Engaged

I got engaged on October 11, 2008, to a wonderful man I'd been dating since April 29, 2007. He's truly a blessing and a gift from God. We didn't set the date or even the approximate date right away. He didn't want to propose empty-handed so he gave me a CZ ring (white gold) until we could pick out the real thing together. I was overwhelmed with the options for rings in the jewelry store & its catalog and did some browsing online. My daughter and I took a picture to the jewelry store on January 2, and he had what I wanted in stock! Tim secretly asked for time off in October when the 2009 vacation calendar was posted at his job. We've set the date for October 17th! It's our favorite month, and we've taken romantic trips at that time for the past 2 years. Now to figure out what type of wedding (how much of one) we want and how much to celebrate and with how many people. We started out wanting to go to Bermuda, but it's really expensive. A retired friend mentioned his timeshare to me back in July, and his offer is still open. Therefore, we're probably going to Cancun! The Sun Palace Resort is all-inclusive and beautiful! Lots to plan.

Baby Alex

Baby Alex is in Brenner's Children's Hospital here in Winston-Salem. He is my cousin's grandchild. I am praying for him and all those that love him. The details are here: http://www.wxii12.com/news/17159711/detail.html. As I pray, these words keep going through my mind:

• 19 days old
• fractured skull
• 8 broken ribs
• injury to liver
• bleeding in the brain
• bleeding at circumcision site
• father's mental health history (stoic = mentally ill)
• mother's mental health (?)
• criminal records
• felony child abuse

White men can't dance

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/3-girls-1-schmuck.html

Redefining Middle Class

I heard recently that "Middle Class" is being redefined as a result of the current economy. That makes sense because we can all afford less and will be required to lower our standard of living accordingly. Would someone please make that clear to today's kids? My son's 12th birthday is coming up, and he's asking for the moon! He needs to lower his expectations to match my disposable income. My daughter will turn 16 in October, and she tells me she's in no hurry to drive since she won't be getting a car. It seems that's the norm for kids now. You turn 16, and you automatically get a car. She wants to get a job this summer, and she'll be learning about income vs. expenses. I plan to charge her for one gallon of gas each time I take her to work. After all, there are no free rides in life.

Economic Stimulus Rebate

My economic stimulus rebate showed up in my bank account last week. I usually hold on to my income tax refund, but I'm spending this. I'm kinda investing it in my children. I'm spending the whole thing on a beach house for a week. They will be there the whole week, but I'm only there for the first 4 days. Their dad is coming down mid-week and will stay the remaining three days with them. It's been 8 years since they've had a vacation with their dad (before the divorce). They are SO excited, and he is too. My parents, and probably my friends too, think I'm nuts, but I really feel great about it. After all, I'm not giving up anything since we never stay more than 4 days at the beach, and it's not money I was actually expecting. Plus, my daughter is almost 16, and she won't even be interested in a vacation with her parents soon. Besides, losing my sisters so young has changed my perspective on "waiting" to do things. Maybe we should all take half of our economic stimulus checks and do something nice for someone else. Somebody that would not expect it from us...like an ex.

North Carolina BBQ Society

Eat More Pig

http://www.ncbbqsociety.com/

C. G. Hill Memorial Park

Wow, what a beautiful little park! Fishing, paved loop around the lake, restrooms, picnic tables with grills, gazebo, & shaded benches around the water. This park is perfect for kids with bikes, skates, or scooters as they can circle the lake. It's also great for handicapped folks because there's very little slope to the bank or paved loop. We saw brim, catfish, turtles, geese, and ducks today. We're going back soon to fish and maybe grill out. http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/PARKS/cghill.aspx