My Very First Tsunami Warning

The day was Friday, March 11.  The time was 5:11...in the morning.  I was awoken abruptly when my phone rang, flashing 'mom' on the screen. She knew I was on Pacific time, so calling this early must mean something is wrong. 

Mom: "Chrissi, where are you?  Are you ok?  What is going on?"

Me: "I'm laying in my bed.  I'm fine.  I was sleeping....what are you talking about?!"

Then I begin thinking 'oh my GOSH!  Was there an earthquake here?!  Did I really sleep through another earthquake?!"

Mom: "Your sister called and said they're evacuating California" in her defense, she was also awoken abruptly, so thinking the whole state was being evacuated was logical ;)

Me: "Hold on mom, let me turn the news on"....fumbled for the remote...."Mom, if they were evacuating someone would have knocked on my door, sounded an alarm, or something...."

I then turned the news on to see the devastation in Japan and was completely shocked.  Then I did start to panic a little....would there be an earthquake here?  Would there be some crazy tsunami come in?  I'm not from California, I have no clue how these things work! Needless to say, nothing major happened where I was in Cali, and I had one happy momma!

So what was the most logical thing to do the next morning?  Go for a run out to the Pacific Ocean, of course!  My boss told me about this great path that went through the hills and stopped right at the Pacific Ocean.  It was a GREAT way to start my Saturday, even if it was way too early & I had to get to the office right afterward.  Oh well, it was wonderful while it lasted!

So although I made light out of the fact that there was a tsunami warning, the devastation in Japan is no joke.  I can't even begin to imagine what the Japaneese people are going through. Boats, trains, people. Missing.  I pray I never have to go through something like that, but more importantly, I'm praying for the people of Japan.  Praying for safety, praying for comfort, praying for peace.  

PS, I totally have the best momma in the world, who cares so much for her children...even when they're all grown up!  Momma Mel, I sure do love you :)

Make it a great day, folks!

To give[up], or not to give[up]

Are you giving anything up for lent?  

Attending Methodist, and then Baptist, and then non-denominational, and then back to Baptist churches, I never practiced the art of giving up anything for Lent.  

I am not sure if this is a valid item to give up, but I choose laziness.  I am going to give up being lazy for Lent.  Going through various life trials, and being busy at work has kept me seated in my office chair, typing away at my computer, or on a string of conference calls.  While this can't change any time soon (hello, March Madness!), what I do before I open or after I close the laptop certainly can change.  Unlike the usual Lent process, I don't want this to stop on Easter Sunday!  In fact, I am hoping this gets me back into my healthy fitness habits, and gets me back on track to be a happier, healthier me.  The me who continually delights herself in the Lord and doesn't loathe the stress, or who she sees in the mirror.  The me who continues to find joy in the little things, and sees beauty in a run through the neighborhood.  The me who is able to focus more on becoming person God created me to be, instead of worrying about fitting into jeans, or making a deadline.  Life is just too short.

....can I get an AMEN?! 

So there you have it, I am going to give up being lazy, so that I can get back to the healthier, happier, more fruitful me.

I don't know about you, but I needed this!

If this doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will :)

Make it a great day!!

Tough Week....Remembering My Granddaddy

This week was a tough one.  

Saturday BL & I went to visit Granddaddy because we knew his condition was getting worse and we wanted to make sure we had some time with him.  While he was asleep most of the evening while we were there, it was nice just to be around him.  

My sister called Sunday afternoon to let us know Granddaddy would be put on 24 hour watch, and I knew it was time to go sit with Granddaddy some more. The family spent Sunday night, into the wee hours of Monday morning around his bed...some reading scripture, some telling stories, all loving on our Granddaddy.  

Just after 8:00am on Monday morning, and just as "I'll fly Away" ended (which was playing from Granddaddy's favorite Alan Jackson gospel cd), our sweet Granddaddy took his last breath and went to walk with Jesus.  It was bittersweet and a moment I will never, ever, forget.  The world lost an amazing man this week, and heaven gained an angel.  We will miss him every single day, but rejoice knowing we will see him again when we get to the other side.  No doubt he is waiting to spoil us in heaven, just as he did on earth.  He  had such an impact on so many people, and I am blessed to have had the close relationship with him that I did. 

The celebration of his life was yesterday and it was beautiful!  All five of us grandkids teamed up to deliver the eulogy.  It was one of the toughest things we've ever had to do, and also one of the most precious.  No doubt in my mind he was looking down from heaven, just as proud of us as he's ever been.  

John Hulan was the youngest of four brothers to Otis and Effie. Raised in Tallapoosa, GA, he enjoyed basketball, running the hurdles and participating in the high jump, where he set a school record. He married Florene on April 14, 1956, and they enjoyed 54 wonderful years together. They had two children, Johnny and Melanie. He retired from  Lockheed after 41 years of service as tool designer. 

He is remembered for being an avid family man and never missing his grandchildren’s special events.  He was a gentle man with a kind spirit who brought much joy to those around him.  He was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, and was a faithful follower of Christ. 

What I'm Loving Wednesday #1

ok, funny side note...I had this draft saved from last night for my first WILW and then, unbeknown to me, my sweet sister was planning to do her first WILW today as well....great minds do think alike, Ster!!

After many weeks of reading what great bloggers like Michelle & Leigh are loving every Wednesday, I am excited to be participating myself :)

I am loving Trader Joe's chocolate cat cookies!

 

I am loving Gigi's cupcakes 

but some of you (if you read last week) may already know this

I bought the Valentines Box with four cuppy cakes for my sweetie, and we I consumed the last one last night :)

 

I am loving my new tiny lion purchased from this cute Etsy Shop.  Perfectly timed shipping since I officially changed my last name last week :)

 

I am loving my valentine from a sweet little boy...

I am loving the new greek yogurt brand I just discovered last week. Oh-So-YUMMY!!

If you'd like to join in, then do :) and link up here!

Make it a great day!!