Nothing like 25 of your closet friends and a few board games!!
Last night I found myself surrounded by some very fun folks, and a little wiener dog named Fo’ Shizzle. Mix in some free food and you’ve got yourself a little par-tay!
It got serious….
And there is the poor dog. He didn’t stand a chance.
Taking a little break…
The girls of course were the winners…. naturally.
I did something this morning that I had all but sworn I would never do again. Just about two years ago I made the decision that I wasn’t ever going to set foot in the church that had so horribly turned their backs on me. At the time, I felt as though I was being judged and ridiculed for the events in my life. It took an extraordinary amount of courage to go to them to ask for help and understanding. In return, I was given a scarlet letter and an unbelievable amount of guilt. Although I LOVED the church, the people were too much. I had written them off for good. Or so I thought.
I have had it in my mind ever since I have been back in town that I wanted to return to my church. I really can’t explain the reasoning behind my need to go back. Selfishly, I wanted to walk though those doors with my head held high, almost as proof that I had “survived”. Mostly, I had begun to realize that I have missed my southern baptist roots. Some good hallelujah music seemed to be just what the doctor ordered.
So, I got up this morning and made the 45 minute drive back to my old town and my old church. I walked in, found my old seat and found amazing comfort in the familiar faces. I caught a few awkward glances and immediately smiled. Amazingly, the message today was titled “A Blessing or a Curse? You Decide!” I have no doubt that my old church was exactly where I was supposed to be this morning, awkward glances and all. In all honestly, I’m pretty sure the strange looks my way where people trying to figure out how they knew me. After all, its been two years…
As I got back into my car to leave I couldn’t help but feel completely healed. (If that’s even the right word?) I’ve come a long way, and it feels amazing to be so content and comfortable. Forgiveness is good… Both to give and receive!!!
He just emailed me.
I haven’t seen or talked to “him” since February of last year. But out of the blue tonight, as I was thoroughly enjoying my time with some friends, my BlackBerry rings with an email from him. It was something about his credit report claiming that he had an address in Michigan. He wanted an explanation… He wanted to assume the worst.
The email immediately brought me out of my full blown Wii Rock Band haze in a matter of milliseconds. I went from laughing out loud to complete disbelief. Why does he feel the need to question it? Does he honestly believe I would do anything illegal or immoral with his credit? Is that honestly how he sees me? I’m not sure whether to be sad or angry. All I know is that something in my stomach turned over when I saw his name on my phone.
I am going to bed tonight without responding to it. I choose instead to blog to the entire world about what an immature man I was once married to.
I sit in my room tonight for the first time this year…. I left last Wednesday (the 31st) and have been out celebrating and reconnecting with old friends up though this afternoon (the 3rd). Its been an amazing few days! I really can’t help but feel so blessed to have such wonderful people willing and waiting to reconnect after being gone for so long!
First stop… Saying hello to 2009 (in quite the style I might add). My partner in crime for the evening was a best friend from high school. We found ourselves down in the ATL for a new years eve bash like no other. Complete with a live band and a cash balloon drop…We danced till we could dance no more! Such a fun night!!! This is me thanking Kristin for allowing me to share her friends for the evening.
I woke up New Years day and hit the road. I was on a mission to see a very long lost wonderful friend. Two hours later I arrived in south Georgia. I’m fairly certain that our hug at the door was way too far overdue! Donna and I graduated from college together. We share an athletic training degree and a friendship that honestly can’t be described with words. The last few years have left us in different states and with different marital statuses, but somehow being with her is timeless and transcends all of the differences in where we happen to be right now. For us to be building so many new memories on top of the old is a recipe for a very good time.
We spent three days lounging in our pajamas, eating rice crispy treats, playing a few mean games of Wii bowling and of course lovin’ on her precious little girl. I sat in awe of how easily my college friend has taken on the duty of motherhood. What a joy it was to spend time with her, her sweet hubby (not pictured-He didnt seem to enjoy the picture fest as much as the girls did.) and of course baby Madison!!
