I know it's a rather strange title, but the explanation will lend itself shortly. Last Sunday, Wade and I traveled back to the clinic for a second time, only to find out that the antibiotic they first gave me was incorrect. A new antibiotic, a nose spray, and a daily allergy pill later, we jetted out of the clinic in hopes that our immune systems were high enough to wield off whatever it was the clinic full of ill subject's bodies were tainted with. After picking up the prescriptions, we went to grab some lunch. The last time we ate at the Sirloin Stockade was right after we moved here, and we didn't go back. However, we passed by, the place was packed, and the nine foot stucco cow in front had detached itself from the flatbed trailer in front and literally laid 'tits up' in the parking lot. The laughter induced by this sight was enough of a nudge for us to give it a second try. We got our trays and made our way through the buffet line. Wade, being the steak and potato man that he is, waited in line at the grill for his slab-o-beef. An African American lady swaggered right on up there to the counter and said, "How you ain't gonna have no drumsticks?" Sidebar- her asking where the drumsticks are is a lot like me saying the phrase, "Oh my stars" when something surprises me and having the person stare up at the sky as if I am referring to the stars themselves... It just doesn't equate. The person behind the counter stared at her in a state of confusion, and she frustratedly added this, "You know, chicken legs! The ones with the handle for the kids!" I am glad I had a clear route to our table because I could not suppress the laughter. Wade managed to keep it together to receive his meat snack. I guess nothing comes between a man and his meat...
This past weekend we trekked up to San Antonio. I have experienced my share of food comas from overindulging in some of life's finer cuisine, however, I have never experienced a fashion coma quite like I did on Saturday at La Cantera. Whoever designed the layout of this 'plaza' knew what they were doing. The huge Bass Pro sits gallantly in front for the men to peruse, but behind Bass Pro is a little strip of gold. Usually, I go in with him and cruise around the women's clothing section until I can't take it anymore. Then I end up over in the guns where Wade is. While he is talking shop with whomever is at the counter, I act as though I am a knowledgeable citizen of arms. What I am really doing is imagining what it might have been like to go blazing saddles across the wild open west with my chaps and pearl snap, hunting down bank robbers with my double barrel coach gun. In my fascinating western, Boudreaux of course somehow rides with me. Nonetheless, Saturday, I decided to hang up my spurs and go over to the Nordstrom and Saks outlets. I could be in the most heinous of moods, and setting foot in those stores would instantly realign my chi. I spent about an hour in the Nordstrom store ogling over it all, then went down to Saks for the grand finale. As I entered the threshold, the smell of buttery soft leather rushed through my nose- thank goodness I can finally smell again or I would have missed that little added bonus. I immediately found my breathing picked up and I had to start in sections, one at a time, so as to not become overwhelmed. I fell in love when I got to the shoes. I collect these tiny shoes called, Just the Right Shoe. It is a collection of all different kinds of shoes. A designer, Beverly Feldman, took a few of these tiny shoes and made them in to human shoes. You can imagine my splendor when I saw that one particular shoe that I love lay in front of me in a true 7 1/2 just waiting to don my foot. I put them on and walked all around the store. I did not mind the side ways glances or sly stares. For all intensive purposes, that stroll around the store in those fabulous shoes was a much needed therapy session. Next to the shoes sat the bags. Shoes and handbags will always be dear to my heart. Probably parallel to the way that guns and knives will always be near to Wade's. I found myself drunk with the smell in the air and giddy with delight just to look...then I went to try on snake boots. That's right, reality snaps in pretty quick sometimes, wouldn't you say?
We wheeled on over to a boot shop to find me a pair of work boots. The ones I have are hand-me-downs from my nephew, and I have had them for years. I love these boots though, for they are worn in with character and sass. I went to put them on the other day and low and behold, an organism of some kind had taken them over. Hopefully, Wade can remove said problem so I can at least wear them. But they are rather worn and bear no support anymore. We go in and the sales lady says, "Oh I don't think we have anything for you", right off the bat. A little background: on the way to San Antonio, Wade and I talked about how selling cars (anything really), is tricky because if you rub the person the wrong way, they are going to go somewhere else. That's exactly what I wanted to do. Instead, we went through the boot section and actually came across the pair we were looking for. I tried them on, they seemed to fit, so Wade asked how much they cost. She said, "Oh, they are verrry expensive?" What am I caught in a weird version of Pretty Woman when she walks in as a common person and they turn their noses up at her? I yanked those boots off, tipped an imaginary hat, and rolled out. We squealed into another store to try our luck there. Much the same, except this time his first response was, "We can look, but I don't really think I have anything"...Long story short, I wanted to hop up onto the glass case housing all their little gems of glory and yell, "Where's Walter?!" Walter at Mr. Boots in San Angelo, of course. He always helps us with anything we need. If it's not there, he'll get it there, and he'll do it with a smile. What happened to that can do attitude? Maybe that's just one more thing that's being pushed aside and forgotten right along with the values and morals we hold so precious and dear.
When you put it all together, it's a varied vast world we experience. Cultures run the gammot of differences, risen spirits can hide within the confines of a Feldman shoe, and it pays to add a little kindness to someone's day- your job could depend on it.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Not a creature was stirring except for the mouse
Last night I had to sleep on the couch. Allow me to explain. I slept on the couch because I could not use my earplugs and Wade sometimes snores. I couldn't use my plugs because I have a lot of fluid in my ears. Fluid resides in my ears because I am sick yet again which makes the fifth time in about five months that I have been sick with this awful writhing cough and congestion. I took Nyquil before bed to attempt to sleep. Nyquil for me is a double edged sword. It puts me right to sleep for the first few hours, then I am wide awake in the middle of the night. Last night, a slight bit of help awoke me from my slumber. I woke to what I thought to be someone raffling with the back door. I thought to myself, this is it. I went to get Wade wondering to myself which firearm from the bedside arsenal he would choose. He got his flashlight and weaved into the dining room in a sleep filled haze. I expected to see a clan of misfits at the back door...what I saw was a mouse scrambling across the floor with its leg stuck in a trap. He took one look at it and said, 'there's your culprit', and went directly back to bed. He thought it rested in peace in its trap. Great. No bad guys came knockin, but this mouse put up a valiant fight. For the next two hours it scurried across the floor. I lay torn between wanting to flick it outside, wake up Wade to alert him to the fact that the creature previously played possum and was very much coherent,or drifting into restful sleep. I dozed in and out, intermittently awoken by the scurrying. I aspire to have a real dose of Grandpa's Cough Syrup tonight and enjoy a fair amount of uninterrupted sleep.
Here's to a solid eight hour date with your bed tonight. May you sleep tight in a pest free environment.
Here's to a solid eight hour date with your bed tonight. May you sleep tight in a pest free environment.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Cryin' and Laughin'
May the record be stricken that there are times that I am a bit of a crier. The circumstances vary that inevitably cause the flood gate of tears to fall free. On the contrary, I have also been known to cackle out a belly laugh when hilarity takes over. It's the balance of life I suppose, the good and the bad. As the saying goes it's all over but the cryin', so we will start there...
A couple of weeks ago, we headed on down south to McAllen to visit the Hulings'. On our journey, we followed behind a big heavy- hauler scooting down the highway with half a house. It was half of a fairly nice Palm Harbor Home. Wade and I talked away when a sudden interruption of "Whoosh" resonated through our car. I didn't know what transpired until I looked right in front of me. That trucker had a blow-out of mammoth proportions. Tires just came off one after the other out from underneath the trailer until coming to a jerky stop on the side of the road. Right as he began to come to a stop, the whole house slid off and dragged the ground. Yes, I began to cry. I have no idea why other than the fact that I wondered: How is he going to manage getting where he needs to go? How will he tell his boss? Will his family be waiting on him for dinner tonight? Is he going to have to pay for this out of his own pocket? After Wade laughingly talked me down from my stupor, I realized how parallel this is to our lives. We can be blowing down the highway at full throttle without a care in the world and have a proverbial blow-out. The answer is always right in front of us, the comfort of His scripture and the peace of prayer. It sometimes takes a moment to realize that with all the questions posed in the process of thought.
As you well know, TAKS testing finally wrapped up a few weeks ago. It's two days of stress and wonder about whether or not those kids are going to take the test seriously or if they will play music chairs or connect-the-dots with their scantron. On the second day of testing, I couldn't take it anymore. I literally felt something boiling up inside of me. I had to reach inside my little folder and pull out the red 'teacher needs a break' sign. I handed it to the lady outside, and once relieved, booked it to the bathroom. I stood in front of the mirror, and the tears just started a'bubbling. It was one of those, get a hold of yourself moments, that you can't seem to quite muster the inner strength to find your center. About a minute passed before I got my ridiculous outburst under control. It's not as though I could do anything about the situation, except sit there and continue to pray specifically that each one of them would do their absolute best. It was out of my hands. I wonder how many times God feels that way about us. He can only do so much for us, then it's us that must realize that He is in control and will lead if we allow. After about a five minute hiatus, I scurried back to class only to sit and wonder what the heck was wrong with me that I had to go have a bawl session in the bathroom over a test taken by a room full of ten year olds...Definitely needed big girl pants.
Needless to say, when that week of TAKS finally ended after what seemed like a syrupy molasses moving few days, I needed a break. I headed to Michelle's in Dallas. We had a relaxing weekend of delectable pedicures and did a little shopping, grilled on the patio, and watched the Derby. Usually, I never get sick on the plane. I just sit at a window seat in the front, stare out as it moves along, and drift off to sleep shortly after take-off. Not so much on this day. The flight from Dallas to Corpus makes a quick stop in Houston for about thirty minutes. The plane wasn't full, so I took my pick of seats a few rows from the front, got out my I-pod and book, prepared for an enjoyable few hours of reading. I should have seen it as an omen when I saw the flag standing straight out at attention on account of the gale force winds. I honestly think we took of on two wheels. Suddenly that sense of weightlessness and tumultuous quivering in my stomach set in. I knew this would not be good. I began to feel quite ill. The rest of the flight continued as such and did not stop until we rolled into the gate in Houston. By this time I must have been green. Misty eyed, I asked the flight attendant for some water to take a Dramamine. After the few minutes of ground time, I started to feel myself again. The other passengers began to load and a what I assume to be Indian couple sat in the two seats behind me. I thought nothing of it. My spirits sank when the turbulence ensued yet again and my sickness doubled. I turned the air on full blast. Sometimes, cool air can combat such illnesses, right? Well my fingernails were purple from my trying this remedy. At my weakest thread, that man put down the two tray tables behind me and started playing them like bongos all the while singing a tune I can only liken to the tune of a snake charmer. Though this shouldn't be the case, I wanted to turn around and say, Hey, can I get you some incense to burn along with this insanity? I no more than threw my bag in the car and closed the door before the dam blew. I was a blubbering idiot. God love Wade for putting up with me. I called him in my state, and he's a bit of a fixer. Of course there's nothing he could do, I just had to get it out and get home. When I got home, he had lunch ready...that fixed the situation just fine.
Last on the list of sob stories came Friday. On my way home from work, Michelle told me she had watched "Steel Magnolias". As if on cue, it was on TV Friday night. I got myself a glass of wine and settled in to watch it. I am not proud to say this, but the wine disappeared, and not just the glass of it, and I just boo-hooed by the end of it. I couldn't help but think about how precious life is in my haze of tears. The past few weeks have seemed like such a blur with everything going on. I am guilty of loosing focus at times. For example, today on my way home, I heard the train coming. This didn't set well because I had left the school at 3:44:59 in an attempt to get home early. Luckily, I saw the light up ahead was green. I squealed through it just in time to see the little barrier dinging down and the locomotive thumping down the tracks. My idiotic rationale was that at least I was the first in line. I watched and waited as one by one the cars shimmied past. Wait. I must be hallucinating, is it slowing down? Yep. Came to a complete stop right in front of me as if to spitefully remind me an important lesson. It's not always about how fast we can get through or get ahead, the joy is often in the slow motion views of life that only lend themselves to us when we slow down long enough to see them.
Now for the laughter portion of today's feature. Allow me to begin with one simple thought- eat dessert first. This has become ever apparent to me as I have an ongoing love affair with sweets. Once at a church potluck, I stood in the buffet line holding my Styrofoam plate of my favorite sweet picks. If there's anything I've learned from twenty some odd years of Baptist buffet lines- be cordial, but fend for yourself. I honestly think someone will start talking to you asking how you've been and how's your kin, while sneaking the last piece of chocolate pie right out from under you. I'm on to this trick, you see. I stood there with my goodies, eating a piece of brownie. A lady said, honey you're not supposed to eat dessert first. I quickly pondered that statement all the while the creamy chocolate and sugar concoction coating my taste buds in a moment of sheer bliss. My response was this- I already sinned by lusting over it in the first place, so why not just eat it first? I put this theory into action. Today, I had my cookie before my Lean Pocket at lunch. If you're not quite convinced, think about your favorite dessert on the planet. Take mine for example, White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake at Olive Garden. Every time we go there, I muddle through my Chicken Fettuccine, then find myself full by the time I have the opportunity to relish in the delight of dessert. Well, forget it, from now on, I am eating it first. I can take the rest of the regular food in a to-go bag. Rationality at it's finest. Life's too short to have to hold out for the good stuff on account of a simple formality.
Speaking of formalities, a couple of weeks ago at church we had the privilege of going to lunch with an older couple there in the church. They have lived in this area for over fifty years, and talked about the way things were back when this place was hopping. I thought how sad it must be just to watch things die out around you, left only with the memories of what used to be. As we finished eating, Wade told them that if they ever needed anything, or needed anything moved, to give him a call. In his best grin, the old man said, "If I need something moved, I'm going to set it on fire and call the fire department. They'll move it." When you think about it, what a way to think about life. How would it be to live with such vigor that we are willing to comparatively set things on fire in our own lives that we need moved, and let the Lord move them.
Bringing up the rear is a little episode from this weekend. Wade and I went fishing down at Corpus hoping to reel in a Red or at least something to fight our line. We didn't get a fish, but we did see something worth our while. As I reeled in my line to recast, I turned as I heard a truck struggling with getting bogged down in the sand. I thought for a minute maybe it wasn't four wheel drive, then I realized they were hauling something...a hot tub on a trailer. That's right, there in all its glory Rodney Redneck hauled a flat bed trailer tricked out with a hot tub right on down the beach. I totally rubber-necked to catch the full grandeur of this comedy. He had welded a tin canopy above the hot tub. At the end of the trailer he had enough space to haul two jet skies, complete with a generator at the front. I can't imagine the fury of mess that lingered at the bottom of that hot tub, however, it was nothing compared to the fury of laughter that erupted from Wade and I as we watched him throw sand up into the sunset. Life truly is amazing with the hilarious tidbits thrown our way. They say laughter adds years to your life. Looks like we got a good stock in reserve.
The moral is that you win some you loose some. Sometimes we walk in the dredges only to find our favorite dessert on the other side. May we strive for laughter to outweigh the tears, and comedy to overlie our fears.
A couple of weeks ago, we headed on down south to McAllen to visit the Hulings'. On our journey, we followed behind a big heavy- hauler scooting down the highway with half a house. It was half of a fairly nice Palm Harbor Home. Wade and I talked away when a sudden interruption of "Whoosh" resonated through our car. I didn't know what transpired until I looked right in front of me. That trucker had a blow-out of mammoth proportions. Tires just came off one after the other out from underneath the trailer until coming to a jerky stop on the side of the road. Right as he began to come to a stop, the whole house slid off and dragged the ground. Yes, I began to cry. I have no idea why other than the fact that I wondered: How is he going to manage getting where he needs to go? How will he tell his boss? Will his family be waiting on him for dinner tonight? Is he going to have to pay for this out of his own pocket? After Wade laughingly talked me down from my stupor, I realized how parallel this is to our lives. We can be blowing down the highway at full throttle without a care in the world and have a proverbial blow-out. The answer is always right in front of us, the comfort of His scripture and the peace of prayer. It sometimes takes a moment to realize that with all the questions posed in the process of thought.
As you well know, TAKS testing finally wrapped up a few weeks ago. It's two days of stress and wonder about whether or not those kids are going to take the test seriously or if they will play music chairs or connect-the-dots with their scantron. On the second day of testing, I couldn't take it anymore. I literally felt something boiling up inside of me. I had to reach inside my little folder and pull out the red 'teacher needs a break' sign. I handed it to the lady outside, and once relieved, booked it to the bathroom. I stood in front of the mirror, and the tears just started a'bubbling. It was one of those, get a hold of yourself moments, that you can't seem to quite muster the inner strength to find your center. About a minute passed before I got my ridiculous outburst under control. It's not as though I could do anything about the situation, except sit there and continue to pray specifically that each one of them would do their absolute best. It was out of my hands. I wonder how many times God feels that way about us. He can only do so much for us, then it's us that must realize that He is in control and will lead if we allow. After about a five minute hiatus, I scurried back to class only to sit and wonder what the heck was wrong with me that I had to go have a bawl session in the bathroom over a test taken by a room full of ten year olds...Definitely needed big girl pants.
Needless to say, when that week of TAKS finally ended after what seemed like a syrupy molasses moving few days, I needed a break. I headed to Michelle's in Dallas. We had a relaxing weekend of delectable pedicures and did a little shopping, grilled on the patio, and watched the Derby. Usually, I never get sick on the plane. I just sit at a window seat in the front, stare out as it moves along, and drift off to sleep shortly after take-off. Not so much on this day. The flight from Dallas to Corpus makes a quick stop in Houston for about thirty minutes. The plane wasn't full, so I took my pick of seats a few rows from the front, got out my I-pod and book, prepared for an enjoyable few hours of reading. I should have seen it as an omen when I saw the flag standing straight out at attention on account of the gale force winds. I honestly think we took of on two wheels. Suddenly that sense of weightlessness and tumultuous quivering in my stomach set in. I knew this would not be good. I began to feel quite ill. The rest of the flight continued as such and did not stop until we rolled into the gate in Houston. By this time I must have been green. Misty eyed, I asked the flight attendant for some water to take a Dramamine. After the few minutes of ground time, I started to feel myself again. The other passengers began to load and a what I assume to be Indian couple sat in the two seats behind me. I thought nothing of it. My spirits sank when the turbulence ensued yet again and my sickness doubled. I turned the air on full blast. Sometimes, cool air can combat such illnesses, right? Well my fingernails were purple from my trying this remedy. At my weakest thread, that man put down the two tray tables behind me and started playing them like bongos all the while singing a tune I can only liken to the tune of a snake charmer. Though this shouldn't be the case, I wanted to turn around and say, Hey, can I get you some incense to burn along with this insanity? I no more than threw my bag in the car and closed the door before the dam blew. I was a blubbering idiot. God love Wade for putting up with me. I called him in my state, and he's a bit of a fixer. Of course there's nothing he could do, I just had to get it out and get home. When I got home, he had lunch ready...that fixed the situation just fine.
Last on the list of sob stories came Friday. On my way home from work, Michelle told me she had watched "Steel Magnolias". As if on cue, it was on TV Friday night. I got myself a glass of wine and settled in to watch it. I am not proud to say this, but the wine disappeared, and not just the glass of it, and I just boo-hooed by the end of it. I couldn't help but think about how precious life is in my haze of tears. The past few weeks have seemed like such a blur with everything going on. I am guilty of loosing focus at times. For example, today on my way home, I heard the train coming. This didn't set well because I had left the school at 3:44:59 in an attempt to get home early. Luckily, I saw the light up ahead was green. I squealed through it just in time to see the little barrier dinging down and the locomotive thumping down the tracks. My idiotic rationale was that at least I was the first in line. I watched and waited as one by one the cars shimmied past. Wait. I must be hallucinating, is it slowing down? Yep. Came to a complete stop right in front of me as if to spitefully remind me an important lesson. It's not always about how fast we can get through or get ahead, the joy is often in the slow motion views of life that only lend themselves to us when we slow down long enough to see them.
Now for the laughter portion of today's feature. Allow me to begin with one simple thought- eat dessert first. This has become ever apparent to me as I have an ongoing love affair with sweets. Once at a church potluck, I stood in the buffet line holding my Styrofoam plate of my favorite sweet picks. If there's anything I've learned from twenty some odd years of Baptist buffet lines- be cordial, but fend for yourself. I honestly think someone will start talking to you asking how you've been and how's your kin, while sneaking the last piece of chocolate pie right out from under you. I'm on to this trick, you see. I stood there with my goodies, eating a piece of brownie. A lady said, honey you're not supposed to eat dessert first. I quickly pondered that statement all the while the creamy chocolate and sugar concoction coating my taste buds in a moment of sheer bliss. My response was this- I already sinned by lusting over it in the first place, so why not just eat it first? I put this theory into action. Today, I had my cookie before my Lean Pocket at lunch. If you're not quite convinced, think about your favorite dessert on the planet. Take mine for example, White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake at Olive Garden. Every time we go there, I muddle through my Chicken Fettuccine, then find myself full by the time I have the opportunity to relish in the delight of dessert. Well, forget it, from now on, I am eating it first. I can take the rest of the regular food in a to-go bag. Rationality at it's finest. Life's too short to have to hold out for the good stuff on account of a simple formality.
Speaking of formalities, a couple of weeks ago at church we had the privilege of going to lunch with an older couple there in the church. They have lived in this area for over fifty years, and talked about the way things were back when this place was hopping. I thought how sad it must be just to watch things die out around you, left only with the memories of what used to be. As we finished eating, Wade told them that if they ever needed anything, or needed anything moved, to give him a call. In his best grin, the old man said, "If I need something moved, I'm going to set it on fire and call the fire department. They'll move it." When you think about it, what a way to think about life. How would it be to live with such vigor that we are willing to comparatively set things on fire in our own lives that we need moved, and let the Lord move them.
Bringing up the rear is a little episode from this weekend. Wade and I went fishing down at Corpus hoping to reel in a Red or at least something to fight our line. We didn't get a fish, but we did see something worth our while. As I reeled in my line to recast, I turned as I heard a truck struggling with getting bogged down in the sand. I thought for a minute maybe it wasn't four wheel drive, then I realized they were hauling something...a hot tub on a trailer. That's right, there in all its glory Rodney Redneck hauled a flat bed trailer tricked out with a hot tub right on down the beach. I totally rubber-necked to catch the full grandeur of this comedy. He had welded a tin canopy above the hot tub. At the end of the trailer he had enough space to haul two jet skies, complete with a generator at the front. I can't imagine the fury of mess that lingered at the bottom of that hot tub, however, it was nothing compared to the fury of laughter that erupted from Wade and I as we watched him throw sand up into the sunset. Life truly is amazing with the hilarious tidbits thrown our way. They say laughter adds years to your life. Looks like we got a good stock in reserve.
The moral is that you win some you loose some. Sometimes we walk in the dredges only to find our favorite dessert on the other side. May we strive for laughter to outweigh the tears, and comedy to overlie our fears.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Cross the Border
A week managed to slide by since my last meeting of cyber minds. Such a short amount of time, yet so much transpired. I'll turn back time to last week, and move forward from there. It's a beautiful day, so just get a frosty one, and kick back in your favorite seating device.
Last week, in the middle of class, one of my strong students just broke down crying at his desk. This is wildly out of character for this little fella, so I asked him to come outside for a moment. I asked him what was wrong and what I could do to help him. He said that the pastor had prayed with him at church the Sunday before, and ever since he had felt a strange feeling inside. My mind began to race. Should I pray with him? How do I handle this? Is he Christian or another religion I am not aware of? What should I say? What am I legally allowed to say? Will I loose my job if I ask if he feels the Lord calling him to be one of His own? I took about thirty seconds to process. I had a similar occurrence when I taught in San Angelo. The beauty there was that in a private Christian school, you can share the Word, pray, and share in the beautiful experience of a child giving their life to the Lord. It was truly a day I will never forget. In the middle of bible class one day, she asked to speak with me outside. She said she had felt this pull for a long time and wanted to pray and make things right in her heart. I could not, however, very well have a similar instance in a public school where prayer is not even legal. I talked to this student and reassured him that he could always talk to his parents and to respond to that feeling in his heart. I have never had such a strong 'my hands are tied' moment. I continue to pray that the Lord is speaking to his heart and that he will respond to the call. It really makes you think about the very morals on which this country was founded. I find it unbelievable that the simple act of prayer may not be expressed within the walls of the buildings that take a part in shaping America's students into the basic human beings they will become. For some of these kids, we are the only positive influence they have during their day...food for thought.
Yesterday, I really felt like I was on the other side of the border willing my Expedition to careen itself back onto Texas soil. Allow me to explain. Everyday I see this guy peddling for Dixie on his Huffy from Kingsville to the cut-off to Premont. That's about a thirty mile round trip hike...on a Huffy. I decided, that's it, I must find out if he is training for some kind of race- because if he is, I am donating out of shear admiration of his dedication. I busted a U on the highway and pulled off to the shoulder to wait for him to approach. There was no standing water or anything, nonetheless, this soft ground got the better of me. Background information is needed here. A few months ago, we thought my Expedition would be retired to the rust ridden junkyard of the south due to persistent strange noises emitting from the front end. Come to find out, it was the spider gears. The very gears that permit the four wheel drive. Now I will continue...Like a ding bat, I felt the car start to slip. I had no choice but to go for gold. I floored it. Well, first I made sure no cars were coming, then I floored it. I cut the wheel left and right, and burned out. I managed to come to a thrashing halt as one side of the tires flung themselves back onto the asphalt portion of the shoulder of the road. The biker guy slowed down as all this took place- in his mind probably deducing some sort of psychosis state was behind the wheel. After I managed to "park", I got out and asked if he was training for some kind of race. Turns out, he just does it for personal fitness. If I had that bike, I'd have to rig up some kind of plywood seat cushioned with memory foam strapped onto that tiny banana shaped excuse for a butt-holder. Hats off to all you riders, because those seats scream irritation...
On a racing note, my sister got drawn to run the New York marathon in November. We are super proud of her accomplishment, and can't wait to see her sail through the streets of New York! Go Shelly go!
In hindsight, as we navigate the many situations of daily life, may we be aware of who God may put in our paths to lead to Him, and how we might be used for His greater good. However, we must first be available and willing to answer the call. And might we all stay on the paved roadways to avoid being bogged down by just another one of life's tiny fascinations- South Texas sand.
Last week, in the middle of class, one of my strong students just broke down crying at his desk. This is wildly out of character for this little fella, so I asked him to come outside for a moment. I asked him what was wrong and what I could do to help him. He said that the pastor had prayed with him at church the Sunday before, and ever since he had felt a strange feeling inside. My mind began to race. Should I pray with him? How do I handle this? Is he Christian or another religion I am not aware of? What should I say? What am I legally allowed to say? Will I loose my job if I ask if he feels the Lord calling him to be one of His own? I took about thirty seconds to process. I had a similar occurrence when I taught in San Angelo. The beauty there was that in a private Christian school, you can share the Word, pray, and share in the beautiful experience of a child giving their life to the Lord. It was truly a day I will never forget. In the middle of bible class one day, she asked to speak with me outside. She said she had felt this pull for a long time and wanted to pray and make things right in her heart. I could not, however, very well have a similar instance in a public school where prayer is not even legal. I talked to this student and reassured him that he could always talk to his parents and to respond to that feeling in his heart. I have never had such a strong 'my hands are tied' moment. I continue to pray that the Lord is speaking to his heart and that he will respond to the call. It really makes you think about the very morals on which this country was founded. I find it unbelievable that the simple act of prayer may not be expressed within the walls of the buildings that take a part in shaping America's students into the basic human beings they will become. For some of these kids, we are the only positive influence they have during their day...food for thought.
Yesterday, I really felt like I was on the other side of the border willing my Expedition to careen itself back onto Texas soil. Allow me to explain. Everyday I see this guy peddling for Dixie on his Huffy from Kingsville to the cut-off to Premont. That's about a thirty mile round trip hike...on a Huffy. I decided, that's it, I must find out if he is training for some kind of race- because if he is, I am donating out of shear admiration of his dedication. I busted a U on the highway and pulled off to the shoulder to wait for him to approach. There was no standing water or anything, nonetheless, this soft ground got the better of me. Background information is needed here. A few months ago, we thought my Expedition would be retired to the rust ridden junkyard of the south due to persistent strange noises emitting from the front end. Come to find out, it was the spider gears. The very gears that permit the four wheel drive. Now I will continue...Like a ding bat, I felt the car start to slip. I had no choice but to go for gold. I floored it. Well, first I made sure no cars were coming, then I floored it. I cut the wheel left and right, and burned out. I managed to come to a thrashing halt as one side of the tires flung themselves back onto the asphalt portion of the shoulder of the road. The biker guy slowed down as all this took place- in his mind probably deducing some sort of psychosis state was behind the wheel. After I managed to "park", I got out and asked if he was training for some kind of race. Turns out, he just does it for personal fitness. If I had that bike, I'd have to rig up some kind of plywood seat cushioned with memory foam strapped onto that tiny banana shaped excuse for a butt-holder. Hats off to all you riders, because those seats scream irritation...
On a racing note, my sister got drawn to run the New York marathon in November. We are super proud of her accomplishment, and can't wait to see her sail through the streets of New York! Go Shelly go!
In hindsight, as we navigate the many situations of daily life, may we be aware of who God may put in our paths to lead to Him, and how we might be used for His greater good. However, we must first be available and willing to answer the call. And might we all stay on the paved roadways to avoid being bogged down by just another one of life's tiny fascinations- South Texas sand.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
OMG- Stuck Times Three!
Rain keeps falling on my head...Today marks the third day in a row of torrential downpours. I love the rain, however, on my drive home today I couldn't help but wonder if another tow trip lied in the cards for the Wade and me. The thought left my mind and I became engrossed in the radio. We went over to Fal and ate at our favorite restaurant there. We are such an old codger couple. We always time it just right so that the Wheel is on during our meal, and if anyone is sitting at our normal table, the earth slips on its axis. When we got home, Wade, being the gentleman that he is, tried to pull right up next to the sidewalk to let me out so I wouldn't get my boots wet. I've worn my boots so thin that the sole is starting to separate causing water to leak in, so I appreciated this gallant effort. No sooner could I turn around to check if my eyes were deceiving me, I heard spinning tires. It was like a slow motion moment- I put down my bags and started waving my hands frantically in a 'STOP' motion, all the while being poured on from the clouds above. This is in the front yard a few feet from our front door, mind you. Not to mention that this did not occur in the ranch truck or Wade's truck. This is my truck! That's like wearing your Sunday clothes and going to roll in the mud! It's our 'good' car. Wade fired up old whitey and backed right up to the truck. In idle with the e-brake on he squeegeed it right out of the rut, which is saying something, because that truck was buried to the frame...in our front yard. Rad.
On a more serious note, I had the second meeting of my bible study on Monday night. I felt like I inhaled a fresh breath of air for my heart and soul. I am slowly, sometimes tearfully, finding my way to a better person. The title of it, "Breaking Free", is truly a great study. I am reacquainting myself with scriptures that became a little dusty for me over the years, and I am reacquainting myself with the feeling of warmth and reassurance in my soul that only comes when the feeling of God's presence permeates your core. I am excited about this journey and about discovering so much more about myself and the Word. In order to break free, you have to be willing to give up a few things that may have, without you knowing, held you back.
Hopefully this event will be the only getting stuck episode that we can add to our repertoire, and maybe we can all grow closer to the person God wants us to be a little more each day.
On a more serious note, I had the second meeting of my bible study on Monday night. I felt like I inhaled a fresh breath of air for my heart and soul. I am slowly, sometimes tearfully, finding my way to a better person. The title of it, "Breaking Free", is truly a great study. I am reacquainting myself with scriptures that became a little dusty for me over the years, and I am reacquainting myself with the feeling of warmth and reassurance in my soul that only comes when the feeling of God's presence permeates your core. I am excited about this journey and about discovering so much more about myself and the Word. In order to break free, you have to be willing to give up a few things that may have, without you knowing, held you back.
Hopefully this event will be the only getting stuck episode that we can add to our repertoire, and maybe we can all grow closer to the person God wants us to be a little more each day.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Grace Around Us
Yesterday we celebrated Easter with my parents at our little Baptist Church here in Premont. As we took the Lord's Supper, I thought about when I accepted Christ. I was young, and we lived in Iraan, TX. As I looked around the congregation of predominantly older folks, I began to wonder how they felt when their own children accepted Christ. Then my thoughts moved toward my niece and nephew. When we got home from church, my niece called to say that she had 'felt the tug' in church that morning and made her profession of faith. What a wonderful experience. I imagined the pride and joyful spirits my sister and brother-in-law must have felt at the moment. Watching the person you created experience such a kindred moment with our Lord. Knowing that her name is now written in the Lamb's Book of Life and no matter what trials and snares her future may hold, she is forever steadfast in His arms. As we talk about starting a family and see many of our friends continuing theirs, I feel that this particular moment in parenthood must rank amongst the top moments. I am so excited for her as she moves forward in her faith and begins her journey of Christianity. May we all strive to set strong examples in our daily life. We never know who might be watching and what might spark someone's decision to follow Him. We called to congratulate her and give her our best. Perhaps the biggest congratulation of all came in the party in the skies we are not yet privy to attend until our name is called up yonder.
In the essence of this, I was reminded of the utter importance of family. I so enjoyed the time spent with my parents this weekend. The simple joys of visiting, cooking, talking, relaxing, and just enjoying being with each other. I always cry when family leaves. There's really no exception. It just feels like a piece of my heart is traveling hundreds of miles away. Yesterday marked the 19th anniversary of Wade's mom passing. Though I still have the physical presence of my parents here on earth to love and support me through any time, I know that his mom is here with us in spirit. I found myself wondering how I could love someone I never knew, only knew of? I know that so many wonderful qualities that Wade possesses are a reflection of her. Wade loves with no boundaries, cares unceasingly, and finds the good in trying situations. He is truly an amazing person that's grown into the man that I know put a smile on his mom's face yesterday.
My heart overflows with gratefulness for my family. I am so thankful for family- here and those watching over from above.
In the essence of this, I was reminded of the utter importance of family. I so enjoyed the time spent with my parents this weekend. The simple joys of visiting, cooking, talking, relaxing, and just enjoying being with each other. I always cry when family leaves. There's really no exception. It just feels like a piece of my heart is traveling hundreds of miles away. Yesterday marked the 19th anniversary of Wade's mom passing. Though I still have the physical presence of my parents here on earth to love and support me through any time, I know that his mom is here with us in spirit. I found myself wondering how I could love someone I never knew, only knew of? I know that so many wonderful qualities that Wade possesses are a reflection of her. Wade loves with no boundaries, cares unceasingly, and finds the good in trying situations. He is truly an amazing person that's grown into the man that I know put a smile on his mom's face yesterday.
My heart overflows with gratefulness for my family. I am so thankful for family- here and those watching over from above.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Good Friday
Apparently, I have no immunity to the myriad illnesses circulating in this South Texas air. Not more than two months ago, I found myself in this same predicament. I felt it coming on Thursday and thought to myself, this can't be happening?! I just got over this crud not too long ago. My parents are coming down for Easter weekend, and Wade's family is coming down next week for his birthday, so a sickness just won't do. I did not have to work yesterday as we were released from duty in honor of Good Friday. I woke up yesterday at 5:30 with a sick affinity to be the first one at the walk-in clinic door. This could have something to do with the fact that the average wait time of my previous experiences was at least three hours. I just didn't find that prudent yesterday. I threw on my glad rags and hauled myself over to the clinic. I wheeled into the parking lot at ten of seven. Like clockwork, cars started slowly creeping in to the parking lot to stake their claim. I lost all regard for what my next move might look like. I got out of my car and stood right in front of the door, determined to be first to sign in and make a clean getaway! I couldn't help but hear 'Eye of the Tiger' in my mind. I felt like Rocky preparing for a big fight. My plan worked. I was out of there by 7:30. I am now taking another bout of antibiotics and cough syrup in hopes that I caught it early enough for it to make a quick exit of my system...one can hope.
When I arrived home mid morning, Wade and I went over to Corpus to get our eye exams. I have to have mine every year to get contacts,however, Wade hasn't had one in years. It never fails that the person slightly off kilter with their attitude will be the one to help Wade. Expect no less in this case. He wanted to try and wear contacts in order to correct his blurry vision. Learning to wear contacts is difficult, more so I think at a later age. The lady kept sighing at him and telling him that's not the way you do it...and Ding! Ding! Ding! Here we go...it was like participating in the ski jump, everything went down hill until the grand finale of soaring down the hill at cat like speeds until the finish line, a.k.a. the truck. The contact situation clearly would not work, so we ambled next door to look at the glasses. The line was quite long, but we decided to stick it out. Of course by the time it was our turn, she called the insurance company to verify the amount of coverage, and their office had closed. Isn't this about par. Now the analogy would be somewhat comparable to an avalanche. I kind of wanted to melt into the floor.
In the midst of it all, I am reminded of the importance of this weekend. The sacrifice of our Lord to face trial and tribulation and pay the ultimate price for our sins. What a glorious day tomorrow represents. He is risen and alive to save us from ourselves. I will leave you with the chorus of a song called 'Lead me to the Cross':
Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out,
Bring me to my knees, Lord, I lay me down
Rid me of myself, I belong to You,
Oh, lead me, lead me to the cross.
Wishing you all a wonderful Easter weekend.
When I arrived home mid morning, Wade and I went over to Corpus to get our eye exams. I have to have mine every year to get contacts,however, Wade hasn't had one in years. It never fails that the person slightly off kilter with their attitude will be the one to help Wade. Expect no less in this case. He wanted to try and wear contacts in order to correct his blurry vision. Learning to wear contacts is difficult, more so I think at a later age. The lady kept sighing at him and telling him that's not the way you do it...and Ding! Ding! Ding! Here we go...it was like participating in the ski jump, everything went down hill until the grand finale of soaring down the hill at cat like speeds until the finish line, a.k.a. the truck. The contact situation clearly would not work, so we ambled next door to look at the glasses. The line was quite long, but we decided to stick it out. Of course by the time it was our turn, she called the insurance company to verify the amount of coverage, and their office had closed. Isn't this about par. Now the analogy would be somewhat comparable to an avalanche. I kind of wanted to melt into the floor.
In the midst of it all, I am reminded of the importance of this weekend. The sacrifice of our Lord to face trial and tribulation and pay the ultimate price for our sins. What a glorious day tomorrow represents. He is risen and alive to save us from ourselves. I will leave you with the chorus of a song called 'Lead me to the Cross':
Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out,
Bring me to my knees, Lord, I lay me down
Rid me of myself, I belong to You,
Oh, lead me, lead me to the cross.
Wishing you all a wonderful Easter weekend.
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