Thursday, March 29, 2012

Time For Some R & R


I am happy to report that starting tomorrow...Spring Break will be underway! No more having to get out of bed at 5 AM! Do you know how glorious that will be?  We don't have any immediate plans to do anything special or go anywhere. Chris does have tickets to go to the practice round of the Master's next Wednesday in Augusta, GA.  His brother won 4 tickets in an online contest, so he's very excited!  Abby and I might drive over to my mother-in-law's house with him on Tuesday and spend the night. They're all planning to leave for Augusta (my mother-in-law, brother-in-law, Chris, and a family friend) very early on Wednesday morning.  Abby and I could just hang out at the lake all day long by ourselves, which sounds very tempting! We're just going to take things as they come.  Then, Brittany will be coming home next Friday for Easter, so I can't wait!  No boyfriend tagging along this time...YIPPEE!

Chris and I went out for a LONG walk at the park this morning.  When we got home, he checked his e-mail. The company I mentioned that he's been waiting to hear from wrote him. The H.R. Director said she hoped he was having a great week and that they were getting VERY close to finalizing their hiring decision.  She said she would be in touch with him by the end of the week, so we're extremely encouraged! I have never prayed so hard in my life!  If this job pans out, I'm going to have an amazing story to share with you about a 'sign' that I believe God gave us about this particular position. I can't tell you how much all of your prayers have meant to us...THANK YOU BUNCHES!

"Every movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure."~D.L. Moody

Enjoy your Thursday!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Wednesday Hodgepodge




WOO HOO! Here it is Wednesday and we all know what that means...it's time for Wednesday Hodgepodge!  Sure would love to have you play along, so just link up here and let the good times roll!

1.  What's the last job you did that required elbow grease?  Let's see...the other night, I made a balsamic vinegar and garlic encrusted pork tenderloin for dinner.  You have to sear it in a cast iron skillet before you place it in the oven to cook an additional 20 mins. It always makes the worst mess in my skillet, so I had to scrub it down in order to remove all the charred stuff in the bottom of it.  Oh, it's so worth it, though!

2.  March Madness, aka the Men's Division 1 Basketball Championship, is nearing an end.  What sort of 'madness' has your house seen this month?  Well, Abby's had a 'boyfriend' for a few weeks now (whom I'm not too keen about). She isn't allowed to, actually, "date" until she's 16, so the only time they see one another is at school. They broke up a couple of days ago (man, was I thrilled!)...and were back together the very next day. If that doesn't cause madness, I don't know what does! Teenage drama at its finest!

3.  What's your favorite shop for browsing?  Ooh...I love Hobby Lobby, particularly the clearance aisles. If I don't intend to come home with something, it's best I stay far, far away from that place! I could spend hours in there, especially when I'm in a decorating mood!


4.  Is there ever a time when giving up makes sense?  I think the only time giving up makes sense is when you're involved in an activity that no longer brings you joy.  An example is Abby and her chorus program in high school. She's been involved in chorus since the 4th grade, but her director this year is new to the high school and has completely taken the fun out of being a part of it.  She's like a drill sargeant!  Being that's the case, Abby has opted not to take chorus as her elective next year, which makes me a little sad.  Otherwise, I'm a stickler about finishing whatever you've started.  Giving up is just not in my vocabulary...especially when you have FAITH!

5.  What's a song you love that contains the name of a city, state, or country in its title?  The first song that comes to mind is "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynard Skynard. It's a song I grew up listening my older brother, Kevin, play on his guitar. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 47, so the song has grown near and dear to my heart over the years. Every time I hear it played, I think of him.  Take a listen...



6.  When did you first begin using a computer?  Oh, it was back in 1986 when I entered graduate school at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.  As part of the speech pathology program, I had to learn to type up clinical reports on an Apple II computer.  It was HUGE and took me forever to get the hang of it!

7.  Did you buy girl scout cookies this year?  What's your favorite?  No, I didn't, sadly enough. I think they're expensive for the amount you get. I do love Thin Mints, however, right out of the freezer!


8.  Insert your own random thought here.  Chris got a call back on Friday from that company he's been anxiously waiting to hear from. They requested his list of references, so we're taking that as a very good sign.  In fact, two of his former bosses who are on that list called him yesterday to tell him they'd been contacted by the company. Maybe, just maybe, we'll know something POSITIVE by the end of the week. Fingers crossed real tight!  We're taking Abby in this week to take her driver's permit test...knee knockin' times are ahead!


Monday, March 26, 2012

Party Time!

I don't know about you, but the weekend flew by much too fast! Thankfully, we had gorgeous weather to enjoy, so I really can't complain. I did wake up yesterday morning with a pounding headache and ended up missing church.  I'm pretty sure I can thank all of the pollen floating around...that stuff is everywhere!

Most of Friday and Saturday were centered on the festivities of a Quinceanera that was given in honor of one of Abby's best friends, Elina. A Quinceanera is s celebration of Latina womanhood that takes place when a girl turns 15.  It has very significant meaning and it highlights God, family, friends, music, food, and dance. On Friday night, Elina had Abby and a couple more of her close friends over to hang out for awhile. Then, on Saturday, Abby had one of their mutual best friends, Miranda, over to our house in the late afternoon because they had planned to go to the party together.

Here they are all dressed up...

   
The party went from 5 PM until 11 PM.  When Abby got home, I sat up with her for a little while to hear all the details.  Abby had created a Powerpoint presentation for Elina and her family to show during the party since no one in her family knew how to do it.  She scanned about 60 pictures and put them to the song "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman.  I wish I could have seen it as I don't think there was a dry eye in the room!  Abby said that Elina and her daddy had their first dance together, then she danced with each of her 3 brothers. Her mom read a poem that she'd written for her that talked about how Elina was a gift from God.  Abby said, "Mom, it was so sad and sweet."  So, sounds like it was a wonderful and memorable celebration that I'm sure Elina won't soon forget.

Abby's last words to me before we called it a night were, "You know, Mom, we should start planning my Sweet 16 party." Even though it's 7 months away, I'm sure she got all kinds of ideas from Elina's party. That girl of mine sure keeps me on my toes!  

Happy Monday, everyone!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Don't Scream...It's "Silent House"



Yesterday afternoon, Chris and I did something we very rarely do...we went to see a movie.  We were growing weary of just sitting around waiting for the phone to ring about one of the jobs he's interviewed for, so I suggested we get out of the house for awhile. I'd been hearing all the hoopla about the new release "Silent House", so off we went for a scary flick.  We about fell over when we bought our tickets...a whopping $8.50 each for the matinee! We won't be doing that, again, for a long time, I'm sure!

After Chris and I found our seats, I hunkered down and prepared myself for a fright fest.  The movie started off good as it's filmed in such a way that you feel someone is walking around with a hand-held camera to capture all the action. It centers around a young woman, Elizabeth Olsen, along with her father and uncle, who are renovating a house.  Now, keep in mind that the house has no electricity and no cell phone reception and is in an isolated location. Go figure. All the while, you're under the impression that an intruder(s) has broken into the house and terrorizes the young woman.  There are numerous moments where you're bracing yourself for what happens next.  It was very suspenseful!

Well, as the movie progressed and neared the end, the movie took a strange and unexpected turn.  Neither Chris nor I saw it coming.  It was the kind of ending that left you scratching your head and asking yourself, "What just happened?"  It was very dark and heavy, to say the least, and it left us both with a lot of unanswered questions. I'm the kind of person who likes to be able to make sense of how a movie ends and I felt I wasn't able to do that with "Silent House". 

So, if you're interested in some heart-pounding action, you'll probably like this movie.  However, I wouldn't be surprised if you walk away from it with a puzzled look on your face, too.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Wednesday Hodgepodge~Spring Edition




How about a little Hodgepodge to start your Wednesday off on the right note?  If you'd like to play along, just click here to link up and you're all set!

1.  The first day of spring is here...do you enjoy working in the yard?  Weeding, raking, mowing, planting-your favorite springtime garden chore?  How about your least favorite?  Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies! I love to go to Home Depot and load up on a variety of flowers and spend the day planting them. Now, raking is one chore I do not enjoy! We get so many leaves in our yard, especially in the fall. It seems that as soon as I get them raked, I turn around and they're BAAACK! 

2.  What puts a spring in your step?  When Chris announces to me that he's treating us out to dinner, you have no idea how quickly I can throw myself together and get in the car!  I'm talking lightning FAST!  Of course, when Brittany calls to tell me she's coming home for the weekend, I get so excited I can hardly contain myself! She'll be here for Easter, in fact! Woo Hoo!

3.  Describe a time when you had to spring into action.  Back when we lived in Madison, AL, the girls were small and Chris was out of town on business. It was late in the night when the tornado siren went off. Talk about an eerie sound! Thankfully, our next door neighbors had a storm shelter in their backyard, so I packed up the girls, threw on a pair of slippers, and we headed next door in the wind and pouring rain to go to the shelter with them . We stayed there for a good while until we got the 'all clear' signal. Pretty scary stuff.


4.  We're having carrots for dinner...would you prefer yours raw or cooked?  Raw with some ranch dressing for dipping, please.

5.  Do you take the shampoo and other sundries from your hotel room when it's time for you to check out?  Only if it smells really good!  I remember when we took our trip to Hawaii a few summers ago. Our hotel had the most luxurious shampoo and body lotion...they were scented with coconut! So, of course, I just couldn't resist grabbing some to take home as souvenirs! Every time I take a sniff, I'm transported back to that amazing tropical paradise.

6.  What was the most enjoyable team or club you've belonged to and what was it that made it so?  I'd have to say the cross country/track & field booster club I was part of when Brittany ran in high school.  We all became such close friends. We'd work together in the concession stands and participate in fundraisers throughout the year. I really miss being a part of it...good times, for sure!

7.  Is cloning a sign of progess?  Personally, I don't think so. I think we've gotten to a point where we mess too much with what should be left to God and Him only. For me, what it boils down to is that I believe life begins at the moment of conception. I feel there comes a time when science needs to step away and this is one area I feel that's the case.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  I uploaded a really neat free app on my iPhone that I just love!  It's called Map My Walk and you can track your walk or run and it will measure the distance and tell you your pace, as well as keep a record of it. How did I ever manage without it?  Also, are you loving the new season of Dancing With the Stars as much as I am? I would venture to say this will be one of the BEST seasons yet! I'm rootin' for Sherri Shephard...she's just a ball of JOY!


 Jaleel White is one of my top picks, too! Urkel sure can DANCE up a storm!


Oh course, don't dare let me forget to mention William Levy.  WOWZA!  He has the looks and the moves!


I'd probably give my right arm to throw on a pair of sparkly britches and dance the night away with the best of them!  Only if Derek Hough could be my partner, that is!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Family Time And Decisions

On Sunday afternoon, shortly after we got home from church, Chris, Abby, and I decided to go to one of the state parks near our home for a 7-mile hike. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for being outside! Well, it started out that way. After awhile, it got downright HOT and HUMID!  I'm not kidding...it felt like we were in the middle of summer!

The name of the park we went to is Fort Yargo State Park and we've only been there a couple of times. So, we were ready to explore! We parked the car, grabbed our map, and headed for the trails.  Here's some of what we saw along the way...

A purple wildflower peeking out from the underbrush.


A dogwood tree in full bloom.


We all had to walk across this big pipe in order to continue on our path.  My knees were wobbling!


A couple of turtles sunning themselves on a tree branch.


Check out this colorful lizard I spotted. Love those bright colors!


The lake was filled with paddle boaters.  Such fun!


Have you ever seen so many turtles on one branch? They must have been having a family reunion!


At one point during our hike, Chris yelled back to Abby and me to prepare for the all the ladybugs he just ran through. Little did we know that he was talking about a BAZILLION of them! It was like walking through a thick cloud; it was awful!  Abby and I started running and flailing our arms about in an attempt to keep them away from us, but it didn't help. They landed in our hair and covered our clothes!  I love ladybugs, but the fact that they were everywhere freaked us both out!  We ended up hiking around the entire lake and it took us about 2 hours and 15 mins. Needless to say, I had to get another shower as soon as we got home!

When we got back, I noticed this sneaky little squirrel stealing birdseed from our bird feeder.  Guilty, as charged!



Now, as most of you know, Chris was supposed to start his new position in SC today.  Well, he finally got the offer package on Saturday morning.  It wasn't quite what he thought it would be, which was a disappointment. Several things in it were never explained to him. Well, after much prayer and deliberation, he came to the conclusion that he needed to pass on the job.  He couldn't, in good conscience, take the job to satisfy our needs temporarily only to jump ship if a better offer somewhere else came along.  So, even though he's still unemployed, I know in my heart that he made the right decision. God put up numerous red flags for a reason. Thankfully, he still has 3 good opportunities that could pan out. God isn't through with us yet! 

I'm looking forward to visiting all of you soon!


Friday, March 16, 2012

What Is Going On???




I got up early this morning and, as I always do while I wait on Abby to get ready for school, I hopped on the computer. One of my first stops is Pinterest...surprise, surprise!  What in the world has happened to it?  My whole page has completely changed and I'm not liking it.  Has yours changed, as well?  Wonder why the folks at Pinterest decided to switch things up?  I was perfectly happy with how everything looked and operated. It's a lot like Facebook.  Just as soon as I get everything all figured out, they decide it's time for a change. Have they not ever heard the saying, "Leave well enough alone?" 

So, do tell...are you pleased with what's happened to Pinterest?  You can bet that I'm dying to know!

Hope y'all have a wonderful, sunny weekend!  The temps. here are supposed to continue to be in the lower 80's. I just might have to throw on a pair of shorts and forget about how white my legs really are!  Thanks for all of your kind and supportive comments on my post yesterday.  I will be sitting on pins and needles this morning as I wait to hear from Chris about how his interview went. Positive thoughts all the way!


Thursday, March 15, 2012

Changes Are Coming


Chris left just a few minutes ago to head to the airport...I miss him already.  He has a 3rd interview in the morning in Chicago.  He, also, has a phone interview at 10 AM today with another company. Both positions would not require us to relocate, so you know that I've been praying hard.

He's due to start the South Carolina position on Tuesday. We're both getting a little frustrated with the company because they were supposed to send Chris his offer package either on Monday or Tuesday and here it is Thursday and nothing has arrived yet. Also, he's supposed to attend a regional meeting in Charlotte, NC. on Tuesday and Wednesday and his boss told him on Monday that he'd e-mail him the itinerary for the week...still nothing.  Chris just wants to have all his ducks in a row and you'd think that with him being the new man on the block, they would make every effort to keep him informed.

Next week is definitely going to be very different. I've grown so used to having Chris home every day for the past 10 months.  Though he's traveled about 3 nights out of every week during our 22 year marriage, the sudden change is going to be difficult. I've enjoyed waking up with him in the morning, then reading the paper together. I've enjoyed lying in bed with him each night watching our favorite TV shows. It's just been nice to have him all to myself.  We've been through a tough and trying time that I wouldn't wish on anyone.  However, I think it's made us stronger as a couple. Many couples, unfortunately, can't say the same.

So, whatever God has in store for Chris and for our family, I know in my heart that we'll be OK. What matters most is that we have each other.

"What God gives in answer to our prayers will always be the thing we most urgently need, and it will always be sufficient."~Elisabeth Elliot  

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Wednesday Hodgepodge



Can't wait to get started on this week's Hodgepodge! As always, Joyce gave us questions that make us use our noggin. Boy, do I need help in that department! So, if you'd like to play along, just click here and you can link right up!  Easy peasy!

1.  St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated this coming Saturday...what's a favorite article of clothing you own that contains a touch o' the green?  Green is not one of my best colors. Just does nothing for me...makes me look so washed out.  So, the only thing I own that has green in it is a dress I bought a few years ago. I wore it one time and after seeing how awful it made me look in pictures, I said, "Never, again!" I really need to donate it...or BURN it!

2.  What's a favorite 'green space' in the town, state, or province where you live?  Well, the county we live in has some of the top parks in the state of Georgia. So, I'd have to say the park that is only 3 miles from our house is a favorite of mine .  It's where I go to walk/run and enjoy nature.  There are trails that meander all back in the woods and I love that. Here's a few pictures I took there last night...




Of course, last summer, a walker discovered a dead body hidden in some brush next to the pond there...right where I walk! Talk about scary!

3.  Do you wish you were taller, shorter, or think you're just about right in the height department?  This is a no-brainer! If I stand up real straight, I measure to be 4'11" on a good day!  I think I inherited my short stature from my dad. My mom was about 5'5" and my dad stood to be about 5'4". Like me, he was the 'runt' in his family, too.  There are times when I wish I was about 3-4 inches taller and had really long legs.  Of course, as my husband always says, "You can't get Great Danes from dachshunds!"


4.  What's the surest way for someone to pick a fight with you?  Well, if you're referring to my girls, it's when they get a little too "big for their britches". It definitely causes us to butt heads from time to time. It's like they know EVERYTHING and poor ol' mom is as dumb as an old boot! They must think I grew up in the dinosaur era!  If you're referring to my husband, what ruffles my feathers is when I feel like he's not really hearing me, then wants to kiss and make-up right away. I have to have plenty of time to wallow in my misery, you know!  I have tried so hard in our 22 years of marriage to just "get over it", but that's nearly impossible to do sometimes! I can honestly say that I don't have disagreements with anyone else...ever. Oh, wait...when someone breaks in line in front of me...I will say something! Had this happen when we were at Universal Studios a couple of years back. We were standing in line waiting to pass through the gates and some dude walked up beside us and motored right past us. I said, "Um, excuse me, sir, but we were here way before you."  He argued a little with me, but I stood my ground!  He, finally, apologized and went to the back of the line. SCORE!

5.  Broccoli-Spinach-String Beans-Peas...of the four, your favorite green veggie or the one you like the least?  I love fresh cooked string beans sprinkled with a little bit of garlic powder. I cannot choke down peas...definitely my least favorite veggie!  

6.  March is National Women's History Month...besides friends, neighbors, and the women you're related to, who's a woman in history you admire and why?  I think I'd have to say Helen Keller.  Ever since learning about her in school and all that she had to overcome, I've been amazed at her strength and fortitude.  Did you know that she was the first deaf and blind person to ever earn a Bachelor's degree? Very impressive, huh?


"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."~Helen Keller   

7.  Keep Calm and ___________on.  You fill in the blank.  


Ahh...to me, chocolate makes the world go 'round!

8.  Insert your own random thought here. Chris and I went out yesterday and looked at cars since he very likely will have to purchase one in the near future.  I can't stand having to deal with car salesmen and how they always act like your new 'best friend'.  I would much rather undergo a root canal!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

On The Mend




Well, it's been a long past few days.  Abby ended up missing Friday from school, too, which makes a total of 3 consecutive days. Poor thing had swollen tonsils and lymph glands and had absolutely no energy or appetite. When she got up on Saturday morning and still wasn't feeling any better, I decided to take her to see our family doctor. He ran a strep test and one for mono.  I held my breath the entire time as we waited on the results. Thankfully, both came back negative, but he decided to go ahead and treat her as though she had strep, just to be safe. He asked if we'd like for Abby to get a steroid shot to help perk her up and I asked the cost of it and explained our situation with Chris being out of work.  He looked at me and said, "For you, it's FREE!"  I wanted to hug that man right there on the spot! Unfortunately, though, Abby opted not to get the shot...she completely chickened out! 

After our doctor gave us the prescription for the antibiotic, Cephalexin, we walked to the checkout window to make sure we didn't owe additional money. I told the nurse that the doctor had run a strep test and a mono test and she went back to check with him.  She came right out and said there was no additional cost.  I was so blown away by his kindness and compassion.  He definitely earned BIG brownie points from me!

Now, soon after I got the prescription filled at Wal-Mart, I came home and gave Abby her first dose.  About 4 hours later, I gave her the second dose.  She went upstairs a little later to get a shower and she called down to me from upstairs. She had broken out in hives all over her chest!  I 'googled' the medication and, apparently, that's one of the signs of having an allergic reaction to it. So, I gave her some Benadryl to counter the effects and stopped the antibiotic altogether.  By Sunday morning, she was feeling much better and is now back to her old self.  She had the day off from school yesterday, so that gave her a little extra time to get fully recuperated and to get her homework caught up.  It was back to the grind bright and early at 5 AM this morning!

So, looks like my nursing job has come to an end.  Hopefully, Chris and I will stay well.  Taking care of a sick hubby...now, that's a real challenge! 

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Sickly...

A few days ago, Abby came home from school and fell fast asleep on the sofa, which isn't like her.  She complained about her throat hurting and her stomach feeling a little "off".

 

Well, she's been home for 2 days now and hasn't been feeling well, at all.  She's been running a fever and has been very lethargic. This morning when she got up, I took her temp. and she had a fever of 102.6...highest it's been yet. So, I've been giving her lots of fluids and Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours. I just can't stand it when my girls are sick. They may be 15 and 20, but I still think of them sometimes as being 3 years old. I don't like it when they're under-the-weather, but I sure do love taking care of them.

With all of this talk of sickness, I think Bella and Maddie have convinced themselves that they're sickly, too...      



What a pair, huh? Of course, Bella never passes on the opportunity to hop up on the sofa and snuggle with Abby. They're pretty tight, as you can see.


So, please say a prayer for my girl that she's on the mend soon...I would appreciate it so much! I will do my very best to pay y'all a visit sometime today, but my "nursing job" takes top priority. Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Wednesday Hodgepodge





It's another fun day of Wednesday Hodgepodge! Joyce sure has a way of keeping us on our toes with thought-provoking questions each week. How about you play along with us?  Just zip on over to Joyce's blog, link up, and you're good to go!

1.  Did March come in like a lion or was it something less ferocious in your neck of the woods? Well, during the very first few days of March, I would have said that it arrived like a LION! Temps. soared to the upper 70's and it was heavenly!  However, the past few days have been cold and windy. I woke up this morning to find the temp. was 32 degrees!  I want my nice, warm weather back...ASAP! I'm about to pitch a serious hissy fit!

2.  Speaking of lions, which one's your favorite film...The Cowardly Lion (Wizard of Oz), Mufasa (The Lion King), Elsa (Born Free), or Alex (Madagascar). You may notice I left Aslan off the list. Including him would have made this question way too easy for many of you.  Hand's down...The Cowardly Lion and the Wizard of Oz.   He was always my favorite character in the movie, but the flying monkeys scared me BIG TIME as a kid. I, especially, loved the part where he gets his hair styled and primped to meet the Wizard. Did you know that the lion suit was real lion skin and the mane was made from real human hair imported from Italy?  Pretty neat, huh?  Just look at his adorable face?



3.  What's your favorite spot from which to view the sunrise or sunset?  Sometimes, we get really lucky on our back deck because it overlooks a small non-recreational lake. You can often witness some of the most breathtaking shades of pink, purple, and orange.  Of course, I loved the sunsets I enjoyed the two times I visited Sedona, Arizona.  We took our family vacation there several years ago and we hiked to the top of one of the red rocks and watched the sun go down...prettiest sight I've ever seen!

Here's an image of a sunset in Sedona that I found on Yahoo... 


Of course, Hawaii is right up there with my top choices.  Never an evening went by that we didn't get to enjoy a spectacular sunset like this one.

This image is, also, from Yahoo...



4.  To what extent is knowledge power and to what extent is truth power?  What's the difference? OK...I don't even know where to go with this one.  Can I call a friend or use my lifeline, perhaps?

5.  What's something peculiar you've seen recently?  Well, Chris and I ran into Wal-Mart after lunch yesterday to grab some body lotion...my skin feels like leather!  We went to the garden area to check out and spotted a woman walking in with a tiny pink dress on that was cut up to THERE! I mean, her entire upper thigh was showing...and something else almost was, too! She was, also, wearing a pair of stilettos.  Keep in mind that it was C-O-L-D outside! As she walked closer, we  were quickly able to tell that she had to have been in her early 60's! I wanted to yell, "Put some clothes on, lady!", but I refrained. Very peculiar, to say the least.  Thank goodness she didn't go THIS far...





6.  Bottled water...your thoughts?  I'm not a big fan.  I often question if the water is, actually, "purified" as the packaging usually claims. Plus, I don't like the thought of all those bottles piling up in landfills. Instead, I use a Brita water bottle that has a built-in filter and that's all I ever drink water from.



7.  What's your strongest sense?  Hmm...I think it would be my sense of smell.  I have a very sensitive nose.  One thing I can't take is the smell of cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  Well, we're having the kind of stressful week I was hoping to avoid. Chris got a call yesterday from the company that would require us to move to South Carolina at our own expense. They issued him the "official" offer over the phone and they need an answer later today. He has 5 other opportunities brewing right now that he's very interested in. He wouldn't have to start the job in SC until Mar. 19th. So, he's going to accept the offer as he doesn't feel he can pass it up.  However, it will buy him a little more time to hear from these other opportunities. He's currently on his way to Nashville for a panel interview and has 2 more interviews tomorrow and another on Monday.  So, I'm praying that one of these other opportunites offers him a job before everything becomes final. I'm not going to lie...my nerves are a bit rattled today, but I have FAITH!