God blessed me the day
He put you upon this earth.
Happy Birthday, love.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Observations from the Beach
These are in no particular order of observance.
1. Thank you, Jesus! No Speedos in sight!
2. Thank you, Jesus, for sarongs!
3. Speaking of sarongs, I made sure I always wore mine as I was worried about how I looked in a swimsuit - a one-piece swimsuit. I needn't have worried. There were plenty of people who needed a sarong more than I did. (Oh, that's mean of me, isn't it? Sorry).
4. Beach reading can also be called "smut for the shore."
5. My beloved tans at the mere mention of sun.
6. Jellyfish are in pesky abundance.
7. There IS worse traffic than B-town.
8. B-town does not have the market cornered on annoying tourists. Oh wait, I was a tourist. . . .
9. My beloved never fails to make me smile and/or laugh.
10. Sand really gets in everything.
11. Seafood tastes better when eaten near a beach.
12. The beach is better when shared with your beloved.
13. I finally know what it is to truly relax. It's amazing. I highly recommend it to everyone.
14. Several years ago, I saw the mountains and thought how mighty God is. They pale in comparison to the vastness of the ocean, and made Him all the more mighty.
I may have more observances as I remember them.
1. Thank you, Jesus! No Speedos in sight!
2. Thank you, Jesus, for sarongs!
3. Speaking of sarongs, I made sure I always wore mine as I was worried about how I looked in a swimsuit - a one-piece swimsuit. I needn't have worried. There were plenty of people who needed a sarong more than I did. (Oh, that's mean of me, isn't it? Sorry).
4. Beach reading can also be called "smut for the shore."
5. My beloved tans at the mere mention of sun.
6. Jellyfish are in pesky abundance.
7. There IS worse traffic than B-town.
8. B-town does not have the market cornered on annoying tourists. Oh wait, I was a tourist. . . .
9. My beloved never fails to make me smile and/or laugh.
10. Sand really gets in everything.
11. Seafood tastes better when eaten near a beach.
12. The beach is better when shared with your beloved.
13. I finally know what it is to truly relax. It's amazing. I highly recommend it to everyone.
14. Several years ago, I saw the mountains and thought how mighty God is. They pale in comparison to the vastness of the ocean, and made Him all the more mighty.
I may have more observances as I remember them.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Cleaning House
I'm not talking daily chores here. I'm talking taking inventory, purging, fixing problems. This is what I've been doing with my summer when I haven't been on taxi duty or on vacation. This has not been easy for me, but it has been the best thing I've done in a long time. It's therapeutic. It's freeing.
5 years ago, I became single. Nearly 4 years ago, I became divorced. Since then, a melee of trouble has found its way to me, and it was dealt with (thank you, Lord). During this time, however, things accumulated, much as they do just with the simple passage of time and not just because of a broken marriage. I was fortunate enough to remain a stay-at-home mom until the kids were all school age, then I found a wonderful job. A job that enables me to spend my summers at home (or away) with the kids. That, my friends, was a God thing. He put me in that job, I'm sure of it. Of course, working full time and being Mommy full time leaves little time for Cleaning House in this way. Just keeping up with the day-to-day things can be difficult at times.
Anywho, something I'd been wanting to do, but had just not had the gumption to do was let go of a collection I'd worked on for about 13 years. My Campbell's Soup collection. My kitchen was decked out in Campbell's Soup tin signs and knick-knacks. There was even a service for 12 of Campbell's Soup dishes. There is a LOT of this stuff, and I'd been collecting it my entire marriage, but quit once that ended, for obvious reasons. This summer, I took down all the signs on the walls and the knick-knacks and decided to paint my kitchen. I just didn't put any of the decor back up. Instead, I boxed it up. That was about 5 weeks ago. Today, I boxed up that table service. It's all going to go bye-bye.
It's not all that easy to give up a collection. Collecting certain things endear those things to a person. Since letting these things go, I feel that a weight has been lifted. I had read somewhere that "collecting" can actually cause symptoms of depression and anxiety. Really? Is that true? Well, given how I feel about this "purge," I would say there might be something to that. A lot of clutter can be overwhelming, even if it's in order and tidy. Perhaps too much stuff is just excess baggage? And hey, that stuff is just one less thing to worry about. I also read that a kitchen that has clutter can cause weight gain or the inability to lose weight. Yeah. You go into the kitchen, see the clutter, can't face dealing with the clutter, so it's into the fridge or cupboard for some comfort. Now THAT makes sense to me. My uncluttered kitchen is nice, and I've found that I don't go to the fridge or cupboard as often.
Okay, so maybe this is all wishful thinking on my part. Or maybe, because my Campbell's Soup collection had a bit more significance than just simply collecting, I've let go of more than just a collection (there's probably truth to that as well). Whatever it is, it's had a really good effect, and I highly recommend it to anyone.
5 years ago, I became single. Nearly 4 years ago, I became divorced. Since then, a melee of trouble has found its way to me, and it was dealt with (thank you, Lord). During this time, however, things accumulated, much as they do just with the simple passage of time and not just because of a broken marriage. I was fortunate enough to remain a stay-at-home mom until the kids were all school age, then I found a wonderful job. A job that enables me to spend my summers at home (or away) with the kids. That, my friends, was a God thing. He put me in that job, I'm sure of it. Of course, working full time and being Mommy full time leaves little time for Cleaning House in this way. Just keeping up with the day-to-day things can be difficult at times.
Anywho, something I'd been wanting to do, but had just not had the gumption to do was let go of a collection I'd worked on for about 13 years. My Campbell's Soup collection. My kitchen was decked out in Campbell's Soup tin signs and knick-knacks. There was even a service for 12 of Campbell's Soup dishes. There is a LOT of this stuff, and I'd been collecting it my entire marriage, but quit once that ended, for obvious reasons. This summer, I took down all the signs on the walls and the knick-knacks and decided to paint my kitchen. I just didn't put any of the decor back up. Instead, I boxed it up. That was about 5 weeks ago. Today, I boxed up that table service. It's all going to go bye-bye.
It's not all that easy to give up a collection. Collecting certain things endear those things to a person. Since letting these things go, I feel that a weight has been lifted. I had read somewhere that "collecting" can actually cause symptoms of depression and anxiety. Really? Is that true? Well, given how I feel about this "purge," I would say there might be something to that. A lot of clutter can be overwhelming, even if it's in order and tidy. Perhaps too much stuff is just excess baggage? And hey, that stuff is just one less thing to worry about. I also read that a kitchen that has clutter can cause weight gain or the inability to lose weight. Yeah. You go into the kitchen, see the clutter, can't face dealing with the clutter, so it's into the fridge or cupboard for some comfort. Now THAT makes sense to me. My uncluttered kitchen is nice, and I've found that I don't go to the fridge or cupboard as often.
Okay, so maybe this is all wishful thinking on my part. Or maybe, because my Campbell's Soup collection had a bit more significance than just simply collecting, I've let go of more than just a collection (there's probably truth to that as well). Whatever it is, it's had a really good effect, and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Mission: Beach
Day 1: Foley, AL. We stop for lunch and provisions. Lunch was at Lambert's. Sure, we have one 35 miles north of here, but I must check out this one. It's pretty much the same, except the rolls were not as soft, and the restaurant is a tad smaller. Next, Wal-Mart for food and stuff. It's like any other Wal-Mart with one exception: nearly every check-out line was OPEN. Shocking, I know.
We arrive in Gulf Shores. If you think B-town traffic is bad, it's nothing compared to the melee that is Gulf Shores. 4 lanes of tourists. Ack. My beloved and I check in, and quickly make our way to the shore. He wants to see me see this for the first time. I'm overwhelmed. Seeing how vast the Gulf is, how beautiful the water (it's blue, green, grey, white, and ever-changing), how soft and white the sand. Amazing! Then, clouds quickly roll in. I mean, quickly. Rain. We head inside to unpack.
It's 6:30 p.m. and I'm looking at the "Calendar of Events" for July in Gulf Shores. Why, just a short drive away is an amphitheater in Orange Beach and there's a concert there. Hey, we should totally go and see these virtually unknown artists. It's sprinklng, though, and it's an outside concert. I call the amphitheater. Yes, the concert is still on and tickets are only $20 each. We head out and arrive at the concert. For $20, we enjoy the dulcet tones of Willie Nelson and BB King for the next 3 1/2 hours. $20!! For legends! Their shows were amazing, but I'd have to say that BB's set was best. He's 82 years old and can still play the blues like nobody's business. The thrill is NOT gone. Heh.
Day 2: Sunny, so we're on the beach as early as possible. We're still in awe about the previous night's concert. I'm in even more awe of the shore and water before my eyes. I could watch it for hours, and I do watch it for hours. I also read some, because that's what you're supposed to do, right? Prior to vacation, I'd gone to Barnes and Noble for some "beach reading materials." This is very deceptive in its title. They should have put a sign on that table that said "trash" or "smut" for this is what "beach reading" really is. I didn't know this, having never been to the beach and having never required "beach reading materials." I still haven't finished the book. I mean, really, there's only so much "rippling muscles" and "heaving bosoms" one can take.
Okay, moving on. We eat at King Neptune's. A little seafood joint that I highly recommend to EVERYONE. Fresh Gulf shrimp cannot be beat, no matter how it's prepared. Go there if you're ever down that way. After that, it was back to the beach.
Day 3: Spent a good deal of time on the beach, of course, and had dinner at a great Mexican place called Cozadores. We highly recommend trying that if you're ever down that way.
After dinner, we take a late evening stroll on the beach. It's beautiful. It's romantic. Well, except for those little white crabs that mysteriously crawl out of the sand at night. Those things are creepy!
Day 4: We get to the beach early. Clouds up and begins to rain just minutes after we're there. So, we pack it up and head out for lunch at LuLu's. LuLu is Lucy Buffett, Jimmy Buffett's sister. The restaurant sits on the banks of the Intercoastal Waterway, and is QUITE the set-up. Beach volleyball, a beach area for kids to play in with all sorts of beach gear, a place to feed the fish, gift shop, face painting, etc. The food is really good, too. I had a Cheeseburger in Paradise, a tribute to her bro's song, I'm sure. We'd definitely go back there, and would have, but didn't really have time.
The sun comes out after lunch, so it's back to the beach. For nearly 5 hours. Even with the reapplication of SPF 50 every 30 minutes, I proceed to get a bit red. There was an abundance of jellyfish in the water, and an OVER-abundance of jellyfishers on the beach. Ack. Talk about annoying. It was like an episode of Spongebob, only without the black frame glasses. Heh.
Day 5: I'm fried. Sunburn painful enough that even standing inside by a window hurts the burn. We hit King Neptune's again just 'cuz it's SO good. We go to the movies - The Dark Knight. I highly recommend seeing it, but it is NOT for kids. The critics weren't kidding about Heath Ledger's performance in that movie. I wouldn't be surprised if he wins an Oscar posthumously.
Day 6: We leave. It's hard saying goodbye to the shore, and I long to go back there already. We head to Memphis, and decide to stay there for the night. Since we started our trip with a BB King concert, we decide to head to Beale Street and eat at BB King's Blues Club. Oh... my... gosh... If you're ever in Memphis, you simply MUST go there. The food is incredible. So is the entertainment. Blues nightly there. There was also some sort of "Thursday Night Party" on Beale, so it was blocked off for a few blocks. We wandered up and down the street, looking at all the clubs and shops, a different entertainer in each. No traffic to worry about, but we did have to dodge a lot of drunken college students. Shocking, I know. Really amazing place, and I hope to go back there sometime when I have a little more time to explore and take it all in.
So there you have it. My first beach adventure. And hopefully, not my last. All thanks to my beloved, who made it possible. Thank you. :-)
Next post, I'll have some observations from the beach. Epiphanies galore!
We arrive in Gulf Shores. If you think B-town traffic is bad, it's nothing compared to the melee that is Gulf Shores. 4 lanes of tourists. Ack. My beloved and I check in, and quickly make our way to the shore. He wants to see me see this for the first time. I'm overwhelmed. Seeing how vast the Gulf is, how beautiful the water (it's blue, green, grey, white, and ever-changing), how soft and white the sand. Amazing! Then, clouds quickly roll in. I mean, quickly. Rain. We head inside to unpack.
It's 6:30 p.m. and I'm looking at the "Calendar of Events" for July in Gulf Shores. Why, just a short drive away is an amphitheater in Orange Beach and there's a concert there. Hey, we should totally go and see these virtually unknown artists. It's sprinklng, though, and it's an outside concert. I call the amphitheater. Yes, the concert is still on and tickets are only $20 each. We head out and arrive at the concert. For $20, we enjoy the dulcet tones of Willie Nelson and BB King for the next 3 1/2 hours. $20!! For legends! Their shows were amazing, but I'd have to say that BB's set was best. He's 82 years old and can still play the blues like nobody's business. The thrill is NOT gone. Heh.
Day 2: Sunny, so we're on the beach as early as possible. We're still in awe about the previous night's concert. I'm in even more awe of the shore and water before my eyes. I could watch it for hours, and I do watch it for hours. I also read some, because that's what you're supposed to do, right? Prior to vacation, I'd gone to Barnes and Noble for some "beach reading materials." This is very deceptive in its title. They should have put a sign on that table that said "trash" or "smut" for this is what "beach reading" really is. I didn't know this, having never been to the beach and having never required "beach reading materials." I still haven't finished the book. I mean, really, there's only so much "rippling muscles" and "heaving bosoms" one can take.
Okay, moving on. We eat at King Neptune's. A little seafood joint that I highly recommend to EVERYONE. Fresh Gulf shrimp cannot be beat, no matter how it's prepared. Go there if you're ever down that way. After that, it was back to the beach.
Day 3: Spent a good deal of time on the beach, of course, and had dinner at a great Mexican place called Cozadores. We highly recommend trying that if you're ever down that way.
After dinner, we take a late evening stroll on the beach. It's beautiful. It's romantic. Well, except for those little white crabs that mysteriously crawl out of the sand at night. Those things are creepy!
Day 4: We get to the beach early. Clouds up and begins to rain just minutes after we're there. So, we pack it up and head out for lunch at LuLu's. LuLu is Lucy Buffett, Jimmy Buffett's sister. The restaurant sits on the banks of the Intercoastal Waterway, and is QUITE the set-up. Beach volleyball, a beach area for kids to play in with all sorts of beach gear, a place to feed the fish, gift shop, face painting, etc. The food is really good, too. I had a Cheeseburger in Paradise, a tribute to her bro's song, I'm sure. We'd definitely go back there, and would have, but didn't really have time.
The sun comes out after lunch, so it's back to the beach. For nearly 5 hours. Even with the reapplication of SPF 50 every 30 minutes, I proceed to get a bit red. There was an abundance of jellyfish in the water, and an OVER-abundance of jellyfishers on the beach. Ack. Talk about annoying. It was like an episode of Spongebob, only without the black frame glasses. Heh.
Day 5: I'm fried. Sunburn painful enough that even standing inside by a window hurts the burn. We hit King Neptune's again just 'cuz it's SO good. We go to the movies - The Dark Knight. I highly recommend seeing it, but it is NOT for kids. The critics weren't kidding about Heath Ledger's performance in that movie. I wouldn't be surprised if he wins an Oscar posthumously.
Day 6: We leave. It's hard saying goodbye to the shore, and I long to go back there already. We head to Memphis, and decide to stay there for the night. Since we started our trip with a BB King concert, we decide to head to Beale Street and eat at BB King's Blues Club. Oh... my... gosh... If you're ever in Memphis, you simply MUST go there. The food is incredible. So is the entertainment. Blues nightly there. There was also some sort of "Thursday Night Party" on Beale, so it was blocked off for a few blocks. We wandered up and down the street, looking at all the clubs and shops, a different entertainer in each. No traffic to worry about, but we did have to dodge a lot of drunken college students. Shocking, I know. Really amazing place, and I hope to go back there sometime when I have a little more time to explore and take it all in.
So there you have it. My first beach adventure. And hopefully, not my last. All thanks to my beloved, who made it possible. Thank you. :-)
Next post, I'll have some observations from the beach. Epiphanies galore!
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Big 1-0
He's ten today. He makes me smile every day. He tells me every day that he loves me and that I'm the most beautiful mommy in the world, and I know he means it. He is the self-proclaimed man of our house, and he is not afraid to kill the spider (or whatever creepy-crawly might present itself). He loves Jesus and loves memorizing scripture and he's not afraid to tell people about Him. He's shown me that I can do the "dad" things like play catch (hey, Mom, you don't throw like a girl at all!), teach him about baseball and football (the sports I love and actually know a thing or two about), and see what the scary noise is that he hears in the dark. He makes me see myself as he sees me - better than I see myself. He challenges me, along with his sisters, and makes me stand a little taller and prouder. He cracks me up regularly. He's my bud, my dude, my Tim. Happy Birthday, son!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Beaches - Straight Ahead (Y'all)
That's a sign my beloved and I saw a lot of on our trip to Gulf Shores last week(except for the "y'all" part) . If you think B-town has bad traffic, go to the beaches of Alabama. Instead of 2 lanes and a suicide lane, they have 4 lanes and a suicide lane, and it moves slower than B-town it seems. Ack.
I have so much to tell, but may just have to put my beach stories in more than one post, as there is just too much to tell in one post. It was my first time to ever see the beach or any body of water larger than a lake. Yeah, yeah, technically it's the Gulf, but it's still ocean to me. So vast, so great, so overwhelming. I saw that water and sand stretching on for miles, and felt so small, so insignificant. There is so much creation that God made that I've not personally witnessed in my life. Thank goodness for the Discovery Channel, eh?
Anywho, I will get around to divulging the details of my adventure as I have time. Right now, I'm processing all of the details, savoring them, sorely missing the beach, the water, and my beloved. One thing I can tell you right now is that the rolls at the Lambert's here are MUCH better than the rolls at the Lambert's in Foley, AL. When the Okra Guy heard I was from Branson, he seemed awed that I hail from THE home of the throwed rolls. Heh. I told him my concern about their substandard rolls. He was going to pass along that information. Right.
More later, y'all.
I have so much to tell, but may just have to put my beach stories in more than one post, as there is just too much to tell in one post. It was my first time to ever see the beach or any body of water larger than a lake. Yeah, yeah, technically it's the Gulf, but it's still ocean to me. So vast, so great, so overwhelming. I saw that water and sand stretching on for miles, and felt so small, so insignificant. There is so much creation that God made that I've not personally witnessed in my life. Thank goodness for the Discovery Channel, eh?
Anywho, I will get around to divulging the details of my adventure as I have time. Right now, I'm processing all of the details, savoring them, sorely missing the beach, the water, and my beloved. One thing I can tell you right now is that the rolls at the Lambert's here are MUCH better than the rolls at the Lambert's in Foley, AL. When the Okra Guy heard I was from Branson, he seemed awed that I hail from THE home of the throwed rolls. Heh. I told him my concern about their substandard rolls. He was going to pass along that information. Right.
More later, y'all.
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