why so sleepy?

I slept for about twelve hours last night. It's very odd to me that on Monday after going to the doctor, I felt like I could conquer the world. I felt full of energy & ready to head back to work. Yesterday I slept most of the day. I felt exhausted. Today's my last day before returning to work. I am curious if I will spend today sleeping too...

amoxicillin, sudafed, and four spray

I've now taken my daily doses of medicine and can not believe how much better I already feel. It no longer hurts to swallow! My throat isn't burning when I blow my nose. :-) I was able to take a nap this afternoon! I am so thankful!

crazy times...

I'm extremely blessed. God has been more gracious to me than I could have even imagined or dreamed (Ephesians 3:20-21). I am so grateful for His provision. God's timing is perfect and He works all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

The last month of my life has been a bit crazy. We had nine Christmas services. My boyfriend came into town for the entire time so I got to try out the whole balance thing. I went to Oklahoma and Washington. In all of the busy-ness, I got sick.

The last two weeks I've been feeling like I was on my b or c game. I really missed A game sb. Chris was sick too. On Tuesday we were both feeling up to it and were able to go to Washington to visit his aunt and grandparents. The short travel arrangements were possible since his mom works for an airline. We're crazy blessed.

While in Washington, I was able to go to Seattle and Tacoma. Dear goodness this is a beautiful place! Seattle is such an interesting city. I could visit it again and again. While in Tacoma, we did a self-made '10 Things I Hate About You' tour. It was such a blessing to meet the other side of his family...and to see some amazing things.

On Wednesday night I had difficulty sleeping so on Thursday I took some benedryl. No big whoop. My body is probably not use to all of the gorgeous greenery. Right? Thursday night I had an even worse time sleeping. Friday when we were flying home, I had a big problem popping my ears.

My roommies were out of town this weekend, so Friday night after Chris dropped me off at my house, I tried to pop my ears in all of the embarrassing looking ways. It didn't work. I googled to find a relief and did everything it said. Nothing worked. I kept praying and went to sleep. I woke up at 3 am with one ear popped and one not. I took a crazy hot shower, put a hot compress on my swollen glands, and kept praying. I was able to drift in and out of sleep for a bit.

Saturday I got ready for Chris' birthday party. One ear was still not popped. I felt so bad...and couldn't get over the pain in my ears. I thought I was being a horrible girlfriend. While at the party, my ear finally popped. You have no idea how thankful I was! That night I took some more medicine before services but still didn't feel great.

Saturday night after church, I went with Chris' family to dinner. I apologized for being on my c game. They were so sweet. That night I woke up at 4...and felt awful. I finally went back to sleep around 5.

Sunday morning I came into church early. I was doing everything incredibly slowly. It was hard to focus. Alisha took one look at me and told me she would find a way to cover my services. I started crying and couldn't stop. I went home, rested, and waited for Chris to come over for his last night in town.

That night I was even worse. I couldn't stop crying. I thought I was overreacting. I thought I was being emotional since he was leaving for another month or so. That night i woke up every two hours.

This morning Erin picked me up and we went to the doctor. It turns out I have pus on my throat and a 'raging' bi-lateral ear infection. I have three medications I will take multiple times for the next week.

God was so gracious through all of this. I was able to get into the doctor at 9:30 this mornign. I was able to get a shot in the office. I was able to get my prescriptions filled. I had a wonderful friend to be my listening ears at the office. I was able to not rupture my ear drum. I would have blown everything off had I not promised Chris I would go to the doctor.

Now I have the next three days to rest. I can read. I can pray. I can write. I am so thankful.

leaving on a jet plane

Tomorrow around noon I'll board a plane so I can go the furthest west I've ever been. I'll stop off in Las Vegas (which i hear is an interesting city) for a slight lay over on my way to the home of Dr. Frasier Crane. Yes friends, Chris & I are going to Seattle tomorrow!

I can't wait. I never thought of visiting Seattle...ever. Chris' aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandparents live there. We'll stay with his aunt. I have heard such wonderful things about her. I am not nervous yet...but have a feeling the nerves will hit right around the lay over. It's really important to me to make a good impression.

I have very limited knowledge of Seattle. '10 Things I Hate About You', 'Frasier', and a season of 'The Real World' were filmed there. I know Starbucks originated there. I know they have a fish market where you catch the fish you buy. I know it rains quite a bit there and is cold. That's about the extent of my knowledge.

I can't wait to share what I've learned and some silly pictures....YAYA!!

After a long but beautiful day, we rested. I think this is such a sweet picture. I think he's wonderful. After services, we spent the afternoon at his grandma's house. Then we spent the rest of the day with his family. They are such fantastic people. It always amazes me how loving they are. They've made me feel like a part of their family. It looks like we're going to Seattle next Sunday after services and staying until Thursday. The furthest west I've ever been is SLC. The best part about going to Seattle will be meeting his mom's side of the family. We'll stay with his auntie. I love his dad's side of the family so I'm very excited to meet his mom's side.

Who knew life could be such a big blessing? I am in wonder of it. I never thought God would bless me in such an unbelievable way. I have trouble describing it, but the best way would be gratitude. God is so gracious! Happy Monday!

mush

I feel like my brain is a big bowl of mush...This is due to lack of sleep (the last week I haven't gotten more than 5 hours of sleep a night or any real 'down' time), not reading enough good books (seriously...i've lost my groove), and giving blood today.

I thought perhaps if I took a moment to type out a couple of thoughts, maybe, just maybe, I could be less mushlike and more sblike. Please bare with me as I type out some random thoughts that may or not make any sense whatsoever.

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a visually amazing movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it and think you will too.
2. I took a picture with a woman dressed as a large drop of blood today after donating. This is my new facebook and myspace picture. When I first saw her, I couldn't stop giggling. All of my giggling made the technicians giggle which I do believe is why my arm is currently bruising and super sore. (i have never bruised in any prior donating nor been sore.)
3. My hair looks crazy today. If you saw me, you might think I'm a baglady. It was really cute when I left my house but the strong winds have made it into something totally different. I don't have a single bobbie pin or hair elastic in my purse today either.
4. I really like Whataburger. It's so good...I mean, really, really good. It will never replace Tacos but I have underestimated it for far too long.
5. I love my boyfriend. I think he is the best guy in the world for me. He continually amazes me. He's supportive and thoughtful.
6. My boyfriend's parents bought me a lambie blanket for Christmas and I never want to be parted from it. I've slept with it the last two nights and now understand Linus' obsession with his blankie.
7. I am still in shock that my students got me Christmas presents. When I left the world of public education, I thought that would be the end of my gifts. Who knew kids got presents for church ladies?

Not as helpful as I would have hoped but the typing did help a little. Have a happy Saturday!

Merry Christmas!

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"