I am who I am today thanks to "My Jim"

he had a profound impact on my life

I was looking through old newspapers articles I had written for "The Lantern" at Butler County Community College and found a column I wrote my sophomore year when I was editor. I had completely forgot I wrote it and re-reading it brought back a flood of memories for me. I wish I had a photo on my computer to share with you as well, but I don't. But, here is my column.

I am who I am today thanks to "My Jim"

As the soldiers walked out the door of the funeral home, I turned to look my tear-filled cousin in the eye as we waited for the 21-gun salute that would soon follow. Silence and an occasional sob were all that could be heard inside the room. Then, with their guns pointed upward, one by one the soldiers fired their guns, sending chills down my spine. But also a sense of pride and happiness overwhelmed me because I knew this is the way Jim would have wanted it.

I leaned over to hug my mother as they continued firing and cried more. We approached the casket to say our good-byes and I slipped a note in the pocket of his gray suit with “My Jim” written neatly on the front with pencil.

The pastor described him as the good Samaritan, always willing to do for others, even when he didn’t have many possessions himself. My mom described him as giving and brave. My cousin described him as a great guy. To me, he was simply “My Jim.”

Jim married my grandma when I was a child. Although he wasn’t my biological grandpa he always treated me as his granddaughter; taking me out to eat, buying toys and loving me as a grandpa would. I would yell to him, “Come play with me My Jim,” and he would run outside to greet me.

When he and my grandma divorced he still remained a major part in my life setting up a college fund and writing letters to me occasionally.

But as time passed and distance became greater, Jim and I didn’t talk as much. I saw him during the holidays and he came to Kansas to attend my high school graduation. While the rest of my family was wearing dress clothes, Jim showed up in a suit saying he only wears the best for Stacy’s graduation.

Jim lived day to day, never quite knowing what would happen or what would come up. Being a former soldier and prisoner of war, he knew what having it rough really meant and he knew that he was fortunate to have what he had; and he had little. Never owning any real possessions, Jim lived so that he could pack up and take off in his car any day.

He worked several jobs after serving in three wars. He was a chef and part owner of several restaurants, worked in a liquor store, worked as a security guard, and owned approximately 30 rental houses.

He worked out every day and constantly wore a smile that could be seen for miles. He truly cared about people, doing anything he could to help a friend.

His death came suddenly, shocking the entire family.

Until this funeral, I had only attended one funeral and I was very young so it didn’t affect me the way this one did. This time I actually realized that sometimes people we love are taken away from us. I thought I had it so easy that I wasn’t going to have to endure any pain for a long time, but now that I have, I am glad because the impact he made on my life will never be forgotten and he will forever be My Jim.

Livin' on a Prayer

oh, how I love Bon Jovi

Oh my friends, it has been a great week in Stacy World! My boss and I conveniently booked a teacher inservice north of Kansas City the day after the scheduled Bon Jovi concert just so we can go on Greenbush's dime, well, kinda. I mean, we had to shell out some money to get our tix on eBay (since it is sold out) and we will have to pay the difference in gasoline, but meals and hotel is paid since we would have been up there anyway. We are soooo smart! :) We found an awesome deal on two tickets. The seats aren't the best, but hey, I get to see Bon Jovi LIVE so I really don't care. And the fact that Daughtry is opening for him is just the icing on the cake.

So we will be heading to Randolph, KS on April 17 to work with students from 1-3 p.m. and then headed to KC to check into our hotel and eat something before the concert. Then, get this, we have to be in Effingham, KS by 7:30 a.m. the next morning (which is also my last day of work), HA! The good thing is we have done this training so many times we can do it in our sleep... which may just be the case!

Oh, the things we do for Bon Jovi!

It breaks my heart

i can't believe what kids do to each other these days

I really believe in the work that myself and my co-workers do to educate parents, schools, teachers and students about bullying. We have researched and perfected our presentations for the past 3 years to make the most impact on the school districts we serve. I thought the problem had been improving across Kansas and across the U.S. (mostly because it is a hot-button topic at the moment). Well this story proved that there is much more work to be done and that if you do not have your entire school district and community bought into the process of making a safer school environment then it will fail. I hope this boy and his family can move on and get the justice they deserve.

I stand corrected

WOW!

David Cook just blew me away with his version of Billie Jean! WOW WOW WOW... is all I can say. I am going to iTunes right now to download it. American Idol is back my friends. David Cook all the way baby!!! :)

I'm not impressed...

is it just me?

I am completely not impressed with American Idol this year. Maybe it's that the contestants are getting cocky a little early in the game, or that no one has really blown me away yet. Even with the addition of instruments, which I loved when David Archuleta and Brooke White played the pianos, that was nice, it doesn't really help the fact that their voices aren't all that impressive. The only one I am sorta leaning towards is David Cook because he has a cool rock vibe, other than that I say thumbs down to American Idol at this moment. But give it a week, maybe someone will change my mind. :)

A Hoosier-rific Photo Display

a pictorial... Hoosier style

So, I really don't have much to blog about today, but I thought I would share some photos of the place I will soon call home. Here are just a few that I found on Google. Enjoy!

Above left is a map of the area. We are really close to Chicago and Lake Michigan. On the right is a photo of downtown South Bend.

Above are two photos of the Notre Dame campus in South Bend.

On the left is a highway on-ramp near South Bend. I love the way it is shaped like a clover, haha. Most highway on-ramps are, but I just like this one particularly. On the right is the St. Joseph County courthouse in South Bend.

Here is the St. Joseph River that flows through South Bend, Mishawaka and Elkhart. This picture does not do it justice because it is a beautiful river. There is even a riverwalk through downtown South Bend that is pretty neat, but I couldn't find a picture of it. And, of course, on the right is Notre Dame Stadium. Jared and I would like to go see a game, even though we will be wearing KU and OU gear the entire time! haha

And finally, here is another aerial photo of downtown South Bend and the College Football Hall of Fame, also located in downtown South Bend.

Just a little diddy

updates before the weekend

The Pink Computer - They ended up shipping me a whole new system and it is perfect! The screen is bright and my smile is big!

My Hair - I couldn't even find that little burnt spot in my hair today. I don't know if it was really burned or what. I wore it wet and curly the past few days so maybe that helped. I am still going in to get my hair done this weekend because I am in desperate need of a cut and color (darn grey hairs). :)

House - We haven't had any more lookers at our house, but our realtor is pretty sure the person who has a contingency on our house now will go ahead and buy it anyway, even if her house doesn't sell. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Jared - He is doing well in South Bend and working hard to get his warehouse organized and set-up the way that he wants it. Jared and Jared Hicks, our roommate, have settled into our 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in Mishawaka and they said they really like it. They are ready for me to get down there with the rest of the stuff, haha, but they are making it work for now. I am getting kinda tired of Jared calling to tell me all the yummy places he is going to eat, but I can't go to because I am in Girard, AARRGGHHH! :) His eyes are doing well after his surgery. He may have to come back at some point and get an update on his right eye because it was much worse than his left. But, overall, he is enjoying his new eyes and being able to see without his glasses.

That's all for now kids! Have a wonderful weekend and a great Easter with family and friends!

Yep, I sure did google it!

have you ever googled burnt hair? I did

Ok friends, as many of you know I am known for my odd mishaps and crazy stories. Well, here's one for ya...

Last Thursday I was washing my hair in the shower, humming a little Rascal Flatts and I started to smell something. I wasn't sure what it was but it smelled a little like the liquid they use on perms and a little like peanut butter with vinegar (odd, I know... but that's what I thought it smelled like). I thought, well maybe its just my shampoo today or maybe it is getting something outta my hair. I noticed the smell as I dried and flat ironed my hair but it wasn't as strong and all the product I used covered it up. My hair looked normal, so I just dismissed it and went on to work.

The next day the same thing happened when I washed my hair and when I was drying and styling it. I noticed I was losing more hair than normal as well. Nothing appeared odd with my hair until I grabbed a piece to flat iron and I see something that looks blonde. Well, since I have dark brown hair this tiny blonde patch stood out like a sore thumb! I thought I had something in my hair, so I tried to use a fine tooth comb to get it out... nothing helped. Since it was underneath some of my other hair and close to the scalp, it was easy to hide. I wasn't sure what it was but just hoped it would go away.

Well it is Wednesday and the blonde patch is still here and there are some frizzy hairs on the other side as well (they aren't blonde but you can tell something is not right).

A few of my co-workers looked at me kinda crazy when I asked, "what does burnt hair smell like?" but after one look at the little blonde patch they told me, and I quote, "uh, yeah, you have singed your hair"

So, being a huge fan of google, I popped open my computer and googled "burnt hair". You'd be surprised how many things come up! One recommendation on ask.com to another unfortunate woman like me said, "cut it off the start over, you have screwed it up". Uh, no can do my friend, it is at my scalp and I really don't wanna have a weird spikey piece of hair sticking out at my scalp. So, thanks for the recommendation, but that won't be happening.

I have no idea how or when I did it, but I do flat iron everyday and I use protectant spray just like my wonderful hair dresser tells me to. Which, she laughed her head off when I told her and now I am going in to see her on Saturday to see what we can do about it. She loves me, but she just had to remind me of the time I tried to cut my own bangs and the time I tried to dye my own hair. She always has to go drudging up the past, but as she says "there is a reason I have a cosmetology license and you don't". Guess I will leave the fate of my poor burnt hair in her hands.

Until next time friends, turn down those flat irons and find a great hair girl!

Chinese food, foo-foo drinks and booty shakin'

Oh, how I love my girls in Wichita

I had a fabulous weekend with my gals in The Ta. When I refer to "my gals" I mean Amber, Erika, Emily and Melanie. I worked with these great gals for 4 long years at Dillon's in El Dorado. Melanie was sick so I didn't get to see her, but I had a fabulous dinner with Amber, Erika and Emily and my wonderful friend Shawna joined us and my sister Alicia.

It was crazy, as it always is when you get all of us together, but we had a great time. Shawna and I went shopping and then watched KU play at Emerson Biggins and then we all went to dinner at P.F. Changs and then dancing at Finns and the Pump House in Old Town. Here are some photos from our evening! Oh, how I will miss those gals!

The whole gang at P.F. Changs

Amber and I enjoying some Mongolian Beef and foo-foo drinks

Erika and I at the Pump House

Alicia attempting to use chop sticks

Me and that girl they call Shawna

Emily, Erika, Amber and me before dinner

Thank you for calling Dell Support India, how can I help you?

AAARRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!

So, I received my beautiful pink Dell Inspiron computer in the mail yesterday after waiting patiently for the DHL delivery gal to show up. I was rushing out the door to a training as she delivered it so I didn't get to play around with my new toy until about 8 last night (after getting house picked up for the buyer's inspectors to come tomorrow). I tore into the package, tossing foam and plastic by the wayside and looking for that bright pink lid. It was impressive and it is the first computer I have ever purchased, so I was pretty proud of myself. I get it out of the package and carefully open the lid and look at the silvery inside. I pushed the start button and got up for a second to grab a drink. I come back and it is started up and ready for me to begin the set-up process.

However, there is a huge problem. The screen is dim. I mean really dim.
So... with my knowledge of computers, I quickly work through the set-up process and go into windows and begin the FUNCTION (arrows) command to brighten the screen. Nothing happens. I try it again, nothing. There is a little bar at the botton telling me that I am increasing and/or decreasing the brightness, but my screen remains the same. A few curse words begin to roll out of my mouth and my cat looks a little afraid. It's under warranty, so I am calling Dell and they are gonna take care of this for me.

Well, you know how call centers work, I get a guy in India with an extremely thick accent. I don't even remember his name, but for the story's sake, I will call him Akbar. Akbar tried to navigate me through various commands and functions, he even used Dell Connect to work on my computer from India (pretty impressive). Nothing seemed to make a difference. Then, I started to think he was hitting on me... asking me what time it was in Kansas and what I do for a living. Then he started telling me how nice I was and I was the best customer he has ever had, blah, blah, blah. WHOAH Akbar, I need you to fix my computer not try to pick up on me. Overall he was a pretty nice guy and I felt like we really made a connection in that hour and a half on the phone. :)

His conclusion was that I needed a new LCD screen or I can exchange for a new computer. So, I called back today to get that all set up and apparently they want me to try a few more things before they decide to send me a new screen or exchange the computer. Apparently Akbar was too busy flirting and not troubleshooting. :) So, I will try their suggestions tonight and if they do not work I will be back on the phone AGAIN (this time with Jose... also of India. Weird huh?). Jose didn't hit on me though, he must not be into American women. :)

It's old, but dependable

jared made it to Indiana

It might be a 1991 Ford F150, but by golly it made it 10 1/2 hours to South Bend Indiana. Jared wasn't so sure he would be able to make the entire trip, especially with no cruise control and with the age of his truck. But, I got a call from him at about 8 last night and they had made it and were staying at the Knight's Inn (Yipppeee.... I bet it is a real nice place).

Today they will be signing there lease at our apartment and getting some things moved in and settled. Hicks told me the other day that by the time I get up there they will have it all decorated and fixed up for me, HA! I'll believe it when I see it, haha.

I really don't have much else going on, but I wanted to let everyone know that Jared made it safety and in less time than we predicted. Until next time fellow bloggers, have a wonderful day!

And he's off to the Hoosier State

my hubby left this morning

After a busy day of packing, Jared left this morning to make the 13 hour drive to South Bend. Oh yes I will miss him, but compared to how long he has been gone in the past, this will be a breeze. Last year he was in Kentucky for 3 freakin' months while I was planning a wedding. Talk about stressful!

So this time it is only a month and a week, so I will definately be able to manage. AND... I have so much to do to get ready for him to come back so that we can load up the truck and move everything up north. He will be back the weekend of April 19 for the Annual Jake's Fireworks Customer Shoot-Off, where they light up the sky with all the Jake's products for all the customers to see. It is always a good time and a free firework show, which I just love. After the show, we will start loading up the truck and getting the house cleaned up so that potential buyers will still think it is pretty even without all the furnishings and decorations in it!

I will keep you all updated on Jared's trip and let you know when he and his old truck make it up there, haha.

Once a Drennan, Always a Drennan

gotta love my family

Jared and I had such a busy weekend! Saturday we went to Fort Scott for lunch with his Uncle Dave and Aunt Debby and his cousin Amy and her husband Dan and their two boys. It was a lot of fun and I got to play with leggos with Charlie, so that was an added bonus, haha.

Sunday we made the 4 hour trip to Edmond to see the entire Drennan family at my grandma's house. She was DETERMINED to get the entire family together and she accomplished that goal. With the exception of my cousin Chad, who was sick, and my cousin Eric's wife, who was also sick, everyone was there! It was so great to see everyone, eat a good home-cooked dinner and just talk.

I finally got to see my cousin Laura's little girl who is 9 months old. She was just too cute and her cheeks were just a pink as ever! I just kept looking at Jared and saying "I want one just like her". He just rolled his eyes.... but then I caught him smiling at her and watching her, haha.

Anyway, it was just awesome to see everyone, especially my cousin Robert who has completed culinary school and if now a chef in OKC. I am so proud of him and I know our grandpa Jim is watching over him and is extremely proud of him as well. He just needs to move to South Bend with us and be our personal chef since Lord knows I can't cook! haha

All in all, I had a great time and started to get a little sad thinking about how far away I will be once we move. But life goes on and people move away and start their own families. But one thing is for sure -- I will always be a Drennan and I will always have fond, happy memories of my time spent with this great family!

Here are some pictures from Sunday...

The Birks

Chris and Alicia

Chris, Alicia, Dad, Mom, Me and Jared

The grandkids and MamMaw

Aunt Glenda, MamMaw, Aunt Cindy and Dad

Ah, kids

what a little stinker

Last night Jared and I had some friends over for a BBQ. Nothin' fancy, just some wild bird Jared and Skip shot last weekend, some yummy pork loins that Jared marinated and cooked to absolute perfection and some random pasta salads, potatoes and bread. It was delicious.

Besides cooking and eating, we got the pleasure of hanging out with our little friend Jace. Jace is the son of our good friend Jamie. He just turned 5 this January and he is just growing up so fast! Well, when he comes to Birky and Stacy's house, he thinks he has full rein of everything, haha. He KNOWS that Birky has a really neat knife collection and that we have a little kitty that likes to run from him. He definately likes to see what he can get away with, Overall, he is a great kid that you just wanna scoop up and hug and kiss on. But, my oh my can the boy push your buttons.

The conversation went like this

"Jace, what are you doing?", I said.

"Nothing, just jumping off the couch," Jace said.

"Jace, please do not do that you are going to hurt yourself." I said.

"No I won't," he said as he jumped off the couch and hit the coffee table.

****PAUSE**** (Zac Morris style)

Well, I kinda like use Jace as my "test kid" (sshhh... don't tell his dad, haha), try out some Super Nanny techniques, see if I will be a good mom and can remain control of the house. So, I take this opportunity to try something out.

*****UN-PAUSE******

"See Jace, what did I tell you. Please do not jump on the furniture. Come over here and play with your toys," I said, trying to give him an alternative activity to jumping on the couch. I wanted to stay strong and not waiver with him. I didn't wanna give up on it.

"No, I like it over here," he says smiling as he climbs back up on the couch and gears up to jump.

"Jace, if you jump off that couch one more time and you are going in the naughty corner. I don't know where that is right now, but I will make one," I said, not sounding too sure of myself at this point, but thought if other people have used it, maybe it will work.

Needless to say he jumped, several times, I got mad and he knew it and not even thinking about it I took him by the hand and we went outside to tell Jamie.

I'm not sure what happened to the whole "naughty corner" threat, but since he's just my "test kid" I can just pass him right off to dad right? :)

Not even 20 minutes later, he jumps off the couch again and then one more time just to make the smoke blow out my ears.

I give up and get Jared to take care of it.

So much for the "staying strong and not waivering"... I guess I need more practice. :(