Amie-Dot

Here are some pics from Amie Hoge's wedding this past weekend (6/23). Sorry for the lack of good lighting in a couple of them...don't know what happened. Anyway, Amie was my Delta Zeta "dot" (daughter) from WJC. She is such a sweetie & I wish her all the best!

To Texas, With Love

In light of the recent flooding in the state of Texas (a state dear to my heart), World Vision has set up a site where you can donate funds. Currently, thousands of people have lost their homes & 11 people have died. If you can help in any way, please do so. Here is the link: http://donate.wvus.org/OA_HTML/xxwvibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?section=10025&item=394

The month of birthdays

So, I have finally decided that June seems to be the month of birthdays. Today, is my older bro's (David's) birthday. Granted, it is 11:15 pm, but no worries, I sent him an ecard first thing this morning. Actually, I accidentally sent him 5 but whatever! At least, he knew I was thinking of him on his special day. I'm pretty excited for him, considering he was going with Mary to the Police concert. Good times...can't wait to hear more about it:) Love ya bro & I hope you had a most excellent birthday! Here is a pic of the ol' fella & me at Christmas.

E!'s 30th

Just want to wish E! a happy birthday. She turns the big 3-0 today! I hope you had a great birthday, girl! And I hope this next year (& next decade) is even more splendid than the years before. Love ya, girlie;)

Take Defense

So, tonight (after I took my midterm & was in need of blowing off some steam), I had the opportunity to attend a self-defense class. I hadn't done anything like this since Jewell days, when my sorority (DZ) offered one. However, I had a chance to go tonight with one of my classmates (Cathleen) to Shawnee Mission East High School. It was being put on in Kelsey Smith's honor by Ali Kemp's father & the Take Defense foundation. In light of the recent happenings, I was looking forward to refreshing my knowledge. What I didn't bargain for was the amount of strength and empowerment I felt when I left the class. For all you ladies out there, make the time to attend one of these classes if you have not already done so. It provided great info & techniques plus a good little workout. I have attached the link to get more info: http://takedefense.org/

Life Lessons

I realize that it has been almost 2 weeks since I have posted anything. I do apologize, but to my defense I have had some unexpected occurrences (thus the reason for the blog title). Some of you may already know what has been going on, so just bear with me while I briefly summarize. On June 9th, I learned that I was a victim of identity theft. BOO! (as Ashley A. would say) I lost everything (and then some). BUT, by the grace of God, my funds have been returned. Anyway here's what I have learned:

1. No matter how careful you THINK you are being, anything is possible.
2. Thank God for online banking (otherwise who knows when I would have realized what was going on)!
3. Money can be frustrating, but it certainly makes the world go 'round (or so it seems). Just my luck, every bill seemed to be due when there was no money to be had.
4. Life is ALL GOOD as long as you have a great family & friends. Love you Mom & Dad--you saved my rear:) And thanks Andrew for the quarters!
5. Don't let anything (or anyone) cause you to live in fear.
6. Patience truly is a virtue, a mighty difficult virtue to demonstrate at times!
7. There is always purpose & lessons to be learned...if nothing else, I have been reminded to be thankful for what I have (for there are many others in our great nation & world who have far less) & NOT take any of my pennies for granted!

I appreciate your many thoughts & prayers throughout this worrisome time. Hopefully, someone can figure out who did this (although they don't sound too hopeful). Anwho, thanks again & talk at ya soon:)

Happy Birthday Wilson!

Just wanted to give a shout out to a fellow Ya-Ya, Wilson (i.e. Nicole Swanson)! Today's her birthday:) Welcome to 29 and I hope you are having a fabulous birthday. What a year it will be, momma! Love ya, girl!