SHE DID IT....AND WE ARE SO PROUD!

 What?  Who is she?  What did she do?

Atinuke is a Nigerian Exchange Student, studying nursing at Southern Union.  We met her several years ago through our daughter.  She rents a small house from us, and consequently is a close neighbor.   Atinuke is a wonderful young lady, full of love, energy, dedication and is very much a Christian.  It isn't necessary to ask her about her faith, nor is it necessary for her to tell you.  She lives it and it shows in everything she does.

During her time here she has worked full time and been a full time student. It hasn't been easy for her.   She graduated from Southern Union in December, but didn't make a big deal about.  She simply said that wouldn't be the only college graduation for her. She has very high aspirations. However, after graduation comes the BIG test, you know the one.  That national certification exam.  The one that if you don't pass, your college years simply don't mean much.  She PASSED on her first try.  She is now Atinuke, RN!  She begins her first job as an RN on the 21st.  No doubt, her patients will adore her, and she will provide them with good, loving care and concern.

We have become her American parents.  We often talk about matters of the heart, finance, career, world events and anything else that comes to mind.  We are blessed to have her in our life.  Her Mother, who resides in Nigeria, visited in December of 2009 and was her to celebrate Christmas with her daughter and with us.  We were honored to have her. I'm sure her Mom is overjoyed and thankful.  She has faithfully prayed for Atinuke and her desire to be of service to others. 

Atinuke, you have worked hard for this and we are proud for you!  I think a celebration might be in order! 

Wedding Anniversary and Wedding Day Memories

Simply unbelievable is the only way I can describe my life for the past 11 years.  On February 12th, we celebrated 11 years of wedded bliss.  We celebrated at home.  My wonderful husband prepared our dinner and we enjoyed an awesome bottle of Frank Family Wine, which we had been saving for a special purpose.  

Throughout the day we laughed about our wedding day and night.  See, Barry was afraid I would be a run away bride.  After all, I had become accustomed to my single life, and the thought of sharing a house with a man, well, was a little overwhelming.  He would not let me out of his sight all day.  Probably a good thing since I did have the wedding jitters.  We had a beautiful small ceremony, attended only by immediate family and the closest of friends.  We were fortunate to have Barry's Dad attend, as well as my three living grandparents.  After we exchanged our wedding vows, everyone had dinner.  Wine and Champagne were served to all guests.  And since it was already paid for, there was no need to let any go to waste.  Barry, myself and four of our best friends stayed behind and finished every drop of the wine and champagne.  

Later the six of us (who had to call a cab) ended up at our friends house, in their entertainment room,, watching Saving Private Ryan.  How is that for entertainment on your wedding night?  Before we knew it, the sun was beginning to rise and we began to panic.  We were to meet my family for breakfast at 8:00 a.m., and it was 30 minutes away.  I was still wearing my wedding dress, and Barry was in his tux.  We managed to make it to breakfast on time, but exhausted.  We did take time to get a shower and change clothes.  

Following breakfast, home to bed for some much needed sleep, only to be awakened by the civil defense siren.  Tornado sighting in our area....what now.....under the stairs.....no room there.  Underneath the dining room table seemed to be the perfect place.  So we spent many hours, under the dining room table, with no power.  After the tornado warning expired we ventured out and into bed.  Still no power and we had to pack for our honeymoon.  We were cruising for 10 days and had an early flight out.  We managed to pack with the use of  flashlights, and make our way to the airport.  However, most of the roads in our neighborhood were closed due to storm damage.  We were beginning to think we would miss our flight.  

It was indeed an exciting weekend!  Our honeymoon was fabulous.  Barry was and is a very romantic man, and I'm so blessed to be loved by him.  He is truly a gift from God!

 

The Joys of Travel......Hotel Rooms and Strange Cities

Those who have been following my idle ramblings of late know that I've been traveling an awful lot.  This last adventure lasted 30 days.  Not bad, considering that I am a woman who has spent as many as 300 nights a year in hotel rooms somewhere in the world.

A life and career of traveling isn't all bad.  My career has been  fun, exciting, and very good to me. I've had the opportunity to visit many exciting places, meet hundreds of interesting people and never do laundry or clean house!  But life  in hotel rooms is not without it's downside.  Probably the worse is that of being lonely, missing special family events, and the list goes on and on.

I've been home for a few days now. All the laundry is clean and I've enjoyed spending nights in my own bed.  Oh, the joy of the simple things of life at home.

Other than striving to catch up in the office (which is upstairs in our home) and housework, I'm often interrupted by telephone calls or the ringing of the door bell.  It's difficult to consider these calls and visit as interruptions.  Why?  Because when the office phone rings, it indicates that someone is interested in the services we provide.  When the house phone rings or the someone comes to the door, it means someone is interested in us as friends and family.

Next project..............removing all the Christmas decorations before Valentines Day!   That, my friends, will be no small task!