I. Am. So ....

..... excited to start the discussion tomorrow for this ----->











I hope that many of you (actually I really hope that ALL of you!) decided to read the book and join us for the discussion.  If you still haven't put your hands on a copy,  it's not too late (heck, it's never too late!).  You can get it here, or here, where it's on sale and shipping is free if you buy 2 books.  What a fantastic deal .... one for you and one for someone in your life who's very special.  It's even less expensive here.
OK, I've done all of the work .... all you have to do is click on one of the "here" words, order it, receive it later this week and then fall totally in love with it.  And you will.
I.
Promise.

OK .... I could go on and on about this (and you all know that I REALLY could) but I won't.  Those of you who've started reading it would be fine with that, but those of you who have yet to get it ..... probably wouldn't.
So instead I'll catch you up with my week.

As you know, I went to South Carolina on Monday (at the UN-godly hour of 5:45 a.m., which means that I had to get out of my warm, cozy bed at the even-UN-godlier hour of 3:30 a.m.).  I went with 6 of my friends/family/people I love ..... oh .... and co-workers.  Yes, they just happen to be all that to me.  It was a great, though exhausting week.  I had to pay attention for at least 9 hours every day ..... and then about 3 more hours in the evenings.  I was sometimes stretched beyond my limit ..... for paying attention.
But it was still great.  We learned a lot about the ministry we're doing and how to be more effective and intentional with it.
I got to meet a lot of other people who love God and are so psyched about showing that love to others.  It was also nice to be in a group of people (I think around 60) where the majority of them didn't associate me with the "W" word.  I'd never met most of them so they had no idea of the power I have to lower the temperature in a room full of people.  Or to at least silence a room.  For a bit.
My power is lessening, though ..... and that's a very good thing.  There are many times when I don't even think about people knowing if I'm a ..... you know ..... wi...... wi ....... person with a dead husband.
Although once in a while, I'll run into someone here in our community ..... someone whom I haven't seen in a long time.  I can see it in an instant .... the change that flickers through their eyes.  The point where they see me and their brain registers who I am ..... and what I am.  Sometimes, honestly ...... I avert my eyes and just keep walking.  I don't have the energy to convince someone that I'm doing OK, even better than OK most of the time.
Other times I'll exchange the required American lie greeting: Hi-how-are-you-fine-thanks-how-are-you-fine-thanks-good-see-you-later-ok-bye.

Wow .... I have really digressed from my update!!
So ..... the week was great.  We made it home on Thursday night, despite the dire facts rumors that were flying all over the US ..... some were flying a lot further than some airlines.
Anyway, we made it home, although we were mentally prepared to stay over in Atlanta.  Thankfully we all were in our own beds Thursday night ..... and probably more of Friday morning than usual, due to the frozen block of ice over the entire city patches of ice on overpasses that closed down most of Houston.  I enjoyed the day hanging around the house catching up with some work, laundry, blog tweaks and house stuff.
I did pretty much the same thing today.  Having a day (or 2) at home to just "be" can never be highly over-rated.
Ever.

Tonight I went to see the movie "127 Hours".
Oh.
My.
Goodness.
I'm stunned that I was able to come home and write!
I don't think I've experienced that much tension in a movie in ...... maybe forever?
I had no idea how tense I was until it was over and the lights came up.  Then I eased up on the death grip that I had on C's hand and tried to move my neck and shoulders.  It was painful.  I really could've used a margarita ..... or a heavy duty muscle relaxer.
Be forewarned ..... take a flask or some kind of medicinal assistance with you if/when you go see this movie.
I ...... well, I "liked" it, though it's very difficult to use the word "like" in this instance.  James Franco did a most excellent job, as usual.  Fortunately, I knew the story pretty well before going in.  I had seen the main character/author on several news shows after this event happened and then when his book came out.  So I knew what I was walking into.  But I had also heard that it was very good.
And it was.  Kind of.  In a strange, weird way that makes something not good at all ...... good.
If you've not heard of this movie then you have no idea what I'm talking about and are probably thinking that I did, indeed, imbibe in several margaritas, which washed down several muscle relaxers.
I can only dream.
:)

So ..... that's my week .... in a nut shell.
Tomorrow is church, catching up on more reading, paying bills, joining the book club discussion (!!)  and then going to a Super Bowl party.
I am expected to cheer for the Steelers at this party.
I really don't give two hoots (I'm guessing that's a Southern saying?) about this game.  I'm just going for the company.
Well .... ok .... I'm also going for the food, but then ..... who isn't?
I don't usually give even one hoot for pro football.  I cheer on the Texans .... until they start sucking (and I'm not even going there....).  I like Da Bears ..... because we lived in Chicago for a couple of years.  But Pittsburgh and Green Bay?
What.
Ev.
Er.

And my most sincere apologies to any of my wonderful Peeps who are rabid fans.  I hope your team wins.
:)

Enjoy the game and ..... Happy Saturday/Sunday, Peeps.
:)

P.S.  Who ARE you cheering for/betting on/hoping will win?
Just curious.
:)