Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Oh by the way...

Hey, just in case you guys should see the picture of me drinking something which appears to be alcoholic in nature. IT IS A VIRGIN STRAWBERRY DACKERY. Do not be fooled by the sugar ring or the colorful straw or the stupid expression on my face! Ok, just had to let you know...that pic is gonna get me in trouble! My boss was showing it to my Uncle and Aunt this evening, next thing I know...he'll show it to my mom! Hehe...not fair since he is presenting it as something it isn't. If I ever drink a real one I'll be sure to get a picture of that too!

What's up?

Things have been crazy here lately. I bowl a lot. Got my highest score ever this evening with a whopping 158! Gotta start somewhere right? I'll get there one of these days!
Tomorrow I need to get some painting done and then I am taking my cousins to sing keoroke. I really want to sing but I am coming down with a cold so I suspect that it will not be possible. The fact of the matter is that I can't sing at all right this minute!
Shadow died thanksgiving night. We tried really hard to save him. He hung on four days and went through $650.00 worth of treatments but in the end he gave up. I miss him like crazy. It is soo strange driving up and having no one howling at me. Also, I don't have a friend to take to the park or walk very often. I was thinking about getting a new puppy but I am going to wait for a while because I do not know the plans which the Lord has in store for next year.
I am becoming less attached to things in general this year. I really feel like He could send me anywhere and that would be just fine with me. I only wish I knew for certain which direction to head. I will be teaching art starting in Jan. unless someone tells me something diff. Hopefully I can get enough classes set up to be teaching "full time." Or at least teach enough students to make a good salery.
I went to the riverwalk in San Antonio yesterday. Ate a great meal at some place...can't remember the name of the restraunt! It was awesome...the best brisket I have had in a long time...and I eaten a lot of brisket lately so that is a compliment. Hehe...for now we will say that this place is one of San Antonio's best kept secrets!
I also went for another boat ride down the San Antonio Rio. They have decorated it for the holidays. (Let me take a moment to add Christmas in here just to make sure you guys don't start boycotting my site because I didn't say Christmas.~A hot topic of conversation in my household this year!) It was all very beautiful!
Well, that was just a quick update from me...it is 2:00am here and I really should go to bed but I don't know if I will sleep. TTYL ~Sarah

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Roses among Thorns

The small things in life are the things that make it special. The Roses among the thorns. This past week has been a time of heartache and anguish but even so there were small moments which I shall always cherish.

When the dog first started acting sick we brought him into the foyer and made him a bed downstairs. My cousin Tyler was sitting on the steps watching and wondering if Shadow was going to die. His little heart was very concerned as I walked up the stairs. A few minutes later he came running up to me with the biggest grin on his little face and said, "Sarah, I have good news!" "He is better!" "Come see him standing up!!" Sure enough Shadow had stood on wobbly feet and tried to retreat into a corner where little hands wouldn't pester him.

Grandmom tried to be there for me. Always willing to ride with me to the vet and to do whatever she could to keep Shadow alive.

The Vet taking time to pray with me and checking on Shadow even during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Pop picking out the perfect spot to bury Shadow, and then working even when he felt miserable to dig a hole big enough to bury him. I went out to help him dig and when I thanked him for his part he said, "I wouldn't have missed it for the world." and he meant it.

Kayla and Lauren learning that Shadow had been buried, giving up thier plot to scare Grandmom and Pop and instead running outside to place flowers on his grave.

The hugs and notes from friends and family.

A last glance at his still form and just being awed once again by his beauty even in death.

All these things are the roses among thorns.

Same old song to the newest toon...

Winter is here. Truck doesn't want to start on cold nights, the dog is dead, love life stinks, rather is basically non existent ...ideal settings for the latest and greatest in country music don't you think? If I were in the singing mood I'd be producing some hits right now!

Friday, November 25, 2005

Silence...

Silence has begun. All is quiet now. Thank you for all your prayers.

Shadow
Died Nov. 25, 2005

Thursday, November 24, 2005

My last day at home with Shadow...

Silently he struggles to get closer to me. He has picked himself up off the ground and wobbled my direction. A few more steps, not those fast paced steps of agility but weak small steps with purpose. Steps taken, he collapses at my feet. Here he sits. Waiting for some words of praise, longing for the caress which he is sure will follow.

Sunshine is beaming down on us. I run a brush through his hair and he looks up with sad eyes. The tears flow and we both know that this is the end. We just sit. It has been a long night. Despite the sunshine all is not well.

Anguish

Wretched soul in pain and anguish. Pain, sorrow, the keys of life and death clutched tightly in my fist. One word and the screaming will end in silence. One last breath gulped in panic and then nothing.

A silence so loud that wails of pain and sorrow cannot drown it out. A silence which cries out in anguish. The deafening noise of defeat which darkly calls out to me and taunts me with "what if."

What if tomorrow came, what if I was only fighting for a time. What if I was crying for your touch, just to know you were there? What if my fever had eased? What if you were me?

Can I drown the screams of pain. Will the voices cease to call out to me? God, please...put us both out of our misery. I do not wish to play the hand of death. I do not want my role. You take back the stupid keys. I cannot kill my friend. Not me. I watch in agony and ask just this...why me?

What if?

Monday, November 21, 2005

Shadow

Shadow is in critical condition. He will be spending the next 48hrs with the vet. ~Can't talk about it without crying.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

"Remember the Goliad, Remember the Alamo."

When General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna attacked the the Alamo, early on the morning of March 6, 1836, he had no idea that years later the battle cry which gave the newly independent country of Texas it's courage to defeat his cause would still echo through the streets.










He took no prisoners that day and all the men who fought for Texas independence within the walls of the Alamo breathed their last. However, he did not gain the ultimate victory. Today the cries of "Remember Goliad, Remember the Alamo." still echoe through the streets. Young Texans think on days gone by, and go away inspired by the courage of the past, ready if need be to face forces bigger than themselves and to defend the future.










Last weekend I had the honor of walking through the structure where heros such as James Bowie, David Crockett, and William B. Travis gave their last breath in defence of a cause. The cause of freedom. As Texan pride swells in my heart. I am thankful for the battle that these brave men fought. May Texans always hear the battle cry, "Remember Goliad, Remember the Alamo." as they walk through it's halls and may the cause of freedom be forever in our hearts.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Tickle Test

Sarah, your holiday wish is to Get a Kiss Under the Mistletoe

A fun flirt like you certainly doesn't rest on your laurels over the holidays. In fact, a go-getter like you usually cranks things up a notch. Not one to miss any social event of the season, you take advantage of the fact that everyone's gathering round to eat, drink, and be merry.Whether you've got a long-time sweetie you want to meet under the mistletoe or are still looking for that special cutie to catch under the love branch, you know that keeping romance alive is what makes everything, especially the holidays, a little better. Pucker up!

Well now, I admit I might like a kiss but...since I'm doing my best to save those for the right guy. I don't suppose I'll be kissing anyone for the holidays this year. I think I'd like to avoid the mistletoe even if the test says I am leaning that direction. Although I admit a sexy, good looking guy to drag around to parties might be a nice plus for the holidays. He can't kiss me though...

San Antonio

<--THE RIVERCENTER
A view of the flags.
















Going up? City Views!















Nick, Tabitha, John, and I took a ride on "Miss Margarita" a riverboat which gives it's passengers the inside scoop and a whole new twist on spending the day on the "river walk." Here are a few shots of our trip taken from the boat.
<--- The river center

<----Pictures of San Antonio.
<--- A 300 year old tree.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Spent this weekend...

Ever spent a day paddling down the river in a canoe weighted down almost to water level? Ever use your hands to pull/push a stranded boat to your desired destination? I have. This weekend Nick, Tabitha, and John came down to spend a few days with me. We went out in the motorboat for a fishing trip but as is the usual case with all of the boats I have ever been connected to all motion was powered by water movement and the human hands. great times!

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Here they are!


Ok, thought you might like to see the fish I caught on my last fishing trip! It really isn't one of the best shots of me but now you know the truth about what I look like on a cold day when I've been fishing after getting only 3hrs of sleep.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Monday and Tuesday

Gary came to for a visit. We had lunch at CiCi's Pizza and spent the day catching up on life. A walk to Dairy Mart was an added touch of fun and umm..yes, we had ice spitting contests while sitting and visiting on the tailgate of my truck. Gary won...I think he has had more practice!
My Grandparents got to celebrate an anniversary. My whole family headed next door for dinner and singing and, of course, we took Gary along for the thrill!
Tuesday dawned bright and early. I tried to sleep late but decided to give up around 8am. We spent the morning hanging out at home but that afternoon Gary and I decided to take the little turtle I caught last Sun. out to the park. We released him in a muddy river which should have been just right for a common musk turtle such as himself to enjoy. He was cute...he took a few short steps toward the water and then tumbled the rest of the way in.
The park was beautiful so Gary and I just hung out in the sunshine and enjoyed being out of doors all day. Later we had supper and I hugged him goodbye around 2:30am when he headed home. He will be in Iraq towards the end of the month. Pray for his safety and protection.

Monday, November 07, 2005

Got to see Gary this week!

I got to see Gary this week! Great times!

We talked about this black and white picture of us while he was here... we took it right before he headed off to boot camp two summers ago! Left to right: Sarah, Gary, and Lori. Front and center, Lindsey! It seems that some of his authorities got to see this picture and they gave him some hard times over it... asked him what kind of a guy he was, with his long hair and all his girls! Pimp...might have been the word they used!

Kind of funny to think of then and now...we've changed a bit.

Gary (taken last month)

Lori on her last visit home.














Lindsey (taken about two months ago.)
Just a note in case anyone is curious
I think Lindsey looks more like me in this pic than she looks like herself!



Me (taken about two months ago!) Here is a picture of me when I look more like Lindsey.

Isn't he cute?


My favorite picture of the turtle we found today.
Doesn't it have a cute face? I tried really hard to get a good picture of him but the camara wouldn't focus well on such a small object!

Turtles



We found a penny size turtle today. Here are some pics I took of it.

Sunday

Sunday was fun! My good friend Amy turned 19. Her boyfriend called me up Fri. to let me know that he was planning a suprise party for her Sunday after church. I had to change some plans but I managed to get there...

I got into on Sat. night to celebrate my Dad's b-day but I didn't let anyone from church know I was around. It was well worth the effort. Amy was totally suprised about the birthday party and the squeal and the tears I got when she saw me were priceless!

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Sat.

I was supposed to attend a college retreat last weekend but before I started packing my plans made a complete turn around.

I talked with my buddy who in the army. He is stationed in Kentucky but had plans to visit Texas. Instead of the college retreat I opted to head the other direction...


Saturday:
Dad's birthday was this Sat. My family went to the beach to celebrate. I got there about 45minutes after the party had started to find them all packing up and getting ready for a trip to wal-mart. The mosquitos are bigger in Texas and it seems they were out in force. I took a few moments for myself to look at the coast and watch the waves crash to shore. Then I joined my family at wal-mart.
Ryan and I had a good visit while waiting for everyone to get done shopping and he decided to ride home with me so we had a little bit of time to talk.
My cousin Stacey was in town so I went to my Grandpa's house to visit with her. We had a good time chatting and then I headed back to my house for about an hour.
It turned out that one of the care givers who is taking care of my Grandmother on the evening shift is a friend of mine so I got to see her when she came in for her shift. We had a good catch up visit which was a lot of fun and then I went home for some sleep.

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Friends!



A visit with Pres before he left for his next teaching job!

"The Elderly"

I was working on an expirement in the kitchen today when my cousin tried to get my attention. She wanted me to look at some cartoon character on tv. Knee deep in flour, ~well, not quite knee deep but you get the picture, I told her that I was kind of busy and didn't really want to see the robot. She smiled and said she knew that I wouldn't be interested. Curious I asked why she thought that she smiled again and said, "the elderly never watch cartoons."

Friday, November 04, 2005

A List of firsts:

10 Firsts:
First boyfriend/girlfriend: Umm...officially?
Friend:Kelly?
First screen name: Life_and_liberty
First kiss: A little boy at my preschool chased me around the playground and kissed me. He was cute!
First piercings: I got my ears pierced when I was 12.
First crush: The little kid at preschool...I can point out his picture but I can't remember his name.
First music: GooGooGaGaGoochieGoochieGoo (something about a troll.) First stuffed animal: My memory fails me. I had a very nice mouse named sunshine, a cheetah some carebares, a purple popple and various other stuffed animals.
School:Don't remember the name of my pre-school

9 Lasts:
Last cigarette: Never smoked
Last thing you bought: Two pair of jeans and two t-shirts
Last movie seen:Umm...I can't remember. Guess I should go see one soon!
Last phone call:Chad
Last cd played: Totally counrty 4
Last bubble bath: A few weeks back, don't worry I usually just leave the bubbles out of my cleansing routine.
Last time you cried: I think I cried a bit on the 31rst.
Last date:Define date? I suppose it was with Rusty H. though I have been in one on one type situations since then.

8 Have you ever:
Have you ever dated one of your best friends:Yes
Have you ever skinny dipped: No
Have you ever been on tv: No
Have you ever fallen in love: I've tripped before.
Have you ever lost someone you loved: Yes
Have you ever been depressed: Yes
Have you ever woken up and not known where you were: Yeah, but I figured it out pretty quick.

7 places you've been to:
1. The forrests of Pennsylvania
2. The beaches of Florida
3. The swamps of Lousianna
4. The mountains of Tennessee
5. The Museaums of Washington D.C.
6. An Orphan home in Indiana
7. Roadside parks in Arkansas

6 things you've done today:
1. Slept late
2. Avoided phone calls
3. Read my Bible
4. Answered the phone
5. Checked on internet world
6. Filled out this survey

5 Favorite things in NO order:
1. Computer
2. Truck
3. Music
4. Did I mention my truck? Oh, yeah...uh...my down comforter
5. The soft sheets on my bed

4 People you can tell [almost] anything to:
1. Uh...
2. I'm
3. not
4. sure...but I tell some people a lot.


3 Wishes
1. To have the chance to travel
2. To marry/raise a godly family who loves the Lord
3. To maintain good health


2 Things you want to do before you die:
1. Find true love
2. See my great grand children!

1 Person that you'd do anything for:
1. Anything? I'd do a lot for many, I'd bend over backwards for my Dad, anything is stretching it a bit.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Just talking...

Well, most of you figured out that the 31rst was off to a bad start in my neck of the woods. It did get better. I left the house about 4pm to help out with a fall festival at my church. Arrived in time to sweep out some extra water and hang up a train sign.

When that was done I accidently got myself a babysitting job. After about 20minutes of following a two year old around we went back to her Grandmother and I took over the job of opening hotdog buns and placing them on little paper holders. This was actually enjoyable because I got to see all the people ~at least all the hotdog eating people. I had a partner in crime and we had a good time joking around. Then I got replaced by the volunteers who had signed up for the second shift. This was rather sad, because then I had nothing to do.

It was about that time that I heard a cry for help. Someone had been stuck in the fishing booth longer than nature wanted to allow so I took over her job for a while. Feeding the lines candy as they slung themselves over the wooden barrier. It was rather dangerous as we had some very gung ho fisherpeople.

Once my job in the fishing booth was done I replaced an older couple at the basketball toss. There I stayed for most of the night. Things started coming to an end and I was told not to hand out anymore tickets but I was asked to stay there and keep an eye on the temperature of the players. This I did for what seemed like an unreasonable amount of time. I finally walked up to my instruction giver and told her that I needed to go and asked if she wanted me to bring her the basketball. She had forgotten that I was still over there.

I was talking with Mr. Charlie while the guys started putting away picnic tables.He asked if I wanted to help him move one so I did. We moved three...they seemed a bit heavy. The main problem with moving them is that I am sooo stinking short I couldn't get any height on them. Me thinks I shall leave all the heavy picnic table moving to the guys in the future.