Good news!

I checked out the Pretender website and great news, the first season is due out on dvd March 15th. Yeah! I will buying that for sure. The Pretender was such a great show. And Jared was hot so that helps. For details check out the Pretender link. McGyver also is out on dvd. I love technology.

Boo, riding the Gotta Go's

Sumo Wrestling

Ronald and Cath, aren't they cute?

The Worship Band for DNow 05, Jamie Cook and Trevor Taylor

My Dad at DNow 05

Between a rock and a hard place

Yesterday, I said something about how Gordon is hard place to be in for me. Today I will explain. Gordon is a town of 500 people and with the small town come a lot of "rules." Since I was not born to certain "ruling" families, I had to struggle my way up. I never really ever fit in early on, because every chose buddies as soon as they exited the womb and I guess I was too late or something. Later on it was because I followed God when the crowd didn't. I made the choice to be alone after my best friend graduated instead of the popular crowd. Let's just say people can be very cruel. I have forgiven all that has gone on there, but it does remind of how awful my time was there, well most of the time. What men meant for evil, God meant for good.
I say all that not to ask anyone to feel sorry for me, just to explain. Gordon is a place I go back to for family and the kids that my mom invests her life in as a youth minister. Gordon and later on many heartbreaks brought me to the point of complete and utter dependence on God. I learned to take walks or runs to get away for a while, just me and God. The habits of getting away stayed with me through heartbreaks at OBU and at a camp I worked at for two summers. It is in those times, at the top of the hill, on the shores of Lake Lewisville, and even the OBU track at sunset I formed a bond with the Lord that could not be broken. I miss that. Though I live alone, I rarely let myself "get alone" I guess for fear of being lonely. I constantly have some sort of noise going. And on days I work, I don't allow myself that time away I know I need. Lord, draw me back to my quiet place.

Returning..

Just returning from a difficult but beneficial weekend at home. I went to help my mom with a Disciple Now in my home in Gordon( about an hour west of Fort Worth). It was good to be there even though it is hard place to be in. I will explain that statement later on. I think we had a few decisions but it doesnt matter, we invested in some peoples' lives. Trevor was the speaker this year and he spoke on influence. He also had a good talk on worship which was good for the youth in Gordon. Like I said this weekend was good but hard in so many ways. Trevor and I were together but couldn't really be together. That's hard when you live 8 hours apart. We did get to spend some time together on the way home when we dropped a friend off in Sherman. We truly charish those times together. I am still tired from this weekend though and I work the next two nights. I gotta keep running....

My small group

For tonight only, we moved the small group (high school youth Bible study/discussion) I lead on Thursdays to the Golden Bowl in Missouri City.Good food and discussion. I had two regulars show and we went through a discussion on persevering and Hebrews 12:1-3. The youth encourage me so much. I was just trying to stay awake since I only slept like four hours today. One of the youth, Abby, always has interesting things to say. Here's a weekly Abby quote. Oh what the hey, two: I had a Casa Ole lunchbox once but I ran into a wall.... and ... a jolly good time.... ( By the way, everything is a jolly good time for Abby)Thanks Abby and everyone else for making me laugh so much!

Running toward hope...

I watched The Village this weekend (which is a great movie, look for future reviews on Trevor and Dave's Better than Critics site). I love how the movie is about innocence, love, and hope. I won't spoil the movie for anyone but it is a movie to see. A quote that makes me think about my daily "run" is when one of the characters says, "Ivy's running toward hope, let her run. " William Hurt character also says, "And she is led by love, the world moves for love; it kneels before it in awe." Shouldn't we all be running toward hope...and most of all in the name of love? Phillipians 3:12.

Trip to Oklahoma Jan 2005

Trevor....well being Trevor of course (:

Time Marches On...

Sorry for not posting in almost a week! I have been busy lately to say the least. If you have seen Trevor's latest posts you know I have been in Oklahoma. Its so hard being 8 hours away from the one you love.
And when I am here in Houston, I am usually working. That's about it. Oh and I am making preparations for Disciple Now in Gordon. Be in prayer for us as we travel Friday and Sunday and that we can minister to those youth. Trevor is speaking so lift him up too.

Poor and needy

Sometimes I think about how God has blessed me beyond what I deserve. I talked about the new name he has given me earlier but I also need to remember that I by no means deserve anything. I deserved death but he gave me life, which was through nothing I did. I must remind myself of that when I think I deserve something. I don't. But if I seek God, He will bless me as he sees fit. He will rescue me. He gives me grace beyond measure.
I better stop leaving these posts or you might think I'm wise(: This is just my little reminders to myself or whomever is guided here to receive them. If you speak to me and I seem to have forgotten my reminders, please remind me again. Thank you, Trevor, for doing so yesterday.

To the most stellar man I know...I love you Trevor.

...New name

Through the disappointments and frustrations of the last few weeks, I have to keep coming back to my foundation (I Cor. 3:11). My foundation is my relationship/identity in Christ. I have to stop making excuses and simply BE the woman has called me to be. For example, when a patient is admitted to my group at work, I usually say, "What?" Instead, I should be thinking of this as an opportunity, not an obstacle, even though I was caught up and now I'm not. Unfortunately, in my present state of mind it will take a lot to get me to that point.
But that is simply not what I am. I am called a new name by God himself. I am no longer Deserted nor Desolate. I am married. I am one with God himself. He has made his dwelling in me (I Cor 6:19). God takes delight in me! I am a crown of splendor in the hand of God himself!
I refuse to see these things as "my job." They are miracles disguised as interruptions, frustrations, and otherwise labeled as "problems." I must be like-minded as Christ the great physician. I must let the people come to me, so that I may glorify Him. They will come to me with their complaints, gripes, and needs and I will respond in kindness as He responded to me. I must.

Quotes of the day..

I caught you a delicious bass. You wanna play me?
Napoleon Dynamite

You gotta dance your cares away, dance away all the nasty things people say.
Napoleon Dynamite

Quote of the Day

I wish the ring had never come to me...I wish these things had never come to pass...
....So do all who live to see such times but that is not our choice. We must decide to do with the time given us.
The Fellowship of the Ring

A Success!!

I hosted a Partylite candle show tonight at my place and it was a success. My apartment was finally satisfactory and the presentation was beautiful. Lots of fun with friends. I also introduced Jessica to Lord of the Rings, starting with the Fellowship.Well off to bed...soon.

The presentation, very pretty, thanks Christina!

Joy and Abby, Teresa at right

Dana and girls(:

Lori Todd

My candle party(see post for more details)

My Frog Pen Randomness. Too bad you can't see his little foot(:

I love this movie....

I finished watching Napoleon Dynamite and I love it. I reminds me a lot of Freaks and Geeks, another coming of age show about the high school rejects. As a high school reject myself, I can definitely relate to both of these guys' personal experiences, and yes I even appreciate the weirdness of them both. I also liked the part where the Napoleon and Pedro are dairy cattle judging as part of FFA. Believe or not guys this is a real event! Some of the guys I graduated with actually did the "milk drinking test" event at state. And you can't miss Napoleon getting his groove on. Very nice. Freaks and geeks, "Unite!" Since I believe this will become a classic, I have composed a list of quotable quotes.

1) One gang wanted me to join because I'm good with a staff.
2)I like your sleeves, they're real big.
3) Idiots!
4)I don't know I'll build her a cake or something.
5) Ligers. They're my favorite...They're are mix between a lion and a tiger. They're known for their magic.
6) Lucky! (scratches neck)

the 2nd hero of high school, Napoleon Dynamite

Compare the heros of high school, Bill Haverchuck of Freaks and Geeks.

Help them

Now tsumami isnt just a funny word in the science text anymore, at least not to me. The situation in Asia makes me want to cry but hopefully too it makes me want to do something. This tragedy has had worldwide effects and it warms my heart to see the former Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton joining efforts to save and rebuild lives. You can help too. Go here to see the faces of some people who need help. Already 150,000 have died. Many more will if something is not done.

Yes Dave....

Yes, Dave I watched Garden State and it was wonderful. A very delightful movie with an awesome soundtrack just as you said. Add to the list of Amanda recommends (even though be warned it has some content which may be offensive).

Quote of the Day

"You waste life, why wouldn't you waste death."--The Ocean Breathes Salty/ Modest Mouse

I just think about all the ways I waste life, worrying or and worrying and worrying. Maybe I need to stop worrying. After all the Jesus says this. (Matthew 6:25-30).

Sorry its not centered guys. This is my "retouch" for my oh so "natural" hair. No I do not normally go around taking pics of myself but this was requested. And no this is not a porn site, that is a tank top thank you.

Movies I Want to See

1) Spanglish
2)The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou
3) Finding Neverland
4) Napoleon Dynamite
5) Garden State

That should keep me busy for a while.

Movies I've Seen Recently

1) Meet the Fockers (great laughs)
2) Lemony Snickett's A Series of Unfortunate Events
3) Phantom of the Opera
4) Return of the King special edition

Matinee at the movies

I had a busy day today. I only slept about an hour and a half after work before going to church,where I also joined College Park Baptist Church officiallly, then I ate at Pappa's with some dear friends from church (Jessica Clower and the Turners). I then went to the First Colony Mall to hit the Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual sale. Then about five of us, Jessica and I included, took in an afternoon matinee of Phantom of the Opera. I was impressed. And yes I was correct Minnie Driver plays the very hilarious opera diva, Carlotta. The set is amazing. The cinematography is breathtaking. And the music is fabulous (translated stellar for Trevor). I give it an A+. I want to see the live showing now.
The rest of the evening was anticlimatic. Did some laundry at the Turners, while watching Law and Order with Jessica and trying to stay awake. Finally at my apartment, I am continuing my viewing the Return of the King Special Edition documentaries. The cast continues to amuse me with their antics. Apparently, Viggo Mortenson smacked one on Billy Boyd as the scene was filmed for Sam's wedding. Billy said, "I almost fell in love for a minute. Then I felt kind of sick....I couldn't look at Viggo for a few days."
Now I continue on with the first disc of ROTK. We shall see how much I accomplish tonight.

Quote of the Day

"...When you meet anything that's going to be human and isn't yet, or used to be human and isn't now, or ought to be human but isn't, keep your hand on your hachet." ---From The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (I know my English profs would keel over at the incorrect documentation but what they don't know can't hurt them(: )

An Exciting Night Indeed..

Well now for the fourth post tonight. A hallmark event for Amanda's (a penny for your) thoughts--my first comment from someone I don't know or refer to my blog. Thanks to 2 cents worth! I will try to find if he/she has a blog so I can refer you to it. Check out my comments.

Also an update on my scary nights on other floors. Its wasn't so scary. St Luke's nurses overall are so nice and helpful. Thanks to so many nurses, I made it through the last few nights. I finally went to 12, 6 Cooley A, 17, and 14. I even went to 17 and Cooley in one night. I am beginning to relax a little and gain some confidence though I still mess up. It will never be easy but then again anything worth doing never is. Sincere thanks to all the above floors, Trevor, my parents, and my Jesus who walks with me through it all.

My photo for my profile.
Still working the edit profile thing.

I can see my floor!!

Its amazing how much better you feel about yourself and situation when your home is at least semi clean. Nursing coverage let me have four hours off this evening and so I decided to get started on my cleaning.I have let the place go in my rush for the holidays.I have a little ways to go but my computer space is free, my kitchen counter is spotless, and I even vacuumed the floor and did some filing. Ahh now that's a way to start of a new year. I should have taken before pics with my camera. But I will take a few of my work in progress.Man this is pretty sad but I am doing this because I can with my new camera.

Look at my Christmas flowers from Trevor. I have had them since December 18th.

My computer space, arent digital cameras great!

Home sweet home( see blog post) Yes my bed does pull out the wall (:

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!!!! Check out Dave's blog for some cool new/old year stuff.

growing pains...

Well once again I am feeling the growth pains of a new nurse. Since my floor closed, due to lack of patients during the holidays, I have been "pulled" to various floors. Since I do not have much confidence yet this has been a frightening experience for me. I have to learn all new floors, people, and problems. But I have learned things too (Thanks Mom and Dad and Trevor for helping me see the light). I believe it is the Chinese word for adversity that can be translated as hidden danger or hidden opportunity. I was able to calm a confused patient by playing ball with play dough. I helped a woman pee. I was able to do a few things well and what I could not do, I passed on. I am trying to be a good nurse, what that means exactly for me I am in the process of defining. The same goes for my walk with the Lord, the process goes on until I die, in the physical or spiritual sense. So my new year begins with some challenges, but God walks with me through it all. I am reading a devotional book written by a nurse, something like Quiet Moments for Nurses and I think the woman's name is Sharon Fish (sorry I am at work). Each day I gain new insights, thanks to wonderful friends and family, who are just as vital to my nursing practice as my stethoscope and my handy scissors in my back pocket. I pray for confidence and patience daily.