So I finally found a freshman year journal entry I can post without completely humiliating myself (or my dear friends/former roommates) or editing all the fun out of it. I will still edit it a little, but I did that even when I read them out loud. So when you see "..." imagine me saying "blah blah blah" or "ummmm..."
September 19, 1985
I woke up aching all over, with a 100 degree fever, and I was cold when everyone else was hot. I felt bad all day. (Note: apparently it didn't slow me down much. Keep reading.) We voted for officers today--all mine made it to the runoffs! I slept this afternoon, part of the time in the Student Center! We had a picnic supper. I saw #@&% and !@^ together all day today, and it hurt, but I'm going to try not to dwell on it. I flirted with every guy I saw today--Mark Neese, Ross, Brian, Troy, Philip, just whoever. I'm going to ask 5 different guys to TWIRP, just to do it--it's October 14--AAAAH! We had a pep rally tonight. ...We socialized a lot tonight--had a tea party at Daniel with Troy, and talked to Brian and Philip in the library. (Note: the old library, before Hickingbotham made his big donation. Does anyone remember how noisy it used to be??!) We serenaded Troy outside his window, and Perry threw water on us! It was so funny. We came back here and Ross gave us our intramurals lists--he's sweet.
As much fun as my days at OBU were, I'm so glad my single days are over!!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Plus One! (or should I say TWO!)
Jessica's coconut pound cake won 1st Place AND Best of Show.
I'm so proud!
And I want a piece.
I'm so proud!
And I want a piece.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sandusky Ribbon Count!
Mom is worried about me because the last 2 posts were sad, so here's a happy one just for her. :)
It's Col. County Fair time! And since it's such a rinkydink small fair, and so few people enter things, we always enter things and always end up winning a little cash! It's really fun. :) Sandusky ribbon count so far:
Kecia--blackberry jelly--2nd place ($2-woohoo!!)
Jessica--pecan pie--1st place ($14 from Pillsbury!)
coconut pound cake--unknown
Mikayla--beaded necklace--1st place ($3)
Rebecca--art, markers--3rd place ($1)
Since we could, we turned our trip to turn in Jessica's cake into a field trip! Here are some more pictures:
Kecia--blackberry jelly--2nd place ($2-woohoo!!)
Jessica--pecan pie--1st place ($14 from Pillsbury!)
Mikayla--beaded necklace--1st place ($3)
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| A dark picture of Mikayla's bright idea |
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| Mikayla wanted me to tell all of you that this was her entry. |
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| Now I've got them right where I want them! |
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sydney's Kids
I guess September 15 will forever make me remember Wedgwood, and the tragedy that happened there 11 years ago. So far this year, my memories have not caused me to re-live grief and horror of that day as they have in years past. I think reading this book I was given at a Wedgwood singles' reunion helped my healing process tremendously (even though it took me, who usually can finish a book in a day or two, over a year to even pick it up to read, and then another year to finish it!). And I know God's gentle hand has been patiently healing my hurt. But I still want to commemorate this day, and even more, the innocent lives lost. (Well, innocent in the broadest sense of the word) (If you knew Sydney, you'll appreciate that remark) So follow this link to read a story of how Syd's legacy continues. (In addition to me thinking of her when I hear "Dueling Banjos" or call my kids' choir The Best Children's Choir in South Arkansas or see the recipe she gave me for "$&# in a pan, or in Baptist cookbooks: Chocolate Pudding Dessert")
Grand Canyon University fulfills a promise of free education made 10 years ago
Grand Canyon University fulfills a promise of free education made 10 years ago
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sober thoughts
There's something so final about a funeral.
I know that sounds simplistic, but when I lose someone I care about, especially when it's unexpected, I rebel against the funeral with every fiber of my being. I don't want to help plan it, think about it, dress for it...because that means accepting that it's true. This person is really gone. I won't wake up from this bad dream, they won't come walking in saying it was all a mistake--no, it's real, and it's permanent. Final.
That's what was going through my mind yesterday when the white limo with U.S. flags on the front parked in front of my neighbor's house to take his young widow and 2 little girls to his funeral. They were followed by dozens of cars, which have been at that house all week, supporting the family. It took a long time for her to come out, and I wondered if she felt the same as me. If she didn't want to have to admit that he was really dead.
He was 31 years old. He and his 20-something passenger (whom I just found out was his wife's brother) were killed in a car wreck last Saturday--the newspaper said the car "lost control and flipped". When we found out what happened, Mikayla went with me to take them a casserole; we said we were so sorry and would be praying for them, and came home. And I have prayed for them, especially yesterday, watching the cars go by. But I don't know them very well. Not at all, really. His 9-year-old daughter has come over (step-daughter maybe?) a couple of times when she got home from school before either parent and was locked out. I'm glad she knows she can come here. She's at an age between my girls' ages and likes different things from my girls, so they've never had much to talk about. Just jumped on the trampoline once or twice.
But I don't really know them at all.
He was drunk when it happened. It was his 3rd DUI, at least. Which is such a stupid, tragic waste of a young life full of promise. He had a good job, a wife and 2 kids, and served in the National Guard. Maybe his time in Iraq contributed to his drinking--like I said, I don't know. But this is one more reason Mike and I don't drink, and why we teach our kids to avoid alcohol.
Now I know that nowhere in the Bible does it say that drinking is a sin, although it is very clear about drunkenness. Maybe drinking alcohol isn't, in itself, sinful. I know lots of people, friends and family, who are better Christians than I am, who drink. I love and respect them. They could point out things in my life that the Bible clearly does say are sins--so I'm not saying this in condemnation or self-righteousness. But I once went to a church in which I was made to feel like I was the sinner for NOT drinking, for teaching my children not to drink. Ever since, I've genuinely examined the Word and questioned myself for justification, as it were, for my beliefs. And this is a good example. If you never taste it, you'll never grow to love it. If you never love it, you'll never need it. If you never try it, you'll never know how much it takes to get drunk, putting yourself and those around you in danger, leaving widows and orphans behind.
[Note: I wrote most of this last Sunday, but just now had time to finish it. One of my neighbor's daughter's is just 3 years old. We have heard her crying for her Daddy in the days since the accident. The 9-year-old came over twice this week, and said her mama "cries a lot and talks to the preacher." I also got to talk to the grandma. She said the mom does okay until the 3-year-old starts crying, and then she falls apart. I cannot imagine her grief, but it breaks my heart. Please pray for them today, and that we would know how to support them and show love to them -- maybe even be able to say we know them.]
I know that sounds simplistic, but when I lose someone I care about, especially when it's unexpected, I rebel against the funeral with every fiber of my being. I don't want to help plan it, think about it, dress for it...because that means accepting that it's true. This person is really gone. I won't wake up from this bad dream, they won't come walking in saying it was all a mistake--no, it's real, and it's permanent. Final.
That's what was going through my mind yesterday when the white limo with U.S. flags on the front parked in front of my neighbor's house to take his young widow and 2 little girls to his funeral. They were followed by dozens of cars, which have been at that house all week, supporting the family. It took a long time for her to come out, and I wondered if she felt the same as me. If she didn't want to have to admit that he was really dead.
He was 31 years old. He and his 20-something passenger (whom I just found out was his wife's brother) were killed in a car wreck last Saturday--the newspaper said the car "lost control and flipped". When we found out what happened, Mikayla went with me to take them a casserole; we said we were so sorry and would be praying for them, and came home. And I have prayed for them, especially yesterday, watching the cars go by. But I don't know them very well. Not at all, really. His 9-year-old daughter has come over (step-daughter maybe?) a couple of times when she got home from school before either parent and was locked out. I'm glad she knows she can come here. She's at an age between my girls' ages and likes different things from my girls, so they've never had much to talk about. Just jumped on the trampoline once or twice.
But I don't really know them at all.
He was drunk when it happened. It was his 3rd DUI, at least. Which is such a stupid, tragic waste of a young life full of promise. He had a good job, a wife and 2 kids, and served in the National Guard. Maybe his time in Iraq contributed to his drinking--like I said, I don't know. But this is one more reason Mike and I don't drink, and why we teach our kids to avoid alcohol.
Now I know that nowhere in the Bible does it say that drinking is a sin, although it is very clear about drunkenness. Maybe drinking alcohol isn't, in itself, sinful. I know lots of people, friends and family, who are better Christians than I am, who drink. I love and respect them. They could point out things in my life that the Bible clearly does say are sins--so I'm not saying this in condemnation or self-righteousness. But I once went to a church in which I was made to feel like I was the sinner for NOT drinking, for teaching my children not to drink. Ever since, I've genuinely examined the Word and questioned myself for justification, as it were, for my beliefs. And this is a good example. If you never taste it, you'll never grow to love it. If you never love it, you'll never need it. If you never try it, you'll never know how much it takes to get drunk, putting yourself and those around you in danger, leaving widows and orphans behind.
[Note: I wrote most of this last Sunday, but just now had time to finish it. One of my neighbor's daughter's is just 3 years old. We have heard her crying for her Daddy in the days since the accident. The 9-year-old came over twice this week, and said her mama "cries a lot and talks to the preacher." I also got to talk to the grandma. She said the mom does okay until the 3-year-old starts crying, and then she falls apart. I cannot imagine her grief, but it breaks my heart. Please pray for them today, and that we would know how to support them and show love to them -- maybe even be able to say we know them.]
Friday, September 10, 2010
10 on the Tenth--barely
I just got the kids to bed after our home school group back-to-school party, and before I drop exhausted into bed, I'll join Meredith's 10 on the Tenth with 10 things I enjoy about home schooling:
1. Not rushing in the morning Now I do get up at 6:30, along with Mikayla, but the other 2 sleep until 7 or 7:30, depending on how late we're out the night before, and it's just nice knowing I don't have to have my make-up on before we start.
2. Spending time with my kids To be honest, I was one of those parents doing a happy dance on the first day of public school when my kids were really little. But now that we're home schooling, I love spending time with them. They're fun people.
3. Making them do chores When they went to school, they were home for such short times that I felt guilty making them do too many chores, because I knew they needed some free time to play. Now, I really feel like I'm teaching them to be good little homemakers.
4. Bible study I also always wanted to do Bible studies with my girls, spend time teaching them to pray, grow in the Lord--but we were always so busy I never took time to do it. Now, it's in the curriculum!
5. Watching them learn I love seeing how much they've learned from year to year.
6. Learning myself They read some really interesting stuff, and my teaching and planning is protecting my brain from atrophy. It's really fun!
7. Flexible schedule We went to Disney World in February! Go out of town on Fridays! (Every Friday is easy day)
8. CCHOICE (Columbia County Home Options in Christian Education) It's fun getting together with other home school families, watching the kids play, sharing stories--having friends.
9. Knowing they're being challenged And they weren't before.
10. It's a way to use my degree AND be a stay-at-home mom. And it's what we feel is best for our kids this year. I still have second thoughts, often. We still decide each year if it's what we need to do. For now, it's good, and these were some reasons why.
Now here's the video I wanted to show at our meeting tonight and couldn't because of technical difficulties.
1. Not rushing in the morning Now I do get up at 6:30, along with Mikayla, but the other 2 sleep until 7 or 7:30, depending on how late we're out the night before, and it's just nice knowing I don't have to have my make-up on before we start.
2. Spending time with my kids To be honest, I was one of those parents doing a happy dance on the first day of public school when my kids were really little. But now that we're home schooling, I love spending time with them. They're fun people.
3. Making them do chores When they went to school, they were home for such short times that I felt guilty making them do too many chores, because I knew they needed some free time to play. Now, I really feel like I'm teaching them to be good little homemakers.
4. Bible study I also always wanted to do Bible studies with my girls, spend time teaching them to pray, grow in the Lord--but we were always so busy I never took time to do it. Now, it's in the curriculum!
5. Watching them learn I love seeing how much they've learned from year to year.
6. Learning myself They read some really interesting stuff, and my teaching and planning is protecting my brain from atrophy. It's really fun!
7. Flexible schedule We went to Disney World in February! Go out of town on Fridays! (Every Friday is easy day)
8. CCHOICE (Columbia County Home Options in Christian Education) It's fun getting together with other home school families, watching the kids play, sharing stories--having friends.
9. Knowing they're being challenged And they weren't before.
10. It's a way to use my degree AND be a stay-at-home mom. And it's what we feel is best for our kids this year. I still have second thoughts, often. We still decide each year if it's what we need to do. For now, it's good, and these were some reasons why.
Now here's the video I wanted to show at our meeting tonight and couldn't because of technical difficulties.
Monday, September 6, 2010
I love OBU!!
Each loyal heart upraises a cheer to thy glorious na-a-a-ame...
O-U-A-C-HI-TA!...
Wow, today brings back memories. My four years at Ouachita were some of the best of my life (ha-remember "The Best of Life"?). I am convinced that just as the 80's were the best decade for music and fashion (well, music at least), they were the best time to go to OBU. We still had a curfew, but that was part of the fun-the guys didn't have to announce when they were going to serenade, because they knew we'd all be there anyway! And we had Walt's. They were also full of firsts--my first time to share a room, first dance (well, first dance where I actually danced), first time to eat cafeteria food (I know, I was spoiled. Always took my lunch), first food fight!, first date, first kiss, first boyfriend, first break-up, first time to share a room, first time to start a daily quiet time with God, first mission trip, first vacation without family, first overseas trip...
Since Angie, Dina, Jennifer, and the rest of Flippen First Floor (see Angie's post) used to gather in my room at night to listen to me read my journal entries from previous years, I thought I could share my September 6 entries from each of the 4 years I was at OBU! Then I read them. When I picked myself up off the floor where I was cringing in humiliation, I decided to be a little more discerning about what to share with the world. So here is my sophomore year, September 6, 1986, the year of the 100 year celebration, (and my least embarrassing entry) only slightly edited:
We were going to sleep late this morning and Mom called at 7:30--AAAH! They were going to Fort Smith and wanted to ask me some questions first. I went back to sleep until lunch time after we hung up. I ate real fast, then changed & went to OPEC. The convocation was good, but LONG. We sang, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and John Threet spoke, they named off what went in the time capsule--it was cool. We had a picnic tonight--ate with Dina, Lance, Steve, and Tauna. Angie didn't have a very exciting time on her date, just nice. Felley got to help lower the time capsule--my name and picture are in there a few times! Ang & I made cookies, studied, and watched TV tonight. MaryAnn took us to WalMart to get Grunge's pictures of the retreat--they are good! Dina got some good news tonight--she's going to be in a movie!
I might be convinced to share my freshman year, but only with lots of begging. And even then, I'll have to edit. I was such a dork!
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