Kickin' It with The Dies

Careful What You Wish For....

2011-01-21T20:22:00.020-05:00

For my own personal amusement, I have decided to blog-flash back to Sunday night, January 9th.

There have been a few times over the years, that the official meteorologists have claimed that snow was on the way. I think I had become a "Doubting Thomas" because rarely did this seem to happen. So when we are informed on Friday that Chattanooga will indeed get snow sometime Sunday night/early Monday morning, I am skeptical. The amount we will receive is uncertain, but it is rumored at that point to be around 3 inches. We receive the expected phone call from the Hamilton County Dept. of Education (HCDE), that school will be closed on Monday, January 10th.

The grocery stores were insanely busy. Why does everybody stock up on bread, milk, and eggs before the threat of snow? Is there something about snow that makes people crave french toast? I know, bad joke. But if you've lived here long enough, it may be funny but it is true. Pick a grocery store, it does not matter which one. If there is a threat of snow, chances are there will be no milk, bread or eggs to be found anywhere in the city by the time the snow is supposed to hit. People around here stock UP on these items.

With all of the hoopla, I found myself wishing that if it was really going to snow, I wanted to really get "dumped on" - I wanted to KNOW that it snowed.

Yeah, I know...be careful what you wish for, you just might get it... Little did I know.

Sunday night, Gabe performed (with GUSTO, I might add) all of the "Snow Rituals" that have been passed down from school children and teachers alike. This apparently has been a tradition for several years now. "Snow ritual" you say? What on earth is that??? Being raised in Southern California, I had NEVER heard of such a thing.

I had to find out what these "rituals" were and believe me, Gabe knew every one of them by heart. I thought I would share these rituals with you for your amusement, just in case you were as in the dark as I was about this whole thing.

Snow Ritual #1: Wear your PJ's inside out

Snow Ritual #2: Sleep with a spoon under your pillow

Snow Ritual #3: Flush ice cubes down the toilet (Yes, I'm serious)

Snow Ritual #4: Open the freezer door and turn around 5 times

Snow Ritual #5: Do your own variation of the Snow Dance

I have learned that numbers 4 and 5 on the list are up for debate and can be performed or not performed, but numbers 1-3 MUST be followed in order for the snow day to happen. Well, I took great pleasure in waking Gabe up to let him know that it worked... Boy, did it work!! Gabe was thrilled! We received a whopping 8.4 inches of snow when we woke up Monday morning, January 10th. Come to find out, this is the biggest snow storm to affect our area in 18 years.

When people learn that I'm "not from around here" and ask me when I moved to Chattanooga, I tell them it was in October of 1993. Of course, the first comment I usually get is, "Oh, you MISSED it!" Of course after 18 years, my response is, "Yes, I SURE did!" What I missed was "The Big Blizzard of 1993" when the city was paralyzed with 20 inches of snow in a 24 hour period on March 12-13, 1993.

Well, we may not have made the top 5 biggest single event snowfalls in the history of the Scenic City, but we came pretty close and tied for 6th place. As an interesting bit of factual trivia, here is a list showing where this latest storm ranked:

20.0" on March 12-13, 1993 (Big Blizzard of '93)
11.0" on March 1-2, 1927
10.2" on January 8, 1988
8.7" on February 13, 1960
8.6" on December 22, 1929
8.4" on January 29, 1966 AND January 10, 2011
8.2" on January 23, 1940

Of course, the boys were thrilled to be out of school. Each day, they'd wait with "bated breath" until the phone call would come from the HCDE stating that school would be closed for yet another day. They were absolutely ecstatic when the call came on Wednesday that school would be out for the rest of the week. Hip, hip hooray for SNOW DAYS!!!

For the first time in more than 8 years, the Cricket office in Chattanooga was actually closed all day "due to inclement weather" on Monday. I had to take a vacation day on Tuesday, when I couldn't get my borrowed rear-wheel drive car one whole block away from my house.

Our neighborhood was a mess, quite literally. I was extremely grateful to my friend and co-worker, Teresa who has all-wheel drive in her car, lives about 5 blocks away from me in our neighborhood and carpooled with me the rest of the week. I don't know that I've EVER been so happy as to actually drive somewhere myself for the first time in a week on Saturday the 15th.

So now when I hear rumors that we're supposed to get more snow showers next week, I am not amused. There are still big piles of snow in places where it has yet to melt. I really don't want to get stuck again.

I wonder if I wear my PJ's right side out, sleep with a fork under my pillow and flush hot water down the toilet, if the snow will completely pass right by us this time....

HEY - this working Mom can dream, can't she?

Photography and the 23rd Psalm

2011-01-10T14:30:00.001-05:00

Photography moves me in a way that little else does. I have loved it since I was a little girl. There is just something about looking through the camera lens and capturing a specific moment in time, or a particular observation you've made. It is completely captivating.

I find it equally fascinating to look at photos taken by someone else. Some just completely take my breath away, like this picture that my friend Christin took while scuba diving in Koh Tao, Thailand. I love seeing how vibrant God made His creation in the depths of the ocean. It is simply stunning.

The digital camera I currently own has been very good to me. However, it's an older model that doesn't take pictures fast enough to capture what I'm seeing quite frequently. This has proven to be rather frustrating to me. Since good, smaller digital cameras are less expensive than they used to be, my goal is to get a new one soon.

I have another friend who is taking part in something he calls, “Project 365 – Take a picture of something random or unique everyday.” I want to start doing something like that. It's been itching at me for awhile now, so I guess it's time to scratch...

Pictures can take me down memory lane. A prime example of this are the pictures of my family that my Dad has been posting lately on Facebook. I've seen most of these pictures before, but it's been quite awhile since the last time I did. Many of them have led to amusing discussions. All of them have brought memories flooding back into my mind. He's also posted some I've never seen before. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I can't wait to see more. Keep 'em coming, Dad.

So how does all this talk about photography bring me to the 23rd Psalm, anyway? Well, I'll tell you... I recently got an email from a good friend of mine. It was a great summary of the 23rd Psalm, with some captivating pictures. The piece in it's entirety really spoke to me, so I wanted to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did...

The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship!

I shall not want = That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!

For His name sake = That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That's Testing!

I will fear no evil = That's Protection!

For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil = That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over = That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!

Forever = That's Eternity!

CHAOS - Don't want any more...

2011-01-06T20:14:00.007-05:00

Ok - I am going to attempt to blog more this year than I have since I began this blog. This, of course will not take much since I've only posted four times. LOL! So here goes. Rather short & sweet today....

I found out something rather interesting the other day. The chaos that I feel like I've been living in lately is also an acronym and actually stands for something rather relevant:

Can't
Have
Anyone
Over
Syndrome

That pretty much sums it up right there. Chaos. What a concept!

I am rather proud of the fact that I got home at 5:30pm and didn't sit down until 8pm. I actually feel like I accomplished something. I just have a loooooong way to go.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

I just wish I didn't feel like I was choking to DEATH on the bloody thing...

My Current Predicament

2010-10-17T14:53:00.010-04:00

After reading a blog post from a friend of mine, I feel like I need to put something down about the struggles I've been going through. Hard to believe that I haven't posted on my blog for 2 years. I'd barely begun to do anything with it and then just stopped. But then I think I'm not really surprised at all - not when I've been in a funk for more time than I'd like to think about...

I struggle with seasonal depression and anxiety, but don't often say things to people. Sometimes I think it's because I don't want to believe it's true. Sometimes I think it's because people seem to have a hard time believing it when I actually do share. I think that "How are you?" has just become this polite passing question that people ask. Most people don't really want to know the true answer to that question... So sometimes the answer to their question is, "I'm fine."

What they don't know is that sometimes the word "fine" to me is an acronym; one that I learned from someone else I know that struggles with her own brand of "issues". F.I.N.E. stands for Fouled-up, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional. Yeah, buddy, I'm fine...

I can always tell when I've been in or am still in a funk, because nothing gets done in the house. I ignore everything and pretend like nothing's wrong. I mean seriously, what am I thinking?? That the "housekeeping fairies" are gonna take care of everything while I'm at work or what?? And so the cycle continues... and things get worse.

My fantastic brother & his equally fantastic wife came and spent Labor Day weekend helping me begin gutting things. My boys worked hard helping, as well. Needless to say, it really helps having my oldest "child" be a big, strong football player. His muscles got a great workout all weekend long! We worked our butts off and got the entire garage gutted and cleaned out. It looks awesome! We also got furniture moved in the living room, knick-knacks packed, etc. I also went through stacks and stacks of books doing a big purge of what I no longer wanted or needed. Nathan & I made a HUGE drop-off at McKay's to sell them. It really was a very good weekend.

Herein lies my current predicament... I fully admit that not much progress has been made since that weekend. I get home from work and "I'm tired." Instead of spending an hour (or even 30 minutes) in one section of the house doing something productive, just the necessary basics continue to get done.

Of course having ADHD on top of the other two maladies doesn't lend itself in my favor at ALL. I am NOT self-motivated and I am SO overwhelmed. There is so much everywhere that I simply don't know where to begin. I feel like every time I begin somewhere, crap just gets moved around making more of a mess elsewhere. This just makes me more sad. I know things need to get cleaned up and back on track, but I'm genuinely stuck...

I really need to sell the house because I cannot afford it financially. I am drowning under the financial weight of this house. I've been drowning little-by-little since January. I haven't been able to bring anyone in to look at the house because of everything going on inside...

The "clutter tornado" on my kitchen table, dining room table and various areas upstairs have yet to be dealt with. I have taken vacation from work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week wanting to make more progress inside the house.

Please lift me up in prayer. Pray that I get up early each morning that I'm off work and get highly motivated. I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, but I also know that I need to be held accountable to get the work done.

Frenzy, Frolic and a Few Fireworks on the Fifth

2008-07-08T22:47:00.020-04:00

My day started out quite "interesting" on the 5th. I can honestly say that in the almost fifteen years that I have lived in Tennessee, this was a first. It would also suit me just fine if it were a "last"...

Picture, if you will, coming downstairs to cook breakfast on the Saturday morning of your long vacation weekend. Per Gregory's request, I turn the oven on to prepare for the fixing of Grands Cinnamon Rolls. When what do my wondering eyes behold? A raccoon asleep on my back deck. Now, ladies & gentlemen, there is no cause to be alarmed. Common sense was the "ruler of the morning". I don't care how cute a raccoon is, one does NOT get near unless one is more that just a "wee bit daft in the head". I proceed in making some noise to wake up my unexpected deck guest.

I do have to say that at first it was rather amusing. If I were to initially interpret the scene, it would be as follows... "Sheesh, lady - would you STOP the banging; I'm up, I'm up!! I can't help it if me and the fellas partied too hard last night. I passed out on your back deck because I just didn't have it in me to take ONE more STEP to make it back home before sunrise. Gimme a break, will ya?"...

However, much as it looked like this at first, that was not the case. This poor little guy had one of three things wrong with him:

He'd been poisoned
He had distemper
He had rabies

Now of course NONE of these options is even a remotely "good" possibility. After much trial and error, a very nice man from the City Animal Control came out and removed "Rocco" from my back deck. The trial & error came from my my home being technically in the "county" and therefore falling under the jurisdiction of County Animal Control (whom I couldn't ever get ahold of).

After a leisurely and thankfully uneventful drive, Gregory & I arrive at Uncle Nathan & Aunt Lisa's house in Murfreesboro to pick up "The Gabester". Lisa and Gabe are in the backyard doing various puppy chores. Unfortunately, Nathan is toiling away at the "Wicked Double C" (my recent nickname for Circuit City) and will not arrive until later.

Gabe had an amazing time that week. He went to work with Aunt Lisa everyday at MTSU. He attended the Sports Day Camp there and had a blast. He got private swimming lessons every morning with "Miss Alex" and learned a TON. Take a wild guess at his FAVORITE part of the swimming lessons???? =)

We amused ourselved with the puppykins - Amity and she amused herself with her little wading pool - it was hot enough I just about joined her... I gave it some serious consideration, let me tell ya!

We were all MIGHTY brave being in that backyard at that time of day... I have two words for you....

SKEETER FOOD

Which was the last thing I needed (or wanted). I can look like a skeeter pin cushion in no time flat, so after a little while, we were all sporting little yellow ankle bracelets to ward off the pesky critters.
As Gabe so delicately put it, "The only thing that likes to come around this thing is flies - because the bracelet smells like crap!" Well, I'll take that any day to try & keep from getting "et up" (as some of my southern friends might say).

To Be Continued...

G-Boy "Numero Uno" is BACK!!

2008-07-01T23:13:00.007-04:00

My first born is back in town - yeah!! I think for the FIRST time in my recollection, The Chattanooga Boys Choir actually returned EARLY from their tour. When I say early, this is what I mean....

Parents (or grandparents, etc) are told to be at the pick-up location at let's say 10pm. the tour bus will return at approximately this time. You will then proceed in taking your weary chorister home from tour at this time.

So there you are...sitting in the parking lot, reading a book (you don't want to kill your battery listening to the car stereo), because you know there is a VERY good possibility that you will be waiting longer than planned. The bus most likely will be late arriving home; this is usually due to traffic.

My Mom & Dad have been known to be waiting for a tour bus at 11pm because I had to be at work the next morning and Gabriel was in the bed asleep (and then the bus is late - eek!)

Gregory's Chattanooga grandparents (a.k.a. Mike & Nita) were picking him up from tour this evening. At precisely 8pm, I got a phone call from Gregory saying hello. What a pleasant surprise - the bus was actually early today! Woo-hoo!!

Interesting tidbit for you Casting Crowns fans: Their upcoming Christmas CD will feature The Chattanooga Boys Choir performing backup vocals for the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Gregory had a great time talking to lead singer, Mark Hall at the end of the afternoon. He also got his shoe autographed (and he wasn't the only one who had their shoe "marked by Mark"). I didn't think to give him one of our Casting Crowns CDs, his t-shirt from their concert tour was dirty; just a comedy of errors!

The boys had a great time on tour. If you'd like to read about their recording session with Mark Hall from Casting Crowns and their summer tour, here is a link to their website - this should take you straight to their tour journal: http://www.chattanoogaboyschoir.org/summer2008.html

God bless and have a wonderful weekend celebrating the Fourth of July!!

The Beginning......

2008-06-24T22:43:00.007-04:00

Well, here it is....my new blogspot. I wanted to finally create a place where we can share thoughts and photos with our family & friends.

I hope you get a "kick" out of the name. I realized how difficult it is....trying to come up with something unique and slightly clever - different from everyone else's blogspot. This name came to mind and I decided to stick with it. What can I say? I just couldn't help it! *grinning with one eyebrow raised*

Right now, I am sitting in a quiet house....a pleasant, however odd sensation when everything around here is normally quite noisy.

Gregory is on his last tour with the Chattanooga Boys Choir and is in San Antonio, Texas at the present moment. He will be entering the realm of high school as a freshman at Tyner Academy in August. This particular statement still completely freaks me OUT! Is that even possible? He'll be 14 in September and was 5' 4" when last measured. He is quickly catching up with me in the height department. One day in the VERY near future I'll wake up and he will have raced past my 5' 8" and will completely tower over me (This is not difficult to do when Daddy's 6' 5"). It seems like only yesterday that Gregory was starting middle school and Gabe was starting Kindergarten.

Speaking of Gabe...he is currently at his other abode. This is also known as any of the following:

Daddy & Mama Nell's
The Other Dies Abode
David & Janelle's

I feel like all I did was blink and here they are - in high school and the middle of elementary school. They just keep on growing... As my Grandpa Eddy always used to say, "I'd put a cinder block on your head if I thought it would help." But as we all know it doesn't - it is a nice thought, though.

My current nickname for Gabe is "shorty" - I feel the slightly bizarre need to call my youngest this because yes, he is the shortest in the family at the present moment (cats not included). I guess I feel the need for this particular nickname because I don't think he'll be "shorty" for long. He was measured in April at the doctor's office at a shocking 4' 5" tall and he's only eight years old. This is one inch shorter than Gregory was at age ten. He has a set of "puppy feet" to match the height - kids size 4.5 - which as far as I'm concerned is just crazy for his age!! For those of you not fully aware of older kids shoe sizes, they kind of run out at around size 5.5 or 6 and you have to go to the men's dept to look for shoes.

I am waiting for the day when I walk into my house and hear some strange man's voice upstairs... Thoughts flash in the mind of "how did they get in" and "call the police" - only to realize that it's my oldest kid talking to a friend on the phone or something, you know? It won't be long and that will BE my reality.

Time marches on.........I only hope it doesn't march right across my face! LOL!!

I promise that I will get some recent photos of the kids posted very soon. I hope to talk with all of you VERY soon. Enjoy!