Teary eyed in Target

I was on my way into Target today to get a gift for a friend of mine in the hospital. As I was walking in I saw a man in a wheel chair that was struggling. About 15 to 20 people passed him by.

I slowed and asked him if I could help.

His leg had fallen off of his wheelchair - so he couldn't move forward. He asked me if I could place his leg back on the chair. I said of course. He looked like he needed to be lifted up - and placed better in the chair. We both laughed a little and said that I couldn't help him with that.

We strolled in together.

It was a little difficult to understand him - but we talked for about 5 minutes.

His name is Bob.

He asked me if I knew of the actor Cary Grant - I said, "absolutely". He told me of his dinner with him in Vegas. It was a nice chat.

I told him that I had to get going to visit my friend. He asked me my age - and said if I was just a little older he would be interested to have lunch with me. He also mentioned that many people don't take the time to talk to him and he was thankful I did...

As I was saying that I needed to get going a woman came in and looked at me like, "are you ok" I smiled at her and finished my conversation with Bob and then went to find my gifts.

The woman waited for me and said, "Are you ok?" I said, "of course" she asked, "Did he ask you to stop" (or something like that) I said - "No I asked him if I could help him and then we were talking..." I was sort of thankful that she was concerned - but so turned off by it also...

HE'S A 60 YEAR OLD MAN in a wheel chair... What could he do to me? He hasn't had someone pay attention to in a while and needed help. I was happy to help him and hopefully add something to his day.

She seemed shocked by this and said, "Oh, OH - thank you so much! That is so nice! Thank you so much for helping him."

I was unnerved by her gratitude for talking to him. Isn't that normally what anyone would do if they see someone needs help?

Why was it such a shocker? Why did SO MANY people walk by and not notice him. Why was it such a big deal to be nice and helpful?

I got teary eyed in Target wondering how many times I pass people by?

Today I didn't. ... But why is it such a novelty to be nice?

STELLA is BACK!

I got my baby back! She is all clean and FIXED. I'm laughing at myself for how much I love my car - but I seriously do. I've missed my auto start so much. It was awesome how it all worked out...

My car had to go in - but the shop didn't have openings until the 26th... She was drivable until then. My parents and Megan were going out of town that day - so I had 2 options in cars to borrow. Megan and RC graciously let me use hers while she was gone... (so I didn't have to pay anything for a rental)... I got a call yesterday saying that she was done and I could come get her - but I wasn't able to yesterday (and honestly didn't have the money to go get her - $500 deductible)...

I've been on a CASH BUDGET... which is hard - because I am paying things off as I go - and don't have much extra right now for a cushion... SO - I wouldn't have been able to pick her up yesterday. I looked this morning and my check from ET was deposited already - so I could go get her! YAY!

I'm learning to rely on God for everything. My prayer has been that he would provide financially for what I NEED - not the extra's but what I need - I have seen that so many times I can't even explain. It's been amazing! Having total dependence on Him! He knows what I need - and he won't hold it back!

Stella's got her groove back! I love my car!

Bitterness

an apology. and forgiveness.

Cats

can kill.

i need a shot.

so i can breathe after i'm with them.

Friends all over the world!

Crazy to think that in a month I will have 4 friends in 4 different countries ... FOR MONTHS!!

Right now I've got a friend biking across Africa! - so nice to hear from him.

I have a friend who is playing Basket Ball in Lebbenon - miss him.

My sister will be in Australia in a month - I'm so proud of her AND I don't know how I'm going to handle it!

My Brother will be in Peru in a month... can't wait to hear about his studies and adventures - there totally won't be a dull moment I'm sure!

My Mom and Dad are in the state - but getting away together for a week - this week.

My roommates Megan and Marley - are visiting Megan's family... (they're in the country just away... and right now)

My other roommate RC is going on a Mission Trip to Mexico in February...

HOLY CRAP!! I don't know if I've ever had this many people close to me take trips this close together or this far away for an extended period of time.

I'm not that great with Good Byes... they kind of freak me out. But I'm so excited for each person!

I guess I just have to plan a trip soon!

Can't get enough

Of my sister - before she goes!

Not really sure what to do about Australia... when should I go over with Krista?

I am DREAMING of going over there with her right now instead of the end of March. To help get her settled and to see everything with her. If I visit later... I don't think we will have as much time together.

BUT it's a lot to get together by February 24th. I guess if I'm supposed to go now - it will all come together and I'll go.

No matter when I go I have to get my stuff together to get a tourist VISA, buy a plane ticket, have spending money and pay bills BEFORE I go... there's a lot to think about and plan for in a little period of time.

It's been a great month for closings and lia sophia... so either way I should be able to swing it. I TOTALLY want to go now - but we will see.

I don't know if I can wait until March to go...?

Did I mention I need a Vaca right now??? And that I can't get enough of my sis before she leaves. I'm going to miss her - like no one's business. I wish she could just pack me up in her suitcase... I don't think I'm going to like this being half way across the world. Good that it's only for a short period of time!

PS - Joel should move back. Or closer. Or we could move out to him. I'm used to him being gone... but don't like being used to it.

Sad Today...

Don't really know why I'm sad. But I am.

Life is good. It still will be good after February... (Joel & Krista leave the country for Peru and Australia)

I think realization is setting in now.

I'm SO EXCITED for both of them! They have to go - this is a chance of a lifetime! If I didn't have a bunch going on here I would want to be out of the country for a while too! To experience other cultures. To be immersed in it! To do something BIG on my own. There aren't TOO MANY people who can say they've lived in another country on their own for a while.

I'm missing my sister already and she's here! I feel like I can't get enough time with her before she leaves. I wish Joel were here so we could do the same thing with him!!

I can't wait to hear stories and see pictures and visit. But today I'm sad. It sucks.