So I just got around to going to the 4th Pic folder 4th picture..... Sorry Dinah. So this picture was taken In Oct 08 in Columbus, Miss in front of the Mississippi State College for Women sign. I had traveled down with my friend Emily to visit our friend Jessica Stephens and her family who had moved back to Columbus in the summer. MSCW was one of the schools my mom had attended in her undergrad years.

Pride comes before the fall.

I know I know it has been a while..... so for a short mini update Chris moved to Lincoln, NE in August 08'. I did not. BUT..... at midnight on Dec 31st we got engaged and so I will be getting married on May 9th and then moving to Lincoln as well. I plan to do a this is 2008 blog with pics from the year and everything, but right now I am just going to provide a short story.

Over the last 5 months Chris and I have been traveling back and forth between Dyersburg and NE about every other week or so, and taking turns doing the traveling. I have gotten really good at getting airline tickets, knowing when to get the best deal and everything. The one thing I have strived for most is to get the A1 seat on southwest. Really the only way you are going to get it is to buy the business select ticket, which is a more expensive ticket, but sometimes it is only ten dollars more. You can check in 24 hours before the flight so get a good number for loading, so I have also become good at watching the clock and checking in. I once checked in at exactly 24 hours before and was given the A45 seat. So this is a skill you have to practice at. You see, I like to get my favorite seat on southwest..... the very back row next to the window because I want to be at the back of the plane if it crashes since you always see the tail sticking up in a plane crash..... so this is where i want to be. Also, there is a door close for a quick exit.

Well, when I purchased my ticket to come to Lincoln this weekend, the cheapest tickets were sold out and the business select ticket was at a reasonable price so I dished out the extra 6 dollars and then began my wait for the on-line check in time. Tuesday came and when I checked in......BAM A3 for the first flight then BAM BAM A1 for the second flight .....SCORE!!!!!!! I finally did it .... I got the coveted loading number .... group A person ONE... the first out of many!! So I fly out of Nashville and into Chicago Midway. I take my time, get some grub with a smirk on my face because I have the golden ticket ... I have A1.

When I get to the gate at boarding time I notice that there are a lot of people already in line to board, but wait, the group numbers are not even posted yet... "what is this, " I ask myself. I ask some of the people sitting, thinking maybe this is a previous flight that still hasn't left yet. Then I found out...... there was a flight before that had about 40 people on board who were through passengers, but for some reason they need to make a aircraft change and had the passengers get off in order to board another plane ...... my plane.... and these 40 were going to get to board first!! In 1 sec I went from A 1 to A 41. I was no longer first, but somewhere in the middle.

As I was standing there at the Marker 1-5 watching the 40 pass me by as they boarded before me I realized something, or more exactly, I opened my eyes to what God was saying to me at that moment. He used this tiny insignificant event in my life to show me that we may think we are numero Uno, and that it is all about numero uno, but in reality we are just one number in a billion numbers. We are just one in the middle of many. What we do with our position in life is up to us. I could have caused a scene and demanded I be boarded first, since I did have A1, I could have gotten all the other A 1-40 fired up and rushed the skyway, but I did not. not because I didn't want to, because part of me did, but for two reasons. Because I knew that I was not any more important, or my needs were not any more important than the "40 through passengers" and because if I did storm the plane I would not be here writing this now, but sitting in jail in Omaha.

MRIs, MRAs and Gabapentin

So back in April I started having some sensation issues with the right side of my face along with some muscle twitching. I went to the MD back then and they thought I maybe had shingles without the break out. I got put on Gabapentin (Neurontin) and the symptoms seemed to go away. I was scheduled for an MRI but chose to see if the meds worked first. They did, so fast forward to July and i change jobs and run out of the meds. The symptoms come back and worse. Still no breakout. I finally had the MRI a couple of weeks ago and it turned out basically normal except for some "popcorn calcifications" in the right frontal lobe . There were 2 to be exact. Well, stupid me got on the Internet and typed in MRI and Popcorn calcifications......not a smart thing to do. I freaked myself out because apparently popcorn calcifications are seen in MRIs of people who have either migraines or MS- Multiple Sclerosis.....and I don't have migraines. Yesterday I met with the Neurologist and he walked in a said "You do not have MS." And I didn't even ask him that. I wanted to scream out " PLEASE tell me I don't have MS" when I was walking down the hallway and saw him going into another room, but I refrained. So Yay!!! I do however, they think, have shingles. I am going to have an MRA on the 30th to look at my vascular stuff and a couple of canals. He thinks the original diagnosis was correct and in my case I am just not having the break out, which is great since I do not want blisters on my face. God is great!

Seattle: or should I say Queen Anne

So last week I went to visit my sister and brother in law in Seattle. I used my Honduras ticket since I did not go this year (I will post on that later). Mary and Mark have lived in Seattle for almost 3 years and I have not gone to see them, so I thought that this would be the best time since I had 2 weeks before I started my new job. I flew out last Wed (July 2)and Marked picked me up at the airport. Lets just say that Sea-Tac airport has not mastered the art of the luggage transport from the plane to the carousel. After waiting forever I got my one bag and headed out. Mark to me to see Alki beach. It remined me of Miami beach on a smaller note.We then headed to their apartment. They live in an area called Queen Anne Hill that over looks downtown Seattle. See Wikipedia.
On Thursday we walked around Queen Anne which is seriously straight up and down. It was soo beautiful though. The yards were in full bloom and the weather was just right. There is some amazing lavender growing. I have never seen lavender that tall and thick. I had to educate Mary on Lavender. After the walk we went to Mars Hill Grad school where they are go and to Pike Place Market. We went to the first Starbucks and saw the place where they throw the fish. That night we went to eat with Jeremy and Wells a couple that are friends of M & M's. We headed to a "Kroger" to gets supplies to make potato salad and I was introduced to a really really cool device. The parking garage for the supermarket is below so you have to take an escalator. Well there is a escalator for the buggeys. It reminded me of the a rollar coaster ride. The buggy goes in through some swing metal doors and is pulled forward by a track and is lowered down as you are going down yourself next to it in the people escalator. Its cool.
The 4th we ate breakfast at Pecos. I had eggs with salsa and black beans with corn tortillas .... awesome!! Then we went to a house party at a classmate's of Mark and Mary's and then watched the fireworks from the park above Mark and Mary's apartment. It was so beautiful. It was the first time since 2003 that I have been in the states for the 4th. There were fireworks going off all around the city.
The trip was short but I really enjoyed spending time with them and in Seattle. I already planning a return trip for longer.

WALL-E

I went to see WALL-E the other night. I was a very good movie. For most of the movie there is no talking, which sounds dull, but was not due to the personalities of the robots. I suggest spending the money to see it.

Sex and the City

I love the 'Sex and the City" TV series. Why you ask? Here is why.....I love SATC because it follows 4 friends who stick together and up for each other through it all. They all don't have the same views on life and relationships, but in the end they learn from each other. Plus, and this is a big one, you get to see NYC in the show. Ok, now onto why I started to blog about SATC. I went and dragged Chris with me to see the SATC movie a couple of weeks ago. It was good for a TV series gone big screen, but of course nothing equals the original. Here is what I gained from it. The soundtrack. For those of you who know me know that I love music and different kinds of music. I sometimes even come upon a track or two that I have to put on repeat and drive everyone crazy who is riding with me. So now I have a new one...actually a few. This soundtrack is great. It has stuff from Run DMC to Jennifer Hudson. It has old goodies like "Auld Lane Syne" with a twist. Jennifer Hudson performs a song called " Dressed up in Love." It is a very, totally rad, exceptional performance. It is on repeat on my IPOD. They even put the theme song on steroids and it is just a great piece. So, for those of you out there who do not care about seeing the show or movie at least check out the soundtrack. There are some good work out songs: Fergie's Labels and Love.
Peace out

NKOTB

don't know about ya'll but I am way excited!!!

Block Watch: New Kids on the Block to Reunite
From: MSN Homepage


Following two months of reunion rumors, the five original members of New Kids on the Block made it official Friday with an appearance on NBC's "Today" show.

The group's "Today" segment confirmed the group's plans for both a concert tour and new studio recordings in the climax to a succession of media leaks that began in late June with an item published by People. People's Web site also tipped fans to the "surprise" NKOTB "Today" segment on March 31. Speculation that the Boston-based quintet (comprising Donnie Wahlberg, Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Danny Wood and Joey McIntyre) had spread following the earliest leaks.

A major redesign for the group's official Web site added more pronounced weight to the prospect of a rekindled career.

"The fan response to this has been incredible," band member Donnie Wahlberg told the Boston Herald.

Wahlberg said he was convinced to get back together with his former bandmates -- Joey McIntyre, brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight and Danny Wood -- when they decided to record new music. Wahlberg said he wrote 80 percent of the new material with McIntyre and Jordan Knight.

"I had no interest going out on a nostalgia tour and singing the same material," said Wahlberg, 38.

But he added, "We absolutely will do the old songs for sure."

At the height of their popularity, New Kids sold out world tours, marketed millions of dollars in merchandise and spawned a Saturday morning cartoon.

The group disbanded in 1994. Wahlberg has acted on television and in movies, while Jordan Knight, McIntyre and Wood released solo albums. Jonathan Knight became a real estate developer.

MSN Music has obtained new video interviews with members of the group, as well as a teaser trailer featuring clips of broadcast reactions to the prospect of their return. Conspicuous are giddy reactions from female celebs, including Elisabeth Hasselbeck, acting less than their age at the thought of junior high heartthrobs returning to active duty. The timing for a reunion is propitious: This year marks the 20th anniversary for "Hangin' Tough," the group's sophomore album release that established the group's commercial clout through hit singles such as "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)," "You've Got It (The Right Stuff)" and the title track.

A reunion for the platinum act marks a new twist to a time-honored "boy band" tradition that has reappeared for each generation since the 1950s. With the New Kids, it was Gen Y that largely fueled the screams and swoons, reacting to a videogenic group assembled by impresario Maurice Starr in the wake of his crossover strategy for New Edition. NKOTB's success in expanding Starr's teen R&B equation into an even broader pop, hip-hop and R&B mix established a template that would be emulated a decade later by the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync and 98°.

Three cups of tea

I am back from Guatamala. I spent four days down there with my company doing PT stuff. I went with another PT from STAR and a Orthpedic surgeon from Nashville. We saw a lot of patients, I watched a lot of surgeries in a very little, extremly hot room, and got to go to Antigua for dinner. I saw volcanos as well. Made a lot of new friends.

The Thursday before I was to leave on Sunday I came down with a stomach virus and so I did not feel well most of the trip, but in the end it was good and I would be glad to go back. As soon as I get pictures I will post them.

Also, while I was there I was reading a book called, "Three Cups of Tea." It is about a guy that got lost while climbing down from K2 in Pakistan and the people he met that changed his life forever. He has spend the years leading up to and post 9/11 in Pakinstan working to educate the children, boys and girls. I am telling you, this book is amazing. It ranks up there with "Redeeming Love," and everyone would be better off having read it. It will give you an insight about the Pakistani people and their lifestyle, as well as their commitment to the religion of Islam. Take the time to read it!

Also, having read this book I am now on a binge of biographical books about central Asia. I am now reading, "Soliders of God." I'll let you know about it after I am done reading it, Inshallah.

Peace Out!

Guatamala

So I have been in Guatamala since Sunday night.

Coach Counce...Past and Future

For those of you who attended Dyersburg High School from 1995 on you know who James Counce is. He took our football program from nothing to somthing in 3 years. I got to know Coach Counce first through our women's weight lifting class my senior year. Last years 06-07 football season I helped cover the Dyesburg games for the company I work for, and I got to see first hand how Coach Counce interracts with his players and with his assistant coaches.
At the end of the 06' season, Coach Counce retired from coaching to spend time with his wife who has had been battling with illness for a while. Sadly, she passed away soon after his retirement.
Coach Counce and his son James Jr. then went on to be assistant coaches for Montgomery Bell Academy outside of Nashville, while Dyersburg had already hired the Obion County head coach. Well, two Fridays ago DHS's coach annonced he would be leaving, but then on the following Monday..........we found out that Coach Counce and James Jr are coming Back!!!!!!!!!!
I cannot wait for the 08-09 Football season to start....and things getting back to the way they should be. Go Trojans!!

Christmas

Christmas......how I love thee....Let me count the ways

5. Presents of course.Taking time picking out presents for our loved ones, and then watching the looks on their faces when they open them.
4. Christmas food...candy...sweets....ham.
3. House decorations: who doesn't love seeing the trees filled with lights, wreaths hanging in windows and the glow of the christmas tree shining through the windows onto the freshly fallen snow...oh wait this is west tn...forget the snow.
2. Christmas songs: I love them all!! Christmas movies! Christmas smells!
1. The reason for the season.....remembering that Christmas represents the birth of our Savior!
I love hearing the story of the birth read from the Bible on Christmas eve...nothing better.

A new stamp for my passport

I got the call yesterday that I will be heading to Guatemala in January. I will be going with other STAR employees. Not sure on the details, actually I have no idea about anything yet. I just know I am going. I am really excited!!! Let ya know more when I do...
Peace out from Dyersburg.

Second verse same as the first

Well so on Friday I had a patient come in on for an evaluation and lo and behold I thinks they have a DVT. After a few moments of, "should I send her to the ER or not" i decide ER it is. I was worried about the whole situation b/c I did not want her to go through the whole ER process with hospital bill included and not have a DVT because she had only like 2 out 4 DVT signs. Hers were swelling and warm, but not pain with Dorsiflexion and a squeeze (she did c/o calf pain) and no redness or glossy appearance. BUT I had a feeling..........well good thing I listened to my feeling.......she did have one. ALSO, here is a scary fact.....she saw her Ortho MD on that Monday and told him she was having calf pain, but he told her it was a normal response after surgery. Two for two, baby!!!

Honduras Journal

Hear ye Hear ye Hear ye.........Honduras 2007 journal is now being updated. Day 2 has been poste, BUT except for the first pic there is a good chance that there will not be anymore photos due to my computer hating me.

The Great Pumpkin

We are entering my favorite time of the year....Fall!!! It is a time of brisk air nipping at your nose, the changing of the leaves, long sleeve t-shirts and boots, sweaters, visits to Flippins, sitting around fire pits, hay rides, and PUMPKINS!!! I love pumpkins!! The church unloaded the pumpkin truck on Saturday to begin the pumpkin patch of 2007. One of my favorite things about the PP is working the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins also are a precursor to Halloween. I love Halloween. I am already thinking about what I am going to be, and what design I am going to carve in to my pumpkin. I wonder if I will see the Great Pumpkin this year.

Dyer County Fair

I know that I have not been a very good blogger of lateI and I wish I had a good excuse but these willhave to do. My schedule at work has changed so I am working till 6pm most days and that with the drive leaves little time for eating, exercising, washing the Goodyear funk smell off, saying hello to chris and sleeping......Also, my laptop is rebelling against me. It does not like discs right now and I have a bunch if pics I want to upload for ya'll that are a must for the stories I have to tell. SO, I will list the upcoming adventures to be told.

-Van Buren, Mo: floating the current river, Big springs, and this waterfall I cannot remember the name to....oh, and the scary woods drive.

- Knob creek

- Great River Road Bike dragrace/BBQ cookoff

-Honduras 2007 (to be completed somtime before Honduras 2008)


BUT FIRST:
This is the first day of the DYER COUNTY FAIR!!!!!!
Check Out: http://www.dyercofair.com/ or www.stategazette.com for pics

I LOVE THE FAIR!!!!!!

Cara's wedding

So here are so somewhat delayed pics from Cara's wedding. These are borrowed b/c I still have not gone to get mine developed. No Dyersburg is not in the techno past I just am. This is me posing.

Dislocations

For those of you who were with me in Honduras you know that I semi-dislocated my SC joint (the joint where the collar bone meet the breastbone) or Sternoclavicular Joint.

The good news is I have pain meds...the bad news is that it cannot be relocated, which means I have to grin and bare it. Over the last week it has not been that bad actually. I have had some pain free days. WELL, Sunday morning I rolled over onto my right side to reach for the alarm clock and BAM it popped again. AND just a minute ago I was leaning on the island at work and had a momentary loss of thought and leaned onto my right arm and BAM...did it again. So pretty much have lost the progress over the last couple of weeks and am starting again. Here is a pic. The light is shining on the deformity. The puffy area should not be there.

I'm Back

Well I am back from abroad. I had a really great time in Honduras and El Salvador this year. I will start my journal for this year soon and will post the link on this blog, on the right side.

I few into nashville last night about 11:20 and got home about 3 am. I didn't have to be at work today until 1 pm so I got to sleep in a little.

Honduras 2007

Well it is that time of year again when I make my way down south...way down to central America...to the country of Honduras.

So I will be out of pocket for about 12 days, but you can email me...here is how

On the right side of this blog there is a section labeled "Blogs I read"
One is titled Terry Reeves-Torch Missions
Click on it and it will pull up the Torch Blog.
On the blog there will be a link: Email us
Click on it and you can email me, BUT remember this....whatever you email will be seen by others than just me. The "Web Master" will print out the emails and then hand them to us.
Sometimes the Internet connection is shotty (hello Honduras) so.....

The Torch Blog will have updates and pictures about what we have done and such.
See ya when I get back.