Rhetorical Question

Why is it that I enjoy/don't mind cleaning other people's houses, but when it comes to my own I see how long I can put it off? Grr...

(My trunk is still not unpacked.)

Scrabble Sundays

Being back in the States I have fallen back into some old routines. This is both good and bad. One thing that has picked back up is Starbucks and Scrabble. These nights have been revamped and should be better than ever!
On Sunday nights after church Tiffany, Cole, and I head to Starbucks in Green Hills for a little Scrabble action. The three of us will be constant, but our fourth player will be whoever grabs that night.
Tonight was the first Scrabble Sunday. Our fourth player/team (Casey and Taylor) slaughtered us. While I expected to be beat, I thought it would be Cole, master of points. I am honestly not a very good player. However, it is the perfect opportunity to do something I enjoy, drink something great and spend time with two of the people I admire most. Yea for Scrabble Sundays!

A new look for a new stage of my life...

Deeply Rooted.

A Little Outlet

Since being back I have gotten to visit some shut-ins and a couple of nursing home/assisted living places. I already have one new pen-pal. (I am not good at making time committed visits, but postcards and letters I can do.) In the past, I did not enjoy being around "older" people because I felt so uncomfortable. However, they love to listen and they love hearing about China! It is nice to be able to talk about it.

I have also loved becoming a listener. Last night I visited with Erelene. She has been to all 50 states which was a big accomplishment from coming from a diary farming family in Milton, Tennessee. She was also a teacher and once ran away to New York. A couple of days ago I met Mr. Issac. He was a prankster back in the day. (I think he still might be!) Anyways, he ran around BGA screaming the war was over with some friends. Not only did BGA cancel school, but the city of Franklin organized a little parade. He got into some trouble for that one.

I have enjoyed my time with the older generation. Hope they have enjoyed it too!

Life Events

While in China, one of the things I missed was weddings. I missed several friends and even my sister's! Tonight I went to Rupa's to watch her wedding on video. It was beautiful! Not the same as being there though. For awhile I felt sorry for myself... poor me I missed out on my friends'/family's great events. Then it hit me... they missed out on all the great things that have happened in my life these past two years. I mean, everybody wishes they could have been at my incredible circus party!!!

While it is incredibly tempting to blog about how much I hate this transition stage, tonight I am going to just say...

I am thankful I get to be a part of my friends' and family's future events. In a couple of weeks, Ashley and Tyler will marry. In September, Emily and Sean will have Jakson. This past weekend I went to Arkansas with Lauren, Susan and Nelda to find Lauren's wedding dress. It was a quick girls getaway. It is so nice to be able to share in everyone's happiness.

First Week

My first week has been super busy... wouldn't expect anything less.

Sunday and Monday, I was so jet- lagged I did not do anything but sleep and become addicted to Jon and Kate Plus 8.

Tuesday, I went with Dad on a road trip to Bristol, VA. It was nice to catch up. I got to see my aunt and grandmother too.

Wednesday, caught up with some of my good friends. I got to have lunch with grandparents and family.

Thursday, I enrolled at Lipscomb for grad classes, looked at cars, typed resume, got a job and practically moved in overnight with my friends Janet and Tiffany.

Today I start work.

Busy week... Things are going well. I do have my moments where everything seems so overwhelming I cannot help but cry. I miss China. I miss the Yichang 5. I miss a lot. A lot though to look forward to here too.

Leaving

I am fixing to get in a van heading to the Wuhan airport... Will be in Nashville on Saturday morning.

What a 2 years...