We lucked out and this my view of the game! 6th row behind home plate! WOW!

Hugest pancake ever! I tried... honestly

Vibrant San Fran

I love my job! Have I ever mentioned that? Well, I do. This past week I was able to spend most of it in sunny San Fransisco. What was the purpose for the office outing? The National Conference on Volunteering and Service. This was a conference highlighted by the keynote speaker of Michelle Obama. We did not make the opening session to hear her speak though. I don't think I missed out though, instead of seeing the opening ceremony we went to Yosemite. No trip is complete with sight seeing of the city! Like any trip with my boss, it was four days PACKED full of stuff.

1. Landed in San Fran and rented a car. Since it was lunch, of course we went to In-n-Out for a delish burger. Never been? The time you're in California, you have to stop by and try your fries "Animal Style" YUMMY!

2. Next we drove down Hwy 1 to see the beach and a few surfers while walking along side the Pacific Ocean.

3. We made our way back into the city and crossed over the Golden Gate Bridge. No trip is complete with a walk across, so we did.

4. Onward we drove the Muir Forest to see the Redwood trees. Absolutely beautiful! (but only a taste of the next day)

5. Woke up bright and early to beat the traffic out of the city, only to find our rental car's front window busted! Yep, experiencing San Fransisco in all ways possible. We were robbed! GPS gone! My first ever 911 call went something like this:

me- "umm, I need to report a robbery. Our car was broken into and our GPS was stolen."

police responder- "Did you see it happen?"

me- "No, we just came out and the window was busted out."

police responder- "Okay"

pause

me- "We need an officer to come write a report."

police responder- "We don't send officers out for this, you can either bring the car to a police station or register it online."

me-"????"

Really?! Yep, undoubtedly this kind of thing happens all the time...

6. Go back to Enterprise and get our second car and get on the road.

7. Hike up and down a mountain. See some of the most beautiful scenery ever! This hike, by the way, was no walk in the park. Imagine doing a stairmaster for TWO hours straight! My calves are still working out the soreness! All the exhaustion and soreness was worth missing Michelle Obama to see the sights we saw.

at the beginning of the hike, before the tiredness set in

view from the top of the first waterfall

view from the top of the second waterfall... totally worth it!

8. Then conference time! I was able to meet a lot of people with the same interest of promoting civic engagement and volunteerism. I was also able to bring a good bit of information back to incorporate in our program.

Overall a great week so far! Can you believe the summer is half way over?!

Unusual Conversations

It sometimes makes me laugh how the conversations between two females can ebb and flow into totally unrelated topics. Today I was in the car with a great friend and the convo started about work. Likes, dislikes, exciting things going on, frustrations and so forth. Then I'm not sure how it happened, but we were in a detailed discussion about the type of face wash we use. What we look for in a face wash, what kinds we've used, and on and on. I absolutely could not imagine two guys have an in depth conversation about this topic. The topics continued to bounce for the duration of the car ride across town. Before dropping her off, we had covered exercising on the trace, work, face cleansers, housing in town, boards, and back to work.

After dropping her off at her office, it occurred to me how random our conversation was. Does this ever happen to you? Or am I just random?

TCK Friend

Have you met my TCK friend? If you haven't, I think you should. If you went to Southern Miss, you probably do know her. If you've read past posts, you might remember her from some of my past travels. This is one her specialties.

She is one of my most diverse friends and has great worldly knowledge. Better than that though, she's a TON of fun to hang out with. She is a person that has honestly taken every piece of her childhood, college, family, and professional life to make who she is.

Have you guessed who my TCK friend is?

If you guessed:

Then, you're right!

My "Third Culture Kid" friend, Jessica also has a blog. She explains what it means to be a TCK. Check her out here!

Saving Lives... All in a Day's Work

Yesterday I had the unique experience of helping save a life. Let me explain...

When I got to work the guy told me that a kitty decided to ride to work with him. He mentioned thinking he heard meowing while he drove, but thought nothing of it. Once he arrived to work, he could hear the meow coming from beneath his vehicle. He managed to look under the car and saw that a cat had crawled on the spare tire and was scared to come out. Quite honestly, if I had found a nice quiet place to sleep and then was abruptly woken by a speeding and bouncy ground flying under me, I would be a bit frightened too. There's times I'm scared when I'm buckled up in the passenger seat. Needless to say, there was no coaxing this kitty out. 

The guy thought well I have to go to work, the cat will come out on its own. End of story? Not quite...

After work we walked to our cars together. Once we approached his, you could a meow. A unhappy meow. The kitty was still there! A whole day under the car in that heat! Having more time to free the kitty, we got w

ork. Once the guy had lowered the spare tire, my job was to get the cat from beneath the car. The little kitten was not having it though. A nice man walking through the lot asked if he could help. Between the two of them laying on the parking lot ground in their dress clothes, they were able to get their hands on the kitten. 

What they pulled out was this: (not actually kitten, but it's almost the same)

A precious little orange calico kitten with the prettiest blue eyes. A precious little kitten that went wild when put on the ground. A precious little kitten that wasn't so precious, but actually ferral! That cat was crazy! Then it ran back under the car. Another much quicker rescue later, my job now was to hold the little animal while a box was found. 

The little wild kitten was then boxed up to be taken home with the guy to his vet school bound sister. She'll know what to do with it. So now a home is needed for a very precious kitten. Any takers??

REEEAAALLL Long Time!

Wheew... It's been a while since my last post. For those who wondered- Yes, I'm still alive. A lot has been going on lately, so let's do a quick recap from February (goodness!!). 

Picking back up in February... 

I last left off telling about my birthday gift for the boy.  For his day we went the Southern Miss baseball game for a little bit. We got free tickets and he LOVES baseball which makes for a perfect pair. We then went by my house to open his present. He was soo excited about the little vacay to Savannah, GA. We then went to dinner at his favorite restaurant- Outback.  That basically wraps up that month. 

On-ward March...

Work was busy as ever with the closing of our applications for our internal leadership teams. Then came on the interviews. Being the smart (insert sarcastic inflection) person I am, I decided to hold individual interviews for the group I work with. WOW! A great time to get to know the students, but it makes for a loooong day(s) which makes for a really really long week! BUT right when I wanted to hit my head against the wall Spring Break came!! Yay! 

We were Savannah bound! Interestingly enough during the forever car ride (which we broke into two days) we did not get on each other's nerves. I think that's a sign...

I managed to pick a conveniently located hotel that was perfect for walking around the city. We ate TOO much, danced in the streets, and all around had a great time! We joined in on the St. Paddy's festivities, but then also were able to see the 'normal everyday' life of Savannah once the holiday people rolled out. (sorry I can't access any pics at the moment)  I could most definitely live in Savannah! My new dream is to have a bed and breakfast there. I think the guy would go for it too!

Moving on to April...

Vacation over and back to work! April brought a lot! Easter and Relay for Life along with Live after Five. I discovered a new attraction that the city offers every August and April- Live after Five. What it this? Well- it's awesome! Every Friday during these two months starting at 5pm there is live music in a downtown park for FREE! What a great idea! Tons of people come out with their kids, or friends if they don't have kids and bring their blankets and lawn chairs to listen/dance to the music. A.MA.ZING! 

April brought both the good news and the bad. As for the bad, I ask for prayers for my family. We are going through a tough situation that is too close to home to share at the moment. So I ask for you to pray. Enough of the bad though... on with the good!

April also marked the beginning of my best friend's husband MLB career. Brent Leach was called up to play with the LA Dodgers in April! You can see more on Sara's Blog. She does a great job of keeping everyone up to date with the on-goings of their lives. Congrats to Brent and Sara!!!

In the words of Etta James, At Last... May...

Ah the home-stretch of the semester. Once May hits, you know there is hope that you will make it to the summer. I hope I'm not sounding dramatic, but there are times in the semester when the word busy does even begin to define work! 

May= relief!

And so here we are at the end of May. An eventful and whirlwind of a past few months! Where has the time gone?! My summer is pretty much planned out already too. A conference in San Fran, vacation with family on the beach, a wedding in Gatlinburg, plus work and August will be here in a blink of the eye! Oh my!

Questioning my Gift Giving Abilities....

The guy and I have been together for at least two or three holidays now. The holidays that 'require' giving gifts are starting to worry me though...

I've always thought I've been able to pick out a thoughtful gift for another, but lately I have been proven wrong. Let me explain...

For Christmas I was so surprised to receive a beautiful necklace as a gift. 

I gave a planner and receipt catcher. 

For Valentine's Day I received more jewerly with my birthstone and crystal roses. 

I gave a blanket and card. 

hmm.... Do we see a pattern?

My sister laughs at the extreme difference of the gifts. I just feel embarrassed slightly. Well I think I have it though today. Why? Today is his birthday! I will be able to give a gift and not look silly because I will not be receiving one in return! Ha! Victory by default! 

(Question- is it really a competition though?) No...

What is the gift? Can't tell. He hasn't even gotten it yet! I'll give a hint though... Two words: Green and Deen... Can you guess??

***Update on Granny*** She talked to the doctor and they have the results.... Well, sort of. They ran the tests at the far off place that takes sooo long to process, and the results came back negative. SO, the far off place ran the tests AGAIN (ya know to double check... make sure it's not a false negative), and the results came back positive. What does this mean?? Back to square one... She will go in and have another biopsy done and start over. The dermatologist believes something is going on inside her, but that remains to be answered. So here we go again....

Paint.... Everywhere!

Last week I decided to do a little laundry. It's past time to get some clothes clean when the laundry basket is beginning to overflow. I had just gotten home from work and was more than looking forward to getting the load on and crawling into bed to relax. For some reason I was drained by the end of this day. 

As I walked into the laundry room, my phone starts to ring. I have told myself repeatedly, when you don't know the number- DON'T answer. For some reason though I always forget this mental note and continue to answer. Being a Tuesday night I probably could have guessed this phone call though- it was the Mormons. 

Oh you didn't know I was Mormon? Well-- I'm not, I'm Baptist. Quick back story- My old apartment complex housed a group of Mormon. They would frequently go around the complex sharing their beliefs and inviting people to church. Not wanting to be rude I would always talk, which in turn encouarged them to return each week. Mistake one. Then for some reason beyond me I gave them my number (not thinking they would actually call me to invite me to church) Mistake two. 

Its been a good 5 months since the last invite, but recently somehow my number has resurfaced in their ministry. A weekly invite 10 minutes before church starts on Tuesdays has begun. 

Well on this particular Tuesday I was a little grumpy. I quickly shot the invitation down with a quick, "I'm busy, sorry". Click. Mistake three. Let me explain....

I continued on with my plans of starting the laundry, wanting nothing more than to be snuggled in bed. As I started to pull the detergent down I noticed it was caught on the not-so-sturdy shelf above it. I figured there's plenty on that top shelf to hold it in place. 

Umm.... Wrong...

One second I was pulling detergent. The next thing I know there is downpour of EVERYTHING on that top shelf. What was on that top shelf? Oh, about NINE paint cans and a few boxes. 

I managed to throw my hands above my head to protect myself, but nothing could have stopped the mess that quickly followed. Once I got enough courage to slowly open my eyes from the squenched closed position they were in, I first looked to the floor. A beautiful array of colorful paint stared back at me. This is not that bad, not a big deal at all. I quickly cleaned and thought I was done. 

Thought being the main word. 

The floor was clean, now laundry... Wrong. 

What I saw next was a BIG deal.

A paint can sat upside down on top of the washer and dryer without the lid. It was positioned so perfectly that the paint easily slid down the sides of the BOTH the washer and dryer to form a huge puddle that eeked under each cleaning unit. The washer and dryer could easily be placed in the living room and not look out of place with the new paint job. 

Somehow the quick lie I told the Mormons quickly became a truth. I now in fact had something to do. 

Two hours later I finally found my bed.

Moral of the story- Don't lie, because someone or some power may just make it the truth. 

Have a Happy Weekend... Free of little white lies...

**Update on Granny** She called the doctor this week and was told the results would be in next week. So we are still patiently waiting... Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. 

On a Roll

I have to tell you about a new find. When you read this, you will think "Those have been around forever- this is nothing new". Well in the MY world these are new and a-ma-zing.

Okay, I will admit that I was introduced to them about 2 or 3 years, but did not think that they would work for me. I recently went on a trip and saw my travel companion using them. Then and there I decided I too could use them.

What am I referring to? Well, velcro rollers of course! Yes, those rollers that do not require heat or little pins to hold them in place. It had to have been a smart person to slap a piece of velcro on the outside of a roller!

Anyone with long or short hair can use these little marvels. True, shorter hair works better, but I love that I get smoother hair with a slight flip on the end without applying extra heat. Lord knows my hair can stand to have less heat applied.

Never tried the roller o' velcro? Maybe you should and you will be a believer too!



**Still waiting on a Granny update. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts!

Never Ending Wait

I have some news to share. News that is hard to share.

My grandmother has been sick a good bit lately. During the fall she was hospitalized twice for the same symptoms. The doctors never really could narrow down the conclusions as to what exactly was causing her to pass out or lose control of her movement. They were however able to increase her meds to where she was taking 21 pills a day. Even with all the changes to her medicine, she hasn't really been feeling like herself. To add to all the drama, she has acquired this rash of some sort.

With a trip to the dermatologist, a biopsy, and a few days of waiting, an answer finally came. A week ago today we found out that my granny has skin cancer. With a little more information, but not much, this is all we know right now. The biopsies have been sent for further testing. My mom emailed me this morning to let me know that the type of cancer is called Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. We will know next week the stage and treatment options.

Not knowing what any of this means, I have done a little research:

This type of skin cancer is not caused by the sun, actually one of the treatments involves lying in the tanning bed. I found that ironic. If caught early, it can easily be treated. Because it is a lymphoma disease though, it has the possibility of spreading to internal organs (this all depends on what type of CTCL it is). This is the part that scares me the most. My grandmother also has some sort of blood cancer, but it was caught very early on. There hasn't been much concern over this, but I hope that this does not intensify the newly discovered cancer. The literature talks about isolated patches and widespread coverage. I'm pretty sure my granny is in the widespread coverage since she has areas from the top of her head to the tops of her feet. Waiting for more information seems endless, but hopefully soon we will know more.

She is an amazing woman in that she picks the positive out of the situation. She is thankful they are not on the bottom of her feet yet and her daily pill count is down to 8.

If you are the praying type, a prayer or two would be much appreciated. Not just for my granny, but also my mom. She lost her dad to cancer 4 years ago.

I am thankful for the support that I have around me though. My friends and family are the best I could ask for. The guy has been most supportive making sure I stay calm until we know enough to get worked up over.

For this I am thankful. For the wait, I dread, but I will learn patience one of these days.

More news hopefully sooner than later.

Miss America Pageant

Now you may have read that last post and wondered: "What in the world did she go to Vegas for?" No, I didn't have an audition for the Cirque Du Soleil (even though that would be a fun job... I'm just not quite flexible enough). Well I was recently presented with the invitation to attend the Miss America Pageant. Not because they thought I should be crowned, but because Miss Mississippi is a current student in the same scholarship program that I work for. It was an amazing experience to be able to see all the work and franticness that goes on during a live production.

Our beautiful Miss Mississippi won the swimsuit and fitness preliminary on Wednesday night. She did not place in the judges' minds, but in the heart of all her supporters she is the best. A group of us went and cheered our hearts out for her. I definitely woke up a few mornings with a feeling in my throat that I haven't felt since high school after a big game.

I am convinced that travel forces you to learn about yourself and also those around you. Luckily I was able to travel with some of the best people I know. i don't want to go into too much detail, but I have to say this: The board of managers that provide the scholarhip to students were able to attend also. These are all highly educated people, but work outside the realm of higher ed. I have never seen a foundation that is so committed to supporting their recipients as these are. They truly give me a model to look up to and admire. I am so thankful for the opportunities that my job affords me and all the lessons I am learning along the way.

Lights of Las Vegas

Last week was spent in the crazy environment of Las Vegas. This trip was my second ever to Las Vegas, and my opinion stands the same. There is only so much you can handle of Vegas.

I say that it is a crazy environment because of the extreme surroundings. Surrounding the lights and sights of the strip you have the most beautiful majestic mountains. We took one morning trip to Red Rock Canyon. I can say that seeing this made the trip. The most beautiful rocks and the most serene surroundings were seen. It's amazing how used to polluted smokey air you can get until you are placed in the middle of such pure air.

Even though I enjoy to gamble (in small amounts-- $40 is all I lost) a girl can only take so much. I do have to say that being raised in the South has made me a bit more modest than others, and admit that the open nudity of marketing shocks me still. I don't care how many times that 'Hot Babes to you in 24 hours' van goes by, I still feel a little exposed with all my clothes on.

The trip was complete with a trip to the Hoover Dam. Amazing what man can do, don't ya think? My personal favorite tidbit of information: The Hoover Dam is made of enough concrete to make a four foot wide sidewalk that would wrap around the equator. Now that's a lot of concrete!

The free shows on the strip are always my favorite! The Bellagio fountains will always be the best in my book though!

All in all, a great time! I have to say though, a week in Vegas is probably the equivalent to a month somewhere else!

Keeping BUSY

whew... It's been a while. Almost a month I know! My readership of two has probably given up on me, but I am back. Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Recently, well not so recently, a good friend "tagged" me on her blog. I suppose the only right thing to do is to keep it going by posting 6 'interesting' things about myself even if its ever so slightly delayed. Some of these might be little quirks I have as opposed to being interesting. This should be fun...

1. I am a 'do it yourself'-er. I love to do make things, create things, modify things. You name it, I like to do it when I have the time. My sister and I usually joke about the projects my mom is forever working on, but I am just like her. I was brought up in a house where my mom was constantly changing the inside of house in some form or fashion. I guess its in my blood. My most recent project was decorating my room with canvases. I go through phases of liking my own painting abilities, and right now I'm in a not liking phase. Instead of painting the canvases, I found a fabulous fabric at Hancock's and covered the canvases with it. With one large canvas at the head of my bed, it looks like faux-head board. My next project? Slowly but surely I want to paint my own place setting at the local pottery painting place.

2. My absolute dream job would be something revolved around traveling. I absolutely love to travel! Well my current job does involve a little travel, I got to take a trip to New York City over the holiday break, and soon will be getting to see the lights of Las Vegas. Hey, I'm not complaining!

3. I'm all or nothing. When doing something, even small things. If I'm not fully committed, I'm most likely not following through. If I'm organized, then EVERYTHING is organized. If I'm not, then NOTHING is. A little extreme, I know but this is who I am.

4. I absolutely enjoy cooking, not so much the clean up though. If you ask the guy if this is true, he might disagree. Although I have only cooked about 3 times for him in the past 8 months, I do actually enjoy it. Currently I don't have ALL the cable channels, which I'm not complaining, but I do miss the FoodNetwork from time to time. The past holidays have been great being able to go home and cook with my grandmother, mother, and sister. Even though our conversations and tempers can get more heated than the oven, its always a lot of fun to get together in the kitchen with them.

5. I love planning. Nerd, I know. With my job, a little bit of planning is involved. From coordinating students throughout an important day on campus to planning a trip for students I love doing it. This planning has carried over into my 'outside of work' life. Or maybe I brought the planning with me? I don't know, but I do know I enjoy it. There's something about working hard on something and seeing it being carried out. I have to admit, I can go almost overboard with it though. My sister could only laugh at me when I brought a typed itinerary to her Bachelorette Party in Memphis. What can I say? I'm a dork.

6. If there is nothing on my schedule and USA catches me with a Law and Order marathon, I'm stuck. I can watch these types of shows all day long. I don't know if its the dun.dun. sound that keeps me in a trance or the twists and turns that keep you thinking. I will stay up way past my bedtime any night just to see who sexually assaulted Kandi, the hooker who was off duty. Absolutely compelling.

Well there it is. Six interesting facts or quirks about me! Hope you enjoyed!