Moving Day . . .

Well, my time in Birmingham has come to an end. It's truly a BEAUTIFUL area of the country, and I highly recommend that you visit the city sometime. The mountains (or hills - whatever they are), the trees, and the plants are gorgeous! And, the people are some of the nicest people you'll meet. I made some great friends while there. Although I griped about the specifics of my job while there, looking back I can see why God put me where He did. Once again, He knows better than I do! (shocking, I know) :)

So, in this small break between assignments, I decided to take a mini-vacation/road trip through the Southeast US as I slowly made my way up to DC. This evening, I arrived in Savannah, GA. I'm very excited to tour the city some tomorrow and hopefully at least get a picture of Paula Deen's restaurant, if not eat there.

License Plate Tally:

A long time ago, when deciding where to go on family vacation, my mom contacted the Illinois visitor center to get information on taking a vacation there. Unbelievably, the person working at the tourism bureau was not just shocked in her tone that someone was requesting information on visiting Illinois, but she actually asked my mom if we really wanted to go to Illinois for a vacation!! With that "recommendation" of the state, we decided to go back to Colorado that year on vacation - ALWAYS a good idea! :) The best part of that vacation was that when we arrived in CO, the majority of the out of state license plates we saw were from . . .
ILLINOIS!!!! They didn't even want to be in their state that summer! It was hilarious. So, it's been a running joke and makes us laugh every time we see Illinois plates.

Well, I got a good laugh as I drove today! In my 6 hour drive, I saw NINE Illinois plates!! The second most from a non-bordering state - the first being North Carolina (which is closer than Illinois). I called my parents, and we shared a good laugh. :) As I travel over the next few days, I'll be keeping a running tally of Illinois plates that I see on this site. (I know, the suspense is overwhelming. Just take a deep breath!)

Have a terrific week, and hopefully I'll have some good pictures for you later.

I love fish!

As far back as I can remember, I've loved watching fish. It's so very calming. I've even had some, starting with Melody Sr. & Lelopy Sr. (yeah, I made up that last name). I think I got them for my birthday before 3rd grade. I don't remember them lasting that long after I gave them some nice warm water to relax in after cleaning their bowl - that eternal relaxation! :) Hence, Melody Jr. & Lelopy Jr. came home soon after. These lasted a little longer having learned that fish prefer cool/cold water to warm. My next fish adventure wasn't until high school when I got Beauford, The Goldfish. He became part of the Poe family sometime after we moved to Livingston - I think between my junior & senior years. He was by far the longest living, non-mammal Poe family member! He went to A&M with me and lived until the spring of my (first) senior year. By then, he'd outgrown two fish bowls (a one gallon & a 3 gallon) and lived in a 10 gallon tank! He was a legend and even made it on my 1st roommate's homepage. :) After loosing such a close friend, I took a hiatus from fish ownership until nursing school. One of my 2nd Row Ladies study buddies from nursing school bought a Beta fish, and he was so pretty, my roommate & I decided our apartment needed one, too. So, off to Wal-Mart one night (probably after 10 or 11 PM so we could see all the strange people that appeared in the night time Galveston Wal-Mart . . . a story for another time!) we went in search of a beta fish. We found one, and named him Bruno. Unfortunately, Bruno didn't last very long, so we then brought home Herbie. Betas are some of the prettiest fish with their deep colors! But none can compare to Beauford, The Goldfish!

All that background was to explain why I would drive 2 1/2 hours just to go to an aquarium. :) I was off today, so I decided to head to Atlanta, GA, home of the "world's largest aquarium"!! It was probably the best one I've ever been to. (& I've been to lots) It was a little pricey, but well worth it if you like to watch fish. (If you don't, why go to an aquarium?) I'd definitely put it on my "MUST SEE" list of things to do if you're near Atlanta and have a few hours to kill - like when you're waiting for a ballgame to start. :) The first picture is of a Beluga Whale. They look like giant, white dolphins. I probably stayed at this exhibit most out of all of them. These massive mammals were so graceful and beautiful to watch!

This next picture is of a Hammerhead shark swimming above me as I walked through the tunnel.

And last but not least, some pretty, colorful fish.

I hope you enjoy the pictures! Thanks for reading my ramblings. :) Have a wonderful week!!

Softly Call the Muster . . .

Every year on April 21st, Aggies around the world gather wherever they are to remember and celebrate the lives of our Aggie Family Members who have lost their lives over the past year. It's a beautiful and touching ceremony. It always reminds me to live each day to the fullest and to let those I love know what they mean to me. I am so blessed by the people God has chosen to put in my life! What a privilege to get to be part of the incredible Aggie Family with its traditions. Have a wonderful weekend!

Virginia Tech

My heart goes out to the students and faculty of Virginia Tech! Having lived through a campus tragedy while at A&M (although no where near this magnitude), I know it changes the campus forever. I truly believe the ONLY way to survive such tragedy is to go running to the arms of the Great Comforter - Jesus! He knows sorrow, and He is the inventor of healing and forgiveness.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles, . . .

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

HOPE

Because He lives,

I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives,

All fear is gone.

Because I know

He holds the future,

And life is worth the living

Just because He lives!

-Bill & Gloria Gaither

Isn't that reason enough to have hope no matter what you may be facing? How great that we serve a living God who is in complete control of everything. I hope you had a wonderful Easter Sunday, and that you continue to celebrate this hope that we have in Christ all year long!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Well, it's that time again - for me to decide where I'm going next. I have a little less than a month left here in Birmingham, and I've decided not to extend. (I know - not a shock to anyone.) :) This hasn't been the most fun assignment (as far as work goes), but I know God has put me here for a reason. I've met some wonderful people. It's been a great time of relaxation and rejuvenation! My future options for work (as it stands tonight) are Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, MD), Children's (Washington, DC - where I went before), and Duke (North Carolina). Each location has its pros & cons. Please pray for me as I seek out where God wants me to go next!!