Happy Fourth of July!

Happy fourth of July everyone! I hope you have a great holiday. Now remember to be safe...no putting fireworks into cans, jars or other containers (unless you can run really, really fast). I hope you enjoy the fireworks tonight....let's hear some oohh's and aahhh's....!!!!

Busy Life!

I've had such an incredibly busy weekend, and a bit frustrating as well. It all started last Monday when I ran out of gas, and my car wouldn't start back up. First of all, let me tell you that in all my 31 years I have never run out of gas before!!! So I had to have my car towed home. I didn't know that in a lot of Fords the fuel pump is in the gas tank and when you run out of gas, it kind of ruins the pump. So on Friday I had to have my fuel pump replaced...which cost a LOT of money (thanks Dad for helping me out--aren't Dad's the best?) I had to work on Saturday in Seattle so as I was driving down the freeway Saturday morning my car started shaking, and I started praying and panicking!!! It stopped, I kept going...it started again, and I turned back home! Ugh.....so I went to Les Schwab today had the tires balanced and one of my tires fixed and seems to have fixed the shaking in my car. However, I now have a slight grabbing when I turn corners...going to worry about that later. I honestly need more work done on my car or just a new car; however, not being able to afford either right now I am praying that my car will keep going, that I will get extra finances to do a little work, that a cheap mechanic (but good) comes my way, or that God provides me with a new car soon.

As I said, I had to work in Seattle on Saturday...KMPS had a huge pre concert party at Qwest Stadium for the Kenny Chesney concert. And I mean HUGE...the other country stations were kind of put to shame! We were out at the parking lot at 8am setting up for games and activities...keeping in mind that the concert didn't start until 4:30pm. We had pools with sand, palm trees and tiki torches in them. We had a stage for a band to play on. Our DJ's were broadcasting live and interviewing some of the artists...Blaine Larsen and Dierks Bentley. We had tons of KMPS listeners come out sporting KMPS gear in hopes of getting front row seats! It was insane. I helped with a lot of the games....right in the sun...all day...it was hot and sweaty! My sister Camille came down to watch the concert with me and we had a blast. The concert was Blaine Larsen, Dierks Bentley, Big and Rich (our favorites), Gretchen Wilson and Kenny Chesney. We stayed through about three songs of Kenny's and then we left...by this time it was almost 10pm and I was pooped! What a great concert though....and what wonderful weather.

Sunday I worked with KMPS out at NW Trek for Slug Fest....it was fun to watch kids do the human slug races on wet, soapy tarps...kind of like slip 'n slide but inside of "slug" suit!

Then I worked again on Sunday night for KMPS at the Emerald Queen Casino for the LeeAnn Rhimes concert. She was great...short show (only an hour), but she is an amazing singer for only being 22. Even weirder is the fact that she has been a recording artist for 10 years! WOW!

So that has been my weekend....busy, busy, busy. I have Monday through Wednesday off then I work again Thursday through Sunday. Taste of Tacoma is next weekend for anyone who wants to come visit me at the KMPS booth!!!!

AND....My vacation is almost here! I leave a week from Saturday to go on a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas with my best friend Susana, her parents, her brother and family, and her sister and family....14 of us in all!! What a great trip it is going to be......I am so excited to have a few days to visit my friend and get more sun!

Survey for Josh

ok...I got this from my nephew Josh, so I thought I'd do it for him. :) Plus, it's kind of fun....enjoy..... Love Ya Josh!

9 lasts

1. cigarette: Never
2. beverage: Fresca w/Peach Citrus (yum)
3. kiss: Never been Kissed
4. hug: Yesterday
5. movie seen: The Lake House (da ya know Keanu is um..Hot)
6. cd played: Me and My Gang by Rascal Flatts
7. song listened to: Dark Dreary Day by the Noted (can be found on my friends list...yeah Sean)
8. bubble bath: ummmm...months, years?
9. time you cried: last week?

8 have you evers

1. dated one of your best friends: No
2. skinny dipped: Yes
3. kissed somebody and regretted it: No
4. fallen in love: No
5. lost someone you loved: Yes
6. been depressed: Yes
7. been drunk and threw up: No
8. ran away: No (thought about the circus, but...)

7 states you've been to

1. Washington
2. California
3. Georgia
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. Colorado
7. Tennessee

6 things you've done today

1. Tried to start my dead car :(
2. Met w/Melissa Bixler
3. Emailed about upcoming MC Retreats
4. Checked the Mail
5. Played Super Collapase at Yahoo.com
6. Paid bills

5 favorite things in no order

1. Maddy
2. Books
3. Music
4. The color blue
5. My comfy bed with all my comfy blankies

4 people you last talked to

1. Shannon K.
2. Charlie
3. Chipo
4. Melissa E.

3 wishes

1. A god fearing husband
2. Kids
3. Debt Free

2 things you want to be when you grow up

1. Wife
2. Mommy

1 thing you regret

1. I don't regret anything, because God uses the mistakes I make to better me, show me something in my life, or to get me to the next level. I've made stupid decisions, but I don't regret them for that is who I am today! Do you know God loves you???!!! HE DOES!!!!!

Skechers and #100

These are my brand new pink skechers!!! I am so excited for them. So I was shopping the other day with my friend Holly, and we walked into Famous Footwear just to see what they had. I found these totally cute pink skechers there, and really wanted them. However, they were $40 (on sale too!), and I quite honestly didn't have an extra $40 to spend on shoes. So I was thinking of various ways to get money for a new pair of shoes. That same night I was at church and they were short childcare workers for the night...I helped out...I got $20. And they need help next week for another $20...isn't it wonderful? I totally thank God that He provided a way for me to get some as insignificant as shoes....however, remember that the things we might see as insignificant and unimportant to God are the things He wants to bless us with because He knows how much it means to us! I love serving a God who pays attention to the details of my life!!!


**********POST NUMBER 100**********

This is also my 100th post on my blog. I have to tell you that I totally love the blogging world. Where else can I talk so much, at least through typing, and not have anyone tell me to be quiet. I love it. I also love catching up with old friends and making new friends. If you want to be a friend just ask me, I'll probably say yes (unless you are some totally psychopathic murderer).

To all the dads, papas, granddads, uncles, and brothers to all of us princesses "Happy Father's Day!"

MC Graduation Breakfast

I have to say that some of my favorite people are our MC students from this year. I truly love working with this program and these students. We love to honor our students with a Graduation Breakfast, and we like to do it in style.
So on Monday the 12th, we took them up to Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls for the famous Salish Breakfast. It was marvelous. It is like a five course breakfast, all plated and served to us in style. The staff at the Salish are great...we love going up there every year.




Chipo is one of my favs as we were able to get to know one another before MC ever started last year. Last summer we were housemates taking care of an older gentleman Tom.
We spent many nights together watching tv and just talking and laughing. I love her to death. If you think about it, please pray for her. She is still working with INS in order to stay in the states. Did I forget to tell you, she is from Zimbabwe!





We also take with us any of our council members that are able to steal away from work for the day! Sshhhh....don't tell anyone, but quite a few took the day off (not naming any names...fawcetts...west...).
This is Terry Fawcett, who we all affectionately call Momma T. Not only are her and her husband Mike council members, but they have also opened there home to students for the last three years. I know that they are great listeners and prayers, but I think most people want to stay there because Momma T knows how to cook!


Some of our students are just plain weird! But then again, so am I. Maybe that's why I fit in so well. This is Branden, one of our second year students posing with flowers in his ear.


Remember, I said that it was a five course plated breakfast? This is some of our natives chomping at the bit for their food. On the left is Harry Partl, a first year graduate who has a great heart for technical ministry (makes all of us look and sound great on stage) and Alfredo Harrison Baker Llapitan (I had to write it all out, because I messed it up at graduation...sorry), also known as Harrison, on the right who is a second year graduate.



I don't really know what to tell you about these two! The are reading a watch manual to one another in French...a tad weird? Yes, I agree!



We also celebrated two birthdays while we were there. One was Shannon's, and the other was Josh Bradford's 19th birthday. Both birthdays were actually on the 13th. Happy Birthday Josh! Josh is coming back to MC next year as a second year student focusing on Thrive, our junior high ministry. He is awesome with young kids!


And last but not least, Johnny and Chipo outside the Lodge near the Falls! Love you both!

Happy 31st Birthday!

So, my friend, pastor, leader....Shannon Kapp is 31 today. He has this thing with getting older...he doesn't like it. So I thought that I would be nice and wish him a Happy Birthday on the world wide web...and post a few pics! It's ok to get older, as he so nicely points out to me as I am older than he is!!!




















Our wonderful MC leaders.....Shannon and Liz Kapp...and their children Chandler, Chase, and Zoe.

Busy Weekend!

What a weekend! Our Masters Commission finished this weekend, with graduation on Sunday. I spent all last week and most of the weekend getting ready for the graduation...buying food for the reception, making programs, printing diplomas, running around for graduation presents....busy but I love doing what I do for MC. The only glitch to the whole weekend was that our graduation rings, which we order online, got stuck in customs from Canada to the US...so they didn't make it to us on time. Which meant that our students received empty boxes on Sunday...I felt bad, but what is a girl to do?

The ceremony was great! We commissioned our four second year students, who then in turn helped us present diplomas to our 13 first year
students.

Congratulations to Second Years: Branden, Harrison, Katie, and Ashley ...you guys have
done an awesome job these last 18 months.








Our first year graduates are: Melissa Bixler, Kenny Blight, Joshua Bradford, Johnathan Brunet, Chipo Chikara, Melissa Clapp, Kimberly Fader, Johnny Heese, Dustin Holaday, Harry Partl, Laura Quann, Nicole Russo, and Carol Wilmot.

New Puppy!

Barb, the lady I live with, brought home a new puppy last Friday. His name is Samson and he is an English Bulldog, Jack Russell Terrier mix. He is totally adorable, soft and cuddly.

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

A Rock in Iowa

I have seen an email message that has gone around the world wide web for more than a year now. A friend of mine recently passed it my way again. I decided it was worth showing if only to remind us of where we live and the freedom we have. And more importantly to give thanks to a God that has allowed us these freedoms. Not only freedom of free speech, and the right to vote, the freedom to own property and the freedom to not be slaves...but more importantly the freedom to worship the true God! The freedom to express our thanks in the way that God himself has given us talents. Not all of us can sing the praises of God with a voice like an angel, not all of us can stand up to thousands and preach the gospel to the hungry and hurt, and not all of us can express our worship in painting as the young man did in these pictures. I don't know if this young man is a Christian or not, but I do know that he truly has a heart of a servant to give thanks to those who have paved the way for him!





This is the text that has been given in the email, along with the pictures. I hope that you not only enjoy these pictures, but that you realize God has given you talents and that you are able to recognize what those are!



"I've been told that there is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy.25 in rural Iowa. For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed. It's quite an impressive sight. Be sure to scroll down and check out the multiple photos (all angles) of the rock. I thought the flag was draped over the rock, but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too."







This is a picture of the artist Ray "Bubba" Sorenson. Thank you for using the talents God gave you and the freedom that our country allows to visibly allow us to remember the men and women who have fought for our counry, our freedoms and our very lives.

Jeep Racing

So what did you do this Memorial Day? I normally stay home and either work or do nothing!! This weekend I went with some friends to Richland, WA (Tri-Cities area) to watch Jeep Racing! OMG....what a blast I had. We went over to watch Ben, Heather, Skyler and Cody Brown race the neon Grasshopper Jeep....what a nice looking jeep it is!



The racing started off with Cody, who is 9, racing the barrels...just imagine girls barrel racing in rodeos but in jeeps going lots faster!!! Cody does all his own driving, the only requirement is that an adult is in the passenger seat. Cody then raced in the obstacle course. Cody won first place for the boys division that he is in for both events...WAY TO GO CODY!!



Next up was Skyler, who is 16 and just moved up to the adult division. Which means no more adult needed as a passenger. In fact, passengers are not allowed when doing the barrels; however, you can have someone ride with you on the obstacle course. Guess who got to ride with her on an obstacle course?
Me! What an experience. We were cinched in tight, had helmets on, and I was told to not let go of my harness straps until we were through the finish gates. If we stopped mid course, if we rolled, nothing...nada...zip...don't let go until the finish. Oh my, what a ride. I ate more dirt than I thought possible, we took on some air as we flew a couple of times, and we hit a stump. Hitting the stump ended up busting the driveline...which wasn't the first breaking of the jeep this weekend! It was great!


Heather raced the barrels after Skyler, She did fantastic...it was exciting to see how the adults run the barrels, as they go faster than I imagined.



The final barrel racer was Ben...the guys definitely go faster and harder. Ben managed to roll the jeep...scary, but awesome at the same time! My understanding is this isn't Ben's first time rolling the jeep. Unfortunately, when he rolled it, the jeep busted....he wasn't going to fix it; however, with some great welding skills he managed to fix it up for racing on Sunday!



Sunday's races ended with the prince and princess & queen and king of the hill races. Basically, it is elimination rounds of the obstacle course. It was great fun to watch!

Then the men and women did sprints...which is anywhere from 4-7 jeeps on the same course at once. One woman rolled during the women's sprints, but she was ok. Then Ben managed to bust the Jeep again...a knuckle on the wheel broke. But he is amazing and had it fixed by the end of the day!

If you ever get the chance to go watch Jeep races, do it...it is so much fun!!!

Not a great picture, but this is me this weekend at the races!

Pt. Defiance Zoo

On Sunday, I went to Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium with friends. We went to celebrate Carter's 2nd birthday. Carter is the son of my friend Holly's fiancee Rodney. Holly and Rodney were recently engaged on Easter Sunday....congratulations to such wonderful friends. Both Holly and Rodney's parents came to the zoo as well.

We had a terrific time, it was nice out and the animals were actually out so we could see them. We saw the elephants, the tiger (he was sleeping), some gibbons (monkeys), a huge walrus, beluga whales (we actually caught part of the presentation where they were having them do tricks and such), and more. We also played at the kids play area...but nobody would let Carter get wet with the shooting water!!!

We ended the trip to the zoo by visiting the shark
lagoon...it was way cool to see the sharks
swimming around. I would hate to be in the water when they are cirling a person who fell overboard!












I also got to play in the water and touch starfish, sea cucumbers and more. Even though the water was freezing cold...it is always fun to play with things found in the ocean. Carter wasn't too sure about putting his hands in the water, so Holly had to help a little, while Dad Rodney looks on from the sidelines!


All in all it was a fun day. We ended the birthday celebration by going out to Josh and Mandi's house (Holly's brother), in Gig Harbor by Mirachel Ranch. Josh cooked up great barbeque chicken and beans for dinner and we had a great time visiting. We celebrated Carter, and Holly's brithday with Rootbeer Floats....Yum!!!!!

"Under Construction"--Leaving a Legacy

Our pastor is preaching a series right now titled, "The Making of Living Memoirs." The first thing you need to remember is that inheritance is what you receive and legacy is what you leave behind. The word of the year for our church is, "Legacy". What am I, and you, going to leave behind to the next generation? Great question to think on. Am I going to leave a legacy of helping others reach their dreams, doing the will of God, sharing love and mercy or am I going to leave behind a legacy of bitterness, negativity and complaining?

The question asked today was, "What is the sign on the front yard of your life?" For Sale by Owner? Hope not! He said the sign that should be there is "Under Construction", that way when people say something that alludes to you not making the mark you can reply, "Yep, I'm under construction and still learning from my Maker!" He is constantly working on our lives, molding as the master potter. We are not perfect, nor will we ever be perfect, but isn't great to know that we are Under Construction. And that God is constantly molding us and perfecting us to be His image here on Earth to a lost and seeking generation.

The other main point that he has been making throughout this series is: "At the heart level, concede the non-essentials for the sake of the imperative." Don't sweat the small stuff. Are there things in life that we get upset over, that if we were to step back and evaluate we would find that it is just a small blip on the big radar? I am so guilty of this. I constantly make small trivial matters into major upsets, and in turn it stresses me out and leads me away from what God is either trying to teach me or what He is trying to lead me into. Then I get discouraged because I feel like I failed, and once discouragement comes loss of hope isn't far behind and then I start leaving my dreams and desires along the wayside of life. That isn't how God wants me to live! He wants me to live victorious...get ahold of the big picture again. Hold onto the hope, visions, dreams and live like God wants me to. The small stuff doesn't matter in the long run!

I have to constantly remind myself what my dreams and visions are. Do you know what the dreams are for your life? Do you dream big? Do you see the impossible coming true for your life? For your spouse? For your children?

I dream of seeing young people ministering the Word of God, after I have helped led them into their dreams and visions. I dream of raising children to know who God is, even if these children aren't of my own flesh. I still am a Mother even without experiencing childbirth. I dream of standing in other countries spreading the love of God and letting people know the truth, and seeing chains of despair fall off. I dream of simply loving God and loving people. Do you know that I have started to see these dreams come true? I have stood in other countries and told people about the love of God!! I have helped in the background of discipleship programs that charge young people to go out into the world. I have children all over the world--I have influenced kids since I was 10 years old...that is 22 years of sharing a part of me into children that then go and influence others. What a legacy I am leaving behind.

I'll leave you with this thought: There are two dates on your tombstone that you cannot influence, the day you are born and the day you die. The one thing on your tombstone that you can influence is the dash between the dates. What did you do during that time period that left a legacy? That influenced others? That shared the love of Christ? That spoke truth even when it hurt? That lent a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on and a compassionate spirit. I can make a difference during that period of the dash---Can you????

Madalyne

I talk to my sister Shannon in California alot, at least once a week if not more (on top of text messages and text pictures). The one person I love talking to is my niece Madalyne. Before they moved away, we were inseparable best buddies. I lived with them for awhile, and I nannied for them for awhile...so Maddy was always with me. I would take her to church, the store, out to dinner...she is simply fun to be with.

The last few months, Maddy has been begging me to come down and get her so she could live with me. Everytime, I tell her that her mom and dad wouldn't be happy with me and also that I couldn't come down right now.

So then she started telling me to "just tell my mom and dad you are coming for a visit, and then steal me away. They won't know!" So now my 7 year old niece is an advocate for kidnapping :). I like the fact that she doesn't think that her parents won't realize she is gone.

Then yesterday, she comes out with the same old stuff about sneaking down and taking her, but then adds that she wants me to be her stepmom...."even though you're still my aunt!" If I didn't know my sister better I would think something terrible is going on down there. However, since I do know my overdramatic Drama Queen niece, I realize that she just simply misses me as much as I miss her!

I wish I could visit soon; however, with my finances being kinda crappy right now a visit is out of the picture. Doesn't she break your heartstrings?

If Women Controlled the World

These were sent to me by my friend Christina! Thanks for the laughs!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to each and every Mom out there! This is me with my Mom and sister Camille and niece Dajia.

I want to send a special Mother's Day hello to my Mom...Connie. I am very fortunate to have a mom who cares so much about me, even though I don't always show my appreciation. God gave me to my Mom and Dad almost 32 years ago, and it has been a wonderful fit ever since. Some of you may not know that I am adopted, so God literally gave me to my parents. I have no bitterness to my biological parents, just overwhelming gratitude that they made the right decision in giving me up. And that my parents made the right decision in saying yes to my adoption. After my adoption, my Mom had two more girls....so a house full of girls (sorry Dad!). I know they were excited to bring me home and become a part of their family, and for that I am thank God! I couldn't have asked for a better family then the one I was placed in. I have great parents, wonderful sisters and grandparents, and an army of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Happy Mother's Day!

Shock and Dismay

Did you watch American Idol tonight? Did you see the upset?

OMG....I can't believe what happened, I have totally lost faith in the American Population! Unbelievably Chris Daughtry was kicked off American Idol tonight...over Katharine McPhee. Seriously people, she forgot the words last night, and didn't even sound good. Chris did an awesome rendition of "Suspicious Minds"...WOW!!!!! The look on his face tonight was absolute shock...I would go as far as saying that he was royally pissed. Couldn't Ryan have given the news a little more graciously?

I'm sad that Chris has left, and I will never watch again if Katharine ends up winning. I'm hoping it comes down to Taylor and Elliott, then I'll be voting for Taylor. On other note, what is it that the judges see in Elliott that I don't see? I don't think he is the greatest vocalist, yet every week the judges fawn over him like he is the newest ice cream flavor at Baskin and Robbins! Good thing I'm not a judge.

Life Continues

Just thought I'd pop in and give an update on life. Well, not much has changed! Done, finished, complete....

....I won't make this entry that short!

Really, I have been substitute teaching pretty much full time for the last five weeks in the Sumner School District. Mostly in the highschools. I love it! I have been wavering for the last few years about going back to school and getting my teaching degree or not...now I really feel like I should and that I want to. The reason I am able to sub right now, is that I hold a WA State Emergency Certificate, meaning that I hold a Bachelor's Degree, but not a teaching degree. So I just need to go back for one (maybe two) year and get my teaching certificate, which also gets me a Masters Degree. That way I can have a real teaching job. The hard part of going back to school is the cost; however, I am a woman who operates on faith and the fact that I know my God provides for me when I am doing His well.

I have crossed one hurdle with going back, and that is my basic skills test. Every state makes prospective teachers take them. They test you on the basics on reading, writing and arithmetic. I took the California Basic Skills Test in April, and just received my unofficial scores yesterday....and.....I PASSED! Which is great news, so that when I move to Cali, I can substitute teach for a while. It was a little nerve wracking to be up at 6am to take a test, be falling asleep while taking the test and still pass! Thank you Jesus that it is over. And if I chose to stay in WA, I can use those test scores for schools here.

The hardest thing I am dealing with right now is what to do this summer. As you know, school is almost over for the year, which means so is my teaching. I need to get through the summer financially, and I'm not quite sure what I am going to do. Anyone know of any part time, temporary work out there? Anyone hiring? :)

I have also decided to stay in WA at least one more year, as was my original plan. I have been talking with some great Christian mentors and they said if God originally said to stay in WA two years, then I better finish up my two years here. And I totally agree. It just comes to that point in life sometimes, where you thought you heard God speak and then circumstances make me think that I was wrong. However, throughout all of what I thought were the wrong circumstances God was still providing and showing me direction. It just gets frustrating at times when you don't think you are doing the right thing, or things don't seem to ever work out the right way! Then on top of that I get the guilty feelings. Ever have those? Guilty because I feel I should be further along in life at 31; guilty because I don't have a full time job with health benefits and all those options; guilty because I can't afford my own place; guilty because I think I seem like a failure in some peoples eyes.

However, I am not guilty! God has given me freedom to do the things He wants me to do an be where He wants me to be! With God in control everything works out wonderfully.

Thanks for listening (or should I say reading)! PS. I leave 2 months from today for a cruise to the Bahamas! Yeah for sun!! Yeah for vacation and seeing old friends (Susana I can't wait to see you even for just a few days). Yeah!

Barbie

I read the following at http://kmps.com where I happen to work! It is an article that our mid-morning/afternoon DJ, Stubbs, read on air:

Barbie Dolls Inc. Announces The Release Today of Limited Edition Barbie Dolls for the Seattle Market:

Medina Barbie:This princess Barbie is only sold at Bellevue Square (at selected stores only). She comes with assortment of Kate Spade handbags, a Lexus, a lapdog and a 2 million dollar house. Options include tummy tuck, face lift, spa certificates for Tiba, and a workaholic cheating husband Dr. Ken.

Issaquah Barbie:This trendy homemaker Barbie is available with the Lexus SUV or Ford Windstar minivan, gets lost easily, and has no full time occupation or secondary education. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately. Optional matching gym outfit.

Tacoma Barbie:This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife, a slammed Chevrolet with oversized wheels and tinted windows and a Methadone Clinic Ken. Also available in a jailbird version with orange coveralls.

Belltown Condo Barbie: This yuppie Barbie comes with choice of a BMW sports car or a souped up Hummer 2, Starbucks cup, credit card and shallow Ken.

Kent Barbie:This white-trash model comes in Wrangler jeans two sizes too small, a NASCAR shirt, big hair, a six pack of Coors Light and a Hank, Jr. CD set. She can spit over 5 feet and she can kick Ken's a$$ when she's drunk. A pickup is available with Confederate flag bumper stickers.

Auburn Barbie:The Murfreesboro version has a mouth that is firmly closed so as not to show her summer teeth, Daisy Dukes and a half T-shirt that guarantees you can see her navel piercing and at least 5 tattoos. Both versions swear incessantly and are not recommended for children. She is a GRCC drop-out, and has never made it out of what she calls "the rockin' boro"

Everett Barbie:This tobacco chewing, brassy-haired Barbie still has not learned that you can't wear high-heeled sandals from Payless with no pedicure and without breaking a heel and falling while you chase your beer gutted mullet wearing boyfriend. Her make-up is dark red lip liner with lips covered in a sparkly pink color or no fill-in at all. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans with assorted colored G-strings that stick out the back of her jeans, a white barely-there see-through shirt. Her long, layered hair is bleached/highlighted and BIG. Accessories include: CD-player equipped with Bon Jovi, and a 1996 Camaro Z-28.

Lynnwood Barbie:This Barbie is the same model of Barbie that was released in 1982. She comes with shoulderpads, dark polyester skirt, white pantyhose and a bad haircut. Options include a Rick James T-shirt, Walmart purse and outdated shoes.

Bonney Lake Barbie:This flannel wearing Barbie comes with her own 4-H ribbon collection, brown pick up truck and blue eye shadow! She's a country girl at heart with cow manure odored boots (scratch and sniff the soles for a realistic dose of country fun) Cowboy Ken is toothless and also clad in red and black flannel check shirt.

Happy May Day!

I know it is late, but Happy May Day to you all!

I have been substituting in the elementary schools the last week or so, and it brings back great memories of when I was a kid. I always remember making baskets of flowers for May Day. I would either leave them on our front porch for my Mom to find or I would leave them on the front porch of our neighbor Marie. Marie was this wonderfully kind older lady who was married to Wendell. When I met this couple at the age of four, they were already in their late 50's possibly into their 60's, and retired. They were both Norwegian, spoke the language, cooked the food and were just simply kind to this small child constantly in their home. It was one of those houses that I walked past the front window to get to the door, and if they were sitting in their chairs I would just walk in to visit with them. I ate dinner over there many many nights. I made untold number of cookies with Marie, and Wendell taught me how to swear in Norwegian when I was 6 or 7. I spent the night over there, I learned how to cross stitch there and I learned the value of appreciating an older generation of people. We eventually moved away, and they eventually moved back to the Midwest. They are both gone now, but they will always be remembered!



Happy May Day!