N'Awlins funny

I'm sitting here in the lobby cafe area drinking my coffee and checking my e-mail. A man just walked up and got some coffee and is talking to himself. I have no idea what he is saying, he's just mumbling. Then he walks over to me and proceeds to push some buttons on my macbook. He said "you have to push this to turn the sound on". I said "hi" to him and then he walked away and started playing with a suitcase nearby as well as some tv wires on the wall. He is now sitting at a table nearby and continuing to talk to himself. This is why I love N'awlins...I want to know his story...who he is and why he's here. The people of N'awlins are truly diverse and I love learning about them.

The Road to New Orleans: Day 2

Here I am, sitting on our bed in our hotel in New Orleans. But let me recap what has happened since my last post.

After the incident at our hotel yesterday (see my last post), it got worse. Matt & I awoke at 5 am with a man unlocking the door to our hotel room and opening the door. Fortunately, we had the bolt on so he could only open the door a few inches. He said, "Hello?" and we both said "Hello" back. At that point he closed the door and we hear him say to his friend "They put us in a room that already has people in it!" Kinda scary. But we went back to sleep. When Matt went in to check out today, he found out that we were put in the wrong room and that really was those other guys room. And our room was supposed to have a fridge and the internet (we just got it sporadically in the room we were in). Oh well, life goes on. I was so glad to get out of that motel hotel though!

After checking out of our hotel, we headed back into the city of Atlanta to go to church. We ended up at this church called "Midtown Gathering". This church is a simulcast of Buckhead Church (a branch of North Point Church) and was held in a really nice movie theater. Basically the service from Buckhead Church is put on the movie screen. They call it a "cinematic spiritual experience". I really enjoyed it. They had two movie theaters full of people and everyone was very involved in singing, clapping, brought their Bibles, etc. I was very impressed. After church we stopped at a coffee shop across the street and I got a Mocha Latte. Yum.

We then began our long journey from Atlanta to New Orleans. We made quite a few stops along the way so it took us about 8 hours to get here (instead of the 6 hours it should have taken). We stopped in Auburn, Alabama and went to an Old Navy and took some pictures with a couple tiger statues. We made lots of gas station stops because we didn't plan well. We should have gone to the bathroom and gotten gas at the same time, but no, we didn't. The drive was quite pretty once we got down to MississipIpi...lots of wetlands and marshes.

As we were driving into New Orleans on I-10, we remembered the devastation of the east side of New Orleans that we had seen last July when we were here. Nine months later, this side of town pretty much looks the same. There are still tons of abandoned buildings-- homes, apartments, hotels, restaurants, etc. There are still apartment buildings that have "Help" written on the roofs. Hurricane Katrina hit over 1 1/2 years ago and some things still remain the same. It is a reminder of what so many people suffered through...losing loved ones and their homes. Please continue to pray for those still rebuilding their lives from Katrina...it is a long journey.

Matt & I checked into our hotel and were pleased to have found it a beautiful hotel with a huge room including a refrigerator, dressing room, couch, etc. This may be the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at (and it wasn't that expensive). After getting all of our stuff in our room, we headed out for dinner. We decided to walk to this barbecue place right down the street from our hotel. The name of this restaraunt is "Igor's Barbecue Mama". Haha. I thought that was a funny name but they sure did have some good food! We ate pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans and fries. Yum.

We have no clue what we're doing tomorrow. We have lots of apartments to look at and we will just plan to visit different areas of town on different days. There are many adventures to come!

The Road To New Orleans: Day 1 (Atlanta)

Matt & I got up this morning and Matt headed to Goodyear to get the oil changed in my car while I finished packing. After all of our final stops in Rock Hill (the Post Office, CVS, McDonald's) we ended up leaving about 10 am. We had a nice drive and got to Atlanta somewhere between 2-3 pm. While we were driving, we decided we would try and go to the Georgia Aquarium. We made our way downtown and found parking after a few minutes of driving around. We found out that tickets to the aquarium were sold out until 5 pm and in order to get tickets for 5 pm you had to get there at 4 pm. So, we had some time to kill. We walked around the Olympic Centinnial Park and took and then headed to the CNN center and walked around there. Eventually we made it back to the aquarium and there were still TONS of people there. And then we saw the sign that said tickets for adults were $24.00. That ended our adventure at the aquarium. We decided that was too much money to spend when it was so crowded. We'll go back another time. We then drove around trying to find Underground Atlanta...we were unsuccessful even though we had a map. So we decided to head to our hotel. This begins the next part of our adventure...

We get to our hotel (a Days Inn) and it looks kind of sketchy. We walk in and have to wait for a few minutes because the desk staff was cleaning rooms (apparently they were running late with the cleaning schedule). We get our room and start bringing our stuff up to the room. Matt went back down to the car to get my bag and I stayed in the room. I then stepped out the door to tell Matt that the curtain was broken and we needed to change rooms. As soon as Matt saw me step out of the door he told me "Get back in the room" in quite a stern voice. At that point, I knew something dangerous was going on. Matt then continues to tell me that there is a man with a gun downstairs. Turns out that two of the staff (a male and female) were fighting over their job duties and being worked too hard. The man then starts threatening the girl saying "I'm going to blow your head off with my gun" (I've left out a few choice words). Another man nearby was trying to calm him down and the lady got out her phone and was calling the police. We don't really know what happened after that. We stayed in our room and never saw the police. We're not sure if the man really had a gun or if he was just threatening her. Matt went downstairs later and the girl was gone but the guy was still there working. Guess he calmed down. That was quite scary though. We definitely contemplated going to another hotel. Good thing were only staying here one night!

We were planning on going to church tomorrow for Easter but the churches we were thinking about (Perimeter or North Point) are both 50 minutes away from where we're staying. We're googleing churches in the area now. We'll be heading to New Orleans after church (if we can find one to go to).

Life is good!

I got a new computer today...a Macbook Pro...I love it! And to make things even better, Matt & I are leaving for New Orleans TOMORROW! AND...Matt & I have a meeting on Wednesday with the director and programs supervisor for a children's home in New Orleans about a possible job. :) We'll be updating from the road!

Spring is in the air!

Oh, how I love Spring! It is without a doubt, my favorite season and I thank God that I do not have allergies. As I see the dogwoods, bradford pears, and forsynthia in bloom I am reminded of how blessed I am to haves a Savior who has given me new life and continues to renew my soul. I am so thankful to know the God that shows himself through His creation.

Healthwise, I am feeling much better. I ended up having to go back to the doctor to get a stronger antibiotic, which worked miracles on my ear infections. I feel better now than I have felt since January. I feel like I have been given a breath of fresh air.

A week from now, Matt and I will be headed to New Orleans (with a pit stop in the ATL). The anticipation continues to build in me as we are going to go look for a place to live there. My dream is coming true. I cannot wait to see how God continues to work out the details in this great adventure. We have a few job leads with some children's homes/group homes as residential counselors. Just to think that in less than four months Matt & I will be living in New Orleans truly makes my heart sing. I am truly blessed!

It was quite a crazy week at the daycare. The kids were just out of control and we had picture day on Thursday which was pure madness. My kids were so precious though and total hams. I cannot wait to see their pictures. When I have children, I am going to be such a sucker for school pictures. I am going to want to buy every pose.

That's a recap on my life. Life is good. :)

update

I couldn't go back to sleep. My ears hurt too bad, so I decided to go to Riverview and see the doctor. I have ear infections in both ears. This is so not fun!

Life goes on.

Why am I awake and posting a blog at 3:45 am, you ask? I'm sick. My ears hurt so bad and have so much fluid in them that I feel as if I am under water. I have decided that I'm going to take today off from work and go to the doctor (for the 2nd time this month). Sure does suck not having health insurance and having to pay a whole freakin lot for a doctors visit and meds! I'll update on my health status later.

Winthrop lost against Oregon. Stupid Ducks! We didn't play our best game though, couldn't make any shots. I know the boys tried their best and played their hearts out. I am proud of them!

With all this said, life goes on.

NCAA Pot of Gold

Check this article out (from the espn.com front page): Winthrop grabs luck of the Irish in first-round win

Let's go Eagles!

WE WON OUR FIRST NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME! GO EAGLES!!! *If* we win on Sunday, Matt, Kelly, Paul, & I might go to St. Louis!

ONE

ONE--this organization has been in the public eye a lot lately as a lot of celebrities are supporting them. This campaign is one that not only celebreties should support, but each of us should stand behind. There are so many living in poverty and with hiv/aids in this world. I encourage you to go to www.one.org and check out this organization--we can truly make a difference in the world.

exhausted

I am incredibly exhausted, but I feel like posting. Here's what has been happening around our world lately...

*I was pretty sick with a sinus infection but now am thankfully better.

*Matt was sick with a sinus infection & an ear infection and yesterday got a horrible stomach bug. Please keep him in your prayers--he is incredibly weak and cannot get up for more than a few minutes at a time. Pray that his body will heal quickly and that I can be an encouragement to him (his emotions have been worn thin through all this sickness).

*Winthrop won the Big South Championships and are heading to the Big Dance! We are actually ranked #22 in USA Today/ESPN coaches poll and #24 in the AP poll. Top 25 in the nation baby! I'm so proud to be a Winthrop alum right now!

*I am still going through Beth Moore's Bible study on Daniel and it gets more and more incredible each week. It is so amazing to see the prophecies written out in Daniel as they have played out in time. God is so sovereign and I continue to be astounded at His glory!

*I realized today that God-willing, Matt & I only have 4 1/2 months left in Rock Hill until we move to New Orleans. Time sure has flown by! I am ecstatic about the move, but I now it will be hard to leave our family and friends here.

*I am hosting a Pure Romance party on Friday, April 20th. If anyone wants to come, just let me know. It's going to be a fun girls night!

I'm not who I was

If you have a minute, check out this video. It's so true to our lives.

I'm not who I was

(Thanks for posting this Erin so I could steal it)

Winthrop in USA Today

I found it pretty exciting that on the front page of the sports section in today's USA Today is a great article about Winthrop's basketball team. And the pic above is included...check out my hubby in the top righthand corner. Very exciting! The Eagles are gonna make it to the Big Dance again this year! I'm a proud alumni. Here's a link to the article if you're interested (they have a different pic on the internet than the one in print): Winthrop set to make noise

quick update

Thought I'd write a quick update before we head to church.

*Matt & I are still sick...Matt has a sinus infection & an ear infection and after one round of antibiotics (that cost $300!) he's still not better. And who knows what I have. I probably need to go to the doctor but don't want to spend the money.

*Just finished up my third week working at the daycare and I'm still loving it! The kids can be pretty whiney and bratty but atleast they're cute! It's definitely not a job I could do for the rest of my life, but it'll keep me busy until we move.

*I've got the baby bug. So many people around us are having babies and I can't stand it! I know that if I get pregnant now we can't move though, so...I've got to be patient and wait for God's timing. It's hard though!

*Matt & I reserved our hotel room in New Orleans for spring break (April9-13th). I can't wait to be back there! And we're staying in the Garden District this time so that will be nice.

*Matt's laptop is broken. Boo! And the Geeksquad said there was nothing wrong with it (stu-pid)! So, we may be looking into getting a new laptop--I'm hoping for a Mac this time! :)

That's it for now. Gotta go praise some Jesus!

Rock Hill man indicted in money laundering case

Rock Hill man indicted in money laundering case

*this man is a member of the church who's daycare I work at and one of his kids goes to daycare there. Very sad--sad that his family is being torn apart because of greed.

Viva La Louisane!

Here are a few more interesting facts about the Bayou State...

Just in case Hurricane Katrina causing the levees to break in New Orleans is the only thing you know about Louisiana, here are a fewmore interesting facts about the Bayou State:

Louisiana has the tallest state capitol building in the nation at 450 feet.

The Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans is the largest enclosed stadium in the world.

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest over-water bridge in the world at 23.87 miles.

Louisiana 's 6.5 million acres of wetlands are the greatest wetland area in America.

The oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase Territory is Natchitoches,Louisiana founded in 1714.

The first bottler of Coca-Cola, Joseph Biedenharn, lived in Monroe, Louisiana.

Delta Airlines got its start in Monroe , Louisiana (But before it was named Delta, it was Chicago & Southern.)

Southern University in Baton Rouge , Louisiana is the largest predominantly black university in America.

Baton Rouge was the site of the only American Revolution battle outside the original 13 colonies.

The formal transfer of the Louisiana Purchase was made at the Cabildo building in New Orleans on December 20, 1803.

The staircase at Chrétien Point, in Sunset, Louisiana was copied for Tara in "Gone with the Wind."

Louisiana is the No. 1 producer of crawfish, alligators and shallots in America.

Louisiana produces 24 percent of the nation's salt, the most in America.

Much of the world's food, coffee and oil pass through the Port of New Orleans.

Tabasco , a Louisiana product, holds the second oldest food trademark in the U.S. Patent Office.

Steen's Syrup Mill is the world's largest syrup plant producing sugar cane syrup.

America 's oldest rice mill is in New Iberia , Louisiana at KONRIKO Co.

The International Joke Telling Contest is held annually in Opelousas,Louisiana.

LSU "The Ole War Skule" in Baton Rouge has the distinction of contributing the most officers to WW II after the U.S. militaryacademies.

The Louisiana Hayride radio show helped Hank Williams, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash achieve stardom. It was broadcast from KWKH Radio in Shreveport , Louisiana from 1948 to 1960.

The term Uncle Sam was coined on the wharfs of New Orleans before Louisiana was a U.S. territory as goods labeled U.S. were from "Uncle Sam."

The game of craps was invented in New Orleans in 1813 as betting was common activity on the wharves.

When states had their own currency, the Louisiana Dix (French for ten) was a favored currency for trade. English speakers called them Dixies and coined the term Dixieland.

New Orleans is the home of the oldest pharmacy in America at 514 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. These early medical mixtures became known as cocktails (guess they were good for what ails ya?) coining yet another term.

New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz the only true American art form.Jazz gave birth to the Blues and Rock and Roll music.

Viva La Louisane!!!

i have no voice

Literally, I have no voice. I'm still sick and lost my voice yesterday. It's kinda hard to yell at kids when I have no voice, but I'm making due. Pray that I will get better soon. I'm tired of whispering.

I am absolutely loving my new job at the daycare. I'm working with two year olds and they are a crazy hot mess but I love them. It's lots of fun and I get to hang out with some awesome people and see my hubby sometimes. :)

I found out today that my mom has hurt her back. She's in a lot of pain. Please be praying for her as well. If she doesn't start feeling better soon, she'll definitely end up at the doctor.

Matt & I are going to have an exciting weekend this weekend. For Matt's Valentine's present, I got us a room at the Courtyard Marriott in Ballantyne and the best part is we have a whirlpool in our room. Heck yes I am excited! And Saturday is homecoming for Winthrop so that'll for sure be a fun day.

That's all for now.

If You say go

*I've been loving this song lately...and truly trying to make it true in my life*

If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come

Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw Your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You

tomorrow!

I start my new job tomorrow. I'm working at Catawba Baptist Child Development Center and will be a preschool teacher. I'm excited--just to have a steady job and income. Plus, I love working with kids!

In other news, Matt & I have been sick for the past few days. We've been sleeping a lot and drugging ourselves up with Nyquil and Dayquil. I'm feeling better tonight...hopefully we'll kick this sickness soon.

IT'S SNOWING!!!

Wanted everyone to know that IT'S SNOWING in Rock Hill!!!! YAY!!!

Guess I won't be going to my job interview today--maybe not to my appointment in Lancaster either.

Look out the window, it's so pretty!