places is a little consignment store in Bartlett (and its sister store on Union). I love older furniture and looking at other peoples junk. In fact the last time I was there, I found the EXACT same Mexican cookbook my mother has used for years. I snatched it up like there were 30 people around me waiting to get at it. (Of course, we’re on this diet, and not really doing Mexican, but I don’t care.)

Keith and I are going away for the weekend. I am looking forward to getting away and just spending some time with him. Now, it’s true we have spent much more time together lately that we normally get to, but perhaps we will be able to leave the stress of job hunting and other summer stresses here for a couple of days. It will be fun to be in a different place, visit some nice little shops, and spend time relaxing. Many thanks to our weekend benefactor – we appreciate you lending us your place! :)

There is no word on the other job Michelle was working on, she is waiting for scheduling information from the company and apparently someone went out of town on business. So, we wait. She is going to look for temp work for me, but nothing so far. I have several other updates, but they will have to wait until tomorrow…

Good Night.

The Waiting Game

I have had to do a lot of waiting over the last 5 to 6 days. Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t like to wait. I don’t have much patience (and I have a theory on patience, which I will have to write about on another day.), so it has been a difficult couple of days.

The car may be ready tomorrow. They have gotten in the wheels and tires, but are waiting on the tire pressure sensors. They think those will be in tomorrow. YEA. I can’t wait to get my car back. We are waiting for my employment to get the pole damage repaired. That falls under a separate deductible. The repair for the wheels (not including the dent caused by the MOWT (Mean ‘ole Wheel Thieves)) was $3700. Fortunately, we only have to pay the deductible. (Many thanks to the deductible donors! :-}) I have decided I am going to get the “Mean People Suck!” bumper sticker, because, well…they do!

I didn’t get the job I interviewed for. Bummer. I had to wait Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday to find out that I was #2. I hate being #2. I guess there is some chance that the #1 person will refuse the job, and it may become mine, but I doubt it. Michelle has another job she is working on for me. It doesn’t pay as well, but something is more than nothing. If nothing works out this week, I will begin Monday to take temp jobs. Besides needing the income, I need to get out of the house, and have something to do.

Our wait for our friends’ baby, Caitlin Rose, was over on Monday. She arrived and is doing well. She is a little early and in the NICU, but is strong and will probably not have to be there long. Her mom, Cindy, will have her heart surgery on Monday (then her wait will be over, and recovery will begin). The wait for news on Jasmine ended early today. She had routine surgery on her heart today (is any surgery routine?), but came through it, and at last word is doing well. This should help keep her lungs from filling with fluid. It is hard to believe that they can operate on a baby so small (1lb 9oz at last notice). God does all things well, yes?

I do not like to wait; it makes me feel that somehow, for some reason, God has put me on hold. I don’t know how to describe the feelings I have…It is a strange mixture of anxiety, hopefulness, depression, and excitement. That is a strange combination, I know, and I don’t feel them all at once, but one or two at a time. I guess this is where faith steps in and whispers “Peace”.

Good night.

Lessons Learned

Had a great blog all written up, and then it just was gone...So, I've decided I will write in Word, and will cut and paste in here. Not going thru this more than once :) Will re-write and post in a few minutes - Mel

Walkin' in Memphis

So, for those of you who haven't heard, we have experienced the joy of living in Memphis, yet again. Keith was taking some trash out this morning, and found that someone had taken ALL FOUR WHEELS from my 'nox.

I couldn't believe it. It was quite shocking. We spent most of the day trying to get the car stuff done: we made a police report, called the insurance company, and had the car towed to the shop. I have no idea how much money this is going to cost - hopefully it is all covered under our policy, and we'll just have to pay the deductible. These are just a couple pixs of the car and the tow company loading it up. Some of you remember that we had a break-in almost 2 years ago when the appliances, and several other things, were taken. You gotta love Memphis!

I talked to Michelle, who is with the staffing office I am working with, and she has not had any word about my job yet. She said that I had a good interview, but they had to reschedule an appointment for this afternoon, so they will not know until then. Michelle said that she would call me this afternoon or evening once she hears something. I promise to let you all know when I know.

Note:

I have been blogging on my myspace account, but need something others may have access to. So here are a couple of the initial posts:

What To Do Now?

OK, so I am not a writer by nature - I can't spell, and grammer seems beyond my natural abilities (but I am getting better :) ). So why do this? I am not sure, except I enjoy reading other ramblings.
Life is not so interesting right now. I am trying to find work, which is depressing. I need to clean and organize this house, but that is not interesting to me at all. I would like to organize my crafting room/sewing room/guest room/office, but that will take cash, which is in short supply when you have no job. Thank the Lord that our home and utilities are provided for us, so we won't be homeless, hungry, or in the dark any time soon. Well, okay, we have been on a diet - (I have lost 30lbs, and Keith 40ish) so we do go hungry sometimes, but not often, and not because we don't have groceries in the house. I have been accepted into an MBA program, so some things are looking up - but again, with no cash flow, going may get difficult...
I am missing my family, missing Virginia, and longing for somewhere to go every single weekday. I have an interview next week, so pray for me, once I get somewhere to go every single weekday, then maybe I can get to VA and see the family!

Monday, Monday...

Monday is here - the beginning of another week.

Sunday was busy but uneventful - as Sunday's go. After church and the vestry meeting, we went to an open house in the neighborhood - just to look. The house was BEAUTIFUL - small, but beautiful. It was not even priced very high, especially since the owner has taken such good care of it. We also went to Molly's for lunch/dinner. It is such a good place, and I always get the same thing - Molly's Chimmichunga. It is filled with spinach, mushrooms, cream cheese and pecans. Delish!

I don't know how many of you know this, but we have had our extended families increase in the last couple of weeks - First Jasmine was born - just a wee little thing, but she seems to be pretty tough. She is the first child and daughter of my younger brother, David, and his then-girlfriend-now-wife. Then Natile was born the following Wednesday. She is the daughter of Keith's youngest sister, Betsy, and her husband, Kenny. She is also the little sister to Nick. After all of the excitment of Jasmines birth, David and Rachel were married at the courthouse since they couldn't make it to their Hawaii wedding. We have 2 more great-neices/nephews coming in the next 6 weeks or so.

I have been asked to write an article on my favorite scripture. I thought it would be an easy task, but it has turned out to be very difficult. Many of my favorite scriptures are my favorite becasue I know them in song, and those songs bring back memories of various times of my life. (Kandi - I know you know what I mean...) So I continue to search...

Overall, not a bad day. I am looking forward to my interview, and perhaps finding that special place to go every day at 7:30 a.m. :)

From here on out, I will post the same things on both blogs! OK, it is now 8/26, and I have realized that this is diffcult to do. So, I will try to post the same thing on both blogs, but this is NO LONGER A PROMISE! - sorry folks...