Power

I was going to post yesterday, but honestly I was just too emotional. Here's why:

I was jolted awake by the ringing of the telephone a little after 5 a.m. yesterday morning. The voice on the other end of the line was filled with nervousness, excitement, and hope. I didn't need to ask who it was I was talking to. I knew immediately. My friend's sister, who happens to be my friend as well, was getting a new heart!!! For those of my blog readers who have not a clue of the magnitude of this announcement, let me try to explain A's story.

At the age of 30, A became pregnant with her first child. Complications arose that basically caused her heart to fail. She delivered a healthy baby boy and awaited a heart transplant. She received one and for the next 8 years she did her very best to live life to the fullest. Off and on for the past two years, her "new" heart began to reject/fail her. And for the past 6 months, she has literally been living on borrowed time. This last month, well, to say it's been scary for her and her family would be a gross understatement. She could not last much longer without a new heart. Receiving a heart transplant once is a miracle, receiving a second....well, isn't very common.

One week ago today, they released A back home because they had done what they could do and she wanted to come home. Less than 12 hours after returning home, she had another heart attack. This was it. In the hospital she would remain, bumped up on the transplant waiting list. She was weak, exhausted, but never without hope. I don't think people realize how tough she and her family really are...this transplant stuff is not for the weak of heart (no pun intended).

Fast forward to today. After the power of prayer and the miracle hand of God, A is stable and recovering from her second heart transplant. Her new heart is strong and beating on its on. She has a long road of recovery ahead of her, but it'll be a snap from where she's come from.

For those who are skeptical of prayer/miracles/God, I'm not trying to convert you. I just know what I know for a fact. God is real. He listens. He answers prayers whether it be a yes, no, or maybe. I only hope one day if you are one in doubt that you can open yourself up for the blessings only He can bestow. Faith is tangible. Believe it. "A" is living proof.

I'm just thankful that maybe my friend can relax a little. This past year has been just as hard on her as it has been for her sister. Let go and let God.

On a weather note....Today is a snow day!!!! Well, a sleet/rain/snow mix day but I'll take it. Blakely and AD can't wait to go sledding! I hope it snows enough so they can...I need a quiet snow day if you get my drift. LOL

Well, bundle up blog readers and stay warm.  Later.....

Time Really Flies

Eleven years ago today, I had my baby. AD always chastises me for saying "my" instead of "ours", but I can't help it. She lived inside of my body for 9 months, so I'm a little territorial. LOL I can remember her birth just like it was yesterday. But it wasn't yesterday...it was years ago. In reality, she will become an adult in only SEVEN years. Good grief. I'm not ready. Of course, I think I'll probably be ready because of her budding hormones. I am convinced this is God's way of preparing a mother to let go. But I'll say again...I'm not ready.

She is a wonderful young lady. She's smart, funny, and compassionate. She's beautiful on the outside and inside. It's hard for her to see this because well, that's just how she is. I just hope one day she realizes how much she has going for her and uses all of her gifts God gave her.

Everybody wants to say how bad it must be to raise a child up in this world. Lots of them want to tell you how much easier it was for them, or their kids, growing up. For those of you that really buy into that, let me tell you this:

1. Yes, the world has changed but for the better. You can see glass half empty if you want to, but I'm not wired that way. Sorry.
2. There was just as many drugs available (if you wanted them) back in your day. FYI: Crystal Meth has been around since BEFORE the 1970's.
3. Teenagers had sex then, too.

Yes, there are problems but there always has been. Each generation always thinks theirs was the best. Newsflash: positives and negatives exist in ALL generations. I don't really have time for Negative Nellies. They just irritate the crap out of me.

We are raising Blakely with morals. Hopefully, we are arming her with the values she's going to need to succeed in this old world. I'm not shy about my opinion of education. The more you have, the more you know...and that's NEVER a bad thing. No matter what though, she will find her own way.

It may be cliché to say life is what you make it, but seriously, it really is.

I don't mean to preach to you today. I apologize if it came across that way. It's just that I want to sometimes slap people to make them wake up. I can't do that....so I write on my blog.

I've got to get off here and read 16th century literature, african american folklore, AND work on my Spanish. Ahhh, the life of a college student! LOVE IT! ;) Later blog readers......

Wore Out Weekend

For the record, I'm still a little "pensive" but I think I've figured out the root. I am not ready to share, though.

Last week was pretty uneventful except for a couple of BIG things. LOL First, I was introduced to espresso!!!! Wow, who knew that you could basically drink straight coffee grounds?!?!?!!??!  I LOVE IT!!! I am forever grateful to my new friend, James. Of course, my kidneys probably aren't nearly as thankful. I really have to watch it because it could easily get out of hand with my crazy class schedule.

This weekend was also Blakely's bunking party for her birthday. Saturday night we took four extremely excited girls to Don Jose's for dinner, then to see the movie Tooth Fairy. They got hopped up on Dr. Pepper and sour straws and managed to stay up ALL night. Seriously. I think they went down around 6 a.m. I had to get them back up at 730 to make early church. Mean momma. Actually, they were willing to go. Good girls.

Blakely's actual birthday is this Wednesday. It is hard to believe she will be eleven years old. My how time flies. And like clockwork with her birthday, the re-arrival of winter. I cannot remember one time in the last 11 years that it has not snowed, sleeted, or threatened to the week of her birthday. Makes it kind of hard scheduling a birthday party, so I'm glad we did it this past weekend.

How 'bout them Saints????? Honestly, I just wanted Brett Favre to get beat. I know he's old but big whoop. I think he's an arrogant egomaniac. The past three years if I had a nickel for every time he "thought" (or actually did) retire, I could retire! Yay for the Saints, AND for the Green Bay Packers. ;)

Have a great week! Later blog readers.....

Restless

I'm restless. Not restless good, but restless not so good. I've got a strong feeling of tension that I cannot seem to shake. I'm not a superstitious person, but this "sensation" is too hard to ignore. I don't know if it's impending doom, unwanted change, or just my imagination. Whatever "it" is, I don't like it.

It began a couple of days ago. Just a nagging thought process that kept worming its way into my existence. Actually, that's not very accurate. It's not one thought. It's a feeling. I can't put my finger on it. Have you ever had something on your conscience that no matter how hard you tried to shake it, it just wouldn't die down? That's what I'm talking about.

I "feel" like I'm missing something OR that I'm supposed to be doing something I'm not doing. I don't have it together. I've explored all of the following in vain to try and figure out what the heck "it" is:

1. Haiti. Maybe the horror of it all unfolding before our eyes triggered something.
2. The quest for my life's purpose.
2. School. Maybe bouncing back full-time into grad school and its subject matter is intimidating me.
3. Family. Our never-ending saga.

It's like I'm on the cusp of something really big. Maybe even something scary. I'm just hoping and praying it's big and wonderful. I'll even take scary in a good way.

Sorry to ramble, but I just needed to write this all out and share. Hopefully, it's nothing and this will all be for naught. I'll let ya know when I know.

Later blog readers.......

Tunica Temptations

As promised, I have uploaded pics from the Temptations concert at Sam's Town in Tunica. AWESOME show, as usual!!! I love Motown music. It's so nice to go to a concert where the audience knows the words to all the songs, AND are encouraged to sing along! LOL They are such a wonderfully talented group of guys. While there is only one remaining founding member, Otis Williams, they have managed to carry on the great tradition of Temptation music. If you ever get the chance to see them, definitely go!

I'll be seeing them again in April at the EACC Fine Arts Center here in Forrest City. I guess that makes me a groupie, huh? LOL

I'm too tired to blog much. This old lady stayed out wayyyyy too late last night, and am pooped. Have a great rest of the weekend blog readers. Later......

NOTE:  If you would like to donate to the Earthquake Relief for Haiti check out the following:  Donate online at www.clintonfoundation.org/haitirelief to help provide immediate relief and long-term support to earthquake survivors. Text "HAITI" to 20222 and $10 will be donated to relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.

Remember it is a blessing to give, rather than receive. Thanks.

2nd Semester, Haiti, Weather, and the Temptations

Well, I started my 2nd semester of grad school. I LOVE all of my classes! I am such a nerd. I'll give you a rundown just to make you jealous. ;)

Popular Literature: We are studying lit from the Vietnam War and correlating it with the war in Afghanistan. This is something I am extremely interested in, and I'm super excited!
African American Folklore: This is a way cool class. It looks at the history of black people from slavery to the present. Love the book for the class! Way cool!
16th Century Lit: OK, this is my hardest class. But I really like the teacher. She is so smart and she'll occasionally curse. ;)
Renaissance Drama (sans Shakespeare): I LOVE this instructor!! He has the best voice. I could listen to him ALL day. And he makes Renaissance lit interesting...no easy task. ;)

So far, so good. I'm also taking online Spanish. Grand total of 15 hours. Good gravy. Bring it! ;)

I was walking on the treadmill on Wednesday in tears. Haiti. One of the poorest, if not THE poorest place on Earth. Natural disasters have hit this tiny nation hard the past few years. I don't give a rat's butt what Pat Robertson says, these people NEED our help. When did we become such a selfish nation? Forget I asked that question. Say a prayer because by the grace of God go we.

I'm going to see the Temptations AGAIN tonight! AD is staying home. But he's more than gracious enough to let me go. ;) I LOVE their concerts. I know every song and they really put on a show. Again I say, I'm such a nerd!

I should've been born in the 50's and come of age in the 60's. I would've been all over the Civil and Women's rights movements! I really missed my calling. I'm still searching for my calling here. I don't think "professional student" will quite cut it. LOL

I will try to upload pics tomorrow. Have an awesome weekend! Later blog readers......

Yes, it's official, I have lost my mind

Can You See Me? LOL

Yes, I went to the deer woods this weekend to bow hunt. I'm just gonna say I just "thought" the Liberty Bowl was cold!

Anthony and I went to Arkadelphia, AR. It's a new place we're going to join. It is BEAUTIFUL. It sits right on the Ouachita River and has lots of timber. Here are a few pics from my box stand:

 Front View.                                                                               

OuachitaRiver past tree line. Left.

Right Side toward road.

For my non-hunters, I will explain the box stand. It's a wooden "box" on stilts. Usually it sits about 5 feet off the ground, but can go higher. This one is about 6 feet. A whole lot easier to get into than my 20 foot ladder stand. I'm just saying. ;) Anyhoo, it's open on 3 sides and is camouflaged. A simple metal chair is all there is to sit on. It's not real comfy.

I got in the stand a little after twelve. The temperature was a balmy 8 degrees. A lovely north wind was blowing 15-20 mph, and right in my face. I even googled frostbite while on the stand because I was convinced I had it! Alas, I only had frostnip.

I had been there for a couple of hours and had literally frozen to near death. I have a ton of winterwear for hunting, but apparently I don't have near enough! LOL I finally see three deer about 100 yards to my left. If it had been gun season, I would have picked one, shot it, and went on my merry way. However, bowhunting is entirely different. A wait and see, extreme patience kind of hunt. The deer must get in the 40 yards or less range in order to make a good shot. It takes them FOREVER to meander that close. Finally, they are 20 yards away. I pick one and get ready. All of the sudden, a wild hog comes barreling through the field. What the heck?!?!?!?!? All I hear is snorting and grunting. He's running directly toward the deer. They flee. He zips by my stand and there you have it. Over one hour of waiting in the subzero temps for a freaking razorback to ruin!!! Geez Louise! I was just flabbergasted. And honestly, I cursed a little. Darn hog. I did manage to see 3 more deer close to dark, but they never came close. I get down around 530p and the temp is now well below zero. Not a happy camper.

The camp is, shall we say, rustic. It IS warm, though. By this time, our cousins have arrived. We discover the pipes have completely frozen which means no water. Which means.. no shower. Which means... no indoor potty. You haven't lived until you've used the bathroom in below zero temps. I don't recommend trying it. EVER. I end up bunking with Anthony, Mike (our cousin), and his son H because we're the only stupid ones going hunting. LOL H and I get the upper bunks. Now mind you, I've been in freezing temps ALL afternoon and am just beginning to thaw. I sleep in my thermals and pjs. BIG mistake. The stove in the cabin had me stripped by midnight. Yes, I ended up in just my bra and panties. Thank the Lord I was with family is all I'm saying. H and I literally almost spontaneously combusted a couple of times. LOL I can laugh about it now, but at the time it really wasn't very funny. I didn't dare complain, though. I was storing up heat for the next day's hunt.

I get back on my stand a little after daybreak. It's still uber cold, BUT Anthony bought me a little buddy propane heater to warm me up! I love that man! I see absolutely nothing all morning. No deer, no squirrel, and thankfully, no hog. I'm pretty bummed. We go to town for lunch and I decide to get back on the stand by 1p.

SPOILER ALERT AND/OR WARNING: The following is about the death of a deer. Some of my readers may be sensitive to the inevitable elements of a hunt. I believe that certain animals were put on our Earth by God for sustenance. The deer happens to be one of them. I'm sorry if this offends my vegetarian friends. I mean no disrespect.

A little after 3p, I see this big bodied deer come out of the thicket about 115 yards to my left. I thought it was a buck. Pretty large and walked like a buck. I get the rangefinder out (tells me how far away the deer is and serves as a scope). It's a doe! She's by herself. She is extremely cautious. The wind is out of the north again and this definitely works to my advantage. She can't see or smell me. She gets about 50 yards to my left and turns to leave. For some reason, she stops and decides to keep coming my way. I wait. She stops again just a little out of range and then, she just starts walking. She's headed in front of my stand and she's not slowing down. It's now or never. She's 37 yards directly in front of me when I aim. I'm a nervous wreck. I've never killed a deer with my bow, and it's only the second time I've really hunted with it. I had to decide which pin to use and where to aim to get maximum results. I had NO ledge to prop on and was standing up. Seriously, this is not easy. I took the shot. PERFECT! She makes it 20 yards and falls dead. A direct heart hit. There will be no need to track this deer. Very painless, very quick. Yes!

I text Anthony. He, of course, tells me to watch to see which direction she runs. I'm like she's not going anywhere. I swear he didn't believe me. I totally blow apart his theory of hunting. I wear full makeup, Victoria Secret lotions, and hairspray, and still manage to see/kill deer. LOL

Honestly, I'm probably not going to bow hunt again any time soon. I didn't feel the adrenaline rush like I normally do. I'm definitely more comfortable with the gun. Not to mention, I know I'm a good shot with it, and the bow is just way more difficult to figure out. I never want to cause an animal suffering, and I'm not sure I could make such a great shot again. It was really hard. I am very proud of myself. I have killed deer with my gun, muzzleloader, and bow. Very proud. Who says girls can't hunt? ;)

After all of this, I insist on going to a hotel. I've done what I needed to do, and I want a hot shower and a temperature regulated bedroom! LOL Anthony totally agreed. Can I tell you again that I love that man!? What a great weekend!

Tomorrow it's back to reality. Grad school here I come. And the weather is supposed to be better! Yay!  Later blog readers.....

The FC a.k.a.The Frozen City

I just thought it was cold in Memphis, TN on Saturday. It is RIDICULOUSLY FRIGID here in Arkansas right NOW! We woke up to another dusting of snow (about 1/2 inch). Not much, but enough to close school. The temps have been steadily falling ALL day and we are expected to bottom out tonight near 0. Not counting 15-25mph wind gusts. Are you kidding me??? I think we're getting paid back in spades for an unusually mild summer. I'm not complaining, though. I'm glad to be alive. ;)

This week is my last week before starting back to school. I'm ready because if I don't hurry up and get something to do, well, I'll weigh 2000 lbs. Maybe I'm just in "hibernation" mode, but I'm hungry 24-7. Even my gym trips are futile. I've got to get serious.

Tonight is the BCS Championship Game. Alabama v Texas. Two teams that I pretty much cannot stand.
Texas: old SWC rivalry that I refuse to let die. Alabama: just because they need to recognize Bear Bryant is an Arkansan FIRST! LOL But I'm pulling for the Tide because they're SEC. It should be a GREAT game!

I just finished reading "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson. I don't know how to begin to explain the preface of the book. But it's a GREAT book that stays with you long after you finish the last page. I feel extremely small and insignificant after reading it, and just pray I find my life's purpose before it's too late. I don't want to waste another minute.

To my friend in a Memphis hospital: Butterfly Blessings. This too shall pass. Hang in there.

As we go about our daily lives, please remember to take time to pray for our troops around the globe.

Stay warm! Later blog readers.......

The Ice, er I mean, Liberty Bowl

Blakely's First Razorback Game

We had pretty good seats, too!

Let me preface this post by stating the following:  20 Degrees in Memphis, TN is UNacceptable ;)

This was a big day for me. I have been a Razorback fan since age 7. My parents took me to all the Hog games. I LOVE them. However, my baby at the tender age of 6 decided she loved the Florida Gators. What?!?!?!? She didn't dislike the Hogs, but she didn't love them either. My mission for this Bowl game was to turn her around. (Note to self: might want to rethink strategy if game occurs in ridiculously frigid weather) To say it was cold would be a HUGE understatement. We don't "do" this weather here in the South. One of the many perks of living in the South is the mild winters. If it's going to be that cold, well, it better be snowing. ;)

Me, Blakely, my mom & Glen, load up and head to the game. The provisions included: hand/foot warmers, scarves, toboggans, hoodies, thermal underwear, down jackets, gloves, blankets, muck boots, several pairs of socks, chapstick, AND extra money for coffee! We were ready. Let me just say.....we weren't ready. It was beyond cold. It was OK at first because well, we were excited. Then the sun went down. We began adding layers to our already over-layered selves. Didn't help much. The following pic is what my mom ended up looking like mid-point until the end of the game. LOL

Eddie Money was the half-time show. I like Eddie Money, but lip-synching kind of takes away from the overall performance. I'm just saying. He does have a great head of hair, though!

With 4 minutes left in the game, my baby is freezing (literally) and the Hogs look no better than an above average high school team. I make the crucial decision to bail. Honestly, if fifty thousand Hog faithful show up in below freezing temps they should have crushed the competition out of sheer decency to their fans. I'm glad we won, but it really wasn't much of a win to a Conference USA school in overtime. I enjoyed the end of the game much better de-frosting in the warm, cozy shuttlebus. ;)

Needless to say, my child is now even more convinced she should attend the University of Florida. Heck, I can't say that I blame her. LOL ;)

The best thing happened this morning! We woke up to SNOW! It's not much snow, only a little dusting, but snow nonetheless. Totally makes up for yesterday. ;)

Beautiful Arkansas Sunrise! Thank you Lord!

Well, it's back to school this week for most. I hope all have an absolutely stellar first week of the year! Later blog readers.........

2010: Day 1

Well, Happy New Year Blog Readers!!! Hope you had as much fun ringing in the new year as I did!

I had every intention to do absolutely nothing on the first day of this year. Whatever. Apparently, I have issues with doing "nothing" because I did a whole lot of something!

Here's the rundown:

First, I went to the gym. I did 30 minutes of cardio (low-impact) and mentally prepared myself for Hades. I figured I might as well baptize myself by fire! LOL Nothing like WallyWorld on the first day of the new year. I needed to test out my "joy" resolution. I arrived sans makeup and in sweats. No list. Drum roll......I passed with flying colors!!! I managed to even smile, wave, and make "light" conversation with peeps in line. ;)

I obviously worked up an appetite at the gym AND Hades, so I treated myself to a Sonic Burger with tots. Yeah, totally erased the workout but sometimes ya just gotta live a little. ;)

Up next, power nap. I did manage to squeeze in a little "nothing" time! What a great nap! Aaaaaahhhhhh. I'm loving 2010 already.

Managed to cook dinner (spaghetti...a real stretch! lol) and watch a movie. Sidebar: I did not eat black-eyed peas today. I have followed this tradition for as long as I can remember, but I'm feeling rebellious. Shaking things up a bit. Not telling my aunt or my parents. I may be rebellious, but I'm not stupid! LOL

AD suggested we go get some hot chocolate and make a side trip to (gasp!) Hades. He wanted some frozen biscuits, and of course, RedMan. Great. Great. I should've added a disclaimer onto my resolution limiting the trips to Wal-Mart to one a day. Well, let me just say that I was most definitely tested.

I go in (still no makeup and in sweats) for what should've been a 5 minute excursion TOPS. Get the biscuits. Go to line 8 (because that's where the all-consuming tobacco lives) and time screeches to a halt. The cashier is eerily quiet. The two ladies in front of me...eerily quiet. The man in camo at the front of the line, well he's kind of staring toward the back of the store. This can only mean one thing. I know what it is, but need confirmation. I ask the lady in front of me, "so, what's up with this?" She gives me the "look" and utters two words that sends chills down most shoppers spines.......PRICE CHECK. Instantly, I bond with the other two women in line. We don't even need to speak. Our eyes are focused on camo man. The manager comes back about 4 minutes later and tells the guy that the price is not what he thought, but 19.96. And here's where I could've lost my joy.....he didn't buy the item. Geez Louise. I shake it off, and laugh. The other ladies chuckle with me as the guy walks away. Not laughing in a "butthole or insincere kind of way" but just like, "yeah, it's the first of the year and nobody's stealing my joy" kind of way.

2010 is going to be a great year! I just KNOW it! Later blog readers......