My very first post on Wordpress and it's about suspended classes for me. Yup! Suspended classes! Aren't I lucky? But then...like everything else in this world, it has it's cons. We have [hopefully cancelled] a competition tomorrow for Filipino and we were supposed to have three hours of practice today... MY CLASS IS NOT PREPARED AT ALL. Which I find very sad... It's annoying how these things can happen when we least need it. Aside from that, we were supposed to cook today. Another major project...But this one's for THE. I bought bananas for it and we ended up not using it! So I have to buy them again next week. It's such a hassle.

Aside from that, I feel really stressed. Doesn't it sound funny that a freshie like myself is actually feeling the stress? Well.... What is there to be stressed about?

HERE:

1. Student Council- It's fun but I mean... Tiring and it takes most of my time... I end up sleeping late and when I have tests the next day... or when I have to study my notes (because I usually do everyday) I can't do it anymore because I'm too tired and my eyelids seem to take over.

2.I'm always a leader in class-Not like I don't like it but.... Do people always have to expect me to do everything? :| We're called a group. A GROUP. Group does not mean one person having to do EVERYTHING.

3. PRESSURE-I think everyone feels this so... I won't expound much on it.

4.Misunderstandings-For some reason, some of my supposed friends don't even seem to understand what I'm going through. I'm dying already! Like this, my friend's birthday is next week and we're having a sleepover on Friday. The week after that will be our Trimestral Exams and today, I said "Stacy, [not her real name], our TE's are the week after your sleepover." Then she was like, "Yeah I know, you don't have to go if you don't want to." and then she shrugged off and left. I mean, she didn't even wait for me to say something after. And who said I wasn't going or that I didn't want to go?

I'M CRYING.DYING.SUFFERING.

But all those aside, I still love life and I still try to live it fully. :)

WHOA.

That was so serious. :| Anyway, I have to go now....

Tune in to my blog as I blog on and on about my life. *Laugh*

Byeeerz people.

-BloodandKisses

The answer to so many questions that ultimately lead us down to our wake up moment of "Hey what happened to my life?"

So many times when we are asked to go out, asked to attend a function, asked to play soccer with our child, asked to take a trip to Alaska we answer with "next time."

How many times in our lives do we find that "next time?"  I'll tell you.. NEVER!

Have you ever seen the movie with Queen Latifah called "The Last Holiday?" Here is a woman who is unknowingly misdiagnosed with a terminal brain disease and she sets out to spend every penny she has doing exactly what she wants during her last three weeks to live.  At one point she looks into a mirror and states, "Next time you do things different. We will laugh more, we'll love more, we'll see the world.  We just won't be so afraid."

How sad is this!  Right now, today, how much have you laughed?  How have you loved? What are you afraid of doing?  There is no "next time" in this life!  Do the things that make you love, laugh, and enjoy life with those that make you love, laugh, and enjoy life! 

How simple the formula and yet profound the results!

E crescono anche perchè dopo una sfilza di fidanzati/e senza importanza oppure dopo una giovinezza in solitario li vedete a un tratto fedelmente accoppiati a qualcuno.  I qualcuno più vari.  Quelli che vi aspettavate da quando avevate 11 anni, o quelli che non avevate mai visto.  Quelli che vi sembrano proprio il tipo adatto e quelli di cui non riuscite a capacitarvi ogni volta che li vedete insieme.

E pian piano conoscete i nuovi compagni dei vostri amici, cercate di farveli amici, di metterli a loro agio, di creare un rapporto che li ricomprenda in quello che avevate prima con uno solo dei due.

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E in genere vi comincia a prendere come la sensazione che i vostri amici si stiano sistemando, pian piano. Non ve ne rendete neanche conto e in un attimo quei qualcuno sono parte della vostra vita non meno che di quella dei vostri amici e intuite che probabilmente lo saranno per molto, molto, molto tempo.

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E allora vi accorgete che anche voi, che stavate pensando ai vostri amici, vi state sistemando e che si fa strada nel vostro cuore il desiderio concreto, non più la sola aspirazione per il futuro, di avere un solido tetto sulle spalle e qualcuno che vi stia accanto per sostenervi e farsi sostenere, vi cominciano a venire tutti quei comportamenti che avete visto in vostra madre e vi rendete conto che a poco a poco state pensando al vostro futuro come a qualcosa che è a portata di mano.

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Badate, non vuol dire che state diventando vecchi; anzi, non so cosa voglia dire.

We have oodles of buttons we can press to pre-set the day ahead. A day with results guaranteed and fun to finish it or jobs completed on the way. Technology, we reason, allows us the freedom to really enjoy life. Without it, well, where would we be?

Well what about your mind? Do you ever set that? Set it to achieve, make things happen, be happy, have funshine in the sunshine with those you love, smile more, work less, play often, worry not and embrace who you are and what a life you could or do have? Why not push your own buttons more? Programme yourself each morning to be 'switched on' to all the great things life has to offer. YOUR LIFE!!!.

It's all about your mind 'set'. So get 'set'.........and go!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most of you know we're moving Monday July 21st.
I have no idea when I will be back online. I am sure the first couple of weeks I will be busy unpacking and we'll still be traveling back a few times for church and to tie up a few things here.
I hope to post soon with pictures of the new place.

Stay tuned!

Until today.  This afternoon I got a text from his number (I deleted him from my phone in October).  I herewith transcribe the transaction:

C- Hey. Would you talk to me?

L- I don't think so. Neither of us could possibly have anything constructive to say to each other.

C- We could just be physical.

L- I'm not interested in running my life into the ground. You, on the other hand, are welcome to do as you please.

C-What do you mean?

C- Please...

L- I mean that I don't want to be physical with you. But you are free to sleep with whomever you want.

C- But I want to be physical with you.

C- I'll do anything you want.

L- Tough. I don't want to be with you. You made your bed, now lie in it.

C- Like I said I'll do anything you want

L- Duly noted. You're not worth it to me.

C- Can I make it worth it?

L- No. You cannot make yourself worth it.

C- Are you sleeping with someone else?

L- No.

C- I'll let you hurt me

L- I'm not interested in that kind of thing.

C- I think I can make myself worth it. But I'll leave you alone.

L- That would be lovely.

You know, one would think that since he broke up with me, etc that he would already be over me but apparently no.  He told me that he would probably always lust after me and dream about my body.  I feel nothing but sadness for him because he won't get caught and punished for this, he'll move on and cheat with some other girl, and if he does get caught, he'll lie his way out of it.  I know from experience.  (I told his girlfriend he was cheating and he lied his way out of it)  It seems like he'll never get what's coming to him.  I really do hope that this is the last time I hear from him.  He brings me nothing but misery and suffering.

But I can take heart knowing that I have moved beyond him and his pull.  I am too much of a woman to condescend to being with such a little boy as that (to paraphrase Stepmom).  I am so glad I had the strength to say no.  Personally, I'm also glad I didn't have to explain to him my real reason for saying no because he never would have understood.

That's really all I have to say today.

Our first date...do we look nervous!? LoL

Engagement day (also Easter of 1994 and a few days after my 18th birthday!)...BTW that's a friend's little boy :)

Wedding Day

The rest of our lives...

Newlyweds :)

Our first home...hey, we were going through Bible school! In this home the roof leaked...well, leak is an understatement. When it would rain the bowls in our cabinets would fill will water!

14 years and five children later :)

Together forever!

Happy Anniversary to THE most wonderful husband in the world!

We're up to our eyeballs in boxes and newspaper, but we take a break occasionally to play with the boxes :)

I'm not doing very well keeping up with my blog, but stay tuned as it won't always be that way...I hope!

Hope you all are having a great week!

Today's rule for a ~Good Life~ is: You will never "have-it-all-together"

Nice stencil too. We went by one day and then again the next. It appeared overnight.

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........ It's been awhile in part because I've been gone and busy. Phew! I've, finally, had the chance to slow down for a bit.

However... the short list:

A week in Italy on vacation with the in-laws

Too much work

Germany getting to #2 in the European Championships

Locking myself out of the house while Kera was in England

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So....

First: A week in Italy on vacation with the in-laws

Very enjoyable. My in-laws Dee and Don are just really cool people. After a week in close quarters we were still happily speaking to each other and doing things together. We started on Friday heading through Switzerland (St. Moritz to be exact). Man... beautiful. I now understand why people love it. Kera and I will have to go back and ride there sometime. We then wen to Cinque Terre. It's an amazing collection of cities that hang on the side of the cliffs bordering the Mediterranean Ocean. If you're ever close, check 'em out. Take the train from La Spezia though it's far, far easier than driving.

After Cinque Terre, we headed towards one of Kera and my favorite places on the planet... Volpaia. It's just so easy for us to relax there. Not to mention excellent food and wine. While there we visited quite a few of the local cities. From there we headed toward Rome to visit with some of Dee and Don's friends (Di and ? who were wonderful). We got the grand tour around town and kept running across the filming of the next installment of the Dan Brown based movies "Angels and Demons". Di had seen the stars throughout town.

Rome was never a place that I'd wanted to visit as I'd built it up in my mind to be overrun with tourists and just not worth the bother. Honestly, I couldn't have been more wrong. Rome is a beautiful, vibrant city with a lot of cool areas away from the zillions of (American tourists while we were there) visitors. There's lots of art, cool shops, things to see, etc. everywhere you go. The restaurants aren't crazy expensiveand outside the really hot temperatures while we were there everything was great! We'll definitely go back again.

Next: Too much work

I was crazy busy which, thankfully, has slowed a bit. I was working 3 or so nights a wee plus everyday as well. It's now down to 1 or so night (if I don't substitute) and everyday at least 1/2 day. The slowdown has given me a bit more time to ride. I did get some great news in that I should be getting a 25% raise starting Aug. 1. Woohoo!

Then: Germany getting to #2 in the European Championships

Well, that about says it. I know most Americans could give two hoots about soccer. For the most part, I often feel that way as well. However, when you live here, the fever is easy to catch during both the European Championships and the World Championships. I wasn't too impressed with the way that Germany played but I'm not an expert either. Maybe next time.

Last: Locking myself out of the house while Kera was in England

Kera had to go to England for work for a few days. On her very first day gone I went out for a semi-long run. As I walked out of the house I put on my iPod and grabbed what I thought was the apartment key. After running around the Oktoberfest grounds and getting back to home I pulled out my key only to realize that it was the wrong key. I stood there trying to figure out what to do. It occurred to me that I'd just given Christian our house key back the night before. He and Sara live not too far away up the hill in Giesing. I couldn't take the subway since my pass was in the apt. as was my cell phone. My only chance was to either call a locksmith or run up the hill, get my key and run back. That's what I ended up doing.

I got back home after running another 40 minutes in addition to the 45 that I'd previously run. Needless to say I was tired that night as well as glad that I'd given Christian our key back. Phew!

Other than that, I've been to the Ministry concert (photo link) with Christian and finished my tattoo (just last night). We've also been to our friends Susanna and Matthias' wedding which was quite nice.

Here's the link to photos from our Italy trip and other things. More photos yet to be loaded as well.

At the end of next week I'm off to Italy for a week to do the Dolomiten cross. It's 6 days of riding, lots of miles and lots of elevation. I'll take lots of photos and share them with you later.

Ultimately, I'll have to decide what I feel strongly about and act accordingly and not adapt to everything, because, after all, I'm paying half of the rent too.

My ring came in.  It's quite lovely.  I said a little prayer over it this morning before putting it on for the first time.  I feel better about things, kinda like the serenity some people feel by wearing a cross or Star of David around their necks.  I began reading the book that will help me completely realize this desire to wait for La Vie en Rose rather than continually waste myself on pathetic losers, as I have in the past.  The book is called Lady in Waiting.  It's a Christian book because waiting is a predominately religious thing to do.  The reading of it will take a while though.  There are ten chapters and the text isn't very long.  But it has been suggested that I read the text once through then go back and re-read the text with the study guide that is provided at the back of the book.  Meditations are also included in the center of the book.  I like the way the meditations are set up, even though I haven't done one.  It says to be in a quiet place, with your journal and Bible, and seriously ponder each quote and question--sometimes you may spend a day or so pondering before you write down an answer.  The book suggests that you don't make these meditations part of a daily religious regimen, which is great advice because I would probably do something like that.

I finished A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court this afternoon and it was pretty good.  Parts of it were confusing because there was some explanation missing, such as who Hello-Central was for a couple of chapters.  It was certainly different from Twain's narrative voice in Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.  I think I prefer the colloquial language more so than the stuffy formal Connecticut dialect he used in this novel.  Next week I'm tackling the biography because I have the week off and I can get some serious reading done.  (Actually, I may start it tonight because I have the rest of the week off)  Then I plan on moving on to Roughing It.  I'm not sure I will read My Mark Twain because I'm not sure which part we're going to read in class--the biography or the criticisms.  Although, it would be helpful to read the criticisms for the books after I finish the novels.  And they aren't too long, so I'll kill a couple of birds with one stone.  (Sorry, thinking in type)

I kinda want to tackle Great Expectations because I have just a bit left of it, but I'm making a lot of progress on the Mark Twain list.  Oh hell!  Who am I kidding?  I should finish Great Expectations so that I don't lose the story and so that I can take a break from Twain.  As I am spending a semester studying him, I would hate to get burnt out already.  OK.  So Great Expectations tomorrow and then Gone With the Wind or Catch-22 on Friday and Saturday while I'm at the family torture events.  (I should probably read Catch-22, just so I don't have to endure incessant questions and comments from the peanut gallery about  GWTW, the movie because I doubt none of them have read the book)

On a high note, my mom picked up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone today.  I'm quite pleased as I've been nagging her for years to read the books, since they're quite different from the movies and she incorrectly quotes facts and doesn't understand about half of the movies.  I cannot say how much I love this series!  I was Harry's age when book one came out, so I grew up with Harry.  I nearly bawled my bloody eyes out when I read the dedication of the last book, where she dedicated it in part to all of those who grew up with Harry and were kids when the series began.  Lovely.  And though her books are, on the outset, geared towards children, they hold some pretty dark and grownup things.  I know tons of parents who won't let their kids read the books due to the dark stuff, in addition to the magical element.  I think they've done a lot towards getting children and adults to read.

I can't believe I just wrote that much about books.  I guess that's really where I've been living lately.  Not a whole lot has been going on in real life, so I escape.  Or maybe I'm purposely not living in the real world.  Who knows?

I've been thinking ever since I picked up the ring yesterday: I don't want a boyfriend.  I don't want to go on dates.  This might stem from the fact that there isn't anyone I know that I would want to date.  There isn't even anyone I know that has a girlfriend that I would want to date.  But I think I would have to meet someone pretty damn spectacular, say Derek Jeter, for me to want to date them.  A lot of it has to do with the fact that dating is a huge hassle and there are little rewards, especially if you don't want to have sex with anyone for a while.  I think it's different this time though because in the past, there were guys who I would date if they were single.  I hope it's different this time and it's soaking in that I want to be and deserve to be swept off my feet by someone amazing.

I don't want to go out with people either, as friends.  I just want to be alone or have my own schedule and not be tied down by anyone, friends included.  So there.  And I would probably be annoyed if I was at Starbucks and a long, lost friend sat down with me and started chatting because they'd be cutting in on my time.

I feel like, in my seclusion, I should be asking myself "What are you learning?"  And I don't know that answer right now.  I don't know where I'm going either or what I'm doing five minutes from now (25 minutes from now I'll be watching the Yankees), because those are usually follow-up questions.

I love it, though, whatever it is that I'm doing, wherever it is that I'm going, to learn whatever it is that I'm learning.

Direi in piena vacanza! Anzi, scusate se non vi ho scritto prima, ma gli ultimi giorni sono stati abbastanza frenetici e avevo bisogno di un po' di riposo.

Il libro per il laboratorio è stato consegnato: non mi pronuncio sul voto finchè non lo vedo in bacheca... ;)  Ora dovrebbero uscire anche quelli finali di matematica e speriamo che il buon vecchio Edie sia clemente.

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Per passare a vicende più serie: tra 10 giorni si parte per il mareeee! Oh yeah!  Dai, ci voleva questa settimana di vacanza e di sicuro ci divertiremo.  Però per l'anno prossimo mi piacerebbe andar via con qualcuno di voi: non è che magari possiamo organizzarci? Secondo me abbiamo delle chanches, ma non è detto, in effetti....

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Ultimo ma non meno importante:

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It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! --Patrick Henry March 23,1775

Online Fireworks!

Your name in SPARKLERS!

The Statue of Liberty LIVE!!

4th of July Cupcakes

 Fourth of July Paper Doll

Craft: Statue of Liberty crown

Craft: Liberty Shaker

Craft: A Wand to Wave

USA State Facts

Fourth Greeting Cards

1. Independence Day commemorates the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. However, it was not declared a legal holiday until 1941.

2. Fireworks were made in China as early as the 11th century. The Chinese used their pyrotechnic mixtures for war rockets and explosives.

If you beat 10 companies to that multi-million pound contract or 127 others to the Wimbledon title most will be disappointed and think it wasn't meant to be and lick their wounds. Not so the champions in waiting, the confidents in study or the best observing how they can be just that. Real winners are learning from the "loss" seeing it as a free lesson on how to succeed. While you party they partake of info and feedback. They amend and improve. They update and evolve. They live and learn living tomorrow today. They are you, NOW!!!

So when you take the field for the big final, put together your project proposal or simply enter a local talent competition remember that winning means losing. Winning means understanding where and how to win. Winning means it may not be today but it will be some day. Big bucks first come from big sucks. Winning means losing the thought that it's only now that matters. Winning means that you never lose sight of bettering yourself. So you see you can never lose. So start winning today and then tomorrow............I'm at a loss to say!!  

Tonight as we were walking into a small, local Italian resteraunt I felt the glares from the waitresses. I could sense they thought we belonged down at the McDonald's playground or better yet, the zoo. But I sweetly ordered and dared the children to move. I ordered water and waited for one of them to complain but surprisingly they didn't, perhaps they were oblivious to the conversation, more intent on figuring out how the twisty pepper dispenser thingy worked.

After telling the Bubbas to sit on their bottom and scoot their chair in for the 10th time and settling Baby Girl back into her high chair for the 100th I noticed the staff getting friendlier. Perhaps they felt sorry for me with such untrained children. We traded smiles and then I realized there were other people looking at our table. More sympathizers...

I got up to pay while Dearest ran the twins to the bathroom. While paying, one of the staff asked if we homeschool.

"Yes," I replied. 

She looked at her fellow waitress and said, "See, I told you so."

"You have such well-behaved, mannerly children!" 

"Well, thank you." I said.

"We dread seeing children come in here. They tear the place up, leave a mess, are loud, and unmannerly. But your children are just SO well-behaved. We appreciate that you've trained your children." Lots of smiles...

Again, "Thank you, we try"...clearing my throat...

I go back to the table and wonder if I should send reinforcements into the bathroom with Dear Hubby as they sure are taking a long time.

Again I notice one customer in particular "glaring" at us. She was elderly and appeared rich. I thought, "She's thinking we do not belong here too..."
I get a to-go box and pack up Dearest's meal.

The boys finally emerge from the bathroom. Off we go out the door. 

The aforementioned rich lady stops me and says through big smiles "You have such a beautiful family. The children are so well behaved"

"Thank you, the Lord has truly blessed us."

As we approach the van the children begin to argue at who gets to sit in the middle seat beside Baby-Girl.

I roll my eyes..."Oh, if they could only go home with us." :)

Per cominciare ho finalmente mandato in stampa il libro per il laboratorio. Son contenta di averlo finito, così ora mi posso dedicare ad altro. Lunedì porto la seconda copia dopo aver visto com'è venuta la prima... Incrociamo le dita!!

Il compitino di mate è andato bene e ho rimediato un bel trentino! Ora si pone il problema: il prof ha detto che per chi vuole migliorare il voto c'è la possibilità di fare un "progetto" durante l'estate, che consiste in una ricerca oppure in un progetto con Pov-ray. Fare qualcosa con Pov-ray non mi dispiacerebbe, perchè si dovrebbe ad esempio ricostruire un monumento: però in questo momento - e non solo questo - mi sento troppo pigra. Vedremo come va fra qualche giorno..

Altra positiva novità: ho tagliato i capelli!! So che alcuni di voi non approvano la cosa, ma non so che dirvi: ormai mi fan verameete troppo caldo. Comunque sappiate che Alberto ha già fatto circa una settimana di compianto preventivo per i capelli, quindi sono già stata adeguatamente punita. :D

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Sto facendo il lavoro fastidioso, lo sto facendo e non è neanche male. Vedremo il risultato.

Forse mi hanno anche offerto un lavoro per quest'estate: vedremo se la cosa decolla... e soprattutto la remunerazione......... vero Alby!? Hehe, pare che sarà proprio lui il mio "datore"...fatemi un bell'in bocca al lupo!! Dai, si scherza, in realtà non vedo l'ora!

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E per ora qui da Verona è tutto, a voi la linea studio.

Yes, Tonia and I have created a new website about our passion for travel, photography and life!

It is called BERTONIA :-)

Of course, it is full of pictures (check out the galleries!) and enjoy our extended galleries on Picasa as well! We've included pictures from Bali, Goa, Normandy, Zeeland and the Camino to Santiago.

Tonia wants to create more inspiring pictures and contribute to share her view on the world. By being a passionate photographer, you can already sense her ability to make you part of it. It feels sometimes like you are with her at that right moment the picture is taken. Excellent!

Now, dream away with BERTONIA and tell us your first impression...

Enjoy every day,
BERTONIA
Loving Life

I went shoe-shopping with my daughter.

Perhaps this is not an event many people in our country would consider worth mentioning. But I'll bet there are those who would say, "I know exactly what you mean!" Others might sigh and whisper, "I wish I could do that."

The medication I began taking in January for my kazillionth espisode of depression/anxiety/panic disorder suddenly stopped working at the beginning of May. I'm rather convinced this latest crisis in the realm of my mind is due to a ten day course of Cipro prescribed for me to treat a severe kidney infection. Probable cause hardly matters though when you are a mom who cannot stay awake during the day, is tormented by spontaneous panic attacks at night, is afraid to stir out of doors, and is pummelled by thoughts which center around the belief that your small family would be better served if you were to simply disappear.

I saw my doctor two and half weeks ago. Yes, I waited longer than I should have once it had become obvious the Zoloft had ceased to work. He started me on Lexapro; and, I felt good knowing I had taken aggressive action in caring for myself, so I could better care for my family. The problem with starting a new medication for me, though, is the deluge of intrusive, scary thoughts, which inevitably fall upon me with a ceaselessness that would exhaust even the strongest of minds. Somehow I have managed to slog through the muddy, nasty mess my brain had become. Somehow, once again, I am still here, looking back to a week ago, two weeks ago, and I am able to say at the end of a long, deep breath, "I'm pretty sure I'm better today than I was then."

So, I knew I was improving. I knew the fearful thoughts weren't coming as often. I knew I had managed not to fall asleep during the day yesterday. I knew progress was being made within my being. I still felt, though, that I was only halfway up the mountain.

Imagine how excited I was this afternoon when I decided to take my daughter shoe-shopping. On a Saturday. At the mall. A place I avoid like the plague. I made a list of the things we needed to accomplish.

First. Shoes. Because her pretty little feet seemed to have grown overnight. So I took my duly shocked daughter off to the mall. I really would like to know what she was thinking when I asked the question, "Want to go shoe-shopping with me?" My best guess is she thought, "Holy moly, MY mommy wants to go shopping??? At the mall??? OhhhhhKaaaaay. I'll play along."

Once at the store, we squealed with giddy, delicious delight over the too-cute-for-words pink and white ballet slipper style tennis shoes we found. We snatched up a pair of sporty tennis shoes too. Gray and pink. What? There must be pink. We discussed the odd ratio of blue to pink clothing in her closet. How on earth did she manage to acquire more blue than pink? That is a situation which must be rectified with all due haste, we decided at once.

With her purchases clutched tightly in her precious hands, we stopped at a vending machine for drinks to help us temper the muggy Mississippi heat. Pink lemonade for her. Yes, PINK! And, a Coca-Cola for myself. Hand in hand we strolled out of the mall and into the sunshine. Oh, sure there were clouds in the sky, but we didn't care. Not a bit. Not even when a drizzly rain began to fall. We were together. Something like the weather cannot compete with such sweet companionship.

Second, we went to my favorite, though not often visited, store. Hobby Lobby. I found a cute pattern for a summery purse. Acrylic paints for a new painting I am planning. My little bunny spotted a book on crocheting Strawberry Shortcake and Friends dolls. Clearance-priced at $2.14. How could we not buy it? And some yarn, too, of course. We've decided it will be our summer project. After she gets back from camp next week. Oh, and then we found a snap together model car kit for her little brother. We checked out our purchases and hand in hand once more, we walked down to TJ Maxx. Now, here I hit a bit of a bump. After much perusing, I settled on a cotton pajama set for myself. Unfortunately, only one register was open, and ten people were lined up waiting. Without beating myself up about it, I hung the PJ's up, and told my daughter we wouldn't be waiting.

Off again, we drove to the grocery store for the tiny cans of Aristocats cat food our four-month-old kitten adores.

Finally, we took ourselves off to PetSmart, where we puzzled over the astounding selection of pet toys. We finally settled on a yellow, pink, and purple stuffed caterpillar. Then I asked a sales associate for help with purchasing an algae eater for our aquarium. Me. I spoke to someone and asked for something and didn't worry whether I sounded like an idiot. For once. Nice feeling, that is.

On our way home, my daughter chattered happily in the back seat. I listened with a smile, but then all at once, I started to grin. Big. I had not panicked. The entire time we were out and about. On a Saturday afternoon. Traffic bumper to bumper. Crowded stores. No panic attack. No wanting to run. No wishing I was Dorothy and could tap my heels together and find myself at home. Under the covers. Safe.

The sky is overcast. But there is a glimmer of sun, all the same. And even if there wasn't, I wouldn't mind.

Today. Today, I am me. Today, I am myself.

Perhaps even more importantly, today...today, I like me.

I finished my second reading of 'Running with Scissors', because nothing makes me happier than laughing out loud at books, and Augusten Burroughs is pretty much perfect for that. Plus he obviously had an extremely unusual childhood, and it's nice to see even the most fucked up kids grow up alright. I also started reading 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being'. I'm now halfway through it and am enjoying it thus far.

In conclusion: summer is perfect poolside with a book.

Fin :)

Comincio col dire che quel tonno del prof di mate non ha ancora corretto i compiti e quindi buona parte del mio tempo è spesa ad aggiornare la pagina della bacheca... sapete com'è, follia da compitino. Il lboratorio procede a rilento, nel senso che la mia voglia di farlo viene meno di giorno in giorno. Oggi però è il giorno del riscatto e procederò con l'intervista! Che Dio ce la mandi buona....

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Per passare a cose più piacevoli, la trasferta padovana è andata molto bene: il Mazzurro è stato proprio bello!! C'erano un sacco di gruppi bravi e anche se la presentazione non è stata delle migliori è stata lo stesso brillante. Super compilenti a Stefano che non si è allontanato dal palco per più di venti minuti in totale... ma si sa che se si suona la batteria, la chitarra, il piano e si canta è questo quello che può capitare!!

Anche Alby e i suoi compari sono stati bravissimi, sia con gli "Apri la pigne" che con l'altro gruppo... direi che mi sono piaciuti tutti e due a pari merito nonostante la diversità!

Venerdì è stata una giornata meravigliosa, in collegio dalle pulzelle: presto le foto, non temete! Nel frattempo vi lascio immaginare - solo immaginare, poveri voi! - le delizie che Gess e Conc si sono prodigate a cucinare per noi!

Luck is usually measured by big wins, usually financial, or strokes of fortune. But luck is a lady all day not just at night for high rolling. She often dresses down so that you barely recognise her.

Take today. It had been a bear of a day; dark, stromy, wet and miserable. I had to go out for provisions and as I did so the rain stopped and held off. The moment I stepped back inside the house soon after the heavens re-opened, the same heavens that had been on my side for those few hours. That's luck!

Look out for luck because it's there for everyone. The parking space when you need, the chance meeting with a friend out of the blue, the surprise invite to a night out that you had a ball on, the green traffic lights when late for work. Sometimes it's subtle sometimes not but it's sure there all the time. Like your pulse. Always there keeping things going, keeping you going. At the heart of things working away. You tend to notice it only when it's not!

So be honest, where have you been lucky lately? Where have you always been lucky? Lucky you!

Keep smiling!

We had a wonderful church service, the spirit was good among all the people and we met new friends and saw old friends. I didn't mess up too badly on the piano (still asking the Lord to send us a *real* piano player). Sometimes I'd just love to make an announcment to everyone that I know I can't play but am trying to fill a need. I'd just hate for someone to think that I think I can play the piano! Oh well...I am thankful that I know a little to be able to play for the Lord, as I do enjoy playing.

Besides the great fellowship with friends, our baby Susannah (5 mnths old) was dedicated this morning. I had asked Bobby to please dedicate Susannah on my birthday, so that was his present to me. A few tears were shed as I thought about how happy I am to let the Lord know Thy will be done in regards to her and our other 4 children. She is such a blessing to me and praise the Lord for His many blessings to me. I sure don't deserve what He's allowed me to have.

We also had a meal after the morning service with yummy food! After we all ate and cleaned up we had more preaching at 2 p.m. On 5th Sundays we have an early afternoon service to give the people an evening "off" or to go and visit another church.

We drove to Carthage, TN and visited Bro. Ron Ralph's church www.sowingtheseedministries.com . Our whole family loves to hear Bro. Ron preach. I encourage you to listen to his preaching on Sermon Audio.

My children are always happy that it's my birthday and they want to be sure to do something nice for me. Kaitlyn made a card for me and gave me a bracelet she had. Nathan gave me all the money he had in coins. And the twins hung a happy birthday banner up in the playroom! Susannah gave me plenty of slobbery kisses although I don't think she knew it was my birthday!

Several people at church gave me cards and the church people are always so thoughtful to remember my birthday and gave me a card full of money and a cute wooden box that matches my den. :) A very sweet girl in our church picked flowers for me and presented them to me in a vase. I placed them on the piano while I played Sunday and I could smell them through the whole song service. :)

I had a good, full day and now I am tired...but I wanted you all to know how I spent my happy birthday.

Off to bed!