Happy Birthday

It's my BIRTHDAY!!!! Happy Birthday to me! I am 37 today. Savannah here we come for a day of fun! Can you tell I like celebrating things! :)

Today's Adventure

It was so pretty today, that I couldn't bear to stay inside. So after I had finished my lesson plans, I got dressed and set off for the bluff for some reading, picture taking, and exploring. Upon arriving, I was greeted by the sight of FOUR police cars parked at the front of TCOTC... another post for another time. Anyway, enjoy the pix of today's adventure.

See the black object on the dock? That was a piece of equipment the police were using for their training.



A neat place to visit. Lots and lots of fresh seafood!

These would be oyster shells.

While hiking, I found this. Not sure what animal this trip would be for, but I found several sardine cans. There was one in the trap with some sardines that hadn't been consumed.

The May River runs through here

and here.

If you look waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay though the tree limb ahead, you can see the back side

(at least part of it) of The Church of the Cross.

Who let the cat out the bag!?

Old Friends

Jeff, Paula, and Geoffrey

Me and Paula

The lighthouse at Harbor Town

Paula and I with the lighthouse in the background

Walking along the marina

Geoffrey

I had a surprise last Tuesday (Dec 23) when I arrived at my parents. My college roommate, Paula (from my freshman and sophmore years) emailed me to let me know that she and her family would be in Savannah this last Sunday ( the 28th). For the last two days, we have walked down memory lane sharing memories and past adventures during our years at PC (Presbyterian College) and laughing at some of the sayings and mannerisms of one of our suite mates ( no offense, Leigh if you're reading this). We had dinner in Savannah Sunday night and spent this afternoon walking around Old Town Bluffton (stopping at certain places) and hanging out at Hilton Head. Because it's been so long since Paula and I had seen each either, we had a lot of fun reminising about our PC days as well as her and Jeff's wedding weekend.

Oops!

What's wrong with this picture? 20 points if you get the answer right.

Merry Christmas from Madison and Kaby

Christmas Getting To Know you

Enjoy!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the first weekend in December if I choose to put one up.
4. Wreath on your door? Yes
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes
6. Favourite Christmas gift received as a child? Books and pocketbooks
7. Easiest person to buy for? Dad
8. Least easiest? No one really, I usually have at least one good idea of what to get or do for whomever I'm doing something for.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail! Sometimes I am later than I would like.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Would have to think about it.
12. Favourite Christmas Movie? Nothing in particular
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? It depends on how quickly I get buying ideas
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?No
15. Open presents on Christmas eve or morning? Growing up we were allowed to open 1 on Christmas Eve, but then we opened the others Christmas Morning.
16. Lights on the tree? Either all clear, all white, or multi-colored.
17. Favourite Christmas song? Jingle Bell Rock
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel, but then return to my place to relax and get things done for me.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Favourite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?Hearing about all the fights, bickering, etc over children's toys or the current well sought after item of the year. PLEASE!
23. Favourite Tree ornament, theme or colors? Ornaments that have memories with them
24. Favourite for Christmas dinner? Ham with various sides and desserts
25. Brussels Sprouts - Like them
26. Favourite accompaniment to the Christmas Pud? No idea
27. Favourite Christmas Carol? O Holy Night
28. Your very Favourite Christmas Thing? Having the time off to spend with friends and family as well as some down time for me.
29. A Christmas wish! That we all learn to get along on the only planet we have. That we all are able keep our jobs and homes and are healthy and happy. As well as a better economy and gas prices to continue to be affordable.
30. Tag a Seasonal Six! Anyone who wants to who hasn't, go ahead!

Gas!

$2.14-$2.15. Getting better and better all the time. Plus voting is over. I'll probably be staying up late tonight to see who is elected. As of right now some polls are still open.

J.O.Y

Know what joy is? See below...

Jesus comes first


Others come next


Yourself comes last

Learned this tonight from a very wise church member.

Pumpkins and more pumpkins

Aren't they beautiful! I love the fall. We (fellow teachers and myself) took our students there on Tuesday for a field trip. Several pumpkins were purchased to say the least. Definitely worth a second or third trip back!

Getting Cheaper

Still cheaper. $2.84 as of 9:15 tonight. Now things are beginning to get easier in travel. Keep it coming.

$2.92

Gas is even cheaper. Double WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. We can now go places and not have to worry about getting a second job just to pay for gas! Just kidding! :)

$3.01

Gas is finally coming down. The cheapest I have seen it is $3.01! O happy day!

About Me

45 Odd Things About Me

45 ODD Things about me - another thing that went around the email circuit. Thought I would post mine here

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? Yes

2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? No and don't intend to. EVER.

3.Do you own a gun? No and don't plan to if I can help it.

4. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shop? Frappachinos or Mochas

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Sometimes

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I like mine microwaved for a few seconds preferrably with cheese inside them.

7. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Diet Coke or Bottled Frappachinos when it's hot out, coffee with cream when it's cooler out.

9. Can you do pushups? Yes

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My DOK cross

11. Favorite hobby? Travelling or reading

12. Do you have A.D.D.? I don't think so

13. What's one trait that you dislike about yourself? I'm too judgmental sometimes.

14. Middle name? Maxine

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. What's going to happen when the market gets to $0? I need to turn off the AC. What's the next movie on cable?

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Diet Coke, Frappachinos, Beer (sometimes) - I need to add more water - but it's so bland unless it's ICEY cold

17. Current worry right now? Nothing really

18. Current hate right now? Nothing

19. Favorite place to be? In the company of friends or family having a fun visit, by the water

20. How did you ring in the new Year? By celebrating my birthday (I'm a New Year's Eve baby. This past year, I was in downtown Savannah, Ga celebrating at a restaurant , Jen's at Johnson Square

21. Like to travel? Yes very much.

22. Name three people who will complete this: Not sure

23. Do you own slippers? No

24. What color shirt are you wearing? Black

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Never have

26. Can you whistle? No

27. Favorite singer/band? Journey

28. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor? Not sure.

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? It varies, whatever I'm in the mood for.

30. Favorite girl's names? Sarah, Julia, Paige

31. Favorite boy's names? Caleb, Reese, and Patrick

32. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Something a church member said tonight

34) There isn't anything

35. Worst injury you've ever had? My broken foot

36. Do you love where you live? Yes, very much!

37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2

38. Who is your loudest friend? Hhhmmmm - not sure - does this mean it's me?

39. Forgot what this was.

40. Does someone have a crush on you? Not right now.

41. What is your favorite book? I have several!

42. What is your favorite candy? Chocolate with nuts and chewy caramel

43. Favorite Sports Team? Clemson Tigers and PC Blue Hose

44. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Sleeping

45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today? Getting in the tub.

Happy Birthday to you...

Well, kitty number 2 will be celebrating his birthday tomorrow. Like his brother, I had to post his birthday wishes as well. Here's to you Kaby Carter, Happy 5th Birthday.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I know, lots going on. Boring blog. Excuses, excuses, but Fall Intercession is coming up in two weeks, so I can properly update then. More too come.

A Year Ago Today....

Well,

It's been a year since I've moved here. Exactly one year ago, I was making up my bed and settling in for the night after a busy day of unloading, unpacking, and buying a few things for my new home. I remember how excited I was, though it was a bitter sweet day as one of my aunts died the morning we were headed here. I remember exactly the exit that I got the call from my cousin, Rob. I still am excited about what's to come. Here's to the second year of living in such a great place. More to come.

Happy Birthday!

I can't believe my kitty is 6 years old today! Happy Birthday Maddie Moo, I love you!

A Year Ago Today...

Wow!

I'm one short of having 200 visitors to this blog.

The next couple months may sound kinda sappy; so bear with me. A year ago today, I began the journey of transitioning down here. EXACTLY one year ago today, I was driving home from Port Royal having completed my interview with the principal at Port Royal Elementary. It was an AWESOME interview. I was all but doing the happy dance when leaving the school that day because I just somehow knew that I had the job I interviewed for. One year later... viola here I am! Ten months ago today, I moved to the lovely town of Bluffton.

Come on Baby, Let's Do the Twist...

Oh. My. Gosh. Berkeley Place here in Bluffton is rockin'. Seriously. There are some really fun things to do here. I happened to be there last night when someone mentioned something about people dancing. So being curious, I stepped outside the restaurant to look and saw where there was a brass quartet set up. Then I remembered from earlier this year that groups come in and play. I had seen people walking towards the theatre with blankets, but thought nothing of it other than they were preparing for the cool temps in the theatre. Anyway, after stepping out to check this out, there was no turning back. This group was FUN. There were a good many couples and children out there dancing and just plain having fun. I think this is better than Third Friday that Bluffton does every month. I also found out that there is also entertainment in this area on Wednesday nights as well. But this group played lots of tunes from the 50's. Of course I didn't have my camera, but may take pictures when I go to see 'Elvis' tonight.

Where Have I Been

Or..... as Mrs.Weasley in Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets would say "WHERE HAVE YOU BEAN???????"

I know, I know, it's been over two months and well... I have been swamped at work. Then, there was the saga with getting a new computer. My old one started dying at the end of January, so while everyone else gets flowers and candy or flowers, candy,and dinner for Valentine's Day, I got new computer equipment. Don't get me wrong, it's nice, but was a rather expensive Valentine's gift; although,my parents bought me a nice plant in a pretty Valentine's flower pot.

Right now I'm in the middle of Spring Intercession from school which has been nice because I have gotten lots done that I've needed to do, but just couldn't seem to find the time or was interested in doing something else when I had the time, or was just to tried/unmotivated to do.Though I stayed indoors doing these projects I have finally gotten around to doing, I have done some fun things as well such as: spending St. Patrick's Day in Savannah, touring the Juliet Gorden Low home, walking the mall ( both of which I have done several times before, but have wanted to do again), and just hanging out by the river. Friday, I went back to Harbor Town (again, I have been to before, but wanted to go again when I had more time to hang out and tour slowly) and to South Beach. I found that you can climb the lighthouse in Harbor Town and walk around the top; something I may do in the next few weeks or so. Also got info about a dolphin cruise, which will be something I do in the near future. I went to Columbia for a couple of days, spent Easter with my family and shopped. This next weekend I will be going to Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island for the DOK Retreat.

Sorry about the pictures, I am still getting used to Windows Vista (this replaced Windows XP); so wasn't able or at least haven't figured out how to make the pictures stay rotated. The last two were of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the others are of the Juliet Gordon Low House.

Incentives

Don't ask me what happened to the last post because I don't know. Sooner or later, I'm going to learn... post the pictures first, then add your comments.

Anyhow, this is the new Bible Study topic for this semester. I had planned to post earlier tonight, but it took me a little longer to get through what I wanted, and I still haven't accomplished everything I wanted to tonight, but that's coming. I had told myself that if, and only if, I got the questions to the first chapter answered and the second chapter read, then I could post. So here I am, though I need to back up and finish a lesson or two from the last Bible Study I was in, but I'm getting to that. This is my break for now and too, I went to a cool restuarant today to work on my Bible Study because it wasn't going to happen at home .I'm determined that I'm going to get things done before leaving for St. Simon this weekend.

After driving from one side of Bluffton to the other side of Bluffton and from the other side of Bluffton to the point that I was starting, I was quite hungry, so decided to kill two birds with one stone and have a snack while working. So... I passed up my usual choice of Starbucks and decided against Paulie's Coal Fired Pizza because I'm not a fan of pizza, wasn't in the mood for the Gorganzola salad nor the Italian Wedding Cake soup, (though both are quite tasty) and really didn't think a sweet treat would be wise. I ended up stopping at Cheeburger Cheeburger because I was actually killing three birds (talk about productivity) with one stone because I needed to pay my cell phone bill. While I walked in with a Cherry Coke Zero in hand, I didn't just stop at that. NO WAY.............. not in a burger place with the smell of freshly prepared cheeseburgers wafting through the air. I decided that a snack of french fries would do the trick, so off I went. Well, if you haven't been there... Go. I felt as if I was on a set from the TV series Happy Days and was beginning to listen for the theme music. You know Sunday, Monday, happy days, Tuesday, Wednesday, happy days, Thursday, Friday, happy days. Happy Days. something, something. What does it mean to you? I know, I'm a dork, I just to sing with all the TV jingles and annoy the heck out of my brother. But hey, I like music, that's why I majored in it. Back on track here, if you leave that restaurant depressed, it's your own fault!! I mean it. I have NEVER been in a place that is sooooooooooo cheerful and bright. You have seriously got to go, if you've never been.... MY HEAVENS! PINK and TEAL, I think. I'm really serious,if you don't leave that place feeling happy, you are seriously depressed. I mean really. Don't get me wrong, the food was great, the atmosphere, very singable and happy (the music made you want to sing) and the waitress was very helpful/servantlike? I'm still searching for words to describe her.She was a good server, but she kept coming to me asking if I was OK. Either that or she was secretly willing me to buy a hamburger with peanut butter as a topping (don't ask) or one of those very SWEET, and I mean SWEET, SUGAR INDUCING SIX MONTH ENERGIZING WORSE THAN STARBUCKS COLD COFFEE (Dad) sodas. Y'all, really should go, the food is filling, I ended up boxing my sandwich and eating it tonight, the portion of french fries was adequate as well, not to mention that the prices are reasonable, but under NO circumstances will I consume a hamburger containing peanut butter nor will I consume (at least not in this lifetime) a Shake a Soda. There is such a beverage there. What it appears is some sort of soda that you place in a shaker ( probably something that you would use to make a mixed drink) and then add the flavors of your choice. There are quite a few to choose from anything from Grape to Granny Smith Apple. My blood sugar just rose while I viewed those choices. Quite frankly the thought of all that sugar entering my body, kind of made me nauseous. I don't drink those sugar sodas (like Coke Classic, Mountain Dew). My body can not handle that amount of sugar. Though I drink Starbucks Frapp;they don't bother me, but that is more like a milk kind of drink anyway. I try not to consume too many of those as well.

Attempting to get back on track for a second time,
I did accompish what I had set out to do, my bill paying and Bible Study assignment, that as and also got some picture taking in as well. See next post.

I have Created my Own Monster aka I am not Qualifed to be a Computer Technician

Well,

Any hopes of being a computer technician are down the drain! Just kidding, not that I could see myself being such, but it's nice to know that you can solve your own computer issues within your own home. Well, not necessarily in my household. Yesterday, was not a very productive day. Actually the only thing I really did other than get up and get dressed was email a friend something who had expected such on Friday, but I was busy being productive then and was hoping that that phase of productivity would roll into yesterday. WRONG-double, triple, quadruple, quintuple, sixtuplet, etc... WRONG. I noticed that my computer system seemed to be running awfully slow, so I set out to clean up some files only to discover that I really didn't know what I was doing. Then I thought it would be productive/helpful/resourceful/proactive/ (insert your choice of adjective) to resubscribe to my McAfee AntiVirus protection. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG--douple, triple, etc... WRONG,once again!! To make a long story that has become longer short, that was more trouble than it was worth. In the end after calling my dad and having him pretty much (thanks, Dad!) resolve the slow system issue, by guiding me through the file purging process, I ended up uninstalling the McAfee Privacy whatever the thing is called, plus something other McAfee thing because I think that was causing most of the problem in the first place. However, I think I may have a friend come over and check a couple of things for me because I was afraid for awhile that I had totally goofed up my computer.

AH........................... the lessons we learn in the land of technology. Any chances of a class in simple computer maintenance would be appreciated;however, some of us who shall remain nameless would probably need to take it about six times.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

What happened to the nice, warm weather here in Bluffton?! I'm not used to it being cold here! Sumter or Columbia, maybe, but not here.

Christmas at Swan Lake

OK, after some thought, I changed my mind about posting Christmas videos, though it did take some time to do, but is not anything difficult once you figure out what you're doing. I'll probably post videos of other things that don't involve known people, for safety sake anyway. One can never be too careful. Enjoy the pictures.

Welcome to...

Before the stroke of Midnight. Never heard who won the Clemson/Auborn game. Anyone know?????

Getting ready for the balloon drop

Almost there...

Don't forget these!!!

Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2007, HELLO 2008!

I know, no one told me my hair was a mess. Oh well.