I'm Engaged!!

I'm getting married!!  I'm marrying the most wonderful man in the world, Lou Vision, on July 21st (yes, I know...less than 9 weeks away!).  There hasn't been a moment to rest since we got engaged on Saturday, and there probably won't be until we get married...  but it's all okay!  I'll try to update more soon!

Happy, happy, happy!!!  That's me!

Currently Reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) By J. K. Rowling see related

God Takes Care of Stupid People

I remember a dear friend saying to me "God takes care of stupid people.  He'll take care of you!"

Although I am, in many ways, a stupid person, my homeowner skills are actually pretty good.  You handle things on your own for 17 years, you learn a lot and become quite capable. But, there's always more to learn...and God takes care of that, too.

Yesterday, the stress of my mailbox and my ants was weighing heavily on me.  Then, my neighbor called to tell me she noticed my mailbox and told me it was damaged by the snow plow.  (It's happened to them 10 times in the years they've lived here.) She gave me the ODOT number to call and they said they'd be out today to fix it...and they did!  It was such a "God thing" for me.

Today, I knew I needed to deal with the ant problem.  As I searched through the Yellow Pages, I saw "Starbuck Pest Control" and remembered that my dear friend, Ariel's, parents had this business.  Although they are located a ways away, I knew I'd at least get an honest answer.  So, I called.  I talked with Ariel's mom, described my problem, and she assured me that, based on the citronella smell when killed (and other things), they were citronella ants, not carpenter ants. She said they are "nuisance" ants, don't hurt anything, and you really can't do much...they'd just go away.

How thankful am I that God takes care of stupid people....and He takes care of me?!  God reminded me that He is so much bigger than my life stressors. It may sound corny, but I'm just overwhelmed with gratitude to Him for these small things.

Currently Reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) By J. K. Rowling see related

Ants and Mailboxes

My home is infested with carpenter ants and my mailbox is gone.  Those are the stressors of today.  I know that neither is all that traumatic, but they're just some of those little things that sap a bit of time, energy, and joy.

Apparently, mailboxes all along SR 72 have been knocked crazy by snow plows.  Who knew?  But, I was thrilled to find out today that ODOT will repair or replace any mailboxes they mess up.  That's a blessing.

Now, if I could just find as easy an answer to the carpenter ants.  According to what I'm reading online, pest control people need to locate the nests (behind walls and in wood beams) and then destroy them by drilling holes and blowing in poison.  Sounds complicated, expensive, and something that means a cat can't be in the house.  So, I guess I'll be having a "take your cat to work" day and taking out a home equity loan.  Yeah.

Yesterday, I thought I was burned out.  Today, I just think I'm weary. There's a difference between fatigue, exhaustion, and weariness.  When you're weary, you want to sleep a lot...but it doesn't help. 

Or, maybe I'm just getting a cold.  Maybe I'll get sick and have to spend the day in bed reading!

The excitement of travel...

~  As my flight waited on the tarmac prior to take-off last week...and then waited some more.... the pilot announced that we could look out the left side of the plane to see the "air show".  Four fighter jets taking off.  Although I had one of the prime seats for the show and the plane nearly tipped over as everyone leaned left to try to catch a peak, it was all I could do keep from shouting "I see this all the time!  But, there are SIX planes and they fly right over my house.  Come on, people!"

~ As I walked through the airport, I heard the announcement paging Daryl Hall.  "Mr. Daryl Hall, arriving from Chicago, please meet your party at..."   Was I the only person who wanted to go to said meeting place and see if it was the REAL Daryl Hall?  And if John Oates was with him?

Currently Reading A Woman of Contentment: Ecclesiastes into Lifes Sorrows and Trials (The Dee Brestin Series) By Dee Brestin see related

So, how many of you thought that I wouldn't post again until I was engaged?  I know...me, too.  But I caved.  =)

Never fear, Lou and I are doing great. I'm still tired of people grabbing my left hand, but I'm getting used to it. (I've decided I'd better have my nails done at all times...not because I might get a ring, but because people keep looking at my  hand!)  Anyway, we've been sorting through a lot of things...some fun, some tough, some sobering.  All those things you need to know and do before making that lifelong commitment. But, we both believe it's coming. 

Meanwhile, Christmas was great.  I missed seeing my parents, but we'll be together for a week in February.  Students are back and Alumni Relations is in full swing for spring semester.  The New Year is always such a great time to get things off to a great start!  This weekend is our DAE retreat and, trust me, it's going to be fun!

Seth (6), Mia (8), and Zach (11) are great kids and undoubtedly some of the most special people in my life. Aren't they cute??