Today's Blog is brought to you by...

the number
1000

April writing...

Yep! That's right! Cory and I have hit over 1000 visits to our BLOG!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!! Ok who's throwing the party??? I am quite excited...although *clearing throat and raising voice...* The visits FAR out number the COMMENTS!! *aaahhheeemmm* Excuse me, I feel better :)

In OTHER good...no wait...let me change that...in other GREAT news VERB Students Ministries' FIRST ANNUAL (as I am SURE it will be) Murder Mystery Theater was a HUGE-MONGOUS success!!! With the Cast, Crew and all the Guests...we had over 200 in attendance!!! That was just awesome! I think one of the greatest parts of that is that were so many people from the surrounding community and even other churches there!! It was a fundraising event to raise funds for the Youth Groups Missions trip to Puerto Rico. All the kiddos going on the trip where involved somehow in the event!

The CAST was amazing!! Saxony, Sam, Olivia, Corynne, Dan, Amanda, Ashley, Sarah, Summerly, Bekah, Cameron, Leon, Pastor Ed, Jason...you all did an AMAZING job!!! I am just SO proud of ALL of you! I was just beaming sitting backstage as each scene passed just so eager for the audience to see the end! When I walked around during the table discussions I was SO excited to see the audience getting SO into the storyline and trying to figure out "Who-done-it". Some people were making notes on thier programs, some were passionatly discussing who they think did it and how. Then there were some that were trying to bribe Brittany for the answers!! The show ended beautifully!! The crew...Jason and PC you were great as well!! We couldn't have done it without you!! All the wait-staff...I am not sure who all helped...but you were AMAZING...and all the DESSERTS!!! THANKS Ladies Ministries!!! The night was just simply...SPECTACULAR. I couldn't have asked for it to go any better. *although I am hoping that next time the AIR works a little better...geessshhh!!!* I am so eager for our next one and I hope that it DOES get bigger and better just like Brittany said!

Check out PICTURES from the evening!

...my NEW boyfriend

April writing...

Bennet Andrew Peters. He's adorable. Well done to the lucky parents, Andrew and Terri. You have made a beautiful baby and I am SO happy he is here!!! Now, I gotta get cooking on his future Buddy or Girlfriend :) *teehee*

the month of MAY...

April writing...

I already can't breathe. Neither can my wallet. We are suffocating and it is ONLY May 1st. In my family...both sides mind you...the Eslicks and the Sharpes...the month of May is udderly-nutso-craziness.

Here's a brief but still overwhelming rundown of how the monthly schedule is effected by just birthdays and anniversaries alone...(we are talking $ for birthday gifts and anniversary cards!)
May 7th - Pickle and Olives' Birthday - (it is actually Pickles birthday, we know that Olives is sometime NEAR the month of may, but not neccisarily when exactly. So we lumped them together, after all they are just doggies!)
May 15th - JoJo and Tammy's 10th Wedding Anniversary (My bro & sis-in-law)
May 16th - Bekahs 17th Birthday (My little sister)
May 20th - MY 27th birthday....(hoorahh??!!)
May 24th - Cary, My Father's Birthday
May 25th - Cristy, My Mother-In-Law's Birthday

YIKES...

Now onto the section involving other miscellaneous activities that will take up the majority of our TIME this month...also very overwhelming...
May 3rd - Murder Mystery Dessert Theater (a fundraiser/play that I am directing with our Youth Group to raise funds for the Puerto Rico Missions trip this summer.)
May 9th - Mother Daughter Banquet
May 10th - Our YARD SALE!!! (finally, after like 3 years of needing to have one!)
May 10th - Club 56 & Middle School Service 5-9 pm
May 10th - Cory has OT from 8pm-Midnight
May 11th - Mother's Day
May 11th - Cory has OT from 8pm-Midnight
May 12-16th - Police Week in DC (which will involve Cory being a way a few days there for stuff happening and one day were I attend a luncheon with him for the National Law Enforcment Officers Memorial Fund Ambassadors...Cory is one.)
May 16th - Cory has OT from 8pm-Midnight
May 17th- Work in the Yard day (yep, that's right...major back yard renovation...thank you Pres. Bush for the $1200 to accomplish this goal!! We even rented the DINGO!) *maybe the DINGO ate your baby!...sorry had to.*
May 22nd - Stampin Up Scrapbooking Club
May 26th - Memorial Day Picnic (hosted at our house...ehhhh)
May 29th - Cory's College Graduation (that's right ladies and gentlemen, my dear hubby is finally graduating college with his AA in Criminal Justice...*cheers and clapping from the crowd*)

DEEP BREATH!!!!!! So, if you are keeping score, we are at about 15 or so events that are filling up this 31 day month.

Now onto the normal activities...of every day...
May 2nd - Planning and preparing night for the Murder Mystery
May 4th - Church in the AM, Youth Leaders Mtg at 12:30 pm
May 5th - Small Group, 7 pm our house
May 6th - Cory has School in the evening
May 7th - VERB at 6 pm
May 8th - Cory has School in the evening
May 11th - Church in the AM
May 12th - Small Group, 7 pm our house
May 21st - VERB 6 pm
May 25th - Church in the AM
May 28th - VERB 6pm

AHHHHHH!!! Are you with me on the SHEER CRAZINESS of it all! There are literally only like 7 days this month that there is nothing going on. And it is STILL early my friend...although I am seriously working hard on saying, "NO!", "No Thank You," "We are busy," "Can't make it." We will see how that goes though!

EEHHHHH..Not to mention work every day...and Cory's work schedule!! Oh boy oh boy!!!

There are a couple of really exciting things happening this month though. In fact, today one of my best friends is set to be induced...although she is just sitting around waiting in the hospital for now...she should hopefully be holding her little bundle of joy at somepoint in the next 24 hours!! And also, two of our other best friends, Jason and Brittany are due to find out the sex of thier baby on Monday!!! *fingers crossed that there are no legs crossed!*

*sigh* Anywho...hopefully we will make it to the end of this month still breathing although probably slightly out of breath! How's your MONTH of MAY looking???

Ehhh.

April writing...


Seriously.

So I love my job. I do. But somedays when I have ABSOLUTELY no work to do...it is KILLER! Take today for instance. I made the mistake of going to weigh in at the 10:30 class rather than the lunchtime class, cause my tummy was a-rumbling. And after that, the rest of this blessed LONGEST day ever has dragged on and on and on!! *Note to self* NEVER take an early lunch.

I have filed all that needs to be filed and then some I re-filed.
I have updated our Birthday and Address list with our new employees information.
I have called back clients for one of the bosses.
I have ordered more postage.
I have priced and compared cordless headsets for my desk.
I have dusted, cleaned and slightly re-arranged my desk.
I have opened and distributed all the mail.
I have cleaned out "My Documents" and "My Pictures".
I have surfed more internet than I care to relive.
I have looked for pics and ideas for VERB and POLARITY advertising.
I have surfed eBay and looked at some wild live auctions.
I am dying.

and I have

ONE

HOUR

LEFT.

Now granted, I could be awating amazing news of the sex of my baby like Jason and Brittany, as I am sure their days are creeping along till then.
I could be awaiting the birth of my child by induction like Terri and Andrew, I know she is anxious.

So yes, I understand that one hour is NOT that bad.

but still.

I have resorted to BLOGGING about how bored I am. Blogging it. Like you want to READ that!!

Oh, well I wish I had more to say...but for all the useless information and items I have run across on the internet today, I still have NOTHING to say.

oh well. Off to do more incredibly boring nothings till I leave now in 57 minutes. Adios.

It's...GONE.

April writing...

And I am speaking of my wedding ring. It has disappeared. I mean G O N E. Bye-Bye...Adios...No Findy...GONE.

I am sufficiently saddened and upset about this fact. I have NEVER...and I honestly mean NEVER lost my ring. I have left it in a pocket or on a shelf in the kitchen, but never LOST it.

I cried last night cause I was just so stinking upset. I mean, this is MY symbol of UNITY to my husband...not that I feel like any lesser of a wife for not having a ring on my finger, but it is kind of a big deal to me. (Surprisingly...I just didn't think it would affect me like this!!)

Cory and I had at one point talked about replacing our rings to kind of update our changing tastes. So that looks like it will be sooner than later I guess. Not $ I wanted to spend right now...but oh well. What can you do? I know I can't walk around with NO ring on my finger...I have felt naked for the past two days!!

This morning I put on one of my Grandmother's rings to help cover the nekked-ness!!!

So there is my sad, sad story.

ALSO - BABY UPDATE!!

Clomid hasn't been successful so far for Cory and I. Within the next week I will start round 3! We are PRAYING hard that this one works...you know, the whole "3rd times a charm" bit...that would be nice :) SO PRAY HARD!!! We want our baby! :) I will keep you posted!!!

Slater Gators!!!

A call I handled on April 27, 2008

Cory writing....

I responded to a call for a family violence in progress. The notes of the call stated that the mother was fighting with her 16 year old son.

I arrived on the scene and located the mother. She advised me that she found her son passed out in the hallway and next to him was an empty bottle of alcohol. He was so intoxicated that he passed out, so dad took him into his bedroom. He was very combative with his parents, but when I got there he was asleep in his bedroom.

I continued to talk with mom and tried to explain that there wasn't anything we could do for her. I advised her to contact Social services and see if they can give her advice. She told me that she already talked to them and they told her the only way they could help her is if she signed a form that says she is "an unfit parent." She didn't want to do that because they would take all of her kids away. (Here is where she makes a great statement)

She stated, "That is ridiculous, I am not an unfit parent, he is an unfit kid."

I had the hardest time keeping a straight face after this one. I wonder why this lady is having so many problems.

You can't make this stuff up.

This goes out to truly the BEST helpmate.

Cory Writing.......

I just wanted to blog and get out into public how God has blessed me with the best helpmate.... My Wife April.

The definition of helpmate is as follows......HELPMATE noun...a companion and helper.

My wife truly lives this everyday. She is my companion when I am in a bad mood, she is my companion when I need a sounding board, she is my companion when I have had a bad day at work, she is my companion when I need a shoulder to cry on, she is my companion when I need someone to sit with. She is a companion even when she doesn't want to be. Baby Thank you for being the best companion.

She is always there to help me out. When I come home with this really great idea... she is the one that helps to put life into the idea. She is the one that helps me lift my head when it has been pushed down by the weight of the job. She is the one that helps me find the gentle person I push to the background because of my job. She is the one that helps me be my best. Baby Thank you for being the best Helper.

April I am sorry that I am not as great as a companion or a helper as you are to me, but remember I am a work in progress and God has some great things in store for us. I want you to know that when God blesses us with kids you are going to be a great mother. Thank you for all you do to make our house run smoothly.

I love you mostest infinity with a Hershey kiss on top.

Secret S T A T S

April writing...
The Secret STAT challenge *thanks Lindsey

We are all a little random at heart...especially me. So here goes, *you are about to take a trip through my brain* be afraid, be very afraid...You'll know be better in the end, if you didn't already know me well enough :)

*I am newly addicted to Hershey's 100 Calorie Choclate Wafer Bars (only 2 points on WW)
*I have three grandparents still living, one that just celebrated his 90th Birthday :)
*I want two kids....boy first, then girl (you know, in case someone is listening heehee)
*I grew up being called "Grape Ape" and "Apee" by friends and family
*I thourghly enjoy MTV Drama...not sure why, cause I always feel dumb after watching haha!
*I am bummed that this is ER's last season on TV...I have been watching since before Dr. Doug Ross and Nurse Carol Hathaway got together and had twins.
*I enjoy a good long shower before bed most nights
*I love having my toenails painted, but HATE painting them myself, but what is worse is having someone else do them. Ick *feet are nasty*
*I love the smell of clean sheets and I drive my husband nuts washing our sheets and stuff all the time (don't even get me started on how often HE says I should clean them...eww)
*When I am sick, I clean. It makes me feel like I am cleaning out the ick that got me into the sickly predicament to begin with.
*I am a lover of music, but can rarely pick a favorite song, band, musician, etc.
*My therapy is Scrapbooking and no...it's not neccesarily cheaper.
*My new hero = Martha Stewart
*I would, if we could afford it...have our own house built to our liking.
*I enjoy reading, but don't do it near often enough
*I have never broken a bone, or even come close.
*I have sprained the same ankle 6 times (and bad too)
*I am the oldest of three daughters...and we are all VERY different.
*The older I get the more I am like my mother
*I much prefer texting or face to face talking rather than talking on the phone.
*I LOVE to sing in the shower...my song of choice..."I need a Hero." Although I do usually end up changing the words to suit what I am thinking about...haha...Or if I need Cory's attention to bring me something while in the shower...like soap, shampoo, etc.
*I have a phobia of fleas and I wash my dogs non-stop to keep them clean and flea free.
*Also dog related...I don't want someone to come in my house and know I have dogs by the smell...they have to smell clean or close to it and so does my house.
*I have been extremely overly gentle on our new sofas, I am too worried about wearing them in too soon. haha
*I have to wear water shoes in the ocean, even IF I can see my feet. Too much going on below the surface for my bare footsies.
*I secretly wish I could do gymnastics or dance
*I can't wait to be a mother...I have so many amazing ideas and goals...can't wait :)
*I love to make my husband laugh...the real laugh, where he sheds baby tears and can't catch his breath. It's just too cute.
*One day I will write my children's book...one day
*My alltime favorite movie is a dead tie..."Tommy Boy" and "The Princess Bride"
*I am addicted to internet communication...Myspace, Facebook, Blogging, Email, and the like. Seriously I am on daily at work...ALL DAY
*I would LOVE to be a better photographer
*I can't STAND putting on lotion before I go to bed.
*Who am I kidding, I can't stand putting on lotion...but I gotta
*I didn't get my ears pierced till I was almost 18 and that was only cause my boyfriend at the time (one of 3 1/2 years at that point) got me earrings for prom, and forgot I didn't EVER have my ears pierced.
*I love longer nails, but they get in the way of life.
*I eagerly anticipate sneezing, it always makes me head feel good.
*I can't go one day without clapping...seriously I have noticed this lately. I clap at the most random times, when I am excited...when I am trying to dance, to music, etc. It's nuts.
*My pinky toe is the most ticklish part of my body.
*I am organized...really really organized. Yet there still seem to be areas of my life, where that doesn't apply.
*I do not enjoy being tickled.
*I apparentally like talking about myself, cause I just keep spitting out random facts....

OK who's next...share your secret stats people!!

Priceless thing which occurred at work......

Cory finally writing again...(I remembered my password)

I had something happen at work that I thought would be nice to share with those who read my blog. I hope that I can do the story justice on here, so here goes.

I received a call to go to an intersection where a deer had been struck by a vehicle. When I arrived on the scene I noticed that there was not only one deer, but actually two deer struck by a vehicle. The only thing left on the scene from the vehicle was a bunch of little broken plastic piceses. No signs of the vehicle, but this vehicle had to have severe damage because they weren't small deer.

I got out of my vehicle and started to walk up to the deer because I was going to have to drag it out of the middle of the road. Well as I approached the deer I noticed that one of them was still alive. This really freaked me out because for some reason I have this fear of me pulling a deer off the road and it waking up and kicking my butt. (I guess I watched Tommy Boy one too many times, "Holy shnickes.") After I got over the idea of this deer being alive I walked over to the other deer to see if it was dead. Thank God this deer was dead, so I dragged it over to the side of the street, then I had to figure out what I was going to do with the deer that was still alive, but couldn't move.

For those of you that don't know we are supposed to shoot a deer that is hurt but still alive. It is the humane thing to do. My dilemma was that we are in the middle of Solomons Island Road (also known as Route 2) which happens to be a three lane highway going both ways. So I called my Sgt. who advised me to get another officer to block off one side of the road to stop traffic and find a safe background to shoot the deer. So I called another officer and he was en-route to help me block traffic.

While I waited for the officer to arrive on scene I sat in my car wishing for this deer to just die, so that I wouldn't have to shoot it. Something about shooting a deer while on duty just doesn't sit right with me. So as I am sitting here telling the deer to just die ... this deer decides, "Oh I am done lying her on the ground, I'm going to get up now." The deer literally bends in half trying to get up and running away. (this is where you animal rights people get up and get a tissue) The deer couldn't get up because clearly his legs were broken and his face was split from the end of his nose to past his ear. So he just flopped onto the road and gave what I thought was his last breath. WRONG

Finally the other officer arrived on scene. I advised him of what I was going to do and he pulled his car across the lanes to block traffic. He got out of his vehicle and I approached the deer and got into position to shoot the deer. Just as I took aim at the deer I heard a citizen asked, "Sir am I able to go around?" Just as the officer started to answer, "Ma am you might want to wait" BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM. I shot the deer and put it out of his misery.

I asked the other officer if he saw the ladies face when the gun went off, but he said, "no I was watching you." I told him I can only imagine what her face looked like. Here she was wanting to go around and the next thing she hears is a gunshot go off. I can only imagine what she was thinking. So I was able to put this deer out of it's misery, but this deer had the will to live because even after the gunshot it took another 5 minutes for the deer to finally breath its last breath.

Well that was my priceless story from work. That lady will probably never ask another officer again if she can go around a police barricade. She probably is calling a counselor as you read this for counseling sessions. Have a great day and until next time.......

Peace, love and hair grease.

...away.

April writing...(I think Cory forgot how to sign on...)

So I decided to write about our wonderful, yet slightly uneventful anniversary weekend away. And yes, it was OK that it was uneventful...we just relaxed and enjoyed our time together. We watched some movies and traveled around the small town there...called St. Michaels. I wish I had more to say...in fact when I started typing this (about an hour ago...haha...I forgot I started) I had more to say. Maybe I will encourage Cory to write more about his review of the Bed and Breakfast that we stayed at since he was slightly more passionate about how bad it was than I was. haha! (It wasn't THAT bad, just expensive for what we got.)
So, I guess I will do what I do best, which is to leave you with a picture or two...or three... :)

This is Cory and I standing in front of our Bed and Breakfast, the George Brooks House.

This is our WINDY attempt at a picture by the water!!! Kinda fun!

And us, in front of the pretty church in the center of town!

...All Things LOVE...

April writing... *a little lengthly but VERY worth the read*

April 5, 2003

It was Saturday morning...I woke up quite calm, rested and very excited about the days events. I got up...washed my face, brushed my hair and ate a donut. Just another typical saturday morning you may ask? Nope, quite the opposite. It was on this wonderful day that I would marry my best friend!

Me, my sisters and Manda met up to get our hair done. That was alot of fun, I was in the goofiest mood, a bit giddy for lack of a better word.

It was a fun low-key time of getting ready. My sisters and I, as much as we fought...I knew they were there to support thier big sister on her BIG day!

After getting our hair done, we headed to the church. I wanted to get there early so I wouldn't be rushed getting ready...haha, who knew what was coming...

Myself, Bekah, Sarah and Manda arrived at the church and slowly all my girls trickled in...Tammy and Hannah (Matron of Honor and Flower Girl) and Terri (bridesmaid). We all began getting ready. Mom and Aunt Sylvia were there with my Grandpa. We got our makeup and last minute hair fixes all done and began getting dressed...more people showed up and the excitement began to build. I couldn't believe how calm I was. I mean, I am a naturally chill person and I don't normally get stressed, but still, it was my WEDDING DAY and I was more calm than some of my girls.

My photographer showed up and began snapping pictures of us getting ready. Mom and Aunt Sylvia began preparing my dress...wait...what's this? "Oh no it's all wrinkled!!!" My mom and Aunt were shocked to find that apparentally the last time I had tried on my dress (to show my dad) we must have left it bussled, so when they took it down it was completely wrinkled. Now, if you know me...I just died laughing and I really didn't care one bit. But they weren't about to let me walk down the isle on my BIG day with a wrinkled wedding dress. So a good friend of ours, Lisa, was able to find a dry cleaners that would steam it for us really quickly and cheaply.

Now, bear in mind...it is about 12:45 pm by this point and my wedding started at 2:00 pm...and there goes the wedding dress out the door. My moms face said it all..."Oh man, what happens if the dress gets messed up or doesn't make it back in time." I was quite the opposite, I just began helping the girls finish getting ready and didn't seem to car a bit that my DRESS wasn't even there! haha! I just knew that I was about to get married and that was all that seemed important. I could have gotten married in my jeans and button-down shirt for all I cared.

We continued getting ready and there was a knock at the door. It was JoJo, Cory's brother delivering a gift to me from my husband. It was a little black box and a letter. The letter was a sweet representation of the feelings and emotions of my husband for that day and in the box was a beautiful necklace with a 'comedy/tragedy' mask as the charm. (I am very into acting and all things related to the stage) I graciously accepted my gift and returned the favor to be delivered by Tammy (JoJo's wife, my soon to be sister-in-law and Matron of Honor) She took my letter and gift to Cory. (It was a charm in the shape of a police badge with his number on it. Something he had wanted for a while.)

We were getting closer to the big moment...and still no dress....1:10 pm, 1:25 pm...FINALLY at 1:40 pm my dress arrived to the church all pressed and perfect, just for me! My mom helped me get dressed as my photographer snapped photos of the precious moment. Hannah helped me put my garter on, and that was just the silliest and cutest part of the day! 1:45 pm...DAD finally comes into the room. He is holding it together pretty well...all things considered. We posed for a few pictures and then it was time to get prepared for the Processional. This part I was excited about...

**Rewind about 5 months, picture April in her car after just having purchased the musical CD including the song for my processional. I quickly throw my keys in the seat, unwrapping the CD (with those stinking stickers on two of the four sides of the CD!!! boo) I open it up and quickly put the cd into the cd player. One by one I go through all the songs on the CD till I hit the right one...you know which one I am talking about...the Bridal processional...that one that stirs the same emotions for every girl...getting married. AHHHH. I literally played that song all the way home from Arundel Mills Mall (about 15 minutes) over and over and over. And I cried tears of excitement and joy!!! At that point I still had 5 months to go.**

But on this day, I had 5 minutes to go. So much time had flown by...all the planning and preparation. The agony over the tiniest of details all for this one perfect day.

My girls formed thier line and began walking in...one by one, as myself and my father hid in the doorway of the bridal room awaiting our turn. They closed the door and Dad and I stepped out into what seemed like an extended version of our churchs front lobby. We walked to our spot for what seemed like 5 minutes and once we got there, he leaned over and said..."Are you sure your ready for this?" I remember saying, "Definatly" and he replied with "Well, then let's go." He nodded to our wedding coordinator and the music started and the doors opened to a house full of family, friends, church members and some peoople I didn't even recognize at that moment. I tried to see Cory, but really couldn't until we got about halfway down the isle. Once I could see him, any butterflies that I may have had, just subsided and went away. Huh, speaking of butterflies...this is where it gets interesting.

When Dad and I got to the front of the church, our Pastor went through a brief paragraph of memories of myself and my family...provided by me. Then right before my Dad was to give me away...I heard these all to familiar notes being played overhead...I thought to myself..."Oh man, no they are NOT playing Butterfly Kisses!!! There is no way I can look up at my dad now without losing it. I have held it together so well up to this point!!" I glanced up at my soon to be husband first and saw this slightly sly-smile on his face knowing full well that he was thinking that his plan was coming around quite nicely. I slowly then glanced up at my dad once, twice, three times before I could finally lock my watering eyes with his watering eyes. We just looked at each other for a few moments and we cried together. The song played on and at one point and said, "You made me a father." Coinciding with the lyrics to the song, "She's looking like her mama a little more everyday. One part woman, the other part girl." That killed me...we were just balling, standing there together enjoying this special moment. When the part came that says, "She'll change her name today. She'll make a promise and I'll give her away." he leans over to me again and says, "This is the part where I am supposed to give you away, but I want to wait a couple extra seconds..." and he did, before slowly walking me closer to Cory and then giving me away to my future husband. The song ended and I finally was able to gather myself before continuing on with the cermony.

The rest really seems like a blur, I remember Cory and I chatting the whole time. Just laughing and talking, catching up with each other as if we hadn't seen each other for a week. We were totally excited and just completely into each other through the entire thing. I barely remember saying my vows. Then end came as quickly as the beginning and there we stood as Mr. & Mrs. Cory Eslick!!!! I felt like we RAN out of the sanctuary, partly out of excitement and partly because my feet were killing me!! As soon as we got into the lobby I had Cory take off my shoes before I lost the feeling in my little toes!!

The rest of the day was as perfect as the cermony! We had a blast at the reception just dancing and enjoying ourselves...this day that had been a year + of planning finally happened and I finally married my BEST friend in the whole wide world!!!

April 5, 2008

Fast Forward....5 years...still married, still going strong. I thank God every day for my wonderful husband. Of course we don't always get along and sometimes he frustrates the life out of me...but we can still laugh about it and have a good time and enjoy just talking to each other as if we were the young couple on stage at their wedding all over again. I enjoy every day seeing his face and knowing that God has blessed me with such a WONDERFUL man of God, a LOYAL friend and a LIFELONG companion. We have learned so much from friends, from our own struggles and celebrations. We have come so far and we have lived a wonderful life together so far.

Cory,

I still DO promise to be there for you no matter what.

I still DO promise to take care of you when you are sick and to enjoy life with you when you are well.

I still DO promise to love you when we are rich (or at least debt free right?!) and when we are poor and everywhere in between.

I still DO promise to always be the answer to your prayers...your helpmate...your lover and your best friend.

I still DO and I will continue to for the next 5 years, and 10 years after that and 20 years after that and more and more and more until death does part us.

I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you and to one day be the mother of your children and to grow old with you and yet, still be a kid with you. I love you with all of my heart...

I LOVE YOU MOSTEST INFINITY WITH A HERSHEY KISS ON TOP!!

I heart eBay.

April writing...again...cause Cory doesn't anymore apparentally :) *teehee*

OK, so just out of curiosity today I decided to backtrack and add up all the monies that I have made through eBay since joining in August of 05. Now, this total does include some eBaying through my side business...(which apparentally I have a few of...after thinking about that as well.) I have "Stampin' Up", "Heartscape Designs" and "eSlick Sells on eBay"! Hey, you can't say I don't TRY :)

Anywho, the total also includes shipping costs, so it will be a smaller amount when you look at exactly how much I have pocketed...but STILL...it is kinda exciting.

*drum roll please...*
Since August 2005 I have made an estimated $1,742.80 on eBay!!!

That is awesome. And I have really only sold about 60 items...mostly retired stamp sets and items found around the house. I am still looking for that piece of chicken in the shape of Jesus' head so I can make thousands on one item!

...seating arrangements...

April writing...

Today is MONDAY and I am EXCITED...*gasp* "Why?" you may ask am I so excted on a Monday???

Well it is because, Monday is a day closer to Thursday than Sunday was and two days closer to Thursday than Saturday was...and on Saturday, WE SOLD OUR COUCH and Thursday we PICK UP OUR NEW ONES!!! Yeah!!!

Granted, we weren't really excited to sell our couch, rather our sectional, as it was incredibly comfortable and nice and plush and great...but it took up TOO much space and it was not going to be able to fit in it's proposed future location...the basement, a.k.a. the Man Room, the Movie Theater, etc...It also blocked BOTH of the air/heat vents into the Living Room making that room slightly warmer or cooler than it should be in any given season! It also blocked, in my opinion the view of the perfectly wonderful HUGE picture window that we have in our LR. Boo. So it was TIME for it to go.

Thanks to Sarah for listing it for us...we got our buyer through that!!

Below I have taken a couple of pictures of our living room full of COUCH...haha!

See how it seems to cut off the full view of the picture window? I mean, sure...you can still see out of it...but ehh...it's just not the same...compared to what is pictured BELOW...the vast emptiness that is our current living room.

Now for the pictures of our empty yet spacious living room without the furniture...Pickle and Olive LOVED it...plenty of room to play and fight with each other :) Cory did well to enjoy it as well...as much as he could. In our little tiny video game chairs! :)

NOW...picture these...OUR NEW COUCHES in our Living room, come THIS Thursday afternoon. I can hardly contain myself. (apparentally since I have devoted one whole blog entry about it...yep, I am THAT bored at work! :)

Yep, there you will see ONE couch, ONE loveseat and ONE chair and ENDLESS seating arrangement possibilities!!!! I may just be even more excited about that aspect alone!!! With our old couch, we only had the option to place the couch as you saw it in the pictures due to it's size our LR layout and the couch layout itself. (being a sectional) It is a lovely light beige color with a dark wood trim accented on the bottom and lovely little buttons that give it a slightly modern charm. (Cory wasn't too fond of those though...I WAS! :) ) I will of course be swapping out the pillows unless they come in the solid matching color which may be a possibility.

*sigh*

I am just so pleased and ecstatic...the gals at small group tonight may not be so pleased, as we will be sitting on my dining room chairs instead of a comfy couch...but hey I'll throw out some yummy treats on the table...and next week it will be all better!!

Ok...I am pretty sure I am done talking about furniture now. *I am so simple* :)

Clomid Cycle 1....Bust.

April writing...

It no workey.

At least not the first round. Here's to wishing and hoping and praying that Cycle 2 works!!

(If you are at all completely lost as to what I am talking about, here's a little back story to bring you up to speed....http://2slicksgoodtimes.blogspot.com/2008/03/april-writing.html)

I just got off the phone with my RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist), Dr. McClamrock. He spoke with me about my bloodwork. Without going into detail, he said based on the bloodwork, my body did what it was supposed to, which is good, as that was a slight worry of mine. We then discussed the next plan...Cycle 2 of Clomid.

I will go into his office on Monday am (early...boo) to have another sonogram to check out the 'indoor' status...then I will start Clomid on a cycle day determined upon after he sees the sonogram. He did mention that he will boost my dosage up a bit...so here's to possibly more side effects.

Luckily during and after round one I only had a few mild hot flashes...although uncomfy, they were bearable. So hopefully by boosting my dose, it doesn't really boost the side effects too much.

The Doc said we will have to step it up a notch this go-around and possibly look into buying a couple OPK's (ovulation predictor kits) to boost the chances of well...doing it at the right time. :) As he said, "Being prepared and aware never hurts."

He also remembered that I was a little bit into my Weight Watchers journey when I saw him for my last sonogram, so he asked if I had lost any more weight since then. I told him, "Yes Sir! I am up to 22 pounds GONE!" He laughed and said, "Oh boy!! That can't hurt either!!" So, yeah for that...at least in the no-baby meantime I am dropping pounds! :)

So here we go...TTC (trying to conceive) Baby...Take 2.

PRAYERS are always appreciated! :)

Weight Loss UPDATE

Well, I am ALMOST THERE!!! Almost lost 23 pounds which would be my 10% goal!!! I am technically .8 lbs away...so JUST under a pound!! That shouldn't be a problem this week at ALL!!

I am TOTALLY excited and proud and giddy!!! AHH!! And right in time for tank top, shorts and bathing suit season. That will make it a little easier!!!

I am feeling alot of energy to do more around the house...my yard is worried cause it knows I am attacking it as soon as this nice weather hangs around for more than a day or two!

Here a run-down on the weight loss!!!

Update on my thoughts about His Story.

Cory Writing.......

I attended the His Story and as promised I went into it with a very positive attitude. Here is what I learned.

The production itself was very well written and very accurate. The acting was standard for people that don't act normally. While watching I realized that this play can't be classified as a bad play and it can't be compared to the play in California. It is so different from the play in California.

Our play in California was non-stop acting and singing. The play at Heritage is more of singing and then freeze frame type acting with a lot of narration. So I guess the play in California is like watching a movie and the play here in Maryland is like watching a powerpoint with narration and pictures flipping every so often. That is the best way to describe it, but as a good friend put it to me, "People are getting saved in both and that is what really matters." So good job to both churches for finding what works and who cares what I think and can or can't get over.

Until Next time.......

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The 3-Day Weekend :)

April writing btw...

So, it's Monday...the Monday after a 3-day weekend too. BOO!! Those are the hardest. Cory and I had a great Easter weekend with family and friends.

Friday, I was off for Good Friday (yippeee) So I slept in a little, then I got up and did some yard work. I have BIG plans to boost our curb appeal this spring and summer so I had to get the yard ready for that process. I can't wait either! I am kinda geeky in the sense that walking around Loews Garden Center makes me REALLY excited and happy!! haha!

Saturday, While Cory slept after getting home from work. I had Murder Mystery Theater practice with the kiddos involved. It was a very successful practice as there was alot of movement and distraction all around us with the His Story (our churchs' Easter production) gearing up for it's matinee performance. We had about 3 of our kids involved with that as well, so they were in and out of practice. Hopefully next week will be better. I think if I remember correctly, Cory and I just vegged on Saturday night. I made grilled pork chops and baked potatoes for dinner...YUMM!! After Cory left for work I did a little studying for my Sunday School class that was SUPPOSED to start on Sunday... :) *haha Jason!*

Sunday, EASTER! Cory got home from work and we got ready for church...we attended the packed-out 9 am service and then chatted with some people before Cory, Bekah and I left to go home to get ready for Easter Lunch with the family. At 2:00 pm we all gathered at John and Cristy's house (Cory's parents) for lunch. We had Ham, Baked Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, Veggies, Rolls, Salad...oh and thanks to Tammy we also enjoyed Brownies, Jello Eggs and Chocolate Covered Strawberries!!! YUUUUUUUMMMMMM! We chatted for a while, then Cory and I left with Hannah to run some errands and head to the church to see His Story (the above mentioned Easter production at church) It was nice...they did a good job. Pastor Cy, our Music Pastor (who also wrote the production) added some new scenes this year and I think they were all a nice touch. After that we (being Me, Cory, Hannah, Jason and Brittany) went to Pizza Hut for dinner. Then it was off to bed!!! yeah!! I was so tired. I have been exhausted lately.

AND before anyone says a THING about being pregnant...we don't know. I had my blood drawn on Wednesday and I talked to my doc's office today, they don't have any results back yet to see if the first round of Clomid did it's job and we were successful or not. So, we shall see. And make no mistake...Cory and I have been and still remain very patient and positive through this process. We know that God has bigger plans and he knows the perfect timing...so we wait :)

OK I think that about catches us up...btw...I see we have made it over 530 page views!!!! That is AWESOME!!! Now, let's see if we can boost the COMMENT ECONOMY around here!!! :) If you read, let us know...it really makes us feel good about ourselves :) haha!!

Talk to ya soon!

Just my inner thoughts put down on screen.

Cory Writing......

I am sitting here at work playing a game on the computer and my mind is racing. I was thinking about what I am going to do today, which is Easter Sunday. I know that I am going home after work and picking up my wife and going to church. I am then going with the rest of the family over to my parents house for Easter Lunch. I was then planning on going home to veg with my wife, until last night when my wife said she wanted to go see the Easter production that is happening at my church. Here is where Cory's mind goes nuts.

I am sitting here pondering whether being a part of great things ruins you from ever experiencing another great thing that is similar. Let me explain and hopefully you will understand.

When I was growing up in California our church put on this really great Easter production. I was apart of this production for 10 of the 16 years I lived in California. Not only do I have great memories from being involved, but I have great memories about how great the production was. Please don't take this as me bragging because I am well aware of the fact that it was 100% God that made this production great, because God knows we weren't great actors. The great memories from this production lead me to my problem now.

The Church I attend now has started to put on an Easter production. I am good friends with the music pastor that spends a great amount of time seeking God's will for the production. He also spends a great amount of time writing the script. While the production is saving a lot of lives for Christ, I still find myself comparing it to the production at my former Church. They are drastically different, thinking about it the only thing that is the same is the Crucifixion and Resurrection, but even those are portrayed differently.

My dilemma is ..... Am I a better person because I was a part of a great production in California or am I missing out on a blessing by not being able to get over how we did the production in California and enjoy the production here?

So I am letting everyone know right now. I am going to pray that God will help me watch the production later today with no preconceived ideas or notions. I will commit to enjoy this production for what this production has and not compare it. I do not want to live in the past, but enjoy the present and look forward to the future.

I will let you guys know how well I did and I will blog about the great things the production had to offer.

Thank you for letting me ramble. Hope this was thought provoking.

April's View...

*thanks Lindsey*

April writing...

I am taking a creative cue from my Weight Watchers buddy, Lindsey (who by the way is doing AMAZING on WW...congrats!!!) Today I am going to show you what it looks like at work for me. Lindsey made a good point on her page. Do you ever think as read someones blog or email, etc...and think, "I wonder what it looks like where this person is typing..." Well...I hadn't thought about it till I read Lindseys blog, but she is right...I HAVE thought that.

So, here is WORK...from April's point of view!

For those that don't know...I work in Columbia, MD at an Architecture and Interior Design firm. I work with some pretty cool people, and I really enjoy my job! I love the fact that I have TWO windows and a HUGE desk. I am also basically sitting in private...even though I am the receptionist. So that is nice too.

Here is what it looks like when you first walk into our office. That big desk is ALL me...Yep, little ol' me sits behind that massive thing! It's a little messy with some extra boxes right now...but that is because I just cleaned out or coat closest (that had like 10 years worth of crap in there!) I also have been completely re-filing and chronologically ordering about 10 years worth of files too...so that is some leftover dead files stuff to the left by the door. That door belongs to the book-keepers office. That used to be Debbie, but she is gone now. Soon we will have another new person joining us. (You can read about why she left here...http://2slicksgoodtimes.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-guess-i-should-say.html)

Next we have the view from behind my desk...and this is of course with me standing up...other wise, all I really see is the wall I sit behind! haha!

And this is what I stare at 6 hours a day. And yes, it is ALWAYS that nice and tidy. Otherwise I would go crazy. I like a clean workspace...and apparentally so do my bosses. They just love how organized I am...even though they do tease me for it! :)


This is just slightly left of where I sit everyday...See how close I am to a window! Which is great actually cause we have alot of freezing people in our office and they are always PUMPING the heat, so I have my window cracked almost at all times...thank heavens! I would probably roast to death. Oh and see all my plant action...LOVE IT. Especially this one....

It's my Ficus Bonsai. Oh yeah, it is that cool!

So t hat is basically it. My desk...my world for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. And I love it. It still hasn't quite gotten my touch, cause I keep forgetting to bring in pictures of my pups and hubby and all that, but I will get there!!! So....where do you work???

*twitch*

April *twitch* writing...

So today has be NUTS...and when I *twitch* say nuts, I mean CRA*twitch*ZY!! So it started when I came in this *twitch* morning. You see, how things work in my office, *twitch* since I am the receptionist...I am also the *twitch* catch-all for typing, transmittals, *twitch* faxing, mailing, etc. So today...my *twitch* desk was full of stuff when I first got in!

I had a total of 5 DHL orders to place...which *twitch* take about 2 minutes each if not already packaged, *twitch* about 6-10 minutes each if they aren't...which these weren’t. Then I had specs to type...and not just *twitch* ones with a few corrections, but like pages full of typing to add. (*note...it was midway through this job that the phones cut out, YEAH! But with them went the internet. So my *twitch* periodic blog and myspace comment checks were non-existent.) So after about an hour of typing specification *twitch* information about toilets and urinals and sinks, that job was *twitch* completed. Then onto preparing the mailout of about two dozen invoices and another dozen bills...*twitch*, which really isn't a lot it's just busy work that I don't truly enjoy first thing in the morning. I kinda like to ease into *twitch* it. (I know, I sound work-spoiled, but I am, and I will *twitch* admit it.) I completed the busy work and finally the phones and internet *twitch* were back up and running. YEAH, well at least about the internet!!! Just in time for an email, blog and myspace check before lunchtime. And boy did the phones *twitch* make up for the 35 minute break they had...it was *twitch* ringing off the hook. If only I knew this would be a foreshadowing taste of what was to become my *twitch* afternoon.

I finally decided after these jobs were completed and the phones calmed down...that it was *twitch* it was time for lunch. Which for me, meant a trip to Target to get some *twitch* stuff to prepare for the St. Patrick's Day party tonight. *twitch* I happily left the office knowing that for sure Target would cheer me up...as always...and it did. I fully enjoyed my lunchtime break at Target. So then I returned to work...

Then the real *twitch* fun began. Our internet went down...again...and the phones began to develop a mind of their own. The phone would ring, *twitch* I would answer it...and it would sound like a *twitch* fax machine fighting with a dying cat. Literally. I soon realized that if I hung up the line *twitch* after realizing that it was not a real call, that it would only ring right back to me. *twitch* *twitch* *twitch* After 5 minutes of this...I got smarter than the dumb phone...and when I would pick up the line, I would immediately put it on hold. This worked for *twitch* about 10 minutes. Then *twitch* all H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS broke loose. You see, *twitch* we have multiple lines, but I rarely see them all light up at the *twitch* same time. It was literally pandemonium. *twitch* The phone would ring and *twitch* ring and ring and *twitch* ring and no matter how quickly I answered (no one was on the other end by the way) they just kept coming in. Lines I have never *twitch* seen light up were lighting up like Las Vegas at night!!! This continues for hmmm…I dunno...FOREVER (in actuality probably only like 4 minutes) and during this oh so very frustrating time, I missed a page by Gary *twitch* our systems administrator that says, "Verizon is testing the lines, so don't answer the phones for about 15 minutes." Someone finally lovingly clued me in to this...and I stopped answering the incessant ringing *twitch* phone.

*SIGH*

It got worse. For the next *twitch* 30....I repeat....30 minutes...the phones just RANG. *twitch* and there was nothing I could do about it, but listen to it. It was torture...I began thinking of secrets that I could tell my *twitch* captors about family members and government secrets...because I felt as if I was being tortured for information. Trust this...*twitch* if I get captured by any one, ever...and they need a way to torture me...a ringing phone will work quite *twitch* nicely. And please believe me...the information will be ALL theirs.

*silence*

It has ended...the phones ceased to ring....my twitching subsided to a dull neck pain...was this the end?? Had the problem been solved? Had I given my captors enough information for them to return me to my normal state of being, happily plugging away at mailouts and dhl orders???

*silence*

I think so. I think it is done...and as I sit completing what has become my most tortured moment in blogging history...I reflect on the feelings I had...the thoughts I shared with only myself thinking, "I never had the chance to say this..."

I love you all...if I don't say it enough I should...I have learned so much through this trial...not to take every day so seriously, but to enjoy life to the fullest...because...I don't know when the phone will ring again. And then, it will be over for me. So until then, I will leave nothing unsaid, no words un-spoken.

I am a new woman.

*ring, ring*

*twitch*

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!*

My High Speed Pursuit...

*ok well, not MY high speed pursuit, but I was nearly involved :)

April writing by the way...
Not to be confused with the one of us who it would be more likely to be involved in a high speed pursuit! :)

So I am driving to work today...listening to the band 'Mercy Me' via CD, just enjoying the morning. I usually use my cruise control all the way to work, because I am basically on 100 for 15 minutes of the ride to work. At one point I glanced in my rear view mirror to see if there were any cars coming up behind me, because there are usually the few jerko's who just HAVE to pass you going 90, and I am a friendly morning driver, so I usually get over for them. Well, this morning seemed no different. When I looked in the mirror I noticed a Black either Durango or Trailblazer...I am no car expert...coming up VERY fast towards me! I think, 'This jerko-joker isn't even slowing down till I get over, I better get a move on it now!' Just then I look to my right (as I am in the fast lane) and there is a car there, so I speed up a bit to get over in front of him but I meet up with the tail end of another car, so I had to wait another second. I looked up front to wait till that car picked up some speed and then I put on my blinker and went to get over.

(Now mind you, this is literally all in the span of maybe 15-20 seconds...)
Just as I looked to my right I see "Black Durango-Blazer Jerko-Man" coming up RIGHT next to my car. And when I say RIGHT next to me, I mean, if it had been a sedan or another smaller vehicle, for sure we would have been playing patty-cake with our side-view mirrors. I yell, "WOAH!!!!" and quickly jerk my car to the left (past the rumble strips and OFF the road mind you) to let this guy come over...as if I had a choice! Just then I look in my rear-view mirror to see if anyone else behind me had been road-tortured by this jerk, only to see about 9 patrol cars all with lights on and sirens blaring! (I just NOW hear them!!!) WOW...so this guy isn't just a jerk-driver...he is running from the cops!!!

Once I get my wits about me, and get myself back on the road...in the slow lane...haha, I decided to call the one person I knew could find out what in the world was going on! Cory. I quickly speed-dialed my already sleeping hubby. (he had just gotten off work at 7:45 am) When he answered, I said "WOAH, you have got to tell me what in the world is going on out here. I just got like ran off the road by this jerk being chased by 9 AA Cty patrol cars and a couple un-marked!!!" He was a bit groggy, but got up to get his radio. We then sat and listened to the pursuit...by the time he got the radio and got it turned on, they were already on 32 heading towards 178. (That is, in real driving time, about 10-12 minutes from the spot they were just at, like 2 minutes ago!) They were FLYING!!!

I finally got to work and had to hang up with Cory, who then said..."Well, now you got me interested, (like I pulled his arm!) so I will listen and call you back with what happens. About 25 minutes later I called him to see what was up. He said it had just ended. They had chased him all the way to DC and then they had to shut down the chase. (As AA Cty couldn't cross into that territory, so DC police took over.) Well, then the genius turns around and LEAVES DC, so AA Cty picked up the chase again. He ended up crashing in a ditch (like dumb people who run from the cops normally do) and he bailed out on foot. We caught him though. BOO YAH!!!

Turns out he robbed a convenience store or gas station with a gun, which is how this whole debacle began. WOW! To think that my poor car was almost scarred with the markings of a high speed police pursuit...not that I would have happy about that, but it would have been a better car story than say me hitting a shopping cart while pulling out of my spot at the grocery store!

Anywho...I am all good. Had a cool ride to work and now I am enjoying my not so busy day at work with all my windows open!!! Ahhhh, isn't life grand? :)

MOO.com

April writing...

Oh heavens. I have just run across THE CUTEST site. Seriously, I can hardly contain myself.

It's called...Moo.com (and trust me, this is no reference to my childhood love of cows. In fact, I can't seem to find any reason for them referring to their company as "Moo" but I am loving it.)

You can take your pictures and upload them onto Postcards, Mini-Cards (my personal favorite), Stickers and more!

I am really thinking that it woudl be a SUPER cute idea to use my Heartscape Design logo for the frontside of a Mini-card with my business information on the reverse. As apposed to boring old business cards! How much CUTER would that be??? AHHH!!!

And what is even CUTER...is that they sell these Mini-Card holders too.

THEN...there are the stickers. I am thinking about making a sticker book for each of my Neices and Nephew. They love to make funny faces and have me take pictures...who am I kidding I love it too!!! So I think it would be SUPER cute to take all thier funny face pictures and put them on stickers for them to have fun with! AHHHHH!

*in case you haven't figured it out...* I am bubbling with JOY. This is just TOO STINKING CUTE! AHHHH!

Randy Pausch

April writing...

There has been an email circulating referencing a "Last Lecture" given by Professor Randy Pausch from Carnegie Mellon University who is dying from Pancreatic Cancer. I have only watched the 'shortened' version (from the Oprah show) since I am at work and the longer version is near 76 minutes+.

Professor Pausch talks about achieving childhood dreams and helping others acheive thier dreams as well. Some of my favorite quotes from the Lecture goes as follows:

"Experience is what you get, when you don't get what you want."
"Brick walls in life are there for a reason, [not to keep you out] but to let us proove how badly we want things."

I have more to watch...but I don't have time to finish it at work now, I will have to finish it later...but...it is really interesting. If you wish to watch...here you go:



Let me know your thoughts :)

Talk about r a n d o m...

April writing...
I know I have talked about the lady at work who has come to be known as "divorce lady" amongst some of the friends. Well, over the past three weeks her relationship with our office and some other employees has become rocky at best. She resigned her position and ever since our bosses have been playing accounting catch up!

Well today, Stuart...one of the bosses approaced my desk and said he had a "curve ball" for me and wanted to see what I thought. He then proceeded to ask me how I felt about stepping into the position of bookeeper for the company. (WOAH!) What???

I said, "Well, I am very honored by you thinking of me...however you do know that I don't have any bookeeping experience, right?" Of course he did know, he has afterall seen my resume when I was hired as the receptionist in October. He went on to say that he feels that the job is really just about 80% organization and 20% numbers and working with the computer. He also mentioned that he was going to run it by our outside accountants...and for all he knows, they may say that it isn't a good idea, and he should rather hire someone with bookeeping experience. But he wanted to see if there would even be any interest on my part first. He said that he would understand if I wanted to stay in my position where there was less stress etc. And he also said that with my organization skills I could easily do that job and still stay within my 30 hours.
So, I told him that I would talk it over with the husband and let him know what was decided on my part. And I don't know.

I mean part of my would like the pay increase to pay down some debt and finish jobs around the house and the other part of me really likes my easy job with great pay and no stress. Also, we are trying to get pregnant and I would hate to step into a position only to get pregnant and leave in 9 months...because I do plan on being a stay-at-home Mom after children. I guess Cory and I will just have to bat around the pro's and con's tonight.

I was just really taken back because I haven't ever had someone in my job, especially a boss, see my potential and really boost me up to think enough of me to put me in such an important position.

haha...we shall see what the decision is soon enough...although I think I am already leaning towards staying where I am. What are your thoughts??

Something to make you go...... HMMMMMMMMMM

Cory writing.........

On Friday March 7, 2008 I worked my secondary (off-duty job) gig at Friday’s Restaurant at Arundel Mills. I work at this restaurant about 2-3 times a month and this is the first time that I remember something like this happening. I was standing at the front door just observing the comings and goings of the restaurant and I had a guy approach me as he was leaving. As he walked by he said, “Thank you for wearing that badge sir and you be safe.” It totally caught me off guard and I quickly said, “your welcome and thank you.”

Let me explain to you why this caught me off guard. I have been working at this restaurant since it has been open and I have heard stupid comments and goofy questions day in and day out. I have never had someone that wasn’t police or significant other of police, thank me for wearing the badge or doing what I do. This I find very sad, not that I do this job for those things, but they are nice every once and awhile.

I consider the Police Officers of our Great Country to be the unacknowledged heroes. When most people think of a hero the first thing that comes to people’s minds are our U.S. Military or Firemen. While these guys deserve that title I also want people to realize that Police Officer’ deserve this title also. A lot of the times we don’t get this title because we are there when you don’t want us to be and never there quick enough when you need us.

I am not writing this because I am having a pity party. I am telling you this because I want to encourage you to be that guy that makes a police officer’s day. Just a quick Thank You for wearing the badge or doing what you do is sufficient. I don’t want you to do this to the officer that has you pulled over or is taking a report for you. Tell the officer that is working his second or third job at the restaurant that you are eating at, or the officer that is standing in line with you hoping that he will be able to eat before running off to handle the next call.
This guy really made my day a whole lot better for just being thankful and verbalizing it to me. It didn’t cost him a thing. Just think about this the next time you see a hero.

While I sit waiting.....

Cory Writing.....

While I am sitting here waiting for my wife to make my dinner I have decided to blog. I hear the yells from all you women out there....... GO MAKE YOUR OWN DINNER YOU BUM. My wife told me that she would make it if I just let her finish the bathroom, so get out of my Kool-Aid.

OK on to why I am blogging. I have really been encouraged lately. God has recently laid on my heart to start listening to Christian Music and only Christian Music for awhile. I don't know how long, but I do know that I am really enjoying it and I am starting to see it have an affect on my attitude and outlook towards all aspects of life.

I have found this really great song by Jeremy Camp called "This Man". Here is the video




Another thing I would like to share with you that has encouraged me is the great things that are happening at my Church. I received an email from our Lead Pastor Steve Hall and he wanted to share some good news because he was tired of all the bad news in the world. His email follows.

Dear HCC Family,

I get so tired of listening to bad news. Give your self permission to simply smile and be proud of the good stuff that's going on in your church.

A couple dozen students committed their lives to Christ at the annual Winterfest retreat in early February. Two of them testified in church.
The Men's Ministry started off the year with great attendance at their monthly breakfast (45) and then followed that up with more than 65 attending the second breakfast.
The Men's Ministry also facilitated the first annual Sportsman's Banquet with 250 in attendance and 35 people committing their lives to Christ.
The monthly Christian concert night is hitting record attendance above 100, and reports of great times of good family fun.
The Children's Ministry just pulled off another incentive carnival for Hilltop elementary with rave reviews from the school staff.
SALT groups are reporting great results from studying the HCC sponsored Biblical finance curriculum.
250 people attended the special Sunday evening service related to the Holy Spirit and over 100 people filled the altar committing to go deeper by being immersed or baptized in the Holy Spirit.
The Ministry to the Military continues to receive beautiful notes from families and soldiers regarding the encouragement their "Care Packages" give.
The Cup of Cold Water ministry team, were blessed recently when they partnered with Pastor Jason and our Verb Student Ministries to meet the yard work needs of some senior citizens.
Recently a couple families gave large financial donations specifically to help HCC become that social center for God's kindness that I have been talking about.
The pastor of the church in Puerto Rico that we are helping pay off their debt; has never been able to afford taking his wife and daughter to the Church of God General Assembly that occurs every two years in the states. Our Ladies Ministry took this need on and raised money to send his wife and daughter with him this August. I recently asked Pastor Diego how much it would cost for his family to travel with him and he replied that it would be $1783.00 for air fare, hotel and food. I then asked Joe Lloyd our CFFO for a report as to how much the ladies had raised; they raised $1783.00.

If this was Sunday morning we would all clap right now, but don't let that stop you.

By the way, all the 11am attendees think the 9am attendees won't remember to set their clocks ahead this Sunday, so the 11am service will be full. Some say the timing of Daylight Savings change is all a His Story conspiracy to get people to show up late Sunday and stay after the 11am service to help break down the Chancel for the Easter production. I'm just telling you what I heard.

Something I know to be true is that March 5, all day is dedicated to prayer and fasting for His Story.

I love you, may the peace of God rule your heart and mind, Pastor Steve

I hope these two thinks help encourage you and make your weekend go a little smoother. Keep your eyes open for how God wants you to bless someone else.

Till next time. Peace, Love, and Hair Grease.

A letter to the past and Patrick Swayze

Let me first start off by saying I am most def on my A-Blogging-Game lately! :) It's really fun actually. And even though it seems (at least by the comments...Aheeemmm *hint hint*) that there are only a few people reading this, it is nice to get thoughts out on paper, albeit digital paper! :)
So let's carry on...I was driving home last evening from work and tuned my radio to our local radio station WPOC 93.1. Now, I don't too often listen to the country station anymore, cause I just have other favorites...I am still FINE with country my hear boy Cory! :) Anyways, they were getting ready to play a song by Brad Paisley titled, "Letter to Me." (you can watch the music video by clicking on the song title!) Now I hadn't heard this song before so I decided to stick around and listen and I was pleasantly surprised and inspired. Here, read the lyrics and maybe you can see why I like it so much...

"If I could write a letter to me. And send it back in time to myself at 17.
First I'd prove it's me by saying look under your bed.
There's a Skoal can and a Playboy no one else would know you hid.
And then I'd say I know it's tough. When you break up after seven months.
And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don't seem fair.
All I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare.
And oh you got so much going for you, going right.
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night. She wasn't right for you.
And still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back.
And you're wondering if you'll survive. You'll make it through this and you'll see.
You're still around to write this letter to me.

At the stop sign at Tomlinson and Eighth.
Always stop completely don't just tap your breaks.
And when you get a date with Bridgett make sure the tank is full.
On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool.
Each and every time you have a fight. Just assume you're wrong and dad is right.
And you really should thank Mrs. Brinkman. She spent so much extra time.
It's like she sees the diamond underneath. And she's just polishin' you 'til you shine.

And oh you got so much going for you, going right.
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night.
Tonight's the bonfire rally. But you're staying home instead because if you fail Algebra,
Mom and dad will kill you dead. Trust me you'll squeak by and get a C.
And you're still around to write this letter to me.

You've got so much up ahead. You'll make new friends.
You should see your kids and wife. And I'd end by saying have no fear.
These are nowhere near the best years of your life.
I guess I'll see you in the mirror. When you're a grown man.
P.S. go hug Aunt Rita every chance you can.

And oh you got so much going for you, going right.
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night.
I wish you'd study Spanish.
I wish you'd take a typing class.
I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be.
I'd say have a little faith and you'll see.
If I could write a letter to me.
To me."

Hmmmm. So I thought to myself I wonder what I would say if I could write a letter to me at 17. I mean, first of all what could I remember to say about activities that impacted me to deeply then that now see simple and funny and not worth all the pain it caused then. So, that's where my thoughts are...and I think I am going to try and write a letter to me at 17. I may need to dive back into the good old journal and see where I was then...haha. I know I was a Senior in HS and with a boyfriend of 5 years...so...hmmm, we shall see. Maybe, if it's not too personal, I will post it. Anyone else up for the challenge??

...In other news...(I sound so news-anchor-like!) Patrick Swayze has apparentally been given 5 weeks to live after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. This saddens me. Not neccisarily cause he is some GREAT OUTSTANDING actor...but because of the few good pieces he HAS done. ***(I had previously written this next part thinking, mistakenly that Patrick and Goldie Hahn were together...however I was wrong to think that. Apparentally I am among the many that consuse him and Kurt Russell. MY BAD. I seem to remember doing this before too. SO by saying all that, it makes the next porition of my blog not make any sense, but I figured I would leave in my human error as I may not be the only one who thinks this!) And too...I am sad for Goldie (look at me talking about Goldie Hahn like I know her...haha!) Can you imagine losing your partner after SO many years, just out of the blue like that. Wow. Sad.

Well, in his honor I will be posting a few of my fav clips.

I wasn't able to find the great "Nobody Puts Baby In a Corner" clip from the movie, Dirty Dancing, so here's the next best thing..."I've Had the Time of My Life."

And honoring Patrick Swayze (and by default Chris Farley) wouldn't be the same without the clip from this famous SNL sketch...(Now I can't embed this video because apparentaly there is some kind of internet deatch grip on the "Chippendales Dance Off" video from SNL...GESH!) So here's the link to go view the video!
http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=1422

Alright, that's enough fun for now! I am off to kinda do some work! Later Gators!

Why I am ready for Spring & Summer...

Firgured I would blog again...I am TOTALLY into this blogging thing. It's like online journaling. And EVERYONE can read it. Scary!

Reasons why I am looking forward to SPRING & SUMMER...(finally!)

Reason #1: Flip flops. Yep, that's right. It isn't so much that I am a FLIP FLOP PERSON...it's just the FREE TOES aspect. When you can paint your toesies cute colors and show them off the the slightly warmer world with no worries of frostbite or dry feet. This means that I may be able to fit into some cute little spring dresses too that I never wore before due to size restrictions...and what goes better with spring dresses other than FLIP FLOPS!!?? That also means I will have to start taking better care of my feet. Which begs me to ask the question...does anyone ELSE find it harder and harder to take care of your feet the older you get? It's crazy really. It seems...the HARDER I try the worse they get. But if I leave them alone they are just NORMAL feet. I want outstandingly nice soft feet. But I fear, that is a dream that must go out to the side of the road with last years flip flop colors. :(

Oh and by the way, for any VERB friends reading this out there...I should mention...We at VERB refer to Flip flops as "Flips" oh wait, or was it "Flops"? Either way...we found a special way to spice it up!!

Reason #2: My Back & Front Yard Gardens. I have SUCH a big DREAM for my yard. And it seems that every year I get a little closer to how I want it to look. I want FULLNESS and GREEN and lots of COLORS. I don't mind the constant watering and the upkeep...plus year I can use my outdoor activity in the yard as ACTIVITY points (nice bonus!) I LOVE this one...the planter pic shown here. It is just what I like. Some full green with an array of colors...low to the ground and it looks easily maintanable. Is that so much to ask? Oh gesh...my GOAL is to at LEAST get my front and side planters (the ones seen by the road) to my liking this year! Oh, and it would be nice for them to survive the winter too!!

Reason #3: Mom and Dad's backyard pool! I can't wait to go swimming...and if I don't get pregnant between now and then I will also be a smaller swimmer..which makes enjoying those BATHING suits a little easier!! (and that's saying something!) I hope to convince mom and dad to let me help them landscape around the pool this year. I think that it will really help to make it look very nice and inviting! Dad was a little anal about his pool last year...understandably so. Alot of TIME and MONEY went into this porject and he wants to take care of it! We just hope some of that will disipate this year?!?! (Here's hoping!!) I also can't wait to get Olive in the water this Summer...She is a TRIP in or around water!

See my past blog about why this will be so fun here: (http://2slicksgoodtimes.blogspot.com/2007/12/we-heard-that-olive-liked-water.html)

WOW, I am sure that I have many more...but it is time for me to go home...maybe I will add more. My other BLOGGING friends (and for those of you who don't blog..hint, hint...BRITTANY...you should start!)...tell me what you are looking forward to!!

Almost to 10%

April writing...
Almost to 10% - March 5, 2008
I really can't believe that I have made it THIS far in such a short amount of time!! To think that about two months ago I was 18 pounds heavier and what feels like lazier and less driven. Not these days!! Man I have such a huge amount of energy and a desire to DO more and DO different things with my life!! I want to send a SPECIAL shout out to some special people!
First and foremost...my Husband, Cory Jacob. Without you sweetie I would not be doing so well. You with your suttle compliments and humorous outlook on this process, you have helped me tremendiously!!! I LOVE you for that...and one day you will have a SKINNIER me to hug and less of my ARMS to squeeze. *wink wink*
Secondly, My Brittany. I know that she has been going through so much lately, but yet she still finds it in her heart to support and encourage me with every pound lost! Thank you and I can't wait to either be your little Butter-Bean's skinner Auntie or Pregnant Auntie! :)
Thirdly...My TT. Terri you have been amazing as well. Thanks for all your words of encouragment and above all thanks for INSPIRING me daily. Girl you may be nearing 8 months pregnant but your DRIVE and your AMBITION makes me want to be a better person. And if that means losing more weight to accomplish this things then consider yourself a STRONG driving force in my life!
Fourth...My sisters. Thanks to Bekah who always finds time to comment back (via text) and give me a big YEAH for losing each week and I am sure she would do the same even if I didn't lose one week! Thanks to Sarah for being there all day at work everyday to toss ideas back and forth about how we can BOTH eat better and take better care of ourselves for many years to come!
GOSH, there really are SO many more...but a big THANKS to Mom...I know she went through alot last fall but through that trial I found my will to beome a healthier person and for both her just being here and enduring that process with such vigor...THANK YOU!
I love you all...and this has been such an amazing process for me, and I can't wait to continue. I even feel that if Cory and I get pregnant before this process is complete..I am a better person for making these changes now!!!

You can read this and follow my weight loss process and more at
http://www.freewebs.com/wwslickslady08/index.htm

Clomid...the baby making drug...and HUGS :)

April writing...

I did it! I just took my first days dose of Clomid. *fingers crossed* I am absolutely hoping that this does the trick. In a nutshell for those that may be unsure what the Clomid will do for my is basically trick my brain into thinking that I haven't produced any 'eggs' so it will stimulate growth of the current eggs and increase growth of new eggs thereby increasing the odds of a pregnancy!! *sheeewww* There are a couple of possible side effects that I am hoping to miss out on...Hot flashes, Nausea, Dizziness, Headache and Mood changes. Yeah, I could do without those, however I will say...if we get pregnant...no wait, WHEN we get pregnant...it will be completely worth it!!

I don't know...it's strange really. It seems that lately I have really felt the urgency of wanting a baby now. Maybe it is because we have been looking into it a little more...maybe it's due to the fact that two of my best friends are currently pregnant. (one has even threatened that if she doesn't get a pic of the three of us pregnant at the same time, she and her unborn peanut will be very unhappy :) haha!) I am just incredibly excited about the prospect of a baby. I am also just so pleased that I set forth a goal to lose weight on Jan. 2nd of this year and so far I have lost 16.4 pounds! Which I also think will help out tremendiously with this whole process. I am just really excited overall!!!

Well, here is a little something to brighten your day. When I think about the importance and greatness of a hug...the feeling you get when you get a big warm hug from a loved one or great friend. It jus warms every part of you. I think hugs are great...but don't do it all too often cause some people just put up this "no hug" barrier...and I am not one to push the envelope. I do however constantly bug Cory for hugs...and if I am not done I make him hold on longer!!! :) Anywho...just thought that could preface a little why I LOVE this video!! I want hugs like this!! :)

till next time...