decisions, decisions....

There comes a time, when I guess you have to decide what to do about a car- if you need 2 cars in a family. I realized that there are about 30 different scenerio's that can play out- keep the car, fix the car, sell the car, get a new car, fix part of the car, til you find a deal on a newer car, drive the newer car we currently own and let me get a bike, etc., research this- research that- thing on this think on that.
There is NO book that say, "do this when this happens" and that has really taught Jamos and I these last few weeks. I spent a lot of time on the phone today- talking to EVERYONE I could think of about cars. I even called the NATIONAL honda customer service- telling them that my family is an avid honda family- and I am disappointed that my honda after being well taken care of- isnt doing so hot right now. Ha. She sent a note to our honda dealership down here- to see what they could do- 10% off isn't much when you are talking a $3,500 transmission. ARGH. PLUS- I already found that coupon online- so they were doing NOTHING.

I took the car to Sal's around the corner- I love them and making them cookies soon- since they have been SO fabulous about my car- and just spending time looking at it- etc., for FREE. They said it could possibly be the axle- not the transmission that was klunking- so, even so, we need our transmission replaced- if we were to keep the car... nothing beats a diagnosis.

All thru this- I was trying to work, and the carpet men were here ripping up the carpet and padding from the bedroom and living room. I sat on the couch smashed between our dining room table, desk and side tables- basically ALL of our living room furn. Spent MORE time with the help desk at SAU- trying to get my computer fixed and back up to par....still a process.

So, that is my life so far. Trying to trust in the Lord- trying to pray, to stay faithful to Him, for he continues to bless Jamos and I and I know Jamos and I will continue to look to the Lord for strength- not sure why in the midst of a trial sometimes the LAST person you want to turn to is Christ, but it should be our FIRST choice EVER. ALWAYS. So, continue to lift us up in your prayers. That our minds would be filled with peace- that worry and stress will leave us ALONE!

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalms 28:7

spoke too soon

Though I did not get struck my lightening-- the house did manage to FLOOD. our carpet in the living room and bedroom are soaking wet. I noticed a wet spot and did more searching- only to find that somehow our floors are soaking wet. It WAS raining a TON...but, GEEWIZ. Did it really need to rain MORE than Hurricane IKE??!!?

I forgot to mention, that today, Jamos saw that the guy who used a metal pole to open our car door- even though I said we lived close and could get a ride to our house to get the spare key....actually SCRATCHED the heck out of the side panel of the door of the car. So, I had to GO BACK to the car place and fill out a report and tell them to FIX IT. It is one thing if I locked the keys in my car, but I also TOLD the guy I could go get a spare key and he insisted that he does this 20 times a day. So, ya. You hurt my car, you fix it.

Let's see...there a few other issues going on - though, I am thankful that these things are material and we have our lives and we have our family and friends. So, everything else in life- you just have to laugh at. Tonight as a stress reliever (it took jamos an HOUR to go 2 miles on his way home from work in the rain) from all the CRAP that has been going on in our lives- we decided to be goofy. 1) we ate pancakes for dinner because there is nothing else in the house 2) we made a REALLY REALLY long straw out of a bunch of straws and drank it from across the room. Then, we decided to duct tape the attaching points and have a really awesome straw. It was fun and, silly- which is what we needed to do.

Our DVR didnt record the shows we told it to- SO, we missed HOUSE and CHUCK. Which totally stinks. We like those shows a LOT. Well, Jamos likes Chuck- I don't really care MUCH.

storming

Yesterdays post of getting struck by lightening came to a reality today- when it was storming and lightening RIGHT ABOVE me all during yoga, my run threw the parking lot and now for the past 2 hours since I have been home!!! Scary to have the reality that lightening REALLY could strike me. I kinda have just been waiting for it.

Does anyone have car advice? Fix our 1999 transmission OR get a newer used car?

UGH.

Life lately has been ridiculous. One of those weeks where if I got struck by lightening, I wouldn't be suprised. You know we had MarriagePrep this weekend- which was taking up a TON of my time- since I am the coordinator of the program - there is a TON of details of the event that I have do- and remember- well, I did set up on Thursday- that night- Jamos came home and went to golf. On his way to golf, the car started THUDDING. So, FRIDAY morning, at 7am we took the car in- came back- and THEN realized my computer CRASHED. COME ON! And, working from home ON MY COMPUTER is basically my life- so, crashing computer is NO GOOD. I also had marriageprep, and things I needed to do for that on my computer- so I was freaking out.
I also was freaking out about our car- so I had Jamos drop me off at the car dealership so I could see what was out there- and lets just say I found some cars, started a deal and had to take the stinkin honda shuttle HOME. I was stressed and SHOULD NOT have even bothered look for cars. Oh well. At least I know how to deal with those stupid car salesmen.

SO...Jamos had to work this weekend, so, wasn't with me too much for MarriagePrep- but came when he could- which I really appreciated. I know the Lord taught me some things at MarriagePrep this weekend, so, for that, I am THANKFUL.

Today, we went to church, then, got our car washed at the place we have a monthly membership- of unlimited car washes- WELL, we paid some additonal money this time to get the car all cleaned out and basically detailed- BUT- as we were just about to go- and they were opening our car- the stupid people LOCKED OUR KEYS in the car. COME ON. (I am telling you- this has been my week) So, being the outspoken - not afraid to ask for things anymore person I am- I asked what we could get for FREE. SOOOO we got to bring the broken car which still RUNS- just makes bad noises- to get a wash and detail for free- which is awesome- especially if we are trading/selling our car soon- :) So, God was good to us to provide that blessing to our day.

So, I am asking for your prayers because we need peace as to what to do about our car and I would like prayer for a little break. I am stressed, so is Jamos and we work SO MUCH.

MarriagePrep

Sorry I have not written in AGES. I have been SO BUSY. We went to San Antonio last weekend to visit with my cousin, Sara and her husband- which sent us into a busy week as usual with SAU admissions and THEN, throw in 182 people signing up for MarriagePrep via MY email account- and all that goes into registering them- GEESH! I am SO crazy.

I really want to blog about our time in San Antonio- because while we were there- we went into some CAVES! It was SO cool!!! We ate a LOT and laughed a lot- we enjoyed our time with another COUPLE! I love the dynamics. Why is it hard to find friends that are like family here?!

WELL, it is 10pm- and I need to get off the computer now. Pray for me and for Jamos. We covet your prayers as we continue to grow in our marriage thru busy times.

My husband

Now that Jamos and I have been married for nearly over 1.5 years- I have gotten to know the guy pretty well. I know exactly how much mayo he likes on his sandwiches and I find myself choosing the parking spots HE would choose when I am parking our car. I know when he needs to eat, the words he needs to hear when he is stressed, the times he just needs a hug. Obviously, I also need a huge learning curve, because he is just as complex as the rest of us and there are more important things in life than mayo or his favorite candy or type of lemonade. I am learning that he needs to eat meat with dinner- he can't just eat a salad. I have learned how to help him thru his fear of needles. I know to listen when he brushes his teeth because 9 times out of 10 he will gag himself with his toothbrush. I know he likes Crest vs. Colgate and soft bristles vs. medium. I know that he HATES hanging things on the wall, which means I have to hang things up when he isnt home, or I will never get them hung. Anyways, today, I was going thru some files on my computer and came across a few that made me laugh out loud for REAL while I was home alone. They all remind me of the way he looks still today. It melts my heart and hope that someday when the Lord shows us we are ready for kids, they will be as precious as my husband was/is.
Enjoy :)

Every morning, this is what his hair looks like- makes me smile.

Seriously, LAST NIGHT, he was drinking out of a straw and was making the SAME FACE.

our lives in pictures

Wildflowers at the Park

Playing with my new lens outside at dusk.
At the park - likely sitting in an ant pile

Jamos at the driving range

No More Mr. Freckles

This is Mr. Freckles

This is his bed- where I was told to place this towel over it at night- so that he could sleep.....
This cracks me up. This is the water and food the woman gave me for this little dog. Has she ever heard of a dog dish?

Last night, was a crazy night for Jamos and I. We have been dog sitting this chiwawa- a little over 24 hours- into a 10 day committment...and our world came apart. This dog, which the woman who owns the dog, claims is perfect, innocent, and lovely as well as potty trained, has LEFT THE BUILDING.
It all started last night- hour by hour- it was whining whimpering barking scratching in its little "cage" that it normally sleeps in- according to this woman. All night long. whimper whimper- not a normal whimper- an ear piercing, gets on your nerves in less than 1/2 a second kind. Finally, at 4am - I had ENOUGH. I got out of bed- Jamos was on his last nerve, and I came to sleep on the couch with it- so that i could let it out of the cage- oh, I also took it out to pee or whatever- and so, it wasnt an issue. I wanted to let it out of the cage so Jamos could get some sleep since he has to drive around all day- and I dont want him tired/frustrated at my decision to let this dog come into our lives.

I also called the woman, at 4:30 to tell her that I really cannot keep this dog at our house during the night becasue we need sleep. The lady said we could take it to a vet to board it- I agreed and tried to sleep. Later on she called me - freaking out- crying- about how life was just so awful, and this was just the icing on the cake. Sorry lady- I tried to be a nice person. She begged me to GIVE THE DOG A BATH, GIVE IT FRENCH FRIES and LET IT SLEEP WITH ME. Let me think about that. NO. She made me call HER vet in GA, to get the shot record or whatever to have sent to the vet place that I found which will board the dog for a decent price- I took the dog there and said BYE. She didn't give me keys to her apartment, which I could have kept the dog there at night and wathched the dog during the day- or at least walk it- etc.,
Another annoying factor with this dog- it was a male- that hasn't been neutered- so, it was...um...trying to "get it on" with EVERYTHING in sight. Oh, I forgot to mention it pee'd on the floor as Jamos was putting its collar on to take it out.

Wow. My "I want a dog" phase is OVER. Killer, the last dog we watched was a completely different dog than this dog. Plus, killer was at least cute.

1. Where did you take your profile pic?Galveston
2. What exactly are you wearing right now?Brown Shorts, brown long sleeved “life is good” shirt that is exactly it.
3. What is your current problem?Well, I am feeling pretty good right now- had a problem dog staying with me until this morning when I took it to the “doggie hotel” to stay until his owners come back.
4. What makes you happy most?diet pepsi, coffee, sleep and of course, my family and friends
5. What's the name of the song that you're listening to?only listening to the TV.
6. Any celeb you would marry?WENTWORTH MILLER from Prison Break. But he has to KEEP his tattoos. I may name our first child wentworth 1) because I love the name 2) because I would marry him. Don’t worry- Jamos knows this!
7. Name someone with the same birthday as you?Shaq Oneil. (basketball player)
8. Ever sang in front of a large audience?Only in 6th grade choir…9. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?Yea, the girl who used to be on Greys Anatomy- I think cause I am tall- and so is she. Who knows.
10. Do you still watch kiddy movies or kiddie TV shows?No.
11. Do you speak any languages?Not that qualifies as SPEAK.
12. Has anyone you've been really close with passed away? My grandfathers, and two friends, including Tim Davis.
13.Do you ever watch MTV?CRAZY! I am watching that right now. That show “Robert Dyrdeks Fantasy Factory” Cracks me up. The dog skate boards.
14. What's something that really annoys you?Hearing people chew.
Chapter 1:===============
1. Middle name:Beth2. Nickname(s):Em, FLOB (first last only and best)
3. Current location:Couch baby. My butt fits right into its place on the cushion- this is also my office. Let’s hear it for posture!
4. Eye color:Hazel
Chapter 2:===============
1. Do you get along with your parent(s):Yes.
2.Are your parents married/separated/divorcedDivorced.
3. Do you have any Siblings?No- though I do have a step brother. But I don’t know if that counts- since we never lived together in the same house except summers…
Chapter 3: Favorites===============
1. Ice Cream:Vanilla with loads of candy bites!
2. Season: Hmm.. Summer
3. Shampoo/conditioner: Matrix- it changes daily.Chapter
4: Do You..===============
1. Dance in the shower? I don’t think so…
2. Do you write on your hand? I actually did the other day- haven’t done that in a long time- but I needed to remember something and it worked great!
3. Call people back? Yes. When I get cell service- which is NOT in my apartment.
4. Believe in love: I think love is real. Thank you Jesus.
6. Any bad habits? Of course.
7. Any mental health issues? After being up all night with the Chi-WAWA- I have to say YES.
Chapter 5: Have You..===============
1. Broken a bone: Yes.
2. Sprained stuff: No, I prefer to tear things rather than sprain them.
3. Had physical therapy: YES.
4. Gotten stitches? Yes, and I scar really bad.
5. Taken painkillers: Like, advil?
6. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling? Yes, snorkeling quite a bit- but I usually have to hold someone’s hand- cause I scare myself- (I scare myself in the pool too)
7. Been stung by a bee: Yea.
8. Thrown up at the dentist: YUCK. I do not throw up- and I hope I don’t ever throw up at the dentist.
9.Sworn in front of your parents: Hmm… I don’t think so.10. Had detention: Yes, I used to get them all the time- I even got a REFERAL once. For cheating! I thought it was the best idea ever- people sharing answers- I had no idea it was against the RULES!
11. Been called a hoe? No idea.
Chaper 6: Who/What was the last===============
1. Movie: Doubt
2. Three people to text you: Husband, Justyc and Jamey.
3. Person you called: My mom
.4. Person you hugged: Jamos
5. Person you tackled? Jamos. Poor guy.
6. Person you talked to on IM? Jennie
7. Thing you touched? Keyboard
8. Thing you ate? Chinese – homemade!
9. Thing you drank: Water
10. Thing you said: “what does that mean” to Jamos.
11. Person you kissed? Hubby. Final answer!

I guess that is all huh? That was fun!

dog.

Somehow, I got suckered into watching this ladies dog- a CHIWAWA - YES, I know I spelled that wrong, but, that is how I am spelling it. AND, apparently, we are watching this dog for over 1 week. I didn't know that until I was picking the dog up. SO, note to self: 1) do not be nice to people you don't know 2) do not agree to watch dogs for minimal payment. 3) make sure the dog isnt a boy dog.

THIS DOG IS DRIVING JAMOS AND I NUTS. I know that this is totally my fault- since I am the ding-dong who said YES without much detail. Jamos continues to tell me that we can make it thru this- but boy is it annoying!

If you think of it- let us PRAY that this lady comes home FASTER than we think she is going to- and that this dog will calm down, stop being a "boy" UGH. Dear Lord....

Oh happy day!

I must apologize for my "rant" of a post yesterday. I am thinking that I was just plain ole HUNGRY! We ended up going to eat at Olive Garden. It was nice for a few reasons, 1) I didn't have to rack my brain to think of what I can make a decent meal out of at home 2) I didn't have to cook (see #1) and 3) it was wonderful to eat a place that was familiar and reminded me of "home" When we got home, we started the movie "yes man" which Jamos finished, I on the other hand, was asleep on the floor and woke up at 2am- tried to get Jamos up (he was asleep on the couch) and off to bed.

For my birthday so long ago, I was "raising" money to get a new camera lense for my digital SLR. Well, as you may know, lenses are usually more/as much as the camera body! So, I have been researching lenses and thinking about how much I had saved up for this with birthday money- and I found the perfect lens that I wanted. I ALSO wanted to take some classes so I could actually USE my camera and all of its "accesories" to the best of their ability- SO, I called our local camera shop to see if they had the lens- well, they had 2 and were holding BOTH of them for people so the guy told me to call back (saturday) and see if the lens had sold. Well, at 1pm today, when the guy told me to call, I did and found out that he had them no more. I was sad :( then, in the NEXT moment, the phone rang, and it was John, the manager, who said, that he DID have one, and I could come pick it up. I told him I had been working with Chuck, who teaches the classes, etc., and he said he could get me in the class- so, I was like JAMOS!! And, we went down to the store, and got the camera and he is letting us take the classes- just for purchasing an extended warranty! Needless to say, I am happy with my new telephoto lens!

Jamos had his golf lesson this morning, which was fun for him. We also went to the park to take pictures of the wildflowers that are blooming- so beautiful. Of course, I stood in an ant hill and got bit, but lucky for me, I got some anti itch cream for $1 on clearance- so - I am ALL SET! :) Didnt know how much I would need that until AFTER I bought it.

We ran some more errands--got home- made dinner- and, are ending the night with a game of CANDY LAND! :) LOVE that board game. :) YIPPEEE!!!

Let us remember this easter, why we celebrate, and how grateful we are for the Lord who gave his son to die for us! He has risen, he has risen indeed! :)

Mama Mia

I LOVE the Mama Mia soundtrack. If you are having a bad day- just tune in on your ipod and you will start singing your cares away- which is what I should be doing tonight. This week has been crazy, including, police reports b/c I saw the car that had been breaking into people's cars (well, the owner) and so, when I called the cops to tell them- they sent 1 police car, 1 undercover car (looked like a movie) and helicopters. Seriously, it is my goal to keep people safe in my complex- mostly, just being AWARE of your surroundings. I am STILL waiting for my postcard to get "approved" by the manager- which is really making me mad.
On Monday a mercedes got stolen on the back of a wrecker- and I saw the stupid thing drive past my window- I thought "that is strange" and yup- it was stolen. Anyways, I am not getting into the details, but let's just say, I am starting to make some noise about the video cameras and the inadequate "courtesy officer" we have here at our apartment. I am also meeting a lot of my neighbors- and spreading the word to just be aware. I think people have the false sense of security- and yes, we are a safe place, but, please, be aware!! Crime usually happens because of an opportunity. ANYWAYS, if you want to know more, email me.

Tonight, Jamos and I ALMOST went to the mens clay court tennis championship, but, tickets were sold out- just as we decided YES. so, that is a bit of a bummer, but, what else is new? So, we have been bickering about stupid thinks like laundry, dinner, etc., I hate these kind of evenings, where everything comes out of my mouth wrong- and is taken the wrong way to him, which causes tension- am I abnormal in my marriage to feel that way?

There are also those days that I feel taken for granted- for instance, Jamos gets something on his pants, he says, "I need to wash these" and immediatly, I correct him stating that I am actually the one who will end up washing those pants- it is almost like I want credit for doing it- SO stupid. SORRY! I am human and I am having human moments a lot lately.

This morning, I get online to start my morning work day- and realize the NO ONE is online- the reason- GOOD FRIDAY. The entire admissions office is closed. Picture with me a dark cave- and now, envision yourself yelling into the cave, "is anyone out there?" that is how I felt today- totally working alone! I was kinda bummed that since I am now an hourly contract employee, if I dont work, I dont get paid, yet everyone else has the day off! :( oh well. I can't complain, I got work done, but it was still hanging on to the back of my mind all day long.

hmmm...I have nothing else to report to whoever reads this. According to the comment section of the post where I asked people to comment if they read this- I have ONE reader- my friend Valerie from middle school and high school! :) So, I would like to give a shout out to Valerie! Thanks for reading my blog and commenting. I loved hearing from you!

I LOVE baking. I normally make cookies for Jamos to take to work with him to his stores and when he does training events, which is good because at the rate I bake, I would/could weigh 500 pounds.

Today has been a lazy day- though I feel like lazy could be my first middle and last name sometimes. I was reading my old blogs- from like 2005- when Jamos and I were dating a little bit before that time period- when I was going to curves- man, I miss that! Oh well...

I am full of random thoughts at the moment- church this morning, Jamos went to the driving range to practice his swings before his next golf lesson, we walked to the library- OH, and the most exciting- we got a car wash today- and for some reason- we nearly smashed into the car in front of us (a very nice BMW) not sure if the car wasn't fully in neutral or WHAT- but it was freaky- and scared us both a lot! We get a car wash often- but seriously, we were like INCHES away from this BMW. AMAZING! The guy working the car wash got pretty ticked off at us- but, I have no idea why that happened if the car slipped out of gear or if it wasn't fully in N- or what- but we are thankful we didn't hit the car in front of us! Geesh. So, beware!

Is anyone out there?

I would love to hear from you if you read this blog- leave a comment and make my day! :)

We are having a boring weekend- Jamos worked today- I went grocery shopping at SAM's- I love it there. I decided I could live there- if I was to live in a warehouse store. :) Fountain drinks and pizza... yum.

I also stopped in at the local pet adoption place- I was kinda nervous to go- but I realized I left my phone home, which meant no calling Jamos to convince him we needed a puppy- but to my dismay, the dogs that they had there we HUGE- and LOUD the barking was actually ear piercing!!! I did like 2 dogs- one huge mut and a smaller black lab. They were calm- and sweet. But, obviously, with living in our tiny place, a dog bigger than a cat just isnt going to work!
I came home and was telling Jamos about my time there, and I said "the only cat that liked me had a blind eye" and for some reason jamos busted up laughing- and then I realized that it sounds totally sad- that the only cat who liked me was having some eye issues. Oh well. After it scratched me thru the cage, I left.

Tonight when Jamos got home- we went out to eat at a new greek place we have been wanting to try- it was SO fun. I loved the atmosphere- ate WAY too much and they had the MSU game on- so we watched part of that. It was nice to get out of the house! I realize daily that I getting some "hermit" tendancies- since I am home working all day long every day. I never realized how "home bound" I could feel- but sometimes I like to just get out and wander- listening to people talk and realizing what my life was like before becoming secluded! Sorry, I think I am just having a moment of "i really want to get out of the house more" I do love working from home- though it would be ideal if I owned an animal or also took care of a child- b/c then I would get some sort of interaction with a living being while Jamos is gone.

Well, time to do something else.

Oprah

Did you watch Oprah today?- about attractiveness and attraction to the opposite sex- and the research behind finding your mate. Quite interesting! I am DVRing it so Jamos can watch it- or most likely, I can re-watch it! :) ha ha ha. I don't see Jamos actually wanting to watch Oprah with me.

I don't remember if I wrote about watching Marley and Me on here- WOW! I know I read parts of the book long ago- but I surely did love the movie, just not the weeping that happened while watching it from myself! Makes you want a dog, and kids. Though, right now, I am just at the wanting dog portion of my life! Not so much the kids portion. I am sure that will happen soon- I know BEFORE I was married, I really was interested in having kids pronto- but now that I am married, I realize how much time I DON'T have and that is only with working and a husband- now, I do have a full time job at SAU- plus the work I do for the church- so am working a LOT- and one of the reasons I am working so much is so we CAN have enough money to have kids at some point- and though I can't see myself staying at home FULL time- I want to make sure we have enough so I can be home with our kids at least part of the time after the first year or so. Okay- how did I get onto that subject?

Jamos has been working hard and had his FIRST golf lesson! He really had a good time- so I am GLAD! Also, today the movie, "The Fast and Furious" came out in theaters, so he is currently at the movies! I didn't want to go- since I dont want to watch a movie righ now- AND I don't care much about boy movies today either. I am feeling crafty and REALLY hoping that I can scrapbook or be crafy this weekend. :) YEAH for crafty! :)

Tomorrow morning, my sister in law- Justyc, is leaving for a missions trip to the Dominican Republic! I am really excited for her- it is her first missions trip. Jamos and I both remember our first missions trips and know how missions has changed our lives- so, we are excited for her! I remember when I first went to Russia- wow, I cannot believe I went there 2 times before I even went to college! What lasting friendships were formed....

WELL, I guess I shall go!

A few thoughts...why is it that the cell phone always rings when you have your hands full, are driving in crazy traffic or, when you cannot access the cell phone? That seems to happen to me all the time and it irks me!
One second thought- I went to Target today and got some really great frames- I am hoping they will look awesome above our TV- we need something on that wall- or possibly above the fireplace? I am not sure, but i am really excited about it! I also stopped at the grocery store and thru coupons and sales, I saved 53% of my bill! :) AWESOME is all I can say about that!

I got the movie "Marley and Me" today at the red box- I am excited to watch it tonight!

Jamos is moving along nicely with his idea on playing golf. He has been talking with an instructor and golf club maker- who will be training him soon! :) I am excited for Jamos to have at outlet from work and stress- to try something new. I just need to clean out an area of our tiny apartment so he can think about getting some clubs! :)

I am still feeling bummed about my mom leaving- and being so far from family. argh. anyways, I need to do some laundry and make a salad to go with our pizza for dinner....then, I have to go find my uncle a texas sweatshirt- which I have been "lookking" around for a while and have yet to find one I like, so, I really REALLY need to get that figured out. Shoot.