Tyler ISD takes some whacky holidays. We get a random day off about once a month. I think they call them "teacher work days" or some nonsense, but I'm looking out the window and I don't see any vehicles in the parking lot over there. Are they working from home?! We've always had a break on Martin Luther King Jr's birthday, but our school district decided to turn it into a 4-day weekend. So I decided to take a 4-day weekend, too! :)
Today, Madi and I are being lazy with two of our favorite people: Madi's BFF Baily, and Baily's baby brother, Lane. And it has been some serious lazy around here! All of us are still in our pj's, the girls slept 'til 9:15, and Lane is napping right now. We're waiting for him to wake up so we can play with him! It's pretty much a perfect day!
Tomorrow is the 2nd meeting of the Tyler Area 2010 Camaro Club! I have to admit, when these folks first contacted me, I laughed. A lot. I thought it was sooo silly, and I wasn't going to go. Madi talked me into it, because she wanted to see all of the other Camaros. (She's kind of a huge fan, now that we have one.) It was actually a lot of fun, and seeing all those cars together was pretty stinkin' cool! So I think we'll go tomorrow and see all of our friends (car and human), and check out our new additions. :)
Sunday is, of course, Cowboys Sunday, and we'll be hosting another party at our house. So fun!! My 3 favorite food groups will be represented: burgers and brats and junk food! Oh, and I love football. Have I mentioned that lately? GO COWBOYS!
Monday will be Casey Day. I'm cashing in my gift certificate for a one-hour massage, manicure, and deluxe pedicure. I love to be pampered. I am SO looking forward to Monday!
I hope you all enjoy your weekend as much as I will!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
It's Just Stuff
I was reminded this week of what it means to be a Good Samaritan.
A local man was cooking breakfast in his home when he heard a loud crash outside. The East Texas Deep Freeze we are currently living in had caused the road outside of his home to ice over, and a truck had left the roadway and flipped, coming to rest against a tree. He ran outside to check on the occupants of the truck and offer assistance.
In his hurried departure from his kitchen, he left a hot skillet on the stove. A few minutes after heading outside to help two complete strangers, he turned around to see his home engulfed in flames. Apparently the grease from the skillet ignited a fire in his kitchen, and within moments his entire home was consumed.
In an interview with local news reporters, he said that he had run inside to retreive his dog, and to move the skillet from the stove to stop the fire. The smoke was too thick and he had to get out. Aside from his dog, he lost everything. He had no insurance.
The driver and passenger of the truck were ok, but visibly shaken - possibly from the wreck, but more likely because of the complete act of selflessness that another human had just displayed.
In a follow up interview with the local man, who had returned to his home the next day to try to salvage something from the shell of his home, the reporter asked if he would do it again. He didn't hesitate, never stumbled - he said yes. Given the same circumstances with the same outcome, he would do it again.
This 60-year-old man, now homeless and without any worldly possessions except the clothes on his body and the dog by his side, taught me an incredible lesson.
It's just stuff. And it's not worth more than the safety of another human being.
Every time I get a new claim, I take a recorded statement from each of the involved parties. There are several questions about their personal info, the scene of the accident, and what happened. But there are two questions that I ask every time to which I rarely get the answer I'm hoping for: Were there any witnesses? Did anyone stop to help? Nine times out of ten, the answer is "no." NO?! Were people so busy that day that they forgot what it meant to be human?! To CARE about the safety and condition of people around them?
A man heard a crash outside of his house, stopped what he was doing, and ran outside to help. He could have stayed inside. He could have ignored the sound of the crash, or dismissed it as someone else's problem. But he didn't.
And his story touched my heart. So I am sharing it, in the hopes of maybe changing the way others react to the people and circumstances around them.
A local man was cooking breakfast in his home when he heard a loud crash outside. The East Texas Deep Freeze we are currently living in had caused the road outside of his home to ice over, and a truck had left the roadway and flipped, coming to rest against a tree. He ran outside to check on the occupants of the truck and offer assistance.
In his hurried departure from his kitchen, he left a hot skillet on the stove. A few minutes after heading outside to help two complete strangers, he turned around to see his home engulfed in flames. Apparently the grease from the skillet ignited a fire in his kitchen, and within moments his entire home was consumed.
In an interview with local news reporters, he said that he had run inside to retreive his dog, and to move the skillet from the stove to stop the fire. The smoke was too thick and he had to get out. Aside from his dog, he lost everything. He had no insurance.
The driver and passenger of the truck were ok, but visibly shaken - possibly from the wreck, but more likely because of the complete act of selflessness that another human had just displayed.
In a follow up interview with the local man, who had returned to his home the next day to try to salvage something from the shell of his home, the reporter asked if he would do it again. He didn't hesitate, never stumbled - he said yes. Given the same circumstances with the same outcome, he would do it again.
This 60-year-old man, now homeless and without any worldly possessions except the clothes on his body and the dog by his side, taught me an incredible lesson.
It's just stuff. And it's not worth more than the safety of another human being.
Every time I get a new claim, I take a recorded statement from each of the involved parties. There are several questions about their personal info, the scene of the accident, and what happened. But there are two questions that I ask every time to which I rarely get the answer I'm hoping for: Were there any witnesses? Did anyone stop to help? Nine times out of ten, the answer is "no." NO?! Were people so busy that day that they forgot what it meant to be human?! To CARE about the safety and condition of people around them?
A man heard a crash outside of his house, stopped what he was doing, and ran outside to help. He could have stayed inside. He could have ignored the sound of the crash, or dismissed it as someone else's problem. But he didn't.
And his story touched my heart. So I am sharing it, in the hopes of maybe changing the way others react to the people and circumstances around them.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Pass It On
Madison and I enjoyed a UT-Tyler basketball game yesterday, courtesy of her (read: her father's) fabulous cookie dough selling skills. I didn't realize how much I know about basketball until I was seated next to an inquisitive 10-year-old who likes to know everything...about everything.
Lucky for her, I was in an "answering" mood!
She wanted to know all about scoring. Why are those worth 3, but those are only worth 2? How come that guy gets to stand there and shoot for free, and all those other guys have to just watch? Why do they get to grab the ball if it doesn't go in after the 2nd free shot, but not the 1st one?
And then there were the scoreboards, and all their fancy lights. What does the "B" mean? What about the arrow? What's a jump ball?
For nearly two hours, I shared with her every detail that I could think to tell her about the sport of basketball. I've spent an entire football season teaching her what I know about the pigskin. (Which honestly isn't much, compared to most. I didn't discover my love for football until about 4 years ago.) It wasn't that we sat down together and I schooled her on how to play - it just happened. She has questions, and I have answers. Usually.
It made me realize that, as parents, we are a wealth of information and knowledge just waiting to be summoned. I'm sure I've always known that, though sometimes I'm guilty of not taking the time to stop and share. But why do we wait for the questions before we share the answers? Why DON'T we take the time to share what we know at every opportunity?
I always struggle with "resolutions" as each new year begins. I don't like to place a time stamp on the changes or improvements I'd like to make in my life. I want them to be more than a cliche.
But as I sat next to my daughter, remembering what it was like to be so young and wide-eyed, and full of questions and life and open-mindedness, I realized that I MUST make a change. I must always remember to share what I know, to help shape her into a well-rounded, intelligent, thoughtful individual who will hopefully one day have the chance to pass on a small slice of what I've taught her.
I must always remember to pass it on....
I think we'll be taking advantage of every possible UT-Tyler sporting event. :)
Lucky for her, I was in an "answering" mood!
She wanted to know all about scoring. Why are those worth 3, but those are only worth 2? How come that guy gets to stand there and shoot for free, and all those other guys have to just watch? Why do they get to grab the ball if it doesn't go in after the 2nd free shot, but not the 1st one?
And then there were the scoreboards, and all their fancy lights. What does the "B" mean? What about the arrow? What's a jump ball?
For nearly two hours, I shared with her every detail that I could think to tell her about the sport of basketball. I've spent an entire football season teaching her what I know about the pigskin. (Which honestly isn't much, compared to most. I didn't discover my love for football until about 4 years ago.) It wasn't that we sat down together and I schooled her on how to play - it just happened. She has questions, and I have answers. Usually.
It made me realize that, as parents, we are a wealth of information and knowledge just waiting to be summoned. I'm sure I've always known that, though sometimes I'm guilty of not taking the time to stop and share. But why do we wait for the questions before we share the answers? Why DON'T we take the time to share what we know at every opportunity?
I always struggle with "resolutions" as each new year begins. I don't like to place a time stamp on the changes or improvements I'd like to make in my life. I want them to be more than a cliche.
But as I sat next to my daughter, remembering what it was like to be so young and wide-eyed, and full of questions and life and open-mindedness, I realized that I MUST make a change. I must always remember to share what I know, to help shape her into a well-rounded, intelligent, thoughtful individual who will hopefully one day have the chance to pass on a small slice of what I've taught her.
I must always remember to pass it on....
I think we'll be taking advantage of every possible UT-Tyler sporting event. :)
Sunday, January 03, 2010
A New Year...a Renewed Me!
I know it's very cliche - everyone is "restarting" their blog as they welcome 2010. It's the "in" thing to do. All the cool kids are doing it. What can I say - I'm a lemming.
Actually, I'm not. I'm me. And I need to keep a record of the "me" that I am constantly becoming. Each year, as the calendar rolls to another January, I seem to remember less and less of the preceeding 11 months. As I get older, life seems to accelerate at a higher rate of speed. I can remember being on Christmas break as a kid in school - it felt like an eternity! There was plenty of time to play with friends, to explore new toys, to eat delicious food, to annoy my sister. The possibilities were limitless. Now I sit here wondering how in the world it is already January 3rd. And 2010?! Seriously?? How did THAT happen?
So on my honor, I will try to update this blog regularly. I won't call it a resolution. I'll call it a revolution, from the Latin revolutio, "a turn around." Hold on and enjoy the ride!
Actually, I'm not. I'm me. And I need to keep a record of the "me" that I am constantly becoming. Each year, as the calendar rolls to another January, I seem to remember less and less of the preceeding 11 months. As I get older, life seems to accelerate at a higher rate of speed. I can remember being on Christmas break as a kid in school - it felt like an eternity! There was plenty of time to play with friends, to explore new toys, to eat delicious food, to annoy my sister. The possibilities were limitless. Now I sit here wondering how in the world it is already January 3rd. And 2010?! Seriously?? How did THAT happen?
So on my honor, I will try to update this blog regularly. I won't call it a resolution. I'll call it a revolution, from the Latin revolutio, "a turn around." Hold on and enjoy the ride!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Abandonment...
...of this blog is a direct result of my involvement with - nay, ADDICTION TO - Facebook!
If you have not yet been drawn into the time-sucking machine that is Facebook, you should join. Now. You will be amazed at the number of people that will find you. You will be amazed at how easy it is to keep up with all of the important people in your life, in one place! You'll be amazed at how dirty your house gets as you search feverishly for old friends and classmates! You'll be amazed at how glossy your eyes become after staring at a computer screen for hours on end. You'll be amazed at how much later you can stay up at night. You'll just be amazed.
Seriously.
Join Facebook.
If you have not yet been drawn into the time-sucking machine that is Facebook, you should join. Now. You will be amazed at the number of people that will find you. You will be amazed at how easy it is to keep up with all of the important people in your life, in one place! You'll be amazed at how dirty your house gets as you search feverishly for old friends and classmates! You'll be amazed at how glossy your eyes become after staring at a computer screen for hours on end. You'll be amazed at how much later you can stay up at night. You'll just be amazed.
Seriously.
Join Facebook.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
I heart eBay!
It's been a while since I've sold anything on eBay. It's usually clothes or shoes that Mini Me has outgrown, or random household items that aren't worth much. It's just a thrill to watch the price balloon...even if it's just a few dollars!
But THIS time is different. This time, our junk is actually worth something!!
When the Hubby upgraded his computer, we were left with several random computer parts. We also upgraded our phones recently. I'm not gonna lie and say I'm the neatest neat-freak around, because everyone who knows me knows that would be the most obvious fabrication ever spoken. But when I'm surrounded by wires, fans, and assorted shiny metal objects that obviously don't belong among my "decor," I just want to scream!
So I dusted off the eBay username and password, and started posting. At first, it was just one phone...just to see what we'd get. For your reference, a used Sony Ericsson Walkman phone is worth about $150.00! Who knew?!
That was it...I was hooked.
Two more cell phones...SOLD!
Then it was time to post the computer stuff. After an extended photo shoot, we were ready to sell. I decided to only post 2 or 3 items at a time, so I can stagger the auction end times (and the shipping). The first 3 went live last Sunday, and end today. Two more will end this week, and I have 2 more items to post today.
I have literally spent the last week (at work, at home, AND on the iPhone) constantly hitting "refresh." I can't help myself. It's an addiction!!
If you're interested, here's our seller page:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/cande1998
I'm not sure what I am going to do when everything has sold. I suppose I'll be tearing the house apart and shopping the clearance racks, scavenging for something cheap to sell!
I think I need intervention....
But THIS time is different. This time, our junk is actually worth something!!
When the Hubby upgraded his computer, we were left with several random computer parts. We also upgraded our phones recently. I'm not gonna lie and say I'm the neatest neat-freak around, because everyone who knows me knows that would be the most obvious fabrication ever spoken. But when I'm surrounded by wires, fans, and assorted shiny metal objects that obviously don't belong among my "decor," I just want to scream!
So I dusted off the eBay username and password, and started posting. At first, it was just one phone...just to see what we'd get. For your reference, a used Sony Ericsson Walkman phone is worth about $150.00! Who knew?!
That was it...I was hooked.
Two more cell phones...SOLD!
Then it was time to post the computer stuff. After an extended photo shoot, we were ready to sell. I decided to only post 2 or 3 items at a time, so I can stagger the auction end times (and the shipping). The first 3 went live last Sunday, and end today. Two more will end this week, and I have 2 more items to post today.
I have literally spent the last week (at work, at home, AND on the iPhone) constantly hitting "refresh." I can't help myself. It's an addiction!!
If you're interested, here's our seller page:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/cande1998
I'm not sure what I am going to do when everything has sold. I suppose I'll be tearing the house apart and shopping the clearance racks, scavenging for something cheap to sell!
I think I need intervention....
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Take a Hike, Ike!
Hello from soggy East Texas!
I don't have any pictures to upload for this post. Fortunately, there isn't much to photograph in our area. We are still getting some pretty heavy "wispy" wind, and a constant drizzle, but we've not seen ANYTHING like we expected.
We've been tuned to MSNBC all day, and the footage from the destruction along the Gulf Coast is, once again, heartbreaking. It never ceases to amaze me how powerful nature can be. Incredible and awesome, but devastating and terrible at the same time. Landmarks that have stood for decades are gone in a blink. Homes and lives are turned upside-down with every crashing wave and howling wind.
And yet, the morons remain. I just have to vent a bit: WHO THE HECK TRIES TO RIDE OUT A HURRICANE ANYMORE?!?! This morning, I awoke to news that the local emergency agencies along the coast had received hundreds of calls throughout the night from people "begging for rescue." I'm sorry, but if you choose to stay until the last possible minute - in spite of numerous warnings as strong as "if you stay, you'll face certain death" - you don't get to call for help when the storm is half-way into landfall. In my opinion, you don't "deserve" rescue. That's not to say that your life is somehow worth less. But if there are people who are truly trapped in other areas, they should get priority. And emergency & rescue personnel should NOT have to risk their lives to save your crazy butt.
OK I'm done. For now. :)
ANYway, I've spoken with everyone in my office today except K2, and we are the only ones who still have power. In the words of my amazing 8-year-old, "we are blessed." So it appears that we were spared any damage or major weather activity here in the beautiful Piney Woods.
If that changes, I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, please continue to keep those affected by Gustav and Ike in your thoughts and prayers. They've got a long road to recovery ahead....
I don't have any pictures to upload for this post. Fortunately, there isn't much to photograph in our area. We are still getting some pretty heavy "wispy" wind, and a constant drizzle, but we've not seen ANYTHING like we expected.
We've been tuned to MSNBC all day, and the footage from the destruction along the Gulf Coast is, once again, heartbreaking. It never ceases to amaze me how powerful nature can be. Incredible and awesome, but devastating and terrible at the same time. Landmarks that have stood for decades are gone in a blink. Homes and lives are turned upside-down with every crashing wave and howling wind.
And yet, the morons remain. I just have to vent a bit: WHO THE HECK TRIES TO RIDE OUT A HURRICANE ANYMORE?!?! This morning, I awoke to news that the local emergency agencies along the coast had received hundreds of calls throughout the night from people "begging for rescue." I'm sorry, but if you choose to stay until the last possible minute - in spite of numerous warnings as strong as "if you stay, you'll face certain death" - you don't get to call for help when the storm is half-way into landfall. In my opinion, you don't "deserve" rescue. That's not to say that your life is somehow worth less. But if there are people who are truly trapped in other areas, they should get priority. And emergency & rescue personnel should NOT have to risk their lives to save your crazy butt.
OK I'm done. For now. :)
ANYway, I've spoken with everyone in my office today except K2, and we are the only ones who still have power. In the words of my amazing 8-year-old, "we are blessed." So it appears that we were spared any damage or major weather activity here in the beautiful Piney Woods.
If that changes, I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, please continue to keep those affected by Gustav and Ike in your thoughts and prayers. They've got a long road to recovery ahead....
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Caution: Slow Blog Ahead
To all of you whom I love so dearly, who check my blog regularly only to be greeted with the same old stuff...I'm SOOOO sorry! Life, as it is for all of us, goes by so quickly, leaving little time for simple pleasures.
I will update this week with something a little more exciting, and on my honor I will try to keep the updates slightly more regular!
Stay tuned...
I will update this week with something a little more exciting, and on my honor I will try to keep the updates slightly more regular!
Stay tuned...
Sunday, February 10, 2008
"S" is for S-M-A-R-T!
Mini Me competed in her very first East Texas Regional Spelling Bee! She placed 2nd among all of the second graders at her school, so she was able to advance to the "Big Show."
There were nearly 40 kids competing in the Bee, and she finished 12th! She practiced and studied, and we couldn't be more proud of her special accomplishment!
In typical parent-error fashion, we kind of breezed over the easy words, and spent most of our time on the more complicated words. She aced the spelling of the word "metal." Unfortunately, they wanted the spelling for "medal." (It turns out that one of the other kids from her school got the word "meddle." That's gotta be terribly confusing for 8-year-olds!)
The pronouncer for the spelling bee was Christine Nelson, the anchor for our local ABC affiliate. We love her! It was exciting to get to meet her and take a picture with her!
Next year, we will be at a different elementary school. The school is new this year, and did not compete in the bee. We intend to make sure that they compete next year, so Mini Me will have another opportunity to dazzle us with her sensational spelling!!
Moving Right Along...
I just wanted to update a few photos of the progress on the house.
The slab was poured last week, before the wretched weather set in. Fortunately, it had enough time to set/dry/whatever concrete does before the rain started.
The storms rolled through last weekend, and then on Tuesday the climax arrived -- with monster hail, wind gusts around 60 mph, and more...rain. Happy freakin' Mardi Gras!
Finally, on Thursday of this week, the framing started.
I couldn't get any good ones inside, because all of the supports are still in place. Once they remove those, I should be able to get some interior photos. Of course, you can't tell squat from a bunch of pictures of raw wood nailed together, but it's exciting to ME.
Yesterday, they built the stairs. That's a discernable feature. I'll try to take pictures tomorrow...you SHOULD be able to tell what that is in a photo. :)
We've had a LOT of traffic through our current home. In fact, a couple looked at it yesterday and are wanting to put a contingency contract on it. YaY!
The slab was poured last week, before the wretched weather set in. Fortunately, it had enough time to set/dry/whatever concrete does before the rain started.
The storms rolled through last weekend, and then on Tuesday the climax arrived -- with monster hail, wind gusts around 60 mph, and more...rain. Happy freakin' Mardi Gras!
Finally, on Thursday of this week, the framing started.
I couldn't get any good ones inside, because all of the supports are still in place. Once they remove those, I should be able to get some interior photos. Of course, you can't tell squat from a bunch of pictures of raw wood nailed together, but it's exciting to ME.
Yesterday, they built the stairs. That's a discernable feature. I'll try to take pictures tomorrow...you SHOULD be able to tell what that is in a photo. :)
We've had a LOT of traffic through our current home. In fact, a couple looked at it yesterday and are wanting to put a contingency contract on it. YaY!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Building a Dream
Our new house has a footprint!
For those who may not know, we decided to build a new home. We love our current home, and know that it will be very difficult to leave. It's our first! However, we are definitely feeling the "growing pains" that are associated with children getting older and plans changing. We've looked around a bit to see what homes are available, but we've ultimately decided to build the home that fits us perfectly, and that will meet our needs for many, many years to come!
On Monday, our new home took shape! The footprint of the foundation was laid on January 14, and today the plumbing was routed. The post-tensioning cables have been dropped off at the property, so it looks like the foundation will be poured shortly after the plumbing is complete.
We are so excited!!
I think the biggest adjustment will be that Mini Me will be attending a different elementary school. She's slowly warming up to the idea, but she LOVES her current school. We all do! She especially loves the friends that she has there...and although she knows several kids who attend the new school, she is nervous about leaving the comforts of familiarity.
On a (VERY) positive note, this is the view from our house:
That big, beautiful building is Mini Me's new school!! I have ALWAYS wanted to live in walking distance to school. You can't get much closer than across the street!!
I'll keep you posted as the build progresses. In the meantime, please keep us in your prayers as we wait for a buyer for our current home.
For those who may not know, we decided to build a new home. We love our current home, and know that it will be very difficult to leave. It's our first! However, we are definitely feeling the "growing pains" that are associated with children getting older and plans changing. We've looked around a bit to see what homes are available, but we've ultimately decided to build the home that fits us perfectly, and that will meet our needs for many, many years to come!
On Monday, our new home took shape! The footprint of the foundation was laid on January 14, and today the plumbing was routed. The post-tensioning cables have been dropped off at the property, so it looks like the foundation will be poured shortly after the plumbing is complete.
We are so excited!!
I think the biggest adjustment will be that Mini Me will be attending a different elementary school. She's slowly warming up to the idea, but she LOVES her current school. We all do! She especially loves the friends that she has there...and although she knows several kids who attend the new school, she is nervous about leaving the comforts of familiarity.
On a (VERY) positive note, this is the view from our house:
That big, beautiful building is Mini Me's new school!! I have ALWAYS wanted to live in walking distance to school. You can't get much closer than across the street!!
I'll keep you posted as the build progresses. In the meantime, please keep us in your prayers as we wait for a buyer for our current home.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Goodness
I love Christmas. I always have. It's my absolute favorite time of the year. Frantic shopping leads to finding that PERFECT gift. Careful planning leads to delicious meals. Months of anticipation lead to wonderful memories of time shared with family and friends.
This year has been a bit of a funk -- a combined result of personal and work issues that all slammed down at once. I admit, I let it get the best of me. I allowed it to seep in and, on occasion, steal my joy.
But I have a beautiful 8-year-old who reminds me of the source of my joy, and the very reason why I love Christmas so much: Jesus. She wrote a letter to Santa at school that was published in the Tyler Paper, and the first thing she wrote was that she celebrates Christmas because it is Jesus' birthday. She reminds us as we are opening gifts that Jesus is the reason for our little party. She sings in her sweet voice songs about Jesus' birth. She can tell you the meaning behind every color and aspect of the Candy Cane as it relates to Jesus.
She reminds me to seek Jesus, and my joy is restored.
And so, today, as I sit in a sea of dirty dishes, torn wrapping paper, tiny bits of toy packaging, and a huge mound of new toys and clothes (as if we NEEDED any more), I feel joy.
I am joyful that I was able to spend a tiny sliver of my holidays with my family in Baton Rouge. The time always passes so fast when we are all together, but it is time I will always treasure. My family is amazing.
I am joyful that we are all happy and healthy for another year and counting. I know that we are blessed beyond measure.
I am joyful that I am gainfully employed, despite my constant complaining -- and that I am surrounded by my own little "family" among the cubicles. Our jobs are not easy, but whose are?
I am joyful that I have a church family that surrounds me with love and support and friendship and encouragement, and that I can literally see the Lord working there. I am joyful that Mission Tyler was able to rebuild the Jeffersons' home, just in time for a Christmas homecoming! God is so good!
I am joyful that I have a Saviour who loves me more than life itself.
And, of course, I must add some silliness in here: I am joyful that Greenberg Turkeys is located in Tyler, TX. Oprah and I don't have a lot in common, but she has featured these smoked turkeys on her list of Favorite Things in the past, and she is SO right. We last had a Greenberg turkey several years ago, and this year I decided to get another one. They are SO delicious, and require NO preparation aside from carving. That is a definite win-win combo for me.
Their website is www.gobblegobble.com, they'll ship anywhere in the U.S, and they ROCK. Just another little slice of Christmas Goodness.
Tomorrow, I return to the daily grind of estimating, and arguing, and angry people. But today, I feel joy. And I pray that the joy of Jesus will stay with me tomorrow and throughout the coming year.
Merry Christmas!!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Halloween Fun!
Halloween is so much fun! I have lots of memories of Halloween as a child...carving pumpkins, toasting seeds, trick-or-treating, dressing up in fun costumes with my sister! For us, it was never a "Devil's Holiday," it was a chance for kids to be kids and for grown-ups to be kids, too! Of course, it was never as important as Christmas or Thanksgiving or Easter, but it was a different kind of special.
This year, for the first time in several years, we carved pumpkins. Oh, not just one. Mini-Me decided she wanted one for each of us. Including the cat.
Chloe's pumpkin was a pie pumpkin, because it was the perfect size for the family pet. Mini-Me decided she wanted to paint Chloe. First, we drew a kitty face. Then, Mini-Me made Pumpkin Chloe come to life with lots of color and care!
She also really wanted to dig in to the pumpkins this year...including getting all the slimy, goopy insides out! She did a great job, but I think her initial reaction to the feeling was just priceless:
She's usually such a girlie girl! I was very proud of her for putting her hands in those pumpkins. We were going to toast the seeds, but I think our pumpkins were a little dated since we waited so late in the season to buy them. So we opted to save that for next year! We scoured the internet for carving ideas, and found three perfect faces! One looks like Jack from A Nightmare Before Christmas, one is a silly ghost, and one is a creepy ghoul! We had so much fun carving them. Here is the finished product:
Mini-Me had originally wanted to be a cat for Halloween, but we never could find a costume she really liked, and I didn't have time to make one. Her second choice was the devil costume, which I was slightly opposed to at first. I decided that she could wear it for the school carnival, and for Halloween -- but NOT for the church festival! (She was a salsa dancer for that one.)
She turned out to be the cutest little devil I've ever seen!
We were really anxious for Halloween this year. As she gets older, it's so much fun to share her excitement as the various holidays approach! Now, we are seriously counting down for Thanksgiving. (Naturally, I haven't told her that I am actually counting down to Black Friday...my favorite shopping day EVER!)
This year, for the first time in several years, we carved pumpkins. Oh, not just one. Mini-Me decided she wanted one for each of us. Including the cat.
Chloe's pumpkin was a pie pumpkin, because it was the perfect size for the family pet. Mini-Me decided she wanted to paint Chloe. First, we drew a kitty face. Then, Mini-Me made Pumpkin Chloe come to life with lots of color and care!
She also really wanted to dig in to the pumpkins this year...including getting all the slimy, goopy insides out! She did a great job, but I think her initial reaction to the feeling was just priceless:
She's usually such a girlie girl! I was very proud of her for putting her hands in those pumpkins. We were going to toast the seeds, but I think our pumpkins were a little dated since we waited so late in the season to buy them. So we opted to save that for next year! We scoured the internet for carving ideas, and found three perfect faces! One looks like Jack from A Nightmare Before Christmas, one is a silly ghost, and one is a creepy ghoul! We had so much fun carving them. Here is the finished product:
Mini-Me had originally wanted to be a cat for Halloween, but we never could find a costume she really liked, and I didn't have time to make one. Her second choice was the devil costume, which I was slightly opposed to at first. I decided that she could wear it for the school carnival, and for Halloween -- but NOT for the church festival! (She was a salsa dancer for that one.)
She turned out to be the cutest little devil I've ever seen!
We were really anxious for Halloween this year. As she gets older, it's so much fun to share her excitement as the various holidays approach! Now, we are seriously counting down for Thanksgiving. (Naturally, I haven't told her that I am actually counting down to Black Friday...my favorite shopping day EVER!)
Sunday, October 28, 2007
It's The Great Pumpkin!
Well, maybe not exactly THE Great Pumpkin...but Charlie Brown and his crew were definitely at Pappy's Pumpkin Patch yesterday!
There's a place just outside of Tyler called the Bell Family Farm, and evidently they open their farm to the community every fall. There's a playground and hayrides and mini-train rides, and you can feed the fish in the pond...and, of course, you can search for the perfect pumpkin! At the beginning of the season, they brought in over 1,000 pumpkins. We went on the last day, so the pickins were slim!
Mini Me found a few that she thought were perfect. She's such a dainty, petite little thing, she had a little trouble lifting them from the ground. But that girl is determined...much like her Momma. SO finally, after much grunting and groaning, she was able to heave one for a photo op!
I was so proud!
The past several days have been just beautiful weather-wise, and yesterday was certainly no disappointment. We went a little late in the day, so the shadows were long...but I love this picture!
I think we've just started a new family tradition. Next year, we'll try to go earlier in the season, when the pumpkins are plentiful.
There's a place just outside of Tyler called the Bell Family Farm, and evidently they open their farm to the community every fall. There's a playground and hayrides and mini-train rides, and you can feed the fish in the pond...and, of course, you can search for the perfect pumpkin! At the beginning of the season, they brought in over 1,000 pumpkins. We went on the last day, so the pickins were slim!
Mini Me found a few that she thought were perfect. She's such a dainty, petite little thing, she had a little trouble lifting them from the ground. But that girl is determined...much like her Momma. SO finally, after much grunting and groaning, she was able to heave one for a photo op!
I was so proud!
The past several days have been just beautiful weather-wise, and yesterday was certainly no disappointment. We went a little late in the day, so the shadows were long...but I love this picture!
I think we've just started a new family tradition. Next year, we'll try to go earlier in the season, when the pumpkins are plentiful.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Eight years...gone in a flash!
I honestly don't know where the time has gone! Mini Me turned EIGHT on Monday, and it seems like just yesterday she looked like this:
My beautiful baby girl is becoming my beautiful, strong, independent, intelligent young lady! Of course, she'll always be my baby girl, too. But she's just blossoming into this wonderful little person right before my eyes. It's just hard to believe eight years have passed.
The party was a blast! We had it at Build-A-Buddy, which was fabulous! Our hostesses were wonderful, and the girls had a really great time. They played tons of games...4 corners, Hokey Pokey, Freeze Dance, and of course The Limbo!
Her four very best friends were all able to make it to the party, so I think that really made it even more special! They danced and sang High School Musical songs and ate cake and laughed and played and danced some more! Ahhhhh to be a kid again!
After allowing me a one-year hiatus, Mini Me decided she wanted a homemade cake again. I intended to do a cut-out cake like I used to do, but time just snuck up on us (Rose Festival Queen's Tea on Friday afternoon, shopping with Grandma Friday evening, soccer game on Saturday morning, Party on Saturday afternoon...phew!). SO I did my best to try to draw a fluffy little girlie bear on her cake. It's no Picasso, but I was pretty proud of it!
And here is the Birthday Princess herself...Her Majesty...Mini Me!
It really was a wonderful birthday. By the time I blink again, another year will have passed. I've got to learn how to slow this time thing down....
My beautiful baby girl is becoming my beautiful, strong, independent, intelligent young lady! Of course, she'll always be my baby girl, too. But she's just blossoming into this wonderful little person right before my eyes. It's just hard to believe eight years have passed.
The party was a blast! We had it at Build-A-Buddy, which was fabulous! Our hostesses were wonderful, and the girls had a really great time. They played tons of games...4 corners, Hokey Pokey, Freeze Dance, and of course The Limbo!
Her four very best friends were all able to make it to the party, so I think that really made it even more special! They danced and sang High School Musical songs and ate cake and laughed and played and danced some more! Ahhhhh to be a kid again!
After allowing me a one-year hiatus, Mini Me decided she wanted a homemade cake again. I intended to do a cut-out cake like I used to do, but time just snuck up on us (Rose Festival Queen's Tea on Friday afternoon, shopping with Grandma Friday evening, soccer game on Saturday morning, Party on Saturday afternoon...phew!). SO I did my best to try to draw a fluffy little girlie bear on her cake. It's no Picasso, but I was pretty proud of it!
And here is the Birthday Princess herself...Her Majesty...Mini Me!
It really was a wonderful birthday. By the time I blink again, another year will have passed. I've got to learn how to slow this time thing down....
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
A Great Song!
I have been a Caedmon's Call fan for years. They are an awesome Christian folk/rock band from Houston, TX. I first heard them while I was at Tech, and I've been hooked ever since!
They've recently released a new album called Overdressed. I love this album...and especially this song. It's called Sacred, and it's so perfect for Moms. The female singer in the band was pregnant with her first child when I was pregnant with Mini Me. It's so great to hear songs by Moms for Moms!
My favorite lyrics are "teach me to run to You like they run to me for every little thing." It's a great reminder that God is our "Daddy," and He wants us to come to him like a child.
I wish I knew how to imbed a music file on here...I'll have to figure it out. For now, here are the lyrics:
"sacred"
this house is a good mess
it’s the proof of life
no way would I trade jobs
but it don’t pay overtime
I’ll get to the laundry
I don’t know when
I’m saying a prayer tonight
cause tomorrow it starts again
could it be that everything is sacred?
and all this time
everything I’ve dreamed of
has been right before my eyes
the children are sleeping
but they’re running through my mind
the sun makes them happy
and the music makes them unwind
my cup runneth over
and I worry about the stain
teach me to run to You
like they run to me for every little thing
when I forget to drink from you
I can feel the banks harden
Lord, make me like a stream
to feed the garden
wake up, little sleeper
the Lord, God Almighty
made your Mama keeper
so rise and shine
rise and shine
rise and shine cause
everything is sacred
and all this time
everything I’ve dreamed of
has been right before my eyes
They've recently released a new album called Overdressed. I love this album...and especially this song. It's called Sacred, and it's so perfect for Moms. The female singer in the band was pregnant with her first child when I was pregnant with Mini Me. It's so great to hear songs by Moms for Moms!
My favorite lyrics are "teach me to run to You like they run to me for every little thing." It's a great reminder that God is our "Daddy," and He wants us to come to him like a child.
I wish I knew how to imbed a music file on here...I'll have to figure it out. For now, here are the lyrics:
"sacred"
this house is a good mess
it’s the proof of life
no way would I trade jobs
but it don’t pay overtime
I’ll get to the laundry
I don’t know when
I’m saying a prayer tonight
cause tomorrow it starts again
could it be that everything is sacred?
and all this time
everything I’ve dreamed of
has been right before my eyes
the children are sleeping
but they’re running through my mind
the sun makes them happy
and the music makes them unwind
my cup runneth over
and I worry about the stain
teach me to run to You
like they run to me for every little thing
when I forget to drink from you
I can feel the banks harden
Lord, make me like a stream
to feed the garden
wake up, little sleeper
the Lord, God Almighty
made your Mama keeper
so rise and shine
rise and shine
rise and shine cause
everything is sacred
and all this time
everything I’ve dreamed of
has been right before my eyes
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Creepy-Crawlies!
That's the best description of the feeling I get when I am forced to deal with the (nearly) inevitable: HEAD LICE.
Yes, it has descended on Mini Me's classroom. Yes, it found its way into her beautiful hair. Yes, I am about to yank my OWN hair out trying to rid our house of these nasty little pests.
Nearly two weeks ago, she came home from school and told me that her friend had head lice. She said that the nurse had checked all of the girls in class, and that no one else had it. She never seemed particularly itchy/scratchy, so I figured it was an isolated incident. Fast forward to this past Sunday....
We were just waking up, and I noticed that Mini Me was scratching her head constantly. I dreaded what I was about to find. I started around the top of her head and behind her ears. Nothing. *Sigh of relief* Then, the head lice brought the pain. I lifted what I thought would be the last little bit of hair, just behind the crown of her head. And there, among the beautiful golden blond curls, were the most horrifying creatures I have ever seen.
I immediately sent her to the bathtub, and woke the hubby to keep an eye on her. I jetted off to Walmart to purchase the necessary lice-ridding remedies. We went step-by-step through the process. Wash with regular shampoo. Towel dry. Saturate hair with lice zapper. Wait ten minutes. Lather and rinse. Spend the next two hours of our lives dividing hair into 4 sections, combing meticulously through from top to bottom, front to back, in no larger than 1" sections.
We stripped the beds, stripped the pillow cases, washed every washable piece of fabric that may have come into contact with her head, sprayed every non-washable surface with lice spray, sealed all of her stuffed animals and other non-washables into black trash bags...it was literally a marathon day.
Monday, she and hubby stayed home (Columbus Day, no school) and I went to work. I checked her Monday night...nothing. Sweet! We're in the clear, right?
Wrong.
Tuesday, the school nurse called to say that she re-checked the class after hearing about Mini Me's run-in. She said that she may have found one among the curls, but wasn't sure. She told me to keep an eye out and check it periodically. Tuesday night, as Mini Me was getting ready for bed, I took a quick peek. Much to my dismay, there were MORE lice. These were much smaller...evidently the first "batch" had been there a while!
So, for the next hour and fifteen minutes (second time around...I was becoming a pro by then!), we shampooed, saturated, lathered, rinsed, separated, and combed hair, then I stripped, sealed, and sprayed everything. Again. She finally went to bed at about 10:30, and I was feeling like the Worst. Mom. Ever.
This brings me to tonight. Let's just say that the third time actually took far longer, because I did not miss a strand of hair on that head. Twice. If those little monsters made it past me this time, then they have freakin' invisibility and invincibility super powers.
I feel completely exhausted. This is NOT a fun process. I don't know what else to do! At Walgreens tonight, when I went to buy my third can of "lice-feeding spray," I noticed a product called Lice Ice. It's a NON-shampooing, NON-lathering, NON-rinsing, NON-seperating technique that consists of one easy step: gel. You saturate the hair with this gel and leave it on for 8 hours (overnight). It forms a hard casing around any live bugs and eggs, leaving them incapable of living and/or hatching. Then you shampoo as usual. It says you only have to comb if the carcasses (yum) get stuck in your hair.
IF there is a round four of this fiasco (oh Dear Lord, PLEASE don't let there be a round four), I will be calling the school, calling the pediatrician, and enlisting the help of Lice Ice.
Please pray for me!!! I'm losing my mind.
Yes, it has descended on Mini Me's classroom. Yes, it found its way into her beautiful hair. Yes, I am about to yank my OWN hair out trying to rid our house of these nasty little pests.
Nearly two weeks ago, she came home from school and told me that her friend had head lice. She said that the nurse had checked all of the girls in class, and that no one else had it. She never seemed particularly itchy/scratchy, so I figured it was an isolated incident. Fast forward to this past Sunday....
We were just waking up, and I noticed that Mini Me was scratching her head constantly. I dreaded what I was about to find. I started around the top of her head and behind her ears. Nothing. *Sigh of relief* Then, the head lice brought the pain. I lifted what I thought would be the last little bit of hair, just behind the crown of her head. And there, among the beautiful golden blond curls, were the most horrifying creatures I have ever seen.
I immediately sent her to the bathtub, and woke the hubby to keep an eye on her. I jetted off to Walmart to purchase the necessary lice-ridding remedies. We went step-by-step through the process. Wash with regular shampoo. Towel dry. Saturate hair with lice zapper. Wait ten minutes. Lather and rinse. Spend the next two hours of our lives dividing hair into 4 sections, combing meticulously through from top to bottom, front to back, in no larger than 1" sections.
We stripped the beds, stripped the pillow cases, washed every washable piece of fabric that may have come into contact with her head, sprayed every non-washable surface with lice spray, sealed all of her stuffed animals and other non-washables into black trash bags...it was literally a marathon day.
Monday, she and hubby stayed home (Columbus Day, no school) and I went to work. I checked her Monday night...nothing. Sweet! We're in the clear, right?
Wrong.
Tuesday, the school nurse called to say that she re-checked the class after hearing about Mini Me's run-in. She said that she may have found one among the curls, but wasn't sure. She told me to keep an eye out and check it periodically. Tuesday night, as Mini Me was getting ready for bed, I took a quick peek. Much to my dismay, there were MORE lice. These were much smaller...evidently the first "batch" had been there a while!
So, for the next hour and fifteen minutes (second time around...I was becoming a pro by then!), we shampooed, saturated, lathered, rinsed, separated, and combed hair, then I stripped, sealed, and sprayed everything. Again. She finally went to bed at about 10:30, and I was feeling like the Worst. Mom. Ever.
This brings me to tonight. Let's just say that the third time actually took far longer, because I did not miss a strand of hair on that head. Twice. If those little monsters made it past me this time, then they have freakin' invisibility and invincibility super powers.
I feel completely exhausted. This is NOT a fun process. I don't know what else to do! At Walgreens tonight, when I went to buy my third can of "lice-feeding spray," I noticed a product called Lice Ice. It's a NON-shampooing, NON-lathering, NON-rinsing, NON-seperating technique that consists of one easy step: gel. You saturate the hair with this gel and leave it on for 8 hours (overnight). It forms a hard casing around any live bugs and eggs, leaving them incapable of living and/or hatching. Then you shampoo as usual. It says you only have to comb if the carcasses (yum) get stuck in your hair.
IF there is a round four of this fiasco (oh Dear Lord, PLEASE don't let there be a round four), I will be calling the school, calling the pediatrician, and enlisting the help of Lice Ice.
Please pray for me!!! I'm losing my mind.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Soccer Mania!
The soccer season is in full swing again!! Mini Me is having a great time this year playing for the Copperheads. She's one of the older kids on the team (grades 1 & 2), so she's a lot more confident. It's so much fun to watch her!
Last year was her first year playing soccer. She was very timid around the ball...didn't wanna get kicked, didn't wanna get dirty, didn't wanna run much.
This year, she has blossomed into a little superstar! Her favorite position is goalie, and she doesn't let ANYTHING get past her! She digs her knees down in the dirt to stop the ball. She even asked if it was OK to dive for the ball if she needs to. Who is this child?!
When she's running the ball up and down the field, she is right there in the middle of everyone, fighting for control. She's learning to work with her team, to pass the ball to get it to the goal.
I am so proud of her!!
Here are some great action shots:
She's already telling me that she wants to play soccer forever. It really seems to give her a sense of confidence that she just hasn't found with almost 5 years of dance. Don't get me wrong...she's not giving up dance anytime soon! Soccer is only a nine or ten week program. Dance is a nine month commitment. Plus, she gets a trophy this year in dance...and that is worth more than gold to an (almost) eight year old!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Update on the J.I.T.B. Fiasco...
OK quick update: I called the local restaurant this morning and spoke with the manager on duty. I asked if he was aware of an incident on his property last night. Of course he was not. I explained that I needed the name of the employee involved, and the name of the supervisor who stood by and did nothing. He provided all of the info I asked for...I think he was completely dumbfounded that this had occurred.
Later, I spoke with the rep at the corporate office. She took a detailed statement from me and apologized profusely for what happened. She said they will order an internal investigation and review the surveillance tapes from the drive thru and parking area. She said she would get back with me once they have more information.
Then, I kid you not...she offered to compensate me with "a few coupons for free combo meals" for my troubles. Seriously.
I'm sure this is their canned response, but come on! I would expect the free combo meals routine for bad food, or a wrong order. But physical confrontation by an employee representing their company?? I think not.
SO she asked..."what do you want Jack In The Box to do to make this right for you?"
I told her I would talk to my husband and call her back.
I should mention that the first thing Mini-Me said when I picked her up from school was "Mommy, I wanted to call you today. I still feel scared." (This is after last night, when I put her to bed and she got up a few minutes later to say "I don't feel like going out to eat much anymore. It makes me scared.")
I talked to my co-workers today, and I think my biggest fear is that this baffoon's behavior is going to somehow warp the way my little girl views the world. It's one of those events that can shape your perceptions. What will this do to her?
More updates later....
Later, I spoke with the rep at the corporate office. She took a detailed statement from me and apologized profusely for what happened. She said they will order an internal investigation and review the surveillance tapes from the drive thru and parking area. She said she would get back with me once they have more information.
Then, I kid you not...she offered to compensate me with "a few coupons for free combo meals" for my troubles. Seriously.
I'm sure this is their canned response, but come on! I would expect the free combo meals routine for bad food, or a wrong order. But physical confrontation by an employee representing their company?? I think not.
SO she asked..."what do you want Jack In The Box to do to make this right for you?"
I told her I would talk to my husband and call her back.
I should mention that the first thing Mini-Me said when I picked her up from school was "Mommy, I wanted to call you today. I still feel scared." (This is after last night, when I put her to bed and she got up a few minutes later to say "I don't feel like going out to eat much anymore. It makes me scared.")
I talked to my co-workers today, and I think my biggest fear is that this baffoon's behavior is going to somehow warp the way my little girl views the world. It's one of those events that can shape your perceptions. What will this do to her?
More updates later....
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Verbal Assault at Jack-In-The-Box!
I know we all have horrible fast-food experiences, but I had to share this one. It's by far the scariest situation I have been in (I know, I practically live under a rock). I will never EVER eat at this restaurant again.
We went through the drive thru at Jack-In-The-Box tonight, but it took us a minute to figure out what we wanted because of new menu items. The employee was rude, was mumbling all of his replies and questions (requiring us to ask him to repeat himself at least twice after EACH response), and was basically being a jerk. We tolerated his attitude for a while (it was late and we were hungry).
We had a coupon for a free shake with the purchase of the new Sirloin Burger, so we told the guy we wanted to use it. (Initially, we asked if the free shake would apply with the purchase of a combo. I'm not sure what his reply was, because he sounded like he had marbles in his mouth when he spoke.) He said "I'll get it at the window." Now, I understand that he'll get the coupon at the window. But now that they have these handy-dandy screens that show you everything you ordered, we could see that he didn't ring it up. So again we mentioned that we wanted to add the shake to the order...an Oreo one (there are different flavors, you know). He continued to argue that he didn't need to know that. Finally, we just said "forget it, you're being a jerk" and asked him to cancel the order. As we pulled forward, he yelled "f*** you" into the intercom.
When we rounded the corner to leave, there was another vehicle in front of us at the window blocking the exit. There was also a vehicle behind us, so we were trapped. The drive thru guy saw us coming, and took off running out of the restaurant into the parking lot. He came around the corner and started screaming at us, yelling profanity and threatening us. By this time, I was calling 911 (not sure why...it was my natural reaction, given that Mini-Me was in the back seat)...so most of the "conversation" between them was a blur. I know that he called Hubby the "n-word," which was sort of amusing.
You would think that a manager-type person would have recognized what was going on and controlled the situation, right? Uhhh wrong. We saw at least two other employees in the restaurant, one of whom came over to the drive-thru window to either assist the customer in front of us, or get a better view of his homeboy in the parking lot. No one even attempted to control this guy.
After (what seemed like) several minutes of arguing, the vehicle in front of us finally pulled away, and we were able to leave. I was terrified and shaking, and Mini-Me was sobbing in the back seat. I'm not sure what I thought the guy was going to do...and Hubby keeps telling me he wouldn't have done anything...but I guess you just never know. Now my biggest concern is that he wrote my license plate number down.
I've already written a letter to their corporate office, and I will continue to call and/or write until I get a response.
What is wrong with people? What is happening in the world in which we live? How can this happen in my sleepy town, 6 blocks from my house?! How do I comfort my sobbing, terrified child when I don't feel the least bit comfortable with it myself? How do I protect her from this madness?
We went through the drive thru at Jack-In-The-Box tonight, but it took us a minute to figure out what we wanted because of new menu items. The employee was rude, was mumbling all of his replies and questions (requiring us to ask him to repeat himself at least twice after EACH response), and was basically being a jerk. We tolerated his attitude for a while (it was late and we were hungry).
We had a coupon for a free shake with the purchase of the new Sirloin Burger, so we told the guy we wanted to use it. (Initially, we asked if the free shake would apply with the purchase of a combo. I'm not sure what his reply was, because he sounded like he had marbles in his mouth when he spoke.) He said "I'll get it at the window." Now, I understand that he'll get the coupon at the window. But now that they have these handy-dandy screens that show you everything you ordered, we could see that he didn't ring it up. So again we mentioned that we wanted to add the shake to the order...an Oreo one (there are different flavors, you know). He continued to argue that he didn't need to know that. Finally, we just said "forget it, you're being a jerk" and asked him to cancel the order. As we pulled forward, he yelled "f*** you" into the intercom.
When we rounded the corner to leave, there was another vehicle in front of us at the window blocking the exit. There was also a vehicle behind us, so we were trapped. The drive thru guy saw us coming, and took off running out of the restaurant into the parking lot. He came around the corner and started screaming at us, yelling profanity and threatening us. By this time, I was calling 911 (not sure why...it was my natural reaction, given that Mini-Me was in the back seat)...so most of the "conversation" between them was a blur. I know that he called Hubby the "n-word," which was sort of amusing.
You would think that a manager-type person would have recognized what was going on and controlled the situation, right? Uhhh wrong. We saw at least two other employees in the restaurant, one of whom came over to the drive-thru window to either assist the customer in front of us, or get a better view of his homeboy in the parking lot. No one even attempted to control this guy.
After (what seemed like) several minutes of arguing, the vehicle in front of us finally pulled away, and we were able to leave. I was terrified and shaking, and Mini-Me was sobbing in the back seat. I'm not sure what I thought the guy was going to do...and Hubby keeps telling me he wouldn't have done anything...but I guess you just never know. Now my biggest concern is that he wrote my license plate number down.
I've already written a letter to their corporate office, and I will continue to call and/or write until I get a response.
What is wrong with people? What is happening in the world in which we live? How can this happen in my sleepy town, 6 blocks from my house?! How do I comfort my sobbing, terrified child when I don't feel the least bit comfortable with it myself? How do I protect her from this madness?
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