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Tim Tebow and all his PDA

 Confession first- I was previously not a subscriber to what Tim Tebow did on any given weekend.  Unless it was a weekend he was playing Auburn.  Thankfully both those weekends turned out in Auburn’s favor.  I just couldn’t handle watching Florida play for any given reason outside of cheering on Auburn to beat them.  However, I did hear and read about his confessions of faith while he was at Florida.  And by the draft I was indeed interested in his future employer…Denver Broncos it will be.  I noted when he got his rookie head shave (not a fan). And when he finally started getting some playing time.   So call me a closet fan.

 

As the past few weeks go I have become more of a vocal fan.  I got to see his first “comeback” this season and a few since then.  And it doesn’t hurt that the man sports the orange and blue (my favorite color combo when it comes to sports).  And glory does he point to, kneel to, and honor the Lord.  And boy does it seem to rile folks up. 

 

I have been thinking about that the past week or so.  Why do people get so mad about it?  And I realized- it’s the PDA.  Yep. You know, the public displays of affection.  Just like your best friend who had to hold her boyfriends hand.  Or kiss him hello.  Or kiss him hello.  It annoyed you so much.  Why?

 

I am thinking that perhaps.  Just perhaps we get annoyed by SIMPLE PDA because we are jealous.  That they have a relationship where they are not afraid to show they love that person.  And we wish we did.  Perhaps the other person doesn’t like to do it.  Maybe they think it is “too much” in front of others.  Now, mind you I am not talking about the PDA we ALL dread.  As in “get a room” PDA.  But simple things. 

 

And perhaps they (Tebow haters) are jealous.  They don’t understand why Tim feels inclined to point to the sky. Bend his knee.  Speak honor to His king.  They don’t understand that every breath we each take is due him.  That the victories, the fight, the good, the bad, the ugly…we thank Him.  We praise Him.  We give him the glory.  It is what He is due.  It’s the least we can do.  So they talk smack.  They dis what they don’t understand.  What maybe they wish they had the guts to do.  Honor God in everyday life.  So they just keep on waiting for Tim to mess up. Say something dumb. Fail.  (it will happen. We all do it. We’re human.) And it makes me sad.  That folks can’t just be glad that someone delights in their job.  That they find satisfaction in what they do.  But ultimate satisfaction in something else…

 

Perhaps each of us should think how we can do likewise in our daily lives.  That others would encounter us and have no doubt that we have a love that we can’t help but give a little PDA to.  And it doesn’t hurt that Tebow backs up his signs and show with the words to back it up. 

 

I am encouraged by you brother Tim.  Keep after the prize. Speak the truth. Honor Him.  And if I can’t meet you on this side of heaven, I just might sport something Bronco number fifteen related.  Until I meet you around the throne on the other side. I thank you for your partnership in the gospel.  And yep, I’ll be cheering for you down here in Auburn. 

 

And this video with an inside look to the game made me smile.  Always wondered what they say during the games…Tim Tebow mic'd vs Bears

 

i need a secretary

I am not even going to try to come up with reasons i haven't blogged lately.  Daily I come home with thoughts and things i would like to blog but I forget them when i get home and I don't have some fancy thing that will type what i dictate in the car.  So there. Sorry.  I have missed you bloggies.

Went to Stone Mountain with My sister Laura and her girlies Brynn and Ansley.  We ended up at SMP last October on a whim and it turned out to be Pumpkin festival.  Well we planned it out this time.  Camping and all.  Sad to say that the decorate your own mini pumpkin event was not there.  Major fail.  So disappointing we failed to take a single picture in the pumpkin patch.  But we had a great time with everything else.  Thankful for the opportunity to spend time with these peeps.  And to do something so simple. 

 

Some pictures from that weekend.

Ansley chillin in her seat with Brynn.

at one of the memorials I didn't even know existed until this weekend. 

Beautiful day to pass out in the yard

Lest you readers think I'm an exaggerator (well I CAN be, but in this case no)...let me share a little history. I have lived 37 years on this planet and officially passed out 1 time. And almost passed out 2 times that I can recall. Add this morning and make that 3 times.
The only time I ever officially passed out was Thanksgiving weekend when I was in 11th grade. My brother and I drove to Tupelo to get our Paw Paw and drive to the cousins house in Bartlesville Oklahoma. The time was fun but from what I can recall early mornings with big breakfast and late nights doin a bunch of randomness with the cousins and their church friends. And benadryl...lots of benadryl. I'm allergic to anything with fur. And the cousins had animals with fur.
Sooo add all that up and factor in getting up at seriously like 430 or 5 am to drive back to Tupelo this chick was tired.
We drove through arkansas and I remember taking an earlier shift driving. I recall eating a couple of handfuls of cheerios in the backseat of the little blue car and being so past hungry when we got to a Mickey D's. I remember ordering as I literally leaned on the counter. And closing my eyes for a second. Next thing I know the lady has my food and holding out her hand for my money. I picked up my tray and turned to look for seating for the three of us. (The others were ordering). I remember seeing a table with some nuns in dark green habits and thinking- I just have to make it to that table over by them and I will be okay. Yeaaaah. As I finished this thought in my head I saw my tray drop out of my left hand, food sliding down off the tray onto the floor. Cut to me looking up at the ceiling and my brother looking down at me saying something along the lines of "are you okay?"
Yep. Passed out in McDonalds. On Thanksgiving weekend. Full house. Lots of drama. And my takeaway from this? Being irritated because my brother took my remaining cash and bought a second lunch. Dude the sweet manager coulda spotted me for a free second burger. And the fact that my aunt was convinced I was anorexic. This thought was established in her head because I don't eat a pound of food at 7 am and can't eat dessert right after a full meal. A. Not a big eater right after I get up. I gotta warm up to the day. B.  This branch of Longests eat dessert...about 30 min to an hour after dinner. More room ;). Now add in this Mc Donalds event, my cousins told me later my aunt was sure her theory was correct. To this day I feel compelled to finish whatever is on my plate whenever she is around. I order carefully when eating out because I can rarely finish a whole meal when eating out. Haha

  One of the times I almost passed out was at Six Flags in August waiting in line for the mind bender. Hot. hungry. The blackness drawing in. I literally sat down in the line and announced lunch and water was next on the agenda. Crisis averted. And thank goodness because this was the first family outing with Dad's new girlfriend who is now my stepmom Barbara. So glad that pass out at Six Flags drama was avoided.

Which brings me to my run this morning. Doing fine. 15 minutes into a 40 minute run. The lightheaded squirrely headed feeling hit. I'm fixin to go down. So I feebly stepped over to the shade. Laid down in the grass of the back 40 of the Porter compound while my ipod played "Shout to the Lord" and thought- "well, if my brain or heart exploded right now...this aint a bad way to go-listenin to shout to the Lord and lookin at the trees and sky on a beautiful day."
I'm still here. Heart beating, blood flowing, vessels intact, and still wondering why oh why did I start this running thing?
But grateful for the opportunities to use what I got. And enjoy what God gave me. But if I don't reply to calls or texts in a timely fashion it might be cause I'm napping (read passed out) out on the trail behind the cabin, so take a look for my crazy self laid out in the yard.

Happy sunday. Use what you got. Enjoy what God gave you. Especially on a day like today.

andi, do you even LIKE boys?

This week has been a full week.  And it’s only Tuesday morning at 12:34am.  But starting a week off remembering 9-11 Ten years ago followed by a typical “Monday” at work makes a week feel long.  That and it’s past midnight and I am wide awake.

 

I wanted to answer a question that comes up from time to time and some of you are thinking yet don’t feel courageous enough to ask (Because some of you would be appalled that the other some of you would even ask it to me).  So I will answer it for all of you wonderers.

 

“Andi, do you want to be married?”  or perhaps your question comes more in the form of “Andi, do you like boys?” 

 

Second version first- no.  Not boys.  I am into Men these days.  Boys was back in 1989 and that didn’t work out too well, waiting on my boyfriend’s brother to pick us up for our date because I was 14 and the guy I was “dating” was only 13, was just too time constraining.

 

Really.  I am 37 years old.  I don’t date. Much.  Okay, hardly ever. I don’t talk about boys. Well, I do but not much.  I don’t dress fufu.  I don’t get all giddy and flirty.  So some of you out there tend to ask yourself why. Welllllllllllll here’s the answers.  In no specific order or importance.

 

Fufu tends to not be utilitarian.  Or comfortable.  I have some fufu clothes- they restrain free movement. And my cute shoes hurt the snot out of my feet and squish my toes into a point.  Just not worth it most days.  So I save it up for special occasions.  And some days the fufu doesn’t hold up to my very active lifestyle.  Moments of awkward flashing might occur.  So I stay safe.

 

I don’t talk about boys or flirt or get all noticeably giddy because my eye is not on snagging me a man.  My job is not to seek out a man.  I cannot allow my role to be the one doing the seeking or the getting or the leading.  Or that will translate into the rest of my relationship with that person and based on prior experience- I need the guy to lead and do the decision making.  It just works best (and is biblical).  But trust me, when the feeling hits I will get and do get giddy.  Just most of the public won’t know about it.  Trust me, He will.  And my circle of trust folks.  But as I tell people “You all won’t live vicariously through my love life.”  Sorry.  It’s just too much to share for my girly interior.  But you can ask my friend Ryan who saw me being giddy over my boyfriend I snagged after the back to school 7^th grade dance- I was giddy.  As in “I will never not wear this sweater again.”  Please note the relationship lasted about 9 days before he was on to someone else.  But my sweet friend Ryan would probably tell you as she laughs about it- if she even remembers.  But I do vividly. 

 

I don’t date much because I cannot stand blind dates.  My ideal situation is knowing someone for quite some time and that guy deciding he would like to date me.  Past experience speaks truth to this.  The most successful (of my obviously “failed”) relationships worked best in this mode.  And if you want a laugh, just sit next to me and let me tell you about all the times I STUNK up the WESTERN hemisphere with my failing to break up well with someone.  I break up worse than…. Well…. Than a lot of things. 

 

I can undeniably tell you doubters out there that there I have dated.  I have falled in love.  I thought I had the man…  There was a guy back in my Texas days that saw me share my story on stage one Mothers Day at church.  He decided that day he liked me.  Over a year later we actually had some positive interaction at a youth event.  And some time later we began to hang out because we were both in the praise band at church.  Meaning, we talked and joked when we got lost while practicing our cover songs for church with the praise band on Wednesday nights.  We spent time going dutch to movies and sometimes group events. Spoke on the phone all summer while I was at camp.  When I  got back to town after camp it hurt to breathe when I thought about him. You can say I was in love.  He wrote the sweetest notes/letters.  Left them in the most creative locations during work and school.  And drew the funniest little cartoons.  Told the best stories.  Liked music. Liked kids.  Loved Jesus. But it didn’t work out.  He couldn’t be the leader.  I couldn’t trust him.  In the end it was all too hard.  It had to end.  Not the fairy tale story we girls tend to want.

 

Except for the end part it was perfect.  The way I want a relationship to develop.  Over time without all the “so tell me about your parents” drama over an awkward table at OCharleys.    And I KNOW the Lord is good.  And He could work it out over that table…but my prayer has always been that He would work it out the other way.  For that man to know my heart before he hears me ramble awkwardly over spinach dip alone somewhere in a restaurant.  For that guy to hear my heart for the Lord more than the word vomit that can sometimes spew out of my mouth when I try to fill silence.

 

For those of you who have wondered.  Who have questioned-why is Andi still single?  Please know that I am ok with it.  And I would be completely ok with a man who loves Jesus more than me coming along.  And thank you for wondering.  Thank you for wanting to find that someone for me.  I appreciate your heart.  For now I would ask you to do one thing- when I come to your mind, Pray.  Ask the Lord to do what He will in my heart.  And if that guy Is out there in His heart.  That he would step up and be the leader.  The man I know I need. For often days I don’t even pray much about it because then I will find myself wondering “Is this HIM?” Or is this the gathering where he will see me? Hmmmm so I ask you to pray for one of the few things that I don’t like to pray about.  I just set it back in the Almighty Loving Hands of the Man who Holds My heart today.   And if you know a guy who loves Jesus.  More than you think he would love a girl.  Then maybe have a party.  Invite us both over.  And then later think up some other event to have us around for.  And see what happens…

 

And I believe. I know. When the time comes, when that guy comes, the fufu clothes will have more occasion to start coming out of the closet.  But I will have to buy new shoes.

Until then...I'm gonna go sortof cute and comfortable. 

reality check

I have a little time so let me take a minute to give you a little reality check on being in Africa.  Things don’t always go as planned.  As I have previously shared I have been pretty unprepared.  Today I was ready.  Granola Bar in case I got hungry.  Tennis shoes to stay out of the mud because it looks like rain.  Camera batteries charged. Toilet paper roll in my bag just in case the toilet was toilet paperless.  Going to the baby house.  Headed out at 9:15ish.

 

Went to the Loving Hearts Baby home which is here in Gaba.  It is run by the Gaba church with several partners.  They keep orphaned children newborn to 3 years old.  In the past 2 years they have had all the children adopted out thus far but if they make it to 3 years old they go to Bethany Village to start schooling and live in a “family” home there.   I met the office staff and Miriam the director (She was the director of the school right down the street from Gaba-kids in yellow we visited one time while we waited for the women’s ministry booth to open.).  I anticipated holding and playing with babies all morning. Well…..

 

I got the tour with Dorah-one of the workers then met the director and chatted with her.  I told her I would do whatever.  I am willing to assist as needed.  So she said “Maybe you see the babies and do some ironing and washing.” Ok.  Sounds like a plan. 

 

So we walked inside and got the tour.  And she took me outside to iron.  And I ironed baby clothes, towels, washcloths and everything in between.  For 2 ½ hours. 

At first I was just sitting and ironing away.  Contemplating why I was there “Was my reaction not strong enough when I went inside?  I should have said “BABIES. OH MY WORD I WANT TO HOLD THEM ALL. Maybe then I would be inside holding babies. But no….i play it chill and here I am ironing.”  It reminded me of when we went to Mexico and built homes.  The troublemakers, the ones who wouldn’t keep working had to go and “paint the trim” to keep them busy and out of trouble.  So I am thinking….i guess maybe I am painting the trim.  Goofy white person.  She doesn’t seem interested in babies. So we will put her out doing the ironing.

 

On the way here and yesterday I finished up the first section of “Sons of Encouragement”  it is by Francine Rivers and it is a narrative based on different biblical men.  She has some similar books I have read also.  I read about Aaron-as in Aaron and Moses.  And after you read it you always have to go back to the original Bible text and read the story again.  So I have been working on that.  And as much as we think Moses was amazing and things were probably just awe inspiring from leaving Egypt, the ten commandments, burning bushes etc…Francine does a wonderful job pointing out how it really might have been- the days in between. 

 

Those mundane days.  When God told them they would have to wait at the foot of the mountain while Moses went up to met God.  And the days of tedious waiting.  Of the people grumbling and complaining to Aaron.  The day to day rituals for Aaron as they wandered.  To set up the tabernacle and possibly the next day pack it up to move and then have to do it all over again.  And have to mind every detail as God told you or there would be trouble.  Aaron the high priest having to take the sacrifices of his people every day and slaughter them. Animal after animal after animal.

 

And while I am sitting there ironing I’m thinking this is what it is like.  Ministry-a life of service is ironing when needed.  Washing baby clothes.  I said “Whatever would be helpful” and they decided helpful was ironing baby clothes.  Life.

 

A girl named Karen came over to help.  Turns out my big blue tub had a partner.  If I had known that I would have ironed faster.  So I joked with her that maybe I was too slow.  She assured me that wasn’t the case.  So we talked and we ironed.  And I made it through my tub and part of hers.  She got done and I had a few more things and the rain came.  Aww man. I had 2 more things to iron! Job undone.  Guess I will have to go back and make up the difference.  I did learn a lot from Karen-she is from Kenya and is at Kampala International University studying sociology and child development or something along those lines.  She wants to work for a project with children somewhere.  Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda.  She is open to what God calls her to.  She said she’s worked at the baby home for 6 months.  Victor came over an picked fabric balls off some clothes and we all talked.  He is Ugandan and usually does the ironing and washing (mostly in the washing machine- thank goodness). And he does outside cleaning and a bunch of other things.

They did bring the older ones out for bathtime.  Totally cracked me up.  Christine- the worker who continually sings was bathing them.  She would put a baby in the swimming pool splash and splash and laugh.  One of the babies thought it was hilarious.  One of them wasn't too thrilled with bath time in general.  one of them tried to crawl away after his bath.  Cutest things ever. 

 

It rained and rained.  I ate lunch with Mariam.  Rice, Matooke, and sort of a beef stew.  It was good but a little rich.  I had a big ol glass of juice and worried that the food was going to circle back around.  (after my gallbladder surgery sometimes it happens.  I think it is mostly because I don’t each much greasy food…not that this was greasy but it was rich).  I sat and talked with Mariam about life in the US and in Africa and it slowly started circling back around. 

 

Here’s the funny thing- I went to the bathroom earlier in the morning- but it was DARK in there.  When I shut the door there wasn’t much light from the holes at the top of the door. And of course-no flashlight so I had to stand there a minute to adjust to the dark to find the porcelain hole in the floor.  Well…it just stopped raining and I HAD to go.  So they took me to a regular toilet inside a store room in the house.  Thank you Lord for small favors.  But a little problem….the toilet won’t flush.  The tank has no water in it. Soooo no where to turn the water on going in the toilet…so what to do…. Hmm. Bucket over here.  Fill it up in the sink that is working.  Manual flush type thing- pour it in the bowl and it will go down.  Thank you previous Mexico trips to know this is how it goes when the pump goes out and the water is off.

 

Why am I telling you this? I don’t know.  Maybe to just say TIA-This is Africa.  Maybe to say that this trip hasn’t been all fabulous.  I knew it wouldn’t be.  But I think like when we read the Bible “stories” we think of the amazing parts and forget they were people just like us.  In the not “amazing” days it’s mundane. It’s the little things.  It is work.  There is no “easy” road to true discipleship.  The body is called to serve. And while many days it is joyful and crazy and fun…somedays it is joyful in the normal, everyday, mundane things. And sometimes we do things and don't fully understand why..but we are called to obedience.  I found out after Patrick picked me up the reason they iron everything (including underwear and socks) is to disinfect the clothes.  Ohhhh. My 6th trip here and first time anyone has ever told me that.  I was just thinking everyone was being OCD or something.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

I have no clue what tomorrow looks like.  I guess it will be a day o surprise.  I do know that tomorrow night I have to pack up… boo.

 

Oh.  the grasshoppers- I only ate one last night. tasted a lot like a little shrimp.  Pretty good. But it was bed time so I didn't eat more.  Maybe tonight after dinner.  And as Sarah mentioned in her comment yesterday-she gave me a pea lookin thing the other night and warned me that I wouldn't like it.  She said it was a good antioxidant and brings down your cholesterol.  Well...it was terrible.  Tasted like chewing and eating an aspirin or something.  i told her she can keep her pea and I would go with blueberries or something...

word o the day-unprepared

so i forgot to get my glasses out of my carry on bag...and i had the middle seat.  So my contacts ended up glued to my eyeballs.  Forgot to get my dramamine for the second half of my flight to AMS.  All is good...but it coulda been better.  And I forgot my bandanna for covering my eyes up in my carry on too.  And forgot to print out my ticket to Anne Frank House.  more on that in a second.

Uneventful flight to AMS for the most part.  Got to the Yotel in the airport and couldn't figure out my confirmation number so I took advantage of the slower but free for 30 min in the airport internet to look it up and try to print my ticket.  And I had 20 min til I could check in anyway.  Got checked in.  But the page didn't print. So I had to try two more times walking between the Yotel and where the free internet will print for you.  Finally got it and headed  out at 3pm.  My Anne Frank time was 345.

Found the ticket for the train.  Went down and got on the train.  And as we drove into Amsterdam my prayer became "please Lord let this be the train to Amsterdam Central"  It was.  When I walked off the platform down into the train station-holy cow.  It was like Penn Station in NY but more squished up. 

And then I got outside.  People, bikes, trams, a lot going on.  Bikes parked everywhere.  And walking down the street it was literally like being in NYC when it was rush hour. I found the Anne Frank house and was so grateful I had bought my ticket- there was a long line just like everyone says.  And for those of you contemplating a trip in the future- you go past the long line and ring the doorbell to let you in if you have a ticket. 

I don't know what to say about Anne Frank- it made my heart hurt at the thought of people having to hide and keep the curtains closed all the time.  But I was surprised at how much bigger it was than I thought it would be.  Not that it was roomy by any means.

On the way back to the airport I was going to grab some dutch food at a fast food type place- some sort of fried cheese square and hot dog thing but they didn't take credit cards. And I was too tired and lazy to exchange any cash.  So I skipped it. 

I like central AMS but I decided I may be more of a countryside Dutch girl...at least when I am tired.  too many people. :)

Back to the airport.  Schipol has changed a lot in 2 years.  I ate at a Danish Kitchen restuarant.  Fresh made food and fruits etc.  I got Danish pancakes. And a Banana Berry smoothie- this means Fruit blended-no added milk or sugar... it was good and a good warm up for Uganda.

I'm back in my Yotel and working on this then probably going to bed by 9.  I'll be up at 7 for fresh breakfast-Im going back to the Danish kitchen and going to sit in the table that looks like a Danish coffeecup...I didn't see that til after I ate.  So cute.Then my plan leaves at 1040 AMS time.  And it looks like my plane is stopping in Rwanda but I won't deboard.  Awwww a rwanda stamp in my passport would be fun.  But better would be some time in Rwanda. Maybe next time. haha

Enjoy the pictures.  Thanks for the texts.  And more so the prayers.  I'd write more but I am just tiredish. More later on the AMS travel today and further thoughts.

my yotel bed and the view into the bathroom-those are my feet

Fries are a big thing here.  Stores that sell a cone of fries with mayo ketchup or another sauce as you choose.  And they eat them with a little stick...skills.

A lot of the houses look crooked...

I kept seeing these signs and would think "Starbucks" Nope. Heinekin everywhere.  EVERYWHERE.  And half a block from one to another.  I think they drink it like water here. Which leads me to the next picture...

These were all lined up because the trash was full.  It was where several toursit canal boats loaded up.  And there was a huge collection on the ground too.

Outside Central Station- like a parking deck for bikes

 

For you Maclovers.  I know where it is...

The Westerkerk- the church anne frank mentioned in her book.  It is right next to her house.  Those buildings in the back ground are the first row on her block.

And this is standing out in front of anne's house the view from the canal side of Westerkerk.

And my delicious little dinner.  I may have to eat again before bed. I am so hungry just looking at it. This is for you Spencer! haha

where i have been

k. I haven't blogged in awhile.  I blame the laptop not having a battery.  and when I decide to get out said laptop I invariably knock the plug out and lose everything.  I have a new battery on the way.  So hopefully this will remedy some of my non bloggy ness.

Here is a summary-

3wks ago I went with my sister Laura and her two cuties to Stone Mountain for camping.  Um so we forgot wood. So it was freezing the first day.  It was still fun.  And in brief, I had a "momma" experience at 1:30am as I encouraged some college students to tone down their loudness lest I bring our 2 yr old down to party with them when she woke up. I really did it nice.  And humorous.  But serious. it worked.  A couple of pics from that:

Yes Stone Mountain photo meanies. I did take this picture.  Photos are meant to be free. Not $8.00...or whatever.  I am a "Mountain Member" i should at least get a photo with the funky rabbit. 

Okay. I am over that bitterness... on to the next weekend.

Easter.  Oh Glory.  Good weekend.  Started off with Secret Church with some peeps.  For those of you unaware- Secret Church is David Platt teaching theology for 6ish hours.  Firehose in the face.  Great material to walk away and spend time in to soak it up, and walk away prepared to educate and share with others about that.  This time around it was Salvation.  And Focus on believers in India.  I am grateful for the simulcast.  I would have missed out otherwise since I didn't get tickets.  But you can get it on itunes or through their webpage.  Secret Church homepage

Then time with the family.  My brother was over motorcyling in GA so it was his 4 children, his wife, my sister, my sisters 2 and the parentals.  Throw in the step family and their 4 kids...lots of folks. Ended up with Madea and the sister.  Oh crazy movie.  Here are a couple shots from the weekend- Girls on the swing.

A ride in Daddy's "Ooga"

one of the twins...digging on the chocolate.  but somehow she didn't get much on the dress! skillz.

Between the crashes by Ansley the driver.  Maginnis was the pro.  She's gotta working on the drivers ed for the youngers.

"Cheese"

 

And this past weekend was sweet Ansley's 3rd birthday.  So time in Monkeytown with the family.

unfortunately I just realized I haven't gotten those pics uploaded.  So you will have to wait.  And tomorrow I will share those with ya.  and Share with ya

"Where I am going"  Not just where I have been...

Happy Monday. 

 

 

the rest of the story...

Please understand that my bloggyness here doesn't come from anger or bitterness.  Just a little lingering frustration.  And for those of you who haven't gotten the details and asked I figured I would oblige.  And please keep in mind my last experience with Delta with our Uganda team last May was ridiculous and I was told by a Supervisor "I'm not Delta, I am just an employee of Delta."  I was just looking for some common sense.  I didn't find it that day.  Sorry. 

Let's take a little trip to the airport.

I am going to see my Booty aka Faith Elizabeth in Mansfield, TX.  I typically fly Southwest out of Birmingham to Dallas Love Field.  I can usually get a pretty "cheap" flight and the flight attendants usually crack me up.  I decided not to on this trip so I could claim some KLM miles since Delta is a skypartner with KLM.

My flight was set to leave at 2:53 Atlanta time.  Somehow I did the clock math wrong and got slowed down on I-85 (no, i did not get a ticket- it was slow traffic).  I was gonna miss my flight.  Not good. 

Oh wait, back up to 6:30am when I discovered at work that morning when I tried to check in-I gotta pay twenty five bucks to check a bag! Whut!?  I didn't have my debit card in my pocket so I had to defer to when I arrived at ATL.

I arrive at ATL, park 3 rows from the very back of parking and all but run to the ticket area.  It is more crowded than I have ever seen.  But no worries I am gonna kiosk check in.  Checked in.  My flight is delayed an hour so Sweet!  My first prayer to not miss my flight has been answered!! Now to drop off my bag.  Oh. My. Goodness.  There are only 6 people to check all us kiosk people's bags in?  For all the folks flying Delta.  Whut!?   Get in line and wait.  Nice Delta guy.  But Zero umph and visual motivation to get anything done in a timely manner. 

K. Bag dropped off.  Head to security.  Oh glory.  The security line is backed up into the rotunda.  For those of you not familiar with the ATL- that is a long line.  There were four.  Turns out they morph into 2 lines.  I get in the line and let me tell ya- we did not stop ONCE.  TSA agents telling us where to go, what to do, how ya doing, where ya going, have a great day ma'am.  So helpful and nice. And I am serious.  i was smiling after talking with Daniel from Philadelphia who was just in ATL to help out for a few weeks for TSA.

Grab some water, some amazing granola type mix for lunch and hunker down on the floor to wait for our plane.  Turns out the FAA was having radar issues on the east coast.   Ok.  I am fine with a little delay cuz I would have completely missed my flight otherwise.

Plane arrives- gonna get it cleaned up and be on our way.  They announce our flight.  People start getting in line.  Oh wait- something wrong with the plane.  Delay.  They'll fix it and we will be on our way.  Sweet.

But wait. 

They can't fix it.  They will find us another plane.  So we wait somemore. I have now broken down and bought a eight dollar sandwich. No chips.  No drink.   Just a sandwich.  Eight dollars.  Oh my.

And NOW for the ANNOUNCEMENT!

"Unfortunately we are not able to get another plane so we will have to cancel this flight.  You will need to see customer service to get rebooked or make other arrangements."  WHUT.  No "I'm sorry?"  Not even once.  Seriously?  Unfortunately is NOT a substitute word for I'm Sorry.  I am not excited.

So my plane all gets up and heads over to the Customer Service area.  There is already a line of probably 100 folks waiting to talk to the Delta people.  I get in another line with probably 300 folks.  No problem.  i will get Delta on the phone and sort this out.  I CANNOT MISS GETTING TO TX TONIGHT.  Booty has a tournament Saturday.  I am already missing hanging out tonight and watching practice.  Stink.

So I dial up the number that they actually have people on.  Here is what I get "Due to a high volume of calls we are unable to take your call.  Your call is important to us, please call back again later."  SERIOUSLY?  Delta IS NOT EVEN ANSWERING THE PHONE?  Oh my goodness. I'm fixing to cry. 

Call a friend and shout out for a reality check- please tell me it will be ok.  Please tell me that things in life are more important than this.  Please pray I don't cry on anybody.  My frustration is high.  And I am a tad angry at this point. 

Get to the front of the line and realize I am in line for a scanner.  I scan my ticket and it tells me I have been rebooked for 11:something am on SATURDAY.  Not cool.  I also now realize I could have scanned my ticket at one of the five billion scanners they now have on the concourse.  Instead of waiting in the line for a good 15 minutes. Thanks Delta Gate guy for mentioning that during your apologetic announcement.  Oh wait. You didn't. And You weren't.

So I get in the other line to actually talk to someone so I can get on standby.  An hour goes by whilst I wait in that line.  Delta people get off for dinner or break and now we are down to 2 employees from 4 earlier.  Stellar.  They pass out overnight kits.  Do I want one?  Heck no.  I am NOT staying in this airport tonight.  I refuse to give in.  But thank  you.  i appreciate the thought.

Finally my turn.  Scanner helper lady now is behind the desk. Here's the convo:

Her- "How can I help you?"

Me-" I need to get to Dallas tonight.  I don't care how or when except for tonight.  But I do prefer to go on an airplane. Please. haha"

Her- looking at the girl next to her to see what she is doing.  Discussion with girl next to her.  Discussion with supervisor.  Chit chat.  Other airlines are now booked up- imagine that.  Cuz I have been in line for at least an hour and a half there are no more seats.  Oh and my phone is dying.  So I can't keep Jamie (Booty's mom) updated very well.

Me- "Can I just get rebooked for next weekend?  I need to get there tonight or pretty much not go."

Her- "I am not sure.  Let me see."  Picks up phone, asks her coworker for number.  Now she tells me she is on hold.  For a good five minutes.  With Delta.

Her- "Ma'am, we can't rebook you for next weekend.  We can only refund your ticket."

Me- Silence.  Meltdown is building.  I can't open my mouth or tears will simultaneously come out of my eyeballs.  

Her- "Ma'am?  Do you want to do that?"

Me- silence.  finger held up.  I squeak out a "wait a second. I'm trying not to cry"

Tears are now flowing.  Like ugly big tears.

I finally tell her that no I don't want to refund my ticket.  I can't rebook for next Friday at this rate and that won't help me because I can't afford to pay more next weekend.  I need to get to TX.  She says she can see what she can do.  I ask how is she gonna do that since she told me there were "No flights available tonight?"  She says I can put you on standby.

She is clicking and typing.  I apologize for my tears and explain I know it is not her fault but I am extremely frustrated because I am missing my kids softball and I have to get to TX.  Her reply "I understand.  I have kids too."  Oh Glory.  You don't understand.  I know you are trying to empathize, but you don't understand. (I don't tell her that.  I am just thinking it)

She gets me on 2nd priority for the 8:15 flight.  It is now 7:0something.  Maybe 7:05?  I walk 2 gates over to B16 as instructed.  As my ticket says.  The TV screens at the gate have the right info but the red LED sign behind the desk has another flight.  I sit and wait.  And wait. And wonder where the gate people are.  I am supposed to double check with them that I am on the list.  There are folks standing at the desk looking puzzled.  That group grows.  I go to the restroom.

I come out and think "Self, why don't you walk across the hall and check the departure board."  Self checks.  Self realizes the gate for my flight is now at B2.  A long way down the concourse.  It's 8:02.  Oh holy snot.  i would have run but there were so many people coming the opposite way I couldn't.  I call Jamie and tell her I am probably missing the flight as we talk.  Crap.

I get to the gate.  People all standing around.  They are finishing boarding.  Oh thank goodness.  My name is third on the standby list.  1 unclaimed seat.  Oh Lord please.  I don't know what the lesson is for tonight, but please just get me on the plane.

First person up for Standby- a 16 year old whose mom is yelling at her as she boards "Go ahead honey!  If we don't get on this plane Daddy will pick you up in Dallas."  Gate guy looks up at her and says "Ma'am let me see what I can do for you and your son."  Oh no!  I am now second in line and he is gonna get this lady and her kid in front of me.  Oh snot.  I wanna be nice, but I wanna be on this stinkin plane. They get on. Still one unclaimed seat on the board.

He announces Mr. Tenecky in front of me.  Mr. Tenecky.  Mr. Tenecky.  Last call- Mr. Tenecky.  (Im thinking, if you pop up at last call I'm gonna be really unhappy Mr. Tenecky.)  No Mr. Tenecky.  Yah for me.  Sad for Mr. T where ever you are.  I practically run up to the desk.  I am on!!!

Onto a plane that is like a hundred degrees.  Seriously.  The air is not on the flight attendant says as I get on.  I don't care.  Just get me there.  I will sweat and stink.  It will be fine.

What? No pilot?  Where is the pilot?  Not on the plane.  What?

Gate guy comes on and says "there are a lot of empty seats on this plane?  hmm"  yeah.  because all those poor people are down at B16 waiting on a flight that will never come.  25 folks from the standby list are now getting on. 

Gate guy pops on and says "Please just grab a seat.  There is a storm coming and Im trying to get you out of here while we can.  I really don't want to have you come back in the building." 

Umm yeah.  I don't want to have to go back in that building.  If I have to get off this plane I may have a breakdown.

Pilot arrives.  Turns out Delta had a computer problem and they were sitting on the tarmac for an hour waiting to find out what gate to pull up to. Just get me off the ground sir.  Thanks.

Take off.  Land.  Get to baggage claim.  Boy there are a lot of bags lying around. 

I see a guy from my plane pick a bag off the ground and walk away.  Hmm.  Let me mosey over here while I am waiting.  Oh look.  There is my bag on the ground.  With the tag on it from my cancelled flight.  Glad i didn't decide to cancel or I wouldn't have gotten my bag back til sometime Saturday.  Cuz my bag caught a flight to DFW.  While I sat in ATL.  Next time I'm going cargo.

Got to Booty's at 11pm.  I could have driven and gotten there about an hour before.  Wow. 

Great time.  Too Short.  Love My kid.  She's a player.  Sadly they lost on Sunday morning.  Happy to report this past weekend they got 3rd in their last tourney. 

Head back to the airport Sunday.  And guess what... Delayed.  And standby list of 60 people.  Seriously.  No exaggeration.  They had cancelled more flights on Saturday going back to ATL.  Poor folks.  I think they got to board most of them though. 

So.  What's the moral of the story?  I am not sure.  I do know that next time I will be flying Southwest.  Sorry Delta, but your glory days are gone.  You are seriously understaffed and your customer service is not fantabulous.  I am gonna go with the airline that would probably start their cancellation announcement with "Sorry."  And followed by "You are probably gonna want to beat  me when I tell you   this, but my momma loves my face, so please don't.  We are going to have to cancel your flight." A little apology and humor can go a lot further than a non apology and unhelpfulness.  (I do give props to the flight attendant on the flight I did catch.  She apologized, explained, got the air on for us, gave us 2!!! bags of peanuts instead of one.  It's the little things.)

I can tell you that the power of prayer does good work.  If nothing else, to calm my heart and give me hope when my brain is freaking out.  And my heart is breaking.  I appreciate my friends who listen to my freaking out and pray.  No words necessary to my ears.  Just knowing you pray.  It changes me. 

And I am grateful that God is bigger than anything this world can throw at me.  Cancelled planes or whatever.  Even when I momentarily try to minimize His ability to control the details.  He is aware.  

And thankfully I don't think i will need a plane when we get to heaven.  (Insert big smile here.)

And what in the world is the Fushigi- the magic gravity ball?  Looks like a ball to me. 

rules? what rules?

SOOOO....

I'm house sitting this week.  Along with the house I am caring for a dog, 2 cats, and a hamster named PeanutButter.  Easy right?  Except for the one time I did not put the dog on the leash and she took off to the neighbors.  So me tromping through the woods to the neighbors- spiderwebs and everything.  Did I mention I been sick since Tuesday morning?  So my tromp through the woods set me to sweating buckets and I thought my heart was going to explode from the exertion.  

My first week of being 36 has not been stellar.  But I got cable and internet.  And a TUB.  If only I could have my cabin squished in over here we would be complete.  

But WAIT.  There are rules.  PeanutButter rules.  With explicit instructions to call Haley if there are any problems.  On the list of rules #7 is to make sure the bedroom door is closed at ALL TIMES.  #8 would be to make sure the cage is securely shut.  Yeah.  ummm...

So tonight I was watering the plants- one bucket at a time.  I had a bucket filling in the sink.  Headed to check on the hamster.  Hamster in the tube that has a little tower on top.  Hamster has crammed so much stuffing the tube is clogged.  I opened the cage to try to unstuck the tube.  Hamster is in the top near the tower.  Can't get it unstuffed.  Went to the kitchen to turn off the sink.  Come back in the room.  Hamster GONE.  As in GONE.  

oh crap.  

Did I mention the door was open to the room? Yep.  Houston, we got a problem.  

And No, I am NOT gonna call Haley and let her know little PB is out.  I am gonna find this little rat cousin if it kills me.  

Turns out the top of the tower thingy was not all the way closed.  PB evidently climbed out and kamikazed out to the floor somewhere.  Sad thing is I typically follow the rules, evidently I didn't follow number 7 and 8.   Oye. 

Long story short (too late yeah.)  Hamster was found by the fabulous Cole Stephens assisted by his mom Penny.  (I called for back up- 6 eyes are better than 2).  This was after discussing my dilemma with my friend Sarah who asked her mom "How did you find Frosty that time?"  Her reply "Uh good luck."  You are welcome for the humor infused into your evening Sae. 

Hamster was under the bed.  And Haley- girl you got a lotta stuff under your bed.  

Let me finish out the blog with a picture of happiness.  (I would show you a picture of PeanutButter but I'm outta dealing with the Hamster for the evening.  But we did do a little happy dance when we found him).  So happiness #2-  would be the tub lined with Aveda shampoo choices. Delight to my heart.  In case you didn't know- if I could, all I would use is Aveda. Actually all I put in my hair is Aveda.  But outta my budget are the bath salts, soap and hand soap. But I Love it.  Some of it is mine, some of the products below are Dawn's= Thanks for letting me house sit.  Your haircare options make me happy.  

 

Car Washin

So, I live out in the boonies (sort of, but not really) and I don't have internet nor do I have any sort of television system currently set up to watch any broadcast tv.  So if you don't hear from me- that is why.  Rest assured I have tons to do in my quiet (except for my blaring stereo). 

I am going to try to work on somethings that will post later in the week so if you are a regular reader I won't leave you in the dark.  Some things on Uganda.  Some things on what God is doing.  Some randomness. 

Here is the first thing- 

I love my car to be clean.  More so the inside and the windows than anything.  It hasn't been for quite a time.  Moving a couple of times and going to Uganda has hindered my time to vacuum out the car. Right after my return from Uganda I was introduced to the Goo Goo Express Wash.  I never knew such a thing existed.  Not the drive thru 2 dollar version.  The people scrubbing your car before the wash version.  For those of you not familiar, let me introduce you:

You drive in, you pay.  After you pay you pull up and there is an employee, generally they are smiling and hustling.  And they have on khaki's and a red striped shirt.  They spray your windshield with something, spray your wheels with something, and scrub your front bumper, tires and the back of your side mirrors with a cloth spongy thing to get the bugs off.  Then they help drive your car onto the conveyor belt thing. Then you are directed to put your car in neutral, foot off the brake, and you are on your way. 

After a whole lot of craziness going on outside the car you come out the other end of the building with a clean car.  Then amazingly enough they offer a bonus "free" vacuum and even a floor mat cleaner machine.  I say "free" because I did just pay for the car wash.  But you know what I mean. And as I used the amazingly sucky vacuum I could not help but to think about the whole process.  I mean the paying to get my car washed process.  

I was thankful for people who helped me.  For the friendliness.  For being able to live in a country where this ridiculous service can happen.  (in Uganda the guy who washes the car has a jerry can and a rag...but the car comes out amazingly clean...and it lasts about 2 minutes).  I felt at the end of the the process like I was starting over. 

This may not change your view on God, the universe, or blow your mind into any new understanding but I felt the need to share... In the process- we need the craziness, someone to help us on our way, the wind whoosing, the water shooting you in the face, some sweat, investment.  The process is messy, but worth it.  And I like to thank those who helped me too...that is a little harder cuz your window is all rolled up so you don't get wet.  Next time I am making a sign.