Alabama Tracks

Thanksgiving this year came with a emotional rollar coaster and a stretching machine wrapped up together. I don’t remember a time when my plans have been changed so much in such a short amount of time. I’m one to have my ducks in a row well in advance - not just in a row mind you. I want them all quacking the same tune, waddling the same fashion, and even better, headed in the same direction. After all, they can be in a row but if you have one turned around it won’t work.

My ducks were well on their way to doing everything this dictator wanted them to do. I had my grocery list started, the menu planned out, sleeping arrangements made, and even my cleaning schedule down. Strike one. Tia and David wouldn’t be coming. My ducks wabbled a bit but I managed to do pretty good. Strike two. Mom and Dad came a week early and wouldn’t come for Thanksgiving. Even more, Gigi wouldn’t be coming. With that one, I had a few ducks fell out of line. Not just fell out, oh they decided to create their line. Strike three, four, five, six, seven, and eight. Thanksgiving plans would now be with just Joel and myself then to his mom’s then back to our house and so on. 9:30 at night on Wednesday night, we went to the store to buy a fresh turkey. By now, my ability to cry, laugh, or exhibit any emotion was gone. My ducks were in complete mayhem. To make it even more interesting, the next morning brought yet another strike. Joel’s mom called to inform us that Rachel’s husband Dwayne (Joel’s cousin’s husband) had just fallen out of a tree and was being taken to the ER. Not knowing what was going to happen, Belle Zora went next door to help them with their dinner for all the kids. So I tried to suck it up and keep going - we put the tree up. About an hour later we received a phone call saying that they were on their way and that Dwayne was fine.

Dinner consisted of the bird that I cooked, gravy, dumplins ????, and green beans with brownies for dessert. Tradition went out the window this year. I still can’t get my head around the dumplins idea. Belle Zora said that it was a southern thing and that for every special occassion they had dumplins. Interesting to say the least. Following the meal, Joanna and I decorated the tree while Joel and Belle Zora spent time working on the computer. The day closed out on a good note but I was exhausted. I’m definetly looking forward to resuming my traditions and having my ducks doing what I want them to do rather than having a duck uprising.

Friday, Joel and I went shopping. Of all the years that I have gone out, this year was the worst I have ever seen it. Old Navy’s line was completely to back of the store with 6 registers open. They did hand out some really good cereal bars from Cereality.com. They were probably the best ones that I have ever had. Cranberry, almond, and white chocolate chip. Turns out this is a California cereal bar restaurant where you add your own mix ins. It was fabulous. We bought a bunch of stuff primarily for us as we don’t know what is happening yet for Christmas. I did manage to find two gifts for friends though on a really great deal. We made my husband happy with a new DVD R writer for his computer and then took care of necessities with new tennies for both of us. By noon, I wanted to go home. After a few hours sluffing around the house, we decided to take in the new Harry Potter movie.

Saturday we went down to his mom’s house for the day. We put up her tree and saw family that was in town for the weekend. I was absolutely exhausted by that evening and I splet hard to prove it. I think the chaos of the weekend took so much out of me that my body decided it was time to shut down for some really good R&R. Sunday brought church and Monday brought work.

This weekend I will leave for Mobile to have our annual meeting for work. It will be my first one so it is bound to be interesting. Once again, I’m not in control of driving, where we will eat, etc. It does tend to keep my nerves on edge not knowing how it will all play out but it is sure to be long days with little sleep. Joel is bound to use the couple days that I am gone to catch up on his play time of which I can’t really blame him.

As of December 1st I will start to organize my ducks once again. Shopping, parties, baking, cards, etc. I hope to have these ducks be more well behaved. What do you think about making my ducks drop and give me twenty? It worked in band camp. really, I’m learning a dictatorship doesn’t always work thought it is hard to break old habits and traits. Maybe Christmas will be more of what everyone is hoping for.

Wow. What an eventful weekend. If someone had told me that my weekend would have been like it was, I never would have believed them. It began on Thursday. I didn’t talk to Mom on Thursday which was odd but due to the hour difference I decided to wait until Friday to call. I read her blog and was shocked to hear about the issues that were before she and Daddy regarding the shop. As soon as I could get ahold of her on Friday, we talked. It was brief but I was assured that it would be okay and all would pass.

I got off early so I could go home and prepare for my party that I had planned for that evening. I was more relaxed than I had been all week about having that many people in the house and what everyone would say about how I decorated, etc. As I began to clean, the phone rang. Daddy asked calmly if they could come up this weekend as the building was condemned. Without hesitation I answered as I began to let tears fall from my face in debelief. After a few phone calls to see what I could do to help with my “connections” I tried to clean and finish getting ready for my party.

My first guests arrived at 6:45. It was Mike and Kerri. Our friends who got married 2 weeks after we did and whose life so irely mirrors ours. We immediately held hands and began to pray. What a relief to have friends who care and are willing to take you to the throne room of heaven with your hurts and concerns. After the prayer I was able to focus more intently on what was about to happpen to my little house. I ended up with about 30 people in attendance. They seemed to congregate in my living room and the foyer not utilizing the fouton couch in the office. They all commented on how good the house smelled of which brought a huge smile to my face. What a great feeling. All my hard work had paid off. I finally began to not feel like I had to compete with others anymore. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves but we were also very glad to see the last couple leave at 10:00. By 10:30 Mom, Dad, Amos, and Jaasper were there. With body parts aching and eyelids closing rapidly, our beds called loudly.

I was intent on making this weekend be a stressless time for them. For once, I wanted to take care of their needs. I took care of the laundry, made breakfast, and helped Mom with some sewing. We took a trip over to Hancock Fabrics and Hobby Lobby and the new Publix. Dad stayed at home all day with Joel talking on the phone while Joel played games. We had a small thanksgiving dinner complete with a Publix rotisserie chicken, stove top stuffing , leftover cranberry apple bake, and a salad served on paper plates and in the living room as the dinning room was covered in sewing. Definetly not what we’re use to but it worked. It was a good meal and one that they hadn’t had in some time nor would they if they didn’t know where they would be. Sunday brought a wonderful message from Jay regarding Thanksgiving Therapy. He was all into Mom and Dad’s Kool Aid. I knew we all needed to hear it.

Sunday afternoon was filled with more sewing, Joel and Dad sleeping, Dad on the phone and Joel on the computer. 1:00 AM the alarm went off to wake Mom up so they could be out the door for 1:30. Mom was sleeping pretty good as she thought me rubbing her back was in her dream. For those that don’t know Mom and sleep. They don’t go together very often. I’m so relieved to hear that all the mess with the building is settling out and that things are going to get back to normal for the most part.

Though it wasn’t the holiday weekend I was hoping for, it was a great weekend of strengthening my parents physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m just glad I was able to do something for them in their time of need. I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I think we all experienced a bit of revitalization.

We’ve grown flowers for a while now. Erin pots them and dots our front beds with them. But this year has produced some oddities. One of the ones it’s produced is this flower

It’s an area you would think would be the worst place for a flower to seed. It’s at the foot of the driveway in the gutter next to the drain. But it’s optimal as well. Our driveway slants ever so slightly away from the house to not only clear the gutter but also the median at the entrance to our street. This guy is on the inside of that tilt so he’s easy to avoid when backing out and turning in. He’s surrounded by concrete which doesn’t cool as fast as the surrounding air so he’s still alive when the others have bitten the dust. But can you imagine God telling you he wants to plant you in the gutter between a driveway and a sewer drain?

Today we learned the awful news of Ken and Chris being evicted from their workshop they’ve been at for well over a decade. This just days after they sold their house and in the middle of busy season for Chris. The condemning smells highly fish, like ulterior motives have something to do with all of this. You don’t JUST have an abrupt mass inspection and evict people 24 hours later. Sounds too preplanned. Sounds like someone’s been roaming to and fro, about the Earth…

So now they’re homeless. No house. No shop. No hot water. Not a single luxury. Like Robinson Crusoe… wait, that’s another story. But what ever shall they do? Erin cried and cried over it. I’m sure Tia’s ready to read the riot act to someone in Jacksonville, regardless of the 700 mile gap.

Yet, I almost had to laugh when I ran through it all in my head. Not because eviction is funny, but because it has the fingerprints of God all over it. It’s a valley. It’s a big one. But it’s the kind of thing that changes you. You can let it kill your spirit or you can let it make you stronger. Erin and I walked that path 15 months ago and things are vastly improved today. Perseverence is a virtue. Faithfulness is rewarded. If God tells you to go to the desert don’t bring a coffin. Our flower survives even in the freezing temps at night. It thrives where it was planted. So the world won’t end today. Thanksgiving is shot, nerves are frayed but God is still in charge. Job didn’t forget that, even when he lost all his children and everything he owned.

Time. I’m running really short on time this week. This Friday will be our Social at the house as well as a Baby Shower during Bible Study and a Birthday Party Celebration at work for which I’ll need to prepare food. I have a feeling that I’ll be spending a great deal of time in the kitchen this week.

I’m not really sure of how many people I’m supposed to be expecting. We’ve had anywhere from 20 - 45 people in Sunday School lately and according to the sign up list, I’m tentatively going to have about 30 people. It should prove to be interesting where I’m going to put all the people but I think I finally have the plans down as to how the traffic patterns will go.

Joel has been after me to host friends over and have a social at our house for quite some time now. We’ve not done it for lack of time and money. I think after this social we’ll rethink it. I know I’m amazed at just how much money we’ve spent for this party and that’s with me trying to cut corners. I got my desert plates, cup, napkins, and forks at Big Lots. Paper plates came from Target. I’m making a large turkey sandwich with pesto mayo and cranberries instead of the Honey Baked Turkey I initially wanted and I’m borrowing an ice bucket and a coffee urn for wassail. I’ve not bought too much stuff for the house though I have done more than I typically would have if we didn’t have the social to plan for.

This weekend my diva qualities were massaged. I wore my silver and black hat with the big black feather and bow. It was the first time I wore the hat since I bought it with Mom on sale. I got so many comments about this hat - more than I have in the past about others. People in Sunday School have called me the “Hat Lady.” Funny. We used to call Mrs. Youngbauer the hat lady in Jax. I can only hope that my hat wearing will rub off on others. Men seem to love them and they all have comments about them. Joel really liked this one and commented on it so. It was nice to have the attention and feel so sassy. Maybe I’ll be able to get another one soon to add to my collection.

Joel and I focused on finishing the brick edging around the house this weekend as well as doing some touch up painting. The brick was a two year project that finally came to an end. We still need to lay some new bark around the flower beds but for the most part, the yard is finished for the time being. We’re beginning to create some new ideas for the Spring that may not take as long but will definitely add to the character of the house and yard. I’m not looking to start it any time soon but the dream has to start now.

I’m taking half of Friday off and am considering asking for the entire day off or maybe a half day around Christmas instead. I’m not sure which will be better. Maybe a day for baking. Baklava maybe???? I’m ready for the holidays to begin which will mean that time and money won’t be around at least until the first of the year.

It’s been a good day. A long one in the making but ultimately it turned out to be really good. Joel and I drove to Atlanta today to see my old college roommate, Laurel and her new fiance Charles. It was a trip that I initially had some apprehension about as a result of some past hurts but I finally decided that if I had said that things had been forgiven, then I needed to have my actions speak the same. It was also a first meeting for both our men.

8:30, we headed out on a rough start. I got irritated at little things of which I can only attribute to nerves. After a short spat, apologies, and a “Can we start our day over?” conversation, we were on a new track.

When I realized that we were most likely going to be late, Laurel called and said that they too would be late. Whew! I don’t like to be late so it was as if I had been granted permission. Joel took the exit to Emory in a haste so we got the scenic tour of Peachtree Street. Not the best of streets for me when my nerves were already a bit jumpy. We made it though and in one piece. The Cheesecake Factory - our favorite.

We met Laurel and Charles and ate outside. The initial meeting wasn’t awkward as I had thought it would be. It was as if we were two good friends meeting up again after a long hiatus. My nerves calmed considerably. While at the table, Laurel spilled the BIG news to me. She indicated that it had happened about 6 weeks prior but she wanted to see my face when she told me. I was surprised and happy for them both. The ring is very pretty, different, and very Laurel. I don’t remember how long we were there at lunch but it was quite some time. Chit chat and catching up on our lives and the lives of our families. Sharing laughs, hard times, and getting to know one another again.

From there, we went to Atlantic Station. It is a community in and of itself, equiped with everything from Publix to Dillards. Parking is underground and the loft apartments around there range from the $900 figure for a 1 bedroom to the $thousands. After walking around the general area, we headed for the new IKEA store there. Huge. That’s really all I can say. Oh, and cheap and modern. It’s not bad if you just want a look for stuff for an apartment for a short time and you won’t have a lot of rough living going on around it. Most of it is cabinets, shelving, etc. that you take home and put together yourself. Not my style. So after walking though the maze there, we drove past the new mosk that is being built. According to Laurel, it is the largest in the Southeast. Then on the to the church her friends are starting back up in the same general area as the mosk, down by Georgia Tech.

Crazy idea. Let’s head to The Varsity. The GT game hadn’t let out yet. It’s a perfect time to go. Or so we thought. Just as we headed over there, the game let out and thus the traffic picked up 10 fold. We didn’t have far to go but I was a bundle of nerves the entire time. Laurel kept telling me what a great time it was to go. GT had just won their game. It was an experience that everyone would love to have. While we sipped on a Frosted Orange and ate onion rings, I shared my wedding and honeymoon photos with them. It was then that I really felt a peace about how things had gone throughout the day. So after some pictures in the parking lot, we said our goodbyes with the promise to talk again soon.

Joel and I just got home a little bit ago and will be headed off to bed shortly. I’m absolutely exhausted tonight. We must have walked a couple miles today alone. My feet feel it. Church will be tomorrow and we’ll hand out our invitations to the November social. I use tomorrow afternoon to get ready for next week which promises to be somewhat light. Paul will be out of the office for 3 days and 2 of those days, John will be out the office as well.

I started walking at work during my breaks now. I figure that if my feet don’t hurt as bad in the day time as they do by the end of the day, a little walking is better than none at all. Maybe it will help me shed some more weight. At present, I’m still at the 10 pound mark with great aspirations of more to lose. Only time will tell.

Relief. It was a good day. Something I was so afraid of, God blessed. Obedience paid off. I should have never doubted.

The girls are up to it again. Shanangins. Most everyone is familiar with my girls playing with jalepeno peppers, drinking water from their paws rather than lapping, and liking bath time. Flala has been one to really like boxes. Not just to play in though. She has really taken to eating and shreading boxes leaving cardboard poop everywhere. She has one box that she loves to crawl in, play with her tail, hide from Lilly, and EAT. Lilly on the other hand has taken to eating firewood. Yes, that is correct. Wood. Why, I have not a clue. Initially I thought she just had itchy toes. I was wrong. I not only have cardboard poop everywhere but I also have wood shavings everywhere. Where they get their fancies is beyond me. I guess they both decided fiber was a good thing.

I’ve started planning for Thanksgiving this week. November is going to be a very busy month with both the Sunday School party and the family coming. I’m looking forward to it though. It’s been a while since the whole family has been together so it’s bound to be fabulous. Joel and I just bought a new game for the Playstation that we just know is going to be a hit with everyone. Katamari 2. Wierd name, wierd game, but all around fun. Joel and I have spent several nights lately trying to get a better time and stats.

I’ve had a great time decorating the house with what I could find. I found a great tall vase thing that looks like it came from Pier One. I got it on sale at Target for all of $6. I can’t wait to find stuff to stick in it. I also got a great big shallow bowl to put lots of apples and cinnamon scented pinecones in it for a coffee table center piece. Now if I can just get my thoughts together about how to set up the house for so many people, the menu, and the logistics of it all, I’ll be all set.

I’m also trying locate a different spot for our family pictures that we’ll take over the Thanksgiving weekend. I’d like to the use the Shakespeare Festival Bridge and Watch Tower but I’d also like a seperate spot that may be fallish looking. Not being from around here I don’t know of many good picture spots. I’m sure I’ll start asking around. Afterall I do work for a farmers federation. I should be able to get some ideas from someone.
I’ll keep everyone posted. For those that don’t know or need a reminder, pictures this year are in kakhi pants and an autumn colored shirt. Any color just so it looks like a fall colored leaf.

My rhubarb is just about ready to harvest for the first time. Joel noticed yesterday that the stalks had turned mostly red. I’ve not checked online yet but I believe that is the tell tale sign. I’m so excited. I’m ready for some rhubarb cobbler or pie. It takes me right back to Michigan. Eating fresh rhubarb with sugar. Instant happy thoughts.

Things are heating up here at work. Mom and Dad should be on their way to Indy and Gigi is catsitting the boys. Another day, more stuff…..