Does C.J. ever get a boyfriend?

Seriously, Simon was shot and killed? What was the point of that? Does C.J. not get the bad end of the stick enough from the writers of The West Wing? She says it herself! She is the second most visible person in the administration next to the President. She handles all of his dirty laundry 24/7 and the writers kill off the guy that she just kissed and I am pretty sure just fell in love with?

It doesn't make sense. Just like Rearcous not being here doesn't make sense. Just like academy kids writing messages to Rea on paper in the green room doesn't make sense. And just like the fact that we are planning a memorial service for Rearcous Smith doesn't make sense, it makes zero sense to me why the writers of The West Wing can't let C.J. get the guy.

It's situations like these, real life and fictional, that make you realize that you never know when someone is going to leave you. Like the grief councilor said last Tuesday, it's when stuff like this happens that you need to look at the person next to you and tell them that you love them. Tell them that they're ok. They're good people. Or tell them that they stink, but you love them anyway. And I am hearing a lot of "I love you" around the Springer community right now. I like it. I say "I love you" a lot and I like hearing others say, to me and to those around me.

I was supposed to see Charm School last Friday night and I didn't because I had something else that I had to do. And I was supposed to call Sally after my other thing and meet up with her and if I had done that, I probably wouldn't be kicking myself right now. I probably would have seen Rearcous and would have heard "Hey, Baby" one more time and gotten one more kiss and I probably would gotten to hear that infectious laughter one more time. But I didn't. I am still not really sure why I didn't. I just didn't. And I have to be ok with that.

But I don't want to mess up like that again, even though I am almost positive that it will happen again at some point in my life. Somewhere down the line, I will not be where I should have been and I will miss out on that last chance to just be. And I have to accept that that is the way that life works.

This week will consist of a memorial service honoring the life of Rearcous Smith and a funeral service in Macon, Georgia on Wednesday. The week will consist of moments of intense tears and laughter, realizations of the reality of the situation, and a sense of unity amongst our community.

The past week has already paved the way for opportunities for people to to express love to one another, to set aside differences, and just "be" with one each other. How fitting. Rearcous was all about talking and resolving. It seems only right that his death would bring more of that about.

Today,
Will be a wonderful day
because I have made such a positive change in my life.
I'm gonna make the choice to be all I can
because I know things are gonna work out right
if I have faith.
I can do anything, if I try.
I know that I can, I know that I will,
Today.

Today,
Will be a wonderful day
because I have made such a positive change in my life.
I'm gonna make the choice to be all I can
because I know things are gonna work out right
if I have faith.
I can do anything, if I try.
I know that I can, I know that I will,
Today.

I can do anything
I can do it if I try
I can do anything
Anything
I can do it if I try
If I try
Just watch me and see
I got love
I'll use it to treat my neighbor right
I've got faith
I'll use it to come alive
TODAY!

"We are close."

Rearcous Smith was a man among men. A killer smile, the voice of an angel, a talking voice that I could listen to for hours, a loving heart, a kind word for everyone (to their face and behind their back), and a way of saying "Baby" that could make my heart melt, Rearcous was just special. Plain and simple.

Several summers ago, I was interning at the Springer and I was the personal intern for Ron Anderson's son, Max, who has autism. At the time, Max was really struggling, although he is doing really well now. Anyway, Max was having a particularly hard time in Rearcous' Musical Theater class and everyday it seemed like there was something else. Rearcous' heart hurt for Max and I remember one specific day that we both just sat and cried together. The following days were much better as we worked together to make Rea's class the best possible experience for Max.

Another example of Rearcous' sweet heart was when we were both cast in "Suessical, The Musical." A heavy dance show, I have no idea what possessed Paul Pierce to cast me, but he did. Rearcous worked with me before and after rehearsal to make sure that I was ready for opening. And I was...for the most part.

Rearcous was a talented teacher, a triple threat in the world of theater, one of the kindest people I have ever met, and a very dear friend. I love him and I am going to miss those hugs and "Heeeeyyy, Baby!" mixed with that infectious laughter.

"Today will be a wonderful day because I have made a positive change in my life. I've made a choice to be all I can, because I know things will work out right if I have faith. I can do anything if I try. I know that I can, I know that I will. Today!"

"I Lexington-Ohio-Vermont-Edward You"

Tonight's dinner was spent with two old roommates. We hadn't all been together in quite some time and so there was a lot to catch up on. We discussed everything from family to friends, work to play, and old boyfriends to new boyfriends. Of course, with three twenty-something girls, boys were on the top of the list and we all had something to share. Beth's was by far the sweetest and one comment in particular was too good to pass up.

Beth and her new beau are pretty committed, but Beth was nervous when he began to express the urge to say the ever ominous "L-word." So, in his sweet, accommodating way, he replied, "Fine. I Lexington-Ohio-Vermont-Edward you." Emily and I were all giggles when Beth announced this to us, but it got me thinking on a subject I have addressed before and think about often.

What exactly is so very ominous about the "L-word" to human beings? Even those not in blossoming, new relationships seem to have a hard time saying "I love you," whether it be to family or friends. As humans, it is quite natural to want to be loved and to want to love others, yet when it comes to verbally expressing it, we seem to falter.

For instance, my sister, Sarah Ann, rarely says "I love you." In fact, we can be talking on the phone and when we are about to hang up I will say "Ok, love you! Bye!" and Sarah Ann's response, without fail, is "Ok. Bye." This used to drive me up the wall because I wanted to hear her say " I love you too!" However, now I just laugh because, of course, I know she loves me without hearing her say it, but also because Sarah Ann goes out of her way to show me that she loves me without actually saying it. Phone calls to check in, helping me with math, inviting me to play frisbee with her, all of these things say "I love you," Sarah Ann style. My dad is the exact same way. When my mom says "I love you" at the end of a phone conversation, he inevitably says "Uh-huh. Bye." It drives my mother crazy. He is just already on to the next thought or preparing for his next action when he hangs up.

I, on the other hand, say the phrase without meaning to at the end of phone conversations and have to backtrack when I say it to the helpless victim on the other end of the line who was just telling me the movie times, telling me that their child will be attending an event at the Springer, or telling me that, no, their daughter isn't home, but they will have her call me when gets in. Oh yes, I have told friends parents, employers, other people's boyfriends, and the operator giving me the movie times, that I love them. And I am sure that I do love them, but I didn't mean to say it out loud and makes for an embarrassing situation. And yet, this brings up an interesting thought. Why did I not mean to tell them? And why am I embarrassed for saying it?

As a Christian, I am called to love my neighbor. I assume this to mean all men, not just the people in my apartment complex. And yes, I am sure that this means in my actions toward these people and how I treat them, but does it not encompass verbal love as well? In the same way, take the religion out of it, and is not the theme of our world peace and love? Do we not all desire for there to be peace and mutual harmony amongst those we live with? All you need is love, right?

With these thoughts and ideas in mind, what then is so ominous, scary, intimidating, and taboo about saying "I love you" to those around us? Why is it so hard to form those three little words? I for one, know that I say it often to most everyone I know. Am I too liberal with the phrase? I don't say it without meaning it. I truly mean it every time I say it. Maybe I have a fear of missing the chance to say it and therefore over use it. Or perhaps I simply have a genuine need/want/desire to express my love for those in my life on a regular basis.

My sister, Caroline, uses the phrase more sparsely than I, though more frequently than Sarah Ann. In the past, she has expressed to me her hesitancy to say "I love you" because of her fear of being rejected. That fear is not lost on me. I can name several instances when I have used the phrase and heard nothing in return or, worse, "Thank you." Ouch. Talk about rejection. I would rather get "Ok, bye." However, I think that my desire to express my love trumps my fear of not getting a response, or rather a desired response, in return.

Still, am I too liberal with the term? Does Sarah Ann not use it enough or does it mean more when she says it because of her irregular use? Who knows? To each his own, I suppose. Either way, love expressed, verbally or not, is love and I'll take it in any form. Who doesn't need love?

Past, present, future...

I have had several events over the course of the past few days which have pointed out to me the rapid speed at which we live and die. "Ugh!" you say. "What a morbid thought!" Nope. I don't think so. Hear me out on this one.

In one weekend, there was announcement of pregnancy, a wedding, and a death. Each event brought thoughts to my mind. The most powerful, however, was the funeral (shocking, I'm sure), although the wedding was a close tie. I want to focus on the funeral though.

The funeral was for Mrs. Sharon Niedrach who died Friday night. I wrote a post about her just a few days ago. Mrs. Sharon had planned out her funeral to a tee. She planned it down to how long the pastors could talk. I loved how each song, bible verse, and each charge to the congregation was clearly Mrs. Sharon. She was in each moment. She wanted the service to glorify God. And I know that it did. It was, without a doubt, the most beautiful funeral service I have ever been too. Although, as I was telling my dad, it was all because of the person. Mrs. Sharon was a beautiful lady. She was beautiful because of her faith. It defined her and that was obvious to everyone who knew her.

As I sat there between my dad and my friend, Matt, it struck me more potently than ever before that this was a woman that I want to imitate, even in death. As the service went on, I was awe struck at the worshipful nature of the service. God was most certainly present and glorified in all that was said and sung. Mrs. Sharon's desire for her funeral service, a celebration of her life, was that the focus be on Jesus Christ. As her sweet friend Marilyn said, "Sharon is not the hero of Sharon's story; Jesus Christ is the hero of Sharon's story." This is because of His grace and mercy in her life. She was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. She proclaimed it with gladness.

Another thought that hit me was that, while death is not something that I have thought about for myself, it is not something that I totally fear. As a Christian, there is nothing for me to fear in death. I know where I am going. When I said that I want to imitate Mrs. Sharon in death, I mean that I want to long to be with my Savior as she longed to be with Him. While she was sad that she would be leaving her loved ones for a time, she was more than willing, happy, and ready to spend eternity at the Father's feet.

Psalm 115:1
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

The Dinglewood Lunch Club

Columbus, Georgia has it's pros and cons. I love that I am able to call it home, but at the same time, I am ready to get the heck out of dodge. However, there are people, places, and things that make Columbus bearable to me at this point in my life and I want to share a few.

1. My family. I love that they are here and I love that we are able to spend time together without hundreds of miles between us and the need to get on a plane. (However, when the time comes to get on that plane, I won't be unhappy that it is here. Not because of my family, but because of Columbus.)
2. Friends. I have some pretty awesome friends here. They are a diverse group, but that is what makes them so great.
3. The food. I know this sounds silly and a lot of people would argue with me, but I love the restaurants here. There are so many places here in Columbus that are special to our city. Dinglewood, Deorios, Country's, The Farm House, I could go on and on.
   
4. Young Life. Yes, there is Young Life all over this country and I intend on being a part of it no matter where I am, but the kids at Shaw High School are the ones that I have a relationship with now.
   
5. My church family. I really love my church. I am refreshed every week and I love the ministry that is going on at St. Andrews.
   

I say all of this because today I had lunch with my friend, Joseph Davis, at Dinglewood where we tend to eat together for the most part. (Meghan Doll was supposed to join, but slept instead...just a shout out to you, Mego!) Lunch with Joseph is always uplifting to me. He reminds me that I am not alone in my struggle to find the right path for my life. That I am all but alone in my journey with Christ. That I am not alone in my discouragements, my dreams, my hopes and aspirations. He reminds me that it's ok not to have it all together and that those who seem to have it all together are the ones that you need to take a second look at because without a period of brokenness, you can't experience God's grace to the max.

I do love Columbus, Georgia. I really do. But as Colt Miley would say; "It's like this little bubble." And I want out of that bubble for the time being. So, when opportunities come my way, like lunch with Joe, I will gladly take them and enjoy them with a grateful heart knowing full well that God will never give me more than I can handle.

This week I learned...

1. Not to talk on the phone and go through the drive-thru at the bank at the same time. This allows you to be able to not cash checks that you intend to deposit which then end up lost/stolen.
2. Time management is something that I have GOT to work on.
3. Trust is a leap of faith no matter what side of the fence you are on.
4. I hate math. (This is not something that I figured out this week, I just re-discovered.)
5. Sleep and high school girls don't mix on weekend getaways...unless you are with the freshman and sophomore girls, in which case they will do whatever you say.
6. A mother's need/urge to defend her child never goes away.
7. American Idol is super dramatic this season.
8. I am not a playwright.
9. I love Meghan Doll, Julie Davis, and Katie Kelly more than life itself.
10. Young Life has my heart and the kids at Shaw High School are my world.
    

This week I learned...

1. I needed to cry.
2. Hindsight is 20/20.
3. Athens is a beautiful city,
4. Hugs from Mom are still pretty much the most comforting thing ever...even at 20.
   
5. Good friends are worth super short trips.
6. I have a lot of people who care a great deal about me.
   
7. Lunch at SHS was good for me and the kids.
   
8. I over-commit at times.
9. Love does not go away.
10. I sleep on the couch when I am upset.
    

Parking Garage Justice

It was a cool, brisk, Athens night. Life was good. The mood was light. Laughter was in the air. Family and friends were together after a time apart from one another. Spirits were high. Parking was not easy to find, but the parking Queen found her way into a spot marked "small vehicles." Perfect. (**SIDE NOTE: The spot next to the Parking Queen's was also for small vehicles.)

On to dinner down the block. About an hour and a half later, back out at the car and the group realizes that we can not get into the car. The car parked next to ours is a jeep and far too large to be considered a small vehicle. There is no way that we can get in. The next thing we know, Sally (A.K.A. Parking Queen) has a pad of paper out. The note reads as follows:

You are parked in a spot marked "Small Vehicles." If I ever see you parked like this again, I will have you towed. I have taken down your license plate number.

Signed,
Someone who parks responsibly.

This is not verbatim, but close enough. Sally was not a happy camper. We were all laughing, but she was not. Brad was impressed and kept saying "That's my lady." Yeah...

So beware. The Parking Queen will have justice.

And now for something completely different...

After a crazy week, I decided to head up to Athens, Georgia to see my good friends, Brad and Sally Baker, and help them move into their new home. Brad accepted a job as Youth Minister at St. James UMC. I, along with Brad and Sally, am truly amazed at the outpouring of love from this church family. They have provided more than any of us could have ever imagined. It's good to know my adopted brother and sister are going to be taken care of in such a luscious (that was for you, Molly) manner.

Colt and I drove up Saturday afternoon and arrived in Athens around five or so. We were immediately put to work. After working hard for a few hours, the group ventured downtown for dinner. We ate at a great little sandwich place called "Which Wich." Super yummy and it provided great fellowship time for our little group.

After dinner, we headed back home where the boys put together an island for the kitchen and the girls worked on looking for places to hang pictures. No one lasted very long before bed started to sound really good. We were not lacking for room or places to sleep. This house is pretty big. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and so much closet space. Hardwood floors all through the house. A living room and a dining room. A pretty big kitchen. It has a big back yard and front yard. Brad loves yard work, especially raking apparently, so there is no need for anyone to volunteer to do it for him. He is really excited.

Sunday morning included Dunkin' Donuts (also known as Dunkin' D's by Sally), coffee, and some quiet time in which Alex talked about baseball the whole time. All of this was intermixed with showers by all six of us which resulted in icy cold showers for Sally and Theresa. No worries, though. It's good preparation for Sharptop Cove in two weeks. Showers tend to be a little chilly there too. Brad and Alex went and checked out the hot water heater AFTER I shrieked a little from the shock of the cold. Thanks, guys.

St. James is two lots over from Brad and Sally's, so we walked to church (much like the Amish or Hisidic(sp?) Jews), which was pretty nice. My sweet friend, Kathryn Garvin, met us for worship and it was great to see her and introduce her to some of my other sweet friends. After lunch we headed to a Hibachi Express type place that I cannot for the life of me remember the name of. However, Colt says it is one of the reasons he moved to Athens, but I didn't think it was that awesome. Good, but not awesome. Just sayin'...

The rest of our trip included a trip to a pretty amazing T.J. Maxx, a small tour of UGA campus, and Colt showing Kathryn and I were he used to live. We headed back to the house, picked up Molly and Alex, and the four of us headed back to Columbus. The trip back took for-ev-er. Traffic was bad right before we hit Newnan. Of course, this happened right after Colt asked me if we should stop for a bathroom break and I realized that I really needed to go. However, let me just say that as much as I hate being stuck in traffic, I will admit that you see some pretty interesting stuff. We saw a rock-climbing wall on a trailor behind a truck, a parrot, and a guy who got out of the truck and sat in the back to smoke a ciggerate while we were stopped.

I have to say, I thought I did a pretty good job playing "phat tunes" on the home. Once Colt told me I had to play some upbeat stuff to keep him awake, I thought did a pretty good job of playing deejay.

Thanks to Brad and Sally for continuing to make life interesting for the rest of us. I vote that this getting married/moving thing happen more often.

Fun quotes from the weekend:

• "Dwan! I didn't know you come here..."
• "I will cut you."
• "I'm a tree hugger; email me."
• "I keep breebin', I keep, keep breebin your brub..."
• "Wait...what?"
• "Please! We'll fix it! Just don't quit!"
• "Want to stop and get a bench? Ya know, not a bench, but a bench."
• "Carol's fruit stand is in a much better location."
• "Cheese dip and Mexican rice!"
• "Lucious."
• "Phat tunes."
• "Whatev, dude."

The majority of these were provided by Molly and Alex Baker.

Favorite Moments of 2008

This year has been full of surprises. I have been one busy chickie and due to the busy-ness, the Christmas letter that I wrote turned into a New Year's letter. It's pretty great recap of my year, so I thought that I would include it along with some of my favorite memories and moments from 2008.

As an independent member of society, I decided it might be nice to send out a New Year's letter of my own and let folks know what was going on in my life. (Truthfully, I was going to send a Christmas letter and time just got away from me. Oops. This may serve as more of a reminder that I am growing up than asking for a can opener and a tea kettle for Christmas. Yes, I really did.)

I am a junior at Columbus State University here in Columbus, Georgia. I am majoring in Journalism and Photography. After changing my major about six times (and no, that is not an exaggeration), I have finally made up my mind. I have a lot of passion for both writing and photography. After I get my undergraduate, I would like to get my masters. Whether it will be in Journalism or Photography, I am not sure yet.

I moved out of Mom and Dad's house at the end of August of 2007. I am living in an apartment complex approximately twenty minutes away from Upatoi (where Mom and Dad live). I am about five minutes from Campus and ten minutes from work. It is so nice! I live with two other girls, Jessica and Genine. They are fantastic and we get along well. We each have our own rooms and bathrooms, so there is no lack of personal space. I have a sweet dog named Surls. He is a yellow lab who was abandoned in the park. He lives with Mom and Dad right because he is so big, but he is my little buddy. Although he can be a handful at times, I am glad that God threw him my way.

I am working at the Springer Opera House as the Education Assistant. My job duties include preparing study guides for the schools coming to see our productions, conducting workshops in the schools, teaching and assisting in the classes that our theater provides, and pretty much anything else my boss tells me to do. It also includes being cast in shows if they need me. I was cast as Piglet in Winnie the Pooh and the bride in Father of the Bride earlier this season. It's a great job and one that I love going to everyday.

Travel has become a favorite hobby. At the end of this summer, I took a trip to D.C. to see friends and wander the city. I went last year for fall break with Mom and Caroline, but loved it so much that I decided to go again, this time alone. I was able to stand on the south lawn of the White House and watch Marine One land with the President, First Lady, and Press Secretary all on board. What a treat!

God has really been working in my life in the past year and I have never been happier in Him. He has blessed me beyond what I ever could have imagined! I am a Yong Life leader at Shaw High School here in Columbus. For those of you who don't know what YL is, we reach out to high school students and share Jesus Christ with them. My kids are a huge part of my life. I am in daily awe of God's love, grace, and mercy in my life. I am learning how to thank Him for the good, as well as the not so good in my life, realizing fully that He has “plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give (me) a future and a hope...” (Jeremiah 29:11)

That is my life up to speed. I am very busy and extremely happy. Life has thrown me some curve balls in the past year, but I am fully content with the life that God has blessed me with. What an awesome God we serve!

• Snow day '08. This day is not only one of my favorites from the year, but it ranks in my top five favorite days of all time. Mom took me, Katie, and Ben to find the snow when it hit Georgia in early January of this year. It was a great day with family and one that I will treasure always.
• 
• Sharptop Cove. Experiencing this great Young Life camp with new friends and old friends and getting the best and most surprising surprise I have ever received, makes this early February weekend a weekend that I will never forget. Jesus spoke to my heart in a totally new and inspiring way. It was that weekend that I knew "I was made for this."
• My first Club at Shaw Highschool. Matt and Rich made me pretend that I was the pizza girl that just happened to fall in love with Young Life and become a leader. There are still kids who are confused by this. Hehe.
• My summer trip to the Garvin home. Amanda was preaching at Cannon UMC and I was invited to come and spend the weekend. It was a great weekend of swimming, shopping, and fellowship with one of my favorite families.
• Springer Theater Academy. I was only involved for one week, but it was a great week. My summer was far too memorable in a not so great way and it was a nice ending to a not so nice summer.
• Washington, D.C. The last week of July, I went to D.C. to see some friends. It was a wonderful opportunity to get some much needed alone time and experience the big city alone. I was (and am) very proud of myself and not using a map, concealing my camera, and crossing the street before the light told me to. I prided myself in being a non-tourist.
• Country's Midnight Run. After hurting my knee and not being able to run all summer, I was able to run two of the three miles of the Country's 5k at the end of August. I finished in 35 minutes, which I was pretty proud of considering the fact that I had not run in a couple of months.
• The Vander-Baker nuptials. Two of my dearest friends were joined in holy matrimony in early September. It was one of the most fun weekends. Lots of friends, old and new. And tons of good food, good music, and genuine joy and excitement for two fabulous people.
• My job. That morning that I had coffee with Mr. Ron and later got my current job at the Springer Opera House was a very exciting moment for me. I am finally in a job that I love, in a building that I love, with people I love and who love me. Yay!
• Father of the Bride. Mr. Ron casting me as the bride in FOB was a neat part of my year. It was the only role that I really wanted this season and being given the opportunity to do something that I love so much was really an honor.
• Thanksgiving. It sounds so silly, but I have never been as excited as I was this year about my favorite holiday. Thanksgiving is so special to me, but having all of my friends home this year made the holiday that much more exciting. I am truly blessed to have friends like mine.

This list seems short to me and I know that there are other moments that have slipped my mind. I am thinking of them right now. Joining my church was a huge deal. Going to the beach with Caroline and Liz was a joy and a blessing. Lucy being home this summer and driving the Mustang everywhere. And getting my dog, Surls, was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I am blessed beyond compare and there are no words adequate enough to express my joy and contentment in the life that my Savior has given me. He is worthy to be praised and mighty in His works.

The 2nd Annual Garcia-Garvin Christmas Shopping Weekend

As I write, I am sitting in the living room of one of my best friends, Kathryn G. I came up to her home in Atlanta yesterday afternoon and plan on heading home tomorrow.

This has been a good weekend for me. Good girl time, good quotes, and a lot of thinking, both on the road and in quiet moments. Time with my sweet friend, Kathryn, is always fun and I treasure our friendship.

I serve an awesome God who pursues me relentlessly. The ride up to Atlanta was productive God time and my thoughts were and are stayed on Him. It is times like these, when He consumes my thoughts, that I know He is pursuing me and working in my heart. He has used this weekend and this Holiday season to pull me even closer into His loving arms. His love and mercy are evident to me as He humbles my heart and shows me my imperfections and my unrighteousness. I am in awe of His grace and greatness.

Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. -Psalm 34:3

Feliz Navidad!

That's "Merry Christmas" in Spanish for those of you who don't speak the mother tongue. Hehe.

I have realized that the older my siblings and I have gotten, the less we care about getting up super early on Christmas morning. However, with a ten year old and seven year old who do still care about getting up super early, we were all up before eight. Not that early, I suppose. But still. Mom says that Ben made it to seven thirty, which is pretty good, all things considered.

Last night, Mary Lou, Jess, Mom, and I stayed up watching old home videos of past Christmases. Hilarious. There were some classic lines. Allow me to share.

• Theresa (1998)-"This is great! I got everything I asked for!"

• Mary Lou (1998)-"Oh. My. Gosh. Oh. My. Gosh. I got Lisa Frank! Oh. My. Gosh."

• Sarah Ann(????)- In response to something Caroline received; "Oh. I want that."

• Dad(1998)-"Beth, did we not get J-O-E a H-O-R-S? (yes, he left off the "e" and continued to do so every time he spelled it.)

We did our best this morning to incorporate a lot of these lines. I really did get everything that I asked for.

• A can opener.
• A tea pot.
• A sweater.
• A watch.
• Mascara.
• Bobby Pins.
• "Wicked" the book.

You know you are getting old when you ask for kitchen stuff for Christmas.

My favorite gift to give were the pictures that Anthony took of all the kids for my parents.


The picture was a huge hit. We also gave them individual shots. So cute.

This morning has been pretty quiet. That is one of the things that I love about our Christmas. Alway pretty quiet and laid back. We just enjoy one another all day.

I have been using this line all over the place, but I am thankful for peace on earth and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled. What a glorious thought! Because our Saviour was pleased as man with men to dwell, we are reconciled with God above! Glory to God in the Highest! Hallelujah!

Christmas Eve

What a busy day! There were gifts to give and receive, lunch with the Bakers, last minute shopping to do, and a Christmas Eve service to prepare for.

Today, I am most grateful for:

• The birth of our Saviour
  
• Family
• Friends
• A reliable car
• Good food
• Good music
• Laughter
• Pure joy
  

Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving 2008 was a wonderful one despite being one sick girl. I spent most of Sunday-Wednesday on a couch. It didn't really matter which couch or whose couch I was on as long as I could lay down and hack the day away.

Wednesday night I transported myself from my couch to my mom's couch. Thursday was full of family, food, friends, and films. I spent the day at my parents house. We invited a family from my parents' church to spend the day with us. After the food was eaten and the leftovers put away, everyone headed to the movies. Mom took the little ones to see Bolt, the older kids went and saw Australia, and I headed out to see Twilight with some friends home on Thanksgiving Break.

This Thanksgiving, I found myself thankful for more than I deserve. Along with my material needs; house, food, care, school, etc..., I find myself thankful for things that you can't see but feel with your whole heart. My family and friends, my country, the fact that my problems and grievances are so small compared to what they could be or to what other people experience. I am loved by the people that matter and I am always taken care of by my Heavenly Father. I have friendships that are lasting and those people are blessings that are far more than I could ever ask for.

Rush, Rush, Rush

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Ever. I love Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Arbor Day, St. Patty's, and the rest, but Thanksgiving is the absolute best. There are no expectations of anything except food, fellowship, and football. I enjoy the smells, sounds, and the general scene of the day.

Traditions in the Garcia household include watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade while putting the last minute touches on the house, cooking for hours on end, taking a pie or two to the nearest fire station, and going to a movie. The days that follow Thanksgiving are full of leftovers and Christmas decorations, but those don't come until after.

I feel as if Thanksgiving is becoming the forgotten holiday. We start seeing Halloween decor in August and before Halloween is over, we see Christmas lights at the mall. I hate that. If you read my post about the Christmas music on a local radio station, you know how strongly I feel about Christmas and it's place on the calendar. I just wish that we would all slow down for a minute and savor the entire holiday season and that includes Thanksgiving. I abhor the rush of the season. I enjoy the holidays so very much and I hate it when they are over. Why not slow down a bit?

For the next few days I am going to share specific things for which I am grateful and why. I hope you enjoy the read and I hope that encourages you to stop and think about the people and situations in your life for which you are thankful.

Foundations

"You are not the person I thought you were." That kind of comment will take you aback, I don't care who you are. It takes you by even more surprise when you feel that you have been as open as a person can be.

I received this comment after a conversation about politics. I feel as if I have explained myself as best I can in that regard with my post on 11.06.08. I don't feel like I can explain myself anymore at this time. Honestly, I feel like Micah put it the best. The mere thought of a political conversation exhausts me. Politics in general I could handle, but defending where I stand and why makes me feel the need for a nap. But I digress. My point wasn't necessarily politics. My point is humans and what makes us who we are.

Inasmuch as the comment above was about politics when it was made to me, I am pretty sure that the same person would feel that way about me on a number of different issues and levels. My views on education, faith, religion, Christians, economics, Global Warming, homosexuality, morals, and ethics would most certainly startle some folks. Mostly because, in their own minds, it makes me not who they thought I was. I want to challenge that mindset.

As I continue to experience the new and different situations that life throws my way, my viewpoint changes and grows. My ideas are challenged and swayed. I believe that learning what you believe is a journey. Being open minded and willing to admit when you are wrong, when you have changed your mind, or chosen another path is called growing up. Please note that I said my ideas. Not my foundation. Just because I make a decision that differs from my family or close friends does not mean that my foundation has been cracked, moved, or changed in any way. I am still Theresa Garcia, daughter of the King. My foundation remains the same because I am His. My decisions are made based on my knowledge of His grace and mercy in my life. I have the ability to make decisions with a glorious mind because He made the glorious mind that has the ability to make decisions.

That being said, I am exactly who I have always been. Strong-willed, stubborn, independent me lives on. I am just learning to be more open-minded, loving, considerate, and gracious. Mixed in with all of that, I am growing some thicker skin and becoming the person has been inside me all along and is dying to come out.

11.04.08

I wish that I knew exactly where to start. Tuesday was a day full of new experiences, good and bad, and a day that I won't forget for a very long time.

I arrived at the precinct that I was assigned to for our local election campaigning around 7am. I was only there for about 20 minutes when woman rolled down her window and yelled out some nasty remarks. Great way to start the day. I was there until about 9am, leaving only to get my cup of election day coffee that Anthony got me from Starbucks and meet my mom at the next precinct on our list. After standing on the corner of Macon Road and Auburn Avenue for over an hour, I was off to grab a bite to eat and take a power nap. With both of those things accomplished, I was back on the streets waving, smiling, and counting down the hours until it would all be over. This is where it became somewhat exciting for me personally. A poll worker came out and asked me to leave because she said that I could not campaign in front of the precinct. The law states that I must be 150 yards away from the door at which the polling is taking place. I was well over 150 yards away. I stated the law to the poll worker and remarked that I would be more than ok if she wanted to call downtown to have someone come measure and/or explain the law. She did not take this very well. She made a phone call while I stood there waiting. She talked in a hushed whisper, with her back to me. When she hung up, she turned around with a smug look on her face. She told me that that law stated that I needed to be 150 yards from the wall of the building. I corrected her once again, remarking that even if that were the case, I was well over the required number of yards away from the building. I stated once more that I would be happy for someone to come and measure, but that I would not leave. She got pretty huffy at that point and said that she had asked me to leave and if I couldn't do that..."Then what?" I asked. "I am far enough away and this obviously is not about how far away I am. You don't want me to campaign. " She walked off at this point. I was there for another hour and she never came back out. I was half expecting the police to come and try to arrest me. However, I did not need anyone to come and post bail for me.

I deserved a hot shower after my long day on the campaign trail. That and I don't think that anyone wanted to smell me. I rushed home to shower and change before the little shin-dig that we put together for my Uncle Terry. We all met at the hotel and waited anxiously for the local news coverage that never happened. I swear, there is zero point for the severely under-talented newscasters of Columbus, Georgia to break into ABC and MSNBC's professional coverage to tell us who is winning the National Election. Please. Local news happened once and then the numbers stayed the same for the next three hours. There will be letters to the editor about this one. After hours of knowing nothing, we packed up and headed home. Later, I found the number to the elections office and called every half hour to get the latest numbers. I know that poor lady was tired of hearing my voice, but dag-nabit, I was mad. We lost. Big time. However, 22% of the vote for a first timer is not bad. Plus, it was a three person contest and the vote was split by Steve Miller. I am not entirely disappointed with the outcome.

After watching the outcome of the election with friends and eating at Denny's, it was time to call it a night. I laid awake for awhile thinking about the impact that this elction would have on our nation and the world as a whole. Our President-Elect, Barack Obama remarked that "We are, and always will be, the United States of America" and that " In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people." Regardless of party affiliation, we are the United States of America. We are a nation that has disagreed on many an issue and after 232 years we are still here, still a democratic nation, and still operate using the same documents that our founding fathers left us with. I was listening to Rush Limbaugh this afternoon and he said that this is not the time to abandon what you believe. This is not the time to stop fighting for what you think is right. This is the time to pull together and make it work. If you didn't vote for Barack Obama, this is not the time to throw your hands up in the air and ignore the issues for the next four years. It is a time to pay attention, be involved, and work together with your neighbors to make sure that President-Elect Obama has a presidency that is successful for the American people.

It was an interesting and historic night for our nation. I am celebrating the historic nature of the night and thankful that we live in a nation where all men are created equal and that the people have a voice. Last night proved that we really do live in a nation of democracy. The people voted and they got what they voted for. That is something to celebrate regardless of party affiliation.

Children's Books

My co-worker, Kern, asked me a little while ago about my favorite children's books. I had to think about that for a minute. I have read a lot of children's books and I do have favorites, but they are pretty classic and not exactly what she was looking for.

My Grandmother used to read "Goodnight Moon" to me when I was little. I really love this one.


Curious George is another favorite. I don't know what it is about that little monkey that gets me so much, but he sure does get me. Ben Garcia has this little face that he makes that looks just like Curious George. So cute.

I am also a HUGE fan of anything by Beatrix Potter. Hunka-Munka was a personal favorite of mine, as well as my siblings. It was really just too much fun to say Hunka-Munka.

Also, a new favorite is Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. I first heard of this when the Springer did the stage production two summers ago.


Another one that I fell in love with, although I was already in love with this one and I was just re-introduced to this one, is "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" series. The Springer did "If you Give a Pig a Party" this past summer and it was just too cute!

Just a small reading list for the younger readers. SJC, take note, ok?

"POOH" Closes

I played my last show for Winnie the Pooh last night. One part of me is sad, while the other is so very glad that I can now focus on just one show. The highlight of my night was the fact that Micah, Tricia, and Sara James Carver, along with Tricia's mom, Mrs. Darrah, all came to see the show.



I was more than thrilled to have them there and to be able to hang out with Micah, Tricia, and Baby Smith afterwards. Nights like last night are my favorite kind. Good friends, good food, and chocolate cake. Oh, and mixed tapes. Is there anything better?

Here's to closing a good show and opening another in 6 days. Cheers!

**Photos by Micah Carver via Mrs. Darrah's camera.

From the mind of Theresa

The past couple of days have been thought provoking. There have been situations that have come up that have caused me to step back and reevaluate my priorities. Allow me to elaborate on these priorities.

• My relationship with God. Me and God are tight. I think I have talked about my mom's mom (my Grammy) before. She was a praying woman and taught me to be the same. I feel like a lot of my day is spent in conversation with Jesus. I think he is pretty awesome, so I am ok with that. However, I have become more aware of my need to "write His word on my heart." I need to spend more time in scripture, memorizing His word. I was telling my friend, Matt, the other day about some of my favorite scripture and although I still need to ask my mom what the reference is to this verse, one that I say over and over is "What time I am afraid I will trust in Him." What a comfort to be able to recite His promises to myself when I need them. Being able to preach the gospel to myself is a blessing.
  

• My siblings. The more time I spend with my brothers and sisters, the more I love them and want to be with them. My sisters are my best friends and my brothers are my brave protectors.

They pretty much rock and I will take all the time I can get with them.

• Relationships. I have very close inner circle and I treasure those friendships immensely. In the past week, I have seen the need to challenge myself to be more reliable in these relationships. I have a lot on my plate, but I need to focus more on the people I love more.

• Young Life. I am extremely committed to my Young Life friends. Young Life is one of the best things that ever happened to me. It is the best part of my week and I truly treasure the relationships that I have with my teammates and my high school friends.
  

• Me. I am starting to realize that I need to learn to take a little more time for Theresa. I have a lot on my plate right now, but I need to take time to slow down and smell the roses. Or take a nap. Or go get a pedicure. I can think of lots of actions that I could do in "me" time. I think what I really mean is that I need to focus some more time into becoming the woman of God that I long to be. This means learning how to say "No." This means choosing things to do well and not over committing myself. I tend to spread myself too thin and end up stressing out and not really doing anything very well.
  

These are just some of the many thoughts that are going through my head at the moment. More to come soon, I am sure.