The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Twenty-Two

My brain is officially fried.  I attended a day-long training in Bristol, along with some of my fellow co-workers and my boss.  We worked pretty hard today looking at TVAAS data and strategies we wish to implement in our school.  I wanted to visit Papaw afterwards, but he was in no condition for visitors.  Instead, I spent exactly 5 straight hours on the couch doing grad school work...and unfortunately there is still much to be done before Sunday.

Papaw still needs prayer; that's all I have the strength to say right now.

Today's photo?  A picture of something you wish you were better at.




Guitar.  I have "played" for ten years, but I rarely even pick up the guitar anymore.  I guess specifically I wish I were better at making time to practice.  I recently sold my first and original Takamine to Chris Graybeal.  This picture is my 23rd birthday; Christopher bought me a beautiful Epiphone.  It plays so nicely.  I need to play more often!

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Twenty One

Papaw has had a terrible night and day.  He got so frustrated from having to lie down and not move that he grew angry, and they had to restrain him and slightly sedate him.  Since then, he has been hallucinating and is very confused.  Tests and procedures are on hold, which means he is still stuck to just lying there.  Prayers are still appreciated.

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Twenty-One

A picture of something you wish you could forget.

I thought forever on this.  There are things that I wish I could forget; particularly things I have said or done wrong.  Those are too personal to share.  So then I thought about scary events in my life (certain plane rides, a school shooting, etc)...but why would I want to forget them?  They have impacted my life for a reason.  I would like to forget the time when I tore my ACL and was on crutches for months...but again, it happened for a reason.  It's not meant to be forgotten.  So...no picture for this one.

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Twenty

It's been a bit of a rough night/day.  Yesterday evening, Nana had to call for an ambulance to come and get Papaw.  He was sweating and in intense pain.  When they arrived at the hospital, his heartrate was 27 beats per minute.  My sister, mom, and Nana were with him.  They put him in ICU and he seemed stable, when all of a sudden his heart just stopped.  They told me that within seconds about 12 nurses and doctors were frantically ushering my family out of his room; they had to shock his heart.  My sister said his groans of pain could be heard outside, and mom said it was frightening to hear him experience that.  They had to shock him several times while they inserted a temporary pacemaker in his femoral artery.  He has not slept much since, and is forced to remain lying down.  He cannot sit up or move turn over, and that has made him extra cranky.  Unfortunately, he can recall what it was like when they shocked him, even though most patients don't remember.  He swears the nurses were "beating him with paddles".  When I was with him this afternoon, he never stopped talking. However, his emotions were like a rollercoaster.  We laughed a lot, but at times he got emotional.  Mostly he just wants to be able to move around.   Hopefully, his bloodwork tomorrow will give the doctors the go-ahead to put him on a cath to see if there is any blockage (this is very dangerous for a 91-year-old).  Hopefully there is no blockage, because I am not sure his body can handle surgery.  Then, they still have to wait a few days before they can insert a permanent pacemaker. 

I ask for your prayers for his comfort, healing, and even his salvation...we have never truly been certain of his salvation.  Today, his pastor stopped by just to pray with him.  He prayed for discernment, clarity, and focus for the nurses and doctors so they could do God's will by Papaw.  The prayer moved Papaw, and later he discussed "faith" with Stacy and me. However, I still have some doubt as to whether or not Papaw is truly born again, so I pray for God to give me the right questions to ask.

Ironically, today's photo challenge couldn't connect more closely with Papaw.

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Twenty

A picture of a place you would like to visit.



There are so many places I want to go:  Africa, Spain, England...but before any of those, I would probably choose to go back to Italy.  I loved EVERYTHING about Italy...I loved Rome, Florence, Pisa, Pompeii, Tuscany, but most of all, POSITANO (pictured above).

When I knew I had the opportunity to visit Italy, I knew I wanted to spend a weekend on the Amalfi Coast.  In movies, I would always sigh during scenes that showcased a hot sports car driving the windy roads on this coast.  In "Under the Tuscan Sun", Diane Lane's character surprises her lover in Positano one weekend.  This place has got to be the closest thing to Paradise on Earth.  It is quiet, serene, and visually breath-taking.  The men are typical, flirtacious Italians; the natives do their best to speak English or to at least suffer through your version of Italian;  the food is divine, and the shopping is exquisite.  I have never looked more forward to visiting a place, and was never more sad to leave.  This picture was actually taken from our balcony.  Isn't that beautiful?

One day, while we were lazily sun-bathing next to the Mediterranean, I collected dozens of little sea rocks; they are multi-colored (reds, blues, greens, oranges) and look like glass.  I keep them in a hand-painted jar that I purchased from Positano, and they sit next to my bathtub.  The paintings in our bathroom are of Positano (also purchased on my trip) to help keep the Positano spirit alive!

My Papaw has been a true traveler.  He has been to every state in the U.S. and most of them twice;  he has been to Canada, the Virgin Islands, all over the Caribbean, all over Europe several times, and to New Zealand and Australia.  He helped fund my trip to Europe, as well as Stacy's, and was so overcome with emotion upon our return that he cried.  I think he loved to see his granddaughters share a love for traveling. 

Maybe someday, when I have money and medication, I will return to Italy's jeweled shores of Positano!

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Nineteen

Yesterday (Saturday) my Valentine surprised me by treating me to a yummy Japanese dinner in Jonesborough before attending Romeo and Juliet by the Jonesborough Repertoir Theater.  This truly was a surprise!  The show was interesting with a lot of young, local talent.  Tomorrow for Valentine's Day I am making one of our favorite pasta dishes (creamy chicken, bacon, and tomato farfalle), but unfortunately, I have already bombed on the red velvet cake I was making from scratch.  First of all, it's not very red; I followed the directions but the cocoa powder over-powered the food coloring.  Also, my three non-stick 9-inch round cake pans seemed to just swallow the cake batter, so each layer looks puny.  Then, my made from scratch cream cheese icing is yellow and not white.  *sigh*  Maybe it'll still taste good?  Guess we'll find out...

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Nineteen

A picture and a letter.

Dear People of the World,

        I am sincerely tired of observing such blatant disregard for corrent grammar.  There is no excuse.  I KNOW you were taught the difference between "your" and "you're"...just like you were taught the difference in "there", "they're", and "their", and "too" and "to".  However, it's really the "yours" that get me.  Honors students do it; professionals do it; adults do it; parents do it; children who attend both county and city schools do it; will it ever end?  It is embarrassing to see a student's car in the parking lot with writing on the windshield proclaiming, "Happy Birthday!  Your finally legal!" And while I at least appreciate good manners, it is still shameful to see an exchange on facebook that looks like this:
*You did so good in the game last night!
*Thank you!
*Your welcome!

Putting the good vs. well conversation on hold, there are those four letters just glaring me in the face.  I, as an English teacher, have tried so desperately to change this atrocity...but my students will just straight up say, "who cares?"  And I have a hard time answering that question.  When others around them (adults, friends, professionals) make the same mistakes or don't take time to correct the mistake, then why should they care?  I mean, I realize that it takes away all credibility...but that's because I know better.  If we are grooming this generation of teenagers not to care about little things like this, then we may as well throw all grammar and writing skills out the door. 

But for what it's worth, I am still fighting this battle. 

I'm losing, but still fighting.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend.

-Shelley



The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Eighteen

Today is a lovely Saturday.  I slept until 9:00 and it was glorious.  On today's agenda:  cleaning the house, working out, getting some homework done...and then Christopher has some sort of Valentine surprise in store for me tonight : ) 

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Eighteen

A picture of your biggest insecurity.

How about my entire body, which I am too insecure to post a picture of?

That's my answer.

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Seventeen

Warm weather is headed our way...and thank the Lord for that! 

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Seventeen

A picture of something that has had a huge impact on your life recently.

GRAD SCHOOL.



The 30 Day Challenge Day Sixteen

Well, we at least got a 2-hour delay today.  Nevermind the fact that Christopher and I both slid all over the road this morning on the way to work and the parking lot was horrendous, but we made it.  And tomorrow is Friday, so that's always nice.  We have had a meeting everyday after school this week.  I believe many of us are already at a breaking point, and we're only a few weeks into this semester.  The pressures to get our students to do well on tests is enough to drive someone over the edge, and I mean that.  I don't envy the students for having to be tested to death, but really, test scores don't affect them very much.  For us teachers, it's everything, and it's not fair.

Anyway.

The 30 Day Photo Challenge: Day Sixteen

A photo of someone who inspires you.

This is Ishmael Beah.  His memoir, A Long Way Gone, opened my eyes to the horrors of the life of a child soldier.  Born in Sierra Leone, he lost his family at age 12 to war between the government army and the rebel army.  He was forced to become a solider and was brainwashed with drugs and war movies.  He witnessed some extremely gruesome, terrible acts...and performed many of them himself.  At fifteen, he was "rescued" by UNICEF.  His rehab was not easy.  He experienced much guilt and withdrawals, and is very blessed to be one of the few child soldiers who doesn't go back to fighting.   Having always been well-spoken, Ishmael got the chance to travel to New York City to speak as an ambassador on behalf of child soldiers.  A woman in the city who was in charge of grew fond of Ishmael and adopted him.  He then moved to New York, graduated high school, and is now an author an activist.  He works hard to spread awareness of the events he experienced and others are experiencing; daily, he must deal with his emotions and dreams from his time in the army.  However, he is faithful, hard-working, and optimistic, and that is truly inspiring.

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Fifteen

pleasesnowtonightsowedon'thavetogotoschooltomorrowexhaustionhasovercomeme.

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Fifteen

A picture of something you want to do before you die. 



My entire life, I have always known that someday, I want to go on an African safari.  Of course, this would require me going to Africa...which would require getting on an airplane...which would require extreme amounts of strong medication.  But I know my life will not be complete until this happens.  I want to see and experience Africa; its people, its land, its cultures, and its animals.  Maybe someday...

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Fourteen

Tuesday...woooo.

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Fourteen

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

That's right.  I cannot imagine life without my big hunk.  He is my best friend.  Most wives say that about their husbands.  But I think since Christopher and I were truly friends for about 8 years before we began a romantic relationship really makes the phrase "best friends" true for us.  Now, it is true that during those 8 years, Christopher wanted to be more than friends...but thankfully, he was still ready when I finally saw the light.  I am an extremely independent person.  I remained single during my college years, not for lack of prospects, but because I love to be free and selfish.  But God smacked me upside the head pretty hard in June 2007, and I knew I was ready to give up some "me" time for some "we" time.  Now, Christopher and I probably spend more time together than most other married couples.  Because our work schedules are so similar, we are together in every spare moment.  Often, we even ride to and from work together.  However, we still maintain a sense of autonomy because we have our own hobbies.  He plays basketball sometimes during the week, and I play volleyball.  We both run/bike/workout, but not together.   But when I am home alone...I miss him.  When I am out of town, I miss him.  He knows all of my secrets.  Don't ever tell me anything that you don't want me to repeat to him (ok, maybe an exaggeration, but you probably would need to mention that the information is for my ears only). 

He is giving, witty, intelligent, and Godly.  He loves me and lets me know this every day.  He supports my goals and encourages me. Me luvs hims.  

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Thirteen

Today was certainly a Monday.  Blech.  Fingers crossed for snow tonight so we can at least have a 2-hour delay!

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Thirteen

A picture of your favorite band or artist.

I have many favorites:  Third Eye Blind, Coldplay, Incubus, Band of Horses...but really...

 no question here.

Relient K.

For starters, I have the longest history with them.  I've been with them since their first album (self-titled) which I purchased my freshman year of high school.  Almost twelve years ago.  Since then, they have lost and gained some members, but the core group has remained strong.  More than nine albums and several EP's later, they are still my favorite band.  Their music is kind of rock, kind of punk, kind of alternative...but more importanly, their music is Godly.  Not just "goodly", but Godly.  Their purpose is to serve God and spread His word, but this is NOT a praise/worship band.  However, for what it's worth, I feel much more apt to worship and sing to the Lord to some of their songs (For the Moments I Feel Faint, I Am Understood) than I am to the songs I hear in church.  Please don't hate me for admitting that.  The band still writes about relative issues; love, loss, death, friendship, anger, jealousy...taxes...

Their songs are honest and sincere, and their Christian perspective is uplifting and heartening.  Some of their songs are just plain fun (Sadie Hawkins Dance).  I love their music and it's comforting to know that I can enjoy them and feel at ease knowing they are God-approved.  And for the day that the band decides to call it quits, I know two Martins in this household who will be very sad...

Matty T at the Orange Peel:  June 2009



The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Twelve

Well, for those of you who don't know, our husky, Kiya, had a nice chicken dinner yesterday.  Kiya, who has never been off of her leash when we go for a walk because of her immense desire to run away; Kiya, who remains in the backyard with Lexi surrounded by a sturdy 6-foot-fence...yeah, Kiya got out yesterday because the ferocious winds blew our fence open.  I was home alone doing homework.  I could hear the wind howling, but never knew anything was wrong.  When Christopher got home, he noticed the gate was open.  Lexi was just hanging around, so we were able to put her back in the yard.  However, we had to get in the car to start a husky search.  Drove around the neighborhood; no luck.  Drove into the next subdivision; no luck.  Drove down the road and passed a house with beautiful chickens running around in the yard.  I made an ominous statement: "I hope Kiya doesn't find these chickens".  Christopher replied:  "Yeah, we will be asked why Kiya isn't on a leash".  No sign of Kiya, though, so we drove on.  Half an hour later, we arrived back home with no dog.  We leashed Lexi and decided to see if she would "track" Kiya.  We made it to the edge of the driveway and Lexi just sat down and looked at us. 

About that time, Christopher's dad called him.  I heard Christopher ask something about Kiya having a chicken buffet for lunch.  Immediately, my stomach dropped; I knew already that she had been up to no good.  A phone call and a few minutes later, we arrived at the scene of the crime.  A lovely family, who raises chickens of all breeds, had managed to catch Kiya and pen her up.  However, damage had already been done; at that point in time yesterday, they knew at least 7 chickens had died (most of them from shock).  It was so sad, standing in their yard with these georgeous chickens pecking the ground around us, and out of my peripheral vision, I could see some of the "victims" lying by the porch.  The family was nicer than they should've been; the chickens cost about $15.00 a piece, but they only asked for money to buy more chicks, which are only $5.00 a piece.  We gave them $40.00, but we still feel terrible knowing that it wasn't enough.  Also, as of today, three more chickens died.

How do I know this?  Because, thanks to Facebook (watched The Social Network last night, by the way...great movie) the woman who owns the chickens and I are now friends.  Ironically, she, like me, graduated from King College with a degree in English.  Amazing, huh?  Such a nice family.  I am so sorry our ridiculous dog had to senselessly kill their precious chickens.

What a weekend. 

Anyway, onto today's photo challenge: 

A photo of something you love.

I thought about this one for a long time.  There are so many things I love that almost made the list:  flamingos, outdoor volleyball, chocolate milk, animals, Harry Potter, running, summer, cookouts, fireworks, starry nights, etc.  But then, I went with:

Traveling.  And Italy, as well, could be on a list of things I love.  I do love to travel, but I am hindered by a debilitating phobia of flying.  Seriously, I don't use the term "phobia" lightly.  I really can't handle it, even when I am highly medicated.  The picture above was taken in Rome in May 2007.  I spent almost a month in Europe (most of that time was spent in Italy before going to France and Switzerland).  Flying to Europe at 21-years-old was really my first time on a plane (previously, I had been a toddler), and it really wasn't that terrible.   I slept a lot of the time and was surrounded by people who fly often.  Two years later, my husband and I went to the Dominican Republic on our honeymoon.  We had an extremely frightening flight on a small plane from Atlanta to Tri-Cities in a thunderstorm.  I have never been more scared in my life (except when a man entered our school with a gun).  Somehow, last year I got the guts to fly to Florida and back and it was a very miserable experience.  There are so many things I am scared of about flying, and it makes me sad, because I want to go to more countries.  However, I still love traveling around the United States.  Last summer, Christopher and I took a road trip up through the eastern U.S., stopping in D.C., Providence, NYC, and Boston.  There are so many places in the country I would still like to visit.  It takes money though...and thanks to our husky, we may not have very much left!

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Eleven

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Eleven

A photo of something you hate.

Hmmm.  Not sure which direction to take this one.  I hate apathy.  I hate hugs (for real; I hate them unless they're from my husband).  I hate Nascar.  I hate washing dishes and ironing.  But I think, above all these things, I hate:

Cold weather.  I would've posted a picture of snow, but I don't necessarily hate snow.  In fact, snow somehow makes winter tolerable and charming.  But this nasty, gray, bitter cold weather can just...well, it can just go away.  January-March are pretty miserable months.  I would not be opposed to never having to wear a coat or closed-toe shoes again.  Sandals and short sleeves are much more my style.  : (  It's currently 35 degrees here and looks yucky.  But alas, I don't control the weather.  But I still hate it.

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Ten

Homecoming week=major headaches.  Fun, but major headaches.  Best part of it all was playing Apples to Apples with about 11 of my 1st period students. 

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Ten

A photo of you and the person you do the craziest things with.

I definitely think my lovely co-workers deserve this spot.  Charleston:  Halloween 2009.  The "Village People" who somehow got the letters YMCA backwards everytime.  I shared a bed with Mariel and then she suddenly realized she was with child...yeah.  It was fun.

Happy weekend ya'll!

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Nine

Pray for my friend Brittany; she and her husband just left for a mission trip in Peru.  After a horrendous time getting there (several delayed flights, no vegan in-flight meals, and lost luggage), Brittany found out her grandmother just passed away.  God has a purpose for you Brit!

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Nine

A photo of someone who has gotten you through the most.

I'm going to majorly cheat here and choose three people; I feel like these three people have gotten me through the most, but in different places/scenarios.  First up:

My best friend since 8th grade, Trisha!  Though we've known each other since 6th grade, it literally took three years to break through this girl's shell!  She invited me to a slumber party in 8th grade, and that was that.  We connected so well because unlike many of our peers around us, we chose to strive to live Godly lives, which meant staying away from drugs, sex, and alcohol.  We went through so much together in high school and our friendship never faltered in college or adulthood.  I don't know what I would've ever done without her friendship! 

Tracy!  Our relationship began 11 years ago when Tracy was my volleyball coach.  We had an immediate connection, and I believe we always were closer than just player/coach.  By senior year, it was obvious that Tracy was almost like a second mom.  We remained close after I graduated high school, and when I was 19, Tracy offered me the job of coaching the freshman volleyball team at Central.  Ultimately, this was how I found my calling.  I adored coaching, and soon after decided to become a teacher.  (More specifically, I decided to become an English teacher, just like her!)  I loved coaching at my alma mater, and I honestly always felt at ease knowing that I had a great chance of getting hired there after graduation.  Now, Tracy and I teach in classrooms right next to each other!  We have CERTAINLY been through so many things...good, bad, and ugly things.  I don't know what I would have ever done without her!

And, of course, where would I be without my mommy? She is my BFF for life.  Though we certainly butted heads pretty much until I was like 18, I know now we struggled so much because we're just alike.  She has always known me better than anyone.  When I went off to Carson-Newman, she never expected me to call or come home very often.  I ended up calling practically every night, or at least every other night.  After college, I was so grateful to fall in love with someone who wanted to live here in the Tri-Cities.  I would've been heart-broken if I had to move away.  I really don't think I could be away from my family.  Next to Christopher, my mom is my best friend ever! 



The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Eight

I took a personal day today.  Had my yearly physical exam this morning, followed by a long day of catching up on grad-school assignments.  Puxatony Phil did NOT see his shadow today, so I'm hoping we can all look forward to an early spring!

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Eight

A picture that makes you laugh.

When I saw this challenge for today, I knew immediately the picture I would choose.  I go to it anytime I need a laugh, and it is the only picture guaranteed to make me laugh out loud everytime.  It was taken about this time last year.

This is our little girl kitty, Rhea.  She loves to climb up on the top of our kitchen cabinets.  The glowing eyes are funny enough, but it's her open mouth and surprised expression that get me.  To me, she looks like she either just gasped at some horrible news, or is about to vomit.  I'm laughing right now and she is staring at me from the couch across the room.  I just cannot help myself.  Christopher took the picture, so we really don't remember why she was making such a face.  Oh well.  Thanks for always entertaining me, Rhea!

The 30 Day Photo Challenge Day Seven

Ha!  While I was typing out the title of this post, I got six and seven confused and typed "sex".  Should've left it to see how many people even noticed.  Hmmmm.

Anyways...

Received an A+ on my first grad school essay.  Must admit it has me feeling very proud and optimistic!

The 30 Day Photo Challenge:  Day Seven

A picture of your most treasured item.

Ok people.  I'm not going to lie here and act like the first thing that came to my mind was "my salvation" or "my faith" or something abstract.  Those are not items, and while I do treasure both, I think a treasured item should be something concrete, with sentimental value. Matthew 6:19-20 reminds us that Earthly treasures are obsolete in eternity:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

 But for this purpose, I want to think of material things that I treasure.  Yes, I understand I "can't take them with me", so why not enjoy them while I can?  I think of my wedding rings, which are not only beautiful but represent a commitment I made to my husband.  I think of my Harry Potter Box set that I received for Christmas after wanting it for soooooooooo long.  I think of my Ipod that has been there through every grueling and challenging run, as well as every victorious finish at a race.  But, above all those things, I think of these:

My Nana's pearls.  The history behind them is so sweet.  On June 27th, 1949, my Nana and Papaw were married.  My Papaw gave his bride these pearls as a wedding gift.  She kept them for years, and they've remained in wonderful shape (she did have to have them re-strung once).  On my 21st birthday, my Nana passed her pearls on to me with a beautiful note explaining the story behind them.  Christopher and I now share a wedding anniversary with them (June 27th, 2009) which seems to just make everything complete!