School Pictures and Flying Away

Here is my school picture for the year. Actually, I like it. Well, except for one thing that I had corrected this week. "House of Brows" is my friend now. Man are those brows uneven! :) Documented for all time.

On a higher note, my camera has this nifty zoom feature that allowed me to capture someone's hot air balloon excursion last Saturday. See those leaves? That is called "Fall" California friends. I know, I have heard of it too! It really exists. :) Just playing. People who truly love the Fall can feel the change anywhere. Is it possible to be a season snob? Maybe we should start a club?

Cyclists With Courage and Compassion

Tonight I had the privilege of hanging out with four rather remarkable young men. (I joked with them that it looked like I won a contest or something.) They are cycling across the USA to raise money for a non-profit they started to set up life guard training in Nicaragua. They are 12 days into this incredible adventure.

I have known one of these guys, Scott, since my early days in Westminster. Nashville was one of their stops and I was thrilled to get to chat with them as they are passing through. I got to hear first hand accounts of crossing the Appalachian Mountains! Wow. Today was 120 mile bike ride. To hear their hearts concerning this cause was impressive and inspiring.

Their website is www.cycling4acause.org This is the type of action, faith , and adventure that I want to support. You, too? :)

Would you please pray with me for safety, endurance, rejuvenation, wisdom, and joy in this crazy courageous task?

Scott, Olin, Eric, and Peter,

May God bless you with more down hill experiences and give you the extra drive you need to make it up the big ones. You are all in my prayers now. Grace be with you on this ride of a lifetime! (Can you hear patriotic theme music playing behind that last statement, or is it just me? Maybe it is the Super Mario Bros. theme?)

:)

How did I do it?

You might be asking how I was able to keep Val here for so long against her will. My secret? Smudge. Not only is she a ferocious attack cat but she is also adorable. Much like Boots in Shrek. Ah, the POWER of a bipolar kitty!

"You ain't goin' nowhere."


"Yes, you may pet me now."


"Wassup fool? You want to rumble? Bring it on!"

(You know and I know this was all a ploy to get more cat pictures on my blog without coming across as crazy cat lady. But let's keep the illusion for now? Hee hee.)

Day 3

Here is the posed picture for Day 3 of Val's forced captivity. Notice how the grande nonfat hazelnut latte is out of her reach.

"Give me my latte!"
"Never!"
Can you here the Batman theme playing in the background? Welcome to downtown Nashville.

You find the coolest things downtown. :) Uh huh huh



We were told we had to go here. . . we stayed outside. :)
For more pics see Val's blog. :)

Day 2

Apparently there isn't any documentation of day two. Perhaps it was too horrible or not fit for younger viewers?

It started off with bagels. I went to work and sent her to the store; she slept while I WORKED. Val picked me up and visited with my students, giving a lollipop to a diabetic . . . :) Then I slept while she watched TV. Next stop was the best food so far, Bread and CO. We found a movie theatre that I am embarrassed to say was far closer than our travel time to get there. I highly DO NOT recommend Burn After Reading. The funny Brad Pitt moments do not excuse or redeem the crudeness or vulgarity. I wish I hadn't seen it. :( I was convicted this morning even more, a full week after seeing it, that I have the power to walk out of a theatre. Thanks Greg Laurie.

Val and I cleansed out pallet by watching part of National Treasure. This school teacher couldn't hang! Bed time!

Day 1 of Val's Captivity

Valerie Wayne, AKA "Val" arrived via Southwest at approximately 6pm central time. Feeling a bit groggy from the time change, she was an easy capture. Without her consent, she was dragged to Logan's Roadhouse where she was forced to feast on delicious rolls and peanuts. She quickly became aggravated and began throwing her food.

Look What I Found!

Right here in Brentwood, TN, a USC fan! :) His sister is just starting there this Fall.

My "Perfect" Circle

Oh Happy First Day!!

Attention all 5th . . . I mean SIXTH GRADERS!!

I hope you have a wonderful first day of school being official Junior High Students. "Too easy Miss Miller!" Go get 'em!