Guuuuuurl, Let it Out!.

Sorry for the brief hiatus.  I finally made it to California!  It's BEAUTIFUL here and I am in love.  I have been here almost a week and still have another eleven days to enjoy.  Blessed.

I will write a post about my actual trip and share pictures later on.  But first,  I wanted to share the experience of my flight.  It's definitely one in which I can laugh about for years to come, although it wasn't very funny at the time.

This wasn't my first experience flying alone, but the first time flying alone and changing planes.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous about it.  My layover was in Las Vegas so I was anticipating a ginormous airport and a plethora of outright strange "unique" people.  Surprisingly, the airport is actually pretty small.  It was easy to navigate and I found my new gate in no time.  I passed tons of slot machines, which I expected.  I spent a whole dollar and couldn't even figure out how to work the thing before I decided that wasn't for me.  I love to people watch, so I grabbed a frappe from Starbucks and assumed my seat while I waited to board.  For the most part, people there looked pretty normal.  Until.....I caught a glimpse of a lady walking up to look for a seat.  When I say she looked weird, I mean she looked weird... Gold teeth, earrings in her face (yes, FACE), fake eyelashes, bandana around her head, stripes shaven into her head, a black dress, and what looked like a towel draped around her shoulders as if she had just escaped from the salon to make her flight.  I never saw where she sat before we were called to board. 

My fingers were crossed as the passengers passed my aisle.  I was so hoping that no one would take the seat between the girl on my row and me.  Then, I heard the airline stewerdess announce, "Attention passengers, this flight is completely full.  If you are expecting to have a seat beside you open, it will be taken. Make your preparations now."  I then decided to try and make eye contact with anyone looking somewhat normal and encourage them to come on in and sit.  My attempts failed.  You have probably guessed the rest of the story.  The salon escapee came on and asked for the seat beside me.

We actually had a very pleasant conversation before take-off, as I was beginning to feel guilty for judging this lady by her appearance.  As the plane taxied down the runway, I was beginning to feel a little uneasy for some reason.  I had never gotten motion sickness on a plane, although it is a very common occurance in the car.  I laid my head back and just tried to relax.  When we took off, I can't describe the turbulence we experienced.  The pilot asked that we keep our seatbelts buckled because air traffic control said the winds were really bad.  I knew I was in trouble when I was forced to make sure there was a barf bag in the seat in front of me.  I started having some major hot flashes, tingling, and flat out signs that the worst was coming.  As I was trying to decide if I should attempt to make it to the bathroom or just "let her rip" right there in my seat, it happened.  I grabbed the bag and..... let's just say.... I didn't have to worry about the calories I consumed in that frappe.  Or the dinner I had before that.  Or for that matter, anything else I had eaten the previous eight to ten hours.  It was THAT bad.  As I tried to apologize to my new friend as I was completely and utterly embarrassed, she interrupted me by saying, "Guuuuuuuurl, let it out!."  How hilarious is this??? 

That flight definitely goes down as the most memorable.  Thankfully, I arrived in California safely around ten o'clock Sunday evening.  Now, what lessons did I learn?  One, never judge a book by it's cover.  This lady, despite her appearance, was helpful and kind.  I couldn't have asked for a more cooperative passenger during my time of "need."  Lesson two, always...ALWAYS take dramamine before a flight.

Happy Saturday from California!  I can't wait to see the Golden Gate Bridge, ride a cable car, view Alcatraz, and have a picnic like DJ Tanner on the grounds in front of the pretty houses in San Francisco!

How Do They Do It?

So I look at all these super cute blogs out in cyberspace and wonder how, oh how, did my life become so boring? Some of these ladies blog every other day, each post being amazingly interesting and insightful. If you are wondering which blogs I'm speaking of, check out my sidebar.  They're ladies I don't know personally, but am given a glimpse inside each day of their lives by way of their blogs.  (Why I'm so carried away with what happens in someone else's life is another story.  Am I weird?)  Anyway, I’m sorry, but my life just isn’t that eventful. Who wants to read about my exciting afternoon at Walmart, cleaning out my flowerbeds, or a meeting after church? B-O-R-I-N-G!

So I’m left wondering- how can I spice up my blog and make it interesting and fun like these others? What can I write about to keep all three of you on the edge of your seats and coming back every day to visit? Are you waiting for a brilliant answer? Exhale then, because I don’t have one.

I know how excited I get when I see a new post appear on my blog roll. I want to give you that excitement when one appears from me. I’m just not quite sure how to do it. I think I need to enroll in blogging 101.

Sincerely,
the dull one

Please Pray

I have never more sensed the fragility of life as I have after watching the devastation and destruction my state has experienced the past 24 hours.  I feel guilt as I sit in my home, my family and friends safe and sound in their homes, as many go without this very night.  My heart feels heavy and my mind can't fully grasp the enormity of this tragic event.  I'm praising God for sparing me the sorrow, but petitioning Him on behalf of the ones that are in very midst of it.  Join me in this, please.

"Praise You In This Storm"

I was sure by now

God You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

 

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to you

And you raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

URGENT

BREAKING NEWS: The neighborhood snake has made its presence known once more.  It seems as if it has come out of hibernation and is ready to play.  How do I know it's the same one?  I don't.  Humor me, people.  My neighbor just broke the news that she saw it yesterday.  I am now terrified to enter or leave my own dwelling place.  Something must be done.  Pronto.  Seriously.  I'm scared to death. 

New Favorite Things

Here are a few things I've come to love recently. 

1.  Zagg Sheild-

Just today, I had this put on my phone.  It is an invisible protective screen.  I hated the screen protectors I had before because they seemed to never stay clean and they peeled off really easily.  This shield is strong enough to resist scratches from keys or anything else your phone comes in contact with in your purse.  You can't even feel it on the screen, either.  It's awesome!  Get it at Best Buy.

2- Snuggle Exhilarations- Blue Iris and Bamboo Silk

I am a sucker for some good smelling laundry detergent or dryer sheets.  I actually bought the Blue Iris and Bamboo Silk Snuggle dryer sheets and they.are.amazing!!!!  My clothes smell so fresh and clean when they're dried.  It's definitely worth the extra money to buy a product that works so well. 

3. Comcast's ON DEMAND

I put my DVR to the test by recording about as many shows as it can tolerate.  I'm a reality tv junkie and not a bit ashamed to admit it.  However, over the weekend I realized that for some reason Survivor hadn't been taping.  I checked ON DEMAND and there they were...the last four episodes, three of which I missed.  I was able to completely catch up on what I missed!  There are free movies, as well as the latest releases you can purchase with the click of a button.  It was niiiiice!

4.  Last but certainly not least...PINTEREST.

My awesome cousin Brooke told me about this website.  It's the greatest thing, ever!  You have to request an invitation and it takes a few days to be accepted, but it's completely free.  Basically, when you read new recipes online, see something you'd like for your home, or find a new craft, you can "pin" it to one website.  Pinterest allows you to create "boards" to save your favorites.  I have boards for new crafts, books I'd like to read, my personal wish list, etc.  It's fantastic!!!  All my favorites are in one place.  It's genious!

Have a great week, friends!  I'm still searching for April's book. I will let you know when I decide.  Happy Spring!

What's YOUR Favorite?

Okay my friends, I am continuing my new year's resolution with reading one book per month.  I just finished Heaven is for Real.   All I can say is.....WOW.  It truly changes your perception not only of heaven, but of the purity and innocence of children.  I definitely recommend it. 

Here's where I need your help.  I'm not up to par on my authors.  If it's a novel and not written by Nicholas Sparks, I most likely haven't read it.  I loved the book I read by Emily Giffin, and have thought of reading another of hers but am not sold on a certain one.  I am pleading with everyone that reads this blog to comment and tell me what YOUR favorite book is.  I am looking for my April Book of the Month and I am depending on your input to help me make a selection!!!  If I choose your book, you will receive....ummm....well, a shout out on my next post.  Sorry folks, I can't do much else.

Let me hear your thoughts!  Happy Hump Day!

Overwhelmed

I really don't have the energy to go into detail about what has transpired since Thursday around 4:30.  One of my best friends in the world, one in which I call my sister, lost her home and all her belongings in a fire.  Their family of five has been displaced and overwhelmed at the tragedy that has taken place, but I would venture to say that they have even moreso been overwhelmed at the number of people that have taken on the nature of Jesus and been His hands and feet the past three days.  Food galore, money, clothes, shoes, toiletries, you name it...all delivered within hours of the first flame.  I will never, ever look at situations like these again.  I have learned many things, most of which is the call we have to get off our feet and move into action when God's children are in need.  Please remember the Wilsons in prayer.  Their days ahead will be difficult but their burden will now be much lighter thanks to the help of so many. 

"But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. -Psalm 71:14