Here are a few gems that I have picked up on lately and thought it was worthwhile to share:
Even when you think you're most alone, you're not. He is with you.
In tough times, people you thought would be there for you won't be, but people you never expected to stand by your side will come forward.
There will always be people you want to help you and people that want to hurt you. It's not always easy to tell the difference.
Even dark days have a silver lining, even if it's only to make you appreciate the good times.
People are strong because they HAVE to be, not because they WANT to be.
Love is our greatest gift from God. It's what separates us from the animals and makes our lives worth living.
Life would be boring if everything always went as planned. But, I wouldn't mind it if things went as planned occasionally.
<3<3<3<3
7.21.2011
Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. -Arnold Bennett
Brent's folks came up a few days ago to help us continue getting ready to move, for which I am HUGELY thankful because we couldn't do this alone. We all started packing, and then we just kept on packing. Originally, I thought we would get the "nonessentials" packed for storage, but then, everything kinda became a "nonessential"... and I'm OK with it. I will admit that I am sad that our home doesn't look like "home" anymore, but there just isn't any point to prolonging the painful process of moving (and a huge life-change). I don't like being in limbo, and I am just ready to get moved so that Brent and I can get on with our lives in a new place. And, it's not toooooo bad considering this is our new backyard...
As we were packing, I ran across a (literal) slip of paper with this jotted down "I believe in the sun, even if it does not shine. I believe in love, even if I do not feel it. I believe in God, even when He is silent." It moved me the first time I heard it, and it moved me again today. I searched online to see if I could find the original author, but all I could find is that it was an inscription on a wall of a Warsaw Ghetto cellar in Germany by an unknown Jew hiding from Nazi persecution, circa 1942.
As we were packing, I ran across a (literal) slip of paper with this jotted down "I believe in the sun, even if it does not shine. I believe in love, even if I do not feel it. I believe in God, even when He is silent." It moved me the first time I heard it, and it moved me again today. I searched online to see if I could find the original author, but all I could find is that it was an inscription on a wall of a Warsaw Ghetto cellar in Germany by an unknown Jew hiding from Nazi persecution, circa 1942.
7.19.2011
"On a dark desert highway..."
So, we have landed us in QUITE A FEW hotels/motels/no-tells around Texas lately. Consider Brent and I at-your-service and proudly doing the leg-work on where to stay and where NOT to stay in your own future adventures. Here's my take on the "budget-friendly" ($100 a night or less) temporary housing offered in our great state.
Holiday Inn Express-- Hands down my favorite, but unfortunately, the most expensive on this list. Plan on dropping about $100/night. Fresh comfy sheets, non-down duvets (my allergies can't handle the real deal), and a selection of either soft or firm pillows (labelled via pillow case) on each bed. I would probably live here if I could. Holiday Inn Express completely satisfies my OCD need to label things. With them, I will never be tricked by a soft pillow when expecting a firm pillow. They don't even spit on your toothbrush or pilfer through your things while you are gone from your room. Has a nice rewards system for frequent guests. Overall Score: A
La Quinta Inn and Suites-- Q: Do you know what "La Quinta" means in Spanish? A: Next to Denny's! Haha! OK, that's an old joke, but Brent and I say it everytime we pull into a La Quinta parking lot (which is frequently since it's our favorite place to stay when visiting the fine folks at MD Anderson). More seriously, we actually met the original Quinta family, and they are really nice people! You would never know they have a Scrooge McDuck-style swimming pool if you just casually visited with them! In any case-- consistently clean, always comfy (thanks to their Simmons Beautyrest mattresses), great rewards program, and yes, often located next to Denny's. Moon Over My Hammie anyone? Overall Score: A- (only because they don't label their pillows)
Econolodge-- Fortunately, the questionable Econolodge of El Paso of my youth has replaced. My more recent stays in Econolodges (also often, as it's my second choice when we are at MDA) has been much more enjoyable. However, I will admit that the rooms even at the SAME motel vary widely in decor and overall quality. Beds are OK for a night, but I wouldn't plan on staying much longer. I don't like their provided shampoo or soap. AND I LEFT MY SONICARE TOOTHBRUSH IN OUR ROOM THE FIRST TIME WE STAYED HERE AND "SOMEONE" TOOK IT AND DIDN'T TURN IT IN TO LOST AND FOUND (TRUST ME, I'VE CALLED AND ASKED REPEATEDLY). I hope someone out there is enjoying my toothbrush. Overall Score: D- OK... If my toothbrush showed back up (or that incident never happened) they would easily score B. I'm biased.... and this blog isn't a democracy.
Motel 6-- I have been a fan of Motel 6 for a long time because of their cleanliness and cheap rates. Plus, I love Tom Bodett (check out his website). Until we stayed at the Motel 6 over by the Houston Medical Center, I really had nothing bad to say. Usually, you really get MORE than you pay for. However, Motel 6 over off of South Main is hit or miss. Sometimes you get a clean smoke-free room, sometimes you get a room with obvious signs of previous drug use. I'm not exaggerating. This site also only offers internet services in the rooms closest to the freeway (where we always request the side away from the freeway so we can actually sleep). Overall Motel 6 Rating: B. Motel 6 on South Main in Houston Rating: D.
Swiss Lodge (Blanco, Texas)-- Sleep in your car! UUO's (Underwear of Unidentified Origin) in the corner of our room... dirty dirty dirty. DIRTY. A/C didn't work well AND it was $90/night. Overall Score: F-. You won't catch me staying here again.
On another completely unrelated note, I love The Oatmeal. This guy's a comedian and he always cracks me up. Check out the latest: How Commercial Airplanes SHOULD be Laid Out...
Other Oatmeal favorites (when you need a pick-me-up):
How to Pet a Kitty
How to Use a Semicolon (if only gradeschool grammar was this fun...)
15 Things Worth Knowing About Coffee
Why We Should be Eating Horses Instead of Riding Them (I admit, some parts of this one are a little crude, but I still cry because I laugh so hard at other parts...)
Holiday Inn Express-- Hands down my favorite, but unfortunately, the most expensive on this list. Plan on dropping about $100/night. Fresh comfy sheets, non-down duvets (my allergies can't handle the real deal), and a selection of either soft or firm pillows (labelled via pillow case) on each bed. I would probably live here if I could. Holiday Inn Express completely satisfies my OCD need to label things. With them, I will never be tricked by a soft pillow when expecting a firm pillow. They don't even spit on your toothbrush or pilfer through your things while you are gone from your room. Has a nice rewards system for frequent guests. Overall Score: A
La Quinta Inn and Suites-- Q: Do you know what "La Quinta" means in Spanish? A: Next to Denny's! Haha! OK, that's an old joke, but Brent and I say it everytime we pull into a La Quinta parking lot (which is frequently since it's our favorite place to stay when visiting the fine folks at MD Anderson). More seriously, we actually met the original Quinta family, and they are really nice people! You would never know they have a Scrooge McDuck-style swimming pool if you just casually visited with them! In any case-- consistently clean, always comfy (thanks to their Simmons Beautyrest mattresses), great rewards program, and yes, often located next to Denny's. Moon Over My Hammie anyone? Overall Score: A- (only because they don't label their pillows)
Econolodge-- Fortunately, the questionable Econolodge of El Paso of my youth has replaced. My more recent stays in Econolodges (also often, as it's my second choice when we are at MDA) has been much more enjoyable. However, I will admit that the rooms even at the SAME motel vary widely in decor and overall quality. Beds are OK for a night, but I wouldn't plan on staying much longer. I don't like their provided shampoo or soap. AND I LEFT MY SONICARE TOOTHBRUSH IN OUR ROOM THE FIRST TIME WE STAYED HERE AND "SOMEONE" TOOK IT AND DIDN'T TURN IT IN TO LOST AND FOUND (TRUST ME, I'VE CALLED AND ASKED REPEATEDLY). I hope someone out there is enjoying my toothbrush. Overall Score: D- OK... If my toothbrush showed back up (or that incident never happened) they would easily score B. I'm biased.... and this blog isn't a democracy.
Motel 6-- I have been a fan of Motel 6 for a long time because of their cleanliness and cheap rates. Plus, I love Tom Bodett (check out his website). Until we stayed at the Motel 6 over by the Houston Medical Center, I really had nothing bad to say. Usually, you really get MORE than you pay for. However, Motel 6 over off of South Main is hit or miss. Sometimes you get a clean smoke-free room, sometimes you get a room with obvious signs of previous drug use. I'm not exaggerating. This site also only offers internet services in the rooms closest to the freeway (where we always request the side away from the freeway so we can actually sleep). Overall Motel 6 Rating: B. Motel 6 on South Main in Houston Rating: D.
Swiss Lodge (Blanco, Texas)-- Sleep in your car! UUO's (Underwear of Unidentified Origin) in the corner of our room... dirty dirty dirty. DIRTY. A/C didn't work well AND it was $90/night. Overall Score: F-. You won't catch me staying here again.
On another completely unrelated note, I love The Oatmeal. This guy's a comedian and he always cracks me up. Check out the latest: How Commercial Airplanes SHOULD be Laid Out...
Other Oatmeal favorites (when you need a pick-me-up):
How to Pet a Kitty
How to Use a Semicolon (if only gradeschool grammar was this fun...)
15 Things Worth Knowing About Coffee
Why We Should be Eating Horses Instead of Riding Them (I admit, some parts of this one are a little crude, but I still cry because I laugh so hard at other parts...)
7.15.2011
Bitey Bitey at Sunday Beach
Well, as most of the local-yokels already know, 12-year-old Nicholas Vossler was bitten by a suspected Bull Shark at Sunday Beach outside of our beloved Port O Connor, TX. Brent and I grew up at this beach, and we definitely still enjoy some quality time out there together now. Fortunately, Nicholas' foot was able to be surgically repaired, and from everything that I have read and seen (it even made the Today Show!!), he is recovering well. Here are some links if you're interested in this incident and keeping up-to-date on Nicholas' recovery:
Nicholas Bites Back! (His own blog about the event!)
Shark Attack Monitor
Chron (from Victoria Advocate)
So, this brings about the public service announcement part of this message: Let's look at some of the most common pointers about avoiding shark incidents, particularly those that apply to us along the Texas Coast...
1) Notice that sharks may bite people, but it is less common for them to actually consume someone. Apparently, people taste bad. The shark spits the rest of them out. Scientists report that most initial shark attacks are the shark "testing" something. Granted, yes, they are testing it with a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth, but testing nonetheless. So, the first point is to avoid looking like anything that might actually taste delicious to a shark. Did Nicholas' feet resemble anything that a shark would normally eat? Probably not. Does a surfer on a surf board look similar to a tasty seal or large fish? In some cases. Does shiny colorful jewelry and clothing perhaps resemble the scales of fish? Yes. Rethink the bling.
Delish.2) Safety in numbers. Just like girls going to the bathroom. Sharks (and bar creepers) both pick off singletons.
3) When a fish is injured, it splashes around a lot. When people play in the surf, they also splash around a lot. Coincidence that these behavior coincide with shark attacks? Probably not.
4) Bleeding. You know this one already.
5) As demonstrated at Sunday Beach, sharks are not intimidated by shallow water. Especially where there is deep water nearby for ease of entry and exit. Sunday Beach is the perfect example...
6) Bait. You may not be the intended bait, but you might be nearby. We've all watched schools of baitfish cruising the waves (OK, some of us blessed to live on the coast have). Avoid bait... balls in the surf, attached to some guy's (or gal's) fishing rod, or on a stringer for wadefishing.
Brent had an issue with this one time-- He and some buddies were diving and spearfishing off a rig offshore. They had their dive flags posted, which is a clear indicator of divers below (as should have been the empty boat tied to the rig). Brent always recalls watching fish by the rig and then seeing a half of a fish floating down through the water by him... following by seeing a large Hammerhead shark cruising by above them. Yep, some other "people" had arrived at the same rig and started chumming. Needlesstosay, words were exchanged at the surface.
EEEEKKKKKK!7) If you see a shark, GET OUT OF THE WATER! There are some website that analyze the "swim style" of the shark to determine if it is being aggressive or not... seriously... don't waste your time. Go find a nice sandy spot on the beach and a cold beverage.
On average, there are 75 unprovoked shark attacks annually (don't get me started on the provoked attacks, they asked for it). Of these, about 10 result in an unfortunate fatality. Basically, you have a better chance of winning the lotto (go get a ticket Nicholas, when you're old enough anyway!!!), getting struck by lightning, or being killed by a dog, bee, or snake.
Also worth mentioning (since we're talking about sharks)-- A friend of mine started this several years ago-- Sharkathon!!!
7.14.2011
God at work... through Craigslist??
I've had too many amazing experiences happen the last two days NOT to talk about them a skootch.
Since we are moving, I have a lot of stuff listed on Craigslist that we wanted to sell before we moved (versus trying to store them)-- things like a clawfoot bathtub (purchased for a remodel that's not going to happen), horse tack/stuff I dont use or need, the house for lease, our tractor and implements, etc. SO, I have had a lot of people email me or call me for more information.
Yesterday, a nice lady called about the bathtub. Almost immediately she knew it wouldn't work for her because it was too long for the space she was remodelling. But, we continued chatting anyway. In a nutshell, we ended up having quite a few things in common and she told me about how God helped her through some of the difficult times in her life. The reaffirmation of God's presence and guidance in our lives, especially during the most difficult times in our lives, was just what I needed to hear.
Tonight, a wonderful woman called about the house (we had emailed yesterday before the house was officially leased). I had to tell her the house was already leased, but again, we continued chatting. She mentioned that she knew that the house probably wasn't right for them because of the timing of the move, but she just felt that the Lord was telling her to call me all day today anyway. I admit that I was feeling a little down tonight since Brent is gone fishing and I am thinking about packing, and her call could not have been timed any better (which has been happening a LOT lately). She prayed for Brent and me, and really gave me some wonderful advice and scriptures to refer and study. Again, just what I needed. They say that God doesn't always speak audibly, but He certainly speaks loud and clear through others.
It seems that God is into Craigslist for not only buying/selling, but for putting people in touch with others when the time is right. The Lord indeed does work in mysterious ways, and He's definitely into the internet! Amen!
Since we are moving, I have a lot of stuff listed on Craigslist that we wanted to sell before we moved (versus trying to store them)-- things like a clawfoot bathtub (purchased for a remodel that's not going to happen), horse tack/stuff I dont use or need, the house for lease, our tractor and implements, etc. SO, I have had a lot of people email me or call me for more information.
Yesterday, a nice lady called about the bathtub. Almost immediately she knew it wouldn't work for her because it was too long for the space she was remodelling. But, we continued chatting anyway. In a nutshell, we ended up having quite a few things in common and she told me about how God helped her through some of the difficult times in her life. The reaffirmation of God's presence and guidance in our lives, especially during the most difficult times in our lives, was just what I needed to hear.
Tonight, a wonderful woman called about the house (we had emailed yesterday before the house was officially leased). I had to tell her the house was already leased, but again, we continued chatting. She mentioned that she knew that the house probably wasn't right for them because of the timing of the move, but she just felt that the Lord was telling her to call me all day today anyway. I admit that I was feeling a little down tonight since Brent is gone fishing and I am thinking about packing, and her call could not have been timed any better (which has been happening a LOT lately). She prayed for Brent and me, and really gave me some wonderful advice and scriptures to refer and study. Again, just what I needed. They say that God doesn't always speak audibly, but He certainly speaks loud and clear through others.
It seems that God is into Craigslist for not only buying/selling, but for putting people in touch with others when the time is right. The Lord indeed does work in mysterious ways, and He's definitely into the internet! Amen!
Fruit of the Loin
Family can be tricky. And of course this relates to family and "family", because we all have family that is in no way related to us. Anyway-- Family (both kinds) can be your greatest ally or your greatest adversary, even simultaneously. Family members' supportive words can be the best music to your ears, or their criticism can cut so deeply you actually think you are bleeding... and because they are "family" they are likely the extremes of both of these ends.
The good news is-- family sees you in the same light (like it or not). And, even after a fight to end all fights, family usually offers a forgiveness that is beyond that of typical friends. This forgiveness does not guarantee forgetfulness, and relationships may be changed forever by a single conversation, but that's not always a bad thing.
It's true that we don't get to pick our family members, but even despite their faults, I wouldn't pick mine any differently. I hope they feel the same way about me.
The good news is-- family sees you in the same light (like it or not). And, even after a fight to end all fights, family usually offers a forgiveness that is beyond that of typical friends. This forgiveness does not guarantee forgetfulness, and relationships may be changed forever by a single conversation, but that's not always a bad thing.
It's true that we don't get to pick our family members, but even despite their faults, I wouldn't pick mine any differently. I hope they feel the same way about me.
7.10.2011
It's the little things...
Brent and I had the honor of helping Brent's brother, "Dirt", celebrate his 50th birthday this weekend. And, you can imagine, as any part should be for a "Dirt", it was a huge success. Because of all the family that was in town though, Brent and I ended up bunking with his parents at a local no-tell motel... with two dogs and two cats also in the same sleezy room. We had to take our dog with us because it's easier than finding someone to housesit for one night, and Brent's folks had their critter with them because they were heading back from their house in the Hill Country (they animals also travel).
So.. there we were....
It was about 1am, and I could stop laughing. Here we all are, crammed into the last (and probably worst) bedroom in Blanco, Texas... Tater is creeping INTO our bed as only she can do, and one of the cats is howling. Of course Brent is telling me to shut up and go to sleep (yeah right), and then he stops mid-breath and whispers, "Something's crawling on me...". That would be the other cat (the non-howling one). It seems that kitty #2 (aka "Hotrod") was kicked out of bed by howling kitty #1. So, Brent + Coral + Tater + Hotrod settled in for a midsummers' night dream.... or not. Howling kitty never stopped, and by about 4am he was finally banished to the truck outside to think about what he'd done by himself.
These are the best days of our lives.
So.. there we were....
It was about 1am, and I could stop laughing. Here we all are, crammed into the last (and probably worst) bedroom in Blanco, Texas... Tater is creeping INTO our bed as only she can do, and one of the cats is howling. Of course Brent is telling me to shut up and go to sleep (yeah right), and then he stops mid-breath and whispers, "Something's crawling on me...". That would be the other cat (the non-howling one). It seems that kitty #2 (aka "Hotrod") was kicked out of bed by howling kitty #1. So, Brent + Coral + Tater + Hotrod settled in for a midsummers' night dream.... or not. Howling kitty never stopped, and by about 4am he was finally banished to the truck outside to think about what he'd done by himself.
These are the best days of our lives.
7.08.2011
"Cancer Changes Things"
"Cancer Changes Things" is one of the common things posted around the hospital. I think it's worth mentioning that cancer changes things for both the better and the worse. The worse are obvious, and I refuse to spend more time talking about it. The better is worth a good whole-hearted discussion.
Any bad situation can be turned around into a learning experience for the betterment of inidividuals involved. Like I read last night, "challenging" situations are sent to us as character-building experiences. They teach us to reach higher and lower than we ever thought humanly possible. They teach you about what is really important in life. They teach you how to cherish each day. They teach you what love really is and what it really means to promise to stand by someone 'til death do you part... for better or worse... and in sickness and in health. They teach us that there are certain things in life that we CANNOT do without God's help, and that we really must surrender to Him to get through these situations.
As Brent and I have sloshed through our own situation, amazing things have happened in other areas of our lives. Our worries about money and other material things has changed. Everyone still has to have money to eat and have a roof over their heads, but we have been freed from the control of many material objects. We spend more time caring about each others concerns, happiness, and comfort, and a lot less time arguing about stuff that doesn't matter. We have both been incredibly humbled. It's still hard to ask family for help with different things, and for me to even accept help from others, but it has been a valuable lesson. It's OK to need someone, but it's still a little hard to swallow my "I can do it by myself!" footstomping attitude.
The hardest and saddest thing to realize is that most of the amazing positive changes in our lives would NOT have happened without a big slap like cancer. It's hard to swallow that something this serious is the input to force major changes in our lives, but it is. Again, everything happens for a reason.
Any bad situation can be turned around into a learning experience for the betterment of inidividuals involved. Like I read last night, "challenging" situations are sent to us as character-building experiences. They teach us to reach higher and lower than we ever thought humanly possible. They teach you about what is really important in life. They teach you how to cherish each day. They teach you what love really is and what it really means to promise to stand by someone 'til death do you part... for better or worse... and in sickness and in health. They teach us that there are certain things in life that we CANNOT do without God's help, and that we really must surrender to Him to get through these situations.
As Brent and I have sloshed through our own situation, amazing things have happened in other areas of our lives. Our worries about money and other material things has changed. Everyone still has to have money to eat and have a roof over their heads, but we have been freed from the control of many material objects. We spend more time caring about each others concerns, happiness, and comfort, and a lot less time arguing about stuff that doesn't matter. We have both been incredibly humbled. It's still hard to ask family for help with different things, and for me to even accept help from others, but it has been a valuable lesson. It's OK to need someone, but it's still a little hard to swallow my "I can do it by myself!" footstomping attitude.
The hardest and saddest thing to realize is that most of the amazing positive changes in our lives would NOT have happened without a big slap like cancer. It's hard to swallow that something this serious is the input to force major changes in our lives, but it is. Again, everything happens for a reason.
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