Five Rules to Remember in Life

One of my co-workers sent this to me today.  It was so funny I had to share!

Five Rules to Remember in Life:

1.) Money cannot buy happiness but it’s more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle.
2.) Forgive your enemy but remember the bastard’s name.
3.) Help someone when they are in trouble and they will remember you, when they're in trouble again!
4.) Many people are alive only because it’s illegal to shoot them.
5.) Alcohol does not solve any problems, but then neither does milk. :)

Jessica's Big Day

My Sissy has been married for two whole weeks!  I can't believe it.  It was such a pretty day, and the ceremony and reception turned out very well.  I am so happy for Jessica & Justin.  Fortunately, my mom took a few pictures with my camera because the "official" wedding photos are not in yet.

Movie Star Kiss!  Just like Carrie & Berger.

Me & Jessica at the reception.

Because I was the Maid of Honor, and because Jessica means so much to me, I wanted to say a few words to honor her on her special day.  This is what I tried to say - although it came out more as a blubbery mess:

Good evening. I'm Joy, Jessica's maid of honor and her eldest cousin. We spent a lot of time together growing up; so much so that we're more like sisters. Like sisters will do, we had our fair share of squabbles in our younger years; often to the dismay of our parents and grandparents. I remember one time, Papa was telling me how I needed to be patient and try harder to get along because we would always have each other and one day we would be best friends. At the time, I remember thinking that I didn't even really like her that much and there was no way we would ever be friends. (haha) But he was right, and here we are several years later and she is one of my best friends.

So I am very honored to be a part of her and Justin's special day. As some of you may know, Jessica is a teeny bit obsessed with Disney movies, so it is only fitting that she has found her Prince Charming. Justin is so loving and kind and thoughtful to Jessica, and it is wonderful that they have found each other. I know we are all very glad that Justin has joined our family. My wish for them is that the happiness that they are experiencing today is just a glimpse of all the good times they have ahead of them.

It was a beautiful today for a special couple.  I love them so much!

The Big TO DO List

If you know me, you know I love lists.  I have lists at work, lists at home.  Lists saved to my computer, my phone and then sometimes I write them down too for good measure.  My lists often have sub lists.  Yep, it's a sickness.  I also wonder if it is a procrastination tool.

These are a few things I would like to accomplish on the home improvement front, and some things that I have already accomplished (just because it makes me feel good to have a list with a few items crossed off):

Replace Dishwasher (2004/2005?)
Replace Roof (May 2007)
Clean Awnings (June 2011)
Replace Windows (August 2011)
Fix Shower Drain (August 2011)
Replace Front Door (November 2011)
Replace Furnace / Install Heat Pump (February 2012)
Replace Gas Water Heater w/Electric one
Replace Shower / Tub in Main Bathroom
Install Shower in Half Bath (Would that make it a 3/4 Bath?)
Install Ceramic Tile in the Kitchen
Clean Out / Organize All Closets
Replace Toilet in Pink Bathroom
Improve Flower Beds on Side & Front of House

So there we have it.  I'm sure I'll be adding more to it, but hopefully I'll be marking a lot off as well.  Wish me luck!

Makeover My Soul

Just as Cher Horowitz decided she needed to makeover her soul, I have decided I need to makeover my... house.  Which I think will have positive effect on my general wellbeing.  I've been in my house for quite sometime, and there are several improvements I have been needing/wanting to make but haven't quite gotten around to.  What can I say, when it comes to procrastination, I got skillz.  Anyway, lately I have following this awesome blog - http://www.younghouselove.com/.  It has really inspired me to tackle some projects around the house.  Unfortunately I was still lacking in motivation.

Yesterday, I placed an order for some new windows.  My current windows are probably original to the house, which was built some 50-60 years ago.  They are the crank-out kind, if that tells you anything.  The new windows promise to be energy efficient (= saving money on the utility bills) and sound-blocking (= no more listening to my neighbor's phone conversations or what she is playing on her car stereo).  I am so excited!  They should be here in about 4-6 weeks, which provides me with a deadline, which is darn close to motivation.

Obviously, I can't complete all the projects in that short period of time (more on the project ideas later).  First of all, I don't have the funds.  Second, I still have a full time job and don't have the manpower.  So my general plan is to get more organized and get rid of stuff that I don't need/want/use anymore.  Having a more organized and less cluttered house will make it easier for the window installers do their job.  

Today's task, however, was an exterior one.  To say I'm not a big fan of outside work is an understatement.  Especially outside work in the middle of summer.  But, there was something that had been nagging me for some time and I wanted to get it accomplished before the windows got here.  The awnings over my windows, which are supposed to be white, have gotten quite grungy over the years.  When we replaced the roof in 2007, we had to take the awnings off so my mom & I took the opportunity to powerwash and repaint the awnings (well, mostly mom). 

So here's the before:

The front:

And the side:

I had a very good supervisor.  Ok, so maybe he's not much of a supervisor, but he's the cutest dang cat I've ever seen.

I used a car washing brush so as not to damage the paint, and a combination of scrubbing bubbles and dish soap.  After what really only added up to a couple hours (maybe 2 1/2) of work, I had this!

I'm not trying to pass it off as perfect, but I think it definitely qualifies for 95% improvement.  I am absolutely thrilled with my work.  I also took the time to weed eat the yard a little.  It has been so dry lately that my grass is not growing but miraculously (sarcasm) the weeds still are.  I feel great about the progress I made today and hope I can stay on that track!

The end is in sight!

Last night Blue Team finished around midnight, then we drove about an hour to our campground. By the time we got our RV situated, and I got a shower, I was crawling in bed around 2 am. We extended the slideouts on the RV and we got about 5 1/2 hours sleep so I was feeling quite spoiled when I woke up this morning!
At breakfast, Ms. Susan was telling us they had packed today's lunch and tomorrow's breakfast for us, because the next time we see them will be at the Battleship! I cannot believe we are a little over 24 hours away from the end! It made me a little sad.
Those crazy Red Teamers decided to throw an impromptu wedding reception on the side of the road this morning. Katie & Derek are getting married in July, so Katie had on an all white running outfit with veil and bouquet and Derek had a bowtie. We all shook our booties before we started running again. Only bad thing - there was no cake! :(
I've already run once since Blue Team took over, and I'll be driving the chase van on the next segment. I'm planning to run a couple more legs before we quit for the day.
I'm just amazed how this has exceeded my expectations and cannot imagine not being involved again next year!

Day 2!

Blue Team ran last night from 8:30 pm until 5 this morning. Most of it was a long Highway 78 in Mississippi, then we turned on County Road 15. I think. Heck it was at an hour that I only see if I happen to get up in the middle of the night to potty. I could be wrong. First of all, there is a crazy amount of traffic even at that hour! Thanks to our wonderful chase van driver and the driver if the deputy car for keeping us safe! Last night we were also joined by the New Albany PD and the Union County SO who were kind enough to follow us for several miles and keep an eye on us.
The sleep deprivation has become a reality. If you aren't running or driving, then you get in the RV and drive ahead 6 miles. Then you have maybe 45 minutes that you can close your eyes and/or nap if you can. I decided last night that being in the RV on the side of the road with big trucks flying by is much scarier than running along the side of the road with big trucks flying by. After our segment was over we ate breakfast and drove to a campground where we were able to get showers and a good 2 1/2 hour nap!
We've had lunch and now we're waiting for Red Team to meet us. We'll be running until midnight!

And they're off!

Wow today was something else! We toured St. Jude Hospital this morning before officially starting the relay. I learned so much about the history of the hospital and what they do here.
On the way up here yesterday I asked how/why Danny Thomas came to found St. Jude Hospital. I got an abbreviated explanation, and today I learned more about it. His acting career had not taken off so he prayed to St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes "Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine." After his career became more established he decided to build a hospital for underprivileged children. Today, the hospital sits on a 65+ acre campus and employs close to 3000 people. There are 78 in-patient beds, and they have 3 long-term housing facilities for patients and their families.
I did not know what to expect going in to the hospital, but I don't think it was anything like I had imagined. It doesn't smell or feel like a hospital. Every waiting room has a different theme and the detail of the decorations are just amazing.
I learned that St. Jude has its own pharmaceutical research department because the pharmaceutical companies would lose money if they tried to develop the medications that St. Jude is working to create. I learned St. Jude has the biggest sickle cell department in the country. And just because a child may not actually receive treatment at St. Jude, it is very likely that the treatment they receive elsewhere in the country was developed at St. Jude.
It was so humbling as we toured the hospital and received thank yous from employees and patients for the fundraising we have done, and for the journey we aelre about to undertake. A few patients and their parents came outside to see us off. Even though I felt like I haven't done much to help, I definitely know it is appreciated.
I feel so privileged to now be a part of St. Jude on the Bay, which is the organization from Mobile that has been working to raise money for St. Jude Hospital. They helped to build the gift shop, from which the proceeds from sales go back to the hospital. They have also recently commissioned a statue of Danny Thomas which stands near the entrance of the hospital. Mr. Zoghby also told us this morning that students from McGill Toolen had a fundraiser during Lent, and they asked the students to donate at least $10. The students raised over $15k,with half going to St. Jude and the other half going to an organization for unwed mothers. I am so proud of what Mobilians are doing!
The Red Team took off at noon. Katie & Emily are leading the way for our adventure. I'm on the Blue Team and we will begin running around 8 tonight. I cannot wait!