Weekend Wrap Up

Well, I ended up scooting to Chipley at the end of last week after all. There were some jobs over there I wanted to check out. I applied in Chipley and Graceville, FL. I've decided to move to Chipley and cancelled my interview in Gulf Breeze this a.m. I truly don't want to start another job and up a move again in a year. We plan to sell our house here in Navarre in a year, after Natalie girl graduates.

I took Coco with me to Chipley and she did great. I will be taking her with me to Chipley when I move. She does much better having "a person", as she's a bit high maintenance.

I also took her with me to Seagrove Saturday Night. Cousin Joan, Cousin Lee, Aunt Lola and I had a stellar Saturday night and Sunday at "Old Charcoal". Other than Coco barking at the early a.m. joggers, we had a lovely time. Apologies to Lee who got in from work at 2:30 a.m. Oops. Cousin Joan and I went to an early Mass at St. Rita's and Aunt Lola served a dandy breakfast and coffee upon our return. Beautiful, unseasonably cool weather to boot!

I'll leave you with one of my favoritie Bible stories from John 21 (NAB):

1 After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way.2 Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples 3Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We also will come with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.4 When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.5 Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?" They answered him, "No."6 So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish.7 So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea.8 The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish.9 When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread.10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught."11 So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three 5 large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.12 Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast." And none of the disciples dared to ask him, 6 "Who are you?" because they realized it was the Lord.13 Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish.14 This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

Peace...

Puttin' Up Okrey! (AKA Okra) -- What's for lunch Mama Gladys?

Well I missed out on meeting up with my pals Joy and Amy at Bald Head Island, NC this year (sob). I definitely felt a tinge of sadness this week since I couldn't make it. I'm glad I had family and fun to keep me busy.

Mama Gladys and I put up a bushel of okra. It took us, cutting as fast as we could go, 4 hours to finish it all up. Cousin Joan and I also picked a gallon of Blueberries each. Cousins Carla, Karen and Susan all picked a load of blueberries, too. A neighbor has a blueberry farm where folks pick and have a big time with their families. They offer a hayride and other blueberry fun. If anyone is interested I can get the info to you if you're in the Chipley, FL area. Anyway, when the season is coming to a close, he opens up the pickin' for friends and family.

Mama Gladys picking out some fine tomatoes at Fussel's near Chipley.

Mama Gladys cutting up okra.

I ate enough of this fried okra to harm a normal person. Mom used Aunt Lola's recipe where she dips it in buttermilk and dredges in flour. Yummm!

Green beans, fried okra, french bread, chicken and yella rice with sweet ice tea to wash it all down!

Dad, Mom, Cousin Joan and I all had a nice lunch together. Joan is having water because she is working on an alternative eating plan.

I didn't have my camera later in the day when we made homemade ice cream and ate blueberry cobbler (graciously provided by cousin Susan). Some of us then went for a moonlight swim and played with the lighted floating flowers. Fun time had by all!

Please keep Matty B and all the Wyoming folks in your prayers.

Peace!

tampabaycna.com

I'd officially like to recommend http://www.tampabaycna.com/. It's the one day boot camp I took at the end of May. Rev. Ariana Christiano takes you through a one day boot camp and sends you on your merry way with a bag full of cna goodies, everything you need to pass the exam the first time. She really stressed the importance of the little things (not cross contaminating, checking in with the patient throughout procedures, safety, etc). I took my test last Tuesday and passed. Yahoo a job with benefits is FINALLY in my near future! Thank God!

I kidnapped cousin Joan after the 4th of July celebration and turned my room into a makeshift hospital room. Gut busting laughter ensued and learning of procedures also. The other gal in the photos is Gertrude Saucy, the blowup doll, brought in for special procedures (read catheter care, etc).

Busy, Busy

This week I plan to go over to see my parents in Chipley. I cleaned three condos this past weekend at my BBCJ (Backbreaking Cleaning Job), went to Confession at St Mary's in Fort Walton Saturday, and Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pensacola yesterday afternoon. Big Weekend.

I'm sort of taking today off because I had to clean yesterday. A super cool thing has occurred! I got 2 responses from my 40 or so contacts last week with work at home ad selling endeavor (www.homeeddirectory.com)! I like how the directory folks have the process organized. After someone expresses interest, I simply send them the info pack along with form letter that I personalize via email . It's all very organized, simple, and flexible. I was really encouraged to hear back from some folks and it motivates me to shoot for 40 contacts/day. I contacted 25 on Friday so I think it can be done. Most of all I like that I can go visit Mom and Dad, work from their house, and return to Navarre Friday to clean next Sat.

Well you are all (Amy, Mardi, and sometimes cousin Joan :))completely 100% up to speed. I'm sure you've been waiting with bated breath...

Sick Days

I went to bed at 10pm last night, after a day at my backbreaking cleaning job (it was better - I totally have a system now). This pic is what I woke to at 11:30 am. A picture speaks 1000 words. I'll leave it at that. Dogs are great aren't they? Ever present comfort. Other comforts: Jesus, advil, pseudofed, Mama Gladys, Cousin Joan, iced green tea with honey/lemon...


What's on my mind today:

All of these shootings are sad and scary. Here's a prayer for all involved, the souls of the murdered, the shooters, the folks that are contemplating such acts, etc. Please include all those dealing with the Swine Flu outbreak here and our neighbors in Mexico, their families, Mexican brothers and sisters here in the US.
Prayer is from this link -> http://www.scborromeo.org/prayers/guadalup.htm:

Our Lady of Guadalupe, mystical rose, intercede for the Church, protect the Holy Father, help all who invoke You in their necessities. Since You are the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the True God, obtain for us from Your Most Holy Son the grace of a firm and sure hope amid bitterness of life, as well as an ardent love and the precious gift of final perseverance.

Dearest Lady, fruitful Mother of Holiness, teach me Your ways of gentleness and strength. Hear my prayer, offered with deep felt confidence to beg this favor.

O Mary, conceived without sin, I come to your throne of grace to share the fervent devotion of your faithful Mexican children who call to Thee under the glorious title "Guadalupe" - the Virgin who crushed the serpent.

Queen of Martyrs, whose Immaculate Heart was pierced by seven swords of grief, help me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns strewn across my path. Invoke the Holy Spirit of Wisdom to fortify my will to frequent the Sacraments so that, thus enlightened and strengthened, I may prefer God to all creatures and shun every occasion of sin.

Help me, as a living branch of the Vine that is Jesus Christ, to exemplify His divine charity always seeking the good of others. Queen of Apostles, aid me to win souls for the Sacred Heart of my Savior. Keep my apostolate fearless, dynamic, and articulate, to proclaim the loving solitude of Our Father in Heaven so that the wayward may heed His pleading and obtain pardon, through the merits of Your Merciful Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron Saint of North America.