Having a Mary Monday in a Martha World

Monday I drove to B, about 100 minutes from here. This was a special trip, a fun trip where I got to spend the whole day with a dear friend who had moved far away (but, thankfully, not too far). I got there about 10 in the morning.

That's when the fun began.

When I got there, she offered me water, which I gratefully accepted, and we headed out to her back porch. Where we stayed all day, leaving only to grab sustenance (which we ordered to-go and ate on her back porch) and grab her daughter after school. I love my friend, and I love her back porch. The weather was just right, even a little chilly initially, for a day in the shade.

Over the 10 hours I spent with this wise and wonderful friend, we touched on every subject you could think of. I left her house encouraged, refreshed, and energized. We had laughed, shared heartache, struggles, and victories.

What did I cross off my to-do list Monday? Nothing. Not one thing. I had also monopolized my friend's day, and she didn't get much done, either. Was it a wasted day? No! I know if I'd been at home, I would have had plenty to do. But instead, I was able to slow down and be still.

I need more days like that...

Master Follies

I went to a wonderful girls weekend in early February. My dear friend Marcey invited me up to Lubbock for a girls weekend and home coming.

I was able to spend a lovely, spring-like evening with my former roommate, her husband, and her two children. Even after all this time, MH is one of my closest friends. I love the enduring closeness we have. Like she said, it's like we never have been apart, even after 12 years of friendship, and 8 years of looonnnnggg distance!

Marcey and I spent alot of the weekend hanging out, eating, going shopping, eating, getting lost, eating... It was great. She is one person I am always excited to see. Our friendship has deepened over the years, and she is another one of my closest friends from college.

While I was in Lubbock, LCU had a wonderful reception for Dr. Estep, the Dean of Biology when I was a student. That man is responsible for my present profession. I remember being frustrated and discouraged at possible career paths. I talked to him, and he mentioned being a PA. He was completely honest about how little he knew about the PA profession, but he would help me do whatever I needed to do. And he did.

At the reception, I was able to see many former professors. Wow. They still inspire me. I am so very grateful for their strong influence on me in my early career, and their unwavering belief in me. These professors taught organic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, and other -ologies while also teaching about preserving their Christian faith while being a scientist.

Dr. Byron Rogers

Donna Harmon

Dr. Iona Baldridge

And, of course, the friends at alumni breakfast, the friends at the shows, and the friends we just ran into. It's amazing what changes after 8 years of being away, and what doesn't. Man, I miss these guys!

And at Master Follies Performance, I was NOT ashamed to be an alumnus. This is in stark contrast to last year. I was actually proud of my girls and the effort they put forth. They didn't win any prizes, but they had fun, and you could tell. (Man, I still hate kelly green...)

LCU's motto is "Changing Lives." It sure did change mine. It brought me and strengthened everything I love, an enduring relationship with Christ, my husband, my friends now scattered all over the world.

I will leave you with this clip, part of the Master Follies performance. You've got to listen to this. It was in my head for days. Who knew that Sweet Dreams acapella style would be so rockin'?

SPT Tuesday

Something Borrowed. This week was difficult to think about for SPT. I don't usually borrow items, so I didn't have any idea what I could have borrowed. Then I had it!! I borrowed this lovely lady for the entire day. Her husband and two sons let me use her all day for fun and birthday-ing. For the record, we were celebrating her birthday, which was 6 months ago. We started at 7:00-ish on Saturday morning, and ended at 11:30 Saturday evening. This is what my dining room started out the day looking like:Between us we did 63 pages of scrapbook albums - she did 30, and I did 33 (I do realize I should have let the birthday girl get more, but I was on a roll!!!) This is what 63 pages looks like!

We had so much fun, talking, eating (WW approved, of course), working, solving the world's problems, talking, and working more. Thank you, J, R, and J for letting me borrow your wonderful wife and mother for the entire day. It was fun for me, and I can't wait to do it again. You know, she did get 2 scrapbook coupons for her special day.