Day of Rest
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Today is Day 7 of my "training." So far, so good...I think. I began running some on Wednesday, and I'm doing better each day. I started on the treadmill, but I just knew I was going to fly off the back! So, I began walk/running in my very HILLY neighborhood! Today, it was so beautiful outside, I could hardly wait for Russ to get home and get out and walk/run. Russ just got a new camera that he has been talking about since last summer! So, we walked the trails around the Natchez Trace. It was very pretty, and the weather was perfect! I was the only person in sleeveless and shorts, but that's okay. By the time I finished, I was burning up! Yes, Russ did walk and run with me on my cue. He definitely carried his backpack with his camera to take a few shots. Most of them are terrible! Not because of his photography skills, but because I had no makeup and an awful "running face." I'll have to work on that! Ha!
My hair was greased down on my head since I had not washed it before running. Thankfully, Russ had his cap in the car.
After our run/walk, we went downtown to eat lunch at Rooster's. Then, we walked around the capital, and Russ took some pictures with his new camera.
It has been a very fun and gorgeous day!
My hair was greased down on my head since I had not washed it before running. Thankfully, Russ had his cap in the car.After our run/walk, we went downtown to eat lunch at Rooster's. Then, we walked around the capital, and Russ took some pictures with his new camera.
It has been a very fun and gorgeous day!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Some days school takes everything out of me. Some days I wonder WHY in the world I'm torturing myself so. Some days I'm so tired that I take a nap in my car in the garage just because I can't move one more muscle to get out of the car. And, then, some days are just plain fun! I'm not saying that today was a "fun day" due to the school-wide MCT2 Mock Testing we've been doing. But, it did have a fun part.
As buses were being called this afternoon, I still had a couple of buses that had not come yet. One student said, "Man, our bus always be late!" One of my fellow teachers was in the room and did like all good teachers do...said, "Excuse me?" The kids kept talking, and out of habit, continued to say things like, "We be riding home..." "They be saying..." "Who be out there..." Finally, Mrs. Taylor told the kids to take the word "be" out of their vocabulary all together. She joked saying that even when they see a bee flying around, they should just call it a buzzing insect. I told them even when they are talking about the letter "B," they should just say, "You know. That letter with a top hump and a booty." The kids got a kick out of that. A few minutes later, I had the kids tell Mrs. Taylor how well they did on their nine weeks tests. Shanora (literally 3 feet tall probably!) says, "I got all A's and a top hump with a booty!" She was so happy about her A's and [B's]. Of course, we were doubled over with laughter! I love moments like that!!
Shanora is the one in the middle.
In fact, I think I'll walk/run outside today just because of that comment!
As buses were being called this afternoon, I still had a couple of buses that had not come yet. One student said, "Man, our bus always be late!" One of my fellow teachers was in the room and did like all good teachers do...said, "Excuse me?" The kids kept talking, and out of habit, continued to say things like, "We be riding home..." "They be saying..." "Who be out there..." Finally, Mrs. Taylor told the kids to take the word "be" out of their vocabulary all together. She joked saying that even when they see a bee flying around, they should just call it a buzzing insect. I told them even when they are talking about the letter "B," they should just say, "You know. That letter with a top hump and a booty." The kids got a kick out of that. A few minutes later, I had the kids tell Mrs. Taylor how well they did on their nine weeks tests. Shanora (literally 3 feet tall probably!) says, "I got all A's and a top hump with a booty!" She was so happy about her A's and [B's]. Of course, we were doubled over with laughter! I love moments like that!!
Shanora is the one in the middle.In fact, I think I'll walk/run outside today just because of that comment!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I don't know how many of you follow MckMama's blog, but I have been following it since before her youngest child was born this winter. Stellan was diagnosed with major heart problems in utero. His doctors assured MckMama that he would not live. However, after thousands of prayer warriors joined the MckMama family in prayer, Stellan was born without a trace of problems with his tiny heart. He was perfect...a normal baby boy. This week, Stellan was taken to the ER for respiratory problems. These problems, along with treatment, led to Supra Ventricular Tachycardia. His heart has been going in and out of SVT ever since. The doctors have been unable to regulate his heart for any length of time. Today, Stellan flipped into V-Tach, which can be deadly...especially in babies. As I think about and pray for this little life, I am in awe of his mother's unwavering faith and peace. You absolutely MUST go over to MckMama's blog and read this story. Add this family to your prayer list for sure!
After downloading the new Mandisa album last night, I have listened to it several times already. My sister-in-law texted me tonight to point out one particular song. She told me that it really puts things into perspective. I'm sure she told me this to encourage me in our infertility journey. However, when I played it while reading the lyrics, I immediately thought of MckMama and Stellan. How amazing to have the faith and know that He is with you no matter the situation! We can ALL relate to this song. Please take a listen and read the words as you do. It's incredible!
---------Sorry! This is the only video I could find!
He Is With You
There’s a time to live
And a time to die
There’s a time to laugh
And a time to cry
There’s a time for war
And a time for peace
There’s a hand to hold
In the worst of these
He is with you when your faith is dead
And you can’t even get out of bed
Or your husband doesn’t kiss you anymore
He is with you when your baby’s gone
And your house is still, and your heart’s a stone
Cryin’ God, what’d You do that for
He is with you
There’s a time for yes
And a time for no
There’s a time to be angry
And a time to let it go
There is a time to run
And a time to face it
There is love to see you
Through all of this
He is with you in the conference room
When the world is coming down on you
And your wife and kids don’t know you anymore
He is with you in the ICU
When the doctors don’t know what to do
And it scares you to the core
He is with you
We may weep for a time
But joy will come in the morning
The morning light
He is with you when your kids are grown
When there’s too much space and you feel alone
And you’re worried if you got it right or wrong
Yes He is with you when you’ve given up
On ever finding your true love
Someone who feels like home
He is with you
When nothing else is left
And you take your final breath
He is with you
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
After downloading the new Mandisa album last night, I have listened to it several times already. My sister-in-law texted me tonight to point out one particular song. She told me that it really puts things into perspective. I'm sure she told me this to encourage me in our infertility journey. However, when I played it while reading the lyrics, I immediately thought of MckMama and Stellan. How amazing to have the faith and know that He is with you no matter the situation! We can ALL relate to this song. Please take a listen and read the words as you do. It's incredible!
---------Sorry! This is the only video I could find!
He Is With You
There’s a time to live
And a time to die
There’s a time to laugh
And a time to cry
There’s a time for war
And a time for peace
There’s a hand to hold
In the worst of these
He is with you when your faith is dead
And you can’t even get out of bed
Or your husband doesn’t kiss you anymore
He is with you when your baby’s gone
And your house is still, and your heart’s a stone
Cryin’ God, what’d You do that for
He is with you
There’s a time for yes
And a time for no
There’s a time to be angry
And a time to let it go
There is a time to run
And a time to face it
There is love to see you
Through all of this
He is with you in the conference room
When the world is coming down on you
And your wife and kids don’t know you anymore
He is with you in the ICU
When the doctors don’t know what to do
And it scares you to the core
He is with you
We may weep for a time
But joy will come in the morning
The morning light
He is with you when your kids are grown
When there’s too much space and you feel alone
And you’re worried if you got it right or wrong
Yes He is with you when you’ve given up
On ever finding your true love
Someone who feels like home
He is with you
When nothing else is left
And you take your final breath
He is with you
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Okay...I'm still going strong with this training thing. I am still walking, but my speed is getting faster. I'm walking 30 minutes and trying to increase my speed each day. My goal is to be jogging some next week following the 30/30 Plan. Now, take note that I have only ever jogged to my car. And even then, only when it rains! So, this jogging thing may sound easy to you...but not to me. In fact, I asked one of my coworkers today and Russ tonight, "What do I do with my arms when I run?" So silly! I think I did run some when I cheered in Jr. High - 12 years ago! I'm pretty sure that was only around the basketball court once or twice! I am very excited about it though! For the first time I am actually enjoying it and looking forward to my 30 minutes. I wanted to keep going tonight, but realized that it was bedtime. (And, here I am on the computer!) I have invested in running clothes - special thanks to Roan's suggestion in a very literal (for beginners) email! Russ is taking me to get fitted for running shoes tomorrow. I am a little nervous about that because I understand I may have to run for them to see what I need. Hopefully, my arms will know what to do!
In the meantime, I've been getting my iPod prepared each day for motivation. Russ's sister texted me today to let me know that Mandisa has a new album out. I love her! So, I immediately got on iTunes to check it out, and I LOVED it!!! I uploaded the entire album. It is perfect for running/walking! Most of the songs on the album are upbeat and just make you feel good. Another one of my favorites is "Ooh Ahh" by Grits. I always love when this one comes on the radio...I turn it up and shake what I can while driving. Now, for the rest of my music, my students would be so proud! I've picked up on some of the songs I've heard them singing - with the exception of "Stanky Leg!"
What's on your iPod? Any good ideas to keep me goin'?
In the meantime, I've been getting my iPod prepared each day for motivation. Russ's sister texted me today to let me know that Mandisa has a new album out. I love her! So, I immediately got on iTunes to check it out, and I LOVED it!!! I uploaded the entire album. It is perfect for running/walking! Most of the songs on the album are upbeat and just make you feel good. Another one of my favorites is "Ooh Ahh" by Grits. I always love when this one comes on the radio...I turn it up and shake what I can while driving. Now, for the rest of my music, my students would be so proud! I've picked up on some of the songs I've heard them singing - with the exception of "Stanky Leg!"
What's on your iPod? Any good ideas to keep me goin'?
New Recipe
Well, I was blog-hopping (as Roan calls it) yesterday and came across a new recipe that looked good, and it looked simple enough for me to try! What do you think?
Teriyaki Tenderloin
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 pork tenderloin (1 pound)
Directions:
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, sugar and ketchup. Add the pork tenderloin; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and discard marinade. Place pork in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 35-40 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Yield: 4 servings.
Teriyaki Tenderloin
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 pork tenderloin (1 pound)
Directions:
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, sugar and ketchup. Add the pork tenderloin; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and discard marinade. Place pork in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 35-40 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Yield: 4 servings.
Monday, March 23, 2009
I am taking someone else's words today. I read this at Beth Moore's blog. I related to this story so well...except the "I'm a mother" part. Sometimes I wonder if I should share my struggles with others in such a public format - or one on one, for that matter. This story reminds me of times when I felt alone in my struggles, longing for someone who understands. I have decided to "get REAL," and by doing so, maybe I can help someone else feel like there is someone else. You are not alone! We can learn from and lean on each other. Please take the time to read this!
-------------------------
When I was a teenager, I would look at the other kids at church and think I had absolutely nothing in common with them. They must all love being there every Sunday and Wednesday and never fight their parents about going. They must never wish they could do all the things their friends at school were doing. They must never sit on the row and be insecure because they weren't sure if their church friends were going to talk to them that day. They must have it all together.
There was even one day in Sunday school in 10th grade when we divided into stations to talk about issues teenagers faced. I went to the station on peer pressure and to my absolute shock, I was the only one! That further reinforced my belief that I alone was being pulled in by the undertow. Over time, with no one I felt I could relate to on the shore, I gave in to the strong current.
What grieves me now is that other kids were going through some of the same stuff I was, at least to an extent, but no one was talking about it. I didn't know. Many of us felt isolated in our secret struggles, whatever they might have been. Late in my senior year (which was the low point for me), I was at a party with some friends and a girl from my church was there. I didn't know her very well at the time. She told my boyfriend to spill some dirt on me because it was killing her to think I could be so perfect. Are you kidding me? Partly because of who my mom was, and partly because it's in our nature to think everyone else has it altogether but us, she had this very, very false perception that I didn't struggle.
Her words haunted me for the next year. I felt so bad that she had the wrong idea and that I had allowed the masquerade to persist. Eventually, the guilt got to me and I invited this friend to meet me for lunch. During our time together I was finally able to take off the mask. At that point I was a freshman in college and the Lord was delivering me out of the pit I had been in. Thankfully, I was also able to share the work He was currently doing in my life.
That friend was one of the first people I ever shared those struggles with. It was not easy for me, but it felt so good to be real with her. It marked a turning point in my life toward authenticity. I've found that it does me no good to surround myself with pretenders and it does others no good for me to be a pretender.
Two weeks ago Curtis and I were at a very low place in our parenting experience. Jackson's behavior had brought us to our knees and we felt hopeless. Annabeth was at my parents' house and we were driving in the car with him to Wednesday night church. Both of us were in tears because we were so frustrated. I asked Curt if this is how it was going to be for the next 15 years - us hating ourselves because we feel like failures and not even recognizing who we'd become. Neither one of us wakes up in the morning hoping we can spend the whole day disciplining our three-year-old, you know? We were seriously at our wits end.
Curt, trying to console me a bit, told me that his best friend had recently asked him how things were going with our two. Curt had told him that things were fine. His friend's reply was, "Thank God. If you'd told me things were good, I don't know what I would have done." Our friends are also in the trenches with their newborn and their two-year-old son. What if Curt had told him everything was great even though it wasn't? All four of us would have felt alone and like failures.
That night after Bible study, our Sunday school teacher and his wife summoned all the couples from our class over to a table. In tears, he shared a struggle they were having with their three-year-old daughter. They were at their wits end. They felt hopeless. Like failures. He literally said they wondered if this is how it was going to be for the next 15 years.
So we're not the only ones? We're not the only ones!
Curt raised his hand and said, "Us too!"
We were able to spend some time praying for one another. I can't tell you how encouraged Curtis and I felt. We had walked into church that night in despair and we left with hope.
You know what's crazy? That very night we saw a change in our son. And since then, his heart has been a little softer and a little quicker to respond to discipline. We saw the hand of God move in our situation - from our friends' vulnerability that let us know we weren't alone to our kid's softened heart.
People need us to be real. Of course, I don't mean "real" to the point that we're trying to shock others with our sin nature. We don't need to let it all hang out. I have struck out many times on this. We must be Spirit-filled to walk the fine line.
When we're authentic, two things happen. One, we encourage others who are struggling in the same way. And two, we allow ourselves to be encouraged by others who have been there.
I was once an incredibly self-righteous person. I was proud of being good. Then God let me eat it and I saw what was really in my heart. There was nothing good there. I learned to surrender my weak self to Jesus every single day and let Him change my heart. If I stopped doing that, I'd turn right back into my old self. That is the scariest thought ever. The stakes are especially high now that I'm a wife and a mother. So I no longer care to portray a false sense of goodness or perfection. I want to show others that He is good and He has is all together. He can take a heart that craves sin and make it thirst for righteousness. He can take a Failure and make her a Victor. He can take our struggles and turn them into strengths. That's what He's done for me, what He's doing for me, and what He'll keep doing for me until He takes me home.
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:5-7)
-------------------------
When I was a teenager, I would look at the other kids at church and think I had absolutely nothing in common with them. They must all love being there every Sunday and Wednesday and never fight their parents about going. They must never wish they could do all the things their friends at school were doing. They must never sit on the row and be insecure because they weren't sure if their church friends were going to talk to them that day. They must have it all together.
There was even one day in Sunday school in 10th grade when we divided into stations to talk about issues teenagers faced. I went to the station on peer pressure and to my absolute shock, I was the only one! That further reinforced my belief that I alone was being pulled in by the undertow. Over time, with no one I felt I could relate to on the shore, I gave in to the strong current.
What grieves me now is that other kids were going through some of the same stuff I was, at least to an extent, but no one was talking about it. I didn't know. Many of us felt isolated in our secret struggles, whatever they might have been. Late in my senior year (which was the low point for me), I was at a party with some friends and a girl from my church was there. I didn't know her very well at the time. She told my boyfriend to spill some dirt on me because it was killing her to think I could be so perfect. Are you kidding me? Partly because of who my mom was, and partly because it's in our nature to think everyone else has it altogether but us, she had this very, very false perception that I didn't struggle.
Her words haunted me for the next year. I felt so bad that she had the wrong idea and that I had allowed the masquerade to persist. Eventually, the guilt got to me and I invited this friend to meet me for lunch. During our time together I was finally able to take off the mask. At that point I was a freshman in college and the Lord was delivering me out of the pit I had been in. Thankfully, I was also able to share the work He was currently doing in my life.
That friend was one of the first people I ever shared those struggles with. It was not easy for me, but it felt so good to be real with her. It marked a turning point in my life toward authenticity. I've found that it does me no good to surround myself with pretenders and it does others no good for me to be a pretender.
Two weeks ago Curtis and I were at a very low place in our parenting experience. Jackson's behavior had brought us to our knees and we felt hopeless. Annabeth was at my parents' house and we were driving in the car with him to Wednesday night church. Both of us were in tears because we were so frustrated. I asked Curt if this is how it was going to be for the next 15 years - us hating ourselves because we feel like failures and not even recognizing who we'd become. Neither one of us wakes up in the morning hoping we can spend the whole day disciplining our three-year-old, you know? We were seriously at our wits end.
Curt, trying to console me a bit, told me that his best friend had recently asked him how things were going with our two. Curt had told him that things were fine. His friend's reply was, "Thank God. If you'd told me things were good, I don't know what I would have done." Our friends are also in the trenches with their newborn and their two-year-old son. What if Curt had told him everything was great even though it wasn't? All four of us would have felt alone and like failures.
That night after Bible study, our Sunday school teacher and his wife summoned all the couples from our class over to a table. In tears, he shared a struggle they were having with their three-year-old daughter. They were at their wits end. They felt hopeless. Like failures. He literally said they wondered if this is how it was going to be for the next 15 years.
So we're not the only ones? We're not the only ones!
Curt raised his hand and said, "Us too!"
We were able to spend some time praying for one another. I can't tell you how encouraged Curtis and I felt. We had walked into church that night in despair and we left with hope.
You know what's crazy? That very night we saw a change in our son. And since then, his heart has been a little softer and a little quicker to respond to discipline. We saw the hand of God move in our situation - from our friends' vulnerability that let us know we weren't alone to our kid's softened heart.
People need us to be real. Of course, I don't mean "real" to the point that we're trying to shock others with our sin nature. We don't need to let it all hang out. I have struck out many times on this. We must be Spirit-filled to walk the fine line.
When we're authentic, two things happen. One, we encourage others who are struggling in the same way. And two, we allow ourselves to be encouraged by others who have been there.
I was once an incredibly self-righteous person. I was proud of being good. Then God let me eat it and I saw what was really in my heart. There was nothing good there. I learned to surrender my weak self to Jesus every single day and let Him change my heart. If I stopped doing that, I'd turn right back into my old self. That is the scariest thought ever. The stakes are especially high now that I'm a wife and a mother. So I no longer care to portray a false sense of goodness or perfection. I want to show others that He is good and He has is all together. He can take a heart that craves sin and make it thirst for righteousness. He can take a Failure and make her a Victor. He can take our struggles and turn them into strengths. That's what He's done for me, what He's doing for me, and what He'll keep doing for me until He takes me home.
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:5-7)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
You may remember the day last week when I left Old Navy with a much larger pant size and went to join a gym immediately. Well, I have been trying to stay true to my commitment. I soon realized that I have very little self-discipline! I needed a goal or something to work for that will commit me to this daily gym routine. Russ is on call today, so I went to the gym alone - he will be shocked to find this out. When I was on the treadmill, it dawned on me. When I left the gym, I was happy to have found a solution to my lack of self-discipline.
Me leaving the gym...after finding the solution to my problem. Happy!
I can register for a 5K! That is something small and attainable for me. Who knows? It might even be fun! The only 5K races that I found nearby were during vacation weeks. I was looking for summer races. We are going to San Francisco with Russ's brother and family. I knew that could not be moved. I just made reservations for Russ and I to go to Seaside this summer also. One race fell on the day we were scheduled to leave. I called the Cottage Rental Company and moved our vacation back one day so I could register. This is serious! I texted Russ, and he was very excited. I registered us both in the G.I. Associates 5K. It is a new addition to the Renaissance at Colony Park Half-Marathon, which was Mississippi's largest race last year.
So...I'm committed!
I went to Roan's blog because I remembered her having "beginner runner" advice. I found a website that will get me to beginning runner status. That's correct. I'm definitely NOT a runner yet! I can run to my car and be completely out of breath! I am currently working on the 30/30 plan. Then, once I've gotten used to jogging or running short distances, I plan to move onto Training for My First 5K. If you're interested in joining me on this journey of running for fitness, maybe those websites will be useful to you.
And maybe...just maybe...I'll be able to fit a swimsuit over this big booty by the time we leave for Seaside! That's the goal anyway!
Me leaving the gym...after finding the solution to my problem. Happy!I can register for a 5K! That is something small and attainable for me. Who knows? It might even be fun! The only 5K races that I found nearby were during vacation weeks. I was looking for summer races. We are going to San Francisco with Russ's brother and family. I knew that could not be moved. I just made reservations for Russ and I to go to Seaside this summer also. One race fell on the day we were scheduled to leave. I called the Cottage Rental Company and moved our vacation back one day so I could register. This is serious! I texted Russ, and he was very excited. I registered us both in the G.I. Associates 5K. It is a new addition to the Renaissance at Colony Park Half-Marathon, which was Mississippi's largest race last year.
So...I'm committed!
I went to Roan's blog because I remembered her having "beginner runner" advice. I found a website that will get me to beginning runner status. That's correct. I'm definitely NOT a runner yet! I can run to my car and be completely out of breath! I am currently working on the 30/30 plan. Then, once I've gotten used to jogging or running short distances, I plan to move onto Training for My First 5K. If you're interested in joining me on this journey of running for fitness, maybe those websites will be useful to you.
And maybe...just maybe...I'll be able to fit a swimsuit over this big booty by the time we leave for Seaside! That's the goal anyway!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
That's right! Match Day has come and gone! Thank goodness!! As my mother would say, "Whooooo whooooo!" Our day began with a nice breakfast at River Hills Country Club. It was wonderful! However, I was too nervous to eat much at all! By the time everything was over, I was starving!!! While we were at breakfast, my mom went on over to UMC to save seats. I'd say she got there around 8:00 and made friends, as usual! We came on over around 9:45. Russ seemed to be enjoying himself while I sat with knots in my stomach, unable to breath due to the Spanx, and an incredible urge to make a quick bathroom stop but couldn't bare the thought of taking the Spanx off and than back on! Way too difficult! So, I sat and waited...tapping my foot the entire time. Of course, while we waited I took a few pictures to remember the day!
Russ and me when we first found our seats
Almost the whole crew - Russ, me, my mom and Russ's mom
Me and Mama - she loves getting places early and saving the BEST seats available! Thanks Mama!
The proud parents
Felicia, Pat, Russ and me
Class of 2009
A happy couple after Match Day
I think Russ's parents are really excited about us being closer to home! His dad even said they were going to finish up the guest room for us! Check out their blog for more pictures.
Congratulations, Russ and Class of 2009!!!
Russ and me when we first found our seats
Almost the whole crew - Russ, me, my mom and Russ's mom
Me and Mama - she loves getting places early and saving the BEST seats available! Thanks Mama!
The proud parents
Felicia, Pat, Russ and meThen, it was time to begin! Now, let me just give you the rundown so that you can better understand my anxiety! After showing a fifteen minute video about the history of UMC, several people spoke. I think they were very nice speeches. However, I could not tell you what any of them were about because I wasn't really listening. I just wanted to know WHERE we were going!!! When the results finally began, we all just took a deep breath.
This is how Match Day works: One person draws a name for the first person to walk up to the front. Each person drops $5 in a doctor bag, draws another name (to follow), takes his results, walks up to the microphone, and reads the results to over 500 people! Oh my! I would die if I had to do all that! All the while, not knowing where you will be matched. After that person reads their results, they walk over and place a pin in the map where they will be doing their residency. Then, the next person (who was drawn) is called. This goes on for all 96 people! Now...in case you're wondering what in the world the $5 is for, let me tell you. The person who has sat patiently through all the other 95 names wins a consolation prize, I suppose, of nearly $500!! Not a bad deal, right? Well, that wasn't Russ, Thank goodness! I could not have sat that long.
So, Russ's name was called. Mama and me took a deep breath - fairly audible, I would say. Russ did great! He dropped his money, drew another name, took his placement, and walked to the microphone to announce his results. I'll give you one clue.
This is how Match Day works: One person draws a name for the first person to walk up to the front. Each person drops $5 in a doctor bag, draws another name (to follow), takes his results, walks up to the microphone, and reads the results to over 500 people! Oh my! I would die if I had to do all that! All the while, not knowing where you will be matched. After that person reads their results, they walk over and place a pin in the map where they will be doing their residency. Then, the next person (who was drawn) is called. This goes on for all 96 people! Now...in case you're wondering what in the world the $5 is for, let me tell you. The person who has sat patiently through all the other 95 names wins a consolation prize, I suppose, of nearly $500!! Not a bad deal, right? Well, that wasn't Russ, Thank goodness! I could not have sat that long.
So, Russ's name was called. Mama and me took a deep breath - fairly audible, I would say. Russ did great! He dropped his money, drew another name, took his placement, and walked to the microphone to announce his results. I'll give you one clue.
"Walking in Memphis
Walking with my feet 10 feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
Do I really feel the way I feel?"
Walking with my feet 10 feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
Do I really feel the way I feel?"
Yep! Russ was matched for his radiology residency at Baptist in Memphis!!! Yay! That was our first choice! We won't go immediately to Memphis. Russ will do a preliminary year in internal medicine here. Then, it's off to Memphis! After Russ's turn, I was really able to enjoy the day! I was cheering and laughing as everyone read off their results.
Class of 2009
A happy couple after Match Day
I think Russ's parents are really excited about us being closer to home! His dad even said they were going to finish up the guest room for us! Check out their blog for more pictures.Congratulations, Russ and Class of 2009!!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A couple of weeks ago, during the chaos of testing at school, identifying the person who forged $750 on my account, finishing the floors, dealing with the early miscarriage, and having house guests...my phone mysteriously separated. When I say separated, I mean completely broke into two pieces - attached only by a thin cord. It still worked for a day or two. Then, all of a sudden - nothing! Eventually, it completely broke into two completely different objects! I mean, I feel NAKED without my cell phone!!!
I couldn't text or receive messages! I was miserable! What if Roan needed to ask me a question?! What if Dustin gets lost on his way to my house!? Russ did let me use one of his old phones in the meantime. However, I was still frustrated because it was much more difficult to use. Thankfully, one of our phones in our plan was due an upgrade and I was able to order a new phone! When you order online, you receive FREE shipping, a rebate, and a discounted price - not to mention the fact that you don't have to enter and WAIT in an AT&T store. Not fun! Well, it came in today!!!!!!!! Yay!!! I'm so happy!!!
Yes, I broke down and ordered a Blackberry. My mom got this phone a few weeks ago, and I made fun of her so bad because - well - you just should have seen her trying to work it! Then, I go off and order one for myself! Yes, she just rolled her eyes. I spent the evening trying to figure out the buttons. Namely, how to turn it on and make a call! I talked to my mom and told her I was still trying to figure out how to work this phone. She busted out laughing, saying "Oh really!?"
I have now figured out the main functions and am ready to text the minute we find out the results of Match Day. Which of the five places we ranked will it be? Results will be announced at 11:00 tomorrow morning! Stay tuned....
I couldn't text or receive messages! I was miserable! What if Roan needed to ask me a question?! What if Dustin gets lost on his way to my house!? Russ did let me use one of his old phones in the meantime. However, I was still frustrated because it was much more difficult to use. Thankfully, one of our phones in our plan was due an upgrade and I was able to order a new phone! When you order online, you receive FREE shipping, a rebate, and a discounted price - not to mention the fact that you don't have to enter and WAIT in an AT&T store. Not fun! Well, it came in today!!!!!!!! Yay!!! I'm so happy!!!
Yes, I broke down and ordered a Blackberry. My mom got this phone a few weeks ago, and I made fun of her so bad because - well - you just should have seen her trying to work it! Then, I go off and order one for myself! Yes, she just rolled her eyes. I spent the evening trying to figure out the buttons. Namely, how to turn it on and make a call! I talked to my mom and told her I was still trying to figure out how to work this phone. She busted out laughing, saying "Oh really!?"
I have now figured out the main functions and am ready to text the minute we find out the results of Match Day. Which of the five places we ranked will it be? Results will be announced at 11:00 tomorrow morning! Stay tuned....