Memories

Today our staff went out for lunch together at a local buffet. On our way out the door, there were two young ladies walking out ahead of us. By the way one was walking, I thought she looked familiar. It was a girl I had taught the first year I moved to Virginia.

Ever try to reminisce with a non-verbal person? It was interesting, but great to see her. The young lady who was with her shared some of how my former student was doing and then we parted ways.

It has been 12 years since I met this young lady. Where has the time gone? She didn't seem to remember me - but who knows what went on inside her head?

It makes me wonder - what kind of impact have I had on my students, on the people around me? I'm getting ready to begin the school year next Wednesday. I pray that this year I can impact the students I come in contact with - that they will see they have value and can achieve the goals they set before them.

And I pray that my young friend is finding fulfillment in what she is doing.

Music

High School Musical II just finished here. J., the youngest, really enjoyed it. He is a big music fan. I love music as well. I'm sure I would survive if I lost my voice, but I just love to sing!

I'm excited because on Sunday, I get to sing with the praise team at church again. You all should come and listen in!

News Flash!! Most Food Products do not have Feet in their finished state!!

I went out to the traditional Friday evening campfire program at the scout camp. J. hadn't missed me at all, but it was nice to see him! He seems to have grown and matured alot.

So, we had pizza there and I ate two pieces. I also had a piece of watermelon. When I got J. two cookies and gave them to him, I had a revelation:

None of that food walked to me - I had to get up and get it myself. No chocolate chip cookie or brownie with white icing is going to walk up to me, put a gun to my head, and say, "Eat me, or else!"

Nope, if I want that food, I have to go after it. And I don't want it. I'm done with pursuing food.

What Defines You?

Today, I was thinking as I was channeling surfing and came upon one of those "reality" talk shows (think Maury or Jerry Springer.) And I stated to think - what would be my focus if I ever went on one of those? Or if anyone ever asked me, "So, tell me about Carol." Where would I start? I mean, we all wear different hats - that's what makes life interesting.

So, who am I? I'm a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a daughter-in-law, an aunt, a friend, a school teacher, an interpreter. I'm a lot of different things, but none of those things define me. The one that may come closest to defining me is a Christian. I've been a Christian now for almost 30 years. So much of my life has been shaped by my relationship with God - whether I was running away from Him or running to Him.

Here's what I DON'T want to define my life - FOOD and my relationship to it. I'm sure there are many people who see food as fuel to do the tasks of life. They enjoy what's offered but food is not a controlling factor in their lives. I think when I get to that point - when following GOD'S plan for my life becomes more important than anything else - then ... Well, actually I don't think I'll ever get there. This life is a journey, but that is the goal I want to walk toward. Every step I take I want to be in the direction of pleasing God by honoring Him with my choices of thought and behavior.

Falling Behind - Again

You think I'd be more faithful to posting to this thing - as much as I'm on the computer.

Updates: the other guy's insurance company took responsibility for the accident and totaled the van. They sent us a check to pay for the van and this coming weekend one of R.'s coworkers will fix it for around $300. So we got a little bit of a financial windfall there, which always comes in handy.

I've been having fun with the sculpey clay, but haven't taken any pictures yet.

I've been doing ok with not eating after dinner, but the exercising has kind of fallen away. Today was really hot, but when things cool off, I'll get back to walking. Today I had a migraine for the first time in a long time, but I might have forgotten to take my blood pressure medicine this morning. The headache has dissipated now.

J. is away at boy scout camp this week, so it is quiet around the house. I miss him. D. is out doing something somewhere - LOL! At least when he takes his bike, I know he isn't riding with someone else!

Shelina in her blog the other day talked about visiting Serpentine Mound in Ohio. That brought back memories of a sixth grade field trip to celebrate the end of the school year and moving on the junior high. We kids kind of had the run of the area after lunch and I remember wandering off into the woods and meeting a boy from another school who was there on a field trip as well. His name was Paul Gibson and I fell head over heels in love with him in that short afternoon. We shared a few stolen kisses and that summer I carved our initials into a picnic table in Mount Echo Park. Those initials were still there after about 15 years, visible under several layers of paint. I never heard from him again. Wonder where he is now...?