I caved

My teens and friends' husbands have been teasing me about my purse. They say its really a bag and HUGE. Its partially true as there are times when I am digging in it and I can't locate my wallet and there's only like 5 things in it. So, I caved last week and bought TWO Vera Bradley purses! I know. But, they are so darn cute! And enjoyable. I have NEVER in my life paid so much for a purse. Yet, I am a female and beginning to do more girly things - make-up, perfume, pedicures. Its weird though b/c I still am a rough and tumble tomboy. I like to play in dirt and get messy. I could care less about what I'm wearing and it still only takes me 20 minutes or less to get ready, including my shower.

So, here are the cutie petuties from Vera Bradley

Mini-Hipster in Carnaby

Hipster in Purple Punch

I didn't want to pay shipping and I admit I wanted instant gratification. So, I located a store that sells Vera Bradley and went there. It also happens to be my co-workers favorite store. They purchase all our birthday gifts from Love Street in Smyrna, GA.

Summit is Having a Vocation Discernment Day

Ordination 2009

I had to post this 'commercial' from Grassroots Films:

Seignadou Soap

Added a new widget to the blog - Seignadou Soap!

I am unabashedly going to plug Seignadou Soap now. I recently went into my supply of the nuns' lip balm and I am almost out. It lasts a long time, those little tubes. :) I also seem to open about 3-4 and stash them all over, so I am never left wanting. I also seem to be giving way a lot more because people are seeing how much BETTER and cheaper ($2 each) it is than Burt's Bees.

And, if you are still a little skeptical, here are a few links to other people's takes on the Summit nuns' product line:

Te Deum Lauadamus blog

Fr Z of WDTPRS blog

The Anchoress

Also, the sisters are in the final stages of renovating their kitchen and refectory, but they still need about $24K. Take a look around their Future Full of Hope Fundraising Campaign site (complete with tons of photos) and also add their blog to your RSS feed for updates and views into their lives. They truly are an awesome group of women giving totally whole-heartedly their lives to Christ. And, they live in complete JOY!

Thank You.

Time Out over

Ok, so I had to cut off my blog and change some facts in profile for there was some mischieveous activity occurring. But, that is now done and past and we can move on.

Carnival Holiday

So, the cruise was great. So much that I want to go again. on a bigger boat. I didn't get many pictures of myself but some great pictures of the scenery.

We made REALLY good time on the way to Alabama. Ended up being there right around noon, their time. Just before we got to Canal Street we had to go over a 5 mile bridge (or so it seemed) . I am so happy AR and I switched. I hate driving over bridges!

This is a view of the ship from the bridge we crossed over.
This is ME! Uber excited for the cruise!
First shot of the cabin we stayed in. Riviera deck. R126. On the end above the engine area, we think. It lulled us to sleep at night. The cabin was suitable. You don't spend much time in your room. Only to sleep and take showers.
Elegant night. Tuesday. There's a captain's reception, complete with free drinks for an hour. Then dinner. Our dinner mates were very nice and from around the area - Mississippi, Indiana, Alabama, and Georgia. Good dinner conversation. Plus, intense rocking on Wed-Friday. Glad I had that sea sickness medicine.
Cozumel beach. The water is so very clear. And, the sand, its like walking on pebbles.
At dinner every night, you can order whatever you want. From my Lenten observance this year where I gave up meat, I've enjoyed veggies and fruit more and more so. So, every night, I would order the fruit appetizer. The first night was 3 melon balls, 2 raspberries, slices of celery and cantaloupe crackers. So tiny. I learned my lesson and from then on ordered 2 fruit appetizers instead. You really can order more than one entree, and so I did.
Every night our steward would come in, turn down our beds, and leave us a towel animal. Wednesday night was a FROG! So cute!

That's really all I've got on pictures.

Calica basically was a port. Your excursion took either to Cancun or Tulum. We went on shopping tours both days. In Cancun, I was pretty worn out from the first two days. I had gotten burnt on Tuesday, and so not in a good shopping mood. I did make some great buys. But, everyone is right - the shopping and prices is MUCH better in Cozumel. To do it all over again - shopping in Cozumel and sight-seeing in Cancun with an ATV.

I have one more week off. I believe I am going to just lay around and be lazy. Wahoo! And, of course wait for my skin to peel off, which it has already started to do, and I look like I have brown dandruff. I will wear sunscreen next time I am on a boat in the middle of the ocean.

vacation

I haven't kept a journal for about a year. That feels incredibly weird. But at the same time, right. I journaled my thought for about 10 years; I have over 15 journals. There were gaps in time, but no longer than 3 months apart. Now, its been about 14 months.

I thought with this blog, I would journal at least in a similar way. But, now I am much more searchable by Google.

So, it seems.

I am trusting completely in God's will. What else could I do anywhoo? He is the Alpha and Omega.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I have a meeting 2mrw at 4:30 pm. If you happen to read this, please pray for me. I will let you know of the outcome. Whatever it is, I trust in God's merciful love. I cover myself in His LOVE. Absorbing all humility. At times I am feeling as a lamb led to the slaughter. But, I am His lamb.

Getting the last things done before the peer minister retreat. And, attempting to get stuff that'll have to get done the week back. Trying to get those items done early.

Am so ready for my 3 week vacation. I need a break before I pass out from exhaustion. I intend to recoup and get energized so that I can come back strong and ready to duke it out with poo-head for the sake of my teens' salvation. I love this program and teens so much. Stand for something or you'll fall for anything.

Tru dat!