Have you been to Louisiana?

I HAVE! Saturday morning, I woke up, thinking..."what are we going to do today?" Jamos came home at like 12 and we decided to go somewhere- just drive in a direction. We packed bathing suits and some snacks and water...a beach towel...some books for me to read in the car. Well, we found some FUN and then kept driving! We saw an exit for the San Jacinto Monument- so we got off the exit- not knowing what we would find! We boarded a ferry while in our car, which took us over the houston ship channel, to the battleground of the San Jacinto Monument and Battleship. The San Jacinto Monument holds the title in the gunise book of world records. Here is what they say on the website "The above prediction was penned in the poem: “Ode to San Jacinto”, even before the Republic of Texas became the State of Texas. Today, the world’s tallest war memorial stands at San Jacinto—15 feet taller than the Washington monument—honoring all those who fought for Texas's independence."

Who knew it was the WORLDS TALLEST memorial! Well, cool! :) We strolled thru the museum, and made our way to the battleship.

Back on I-10 and continued to head east! After a while, we stopped for gas and an ice cold beverage at a gas station, which was next to a LARGE fruit stand which had some awesome produce- but we didn't purchase anything because we had no idea where we would end up that night. We decided to head into Louisiana- I had never been to this state- so, we made that our mission. Once we were there- Jamos said, "what about Lake Charles?" so, we drove to Lake Charles, found a brochure at the visitors center that had phone numbers to some hotels and LOTS of casino's and found 1 room available at a little bed and breakfast called, AUNT RUBYS. We drove there, met Mike, the owner, and found out that he also owns a fabulous restaurant in the old downtown- which is now the historic district and also where the bed and breakfast was located. We ate at his place. YUMM-O. We had some gumbo, some marti-gras salmon, and bread pudding for desert. It was fabulous AND the cuisine of the "area" which is what you HAVE to do if you go to a new place. It is a requirement in our book of travel! :)

The next day, the owner, made us some awesome breakfast in the dining room of the b&b, and then, he told us about this HUGE area of wildlife preserves and refuges. SO, we had to go! It ended up being PERFECT. We were out in the middle of wet lands. My favorite part, was the fact I could hear nothing but the breeze. No cars, no people, no nothing. It was SO peaceful. My favorite part #2 was that you could see for MILES! I miss that- living in the city- you can only see until the next tall building- so, my eyes forget they can see a LONG TIME!!! We got out of the car a lot- to stop and see things- we bought peanut butter, jelly and bread, so we made sandwiches, and also had some drinks from the B&B that we were able to take with us. We are smart travlers- even on a WHIM! :) We stopped and walked a 1.5 mile loop thru a large reserve. It was rather dry, but we did manage to see FOUR alligators! It was also extremly hot- so Jamos got some sun- and I had to wear my bathing suit because it was SO STINKING HOT!!!! But, AWESOME at the same time. I loved it.

We took the coast home, stopped at Holly Beach. The beaches on this side of the Gulf are very different from FL beaches- here the water is brown and silty from the oil drills and rivers.

Anyways, we had FUN. And I am SO thankful to have had the chance to explore a new area with Jamos. We needed to get away- no computers, no work, no nothing really! only the quick things we grabbed when we left. There is something so simple about getting away and not HAVING. You actually ENJOY where you are. And I really loved getting out of the house!!

Risky Business

Life is about taking risks right? Well, tonight, I decided to eat my special veggie soup that I froze the last time I made it. For those who I used to work with at SAU, this is also known as "stinky" soup....WELL, I had 1 container in the freezer- and honestly, I made this soup SO long ago that I have no idea when. We know it was at max 1.5 years old- but I am not sure exactly....maybe a year, maybe less? I know things are FROZEN, but still, it freaks me out- cause it does have some ground turkey. Well, tonight, I decided to eat it- and I am still alive. I have to admit, I was SCARED and made myself feel a bit sick while eating it, but, after I forgot about it- I realized that I am OK. So, risk taken with success.

I would say that another risk of the night was our weekly trip to the Library. Long story short, we used to walk to the library around the corner from our house- well, due to Hurricane Ike last September, there was some structural damage, and they decided to fix it this summer. So, for the past 2 months, we have been venturing out to the Looscan Branch. A few interesting things about this branch. 1) the parking lot is EXTREMLY annoying- lacking parking spaces andis instead full of idiots. 2) we met the "homeless" man who parks himself in his torn up t-shirts and limp leg up the road from our house. Turns out- he likes the library, drives a decent car, and in real life does not wear torn clothes- and in my opinion- makes more in a year than I do. 3) When you walk in this library, it consitantly smells like cow maniure. I can't figure this one out.

Today, due to some storms we had- and usually have in the evening during the summer- the lights were out in some locations on the main "non highway" "drag" of road that connects our place to the library. It took us 30 minutes to go ONE MILE. It was pretty much the most annoying drive EVER. Then, it took us the same amount of time in the library parking lot to find a place to park. Oh, the REALLY funny part of the library, people, like I said are IDIOTS and basically trapped this lady in her parking space by parking directly behind her- well, as we were walking in- I saw this- and decided to help the lady back out- she was chinese and was HILARIOUS. Instead of being mad, she said, in her cute accent, "I don't know why they parked behing ME, I am a horrible driver" over and over and over in her cute little voice. I was laughing as I stepped in the leaking gasoline from someone else's vehicle. ARGH. Sometimes the city can really wear on me! I tell ya.

Anyways, feeling productive and slightly domestic, I made the 1st step of our ice cream making process. It takes 2 days- because you have to heat up and let the "cream" sit over night in the refridgerator. I also spent some time folding clothes with the folder folding shirts, hanging up clothes and refilling my "TRAVEL" shampoo and conditioner. How fun. Life is fun. Right? Well, at least I booked 3 plane tickets- 2 for me and 1 for Jamos.

Honestly, I am still scared about staring my masters class..... it is making me anxious.

TRUE STORY: Jamos just said, "YOKES ON YOU" when he saw the eggs in the refridgerator. HA HA. He thinks I am not laughing at him, but I am and publicly telling everyone about his humor. :)

Beautiful

Why do I doubt? Why do I worry and stress? When I look at this beautiful flower, God created! He created me too! And you! Wow. Why worry when we have the LORD on our side?

overwhelmed

I am feeling VERY overwhelmed right now! I need to get a plane ticket to go to Michigan for Move in day 2009, and there is a chance Jamos will be flying up with me- to see family- but, this whole things is REALLY stressing me out. Working with dates and schedules and places and people to see has been totally at a LOSS. My heart is longing for simplicity, and lately, things are just NOT simple.

MP in Pictures.

My gang! All my fabulous volunteers who come to greet our guests and help with food, etc.,

Our grou- with Danny speaking

This is Melinda, she is fabulous.

This is Maetha, she is the wedding coordinator for the church.

me and Evelyn

Sign in please!

Our sign in table.

This is Evelyn and her family. She is a good friend to me in TX.

The Hall

Carla helping with food prep.

This is the lobby area where we have the food

The lovely name tags and MP workbooks.

Our visitor bags

This is the part of the church where we have MP. The main church is behind me.

This was after a crazy thursday night- jamos got dinner for 2 and these beautiful flowers!