#photoadayMay – Group 2

Thanks to fatmumslim, I’m participating in her #photoadayMay this month. Want to join me? Check out her site!

Here is group TWO of my photographs:

May 6 — ME!

I really hate for my photo to be taken. I cheated and took a photo of my Facebook wall on the computer screen. Let’s move on.

May 7 — someone that inspires me

There are so many people that inspire me. I’m blessed with incredible people from all walks of life that guide me, teach me, challenge me, entertain me, and nurture me. For the sake of this post, I’m breaking the rules because I did not take this photo of Lisa. Besides, it’s hard to take a photo of someone who lives in Virginia. Please, visit Lisa’s blog and tell her I said hello.

May 8 — a smell that I adore

It’s hard to describe the smell in the back woods of western Kentucky. Luckily, I have this picture from a trip to Kentucky last summer ….. I’m on a roll of breaking the rules, so forgive me …… that takes my breath away every time. The trees, the water, the sky, it’s peaceful, sacred, and, most importantly, it’s my Kentucky home. I miss it. A lot.

May 9 — something I do everyday

Humor me. I doubt the world is ready for the offspring Husband and I have the potential of creating. It’s better for everyone that I take these pills every day. Seriously.

May 10 — a favorite word

Again, my sense of humor is on overload.

This photo challenge is really difficult for me. I don’t take my camera with me wherever I go on a daily basis and I’m always scrambling to complete this goal. I envy those with cell phones that take pictures. I won’t bore you with the ancient features of my cell phone: it dials numbers and receives incoming calls. Is there an app for that?!

Anyway, happy shootin’ and see you next week for Group 3 photos!

An Evening in Kentucky (before and after)

In between running the vacuum, dusting the furniture, emptying the dishwasher, folding clothes, mopping the hardwood floors, and scrubbing toilets today, I found some pictures from a trip I took to Kentucky last summer. It was strictly by chance that I found these files because they were poorly labeled and buried in folders hidden away on my laptop. (Note to self: you really need to get your photos organized … asap!)

I took this photo one late afternoon at a friend’s house, located on a hunting lodge in western Kentucky. The home includes a very large upper deck with spectacular views of a lake and hunting grounds. It’s one of my favorite places to visit and sit in solitude. Every once in a while large hawks will sweep down and catch a fish or, if you’re lucky, deer will appear from the woods and drink at the water’s edge. Unfortunately, my original photo looks terrible.

See?

The photo is over-exposed and everything is washed out. It screams HELP ME!

I put my big girl panties on and opened the original file (RAW format) in Photoshop and played around with the settings. I’m not comfortable (or knowledgeable) with Photoshop.
I don’t know what all of the settings and buttons mean, and, I’m afraid I’ll do something and lose the original file. I’m obviously a skeerdie-cat when it comes to Photoshop. I can’t help it.

In my juvenile attempts, I adjusted four settings to the photo:

1. Decreased the exposure
2. Decreased the brightness
3. Increased the vibrance
4. Increased the saturation

After doing these four things, I think the photo looks better. What do you think?

The water and sky are actually blue and they contrast with the green foliage. The sun setting provides nice golden tones too.

Do you think this photo is frame-worthy?

It definitely makes me miss home. I’ve got to schedule a trip to Kentucky soon.

Until then,

Nicole

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!!

I’m nominating myself for the Bad Daughter Award.

Today is my mom’s birthday and I forgot to mail her a card.

She’s a sweet soul. I love her to pieces.

I hope she’ll forgive this card incident.

A few weeks ago, she went on her first mission trip. I’m so glad she decided to join the team and I in the Appalachian Mountains. We had such a wonderful time together. I’m so proud of her!

I’m already planning another trip to Kentucky because I’m homesick. Even though the mission trip was in southeast Kentucky, it didn’t feel like I was fully HOME.

I didn’t see my Dad or other family members.

Or wrestle with the dogs and cats.

Or play on the farm.

Or drink orangeades at Belle’s Drug Store.

Or shoot really loud guns.

Or drive the country roads that I know and love.

Or eat gator tail at The Feedmill.

A trip to Kentucky is not a trip home unless it includes these very important details.

Mom, I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I’m sorry I forgot to send you a card. How about I get you one and deliver it myself very, very soon?

Love you. A lot.

Remember: as your only daughter, forgetful or not, I’m still your favorite!!!!!

Check out my current *giveaway* for a book written by TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie … the winner will be announced Friday.

Kentucky Gr8ness

There’s a reason the sun shines bright on My Old Kentucky Home ……

The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team won their 8th championship title tonight against the Kansas Jayhawks ….. Big Blue Nation is partying in the Big Easy tonight.

We’re hanging banner #8 in Rupp Arena!!!!

 

{ tears in tennessee }

Each time I pull out of my parent’s driveway, I cry big alligator tears from Sebree, Kentucky until I hit the state line near Union City, Tennessee -  about 150 miles. Those 2-3 hours give me plenty of time to get all that emotional crap out of my system. No matter how many times I go home, each time I leave it’s as if I’ll never return.

Yesterday, however, I did something I’ve not done before.

I cried in Tennessee.

The mission team finished our project at Ms. Hester’s house after lunch yesterday. (Click HERE for project pictures!) The covered porch and new vinyl look terrific and I’m so proud of our team from FUMC Joshua, plus my Mom. By the time we packed up the project site, drove back to the house at Henderson Settlement, and packed our trailer with luggage, it was time to hit the road for the long trip back to Texas.

Saying goodbye to Mom didn’t help my breakdown either. In fact, she made it worse.

By the time I got my cry-baby-self into the van, we were on our way out of Frakes, Kentucky. There was just one small problem: instead of 150 miles to get that emotional mess over and done with, the state line was six miles down the road! I was a hot mess. Literally and figuratively.

I’m sorry, my beloved Kentucky, but I left a few tears in Tennessee.

Mission Trip ~ Project Updates

This is the first post I’ve done since traveling to southeast Kentucky for a mission trip. I am responsible for the team’s blog and it has been my priority this week, but I stayed up late last night to prep this post for my personal blog. After all, I really appreciate all of my blog readers and don’t want you to think I’ve forgotten about you!

If you’d like to read the mission team’s blog, please click HERE.

The mission trip is going very well and the team is fantastic. We have laughed so much, a few of us have begun to “snort” and that cracks us up even more! It’s quite the family-affair as several families are represented, including my Mom. This is her first mission trip. It is also the first mission experience for several others, and it has been wonderful to witness their enjoyment to this new experience.

As the official team blogger, I’m trying to stay BEHIND the camera as much as possible – Lord knows that’s best for us all!!!! – and capture as many special moments as possible, but somehow photographs of me keep appearing. Teammates of mine must keep a small camera hidden in their pockets!!!

Speaking of cameras, we’ve taken a few shots using a tripod and the self-timer setting. It’s been hilarious to look at the pictures where we are talking, looking in the wrong direction, or pointing at the camera. After a few “practice runs,” though, we finally figured out my camera flashes an orange light before taking three pictures. The last one usually ends up being a crazy-funny-silly one. Can you tell we’re having a blast?!?!?!

The work we are doing includes the construction of a covered porch and installing vinyl skirting around the perimeter of our client’s home. She’s been so gracious and we are all beginning to develop a relationship with Ms. Hester. Her sister is also visiting this week. They both have several dogs and one just happened to be-friend me …… it’s quite an ugly dog, but a friendly one. I think its (his? her?) name is Sweetie. I’m guessing it’s a girl, but I haven’t checked the undercarriage.

Two years ago, I learned to use power tools on a mission trip to Oklahoma City. Last summer, I spent 10 days in Haiti using a pick-axe and my hands to clear rocks, dirt, and debris and dig a trench. This week, I’ve learned how to install new vinyl skirting. My list of qualifications is expanding!

We have a full day ahead of us. My personal goal is to finish installing the new vinyl skirting along the east and north sides of the house. There are two large obstructions that we must work around, but I know we can do it. The ones working on the covered porch are rockin’-and-a-rollin’ and will begin work on the roof. We’re eating lunch at the site so we’ll be able to work a bit longer.

We’re going to church tonight and, afterwards we’ve been invited to a peanut butter and chocolate egg decorating extravaganza …….. I promise to take pictures and let you know all the details. It sounds delicious and yummy and not-so-dairy-friendly!!!!

Thank you for being patient with me as I dedicate a week to the people of Frakes, Kentucky and this mission team. The wireless Internet access is a bit different than I thought, but I appreciate your understanding and patience. Your thoughts and comments on this blog – and especially the team blog – are so meaningful and appreciated. Every morning during breakfast, and each night after supper, we sit down and I read all the comments and messages aloud to the team. We are all so thankful for the generous support from our family and friends ….. wherever you are!

Love,

{ eastbound }

I could have slept in this morning, but my internal clock did what it normally does and I was wide-awake at 5:36. An hour later, I gave up the battle and let Husband sleep in peace without my constant tossing and turning. I marinated chicken for supper, folded a load of towels, and read a few chapters on the Kindle. After an early lunch, I went to the grocery store, got my hair cut (thanks Sam!), and stopped at the bank to get a document signed by a Notary. Now, the washer and dryer are running, the dishwasher is on the final rinse cycle, and I am wrapped up my Snuggie on the couch …… life’s pretty good!

In a few hours, around 11:00pm, the mission team from First United Methodist Church in Joshua will load personal luggage into the church van, check the trailer one last time, and head east towards the Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky. Pulling a cargo trailer of equipment with a van filled with 10 people, the thousand-mile-trek will take us at least 20 hours. In my humble opinion, I think it will take every bit of 24 hours.

One of my contributions to this team is managing the team’s blog during the duration of our trip. I did this last year when the mission team from FUMC Joshua went to Haiti. It was quite time-consuming, but the positive messages and uplifting comments posted by friends, family, and even strangers, were a huge boost to the team’s morale. Each morning before breakfast, and each night during the team’s devotion time, I read blog comments and messages to the team. The blog provided a way for our team to share experiences with readers and, in turn, provided readers the opportunity to be in ministry even though they were not physically in Haiti. I am confident the team traveling to Kentucky will have a similar experience with this blog too.

You can be a part of the mission team traveling to Kentucky too, please visit the team’s blog and “subscribe” to receive notifications when a new post is published. You can also leave comments on each blog post. All comments and messages are appreciated and they will be read daily. Not everyone can go on this trip, but this blog provides an excellent bridge to gap the distance. I hope you will participate and be our “virtual” teammate!

Blessings to you and yours,

 

P.S. I will try (no promises!!!!) to publish a personal blog post here at Three 31 each day. However, for the next 10 days, this mission trip is my first priority.

Click HERE to access the team’s blog, or click the image above.

Always. Sometimes. Never.

Over the weekend, I received the coolest notification EVER …… Steel Magnolias & Sweet Tea is now following your blog!

Bless her sweet, little, tender heart!As far as I’m concerned, just reading her blog’s name proves she’s my kind of gal. Besides, who could resist Weezer or sipping sweet tea from a Mason jar?

I’m in love.

Anyway, she recently posted this and I admitted to her I would “borrow” this idea and create my own {Always.Sometimes.Never.} post. Here it is:

I always

• drink sweet tea
• say ‘yes’ to Husband
• wear my seatbelt
• sing at the top of my lungs when I’m alone
• read before bed

I sometimes

• think my life is a dream ….. then Husband farts
• laugh at inappropriate times, making the moment even more awkward
• wish I lived in Kentucky
• eat icing out of the carton with a big spoon
• exceed the speed limit
• go to bed without washing my face or removing my contacts

I never

• thought I would enjoy the Kindle Touch as much as I do
• eat liver
• consume dairy products (intentionally, that is)
• forget my country roots

There you have it …. now it’s YOUR turn to share your Always.Sometimes.Never. post!

Happy Day,

Dear Husband on Valentine’s Day

Dear Husband,

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Can you believe it was nine years ago when we met face-to-face for the first time?

Yeah, I know – I remind you all the time. Blah. Blah. Blah.

You’re smart enough to know that I wouldn’t be writing you this lovey-dovey Valentine’s letter unless I wanted something. Well, you’re right.

You see, I have a proposition for you. Actually, it’s for us. I don’t think I’ve reminded you lately, but our fifth anniversary is next month and I think it would be super-duper-fantabulous if we did something super-duper-fantabulous and away from home. And, we never went on a Honeymoon. This could be our Honeymoon and 5th anniversary all wrapped up in one super-duper-fantabulous package. You are one lucky guy!

Actually, I’m the lucky one. I have you. (sappyyyyyy!)

Anyway, here’s my proposition:

You know how much I love Pinterest?

Yeah.

Well, you know how much I love Kentucky Monthly Magazine?

Yeah. No. I guess. Why? What do you want?

I won a Pinterest contest from Kentucky Monthly Magazine and the prize is a Romantic Weekend Getaway at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Can we go? Can we go, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee????????????

Gaylord Opryland Hotel - Nashville, TN

It won’t cost you that much, just an airline ticket to Nashville, a few meals, and a rental car. Maybe we won’t need a rental car. I have friends and family in Nashville, I’m sure somebody will want to see our shining faces.

Anyway, here’s what you get for FREE because I am a super-duper-fantabulous Pinterest addict and subscriber to Kentucky Monthly Magazine:

• Two-night room accommodations at Opryland Resort for two people
• Romantic welcome amenity of champagne and strawberries delivered after check-in
• Daily breakfast for two in a hotel restaurant
• 20% off select spa services at Relache-The Spa at Gaylord Opryland
• Complimentary admission to the Wildhorse Saloon
• Gaylord Opryland VIP Coupon Book, valued at more than $250
• All applicable taxes, daily resort fees, and daily resort parking.

Because I’m a super-duper-fantabulous wife (and Over-Achiever), I’ve already checked a few things: airline tickets will cost about $250 per person, roundtrip, on the weekend of our anniversary AND – check this out! – you are already scheduled OFF on Friday, March 30. How CONVENIENT, right?!?!

Downtown Nashville

Alright, so what do you say to my Super-Duper-Fantabulous Romantic Weekend Getaway to Nashville?

Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Thank you.

Oh, one more thing ….. if we do this, you will be directly responsible for me crossing off item #27 off of my 2012 Bucket List. No pressure.

Last thing, I need your answer as soon as possible.

I love you.

Hugs and kisses from your Super-Duper-Fantabulous Wife of Almost Five Years,

glutton for punishment

Lately, I’ve felt like I’m taking two steps forward and five back. I can’t get ahead.

This past week, I began a new Bible study in Sunday school; worked extra hours after school; went to Wednesday night small-group; and created a display board and wrote a speech for a global missions event yesterday. 

The new furniture arrived Tuesday, but the old stuff is still here and we’ve not yet moved the TV to the other wall. Until that is complete, the new stuff is covered with sheets of plastic and in the middle of the house between the kitchen, dining and living rooms. Eeek!

no wonder the house is a mess, my face is breaking out, and I have stomach ulcers

I just realized the calendar on the fridge is still showing December 2011. I’m more than five steps behind, more like five weeks!

The long-term substitute assignment I began in November ends Friday, also the end of the six-weeks. Which means Yours Truly will be buried up to her eyeballs in paperwork, parent notifications, and verifying grades for report cards. I’m a glutton for punishment because I accepted another assignment that begins next Monday and lasts through April. There are 13 teachers currently pregnant at one middle school. Don’t worry, I refuse to drink the water … that’s got to be the cause of their condition!

On a brighter note, I’m preparing for two mission trips in 2012. The first one is March 10-17 (spring break) in Kentucky. A group from my church will be working and staying at the Henderson Settlement in Frakes, located in the Appalachia Region near Cumberland State Park. While the Appalachia is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S., it also one of the poorest. Originally, I didn’t think I would join this team, but my Mom was interested and I didn’t want to prevent her from having this experience. I consider it a privilege to serve fellow Kentuckians and make an impact in my home state. Plus, this will be my Mom’s first mission trip ~ what a blessing this will be!

The second mission trip is in October and I’m co-leading a team to Haiti. Alan, the other team leader, and I have been working with our pastor to coordinate specific details and attend special trainings and promotional events. The event yesterday was to promote global ministries in the Central Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church, and it was a compliment to our church that we were invited guests and asked to present. We’re hoping the ”seeds” we plant will encourage other congregations to grow and develop their ministry outreach programs.

If you’re interested in joining our team and traveling to Haiti in October, spots are available. Send me an email, contact me on Facebook, or leave a comment on this post if you want more information.

Supposedly, there is a popular football game on the tee-vee tonight. Did you get that memo? Super Bowl commercials are usually the most popular, but I’m looking forward to Madonna’s half-time performance. Of course, let’s hope no “wardrobe malfunctions” occur.

For some unknown reason, the school district I work for is closed tomorrow. A day of rest after the Super bowl? I won’t argue! I’m going to savor the fact that Husband has to get up and go to work while I’m warm and toasty tomorrow morning. My plan is to sleep till noon (or after) and reheat leftovers for supper. Lifting a finger is  NOT on my to-do list. Heck, we have a TV in our bedroom, I might stay in bed all day!

So, who will win the Super Bowl?

New England Patriots        ~ or ~         New York Giants

Hugs,