dance with me now!

open WIDDDE

Yesterday I went to the dentist.

Today I went back to the dentist.

The dentist told me he thinks I should have my jaw broken and reset.

I will never go back to the dentist.

no... freedom is not free.

Sometimes I have to be put into direct contact with something to understand and appreciate it more deeply. (I hope that makes sense...)

For me, appreciating our military came truly only after my brother Caleb joined the Marines. I had always been thankful for the service and sacrifice but honestly, I never realized (and probably will never fully realize) the great sacrifice that it entails.

When our family visited Parris Island back in April, I was so glad that Caleb had made it through the dreaded boot camp experience that he had written in letters to us about. But that gladness was also shadowed with fear because although he was finished, that meant that he was one step closer to the possibility of being deployed somewhere that puts him into danger. Suddenly, everything became a little more real.

the few. the proud.

I just finished watching Pearl Harbor for probably the fifth time... but the first since Caleb became one of those men that could soon be fighting for our country. I couldn't help but cry realizing that this movie wasn't just an idea someone had created in their head and put onto screen, but rather an actual event that cost many their lives. Today I was reminded how much I need to pray for our country, our leadership, and my brother.

Recently, I attended a Memorial Day service and one of the speakers there read a poem called "Freedom Isn't Free". I'm once again reminded of these words.

Thanks to all who serve our country so courageously.

getting old and trying new things.

Has it really been a whole year??? Happy Birthday, Lo!

It really is crazy how time goes by so quickly. Tomorrow I have my yearly evaluation at work. I started at my job as an intern on June 3, 2008, just 24 days after receiving my college diploma. And now I have my second yearly evaluation. WILD.

Anyways... enough of being mushy about how I am growing o-l-dddddd.

Yes. That's me. It's been a while, hasn't it?

Did I tell you about Michael & Anna's wedding? No? Well, I should have. Because it was one of the most beautiful weddings and most fun reception I've ever been to. Seriously. Don't believe me? Watch this INCREDIBLE video that I've been drooling over for the past week (I recommend in full screen)!

Anna + Michael from Matthew Wilson on Vimeo.

Seriously. The people. The angles. The focus. The muuuuussssic. Will someone please teach me how to make a movie like that? And did I mention I'm friends with those two? Movie Stars.

Speaking of making movies... wait... before you even think about, no, your's truly was not cast in a movie. I'm talking about literally making movies. Like in iMovie. I just signed up for a class at or local Mac store today! Maybe I will learn something and maybe I will share a video with you when I am through. Maybe. And then one day, after lots and lots of practice, other wannabe girls will be posting my videos on their little-o-blogs wishing they could be just like ME. ok... so maybe not.

In other news: I want to take music lessons. Preferably violin or piano. Have you ever played either of these? Any tips for a non-musical person like me?

oh and by the way, it's so good to see you here. -rcq

this is a test.

testing.

testing one - two,

testingg.

a new opportunity...

Earlier in the week I wrote about a trip that I embarked on exactly three years ago today... but little did I know I would soon have the opportunity to experience international mission trip again so soon.

About two months ago one of my co-workers went to Haiti and Dominican Republic on a missions trip. When he returned I was able to help him with a powerpoint. I quickly fixed the pictures like he asked me to and got ready to watch his presentation. About five minutes and 20 pictures into his talk about what they had done on his trip, I was crying. Not weeping uncontrollably, but I felt a connection while looking through those pictures - one that took me back to my 10 days back in the summer of 2007. I missed it.

And then... I got a call yesterday from a friend that works with the BCM at Mercer University. I actually didn't hear the call as I was working on a move of some of our new residents. I got back to the car and saw that I had a voicemail so I listened to on the way back into the office. In short the message said, "there is a spot for you on a trip to Haiti if you want to go".

Um, YES PLEASE!

So I have this chance to go to Haiti and work with children and possibly doing some relief work, but... But-But-Buttttttt. I have job. So what am I supposed to do? Just take a week off of work and leave the country?

Well, YES! That is exactly what I am going to do! I was able to talk to my boss this morning and she was so supportive. I don't think I quit smiling all day long (well, except for when I realized at 4 pm that I had still NOT eaten lunch. no smiling then). I am so looking forward to serving alongside a team of 7 others and seeing what the Lord will do and show me.

I know that there are great and wonderful things in store!

(photo found here)

can I keep him???