Perspective

One of the things I adore about this beautiful blogging community is the way it allows bloggers to communicate with each other. You leave a comment and, if you've done everything correctly on your part, I can respond to you via the email you have set to your blog name.

Can I just take the time to reiterate how you need to pair your email with your comment name? It's so frustrating when I want to respond to a question or a great comment and I have no where to send my reply. (Smeagle, this means you. Bren J, you're another one. There's more, but I'm drawing a blank right now... not enough coffee.)

Stacey is actually one too, but because she emailed me out of the blue one day, I have her email addy at the ready. I'm pretty sure it was the post that said that I wanted to know who was willing to talk to a stranger and she emailed me her number and said that she'd call when she got a chance. She was pregnant then, so I'm pretty sure she had other things on her mind. Sniff, sniff.

So. Anyway...

Yesterday, in the comments, Stacey said :

I would have done it in the pan, too. You're not the only one! As far as the
cake goes, it's not shocking that you tried to rescue it... that would have
crossed my mind for sure :o) Maybe he'll surprise you with chocolate cake one of
these nights!

To which I replied something like, "Yeah! That would be awesome!" - or something equally brilliant.

(Now you need to understand that I have my comments set to go to my work email since that's where I have the most time to respond to comments. When I send out a reply, sometimes I don't erase my work number from the outgoing emails because a) I forget or 2) I know the writers well enough via the blogs that I'm comfortable enough to have that number get into their hands.)

Stacey replied immediately with "Personally, I think so! Maybe I need to send him an anonymous tip :o) You don't know how many times I see your name and phone # below and think, 'I should just call and surprise her!' Then I chicken out and don't go through with it."

Screeeeech! Why on earth would anyone be afraid to talk to me? (Jeana, don't answer that.)

So I did what I should have done long ago. I called her... and got her voicemail. My message was short and to the point. "Hey, this is Shalee. Quit being a chicken, you big dummy." Click.

Now wouldn't that message just make you want to talk with me?

She called about 10 minutes later with a laugh and an "Alright, alright." I inquired as to why she was chickening out and she said (and I quote) "Because you're The Great Shalee with the big blog and the big audience, and I was too scared to talk with you."

Huh? Am I being Punked!? I mean, it's not like she's talking to Boomama, Shannon, Dooce or anyone like that. I'm just Shalee who puts her pants on the same way that everyone else does: by holding in my stomach and praying that the zipper won't bust. (What? You don't do that? Whatever.)

And that's when it really hit me: It's all in the eye of the viewer. Though I may feel small and insignificant at times (okay - more than I want to really admit), there are others who are intimidated by me and my 8 - 20 comments (on a good day). At least I hope that's why they're shy. It's not my breath, is it? I brush, honest! Someone who has hit the big time is different for me than it is for someone else. And that's okay. It's all in our perspectives.

Stacey and I had a wonderful conversation, by the way. It lasted at least 20 minutes, which if you know me, is a marathon in my book. She's funny, sweet and way more patient with her kids when she's on the phone than I ever am. I sure wish I had her around to mentor me when my kids were little...

Anyway, I just wanted to set the record straight. I'm not intimidating really. I laugh too loudly and I'm usually slightly higher on the wacky-o-meter, but really I'm just like you. I like chocolate, I want friends and I sweat the small stuff that doesn't deserve any attention. You know, normal. So don't be afraid to speak out on the blog or in real life. I might even answer my phone when you call. (Poor you.)

Gratituesday

Are you looking for a little pick me up between Sunday and Thankful Thursday? Are you seeking ways that God is active not only in your life, but the life of others? Well, then let me share a bit about Gratituesday with you!

My friend Laura (not the friendship like I am with many of you - this is the real deal! We've been in Chorus together in college, had babies at the same time, played cards and games on fun nights, had girl talks about our men... you know real life friends. And look! She still talks to me! Bonus...)

Where was I? Oh yeah, my friend Laura at Heavenly Homemakers has decided to use every Tuesday as a day to be grateful. She says that she wants to use Tuesday "where I post about something I'm grateful for or something about how God is working in my life. I'm working to expand this and would really like to use it as a way to encourage others all over Bloggyland. Beginning this Tuesday, I'll be using Mr. Linky so that others with blogs can write their own Gratituesday post, then link up at my site...and then we can all read about how God is blessing people!"

Sound like your kind of everyday encouragement? Then head on over to Laura's place and let the gratefulness begin! It's really easy to think of a praise when you stop to recognize how God loves each and every one of us.

My gratefulness is the joy of having employment that I actually enjoy. I can't be a stay at home Mom; our finances are such that I must work if we're going to do fun things... like eat and have electricity. I know. We're wild here. But I am constantly amazed that God has given me a wonderful place to work, with two coworkers that I really like, and for a boss who is kind, fun and understanding, especially when it comes to the kids. Where else could I have lots of time to read books, blog and still feel as if I've accomplished something good in a day, like executing a meeting for 20 people with only a moment's notice? Having a job as such takes the sting out of not being at home. Thank you God for this wonderful way to make a living.

Now what about you? Do you have something for which you can be grateful? If you feel like sharing, write your own post, spread the word about Gratituesday and add your words to the Mr. Linky! It's so much easier to be happy when you remember that you have reasons to be!

My 15 Minutes of Almost Fame

So I had another one of my dreams last night.

This dream was great because I went to spend some Girl Time with BooMama in Alabama.  And boy, did we have all sorts of excitement!

First off, Sophie had been remodeling her house.  She was just taking the crow bar side of a hammer and pulling up beautiful wood floors.  There were sections of her house where you could see way down (like 20 ft) to the next floor and on the lower level she had done the same thing in another area to where you could see in the basement.  But she was doing it in such a way that it looked like a modern art piece, really unique and inviting, despite the fact that you could fall to your death.

(Now before y'all start telling me that there are no basements in the South, let me remind you that I grew up in the South and already know this bit of housing information.  When I met Mr. Right, decided that I couldn't live without him and that I just had to get married to him because, gosh... I really did want to have his babies, I moved to Nebraska.  Where they have basements.  I had to ask him what that area was called and was it really safe to go down to a room below a house.  He gave me a strange look, took me by the hand and led me down there.  I think he was sweet because he wanted me to have his babies too...)

Anyway there was a basement.  But it's a dream and you can do weird/neat things in dreams as you will see.

So while Sophie is remodeling her floors, she looks up and decides to pull a few boards that lined her staircase... which was exactly where David, Alex and The Boy were relaxing.  Those kooky boys.   They were all calm, peaceful and still.  This is where I should have realized I was in a dream - no movement from The Boy is a rarity.  They all paid no mind to Soph because this was life with her, and what can you do?  (The Boy looked a little leery, but he's used to some sort of kookiness all his life.)  

We were all wondering if BooMama had gone a little wacky after her return from Africa;  stress was getting to her and we were just going to let her do what she needed to do to work her way through her emotions.  If she needed to take apart her house the way she's taking apart her life and put it back together where she could live in it, all the better.  Somehow we all knew that it would be a better place to live when she was finally done.

Sophie then decided to call it quits after that so we went into the kitchen and she started filling up her flour containers.  Yes, containers.  They were big, too.  I asked her why she had such big containers and she said it was because she bought her flour in bulk because she needed it for all her baking.  Who was I to challenge that kind of wisdom?  Plus, I'm sure I would get some cake or something if I kept my mouth shut.

We went to bed.

Next day, we woke up to David settling the boys back into the stairway, but he was being real thoughtful.  He had laid the area with a king-sized bed sheet and was holding it around the boys while they laid there so that they wouldn't fall through the holes in the wall.  Wasn't that sweet?

Sophie had invited a couple of friends to go with us on our adventure.  To be honest, I can't remember them except that one had long black hair and the other one was African American.  They were both really nice, but let's face it, even in my dream world it's all about me.

And our adventure?  Well, we all know how much of an outdoorsy person BooMama is, so we did one of her favorite things: we went for a long walk on some mountain trail which followed a nice big stream.  Big rocks, lots of sunshine and joy.  That's an adventure, I tell ya!

Coming back to the car, we realized that we had lost one of group.  It was the African American friend.  We split up looking for her.  As I was looking through the parking lot, I saw a young man who was singing and doing some sort of musical number with lots of dramatic hand movements and stage moves.  He was a cross between someone from Stomp and Corbin Bleu.  He was cute, young and energetic.  He looked at me and I did what I would have done in real life:  I joined in.  So while looking for my new friend, I was singing some song and holding my own in our two person scene.  It was cool and fun!

As I headed to the car, I saw that my new friend was learning to dance.  She was afraid to tell us that she couldn't dance, so she hired someone to teach and slipped away to have her lesson while we were on the trail.

Didn't she know that I'm as white as they come and I couldn't dance to save my life?  I'm pretty sure that I would have gotten an "Amen, sister!" from Sophie as further proof...  So I let her dance and headed back to the car to wait for her.

While waiting for the others to arrive, my musical partner came up to me, handed me a paper and pen and said, "I'm in lots of plays around here.  You need to write your name and info on here because when I get back, I'm going to tell my directors that they've got to hear you!"

As I looked down, the first line said "America's Model" and I looked up at him and laughed.  He had to be joking because I don't know of any 36 year old models with two kids, one of which is now taller than her.  I rolled my eyes at him and started to write my contact info (first name and phone number only guys... I'm not completely stupid and unconcerned for my safety!) when Sophie ran up to me and said, "Are you CRAZY?   You don't even live around here!"

I told her to hush up because this was my chance at doing something fun and ON STAGE and I wanted to see where it would go.  She started to poke me to get my attention.  I told her to knock it off because one can't write legibly when being poked.  Then I heard her say, "Mommy?"

And I woke to The Girl poking me and saying my name.

Sigh.  I was almost famous.  I just about had my chance to be somebody.  I coulda been a contenta.  Now I'm back to being a mom and short order cook.

Somehow this role fits me like a glove.  Waking up wasn't such a bad thing after all.  Well, if you don't count the fact that I didn't have a chance to get Sophie's favorite recipes for all things Southern and yummy, and we never get to her favorite Mexican restaurant.  Oh well, there's always tomorrow.  All I have to do is eat a couple more tacos with onions, and I'll just see where they take me. 

A Conversation With Susanne

In an effort to keep you updated about Susanne, I thought I would just share our email exchanges.  Hopefully you'll enjoy them as much as we did.

Oh, and you'll know who's who by the lack of capitol letters on Susanne's part!

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your house looks awesome. praying it's going to be a real quick sale.

i'm doing much better today. yesterday was pretty hard. i had two shots of either demerol or morphine [can't remember which ;v}] in the recovery and 2 percocets when i got back to my room. needless to say they let me sleep awhile. lol. through all the drug fog though it still hurt like heck. i tried to describe it to dave and the best i could come up with was that it was a crushing pressure kind of pain like a semi truck had rolled over my hand.

anyway praise God. thank you for prayers. today is a thousand times better. i'm just hanging out reading and watcing tv and hopefully i won't have to take too many tylenol 3's. i have a longer and stiffer splint and will get some kind of orthopedic plastic cast next week.

thanks so much for everything. you don't have to write all this info if you do'nt want. i just thought i'd let you know what's going on. love ya.

susanne

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Thanks Susanne. The prayers are appreciated.

Oh girl… so you feel like you’ve been hit by a Mack truck. Ugh. I’m sorry the drugs aren’t easing your pain so that you don’t feel it. But it sounds as if they had you on quite the cocktail! I’m praising God that you’re alive, that you have medical care and that most of all, you still have a sense of humor through it all.

I’ll do an update again because we all love you and want to know what we can do to help you though we’re so many miles away.

Love you!

Shalee

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well i feel pretty darn good today. it was yesterday that was horrid. my hand is hardly hurting at the moment just uncomfortable because it's swollen it makes the bandaging quite snug. i can take tylenol 3 if pain starts up and that seems to really help. the itcing is a pain in the kazoo but i'm going to locate my little dowel here real quick so i can get under the badaging in some spots anyway.

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Oh girl just you be careful! Right before going to college one summer, I broke my wrist. (What a horrible way to start college, with a cast around my arm!) Anyway, first day of Music Lit, my arm started itching like crazy, so I pulled out my 6” ruler and scratched away. Ahhh… Imagine my surprise when I moved my ruler back and forth only to find that my hand was empty. My ruler was stuck in my cast! Ack. So I started shaking my cast up and down, hoping it would work its way out. Others, who mind you I had not talked with anyone yet, were staring at me in wonder and amusement. Finally, FINALLY, the stupid thing came out after much digging and praying and being laughable. So what I’m saying is maybe you should try to scratch with a yard stick. :)

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lol lol lol. laughter is the best medicine right? too too funny. and why is it i can totally see that happening to you?

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Oh because that kind of stuff happens to me ALL THE TIME… and I’m not even trying to get attention. (Unlike all the other times when I am.)

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life with you is never dull, apparently. lol.

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Oh Susanne, you have no idea how much Mr. Right would agree with you on that one...

The Susanne Prayer Project With Updates!

Susanne had her surgery today around noon. I've not heard from anyone as to whether or not it went well, but as soon as I do, I'll post it. Keep up the good prayers!

I'm just going to paste the update that Susanne's youngest daughter sent to me.

my moms surgery went fine.... she's in alot of pain, but my dad took the day off to help her on wednesday. gee i wish i could take days off of school... anyways... please pray lots for the pain.

So there you have it, internets. Susanne is suffering and is in need of our prayers. So let's start talking the One who can do something about it!

The Susanne Update

Well my blogging friends, I was trying to figure out some way to help Susanne while living way too many miles away from her.  Typically, in this scenario, the Christian help comes in the way of a meal, but I don't think she would appreciate getting a roast with all the trimmings in the mail...

So I offered to do an update about her hand for her.  It's not much, but it's something.  And of course our prayers will do much more for her than a moldy roast would ever do.

Here's the scoop:

Susanne did break her hand in such a way that she'll be having surgery on Monday to put pins in her hand.  After that event, the doctor called for at least 6 weeks of healing and then physical therapy on top of that.  Right now she's on Tylenol 3 and will remain on it until the surgery.  They may put her on something stronger after her placement of pins.

Susanne did have one specific prayer request.  She asks that we please pray for a supernaturally-quick healing because financially there is no way she can take 6 weeks off work.    She took off yesterday and will see how she feels for the other days, and then she'll take off Monday and Tuesday for the surgery.   She is blessed to have a friend who will come in and help her intermittently for the next couple of weeks, but even with that help it will be very hard.

(She runs daycare in her house. Can you imagine wrangling 6 little ones one handed? I can't even wrangle my hair with two hands and she's going to take care of others who can run, jump, argue, eat and go to the bathroom.)

There are two blessings in her pain: 1) she did not break her favored hand and 2) she didn't break her sense of humor.  She specifically stated that one-handed typing is for the birds, so I wouldn't be looking for caps when she does get back in the blogosphere...   And of course, she wants to thank us for our love and prayers.

So what I suggest is a good old prayer-a-thon.  Would anyone be willing to bring our friend Susanne to the Lord in prayer and petition starting today and covering her through at least next Wednesday?  I think it would be wonderful if we all would say a prayer for her at least once a day.  Remember, you don't have to know someone to pray for them.  I think the best part of being in the family of God is that you have lots of extended family who can care for you, no matter the distance, color, sex or the title above the door of where you choose to worship.

If you're going to pray for Susanne, would you please leave a comment?  I think it would be encouraging to her to see that others are lifting her in prayer over the next week.  And if you wish to remain unknown, just sign in as anonymous.  You can keep yourself in the background while still heartening our friend.   

Prayer Alert!

Susanne from Living To Tell The Story just fell down her back stairs and broke her hand. She's at the hospital now as I type. Would you all say a prayer on her behalf now? I'm sure she could use it... maybe we should pray that it's not the hand that she uses all the time!

Thanks everyone!

Refined Like Silver

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study, and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.  As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up.  He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."  She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."

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I did not write the above, but I liked the message so much, I can't help but share it with you.

When was a time you felt as if you were tossed in the fire, but only later discovered that not only did you not get burned, you were more beautiful to behold and had a greater sense of purpose? (Not really rhetorical - I would love to read some of your answers.)

Some times in our lives when we felt the fire was when Mr. Right was let go of jobs, two in a row, right after purchasing our house. Times were tough, pride was broken and many a tears were shed on my part.

BUT! God never let us go hungry, others were gladly willing to be of service to God (we had a few anonymous donations that paid our mortgage), friends came rallying for us and we became so much more defined in our prayers, in our faith and in our speech to others about how God is good in all things. And he still is. He's never changing. It's we who are the changelings, thanks be to God.

Share if you feel comfortable. If not, perhaps you will feel encouraged by others. Blessings on each and everyone of you today, and may you too feel the heat of being loved.

Sending a Bit of Birthday Love

Do you know who has a birthday today?

Antique Mommy is celebrating the fact that she looks absolutely nothing like an antique mommy.  She is one gorgeous, youth-filled woman - on the inside and the out!  That girl... if it weren't for the fact that I think she's the greatest thing since slice bread, I'd be totally envious.  But I won't be because she's too sweet to let someone feel that way over her.  

If you haven't read Antique Mommy, then head on over to her place and see why she's all that... and more.

This suggestion comes with a contingency though: You can only go read her as long as you promise to come back here too.  Once you read what really great writing is, you may not be so inclined to visit me as much...  So come back for your daily dose of mediocracy, okay?  Okay.  I'm glad we've got that settled.

Happy Birthday Antique Mommy!  

Hers For The Asking

One of the things I love most about my BBFF Kelli is that she has a heart of gold.  She trusts God so completely and has such beautifully visible faith that you can't help but see the light of Christ in her.  In all things she praises her maker and in all things she trusts that God has a plan.

The question I now ask is this:  Are you a part of that plan?

For you see, although Kelli has a heart of gold, her kidney is not.  It's trying to go kaput on her.   The long and the short of it is that Kelli needs a kidney from a live donor.  She's extremely hard to match, but she knows that with God, all things are possible.  

If you feel the need to give to Kelli in a number of ways - prayer, blogging about her situation, supporting her financially or even donating a kidney, would you please head on over to Kelli's place - Living In Grace - to find out more?  She gives an explanation of what is involved with the process if you're feeling the pull to give of yourself. 

There is a time for everything, even a time to help a friend (or stranger) in need.  And that time is now.

A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed

One of the things I love, appreciate, adore about this wonderful world of blogging is the relationships that can be built via the web. I've already met some of the most precious women out there and I love that we're connecting on a real level, not the "oh you're such a wonderful writer how do you do it" basis, but a level where we can yell at each other over something silly, apologize and then know that we've reached new heights in acceptance and grace. A sisterhood where each can be herself and not feel embarrassment or shame. And where we can see each other in a bathing suit and not compare body parts – or lack of body parts in my case. These are some things that I think I was searching for when I started blogging; I just didn't know it.

Many bloggers I've not met (yet), but I know that if I need a good "come to Jesus" talk or a shoulder to cry on, they are there at a moment's notice. Sometimes they even call to talk with me for my maximum talk time. It's a situation that I love to reciprocate as well.

Just yesterday, Laurel Wreath needed such a vent time. I won't go into all the details, but she's received some bad news about a good friend (cancer), her church is still feeling the effects of a very disruptive sin, Wednesday was a restart day that led to her starting the day with a talk with a policeman and being locked out or her office – the office where she is the lone employee. Her email ended with her saying that she's not really feeling the presence of God right now.

Has any of us ever wanted a restart day? Oh my lands… I cannot count those days for there are many. I lost track at 4,268, and I'm not even to my college days yet!

Have any of us ever felt alone, even though we know that God Almighty is with us every step of the way? Loneliness, table for one, I say.

Have any of us ever spent time on our knees for someone else, hoping that God will answer our prayers our way? Kelli, anyone?

Knowing that I've been in her position time and time again, I wrote back to her, offering support as best as I could from 2,000 miles away.

Then I asked if I could use it for a post, and she gracefully agreed and approved it. Perhaps it will offer you some encouragement as you're making you're way through your turbulent days as well.

Oh LW… I'm so sorry for the turbulence that is disrupting your life and more importantly your walk with God. You should be proud (in a good way) that you and your man have kept it together for the past 14 years. Marriage seems to be a dying art form only because this present generation lived through horrible modeling and they have been fooled into thinking that sex and/or selfishness is the most important thing(s) in life.

Let this time of mourning be a healing time for you. God has so many things to teach you, but it is only through fire that gold is refined. The fire hurts and so does the shaping/pounding/hardening time afterwards, but what you will be in the end is a shining example of Christ.

You're not alone in feeling like a judgmental, sorry sinner. Throw in stubborn, mean and selfish and you'll have me to a T, too. But remember that with God NOTHING is impossible, even the changing of your (and my) heart. Remember that feelings have nothing to do with fact. God's words are fact, but we're foolish to judge his facts against our feelings which are changing, temperamental and irrational for the most part (at least mine are.)

Love you!

Shalee

PS. I have to tell you that in the middle of responding to your email, I ran to empty the coffee pot of yesterday's coffee. When I returned to my office door, I found myself locked out. With no one here yet due to the snow, wrecks and extremely slow drivers out on the road. I sat on the stairs, which thankfully was inside but only bare-thread carpeted, and I thought of you and your post from yesterday. I totally get that sense of helplessness and frustrations of knowing exactly how to get in if only you had the right keys. Maybe God's showing us that we've got the right tools all along, but we have to make sure that we know where they are at all times, keeping them close to us so that we won't be locked out from feeling his love/grace/acceptance.

Oh, and my landlord walked up the stairs (he doesn't office here), saw me and sweetly let me in.  Sometimes God shows us that we need to let others help us when we've locked ourselves out. The keys are universal.

Or maybe I'm making too much out of it and he's just telling us to drink more coffee in the morning so that we won't do stuff like this anymore.

Must. Take. A. Breather.

I haven't had a chance to post what I did last weekend because I've been swamped at work and at home.  Here's just a review of what I've had to deal with the past few days.

1. I took Thursday and Friday off from work.  You know what that means when I returned, don't you?
2. I had to think of a proper Shalee's Diner giveaway gift.
3. I had been looking for a great pie plate all weekend to no avail.  Finally, in the 11th hour, I found one I love for my giveaway.  Whew.  I'm not going to include writing the post because we all have that same time-consuming task.
4. Did I mention that Mr. Right ordered eight TONS of dirt to go around our house?  Guess who is helping to move it all, wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow?  I'm going to have some strong arms and a very sore back...
5. The boy thought it would be a lot of fun to bury tools in the dirt we're moving.  We're still looking for the crowbar.  Pray for him.  He's going to need it.
6. In the midst of all this physical work (gah! I'm not built for it!), we had roofers show up and begin work on our house.  I love that it's being done, but Hello!  How am I supposed to move dirt and how is my son supposed to find his "buried treasure" when you're throwing wood shingles and dropping supplies?!
7. The house is starting to have that "lived in" look... which is not a great thing around here.
8. Halloween... need I say more?

Since I'm up stinkin' early, I'm making time to tell you about this last weekend now.  Hey, better late than never!

I had the great blessing to visit with some very lovely ladies.  

See?  Aren't they just the most beautiful women you've ever seen?  Antique Mommy (who doesn't look her age AT ALL!), Jeana (who is just as witty in real life as she is on her blog) and Melanie, aka Chilihead (who is just as fabulous and funny as she is on her site)

The weather was perfect for our get together. Just look at the rising moon and the sunrises that we were able see. (Yeah, even on a trip, I can't sleep in. Sigh.)

We made it our own sort of fall retreat which really means that we got together, drank some scrumptiously smooth wine, ate as if we were in college all the time, talked each others ears off and relaxed as only mothers without children can do.

It was a slice of heaven.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

On Thursday, we came home to a message from our friends Larry and Rosemary, inviting us to this Sunday's Chiefs game against the Cincinnati Bengals.  These are our same friends who invited us to other Chiefs games where we had lots and lots of fun.  I'll give you one guess as to what our answer was...

After dumping our kids off on friends asking good friends if they would take pity on us by taking our kids all day, we were ready to go to the noon game.  We made it to Arrowhead Stadium by 9:15 AM, along with several other fans who were coming to tailgate.  After helping to set up the table, chairs and a grill, we were ready to do some pre-game celebrating.  

Let me just tell you - there is nothing like sitting in the middle of the parking lot amid the scrumptious odors of steaks, chicken or ribs on the grill.  After a Saturday of cold rain that finally made it feel like Fall, we were blessed with a day that was most beautiful for a game.  The atmosphere was lively, high and fun.  And friendly, friendly, friendly.  Everywhere there were fans who were smiling, excited and amiable to each other - even those in Bengal wear.

Larry cooked up a mess of great food.  Bacon-wrapped filet mignon, potatoes-corn dish and rich bread filled out tummies by 10:30 AM.  And for dessert, we finished with chocolate chip Toll House Bars.  I love game food.

And no tailgating party is complete without our promptly stomping our hosts in a game of Spades.  Ahhh... I love cards.  (It's a good thing that our friends still liked us enough to take us home later.)

We made our way to our seats which were right on the 10 yard line.  There were some excellent football from our viewpoint.  Catches, runs, stops... we saw it all.  And there were plenty of wonderful sights to see.  We even watched Nick LeShay on the sidelines during the pre-game warm-ups.  (Not that he had anything to do with the game.  He was there for a promotion about internet watchfulness with kids.)  

(Here is where I would post pictures of our fabulous time, but the batteries in the camera, unbeknownst to me, were dead.  If I can get Rosemary to send me some of her pictures, I'll post them later.)

Rosemary and I cheered loudly and often during the entire game.  And, because we're not afraid to try and bust a move, we made it on the big JumboTron.  

Let me just tell you, there's not greater sight than two white women from conservative backgrounds dancing at a game.  NO GREATER SIGHT!!  (At least we didn't boob flash the cameraman like the idiot woman 3 rows up from us.  I don't want to be on the screen that badly, thank you very much.)

Final score: Bengals 20   Chiefs 27

Let the record show: The Chiefs win when we attend the game.  I'm just saying... 

After the game, we had dinner at Nick and Jake's, a local establishment where the food is excellent and the atmosphere was peaceful after the stadium.  Larry and Rosemary are the type of people who make any activity worthwhile.  We talked a mile a minute with them and listened to their multiple lively stories.  It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

And sometimes you just need a perfect day.

Brewing Friendship

So I went out to have coffee with Addie the other night. (Oh, the delicious goodness of it getting to spend time her!) Even though we live about 10 miles from each other on very easy to travel roads, we couldn’t seem to coordinate any time that would work for both of us during the summer, but now that school has started, Mr. Right works late at night and Addie has more responsibilities than ever, we seem to have found the time for each other. Go figure.

Anyway, we met up at a cool, non-Starbucks, welcoming coffee place, where the drinks were perfect and the atmosphere was friendly. Oh, and you’ve got to try a Milky Way. It’s basically a Café Mocha with Caramel and Whipped Cream. Mmmm. And it's even better if you get to sip on it with great company...

It was such a beautiful night, we decided to join the rank of patrons who were sitting outside.  They just happen all to be under the age of 22.  Nothing like a crowd of college kids around you to provide a sense of belonging and ease... and youth. (Actually, they were all politely jolly and, for the most part, kept to themselves.)

We talked about anything and everything: kids, blogging, jobs, marriages. You name it, it might have been mentioned because Addie and I aren't afraid to talk.  And laugh.  And get serious.  

One of the things discussed over the course of our tête-à-tête was the DISC tests. She’d taken that personality test too, so we had lots about which to converse regarding it. When I relayed how much I dislike being a D (for I think of it as demanding, directing, delusional, demonic and dorky.  Why oh why couldn't I be a nice S with a nice dose of I?), Addie said, “Shalee, you’re a D? Really? I can’t see you as being a D.”

Y’ALL. She said this statement WITH A SERIOUS EXPRESSION. She totally meant it.  And although she couldn't be more wrong and it's only because she doesn't have to live with me, I felt extremely grateful to Addie for those extremely kind words.  So much so,  I had to tell her.

And with that, I couldn’t help but smile and exclaim, “I love you, Addie!”

Then a blanket of silence covered the 10 or so people next to us. And I noticed that they were all staring in our direction, at me in particular.  Quickly, with poise and elegance, I stammered, “Ummm, well, not like THAT. I mean I love her but I don’t LOVE her, okay? I think her husband would have something to say about that…” 

Then they regaled us with choruses of “That’s okay.” “Hey, your choices are your choices.” “Well, we don’t judge around here.” And then they returned to their conversation as if some loud, loving woman had never made a remark.

Well. It’s good to know that I’ve got someplace to go where I won’t be judged if I ever have need of it. I’m pretty sure that Addie may feel quite differently, though…

Too bad. That was a really cool coffee place.

A Bloggity Night Of FUN!

Southern Girl, me and Karla

Where, oh where do I even begin? It was such a fantastic time, I'm having a hard time organizing my thoughts... Last night Mr. Right and I had the pleasure of spending time with some blogging friends: Karla and her family and Southern Girl and her mom. And to top it off, Karla invited a (not so old) friend from my childhood - William and his family.

When we arrived and Karla opened her door, I knew immediately that I had met her before when we where at college. (The really neat part of talking with Karla is that we have found that we went to the same college, we've actually met in real life way back then, her preacher came to our church recently, we have several friends in common, really this list can continue on and on...) We hugged and talked as if we weren't meeting for the first time. I love that kind of relationship! (And when her husband Dan came home, it was the same all over. I knew I had met him, even if he couldn't remember me... What can I say? I've grown into my making a lasting impression, I guess.)

When I entered into their new house (which was absolutely gorgeous, by the way!), introductions to Southern Girl were quickly underway. Let me just tell you all now: Southern Girl is just as sweet and lovable in real life as she is on her blog. I wanted to just wrap her up, stick her in my pocket and take her home. (But her mom wouldn't let me.) Again it was like old home week in our discussions. I didn't feel as if I was meeting a stranger for the first time; I felt as if I was talking with a long-time friend.

And look at this beautiful piece of artwork that Southern Girl so graciously made for me.

Is this not one of the most beautifully crafted crosses you've ever seen? Southern Girl, I know JUST where it is going at home. Thank you for your sweet thoughtfulness.

After talking a bit with the everyone, Ainsley so sweetly requested, "Come on! Let's go play!" and so I was off for a time of shopping, piano playing, spying all the rooms and hide and seek. That girl is so sweet I could eat her with a spoon! All manners and smiles, she didn't even baulk when I said that I wanted to go spend time with the adults. She just led me into the living room and sat beside me. And when she did, she so politely and kindly said, "She has prickly legs just like you, Mama!" We all laughed well on that one, and then I watched Southern Mama adjust her pant legs so that Ainsley couldn't get near her skin...

Soon William and his family arrived, and it was hugs all around again. He's the same as I remember him - funny, fun-loving and wacky guy that I remember from church. He really became my extended family by the way that our families spent so much time together - church, youth group, bus programs, potlucks, family game nights, Thanksgiving... our families were together all the time when I was growing up. So this night became a mini family reunion for me too.

A funny story: When Robin asked, "Who is this girl that we're going to meet?", William replied, "She's the girl that everyone said that she and I would get married when we were growing up." Then he laughed. And I have to admit that it made me laugh when I heard that because first of all, no one said it to me when we were younger; secondly, we would have driven each other crazy by the time we were walking down the aisle; and thirdly, that would be like marrying my brother - which really just gives me the willies! (In a good way, William... in a good way.)

A picture for his mama...I love his wife, Robin! She is so beautiful from the inside out. She and William have just celebrated their first anniversary, and you can tell that they're so good for each other. Really, I just wanted to meet the girl who would "put up with" William. I think William has finally met his match.

And to top it off, William became an instant daddy. Courtney loves William which anyone can tell is a blessing in and of itself. She calls him Daddy, talks with him as if he deserves respect and love and plays with him as if she's done so all her life. It's really great to see them all so blessed with each other.

Dinner of fried chicken, beans, slaw, biscuits and strawberries was perfect! Karla, you were right: Gus' makes some mighty fine, finger-lickin' good chicken. And Southern Mama brought a fun-looking dessert that complimented the meal very nicely. I just love being back in the land of really great food!

We had to say goodbye to Southern Girl and her mom as they had to leave early. But I'm so happy that they made time to visit with us. It really was a treasure. (And as a great side note to all you Southern Girl readers: She may be back sooner than she said... She just has to go visit her boyfriend first...)

After dinner we talked, laughed and then we taught them the thrill of "Swap!", which only lead to more laughter and talking. Games were a perfect way to round out this fun-filled night!

(L to R: Robin, Courtney, me, William, Dan, Ainsley and Karla)

Thanks to everyone for making this last leg of the Bloggity Tour so much fun. I'm looking forward to a reunion next year too!

The Main Reason You Should Have Caller ID

It might be me on the other end.

In an unheard-of run of telephone marathoning, I - a person who is at random times very uncomfortable with being on the phone - made several calls to individuals with whom I've been wanting to speak.

My first call was with Barb. Now the funny thing is that Barb and I emailed for at least half an hour earlier in the day about all sorts of stuff, one of which was the fact that I can't - I mean it's physically impossible for me - be on the phone for hours on end. When I've had my fill of phone time (which you must understand has nothing to do with the person on the other end, but has everything to do with me and my quirky self), I gotta go and I gotta go quickly. I was just setting the perimeters of how I call. And you know what? Barb said she was the same way. I knew there were even more reasons to like her! So when she answered her phone and I identified myself, she said, "Oh hi, Shalee. I gotta go. Bye." I said, "Okay, talk to you later." Then we laughed. And that started the entire talk fest. We both talked til we were ready to get off the phone; our jitters to cease the call started at the same time, so that helped to avoid any awkward, embarrassing moments.

And time flew, as it should when you're having fun. Barb, you haven't heard the last of me yet! And we will meet someday. Oh yes, we will meet... and we'll drink dirty martinis and eat lots of really bad for us, but good night it tastes so good food!

After finding that I loved the phone time with Barb, I figured I might as well give my weekly phone message to Boomama's cell. I say that because we have had the worst time getting a hold of each other. Either she's out of service or she's on the line with Big Mama or Emma Kate or she's out washing the cat... It would be absolutely comical if I could figure out some funny way to tell it, but it's too late now. Anyway, imagine my surprise when she actually answered the phone! I was speechless for a moment because it was so unexpected. (Someone take note: There was a day when I was at a loss for words.) I recovered quickly and then proceeded to talk first with Alex (a gentleman and a sweetheart all in one and I'd take him home if he'd let me - and the chances are he would with the way he's ditching his parents to stay with his grandparents...) and then with Boomama herself. And the part I loved best? She started in on a great conversation as if I have known her since second grade. Yet another great conversation that made the clock swirl around to show the end of day. I can't wait to have another conversation with her about anything and everything and nothing at all.

I tried to give a call to Addie, but she was out playing somewhere...

And to top off the night, I gave a much needed call to Heather, the one who I was supposed to talk to last Monday, but life happened on her part and so I promised to call last Friday while driving up to see my kids, but I was a bonehead and forgot all about it. And I should have called her when I was driving back from seeing the kids, but like a good rider in a car, I got lost in a good book and then promptly forgot again. I'm such a liarhead... So I made the call and confessed my idiocy. Fortunately she forgave me. We too talked for almost an hour. She's such a doll and a strong lover of God. I want to have faith like her if when I grow up.

But wait!! There's more! Addie called me back when I was on the phone with Heather. So I debated if my "I won't call anyone after 9:30 PM" rule was still in effect, but I threw caution to the wind and called her anyway. We laughed and giggled and decided that we need to get together sometime after our blogging trip anniversary getaway.

So maybe there is something to reaching out and touching someone after all...

Looky What I Got!

My sweet friend GiBee was so generous. She sent me a wonderful birthday gift too! (To be honest, I received it about a week and a half ago, but I couldn't find my camera. But now that I've found it, I'm finally posting a blog thank you. However, I did have the wherewithal to thank her when I did receive it. Not to worry, Mom; I'm watching my p's and q's!)

So look at this sweet purse! My purse right now screams "SPRING!" When GiBee saw this little beauty, she said it yelled, "I need a cute cabana boy to bring me a drink with a yummy drink with an umbrella on the top!" And then she immediately thought of me.

I see a connection her... Shalee = lush Hmmm... not exactly the image I was going for, but hey, I can live with it. Heck, I'll even live up to the reputation if I have to.

I love it! What a cute strap! The stripes are fun and summery, the size is small, yet roomy enough for all my junk and it has great pockets. I have a feeling that this purse and I are going to have a wonderful relationship...

And to go with the "cabana boy" theme to the purse, GiBee sent me these perfect notepads. Look at how fun they are. And the best part is that they have beautiful scriptures on them relating to feet. I think I'll leave these at work to remind myself that my feet are for God's service no matter where I am.

So THANK YOU, GiBee for your sweet heart and your kindness to me. I'm undeserving of it, but I'll treasure it. And each time I carry my new bag, I'll remember the friendship that I'm carrying with it.

Oh, and as a side note, Mr. Right is sick. I think it serves him right for having a fling and such a great time with her...

A Rebuttal to Jeana

Jeana came up with a very well-thought, "logical" reason as to why she should get half of the winnings to the winning lottery ticket that I should be holding since I'm on a streak this week.

1. The getting paid to shop for my boss
2. The free lunch
3. The Brooks and Dunn tickets
4. And now I found out that I won Holymama's prize for feeling myself up.

Jeana especially thinks that she deserves that last prize and my imaginary lottery winnings. I'd like to address Jeana's appeals:

If I had been thinking about getting together with another girl, I really would have asked you to come and join me for the concert. However, I was mostly thinking about how fun it would be to make out with Mr. Right - before, during and after the concert because, really there's nothing like sitting outside on a warm night, listening to country and love songs to make you want to drive off into the country and make out. But trust me, if I didn't have visions of epic dating proportions in my head, I'd have so asked you. And (!) I wouldn't even have tried to hold your hand...

"With the streak you're on, you really should think about buying a lottery ticket. And of course half the winnings should go to me because it was my idea."

If I should choose to buy a lottery ticket, I would love to share it with the person who first suggested that I should see if my streak would hold. That sounds quite reasonable. But the said winnings would go to Oopsy Daisy, as she in fact made that same suggestion on May 22nd, 2007, the day I first posted. Two days before your suggestion... She even made the suggestion at my diner, rather than at her own blog. So she has a little closer to the source.

"It's totally obvious that the second prize should go to me, anyone can see that."

Don't you realize that you already won the second prize? I mean, you were able to cop a feel on yourself... How much better if you had gotten Scott in on the job! That's such a (booby) prize in and of itself.

And I'd like to thank you for reminding me about It Could Happen To You. I think I should rent that one again. Bridget Fonda is so cute in that movie... I only like her in Lake Placid a little better. She was stinkin' funny in that one. And she really kicked buttocks in The Point of No Return...

The Day After

And no, this post has nothing to do with nuclear war...

First of all, let me thank each and every one of you for your birthday wishes. When we checked it out this morning, the girl was delighted to see so many comments. Now that I mention it, so was I! Thank you for sharing the birthday wishes, and thanks to those of you who sent me e-cards. I was smiling all throughout the day as I thought about them. Hoops and Yoyo were playing a lot in the office y'all. It's a good thing my boss had a flight to catch. I think I would have driven him nuts... well, more than usual anyway.

Here are some more highlights from my special day:

• I talked with GiBee and Jeana.
• My mom and dad called and also received her gift subscription to "Taste of Home Simple and Delicious"... And can I tell you what I think of it? Oddly enough, the recipes look simple... and delicious. Who'd of thunk?
  
  
  
• My in-laws sent me a cute change purse that wasn't empty, and yet - it wasn't full of change either. Nice!
• Mr. Right planned a surprise birthday dinner at one of my favorite restaurants (it's a mongolian grill) where he invited people who I might expect to come and others that I wouldn't. He stole my phone and called some people who were more "my" friends to invite them. And Addie, all I can say is that you should tell your relatives to plan their visits to be a little more Shalee-centered and not show up on my birthday... I would have loved to have you and Ben there as well.
• My friends are too generous, but I thank you for the gifts and gift cards. They will be spent quickly I'm sure. As a matter of fact, Panera just got their first swipe from that card... And I had to laugh at my friend John's gift.
  
  
  
  He said he found it three months ago and he's waited all this time to give it too me... It cracks me up! "I blog, therefore I am." Hmph... "Comments (0)"... not with you people around the internet.
• The girl really surprised me. She found a cookbook called bills food that she really liked and bought it for me with her own money. She was worried as to whether or not I would like it (which I really do!), but knowing that she really invested a lot of thought and spent her own money on it, I would keep it no matter what... Fortunately, I'm not put into an awkward position of wanting to take it back but not being able to do so. It's a delicious-looking keeper with some simple, tasty and fresh recipes. And to give you a teaser, the first one we're going to try is the chocolate self-saucing cake.
  
  
  
  Mmmm mmmm is all I can say... And if you show up, I'll share.
• And just look at this card from Mr. Right.
  
  
  
  He's such a romantic man. I don't deserve him at all, but I'll just hold tightly onto him, because there's no way I'm letting any other girl have him! (And Shannon, I'm glad I didn't try to think BIG as you suggested with the Admin Gift... Mr. Right had it all along.) And to top it off, on the back of the iPod he engraved:

Proverbs 31:10-29

Shalee

Before going to bed, he read those scriptures to me. Sigh... My life is so blessed. And I well know it.

Lastly, Mr. Right left this comment for me on yesterday's post, but I had to share it front page and center. It was too good not to highlight, in my opinion, and since it's my blog, I guess mine's the only one that ultimately counts.

36 Great Memories of Shalee in a Nut-Shell by Mr. Right

1. Reading James and the Giant Peach aloud to you on the bluff at Wildwood
2. Not enough garlic in the spaghetti sauce (defining moment!)
3. “Doubly Good”
4. Playing in the rain (Harding)
5. Fire alarm at the ski resort (Colorado)
6. Monet in Chicago
7. Tubing down the Platte (and the walk back)
8. Dancing on roller skates
9. Posing for drawings
10. Kissing in the Rain Forest (Omaha Zoo)
11. Crab ambush (Galveston)
12. 4th of July on the Peabody, Memphis
13. The ultimate Battleship finish (Brocks) (cheater)
14. Gravy balls
15. Ice cubes for Thanksgiving, 1999
16. Moo Juice (Jamaica)
17. Castor oil + long bumpy ride = baby
18. Reading Sense and Sensibility to each other (York)
19. Breakfast at Chances R
20. French Quarters (Memphis)
21. Hot tub in the rain (Eureka Springs)
22. Riding horses in the rain through the forest (Eureka Springs)
23. 4-wheeling to the access road around traffic jam
24. Long walks holding hands
25. Halloween at the Colts-Chiefs game
26. Stogies and a Mango Martini (J Gilberts)
27. Jumping in the pool fully clothed after a long walk on a hot day (convincing the kids that it’s ok)
28. Dancing all night in Memphis
29. The “Nerd Dance”
30. Your love letters on flowery paper (and perfume!)
31. Seeing you, your son and your daughter sitting up on our big bed reading books
32. Tying a cherry stem with your tongue in ten seconds
33. Mashed Potato fight (NYCamp)
34. Halloween in footy pajamas (no, not the kids)
35. Throwing Mystery Dinners (all out)
36. Being in my arms

Laying It On Thick

Kelli at Living in Grace had a wonderful idea. She's suggesting an intercessory prayer coverage for Heather as she is having and recovering from brain surgery.

Kelli wrote:

The surgery is this Thursday with recovery lasting about 6 days. How about we start covering her Wednesday at 8am CT and go forward for the coming week? If you could commit to a certain time every day to pray, we can ensure that we have at least one person praying at all times 24/7.

Prayers for Heather... yeah, that's something I can continue to do for her. Only now, I'll be doing it at 9 AM to help with the prayer blanket.

Anyone else want to join in on the prayer? Head on over to Kelli's to sign up to bless the hospital gown off of Heather! (That's figurative y'all. Heather, keep your clothes on...)