Today I am thankful for ants.
Another "because I have to" post...
We had a swarm of ants appear on our bedroom window earlier tonight. It was one of the grossest things I have ever seen, and I am still having at least imaginary itching from it. The maintenance crew was already gone and we had no bug spray, so we killed the swarm with a whole bottle of multi-purpose cleaner. Maybe not killed, but dazed long enough to allow us to squash them with paper towels. Hopefully, the rest of them will be killed tomorrow and the problem will be solved.
I'm not sure that I can come up with anything to be thankful for about ants. In an effort to find something good, I did a little Google search...
"During the reproductive season, an ant colony will produce winged males and females which usually swarm around a landmark, such as a tree or hill, to mate."
Yep, we have the winged ones. They are swarming around our landmark of a window to mate. Lovely.
Perhaps today I am thankful for multi-purpose cleaner. :-)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
My Bed
Today I am thankful for my bed.
We're home! We had a great time in Kentucky with Ryan's parents this past week, but after more than eight hours on the road and then another couple of hours with my family out at their house, I am so happy to be back home. After living here myself for seven months, this was the first time I've come back after time away and really felt like I was home. We don't have the greatest of mattresses to sleep on, but it's ours and what we're used to...so, so excited to sleep in it tonight!
We're home! We had a great time in Kentucky with Ryan's parents this past week, but after more than eight hours on the road and then another couple of hours with my family out at their house, I am so happy to be back home. After living here myself for seven months, this was the first time I've come back after time away and really felt like I was home. We don't have the greatest of mattresses to sleep on, but it's ours and what we're used to...so, so excited to sleep in it tonight!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
My Sister
Today I am thankful for my sister.
It's birthday time around here lately! Ellen turned 21 today, and although I wasn't in Fayetteville to celebrate with her, she wasn't there either. :-) She is experiencing summer camp for the first time, and as a counselor at that! My dear sister and I didn't get along all that well while growing up (for a variety of silly reasons), but we love hanging out together now! I love you, Nora!!!
It's birthday time around here lately! Ellen turned 21 today, and although I wasn't in Fayetteville to celebrate with her, she wasn't there either. :-) She is experiencing summer camp for the first time, and as a counselor at that! My dear sister and I didn't get along all that well while growing up (for a variety of silly reasons), but we love hanging out together now! I love you, Nora!!!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
The Simplicity of My Wedding
Today I am thankful for the simplicity of my wedding.
We went to a pretty extravagant wedding tonight. It was beautiful and everything we thought the bride would've chosen, but I felt somewhat out of place in such a fancy environment. Ever since planning my own wedding, I've had a hard time keeping myself from judging the event choices of other brides and grooms. I know we're all entitled to our own opinions when it comes to that, but I'm still thankful for the simplicity we enjoyed almost seven months ago.
We went to a pretty extravagant wedding tonight. It was beautiful and everything we thought the bride would've chosen, but I felt somewhat out of place in such a fancy environment. Ever since planning my own wedding, I've had a hard time keeping myself from judging the event choices of other brides and grooms. I know we're all entitled to our own opinions when it comes to that, but I'm still thankful for the simplicity we enjoyed almost seven months ago.
Friday, May 27, 2011
A Manicure & Pedicure
Today I am thankful for a manicure and pedicure.
The boys went off to watch golf again, and when the guys are gone, the girls will play. :-) Pam and I went to get manicures and pedicures at Pretty Nails. Funny name, so-so service, but still a treat. I do that so very rarely; in fact, the only other pedicure I've ever had was the day before my wedding. I didn't love that it was a man rubbing my hands and feet, but I enjoyed relaxing and coming back with shiny red nails!
The boys went off to watch golf again, and when the guys are gone, the girls will play. :-) Pam and I went to get manicures and pedicures at Pretty Nails. Funny name, so-so service, but still a treat. I do that so very rarely; in fact, the only other pedicure I've ever had was the day before my wedding. I didn't love that it was a man rubbing my hands and feet, but I enjoyed relaxing and coming back with shiny red nails!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Aaron
Today I am thankful for Aaron.
It's my youngest brother's second birthday today, and I so wish that I was at home to celebrate with him. I'm sure he isn't feeling like it's a day any different from others since we spoil him all the time, but still, the second birthday is a fun one. :-) We did call him and sing Happy Birthday, but he wouldn't say a word to us on the phone. I guess now that he's two, he doesn't need us!
Happy Birthday, baby brother!
It's my youngest brother's second birthday today, and I so wish that I was at home to celebrate with him. I'm sure he isn't feeling like it's a day any different from others since we spoil him all the time, but still, the second birthday is a fun one. :-) We did call him and sing Happy Birthday, but he wouldn't say a word to us on the phone. I guess now that he's two, he doesn't need us!
Happy Birthday, baby brother!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
No More Storms
Today I am thankful for no more storms.
So, technically, I am writing this on Thursday night, but I will change the post date to make it look like it was late last night. I do that every now and then...sometimes I fall asleep before getting a chance to post. :-)
Anyways, this night was tricky because we had a pretty significant storm headed right into Louisville, which is where we are staying in the top floor of a hotel. We were up late watching weather trackers online and on the tv waiting with our shoes on to go downstairs if we needed to do so. This particular round of storms had been tornadic earlier on in the day. Thankfully, by the time it got to us, it was "just" 90 mile-per-hour winds. They told us not to stand near windows until it was over, but I'll admit we opened up the curtains and watched it roll in. Storms are scary, but fascinating to watch when you feel like you're safe! They're saying this is the last of the severe storms for a while. I couldn't be more grateful for that fact!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A Safe Arrival
Today I am thankful for a safe arrival.
We had a very clear and warm drive to Kentucky today, starting at 6am this morning. It was uneventful except for missing a turn-off in Joplin because the interstate sign had blown away. I know the clear skies didn't do a lot to help the storms that are going on tonight, but it was certainly an answer to prayer for me for eight hours.
We had a very clear and warm drive to Kentucky today, starting at 6am this morning. It was uneventful except for missing a turn-off in Joplin because the interstate sign had blown away. I know the clear skies didn't do a lot to help the storms that are going on tonight, but it was certainly an answer to prayer for me for eight hours.
Monday, May 23, 2011
The Day Before Vacation
Today I am thankful for the day before vacation.
I kept forgetting all day that I wasn't going to work for the rest of the week. When I left at closing time, I had to remind myself again that I wasn't coming back tomorrow. I'll be honest...I'm not looking forward to a potentially rain-saturated drive, but I am super excited about a week-long vacation!
I kept forgetting all day that I wasn't going to work for the rest of the week. When I left at closing time, I had to remind myself again that I wasn't coming back tomorrow. I'll be honest...I'm not looking forward to a potentially rain-saturated drive, but I am super excited about a week-long vacation!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
A Top-Floor Apartment
Today I am thankful for a top-floor apartment.
This is another one of those posts where I have to "choose" to be thankful for something that I find myself complaining about frequently. We spent the night at some friends' house tonight until we thought the storms had subsided, but then once we got home it kicked back into full gear. Scary when you're in a top-floor apartment and you don't know your downstairs neighbors and whether they enjoy getting a stranger knocking on their door at midnight. I'd really love to be in bed by midnight, but it may not happen. Compared to what some people an hour or so to our north are facing tonight, though, I am willing to be thankful for a top-floor apartment.
This is another one of those posts where I have to "choose" to be thankful for something that I find myself complaining about frequently. We spent the night at some friends' house tonight until we thought the storms had subsided, but then once we got home it kicked back into full gear. Scary when you're in a top-floor apartment and you don't know your downstairs neighbors and whether they enjoy getting a stranger knocking on their door at midnight. I'd really love to be in bed by midnight, but it may not happen. Compared to what some people an hour or so to our north are facing tonight, though, I am willing to be thankful for a top-floor apartment.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Benjamin's Graduation
Today I am thankful for Benjamin's graduation.
Half of my parents' children have now graduated high school, and today we got to watch number five walk across the stage. It was only his immediate family that was there, but reportedly we had the loudest cheer in all of Bud Walton. :-)
Congrats, Ben!
Half of my parents' children have now graduated high school, and today we got to watch number five walk across the stage. It was only his immediate family that was there, but reportedly we had the loudest cheer in all of Bud Walton. :-)
Congrats, Ben!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Family
Today I am thankful for family.
The Razorback baseball game was rained out tonight, so we spent the evening hanging out with my parents, Aaron and my grandma. It was relaxing and Aaron was having one of his most hilarious nights. I love that crew.
The Razorback baseball game was rained out tonight, so we spent the evening hanging out with my parents, Aaron and my grandma. It was relaxing and Aaron was having one of his most hilarious nights. I love that crew.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A Day of Solitude
Today I am thankful for a day of solitude.
Lightbearers gives its staff members two paid days each year to take a day of solitude for personal restoration. Basically, it's a personal day, but the intention is for us to use the majority of it for time in the Word, meditation and prayer. I hadn't planned to use that this week, but it became very clear on Monday and Tuesday that this needed to happen this week. Since I don't work on Fridays, I only have to work Monday and then I get a week of vacation! This is just the rest that I have been craving.
Lightbearers gives its staff members two paid days each year to take a day of solitude for personal restoration. Basically, it's a personal day, but the intention is for us to use the majority of it for time in the Word, meditation and prayer. I hadn't planned to use that this week, but it became very clear on Monday and Tuesday that this needed to happen this week. Since I don't work on Fridays, I only have to work Monday and then I get a week of vacation! This is just the rest that I have been craving.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
A Late Dinner
Today I am thankful for a late dinner.
We didn't have time to eat dinner before church tonight, and since Ryan was leading The Gathering, we had to stay until everyone had left. We ended up eating at close to 8:00, and it was the best barbecue sandwich I have ever had, I think, but that's most likely because I was so very hungry!! It was fun to break the normal routine, though, and have a "late-night" date with my hubby. :-)
We didn't have time to eat dinner before church tonight, and since Ryan was leading The Gathering, we had to stay until everyone had left. We ended up eating at close to 8:00, and it was the best barbecue sandwich I have ever had, I think, but that's most likely because I was so very hungry!! It was fun to break the normal routine, though, and have a "late-night" date with my hubby. :-)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A Patient Husband
Today I am thankful for a patient husband.
I really do love him. Tonight, after looking at a couple of houses, we had planned to go to the Razorback baseball game because it was so nice outside. Ryan had been craving a hot dog (no idea why), so I ate beforehand and he made plans to eat at the game. We hadn't been in the stadium five minutes when I began to feel sick. It was a combination of a lot of things, but I think mostly attributed to exhaustion, muscle soreness from a chiropractic adjustment, and allergies. I was more than willing to stay, but my sweet husband made the decision to go ahead and leave after only an inning and a half. He didn't even have time to get his hot dog, so we stopped by Chick-fil-A on the way home (a much better alternative, in my opinion!).
I wish I knew why this keeps happening to me. I'm not pregnant - already had that checked out. For some reason, extreme fatigue and slight nausea hits me almost every day, usually right after dinner. Ryan says he never gets me at my best except for the weekends, and I hate to say it, but it's true. We're still working to determine how I can change that (i.e., taking daily vitamins, exercising more, eating healthier), but in the meantime, I am SO VERY thankful that my dear husband is patient with me.
I really do love him. Tonight, after looking at a couple of houses, we had planned to go to the Razorback baseball game because it was so nice outside. Ryan had been craving a hot dog (no idea why), so I ate beforehand and he made plans to eat at the game. We hadn't been in the stadium five minutes when I began to feel sick. It was a combination of a lot of things, but I think mostly attributed to exhaustion, muscle soreness from a chiropractic adjustment, and allergies. I was more than willing to stay, but my sweet husband made the decision to go ahead and leave after only an inning and a half. He didn't even have time to get his hot dog, so we stopped by Chick-fil-A on the way home (a much better alternative, in my opinion!).
I wish I knew why this keeps happening to me. I'm not pregnant - already had that checked out. For some reason, extreme fatigue and slight nausea hits me almost every day, usually right after dinner. Ryan says he never gets me at my best except for the weekends, and I hate to say it, but it's true. We're still working to determine how I can change that (i.e., taking daily vitamins, exercising more, eating healthier), but in the meantime, I am SO VERY thankful that my dear husband is patient with me.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Safe Arrivals
Today I am thankful for safe arrivals.
At Lightbearers, we have several teams overseas right now: one staff discovery trip, and three staff-led student trips. For those of us who stayed behind this time, we always enjoy getting updates from the field, especially the first ones letting us know that they have arrived safely. My favorite so far:
"All is well and we are here."
Pretty well sums it up, don't you think?
At Lightbearers, we have several teams overseas right now: one staff discovery trip, and three staff-led student trips. For those of us who stayed behind this time, we always enjoy getting updates from the field, especially the first ones letting us know that they have arrived safely. My favorite so far:
"All is well and we are here."
Pretty well sums it up, don't you think?
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Chinese Food
Today I am thankful for chinese food.
I rarely get to eat chinese food anymore because for some reason, that last few times it made me "crazy." It's perhaps a coincidence, but twice I had food from Hunan Manor and spent the next few hours dizzy and disoriented. Very weird, I know. I really love sweet & sour chicken, egg rolls, and chicken fried rice, though, so today we picked some up for lunch. So far, so good...
On a side note, I lost my very first tooth after eating at Hunan Manor (the old College location). It's worth going crazy for a little while to be sentimental, right? :-)
I rarely get to eat chinese food anymore because for some reason, that last few times it made me "crazy." It's perhaps a coincidence, but twice I had food from Hunan Manor and spent the next few hours dizzy and disoriented. Very weird, I know. I really love sweet & sour chicken, egg rolls, and chicken fried rice, though, so today we picked some up for lunch. So far, so good...
On a side note, I lost my very first tooth after eating at Hunan Manor (the old College location). It's worth going crazy for a little while to be sentimental, right? :-)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
A Day Without Graduating
Today I am thankful for a day without graduating.
It seems like I've been to a lot of graduations. I've been to three of my own, three for siblings, and a handful of others for friends or because I was a musician for one. I could've gone to the UofA graduation. My brother, sister-in-law and a host of dear friends from my college days were getting diplomas, but I just couldn't bring myself to sit through another one this year. Another brother will have a high school graudation next week that I'll probably attend, but today we chose to keep the youngest brother at home with us while the rest of the family went to Barnhill Arena. It's not that I'm not proud of all those I know who graduated, because I am; I just needed a day without graduating.
It seems like I've been to a lot of graduations. I've been to three of my own, three for siblings, and a handful of others for friends or because I was a musician for one. I could've gone to the UofA graduation. My brother, sister-in-law and a host of dear friends from my college days were getting diplomas, but I just couldn't bring myself to sit through another one this year. Another brother will have a high school graudation next week that I'll probably attend, but today we chose to keep the youngest brother at home with us while the rest of the family went to Barnhill Arena. It's not that I'm not proud of all those I know who graduated, because I am; I just needed a day without graduating.
Friday, May 13, 2011
My Dad Coming Home
Today I am thankful for my dad coming home.
He's been in China for two weeks and will have to return for another two weeks in...you guessed it...two weeks. Even though I don't seem him that often even when he's in the country, it's always good to know that he's home again safely.
He's been in China for two weeks and will have to return for another two weeks in...you guessed it...two weeks. Even though I don't seem him that often even when he's in the country, it's always good to know that he's home again safely.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
People Who Can Make Meringue
Today I am thankful for people who can make meringue.
I attempted my first chocolate pie with meringue tonight, and while the pie looked and tasted fine, the meringue was more like a glaze on top of the pie. Again, it tasted fine, but it just didn't look as nice as my grandmother's chocolate pie. I'll probably keep trying, but until then I'll have a greater appreciation when I see a nicely peaked meringue.
I attempted my first chocolate pie with meringue tonight, and while the pie looked and tasted fine, the meringue was more like a glaze on top of the pie. Again, it tasted fine, but it just didn't look as nice as my grandmother's chocolate pie. I'll probably keep trying, but until then I'll have a greater appreciation when I see a nicely peaked meringue.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A Child's Song
Today I am thankful for a child's song.
Tonight was the end-of-year choir performance for the children's choirs at UBC. While I always have to forgive the fact that the kids can't follow a rhythm very well, it's one of my favorite events all year. I love seeing the children's faces as they wave to their parents, look intently at their teachers while singing, and then show off a huge smile after they finish singing. I'm eager to teach my own children the joys of music someday, but until then, I'm grateful to enjoy it through the songs of other parents' kids. :-)
Tonight was the end-of-year choir performance for the children's choirs at UBC. While I always have to forgive the fact that the kids can't follow a rhythm very well, it's one of my favorite events all year. I love seeing the children's faces as they wave to their parents, look intently at their teachers while singing, and then show off a huge smile after they finish singing. I'm eager to teach my own children the joys of music someday, but until then, I'm grateful to enjoy it through the songs of other parents' kids. :-)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Air Conditioning
Today I am thankful for air conditioning.
Our A/C in the office was out yesterday. Well, technically, it had been out for a while, but with yesterday being the first really warm day, it was the first time it mattered to me at all. Our repairman finally showed up this afternoon and was able to get it working almost right away. What a relief! Our apartment tenants probably prefer seeing an employee in the office that's not covered in sweat. :-)
On another note, I went back to the chiropractor today and they didn't want me in the massage chair again. Oh well...he did pop my neck and back and set me up for another month or so of treatment, so I shouldn't complain!
Our A/C in the office was out yesterday. Well, technically, it had been out for a while, but with yesterday being the first really warm day, it was the first time it mattered to me at all. Our repairman finally showed up this afternoon and was able to get it working almost right away. What a relief! Our apartment tenants probably prefer seeing an employee in the office that's not covered in sweat. :-)
On another note, I went back to the chiropractor today and they didn't want me in the massage chair again. Oh well...he did pop my neck and back and set me up for another month or so of treatment, so I shouldn't complain!
Monday, May 9, 2011
An Unexpected Back Massage
Today I am thankful for an unexpected back massage.
So, I've had some pretty extreme back and neck pain/tightness for about as long as I've been married. I don't think there's any correlation between the two, but basically it's been hurting for a while. I finally got tired of it and went to the chiropractor today. I'll find out tomorrow morning what is causing the pain, and whether they'll be able to fix it (rather, how much it will cost me to fix it), but at the very end of the appointment I got a surprise. The doctor recommended something called "therapy." Basically, they put these ice bags on a table and told me lay on top of them, and then they turned on the electric massage. I got to lay there for 15 minutes while this chair rubbed and relaxed my back. It was amazing. I wonder if I can find a way to get the same treatment tomorrow. :-)
So, I've had some pretty extreme back and neck pain/tightness for about as long as I've been married. I don't think there's any correlation between the two, but basically it's been hurting for a while. I finally got tired of it and went to the chiropractor today. I'll find out tomorrow morning what is causing the pain, and whether they'll be able to fix it (rather, how much it will cost me to fix it), but at the very end of the appointment I got a surprise. The doctor recommended something called "therapy." Basically, they put these ice bags on a table and told me lay on top of them, and then they turned on the electric massage. I got to lay there for 15 minutes while this chair rubbed and relaxed my back. It was amazing. I wonder if I can find a way to get the same treatment tomorrow. :-)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
My Mama
Today I am thankful for my mama.
Predictable? Yes. Still true? Absolutely.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you!
Predictable? Yes. Still true? Absolutely.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Rest
Today I am thankful for rest.
Well, at least the idea of it. I feel like I haven't had much rest in a while, and so I'm learning to be thankful for those moments when I can really rest. Life has been a bit overwhelming lately, and good solid rest has become a thing to cherish.
Well, at least the idea of it. I feel like I haven't had much rest in a while, and so I'm learning to be thankful for those moments when I can really rest. Life has been a bit overwhelming lately, and good solid rest has become a thing to cherish.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Half A Year
Today I am thankful for half a year.
I got one of the best phone calls today at 3:14 in the afternoon. Ryan was out golfing with a friend from church, and called me to tell me "Happy Six Months...Exactly." The fact that he remembered the right time and thought to call me was really special. The past six months have been such a gift, and I love living every day with this man.
Happy Six Months, Ryan!
I got one of the best phone calls today at 3:14 in the afternoon. Ryan was out golfing with a friend from church, and called me to tell me "Happy Six Months...Exactly." The fact that he remembered the right time and thought to call me was really special. The past six months have been such a gift, and I love living every day with this man.
Happy Six Months, Ryan!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
An Observant Mother
Today I am thankful for an observant mother.
No, this isn't meant to be an early Mother's Day post. That one is still to come. This post is all about the unplanned house search that my mom has been conducting for us. All I had to do was mention a few weeks ago that we're thinking about looking at houses again, and now every week my mom has noticed a new neighborhood for us to check out. Tonight, the one she found looks really promising. Certainly no guarantees, since we've only seen it online so far, but it's encouraging to see that what we are looking for can be found in our price range. I'm excited to see where this goes...if it goes anywhere at all. :-)
No, this isn't meant to be an early Mother's Day post. That one is still to come. This post is all about the unplanned house search that my mom has been conducting for us. All I had to do was mention a few weeks ago that we're thinking about looking at houses again, and now every week my mom has noticed a new neighborhood for us to check out. Tonight, the one she found looks really promising. Certainly no guarantees, since we've only seen it online so far, but it's encouraging to see that what we are looking for can be found in our price range. I'm excited to see where this goes...if it goes anywhere at all. :-)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
An Empty Sink
Today I am thankful for an empty sink.
That frying pan from the other night has been soaking since the disaster that nearly ruined it. I've been scrubbing it with all sorts of chemicals, but it wasn't until I brought out the steel wool tonight that the residue gave in. It has some new stains, but it's clean.
That frying pan from the other night has been soaking since the disaster that nearly ruined it. I've been scrubbing it with all sorts of chemicals, but it wasn't until I brought out the steel wool tonight that the residue gave in. It has some new stains, but it's clean.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
My Car Heater
Today I am thankful for my car heater.
After a dinner date at Chili's, we walked outside and noticed the sky looking like this:
That rain moved quickly into our area and dumped rain on us at Baum Stadium, consequently causing the temperature to fall as quickly. We were unexpectedly wet and cold, but stayed until the end of the 7th inning because an old friend had come to watch the game and catch up. By the time we made it to the car, I was shivering, and thus, VERY grateful for the heater in our car!
After a dinner date at Chili's, we walked outside and noticed the sky looking like this:
That rain moved quickly into our area and dumped rain on us at Baum Stadium, consequently causing the temperature to fall as quickly. We were unexpectedly wet and cold, but stayed until the end of the 7th inning because an old friend had come to watch the game and catch up. By the time we made it to the car, I was shivering, and thus, VERY grateful for the heater in our car!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Alan
Today I am thankful for Alan.
He was Ryan's mentor first, but then I met him. :-) He's a dear friend of both of us and shares our love for the Lord and for music. He played the piano at our wedding and shared a few thoughts before we said our vows as well. Today is his birthday, and I am thankful for him! Love you, Alan!!
He was Ryan's mentor first, but then I met him. :-) He's a dear friend of both of us and shares our love for the Lord and for music. He played the piano at our wedding and shared a few thoughts before we said our vows as well. Today is his birthday, and I am thankful for him! Love you, Alan!!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A Forgiving Husband
Today I am thankful for a forgiving husband.
Why? Because I turned this...
Into this...
Let's hope tomorrow I can be thankful for a non-ruined frying pan. It, like my pride, needs some time to drown a bit.
Why? Because I turned this...
Let's hope tomorrow I can be thankful for a non-ruined frying pan. It, like my pride, needs some time to drown a bit.
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