Things that have been happening

I have not blogged in a while and that should be a sign that I have been busy, as always. September went by quickly...the church had to go to Toronto to install a new pastor...I drove in Toronto for the very first time...it was not as bad as I originally thought...we went to the other side of Toronto, which means I did not have to do any town driving. We had a beautiful time and the reception afterward was awesome. The caterers did a great job with the food...the presentation was off the chain...I loved the curried chicken and rice served in a small glass...very nice.

There were church anniversaries, special services, family stuff, the usual. The beginning of October I went with my mom's sisters to their annual Sister's Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio...it was my first time attending since they started that tradition 19 years ago...I really enjoyed myself. I was happy that my sister was able to come from Virginia. We had "Divas for Christ" night - diva pictures and karaoke - that was so much fun; shopping on Saturday, dinner at the Cheesecake Factory - so good; games and prizes at the hotel; church with cousin Eld. Caleb Clinkscales and congregation--beautiful service and an awesome word from the Lord. A quick dinner, then on the road to come home...it was nice to be away from my guys--they had bonding time and I had a great chick weekend. Thanksgiving was nice; I baked 6 sweet potato pies - gave away 4 of them; went to Colasanti's, our annual trip, had broasted chicken and potato wedges; dinner on Sunday, then to the outlets for another Coach purse - I am addicted!!!!! (I had a coupon - 20% off) This weekend we go to the Birch Run outlets in upper Michigan, staying at the Hampton Inn, then on to Frankenmuth for Bronner's Christmas World and Zehnder's for a family style chicken dinner - various breads and spreads, coleslaw, cranberry relish, homemade noodles, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, fried chicken, corn, broccoli and homemade pies. All you can eat for $18.00. You get to take the leftovers home...can't beat that. The weekend after is the Pastor's Anniversary Banquet--had my dress since July. Then the last Sunday in October is the close out service for the anniversary...Halloween Day I go shopping with the ladies from work.

November 7 is the Grand Finale for "How Sweet the Sound" competition, being held at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The semi finals were a blast....so professional and spiritual. This time we have seats in the 4th row, center section, so we will be up front and personal with the singers and celebrities, maybe even be on camera. As you can see, life is busy but I would not have it any other way; it keeps me young.

We have been having a "Biggest Loser" competition at work; 16 people from various departments are trying to lose weight. The campus nurse does the weighing and record keeping..I joined because I lose weigh faster when I am accountable to someone other than myself..I have not won the weekly prize yet ($15) but I am aiming for the grand prize ($250). I have been losing 1-2 pounds per week, which is what you are supposed to do...so far after 5 weeks I have lost 9 pounds, which makes me happy; I would probably lose more if I exercised on a regular basis, which I don't because of aforementioned busy schedule. I did work out on the Wii Fit the other night...my legs hurt!!!! But I will continue because I need to lose 16 more pounds to reach my goal by Christmas.

Other than all these things, life is good. I am praying for good weather for Christmas because I want to go back to Pennsylvania for the holidays..we had such a great time last year. I want a GPS for Christmas, but if I don't get anything, I will still be happy; to be alive, in reasonably good health, have my family, good food to eat, a warm place to rest my head, a good job and great coworkers, a nice church and church family, my husband and son, a vehicle to drive, the Lord in my life, salvation, peace in my neighbourhood...these are the things that I am thankful for.