The Nephew Test

Yesterday I went to my sister's to watch the older 3 kids while she took the little p-nut to the doctor to get a cast on his arm (the crazy kid broke it while playing on the trampoline). I hadn't seen them in over a week because they'd gone out of town to visit family and I really missed them. As soon as I got there my James-y (aka: my son-by-another-mother) showered me with love and admiration. As I spent time with him and his siblings I took note of the special treatment they give me - hugs, kisses, cuddles, sharing, etc. I thought about how these kids, who mean the world to me, show in the simplest ways that they love me and from my observations I decided to create "The Nephew Test". This is my new tool by which I can decide if a guy is worth my time and energy. So, if there are any interested men out there up for the challenge take note because I'm giving you the answers that will help you pass this test with flying colors!!!

THE NEPHEW TEST
- He makes me smile
- He makes me laugh
- He gives me a big hug whenever he sees me
- He cuddles with me when we are watching TV or movies
- He wants to hold my hand and does so often
- He gives me kisses (on the cheek)
- He feeds me M&M's ( without hesitation)
- He enjoys going on dates with me whether it's to the theater or the park

If you think you are man enough to pass this test then start by asking me on a date.

FYI - the ultimate nephew test will be when and if you have passed the above test and I decide you are worth introducing to the nephews (and niece of course). They are such a big part of my life and I value their opinions - especially my James-y!

Miss Popularity

If you had told me even just a year ago that people would be fighting to spend time with me I would have rolled my eyes, laughed in your face, and said "whatever"! Oh, how things have changed! I have apparently become ...


I'm not sure if I like this new found popularity though. I am used to doing my own thing. But when you have promised time to many other people (and you are like me in that you do your best to keep your promises) then doing your own thing kind of goes out the window. Please don't get me wrong - I love spending time with all of my friends and getting to catch them up on what's going on in my life. But when that takes time from other pursuits (like my new found favorite shameless flirting) I get a little frustrated. It's nice to be wanted, but can it be in smaller doses or a bit more spread out please. That way it won't take away from my shameless flirting time. ;-)

Another successful move...

I have been in my new place for a couple of weeks now and I absolutely love it! I love all the changes that have taken place in my life over this past month. I was a little stressed about having to go through my stuff, purge as much as I could, and move everything I kept yet again (4th time since I moved here 4 years ago) but there was a big difference this time. This time I had amazing friends who were more than willing to help me pack and move without making me feel horrible for having stuff (I know I have a lot of stuff - I don't need any commentary on it). I planned everything out to move most of my stuff on the day I got the keys and then move my furniture the next day. I got up early to load up my car with a few things so I could be at my new place as soon as the office opened. I signed the papers, got the keys and went down to my new place. There were a few things that I could really complain about (very little parking, not much storage) but the good really does outweigh the bad here. I have a great view and it is all MINE!!! I'd asked one of my guy friends who lives nearby to come help me upload the stuff in my car (not that I couldn't do it on my own, I just didn't what to) and I'm so glad he did come. I was already starting to feel overwhelmed and anxious and he brought me back to where I needed to be to stay sane - calm, focused, and laughing. That day was a long day but we were able to get most of the thing I wanted to move that day including my bed. That night I worked on confirming with everyone who'd volunteered to help me the next day. Cue stress! Almost everyone was backing out! Luckily I have some pretty awesome friends who came to my rescue and found me other guys to help. I was still nervous about being able to move the last of my stuff without taking too much of everyone's time (I hate being an inconvenience to anyone) because I only had access to one truck that I knew of. But the amazing friends came to my rescue again with a second truck! We were able to get it all in one trip and I was finally moved into my own place. I still have a bit of work to do. I need to find creative storage solutions. I can hardly wait for IKEA to open so I can get the bookcases I want.

I've Been Away Four Years and a Day...

Today as I was going through some of my junk in preparation for yet another move I came across the calendar from when I moved to Colorado in 2007. When I flipped through it I realized that I have officially been away from Louisiana for 4 years (and a day) now. Of course this reminded me of a BNL song from their album All In Good Time: I've been away 4 years and a day. You'd be thinking I'd be lonely, but I'm out here to stay. I wouldn't have it any other way!

I thought about leaving this area, but there are other things at work here. I feel like I have a purpose in staying here and especially in moving into Castle Rock even if I don't currently have a job. I'm still looking for gainful employment and doing my best to de-clutter my life. It's a bit of a process but I'm making some progress. I can hardly wait for the end result!

Uncharted

I have been told since my last post that I was too cryptic about what I really am doing. Therefore let me take the opportunity to clarify a little and add to what was previously said. I am staying in the Denver Metro area in the southern suburbs. I have found a nice one bedroom apartment in the Castle Pines area. When I went looking for a new place to live I felt drawn to the Castle Rock area for some reason and settled on the place I found in Castle Pines. The really interesting thing is I originally felt good about this area because it would still be with in the boundaries of the Crowfoot Ward where I have been going to church for the past 4 years. But as I said in my last post, change happens...

A little over a week ago it was announced that Crowfoot would be getting a new bishop. I was sad but understood well the need for change and that it was a good time to call a new leader for the ward. Knowing that the change in bishop would come the first Sunday in June I took the opportunity this past weekend to make a quick trip over to Utah to see my family (including my aging cat). I drove over Friday night with my little sister arriving at the parenets' house around 3AM. The visit was nice but I was missing my friends back in Colorado. I wanted to be kept informed about the last Sunday with Bishop Calvert so I had Kim text me updates (she said nothing amazing would happen). Well, it turns out it's been decided that it is time for a split in the Crowfoot Ward. I wondered if this would happen since the Parker Stake split back in March and Crowfoot was covering 3 stakes (Parker, Parker South, and Castle Rock). The split will happen this next Sunday in conjunction with the change in ward leadership. Parker and Parker South will keep Crowfoot and Castle Rock will get it's own Young Single Adult Branch (a branch is like a smaller version of a ward). So, even though I decided on my new place partly because it would keep me in Crowfoot that is no longer the case. I returned to Colorado on Monday knowing that I will be moving into the boundaries of the Castle Rock Stake once again and therefore will be a part of this new branch. This will be my last week in Crowfoot, but I will be in good company even though we will be few in number in the beginning. I do not know everyone that will be in the new branch but I do know I will be surrounded by several of my friends (Kim, Barbie, Crystal, Jenny, Danny, Ryan, Jason, Jared -- look ma, I named guys too!).

To all my friends who will remain in Crowfoot, I will miss seeing ya'll every Sunday. I tried to stay in the ward but I think someone else had other plans for me. We will still have opportunities to hang out and you will have to come see my new place once I'm moved in.

I am excited to be a part of the creation of a new YSA Branch for the church. That is something I have never been privileged to be a part of before. I have said several times in the past that I know that I was led to move to this part of the Denver area but could never really say why. It's at this time that I look to the wonderful example of Esther: "And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) Change has come and I plan to embrace it!