Two steps closer.

Saturday, I attended a Members class at my church, Springs Calvary. I really feel that it is time to get up and start walking towards what I want, instead of doing what I usually do which is wait for something to happen, then wonder why nothing did. The structure of the church is very laid back, and the Pastors really rely on the congregation to make things happen. It's sort of a church for and by the people kind of thing. The pastors help to connect, but it is up to us to initiate what we want. Something, you know, is hard for me to do. I do feel led to keep walking outside my comfort level, and in order to have the Christian family I want, I am going to have to make myself a part of things. This is when I really wish I had Karen's gift of making friends and connecting to people. Not my strong suit. So, first step is the first Members class, there is another one next Saturday. Last week, I tried to find small group postings on the website, because there are none posted in the bulletins, and there are none listed in the website either. I found out from the members class that this is very much intentional based on what I described to you earlier. They want us to form our relationships and serve where we are called. So, I wasn't sure last week what to do, so I emailed one of the Pastors in hopes he could put me in touch with someone. He wrote back, Pastor Pete, and asked me to find him after church so we could talk in person. I did that today. I had to make myself stay there while he prayed with some other people, and talk to some others. I kept praying, Lord don't let me run, just keep me here. You know all I wanted to do was bolt. When I finally got to talk to him, he remembered my name. He talked to me about a few people he wanted to introduce me to, one is a single girl, the others were a couple who have a small group for people in their 30's and 40's. He explained that they didn't really do much as far as Singles Groups, but this no longer matters to me as much. I have kind of half given up looking for that for now. Right now I just want to get to know people and actually be a contributing member to my church. I use to hate the idea of even being in a Women's Group, but now I am all for it! The people he wanted to introduce me to were gone already, but he did lead me over to a lady, who I had talked to in church today already, and told me that she is another good person to connect with, because she is really involved and knows a lot of people here. She told me that if I had a heart for serving, I should come next Sunday at 9:15. That is when anyone who feels like serving in some way, comes early, they gather together, pray, and everyone decides where they want to serve, or people designate where they want you. It really is laid back like that. It is not at all structured in anyway. She said that is a great time to meet people who are more involved and may be a way to get into some small groups. Ok, so I really feel that I am heading in the right direction here. It felt good. So, pray that I can get my lazy-sleeping-in-lovin butt out of bed early enough next Sunday to make it there by 9:15. You know I am ALWAYS late for church and it starts at 9:45!

Millie

One Year later

Now that I have my computer back, I can blog about somethings that I have been wanting to write about for a long time. I needed my pics!

This one is of Millie and Rooby in the cottage sharing the dog bed for the first time. Next is the first time Millie and Rooby actually played together. Millie has the upper hand! This one below is of


Millie's first nap in our new house with her new friend. Next, Millie's first hike!

First drink in a creek with Rooby. Here's to many more years of firsts. I love my Millie!

As you can see I have had some issues setting up the flow of this post. Hope you can follow it anyway.

I finally have my laptop back!!! Happy day!

Who gets lost in Waldo Canyon?

Give up? ME! Never thought it could happen in the 10 years that I have lived here, that I would get lost on a well traveled trail. A trail that is a loop no less! A trail that many people hike on all the time at any time of day. So, we are hiking along. I have my camel back full of water, I thought. I have Millie's new Dog-pack filled with necessities such as snacks for all of us. I had a big late breakfast, so I was full when we started at noon. At the start of the trail, we ran into lots of people. Then not long after I turned onto the loop, we ran into one person. In hindsight, this was pretty strange because of all the cars that were in the parking lot and people we saw at first. But I guess I thought maybe most people were starting off in the opposite direction, and I would run into people eventually. After that initial hiker, I saw no one. We hiked what seemed forever, when I looked around at the scenery and thought to myself that everything looked a little different than what I remember. It had been a few years since I hiked here. Then after a while later, and by the way I am out of water and have eaten most of the snacks, I saw roofs. Yes, houses. Those of you who have been to Waldo know that there are no houses that close to the trail. Before I knew it, we were in a neighborhood. I was really upset now, because my inkling that I was perhaps lost was becoming real. I walked around the neighborhood for a bit, looked around at the mountains trying to get my barrings, but I couldn't figure out where I was exactly. Was I in Manitou Springs, which is further west from where I started, or in Green Mountain Falls which is further east. By this time I was pretty frustrated. I couldn't figure out what I did, except that there were two paths a ways back and Rooby had gone one way, but I decided to go another. I prayed, but it was a slightly angry prayer because I was in this situation by myself. I was also determined to figure out what I had done. I was not going to ask anyone for help. I decided to double back and take Rooby's path from a while ago. I did that, still very upset. I was crying somewhat and talking to God about why.....do I get myself in these situations that become obvious yet again that I am here alone. I was also freaked out that I could get lost here! No one knew where I was. I had a cell phone, and there were houses so I knew I wasn't going to die or anything, it's just the fact that I was lost. While this pity party was going on in my head, I suddenly realized that I had been in a complete circle and back at the same neighborhood I was in before! I couldn't believe it! It was well after 5pm at this point. I wasn't feeling well because I didn't have food in my tummy and no water. My dogs were hot and wanted water, especially Millie who was carrying the pack. We were pooped. I was quietly sobbing, and decided I needed to find out where I was. I wasn't going to ask for help, I had given it to God reluctantly. I am not sure I was really giving up control though. Walking down a street, I saw a woman standing outside a Bed & Breakfast House. She was looking right at me, and did not look away. I tried to avoid her stare and stop crying, but she kept looking at me. I had sun glasses on, so I didn't think she could see that I was crying. But when I came up on her, she stopped me and asked me if I was ok. It was clear that I wasn't, embarrassed, I told her what happened. She told me I was in Cascade, not as far east as Green Mountain Falls, but east of where I had started. Karen, I was all the way up by the Colorado Wines Restaurant we like! She and her family gave me a water, some for my dogs too, and gave me a ride to my car! And in the course of us talking, she let it be known that she is a believer. Here I thought God had left me alone yet again, and he was no where to be found because I can't feel him! But really he was there the whole time. He took me back to that neighborhood even though I stubbornly tried to leave it and find my own way. He put someone in my path, someone in his family, to help me. I was not alone for the hundredth time! I am saying that to myself, you all know my issues. Needless to say, Millie & I were not feeling well for the rest of the night, and Rooby's feet and legs were sore. It has taken me a few days to digest all this and figure out how I feel. I wish I didn't always feel so angry with God all the time. Life is not how I want it at the moment. I just need to realize that he is there with me through it all whether I feel him or not, he's there.

Are you ready for some Broncos?!

It is finally here, Bronco season! Notice I said 'Bronco" season instead of Football season? That's because truth be told, I only watch the Broncos play. I don't have the attention span it takes to watch more than one team, and the Broncos are my team! I was so excited for opening day, and I was watching the game by myself! I got my brats on, I got my chips on, and I got my beer on! And we pulled it off, all though it was a little too close. So, say it with me....GO BRONCOS!

Hoo Hoo, hoo hoo hoo! The answer to my tech. prayers! FINALLY, I have Cable Highspeed Internet and have switched to Vonage! I belong to this world again! It is now tolerable to use the Internet at home again! I can watch utube! I can watch your video links now! And best of all.......It won't take me freakin forever to get to each of my blog sites and email sites! You guys don't know, or maybe you do, how nice this is for me. I love most of my technology again. Now for the camera.....

Technology Woes


I am sitting her at the Library, yes I finally broke down and went to the Library! It seems that I just can't anything right when it comes to my own technology these days. My laptop has been missing in action for several months now, but is currently in the shop getting repaired hopefully! I have been using a crappy work laptop that is slower than dial-up! But I can't use that for the Internet because I have no dial tone currently, no homer phone, because I cancelled with Qwest to start up Vonage. I am trying to save money see, so I thought if you have Highspeed "dial-up", that will work just as well as DSL or Cable Broadband, right? WRONG! I don't even want to go into the small fiasco I went through just to try and download Netzero Highspeed Dial up to the slower than molasses Dell laptop I am using, so I will skip that step. But I am sure you get the picture! So, since my computer is now finally in the shop, I have started to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have ordered Cable Highspeed Internet, which will be coming Wed., and I can't wait. I can't wait to get back to uploading my won pics to my blogs, telling my stories with my pictures, like when I went to the Big Horns last weekend......Oh yeah, the Big Horns. That is where I dropped my camera in the rocks near the stream we were hiking around, and broke it! Now my camera is needing to be repaired or replaced! Seriously! What is my deal? I just want my technology to be back to normal and working better than ever. Is that too much to ask? Sheesh!

Bubba

RIP

8-26-07

Rooby & Chris will miss you.

Bubba

Some of you may recall that I wrote a story not long ago about Bubba. I think I wrote about him peeing in my house before my mom and gramma got here. Bubba can drive me crazy at times. He is always under your feet, I can't tell you all the times I have tripped over him! He has also never really been potty trained. But when he looks at you with his big brown eyes...well I melt. Rooby and Bubba have been in love, literally, since they met when he was a puppy. He has also been a guest at out house numerous times. Bubba is sick now. He is losing liver function. It came on suddenly in the last couple of days. He started bloating quite a lot, and his bones are severely showing. The vet has given Bubba a month at least to live. He is only three years old! Liz, his mommy, says that the vet thinks that he must have been eating food or treats that were under the recall. Liz has been careful to stay away from the recalled food, but she has a couple of neighbors who love to feed him over the fence. She is thinking that is how he got sick. Rooby and I went to go see him today, and he really looks terrible, but sweet as ever. We will keep stopping by until he passes. That will be a hard day. I really love that dog, he is one of my own.

This was me yesterday. All I have to say is....ahhhhhh! Karen & Jen sent me a much needed B-day present, a Gift Certificate to a spa! I got an all body massage and a facial that was more like a facial massage. It was wonderful, and a good end to a stressful week. I left feeling happy and sleepy. Thank you Karen & Jen! I smell good!:)

I want a life too!

Before I get started on my next therapy blog, I do apologize for bring anyone down. I just can't shake this all encompassing lonely feeling that has taken over my life. I just can't figure out what I am doing wrong here. I think that God wants me to be alone to be with him. Well, I am but this miserable feeling of being alone won't go away. I don't even usually feel his presence. Yesterday was my birthday, and for the first time ever, I spent it entirely alone, with the poochies of course, but you know what I mean. If it weren't for the many calls I received from friends and family far away, I would have really sunk into depression, so thank you! I took the dogs on a MUCH needed hike, if you read my last blog you would know that they haven't had much excitement. It was a great hike, and so nice to be in the mountains. Then I went home and painted my toes, and watched TV. Today, I feel the depression. It comes in waves. I read all your blogs and can't help to feel a little jealous. I want a life too. I want friends, I want a husband, and want to be fulfilled. I know no one out there has the perfect life, and I don't want perfection, I just want this horrible alone feeling to go away. What am I doing wrong? I talk to God all the time. I am going to church. I have cut out things in my life that are bad for me for the most part. I am ready for God to lead me. And yet, I remain in this holding pattern. I don't feel him. I am tired of sounding pathetic and sad. I want to write about more positive things, I really do. But nothing, out side of work is happening. On a good note, the worst of work is over for now, I can breath again. Still have a lot to do, but now at a more normal pace. Anyway, I don't want to feel like I am being punished somehow, cuz I know that is not how God works. I guess I could use your words of wisdom once again my friends.

Where in the world is Chris?


Some of you may be wondering that. I haven't been blogging much, and that includes reading every one's blogs. I have been so buried at work. This time of year is the worst for me, and it has been busy this summer, especially in the last few weeks. I'll break it down for ya. In May, we were told that there will be many changes that we would have to make sure happened because it is good for the agency. First, we were going to be changing our primary program model from Year Round to School Year. We still will have some YR's, but mostly SR. As you can imagine this effects staff paychecks. Then we were told that a number of our classroom sites were going to have to move for various reasons. We have to coordinate these moves plus license their new locations. THEN, we were told that we would be adding 7 brand new sites, each on a small budget including putting in new playgrounds, again we have to coordinate all this and license them. For the new sites, we have to order a complete classroom worth of materials. This normally takes $20,000, we were given $12,000. It is very difficult to order from scratch. You have to think of everything possible a classroom would need to meet all our Health, Fire, and Licensing requirements. I have been work on 3 moves, and licensing 3 different sites, one of which is brand new. So, the 7 new sites requires 3 staff each, so lots of hiring. This includes all the people who resigned. We do the hiring also. So, this is all bad enough. However, it is all coming to a head at the same time we have New Teacher training week, and then our annual CPCD College week when all staff comes back for more training. We do all the trainings for New Teacher, and two days worth during CPCD College. I have been spending so much time working on my classrooms, that yesterday and several nights this last week, were the only times I have had to prepare for training. I stayed at work last night until 7pm, and worked nights until 10pm, and I will be going in Sunday. So, I haven't had anytime to even read blogs! I am missing you all, and hope I can get life to slow down here soon, maybe the end of August, to be able to catch up with you all. Pray for me that I can get though this pace without cracking too much, I already have a few times! Here's to slower times.

Wi-whooo!

I was driving to work yesterday worrying about everything I had to do that day, and I was late (shocker!), when I loud whistle horn went off as I passed a semi. It wasn't a normal horn, it really sounded like a whistle! It scared me at first, then I burst out laughing when I realized it was for me! Kind of made my morning. Yeah, I still got it!

Gramma



My mom and gramma left Saturday morning. we had a great time, but something odd started to take shape as a pattern, and I don't know what to think about it. My gramma has always been a talker, but I noticed that it is much more so. She talked constantly, and didn't seem to need anyone to join in the conversation with her. She was happiest when we were just nodding our heads to show we were listening. Then she started to retell stories over and over again as if this was the first time she told it. The next really bizarre thing is an incident during a day that my mom and I were suppose to buy some rose bushes for me and my brother. When we came back, we didn't get any roses cuz they didn't have the ones we wanted. Gramma asked me what kind of roses we got, and I told her we didn't get any. About an hour later, she asked me again what kind of roses we got, and I just looked at her like 'what's going on?' I told her again the story why we didn't have any. Gramma seemed confused but accepted what I said. I told mom about this, and she was alarmed too. Later that night, when I was inside, mom and gramma were talking outside and gramma asked mom again what kind of roses we got! This really scared me. She has always been so sharp even though she is 80 now, my gramma has always been in tune with what is going on around her. This really disturbed me greatly. Gramma may get under my skin quite often, but she is my gramma and she needs to always be around. I am hoping that it was just being tired from traveling and the heat. Say a prayer for my gramma.

Hard Day


I had a tough day yesterday. But not as bad as some. The first thing I did yesterday morning was go to a funeral for a 15 year old. He was the son of one of my Teacher Assistants. They don't know what caused Eric's body to shut down in the middle of the night, he just died in his sleep. The service was really beautiful. Lots of pictures of his short young life. Many of his classmates were there. He was a skateboarder, and all his friends signed a board and each of them past it around touching it before laying it on his casket. Everyone, including me who generally doesn't cry for things like funerals (you know things that matter), cried throughout the whole thing. The worst was watching his mother try to get through the service. She needed support to walk most of the time, which I can't blame her at all. I just can't wrap my brain around that kind of pain, and I think I never will. Rest in peace Eric, God has you now.

Then I came home to my house covered in puke and dog pee. One word....BUBBA! for those of you who don't know who Bubba is, he is a basset hound that I dog sit once in a while. I absolutely love Bubba, but man is he a pain in the butt! He should be house trained, but his owner put in a dog door a few months ago, and he seems to have forgotten he is house trained. I walked in and first saw pee on the dining room floor. Then more in the kitchen. More in the living room. Puke on my area rug by the door. Puke in the hall. PUKE ON MY BEDSPREAD! Puke on my bedroom floor, along with pee. And finally as a last shock, puke on the blanket that thankfully covers my couch when I am gone. Keep in mind that my mom & gramma are coming tonight, so I had a lot to get done t0 be ready. I didn't have time to take my bedspread to the laundry mat. I didn't have time to clean up puke and pee. Nor did I have time to clean it all up again this morning! Why is it that animals can't find the good places to do this like on the kitchen tile instead of on my good wood floors right in the floor board! Or puke not only on my big throw rug, but also right in the tassels! I know on the grand scheme of things, it could be worse, but man! Anyway, here's to a much better day. Hope all of you have a great 4th of July!

Oh Rooby!

Rooby is a perv! It's official. Last night at the dog park, she went to jump up on a girl wearing a very cute sundress, and pulled the whole dress up! It happened so fast I couldn't stop her. All either of us could do was laugh! Nice.

Finally I have some pics I can upload! This is one of the Rehearsal Dinner pics of Brook and Allyson. Don't they look blissful?

Here's a great pic of my 90 year old Grampa in his sombrero! We told him since he couldn't wear a Top Hat for the wedding, he could choose one of his crazy hats to wear at the reception. And he did!

The whole Wedding party, minus a MIA Bridesmaid. Not sure where she went. As you can see, Grampa is still refusing to take the hat off, and these were part of the formal pictures!

Brook and Allyson's Wedding





First of all, I am really sorry for not writing sooner. I know I had a lot of people praying for me, and wanting to know what happened. Thank you all for your prayers, they really helped more than I can say. I would love to include a picture here. but I am not using my own computer and don't have the software for my camera to install. Must still be in a box somewhere! Hopefully I can get some pics in later.





Overall everything went really well. I was hoping that if I expressed my fears enough, they wouldn't happen. I can say that I will not be winning a million dollars or anything, unless I can get some money for pictures of my Grampa in his tux and sombrero! More on that later.





Day 1: Bridal Shower


I could not avoid a hug from Milt's wife, Judy. She just snuck it in before I could stop her. I went to shake her hand, and there it happened! Oh well. I also met the wife of the brother we never knew. Really, he is Brook's biological half brother if you want labels. His name is Jeff. Apparently Jeff connected with Milt in 2000. His wife's name is Melinda, I think (terrible with names). The shower itself went great, and afterwards a few of us went to the bar nearby to hang out. Melinda went with us. It became very apparent after a bit that Melinda is more than a little nosey and just says or asks whatever is on her mind whether it is appropriate or not. First, she would go on and on about how much she loves Milt and Judy, and how good they are to them. I am sitting right next to her, she knows I don't have a relationship with them. So, of course my guard went up. I just couldn't help feeling that she was after something. Then, she began asking me about what Milt did to me as a kid. I just looked at her, like are you for real? Allyson is sitting right across from me, and there are several people there I just met...especially her! I dodged that one, but she kept coming back to it. Then she proceeded at ask me if Milt had beat up my mom when we were little, and if my grandparents pressed charges! Again, I turned to her with my guard firmly up, and said that I didn't feel like this was an appropriate time to be talking about this, plus not to mention that I didn't know her and I don't share things like this with people I don't know. I then said that I was trying very hard to make this time about Brook and Allyson, and not about my feelings about Milt. Melinda tried to explain that she was trying to understand her husband better, and by better understanding Milt, she would be able to figure out some aspects of Jeff's personality. I am not completely buying it all. I do know, that whatever I said to her would get back to Judy in an instant. So, wasn't expecting that weirdness, but it could have been worse. Judy herself did try really hard to keep her distance minus the hug, and I appreciated that.





Day 2: Rehearsal Night

Here is when I see Milt for the first time in 14 years. It was weird honestly. He is much heftier, of course older looking. And when I heard his voice, it wasn't as deep as I remember it. It was softer. We didn't talk at all through most of the Rehearsal. He did not come up to me. No hugging. No how are you from either one of us. At one point, I am walking down with my Grampa, and he was being his usual bugger self. Grampa refused to wait for the couple ahead of us before walking, he just charged ahead! He tried to blame it on that he couldn't hear, but I know better. Anyway I was talking about what he did while we were in line waiting to go through it again. I turned towards Milt and told them that after they started walking Grampa charged right after them, which got a laugh from everyone. That was the first I sort of spoke to him. He laughed, and that was it. That really is how things went with him. We were cordial to each other. Made a few comments in one or the others general direction, that was it. I also met Jeff, the brother. That was a little weird too. He was very shy, but nice. I just wasn't sure what to say to him. Maybe I will see him again one day. Anyway, after the dinner I got in my car and drove to Brook's house. I thought I was fine. I thought I had made it through it virtually unscathed. Then I heard my two best friends voices on my voicemail asking if I was ok, and I just lost it. I cried in my car for at least a half-n-hour. I was shocked I had all that in there. I am still not sure what it means if anything. But after that, I felt so much better, and I didn't cry again over him.



Day 3: Wedding Day

Mom, Gramma and I got our nails done together. I forgot my camera when I arrived at the church, so tears there. I am hoping I get pics for everyone else cuz I have no pics of my own of the actual wedding. The wedding itself was great. Allyson and I bonded. She looked absolutely beautiful and the most calm bride I have ever seen. Brook was more on edge than she was. He made a necklace for her that day for the wedding, which being last minute, he ran into all kinds of snags, but it turned out gorgeous. I got to be the one to give it to her since he wasn't allowed to see her yet. She cried when she saw it. I gave a reading during the service, of course we had a screaming baby through the whole thing, but I kept right on going. Even Grampa behaved himself! After, we all met at the Elks where the reception was held. When I walked in, there was my Grampa wearing a sombrero hat with a Mexican blanket over his shoulder dancing up to everyone. He wouldn't take the hat off all night, including during the formal pictures! Allyson just laughed and went with it. We all just had a great time. It wasn't until the end of the night that Judy took her shot. She pulled me aside and gushed about how great it was to have met me and that I always have a place at their house. I just smiled and said that I know. Then she said she is praying for me. All I could think was, yeah I'll be praying for you too. I said thank you, and that was it. I know that sounds like a nice exchange, but something tells me not to trust this woman.



After the Reception:

Several of us hung out at the Alex Johnson Hotel where Brook and Allyson had a room. We stayed up and partied with them until 2am when the lights came on. I couldn't believe they stayed out that long! I would have been long gone if it were me, if ya know what I'm saying!;) I just love my brother so much, and it meant everything to me to share in his obvious joy. He couldn't stop grinning from when they were pronounced husband and wife on.



So, I made it through. It wasn't half bad. The only bummer is there will be no money made from any video. Everyone behaved themselves, so no good material. In the end, this was what I was hoping for, and what they deserved.

The big day is looming!

I leave tomorrow for SD. The first couple of days will be pretty noneventful, but starting Thursday night, the fun begins. I have had a pretty good sense of humor about all that is about to happen. I felt my first slight panic today actually. I prayed though, and God said I'm ready. Weird. I haven't seen the Dad in 14 years. 14 years. And by all accounts, he hasn't changed. My mom said when she saw him at my brother's graduation, he gave her an impromptu hug. He was lively, and sugary sweet. Make no mistake, it's all an act. His name is Milt, and that is what I call him. My brother's Fiance even told me that Milt told his wife that she needed to take a back seat to him during Brook's Wedding, because he was going to have all the attention. I guess his wife told Allyson this! She is another story apparently. Let me tell you all this loud and clear. THERE WILL BE NO HUGGING WITH MILT! Ok, I feel better. I know God will have a hold on me. I know I am to be calm and gracious. I will do nothing to ruin my brother's day. I will not, however, pretend that I have a relationship with Milt. Hence the NO HUGGING clause from earlier. I will treat him like an acquaintance I haven't seen in years. Nothing more.

So, the events will go like this:

Thursday Night: Bachelorette party. Judy, Milt's wife, will be there. The story on her is she is a meddler. She should be interesting. I predict that she will be talking Milt up, and pushing for a reconciliation. High school word- NOT! At my brother's graduation, Judy kept trying to help my gramma walk. Those of you that know my gramma, know that is a big no no. Judy is on my gramma's list. Did I mention gramma is coming also?:)

Friday Night: Rehearsal Dinner. This is an event put on by Milt and Judy. It was suppose to be at their house, but thankfully Brook talked them into having it at a neutral location. Judy picked the Governor's Mansion. Apparently a ritzy new place. It actually use to be the current Governor's house relocated to RC. This should show off their money. But I get to wear my very cool new Terra Verde dress! Did I mention Milt is in the wedding? Yeah, he's in the wedding.

Saturday Night: Wedding Day. This should be great except for the fact that uh...Milt's in the wedding. He was suppose to be the Best Man, but was demoted. My grampa is now the Best Man. Did I mention that Brook and Milt are currently not speaking? AND HE IS IN THE WEDDING! Then there is the reception. This is at The Elk Creek Steakhouse and Lounge. There will be drinking. Milt, an alcoholic, will be drinking. Allyson's dad, an alcoholic, will be drinking. They don't like each other. You do the math.

I love my brother. He is marrying the best girl. I truly want this day to be about them. I am writing these fears, so hopefully they won't happen. And if they do, I can laugh about it. God is with me, that is all I need. Let's just hope I can make a million dollars off the video I am going to shoot!

My perfect Day


I had the best day yesterday that I just have to share. I went to church, my new church, and was so great! There was a girl sitting by herself in front of me that introduced herself to me when we had the "greeting" time. Her name is Shana. She has been church hoping too, and seemed to like this church immediately like I did. I encouraged her to keep coming. We seemed to click, so I am hoping that she may be a future friend. At the end of the service, the church celebrated their one year anniversary. So, they had food & cake in the lobby. I decided that I was going to hang around. It helps that 2 of my teachers go to this church, so I knew that I would have someone to talk to. But at first, they weren't in the lobby. So, I got food, and prayed that someone cool would come over and talk to me, cuz you know I can't do that myself! Someone did, almost as soon as I prayed. This really cool blond greeter came over to me. She remembered me from a couple weeks ago, and started talking to me. She was really fun to talk to. She introduced me to several other people, that I talked to. And she said that she wants to start a Professional Women's Small Group soon, and wanted to keep me in mind for that! I talked to my teachers for a bit after that, met some other people, and really enjoyed myself. The consensus amongst new and regular church goers, was that this church is going places. There is such a genuine feeling here. I really believe it will explode soon. I feel fortunate to have found it so early. I think it will make it a lot easier for me to get myself embedded in the life. After church, I stopped at a neighborhood nail place and found myself getting a mani-peti before I knew it! I got my feet massaged, and was pampered. I decided to get a French Manicure/pedicure. It looks great. Maybe I will include a picture like Karen did when I get my camera back. I then went home and had lunch on my patio. My neighbor came over and handed me a beer! Very nice! After that it was to the dog park with the poochies. I even talked to a REALLY cute guy there! I managed to extend the conversation a lot longer than my norm, but Millie of course attempted to beat up his dog, so that was that. But MAN he was cute. I felt proud of myself that I made more of an effort. I hope he comes back. So, there you have it. A great day! Hope you all had a great weekend yourselves.