Tuesday, June 21, 2011

When All is Lost, Faith is Found

Friday, June 17, was a horrible day for my husband.  Around 4 pm his new shop caught fire and burned to the ground.  Everyone escaped with not even a scratch, but much was lost.  Not only did he and his workers lose all their tools, but Ricky also lost his new iphone, laptop, and a bag full of cash that he was going to use for payroll.  Three vehicles were also burned to nothing including one that belonged to one of his best friends.  The place looks like a bombed out war zone.  That shop was Ricky’s pride and joy, for he invested everything he had into that place….blood, sweat, and money.   To make matters just a little worse, he had not put insurance on the shop yet.  He and his good friend, Frank, had been discussing quotes and such, but nothing had been etched in stone.
But my husband is an optimist.  I know it shocked the hell out of him, but he has been through a lot in his lifetime.  He has learned to persevere in the face of adversity, and it has made him into an extremely strong person.  The outpouring of support from everyone truly amazes me.  I always knew that everyone loved Ricky, and the community has rallied around him in such an incredible way.  Ricky said on Saturday that he wants to start going to church again and make it a priority.  The preacher discussed the loss and how an account has been set up to help Ricky (and his co-workers) get back on their feet.  Everyone in the church was just showering him with offers to help, and I know it made him feel extremely loved and appreciated.
Yesterday I watched as Ricky, Matthew, James, and Wesley worked to try and get back on their feet.  The shop at our house is smaller, but it will work in a pinch.  They were trying to clean some tools (to see if anything was salvageable), working on cars, and just doing a little bit of everything.  Ricky lost so much in that fire, but he did not lose his determination, pride, or hard work ethic.  He is a rock through and through. 
I truly believe that something good will prevail in this tragedy because God has a way of turning lemons into lemonade when we allow Him.
Proverbs 3: 5-6

Friday, June 10, 2011

My Pride and Joy

Lesleigh Conway.  Six years ago I was blessed with a student who changed my life.  Honestly, I don't remember a whole lot about her freshmen year (other than she was a hard worker), but she became my aide her senior year and a bond was formed.  There is no one in this world like Lesleigh.  One of her favorite quotes is:  "Well behaved women rarely make history."  This is Lesleigh.  She speaks her mind....all the time.  It is refreshing to see someone so young who is not afraid to say exactly what she is thinking.  This is a woman who knows what she wants in life and jumps on it.  She is a double major in Spanish and Communications and is currently in Pamplona, Spain studying for five weeks.  Now, we are talking about a small town girl from Comanche, Texas, who has never even left Texas, jumping on a plane for a new world.  Proud is an understatement. 

I truly believe the world would be a better place if we had more Lesleighs.  Her never say die attitude is genuine and honest.  My life will forever be enriched because of her, and she will always be my pride and joy.

Check out her blog:  http://lesleighconway.blogspot.com/

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Back With a Vengeance

Someone informed me today...very rudely I may add...that I have NOT posted since June 1.  I guess this certain person assumes that teachers actually receive a holiday when the kids do as well.....hmmmm....NOPE!  This "vacationing" teacher has been so busy it would make your head spin.  Scrubbing baseboards.  Rearranging furniture.  Removing a year's worth of dust.  Hanging pictures.  Playing referee to a four year old and 12 year old.  Laundry.  Sweeping.  Mopping.  Drinking cerveza....yes, I do occasionally during the summer during the day because it is so hot....not going to lie.  Plus, Ricky said today to Jameson, "Now, I know why your mom is drinking by the time I get home."  HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!  I'm not a good housewife.  I do not like staying home and cleaning...never have.  I feel as though housework is montonous and never ending!  I would much rather be out and about doing.....well, anything else.  BUT I do love a clean house, so I will suffer through it.  I love the smell of Pledge, bleach, and fresh sheets.  My mom's house always smells like a fresh spring day, and I strive for mine to at least smell....fresh. 

So, my life has revolved around making my house back into a home, but I do take frequent breaks.  I am the master of my own domain, and I love it!  No bells.  No lesson plans.  No grading!!!!!  But, I will start missing it about the time I return from England and will be refreshed for another school year.  As for now, I will be my own boss and drink in every part of life.

Cheers!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Oops

4:30 am?  Really?  I have no earthly idea why my brain decided it was time to get up so dang early in the morning!!  BUT I decided to make the best of it...made some coffee, checked my email, played some "words with friends," and facebooked a bit.  I finally decided to pull on my clothes and head to work.  There was such a breathtaking sunrise this morning with hints of lavendar, orange, and yellow.  As I was soaking in the brushstrokes of God, something happened....

For the record let me say that I never thought I would like driving a car....I love big vehicles - trucks, suburbans, hummers - but I am really enjoying my car.  I forgot how fun it was to drive a five speed.  I probably should have been a race car driver due to my driving skills (or lack thereof according to my friend, Lisa).  The adrenalin rush from zipping around corners, passing the turtle cars, shifting gears with intensity...LOVE IT!  My little car will actually hit 120 mph....I had to personally test its efficiency in case of an emergency....hello! 

Now, with that being said, I must tell you this is a sad day....my zoom zoom car will be in the hospital for awhile.  A fawn and a skunk lost their lives today in a head on collision with my fender.  Actually, the fender was nearly ripped off the front of my little speed demon.  My heart went out to the baby deer, but the skunk can rot for all I care.  Whitey stinks now...ugh! 

My husband is the best guy I know.  I called him, and he said to drive it back home....I guess he didn't really care that my fender was dragging the ground like a lifeless body.  When I returned home, my knight in shining armor was already up and ready to access the damage (an hour or so before he usually wakes).  Yep, my little speed demon was hurt alright....poor thing.  BUT Ricky will be my saving grace and have her looking good as new in no time.  My Renaissance Man!

But we had another problem.  My joy riding teenager, Brooklyn Janai Allen, ran nearly all of the gas out of my car this weekend, SO my sweet hubby used his emergency gas (remember we live in May...10 miles from the nearest station) to save me.

Although my morning was a train wreck, I still have a smile on my face, for I know it is going to be a wonderful day!!!!  Carpe diem, baby!