Limo rides and cruises

I drive 45 minutes to work. Not through a city with tons of gruelling traffic but from the country through a city, past several rural "towns", to a small town to work in my office. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for driving so far when I could get a job 15 minutes from my house. This is why I drive.

This is my office family, minus one. (She's on maternity leave, one of my oldest friends, and consequently the reason I work with these people) And, yes, you aren't seeing things...we are standing in front of a limo. My boss is a super nice guy who feels the need to do nice things for us. I think he may be insane, but it works out well for us so we don't complain. At the beginning of this week, my boss, Dr. E, decided to close the office Thursday afternoon and take us to the movies and to dinner. So we cancelled our patients and were surprised by a limo picking us up. He footed the bill for the entire excursion.

For the last two years (the year before I started and this past year) at Christmas, he gave his entire staff a cruise. This is one of the reasons I wanted a job here so bad before I started. Fortunately, I got it and got to join them on the cruise this year.

For some people it would be torture to be sentenced to spend time with their coworkers outside of work, but not me. I love the people I work with. We get on each other's nerves occasionally but we can all look past those times. We have great professional relationships and great personal relationships.

I still can't believe that I'm able to work with such great people and that I am get rewards for working hard. I've never worked anywhere that the boss did anything more than buying us lunch on our birthday, if we were lucky enough to get that. Don't get me wrong, I've worked for some very nice, benevolent people but they weren't that gracious with their employees. But now I have that and it's amazing! Just another one of God's blessings on me....

The fruits of my labor

I think I'm going crazy. Well, my husband thinks so anyway. Here's some pictures of what I have done in the last week and a half. I wish I had taken "before" pictures.

Last weekend was when we scrubbed the house and then I cleaned out the laundry room.
















Saturday, the pantry closet was calling. So I pulled out all our crap and cleaned the shelves and threw away junk and rearranged.





















And today I've been working on our closet. I've gone through all of my clothes and pulled out everything I can't wear so I can consign it. Not gonna mess with my hubby's stuff though...he may kill me. These are the hangers of everything I can't wear anymore.
















So that's what I've been up to. Back to work tomorrow....

Cleaning....

I hate to clean. With an intense passion. I HATE CLEANING. However, I feel very accomplished today. Last night we had a big cookout/planning meeting for our Young Adults' Class from church so we had to get the house in order. So Saturday, my hubby, our housemate, and I started cleaning. We started with the kitchen, bathrooms, and living room. Sunday we continued in the kitchen and did all the floors. We also prepared all the food for the cookout. This morning I got up and cleaned...no wait, I scrubbed our laundry room. I got rid of a bunch of crap we had sitting around in there, threw away some old clothes, and cleaned the floor. It looks like a whole new room. You can walk in there and jump in a circle and not step on anything nasty. You can actually stand to fold the clothes in the laundry room. So I continued my cleaning spree with catching up ALL of the laundry. I also did the dishes from last night and picked up our bedroom. Whew! I'm exhausted. I need another day off before I go back to work tomorrow. But I'm so glad I had today off work!

Mandy & Julie & Julia

I've heard some mixed reviews about the movie Julie & Julia but I had to see it for myself. And I am so glad that I did. I have to begin by saying that I have a great respect for Meryl Streep, as any God-fearing, movie-loving American should. She's amazing in every thing she does. And I honestly did not know much about Julia Child until I watched this movie. As I did, I knew that I was one of the many people that this movie was specifically made for. I had no idea that I had anything in common with that lady and that I would grow to love her so much within 2 hours.
It was perfect timing for me to see that movie. Anyone that knows me know that I am a major foodie. I look forward to each meal and only cease to eat when I am entirely stuffed and cannot move. The only thing I think about when I'm planning to meet friends is what we will eat. And not just the dessert, like most women, but mainly the carbs. The bread, the pasta, the potatoes. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Anyway, I love food so watching a whole movie about food is heaven. This movie is also based around a woman (a writer) turning 30 and choosing to do something instead of sitting by idly. Hello?!?! Just passed the big 3-0 birthday and survived.
The biggest part of this movie that really got me was Julia's relationship with her husband and the non-existence of children in their lives. They had such an amazing, rich relationship that seemed to grow through the years. And watching her crying over her sister's news of being pregnant was like looking through a mirror. That has happened to me so many times I can't even count them. Of course, I have no sister, but I have so many close friends that I've watched get pregnant and have babies and then get pregnant again and have babies again while I sit aside and pray for the day that I can experience the same.
But for now I will enjoy my life with my wonderfully, sweet, handsome husband and not feel sorry for myself...like Julia would do. And we will continue adopting because Keith & I can give a wonderful home to a child or two or three or four. And I will continue to cook and eat as much as possible because it's fun. And I think I will read "My Life in France" for some Julia Child inspiration and for some writing inspiration. Because my plan for not sitting idly by is to continue in the amazing life I have, with a few minor additions.

Two blogs, One night

I've got a lot on my mind tonight and no one to tell it to. So my blog gets the blessing/curse of my overactive brain. Over the last few days I've seen a lot of people that I haven't seen in years. So I guess I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. So here's just a few things I remember over my lifetime (in no particular order).

1. Keith proposing to me at Camp Caudle, where we both spent some wonderful years before and after we met
2. Singing with my friend, Jalynn
3. Practically living with Allyson when I was in beauty school
4. Hanging out at Johnny & Barbara Fowlkes' house
5. Sitting with Amber during church at Colony and laughing so hard that I snorted...during service
6. Meeting Jalynn for the first time and how she thought I was completely nuts for talking to a complete stranger
7. Riding the three-wheeler after church with Justin & Brittany
8. Living in the dorms at Beebe
9. Having my two best friends introduced to me at camp when I was fifteen...and hanging on to them for the last fourteen years through thick and thin
10. Eating breakfast at my grandma's...always chocolate gravy and biscuits
11. My Ya-ya singing to me and me running away
12. Wishing that I could hear her sing one more time (One day I will...)
13. Making a CD in Nashville (who cares that it was made at a booth in the mall)
14. Talking to Papa Carl & Arvie for hours after Thursday night Nucleo
15. Having Sandra to tell all of my teenage heartbreak too
16. Working at my first dental office
17. Going to see the Dixie Chicks with Allyson for my 20th birthday
18. My grandpa not letting us use his red hand towel because he thought we would get sick
19. My Ya-ya telling me that my mom was adopted (I didn't believe her)
20. Finally making the decision to adopt a baby
21. Running through Maria's field at the farm trying to find the end of a rainbow
22. Hiding in Maria's dorm during nightly room check
23. Spending New Year's Eve with Maria our senior year & convincing her that we were drinking alcohol (We weren't...it was club soda)
24. My Pop bringing home Hershey's Kisses every time he went to the store, because he knew they were my favorite
25. Getting Clorets gum from my Great Aunt Darlene during church
26. Breaking my arm on that dumb 'ol horse of Toot's
27. Singing as loud as I could in front my mirror...when I was 7 and now that I'm 30 too
28. Scott bringing Sarah food 3 times a week when she lived with us
29. Meeting Keith for the first time and thinking he was "at least 30"
30. My mom being determined that she would not walk with her cane at my high school graduation...and pulling it off with flying colors
31. Sleeping on my parents' water bed right in between them
32. My wedding day, the best and most relaxing day I've ever had
33. Ditching my senior prom date and hanging out at Maria's grandma's house instead
34. Meeting Keith's mom for the first time and knowing that she was the perfect mother-in-law for me
35. That first plane ride to Costa Rica and falling asleep on Papa Carl's shoulder
36. That stupid zip line in Costa Rica and crying my eyes out the whole time. Never again.
37. Realizing that I am exactly like my father and not all of that is a bad thing
38. Having Friday night dinner with my grandparents and their friends
39. Being baptized and Danny telling me afterwards that everyone on the church van was now a Christian
40. Having "coffee" with my grandpa and the other old men in Greers Ferry

Just a few things I thought of today. One for each year I've been on earth and an extra ten for good measure. Not all of them are good, but all of them are replayed in my head. Some of them hurt to think about and some make me laugh. But all of them are dear to me. I've made so many good friends, some of which I don't even see anymore for one reason or another. Some are still as dear to my heart now as they were in the beginning. And others have been called home, leaving us here to long for the day we will see them again.

My hubby in CR

Sometimes I get caught up in what my husband does wrong and forget everything that he does that's wonderful. Yea, sounds a little cheesy but that's how I feel today. Keith has been gone since Friday on a mission trip to Costa Rica. I started going there when I was 20 and Keith started about 5 years ago. Last year was the first time I have been without him, since we met. I managed fine but would have rather had him there. This year is the first time he's been without me. He called tonight and said, "I never want to come here without you again". He's having a rough time this year. He is teaching an English class this year and said that it is really difficult. Luckily, he is getting some help from a precious girl. I just hate that I can't be there with them. I didn't think it would be so hard being here while they were gone, but I was terribly wrong. I hate being without my husband for more than a couple of nights. And I also hate that he is having a tough time and I'm not there for him. He sounded so discouraged over the phone. And we all know that Keith does not get discouraged very easily. Even when he does, he recovers quickly because he is the master of all. He is so gifted with people skills and understanding that he excels in everything. I'm just sad that he's having difficulties. But I know that by the end of the week, he will have great stories of what he's accomplished. And that makes me a very proud wife.

Bachelorette for a Week

Well, my hubby is gone for a week. He left on Friday for Costa Rica, without me. Due to some things I can't control, it wasn't looking possible for me to go this year. So I'm stuck at home while my other half is working in CR for the week. This year he is teaching English classes and a men's seminar. And he is taking care of the four women he went with, one of which is his mother. I'm proud of him for stepping up and taking the group, but I'm sad that I'm not with them. I'm also sad that he's gone for a week. Luckily, my friend is staying here so I'm not too lonely without him. I'm just ready for him to come home. Six more days...

Thirty...the start of my 4th decade

Well, my dreaded 30th birthday came and went without a mental breakdown, so I think I'm doing pretty good. I had been mourning this day since my 29th birthday and tried to think of something awesome to do on that day so I would have something to look forward to. However, I'm poor and couldn't think of anything that didn't cost at least a thousand dollars. So I just went to work instead and was pleasantly surprised. I had a present waiting on me (something I had been looking for) and lots of messages from my co-workers. I also got cake, the best part about a birthday. My boss took us out to lunch. So all-in-all, a pretty good day filled with silliness and jokes. Then on my way home, I glance over at my friend's house and she had put out a huge birthday sign for me. I got to spend the evening at Bible study and dinner with more friends, one of whom shares a birthday with me (he's three years younger though). So I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have an utterly horrible day. And SURPRISE...the world didn't come to an end because I turned 30!
I've been stuck on this kick for a while that I hadn't done what I planned on doing before turning 30. Then suddenly I realized that I was looking at it wrong. Maybe I hadn't carried out my original plans but I have done so much more. I married a wonderful, sweet person whose family I love. I maintained friendships with my oldest friends and developed new ones. I actually figured out what I want to do with my life...which is a massive deal for me. Maybe the things that I had planned 10 years ago aren't so relevant anymore. And maybe some of them will be best achieved in this decade, as an older and more responsible person. Either way, I'm okay with turning 30.
Forty, however, my be another story...but I've got ten years to work on that issue.

Stinky Times

My best red-head started her first blog ever and I realized that I haven't even worked on mine in over a year. Wow. How crazy is it that the person who daydreams all day long can't put pen to paper (or words on a screen)? So here's my life update.
My work life has changed tremendously. I now work at an amazing office with people I love. It helps that one of my best friends works with me but I also have a whole office of wonderful people. People that will pee themselves laughing when you do something stupid but those same people will cry with you when something tragic happens. It's wonderful being in such a great place.
My home life has changed a little too. My sweet, handsome hubby and I are better than ever. And that leads to the next pending change. We have decided to finally start the adoption process! We are excited and thrilled beyond belief. It will be a work-in-process for quite some time but we know it will be worth it. We absolutely cannot wait to have our first sweet baby in the house. We've waited for this for such a long time. Everyone says we'll get pregnant as soon as we get that baby, and that's okay with us.
My gorgeous niece is now seven years old. I cannot believe she is that old...and big. She is going to be as big as me in another year or two. All of our friends' kids are getting bigger and funnier too. I love watching them grow up.
As for my projects, I'm still working on my children's books about my baby Stinky dog. He's the coolest dog and I love writing about him. Everyone loves him and I can't wait to have Stinky books for my friends' children. My best red-head is going to work on some illustrations for it too. My office is also working on my preliminary stuff to start a dental assisting school, of which I would be an instructor. We're trying to do research right now but maybe by this time next year, it will be up and running.
Due to some scheduling conflicts, I'm not going to Costa Rica this year. Keith is going though. He & his mom are heading up a group of six from Arkansas to do a VBS and English classes. I know they will do great things. We are both planning on going next year, based on how our pending adoption goes.
That's all that's going on right now. I'll try to update this a little more often in the coming months. I'm sure as soon as we get our little Moore, I'll be updating like crazy!

Costa Rica

I love Costa Rica! It's true. I'm in love with a country. It's okay. My husband knows and has come to terms with it. It's been four years since I headed south to my favorite place. So I set out on a whole new journey this time and went with people I had never met before. Scary, yes....Bad, no. Actually, it was the best trip I've ever had there. Usually my trip consists of door knocking, vacation Bible school, gospel meeting, and lots of visiting. This time we didn't do any of that. (My family and friends are on their way down there right now to do all of that stuff.) I finally set out on my first, and much-desired, dental brigade.
I started dental assisting almost ten years ago and quit twice. But I missed it entirely too much and had to go back. I've been back in the field for almost 3 years now, and I really can't figure out why I quit in the first place. Oh yea, to pursue bigger and better things and finally get that college degreee. Oh well. It's overrated. Anyway, I have always wanted to do a dental brigade and the opportunity finally presented itself. Steven, who is my friend and "Costa Rican brother", let me in on a trip being planned by a group from Tennessee. So I got connected with them via email and it was set. The trip was to take place from June twelveth through the nineteenth. Skipping a few details....here I am at the airport with people I've never met, heading to a foreign country. Luckily, it is a country that I have been to three other times so I wasn't worried. Much. Right away, I knew I was going to be okay. I connected with them right away.
We worked for four days doing dental work. The first day we worked at an orphanage. That was a mistake because I really wanted to bring those children home. Really, I just wanted to bring one child home. She was 2 1/2 and had the most beautiful dark curly hair. So after I fell in love with this little girl, we still had three more days of clinic left, which we did at a community center where the church meets. We saw over two hundred people total and did a ton of work. The doctors that I was with actually let me try my hand at doing some dental work, which was amazing. There are a lot of things that I cannot do in the States because I will lose my license, as well as whoever I am working for. So Costa Rica is definately the perfect place to do everything I have always wanted to. And I was so blessed to go with people who walked me through those things!
So here I am two weeks after returning, wanting to go back and do it again! I guess I'll just have to wait until next year. There are rumors that we are going to Peru next year. I'm game.