Fourth and Final

Numero 3

Christ Follower vs. Christian Vol. 2

Christ Follower vs. Christian

Be prepared for a series of these . . .

It's my Birthday, It's my Rant

It's my 30th birthday and now I must blog on a random string of unconnected thoughts, goals, and questions for you to ponder. And begin . .

• In the Midwest, politicians are often accused of going "Washington." I wonder what they are accused of in the DC representative district. Perhaps going "federal." Here is my favorite attack ad right now, and perhaps of all time. Be sure you have the volume up. More thoughts on this after you watch it.
• What pronoun do you use for an antecedent of a person who is changing genders?
  Ever feel like something's been around your entire life? That's the way I felt about Mr. Food. I always remember that guy being on WTWO (worst television station ever, IMHO) when I was growing up and I see him almost daily on WTHR now. Recently, I discovered he's been on the air for 30 years. I guess he has been around my entire life.
  
• I have a 30 tiara that I will be wearing the majority of the next two days (Woot, woot Miss Mindy). Today's activities include but are not limited to: doing dishes, doing laundry, making beds, general cleaning, going to the gym and working out like a prize fighter (HAVE to if I'm going to eat as much cake as I plan on eating!), going to the mall (although I'm not sure why as I have NO money), fixing dinner, and going to Life Group (thank God it's not THIS Life Group).
  
• Ok, so in the Baron Hill/Mike Sodrel ad referenced above, shouldn't as much be said about hiring little kids to say, "hit the hooker with the tire iron" for political gain as playing violent video games? Perhaps it's one of those actors who's really a woman (ala Bart Simpson)?
  
• In a recent post title on one of my blogs (scroll down if you want to see the post), I made reference to a quotation ("Time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like bananas.") I did not realize was Groucho Marx's intellectual property or I would have accredited him so. Instead, I thought it was just a humorous maxim. My apologies to Mr. Marx even though Karl is my favorite of his brothers.
  
• Did you know that if there is a gap between children of 5 years or greater, the birth order starts over again? (HT: BTB)
  
• Alas, I did not make it to my goal of 30 by 30. I am satisfied with my accomplishment of 27 though. Numbers I feel greatly more important - 3 sets of 12 push ups (the REAL kind, no girly crap here).
  
• Speaking of, in my physical world, I plan on owning 30, making it even better than 29 which was pretty awesome for me.
  
• In my intellectual world (aka my MENTAL world), I MUST finish my thesis this year before it kills me.
  
• I would enjoy some kudos on my MySpace Blog. No one ever gives me kudos (or comments for that matter). Yes, I am whining.
  
• The final installment of A Series of Unfortunate Eventswas fantastic. I am still mulling it over 2 weeks after reading it. Read the entire series so we may discuss.
  
• I composed this entire blog and then promptly deleted it, forcing me to realize that I am 30 and perhaps not as computer savvy as I would like to be.

Small Town Syndrome

Not a big fan of internet forwards (thanks for this one Erin) but this made me laugh really hard and be slightly frightened at the same time. If I did not experience this directly, I definitely knew someone who did in high school.
SMALL TOWN SYNDROMEThose who grew up in small towns will laugh when they read this. Those who didn't will be in disbelief.
1) You can name everyone you graduated with.
2) You know what 4-H means.
3) You went to parties at a pasture, barn, gravel pit, or in the middle of a dirt road. On Monday you could always tell who was at the party because the scratches on their legs from running through the woods when the party was busted. (See #6)
4) You used to "drag" Main.
5) You said the "F" word and your parents knew within the hour.
6) You scheduled parties around the schedules of different police officers, because you knew which ones would bust you and which ones wouldn't.
7) You could never buy cigarettes because all the store clerks knew how old you were (and if you were old enough, they'd tell your parents anyhow.)
8) When you did find somebody old enough and brave enough to buy cigarettes, you still had to go out into the country and drive on back roads to smoke them.
9) You knew which section of the ditch you would find the beer your buyer dropped off.
10) It was cool to date somebody from the neighboring town.
11) The whole school went to the same party after graduation.
12) You didn't give directions by street names but rather by references. Turn by Nelson's house, go two blocks to Anderson's, and it's four houses left of the track field.
13) The golf course had only nine holes.
14) You couldn't help but date a friend's ex boyfriend/girlfriend.
15) Your car stayed filthy because of the dirt roads, and you will neverown a dark vehicle for this reason
16) The town next to you was considered "trashy"or "snooty," but was actually just like your town.
17) You referred to anyone with a house newer then 1965 as the rich people.
18) The people in the "big city" dressed funny, and then you picked up the trend two years later.
19) Anyone you wanted could be found at the local gas station, the town bar, or the A&W.
20) You saw at least one friend a week driving a tractor through townor one of your friends driving a grain truck to school occasionally.
21) The Wrestling Coach suggested you haul hay for the summer to get stronger.
22) Directions were given using THE stop light as a reference.
23) When you decided to walk somewhere for exercise, five people would pull over and ask if you wanted a ride.
24) Your teachers called you by your older sibling's names.
25) Your teachers remembered when they taught your parents.
26) You could charge at any local store or write checks without any ID.
27) The closest McDonalds was 25 miles away (or more).
28) The closest mall was over an hour away.
29) It was normal to see an old man riding through town on a riding lawn mower.
30) You've peed in a cornfield.
31) Most people went by a nickname.
32) You laughed your butt off reading this because you know it is true, and you forward it to everyone who may have lived in a small town.

Behold!

Biased

You might not know it, but my hubby has a blog. He doesn't write often but when he does it is rather spectacular. He posted a rather fine piece of writing today, so read it already. Aim High, Vote Lowe (HT: JB).

Seriously?

On a regular basis, I peruse the Women's Health online site (note the sidelink), especially the blogs. Anyway, the following link popped up on the Quick Takes Blog and I couldn't resist also linking it here. It's the newest fitness craze for your home, be sure to launch the demo to completely understand how the equipment works.

Breakfast tip of the day

My mom sent me a neat e-mail forward (does that sentence have a 1950s feel?). Usually I'm not a big fan of forwards. After years of warnings that God will not bless me, bad luck will follow me, and my crush will not marry me, I usually just delete them onsite. So if you ever get a forward from me, read it. It's probably a pretty good one because I don't read many and I even more rarely pass them on. This forward was a recipe for Ziploc Omelets.

Here are the directions.

• Have guests write their names on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.
• Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the quart size Ziploc bag (not more than 2) shake to scramble.
• Put out a variety of ingredients -- cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc.
• Each guest adds ingredients of choice to his or her bag and shakes.
• Make sure to squeeze the air out of the bag and zip it up.
• Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes.
• You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot.
• Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed.

It really works. We've had them several times in our house. I usually make them the night before and then cook them up in the morning when I'm too tired to see straight while I'm making the coffee. I would like to point out these risks. Realize that the majority of this article discusses plastics in the microwave and not in boiling water. Although I'm not sure what the difference is.

A new hobby for the Lowes

OK, so I stumbled across an article in this month's Family Fun, a magazine that I enjoy but would never subscribe to on my own. One of the partners at B's firm read it while she was getting her hair done, thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, and promptly ordered it for me. I digress . . . Anyway, the article was about letterboxing. Anybody heard of this? Well, the article explained that this hobby got its start in the mid 1800s in England and now is popular worldwide, a bit long for a trend to catch on but whatever. It's basically an outdoor treasure hunt, complete with clues and box to find at the end of the trail. You are given a set of easy to follow physical directions to a set location, there you will find a box with a log book and stamp inside, you carry a notebook of your own where you stamp with the stamp found, and you stamp the logbook with a stamp of your own. It's a kissing cousin to the more high tech geocaching, without all of the expense. And here's the great thing, this website lists tons of letterboxes near you! I was surprised at how many were in our area. I definitely think this is something that our family will be doing to enjoy the weather this fall!

Weekend Adventures

This past weekend, we made a dash to Birmingham, AL for Becky Trask's (I guess it's Blaylock now! ) wedding. It was good to catch up with several Asbury Grads who also made the trip from various parts of the country to celebrate Becky and her new life with Max. After the wedding, we headed to Atlanta to visit Joel. Although, we weren't much fun since we had spent so many hours in the car and were pretty wiped out most of the time we were there (which of course, wasn't long enough). Now it's back to reality, with plenty of house and yard work to catch up on, making this post much too brief.

Other RAIN thoughts . . .

• 160 miles, 160 people of significance . . . I had planned on praying for and meditating on a different person who made a significant impact on my life for every mile that I rode, to help the time go by more quickly. This lasted for about the first 35 miles, and then my brain went to mush and all I could think was push the pedals around, push, push, push. Or as a friend of mine mentioned, perhaps my prayer shifted to God helping me. Who knows. Just know that 35 people in my life were well prayed for at one point on Saturday.
• At mile 60 (my first wall), I though, "Wow! I am an athlete." At mile 100, I thought, "Wow! I am a super-mega athlete." At mile 110, I thought, "Dear God, don't let me die on the side of the road."
• The most un-beautiful site of the day, a middle aged man, slightly overweight in riding shorts that were split at the crack. Yes, literally split at the crack. Don't you feel a breeze back there buddy? What a trainwreck. Look away, I can't look away, look away! I pedaled as fast as I could to pass him.
• Man, I missed having my iPod. I assumed you were not allowed to ride with them; however, I did see a few riders with them. I now wonder if I had used it for the last final push if I would have made it. Who knows. One guy had a radio/digital music source with speakers on his bike. That was pretty cool.
• My cyclometer also measures calories burned. All impressed, I read the well over 3000 amount to Brian at my last stop. His reply? "Yep, that's one pound." My mom's response, "Maybe if you ride all of the way back across the state, you can lose two." Talk about taking the wind out of my sails.
• I ate more crap (by this I mean, higher sugar foods, white refined flour sources and stuff that has high fructose corn syrup) before, during, and as a result after the ride than I have in a very long time. I've really shyed away from processed foods for the last 7 1/2 months. But pretzels were really the only thing that sounded good and I super carb loaded @ Fazoli's the day before. Since Anna's birthday party was the day following, I continued my carb replacement with too much cake. I'm finally back on the straight and narrow but Tuesday I felt like crap, having not eaten that much white flour in a really long time.
• Last night I was back in the saddle at a Reaction Cycling class @ the gym. It felt good to pedal again. Tomorrow morning, early I plan to hit the road again for the first time since the ride. I definitely want to keep riding as a part of my fitness routine. I just don't know how often to balance it in with everything else. I had been riding in addition to my regular workout routine, meaning that some days I was getting close to 3 hours of cardio which really isn't that great for you. I need to strike a balance in there somewhere.
• When's the next event? Shh . . . Don't tell BLowe but I'm looking for another century styled event to ride in the fall. I don't really want to do the Hilly Hundred because I hate riding hills, but I'm starting to fish around for another distance ride. Even a 60-75 miler wouldn't be bad since it wouldn't take up the entire day, just half of a day.

Feelin' groovy . . .

So I'm feeling back to 100% normal today! Woohoo, no lingering soreness and tonight I'll be hitting the gym for my regular Monday night Taste of Group Exercise class. I even think I've talked B into joining our normally all ladies group. It's not that we do "lady" exercises, unless you count jumping rope, doing push-ups, and running sprints as lady exercise. Just for some reason it seems that no guys are takers. Maybe BLowe will start a revolution - or perhaps he'll be that one weird guy working out with all of the girls.

Some thoughts from the RAIN ride:

- The website for RAIN describes the ride as traveling through the "gentle" rolling hills of IN. The hills in Putnam county are anything but gentle. I believe, "gentle, my a**" was the exact thought going through my mind.

- I went 29.1 mph at one point down a hill. What a rush!

- The fantastic cyclometer that the Ellis' got me as an encouragement gift was my saving grace. I would have given up much sooner had I not had that little sucker giving me hope (of how far I still had to go) and satisfaction (of knowing how far I had come).

- The 17th function of the computer, temperature, was not necessary. In fact, as it read 104.5, I wished I had left well enough alone and not discovered that little fact.

- Every little gas station in Vigo County and Clay County was making doughnuts as I rolled by in the early morning. mmmmm . . . doughnuts.

- On the other hand, not smelling so nice was the roadkill, disgusting smelly roadkill. Other not so pleasant smells - skunks, heavy aftershave on older male riders, farm animals, and the heat of the day.

- I'm still trying to decide if the heat was a major factor in me giving up the last 40 or so miles. I've told many that I think I could have finished but it would have ceased to be fun. Fun was what I was going for and there was no grand prize (except a commemorative key chain) at the end of the trail. Plus, Mindy told me she'd make me a key chain so I'm good with that.

It was such a huge experience in my life, that I have plenty more to share so probably you'll get to read more thoughts tomorrow.

Back a little early, but still . . .

120 . . . I fell a bit short of the goal of 160; however, 120 is nothing to sneeze at and I feel terrific. I basically stopped because I was overheated and 120 was a nice round number and I was just done for the day, out of juice. Here are some pics from the day. Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement. They meant the world to me and were fruitful! I am more than satisfied with my achievement.

So good to me . . .

Things have really come together quite nicely over the last few days. Unfortunately, I battled rain during my normal riding time on Tuesday and Wednesday (although, Anna protested, "MOM, it is the RAIN ride." Right indeed, little one, right indeed) so I did extra cardio at the gym and home, lifted weights, and picked up a spinning class last night. This morning, I was back at it early in the AM.

I took off around 5:35. It was foggy and the moon was shining brightly in the sky. That felt a little weird. But the foggy was at least patchy and lifted by the time I rode into the drive at 7:25 AM. Around mile 15, I got really hungry (agony, thy name is the smell of bacon cooking wafting out of someone's home). But I made it through all 26 miles without eating my arm. I did come home and cook a huge breakfast. I'm beginning the carb loading tonight with a large amount of pasta (whole wheat, of course) so I don't run out of fuel on the big day. I came home, fixed breakfast and packed lunch for everyone. We went to Anna's library class and then to the gym where I rode about 20 miles on the hill program (interval by the minute) on level 13. Very good ride, too although the scenery was a bit less desirable. I'll do the FIRM this afternoon as a regular part of regimen. Tomorrow, I'm laying off doing only about 10 miles and mowing the yard.

My mom sent me a $10 reward card from Dick's so I got a shirt and some gels. And then a friend of mine dropped of a very nice cycling computer today to encourage me. What a blessing on both parts. So I think equipment wise, I'm set. Just need to get my bottled water.

In other news, Sunday is Anna's 4th Birthday Party (the 18th is the actual big day) and so I'm a madwoman making sure all of our bases are covered before we leave tomorrow afternoon. Nothing like multi-tasking.

The Training, the Prayers, and the Vitamins

So yesterday's total was 22.8 and today's 22 even (both well under 2 hrs). I have a 26 mile path mapped out for tomorrow AM (please God, no rain!), trying to keep variety in my rides so I'm prepared for anything. :)

I went to Taste of Group Ex tonight @ Bally, my absolute favorite class there. I rarely miss it and B took Anna to VBS on his own so that I could go because he knows I love it. Because of that class, I've improved my jump roping, my running, my free weight endurance, my push ups (and we're talking the manly kind, no girly modified for me), and general well being. B says I have a girl crush on Kerry, the girl that teaches and maybe I do a little. But her class has really worked for me and taught me several exercises that I can do on my own, too. Plus there's just something about running suicides again like 8th grade basketball til your side hurts. Hopefully I'll be able to walk next week and won't miss the class, but I warned Kerry just in case.

My buddy Brodie called today and passed on several more good tips. He rode a double century earlier this year for the first time and had lots of wisdom for me. Always good to have the knowledge of someone else who's walked the same/similar rode.

My biggest challenge has been getting enough sleep since I get up so darn early and want to spend lots of time in the evenings with my hunky hubby. I need to mandate a bedtime, but I'm weak.

Today's Ride

Got in about 15 miles in an hour and 10 mins today. Very good ride, would have gone longer but just don't know any great routes around here with wide open spaces. Maybe tomorrow I'll up it to 20 miles.

Anyway, I have been riding my cousin's sweet bike (I haven't tried to jump it yet) that I'm going to ride next weekend for RAIN. I can't remember what I last posted about this lofty and maybe attainable goal. But after much hemhawing, I decided to finally go for it. I figure whatever distance I ride will be the most I've ever ridden (unless something goes dreadfully wrong) and I can rejoice in that accomplishment whether I make the full 160 miles or not. I'm excited and terrified about next Saturday AM.

This week, there'll be plenty more training, continuing to get used to the toe clips and seat, working my legs hard but not too hard, carb loading, etc. I also have a few random pieces of gear to collect. I would love to find a bike computer for cheap/free (hint, hint to anyone who reads this and has random bike gear going to waste), need to find some shoes - long story, and am going to borrow a shirt that wicks away sweat. I also need to buy some bottled water. It's beginning to sound like a grocery list, so I'll stop.

If anyone has some words of wisdom about riding in a large group - never really done that before - or riding these style of event, please pass them on... I can use all of the help that I can get.

Joke of the day...

Ok, so this one may cause you to roll your eyes and snicker to yourself.

A cowboy walked into a bar and ordered a whisky. When the bartender delivered the drink, the cowboy asked, "Where iseverybody?"
The bartender replied, "They've gone to the hanging."
"Hanging? Who are they hanging?"
"Brown Paper Pete," the bartender replied.
"What kind of a name is that?" the cowboy asked.
"Well," said the bartender, "he wears a brown paper hat,brown paper shirt, brown paper trousers, and brown papershoes."
"How bizarre," said the cowboy. "What are they hanging himfor?"
"Rustling," said the bartender.

HT: my mom

Panty tip of the day...

Most of you know I'm a big fan of Women's Health (see side link), the best magazine I've ever subscribed to. If you purchase a copy of it this month, there's a side benefit. Near the front, there's a pull-out perforated coupon for a free pair of white cotton panties from Victoria Secret, woohoo! And a $10 off coupon for the VS newest line of sports bras.

Spare Me My Life...

Ok, I have a slight strange and unusual addiction to fitness informercials. I'm always interested in the newest video, exercise equipment, miracle cure. Over the years, my mom and I have done Sweatin' to the Oldies (man, he's odd), Tony Little's Target Training (what is that guy on?!?!), and my favorite that I think really works and is fun anything from the Firm series. Perhaps, because it's the only one I've used that hasn't featured an over the top, hyperactive male. Recently, B bought me the new Firm Transfirmer. I tried it out today and it was fantastic. I highly recommend it if you're into home fitness. I also tried out the Windsor Pilates ring lately and was relatively unimpressed. I'm not a big fan of Pilates anyway (probably because I am so weak through the core), but it just didn't do it for me.

Anyway, all of that to say, this is the oddest combination fitness video of all time. Watch it all the way through even though it's a bit long.

Yesterday's Ride

22.6 miles in 90 degree heat in a bit under 2 hours.

All in all, a very good ride. The funniest part of it was that I had no bike bag and my dad's mountain bike (I was down in Sullivan County again) has a water bottle spot but no water bottle. So, I took Anna's small ballerina backpack - think bright pink, ballet shoes, with a nice bedazzled jewel - and filled it with 3 cold bottles of water and my mom's cell phone. I'm sure I looked very "special" riding down the road with a preschooler's bag on my back.

No soreness today (a teeny bit stiff when I first got up this AM but totally clear now) and I could have ridden longer. Luckily I dodged a huge storm. 10 minutes after I returned it let loose and POURED for the next hour and an half. Unfortunately, I had planned to ride as far or further this AM but the rain was continual during the time I needed to go. Next time, I'm riding 50. :)

Lest you think I Jest

Ow...

Ow, Ow, Ow.... I am sitting at my computer with a very sore neck/back, an incredibly bruised right upper arm, and a nice rub burn on both my arm and my neck having recently returned from the Immediate Care center near our house. Luckily, no major damage, everything is superficial and I didn't have to have a tetanus shot but OW.

So how did I find myself in such a predicament this fine afternoon? Well I hopped out on the mower, hoping to get the yard mowed this afternoon (it's halfway done at least). I was zipping along in the backyard on the riding mower, near the swingset. I went under the swings on one pass, no problems - this is something I do all of the time. The next time I went through, something went dreadfully wrong and folks I ended up with my neck caught in one of Anna's swings with the mower, in 4th gear mind you, continuing on a trajectory toward the big pond. As I gagged, several thoughts went through my mind - not too different from Becky T.'s (sensitive ears or small people reading, be mindful) tale of falling off of the porch but a bit more serious.... crap, omg I am not going to get this thing off of my neck, crap crap crap, it could take my head off, even if I do get it off, I'm going to end up in the pond, this is going to jerk me off of the mower, this is going to make for one heck of an obituary, Brian is going to have to answer the question "She did what?" at the funeral...

As the doctor @ the Medcheck place said - the good Lord kept me from serious harm. And while I'm achey, she said ibuprofen and rest should take care of it. Really I wasn't overly inconvenienced (have to finish the yard tomorrow, missed my spinning class tonight) and the biggest bruise was on my pride. A doctor friend of mine noted that I should have got it on tape because I could have won AFV... I was glad no one saw.

Cancer, Church Splits, Divorce, and a Good Bike Ride

So I have plenty that I could blog on today... some good friends are traveling the path of divorce, my mom was recently diagnosed with a skin cancer spot and two good friends are currently in cancer treatment, my childhood church (6th grade through beyond college when I would go home) is going through a messy nasty split with lies coming from the Sr. Pastor, but I what I'm choosing to blog about is an awesome bike ride I had yesterday.

Many of you know that this year I've made the most firm commitment to fitness that I've made well ever. I've been consistently in the gym at least 5 days a week for the entire year, changed my eating habits, and have been training to ride the RAIN ride (we'll still see if that happens). As a result, I've dropped about 17 lbs (yes I am bragging a little). Anyway, yesterday, while celebrating Father's Day with my parents, I took a wonderful country ride on backroads near their 10 acre property.

I saw 5 deer on 2 different occasions. 2 ran right in front of me as I pedaled along. It was the perfect temp as I could work up a good sweat without becoming dehyrdrated. While it was a bit windy, that kept me comfortable. I got a little lost, which made me nervous because while gangs will kill you, hillbillies will keep you. But I saw some beautiful country, rolling hills, creeks, trees, flowers, cornfields, birds singing, and good tunes on my iPod... ah, home. As a side note, "Boondocks" and "Wide Open Spaces" fit much better with a country ride than "The Humpty Dance" and "Gonna Fly Now" sure moved my butt down the highway (YEAH for the Tennessee mix!). I did both road riding on SR 63 and some gravel roading it which was a great resistance exercise built in. And in the end, I cleared close to 13 miles (12.8) in a little under an hour, moving at a fair clip. I felt great, not even worn out and today I'm barely saddle sore. It was the best part of the weekend, by far.

I have issues...

Ok, no big shock to most of you... Cherie has issues. Notice, not an issue, but issues plural - one of which came to the surface today when I was working out at the gym. There I was full on plugging away with heavy duty cardio on the eliptical... doing the hill program with the resistance ramped up to level 17 about 24 minutes into a 65 minute workout and this guy gets on the machine next to me. Now, I have no problems working out next to others. I'm not big on talking to people - especially strangers - while I'm working out (which happened yesterday on another cardio machine) b/c I want my heart rate to the point where I can barely breathe, let alone talk. And fortunately this guy didn't try to talk to me but what he did was even worse! Consistently for the remainder of his workout which was about 7 minutes less than mine he snorted, hawked up stuff, and blew his nose on his shirt. EEEEWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!! And this was not a one time, but I've gotta get this mucus out of my system thing, it was a continual over and over and over again sort of thing. DISGUSTING. I shot him a few dirty looks but what I really wanted to do was spit on him (not exactly the best way to cope with my anger, I know but in all honesty it was what was continually crossing my mind).

I guess I just want the same courtesy that I extend to others. One early AM this spring when I was working out, I had a bit of a coughing fit. Two coughs in, I got off, went to the stretching area, tried to drop my heart rate and resume normal breathing. It didn't work, so I went down to the locker room where I hawked up some stuff (gross, I know but let's be honest here) but couldn't quit coughing so I went home! When you have to blow your nose that many times on your shirt your body is telling you something - GO HOME and rest. YUCK. That is all for now.

When your husband is a lawyer

When your husband is a lawyer, a quick trip to the grocery store to buy water, milk, and lunch meat can turn into an hour and a half ordeal.

Let me explain, Anna and I quickly ran to Kroger to pick a few minor items. Somehow, an hour and a half later, we ended up with a cart full of things but that's beside the point. So, in the water aisle (we buy bottled water, yes we're water snobs), I picked up three gallons for Kroger Spring Water (while we are snobs, we're not too uppity to buy generic) and turned around to get the Kroger Purified Water 24 pack of bottles. Anna was walking along with me and as we ventured back toward the cart, Anna found a large puddle of water and fell.

The lawyer's daughter slipped and fell in a major chain grocery store. Oh crap, I thought. Brian and I have often joked about the fact that we've many times slipped in a store but never can seem to fall so that we can sue. And here is Anna on the floor, in tears complaining of ankle pain and me realizing that my quick trip has just turned into a long one. I picked her up and dusted her off, did the you're fine talk and then dialed Brian. His directions were to go to the manager, file a report, and make sure that someone mopped it up. We did file a verbal report but that wasn't enough when I called him back so I had to talk to the manager again, look around for the other lady who witnessed the fall and puddle (never did find her), try to take some pics with my phone (which I didn't end up doing b/c I felt like a total tool).

The manager was pretty nice (she took all of our info, talked to B on the phone, and interviewed Anna about the incident) and I'm sure Anna is fine but I guess it's for the best to follow all of the steps just in case there is a problem later on down the road, especially with Anna's challenges due to low tone and loose joints.

Whew, it was not the shopping trip I had planned.

Crawl into my bed . . .

So the title alone should grab your attention today. I'm going to vent/expound on one of my greatest pet peeves today. Hopefully it will keep you, the reader, from asking me my most dreaded question.

A well meaning friend asked me recently if we had considered having another child. Now, when you have one child, aged nearly 4, most people assume that you should quickly have another. SIDE NOTE: Brian and I are pretty indifferent about having another child. There are pros and cons to both making a choice to bring another child into the world and to remaining with our current status of an only child. It's pretty amusing really that I am so indifferent (perhaps this isn't the best choice of words . . . we would be thankful if we had another child, we would be thankful if we did not) considering that I once longed for three children (you can keep that stuff - now watch me get pregnant with twins someday). And by the time that Brian and I married, I just assumed we would have at least two. After all, we both came from two child families and both of us are youngest children. However, after having Anna we've fallen into a pattern of life that is now pretty easy. There are no diapers to change, there are no midnight feedings, Anna plays on her own, and aside from giving herself a haircut this week doesn't do too much crazy dangerous you must watch her every minute stuff. The further away from the baby stage that we get, the less I long to have another baby. As well, considering Anna's size and all of the C-section challenges, I must be honest that there are physical factors that deter/distract me from getting preggers. That's not to say that that might change someday but at this hour, at this minute that's where I'm at.

Ok, so I've digressed quite a bit just to set up where I'm coming from. I think that asking if you plan on having more children is quite possibly one of the most intimate, intrusive, and out of line questions one could ask. I've noticed it more and more in the recent past. In all reality, it's asking what is your sex life like? Can I crawl in bed with you? Are you ovulating right now? How are Brian's sperm counts? Are you going to attempt conception right now, right here? Come on, so that you can have another child get it on right in front of our very eyes? Now granted, people don't intend this line of thought but in all reality it's what that question boils down to. Brian and I last night brainstormed a list of totally inappropriate, make people blush responses about specific areas of our sex life so that they would never EVER ask again and so that they would tell everyone they knew not to ask as well. However, this is just as cruel and inappropriate so I'll abstain (from replying, not from sex just to keep things clear here).

I always think, you know, Brian and I are pretty private people. What if we were trying to get pregnant (we're not, FYI) and had not been successful or worse yet had had a miscarriage. A question like that would drive me over the edge, I am quite certain. I honestly think that most people don't even think about what they're saying when they ask such a loaded question. I have often fantasized about running away in tears when someone opens the subject just to "punish" them. I know, I know - I'm sick.

So at least now you know, unless I have opened such a conversation up with you, don't ask. If we were thinking about having another child, pregnant, or trying, you would know. We would tell you. I would blog about it. Until then, please get out of my bed.

Gospel

It's always good to share good news... and this is some terrific news for a acquaintance/friend, Scot Longyear, who pastors a church in Terre Haute that B and I used to frequent long ago. He also used to be lead in a band that we loved who came and did a couple of conferences for us when I worked for the church. Anyway, I digress.

Scot received a Lily Clergy Renewal Grant from the Lily Foundation and is going to get to do all kinds of cool and crazy things in the summer of 2007 while his congregation is well cared for, encouraged, and challenged in good 'ole Terre Haute, IN.

Scot's love for Christ and energy for spreading the gospel in new and interesting ways spills out all over the edges. And though we've not been to eXchange for several years now, I've kept up with his sermons on my iPod as they podcast. It's always awesome to see someone blessed who has blessed your life and the life of your family.

For full details check out this Tribune Star article or go to their website (if you're an audial learner) and hear details of the grant.

Can't look away

I'm not sure why I'm so fascinated with this video. What are they selling? Or are they just touting a household tip? Looks like there's a phone number on there at one point.

And the winner is . . .

So, the American Idol finale is tonight and while I really wanted to Chris to win and so I could care less about who the actual winner is, I was wondering who everyone was pulling for - Katherine or Taylor?

And you thought gas was expensive here . . .

Check out the prices in California (how come I can't say that state name without singing... California, knows how to party... California).

Happy, Happy Birthday Baby...

Today is BLowe's 30th birthday. Send him greetings via e-mail or phone or post on his blog.

This week's site

So I ordered B a shirt or two for his birthday and another for a friend from RandomShirts.com. They came today in the mail and are terrific. I even got a little poster as a thank you. I didn't realize it was a Christian company. They have a ton of witty yet not obnoxious shirts for great prices. Very cool stuff.

Just too easy...

So my mom sent me this article on the local weather teams in good 'ole Terre Haute, IN (the homeland). Apparently, Jon Stewart has been picking on the tv station just down the road from my alma mater, WTWO. Here is the first piece that was featured on the daily show, followed by the "Humble Apology."

Crazy, insane week to come

Ever have a Monday when you realize the week that lays ahead could possibly gobble you alive? I have a lot to do as many people will be coming in this weekend to celebrate B's 30th, a yard to get mowed and flower beds to get all in order in spite of the fact that our rider is in the shop and it will not quit raining, and our church is undertaking a Kidstuf production which I've invested in that still has many loose ends to tie up.

And with that, I'm off!

Site of the Day

So I know I've told plent of you about Mystery Guest, INC. Brian and I did a quick lunch shop today at Smokey Bones. Basically, it's a mystery shopping service. It costs nothing and every 90 days, you can do a mystery shop at Smokey Bones, Cheesecake Factory, Bahama Breezes (or other chains owned by this conglomerate). Then, they reimburse you for your purchase (up to a certain amount), after filling out a simple survey online.

Free food is always good.

Saved By the Bell the Addict Years

Enjoy this dramatic piece...

Deal or . . .

Come on, you know that you just finished the sentence. Anyway, so somehow my daughter has become a big "Deal or No Deal" fan. I have no clue how it happened since we do not watch that show in our house. She must have seen it somewhere else or something, but not only does she have down the catch phrase but she also knows the concept of the game (open the cases, etc.). So last night, we told her she could watch it (boy was there a doozy of a contestant on there) and so she was staying up, playing with a little stuffed animal kitty on the floor all excited in the half hour before it came on.

Brian and I were having a random conversation when out of the corner of our ears we hear Anna ask her kitty, Holly, "Meow . . . or Meow Meow?!" in a Howie sort of voice. We lost it.

Improvement

While last semester, I had a student evaluation that referred to me as a "grading Nazi," this semester the reviews were a bit more complimentary. For example, "Cherie did an excellent job teaching last week--she made it WAY more entertaining. Otherwise lectures were WAY boring." I think my prof. enjoyed this one immensely.

Finish the Race...

15 exams more to grade, 15 more grades to compute.....
almost there....
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

Evil, no good, very bad Cherie...

I almost honked my horn today at an elderly man because I wondered if I could force him into a heart attack. I know, I'm horrible!!!!!!

There were of course a string of events that led up to this thought but all the same, I'm embarrassed that I had it.

Wow...

Sometimes things happen that just make you say wow (Andrea's thoughts on the word wow). An administrator at the church that I used to work for had been under some suspicion for quite some time and now has been officially charged. As messy as things were when I left, I'm thankful I wasn't working there during any of this mess.

Seasons change . . .

Feelings change... (are you humming the tune?). Who sang that anyway? I suppose I could google it and find out but if my memory serves me correctly, it's Expose. Anyway. I feeling a change in the air today. Allow me to bare my soul...

Today marks my last official day in the classroom as a TA for IUPUI, sniff sniff. It is really kind of sad. I've very much enjoyed my role in this position this year and wish that I could hang around for a bit longer. But I really need to launch into my thesis and finish that sucker this year. As I hiked to the fifth floor for one of the last times today, I reflected briefly (in between heavy breathing from walking up all of those stairs) on the past year. It's been a year of learning. I've learned how to grade, how to easily spot plagiarism, how to lecture (kinda - now if I could only stay in my chair). I decided not to make my life utter madness by finishing my thesis and TAing at the same time. I decided to launch myself into children's ministry more fully at CSC. I decided not to try to get pregnant this year (not closing the door entirely but I really felt like 05-06 wasn't the right timing). I learned that Anna needed to make her own way at school and that my role in her life is beginning to change. I'd like to think that I've accepted myself a bit more - as a woman, as a scholar, as a wife, as a mother, as a friend.

There are plenty things that I'm still working on and haven't learned though . . . still can't really manage my time effectively (laundry, laundry everywhere!), still need to take Minesweeper off of my computer (what the other TAs that I work with refer to as my "computer crack"), still am training to hopefully ride the RAIN ride this summer (the good news is that if I do ride it, I have about 13 lbs less to drag down the road), still writing, researching, reading for my thesis (when will it ever end?!?!), still trying to manage stress effectively and not leave things until the last minute (back to the time management issue) and take out my own negligence and procrastination on those whom I love the most (i.e. Brian and Anna).

It's been a good academic year. I'm not totally out of the woods. I'll still need grade finals, figure grades, organize my TA materials for the lucky soul who comes behind me but pretty much by this time next week this chapter will be closed and I'll be embarking on a new journey. I'm not sure what that path is yet but I'm excited to get on it.

Can you tell what I did today?

That's right, today marked the primary elections in Indiana. So I wore one of my favorite T shirts that really only seems appropriate twice a year and headed to the polls. They wanted to take my pic at the polling place since apparently I was only one of two dems to vote there that day(gotta love the variety and diversity of Johnson County). In other news, Brian worked as an Election Judge (guess the grand total would have been 3 had he not already voted absentee) at another polling place and Anna collected a few "I Voted" stickers for herself.

Am I still a credible source of information?

So yesterday, I was expounding upon the demographic shifts in the United States, post World War II in the hopes of preparing my students for their final exam (and honestly to prepare myself to grade their final exam) which is tomorrow. All of the sudden I forgot the cardinal "Four on the Floor" rule which I learned in 2nd grade and I'm sure impressed upon others when I worked for the church. And whoooop.... in a matter of seconds I scooted forward, fell on the floor and the high backed chair I was sitting in came down over the top of me. So I of course realizing that I was not bleeding or majorly injured began to giggle uncontrollably. What else can you do? And the students snickered too. I had to promise them that I indeed could read, did know what I was talking about - although how could they believe me since apparently I can't even sit upright - who knows what I am truly capable of?!?! And also I promised them I had not yet been drinking that day. I laughed it off but seriously, does God really need to humble me in such a humiliating way? I guess so.

Good news

We just got back from a late night visit to the hospital to see Kim and Jason. Things went really well today. They were able to get the entire tumor (to their knowledge) and scoped things out - lymph nodes, liver, etc. while they were in there. They took out about 60 cm. of his bowel which leaves him with like 90% of it still (v. good). Sounds like they had a terrific surgeon who really took his time and left no stone unturned. In fact, the pathologist was right there and literally examined the tumor as soon as it came out of his body. Everyone's pretty marveled at the entire situation, especially since it doesn't seem to have spread anywhere and the tumor was so massive that it's amazing he was able to eat anything in the last several weeks. Apparently it was folded in upon itself and puckered all around. Anyway, the surgery was close to three hours long but I thought that Jason looked great tonight. He briefly opened his eyes and said hello to us but we spent the rest of the time talking to Kim. We chatted some about what was going on but then shared stories about life in general and got a few great ones about the kids. Plenty of snickering and silliness.

They're such good people. We love them with a fierce love. The road ahead will be more difficult. It looks like in about 10 days to 2 weeks or so he'll begin chemo of the nastiest variety. So basically his body will heal only to be popped good and hard again. Just pray that he heals well from the surgery and can get started on the chemo as soon as humanly possible. Pray for us as we seek to encourage and help in anyway that we can and just consistently "be" there.

Can you use it in a sentence please?

So, you might remember our friends the Gallmans (and specifically Jason) are walking a very difficult road. Their oldest child, Claire is in the the 5th grade.

Let me preface this entire story by stating that Claire is one of the most gifted children I've ever met. She is both intelligent and wise beyond her years. As a preschooler she was reading on a 3rd grade level and as a kindergartener on the 8th grade level. Now as a 5th grader, I'm sure she could read laps around me. Anyway, this week Claire was in the county spelling bee. She ended up coming in 7th place despite of her huge vocabulary.

The irony of the word she went out on continues to tickle me and give me goose bumps at the same time. And as Brian said, "Holy sermon analogy, Batman." So, here's the word that this young girl whose father was diagnosed with a fist sized tumor in his small bowel just two weeks ago missed - pessimist. Isn't that unreal? What a testament to Kim and Jason's fantastic child rearing skills. Of all people, Miss Claire could be a pessimist. But it's a word that's just not in her vocabulary.

A few of my favorite things

Wish I was doing this right now...

I didn't sleep well last night and now wish I was snuggled up like this in my bed! However, it's that time of year again. The time of the year when naptims are devoted to zip, zip, clip, clip... mowing the yard!

What do a boxer, a queen, and priest have to do with one another?

They're all featured in my first lecture in a collegiate classroom today (Wednesday)! YIKES! I'm nervous. My biggest fear is that the chair of the department will show up.

Design on a dime

We did a little redecorating in February. Here are some shots of our beautiful bedroom. It had been the most neglected room in the house for a really long time and now it's my favorite.

A little piece of writing

Here's a little something I wrote to promo a special worship service we're having at our church in about a month...

I look down the hallway and see preschoolers praising. Their little arms reach out to the God who loves them; their little faces flecked with His joy. “The wise man built his house upon the rock . . .” Eternal lessons taught in a rhythmic beat, some classics just never go out of style. I glance into the Excite room and see something similar, but on a more mature and blossoming level. Here are the 1st – 5th graders who have become my community. They are not children; they are my brothers and sisters in Christ. They greet me with a smile. They know my name. As I settle into my fuzzy green chair to hear Dr. DoGood teach the Bible story of the morning, I know I’m where I need to be. Not only am I serving, I’m learning, I’m growing, and I’m a part of something much greater than myself. And I love this road on which God has placed me. Those who are traveling with me – the children, the middle and high school students, and adults – who make Excite and Parade happen every week are some of my best friends. They are the people I laugh with the most and some of the most amazing people I have ever met. They link together, arm-in-arm to serve their God and the little children that He loves so much. And while they’re serving, they have so much fun! And here’s the thing, they’re not an exclusive group. Ever excited to meet someone else interested in Children’s Ministry at CSC, they immediately fold them into the group, wanting to make them a part of this community. We invite you to get a glance inside the world of CM at CSC. On May 21st, join us for an intergenerational worship experience called Kidstuf. It will be a Sunday you don’t want to miss.

A Hunting We Will Go!

These are some assorted pictures from our Easter Egg hunt in the front yard after lunch!

Happy Easter from the Lowe Family!

This is Miss Anna and her cousin Mackenzie in our front yard after church this morning.

Almost Paradise...

Here's a picture of me, Brian, Mindy, Joel, and Julie in our cabin "Almost Paradise" from a quick jaunt to Gatlinburg a little less than a month ago. It was truly beautiful and we had a great time kicking back, shopping, playing games, watching MacGyver with no sound and creating our own dialogue, doing an old time photo, "ho-tubbing," you know... normal stuff. awww... I wanna go back! Jules, where are the other pics? :)

Heavy Heart

Our dear friends, Jason and Kim Gallman are traveling a rough road. Jason was diagnosed yesterday with a tumor in his intestinal tract the size of a fist. He is 37; they have 3 kids (5th grade, 2nd grade, K). Please pray for them.

You know it's springtime on campus when...

If anyone out there is still reading my blog, post a thought or two in the comments on this one. A lot of you either currently work on or near a college campus (or have in the recent past). I thought it would be fun to gather some thoughts of college life signs of spring. Here are a few to get you going.

You know it's springtime on campus when:

• The hotdog vendor is set up on the sidewalk
• You see more capri pants (especially those with thongs near the top eewwww.... I promise I'm not looking but it's like a train wreck).
• Students in flip flops
• People eating outside

Incredibly Infrequent

Now is the time in my blog where I say I hope to be better at posting here blah blah blah...

Anyway, sometimes life just gets in the way and you realize it's been 3,4 months since you've posted last and then the thought of posting just depresses you since there's way too much ground to cover. I think I'll launch through a series of pictures in the next few days to catch you up on life with the Lowes.

Here are a few pics from the wedding that Brian and Anna were in in March. Our dear friends Brent and Meagan (Brent was a student of mine when I worked at GUMC) got married. Brian was honored to be the Best Man and Anna did a terrific job as the flower girl.

Anna and the Groom

Happy Couples

Family Photo

Brian and Anna at the altar

Now I lay me down to sleep...

So Brian has these bizarre dreams. I'm assuming they're dreams because he's not awake and he has no recollection of them later. Anyway, about 2 years after we'd been married he began to jerk awake at night upon occasion (I would guess about every 6 months or so roughly). Many times, he was violent. I had a scratch or two to prove it in the morning. And oftentimes his dreams revolved around animals of some sort. I'm told that they're called Night Terrors because of these particular stipulations.

Needless to say, I often feel like William Shatner to his James Spader, sleeping next to him so he doesn't injury himself or turn the bed upside down. I just witnessed his first "Day Terror" of sorts. He was snoozing away in the recliner with Anna snoring on the couch (who knew she snored?!) and he jerked wide awake down out of the chair stood up, looked at a watch on his wrist that was not there and said, "I'm forgetting something I'm supposed to do today." His eyes were fully opened and he looked bewildered (I know it's cliche, but it's the best word I can think of to describe his mental state). Like his night terrors, he immediately fell back asleep after I talked to him soothingly and helped him realize (consciously or subconsciously, I'm not sure) that everything was fine. It always seems a bit (ok, a lot) unfair that he quickly returns to sleep while my heart races further on and BP spikes. I wonder if he'll remember what he's done when he wakes.