While it may not be a good one, I do have an excuse for my absence: foolishness.  And yes, that would be my own foolishness.  A little technological blunder forced me to choose between a $90 fee or 75 days in absencia from my blog, so I opted for the less expensive route.  I’ve got 75 days to spend but as for that $90…

Actually, sometimes I wonder who, if anybody, reads my blog.  Not that I have to have a following.  In fact, I was initially resistant to the idea of having a blog.  Frankly, I found many blogs to be rather self-centered, with an all-about-me mentality, and dull as they recounted the events of the day in “Dear Diary” fashion.  I had my journal (which, to be honest, has suffered horribly since this blog business began), and that was enough for me. 

For those of you who have blogs, please don’t be be offended by that.  In spite of my critical comments, I do have a few favorite blogs that I visit regularly; and as you can see for yourself (or is it “read for yourself”?), I am a fellow blogger who someone could just as readily and easily criticize for my rambling, sporadic style.  Actually, truth be told, some already have, but what’s a girl to do?  Besides, I like rambling.

In spite of my shortcomings, it seems there are a faithful few out there who, believe it or not, like to keep up on my adventures (or is it mishaps?), and a blog is a great solution; so here I am.  I intended to write more today, but now I’m afraid to lest I appear too self-focused after my soap-box speech…well, that and the fact that if I don’t publish this soon, it will no longer be April Fools Day.  Hope it was a fun one!

WHAT WAS I DOING TEN YEARS AGO?

Ouch.  This one hurts my mind to try to remember…hmm, let’s see.  I think I was in my last year at Iowa.  Katrina had married Jake the summer before, which means I wasn’t living with her, but I can’t remember if I had yet moved into the little Wayne Street Avenue apartment with Natalie.  Regardless, I was undoubtedly spending time with both of them and playing soccer.

…I lied.  I was living at home, and I have proof.  Just now, I ran upstairs to look at some photos from that year.  I had forgotten, but that was winter that I broke my petella (kneecap) playing soccer (at least I had that part right).

Do you like my schnazzy crutches?  Nothing but the best for the Hawks.  (Go team!)  Actually, they were great crutches; but better than those, during my photo search, I found a great one of Natalie from Courtney’s Mary Kay b-day bash.  Say cheese, Natalie!

This was my second oldest niece Jessica’s first Christmas; Rachel was two.  It seems that since their births, as well as those of my other nieces and nephews, I remember time more by their growth and change than the events in my own life.

WHAT WAS I DOING FIVE YEARS AGO?

I was working in the office at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp, having just spent my first summer there as Activity Director Dave Taylor’s assistant.  Pr. Phil pestered me all summer long about staying on to work, and all summer long, I said no…obviously I’m a woman of my word. 

That was also the year of the Jensen addition, so part of my office responsibilities was to be a regular nuisance to Marvin Nehring and the volunteer construction workers.  Ah, fond memories.

Rachel was seven; Jessi, five; and Johnny was two.  They were as fun then as they are today.  Just as cute, too.  If I’m calculating correctly,

WHAT WAS I DOING ONE YEAR AGO?

One year ago, I enjoying FA’s annual December activities.  The first was the high school Mele Luau Christmas party.  Do you like my homemade lei?

The second was the FA Christmas Program.  That evening, I met a really ”cool” guy at school and was so smitten with him that I did something I NEVER do.  I kissed him on the first date.  Perhaps that’s also why it ended up being our last!

I also got my share of the cold last winter when I was given the best gift of all – a plane ticket home!  Rachel, eleven, was nearly as tall as me.  (FYI, when she greeted me at the airport last month, she had to bend down to give me a hug.)  Petite Jessi was, nine; Johnny was six; Anna and Ali were three; and Parker was one.  Austin, who would wait six more months to make his arrival, was safe and warm inside his mother.

During my short time in the States, I managed to squeeze in a quick camp visit to see my former friend Erin.  Please remember, it was she who “tagged” me…well, I guess she did make a special b-day cake for my visit…however, she didn’t really make it for me…but she did send me peanut butter in a care package – oh yeah, that resolves it.  Nevermind the “former.” It’s a typo.  It should have read FOREVER friend!  (Love you, Erin!)

WHAT WAS I DOING YESTERDAY?

Okay, this is really going to stretch my memory.  Yesterday I spent the day trying to stay warm (see photo below) while working on this blog.  (Right now, I am frantically typing to finish it up since I promised Erin a post!)  I also worked on my upcoming church presentation, sent off some emails, worked on a Bible study, sorted through some of my belongings (what’s to go to Brazil, what’s to be given away, etc.) found out some disappointing news about my external hard drive, and talked for a short time on the phone to a cute guy named Fred.

FIVE SNACKS I LOVE
Popcorn
Maracuja (passion fruit) juice made with milk
A juicy mango
A spoonful of peanut butter – yum!
Vanilla Cappuccino Coolers (Did you notice the Starbucks Frappuccino on the endtable in the picture with my cast?  That was a special treat from my sympathetic mother.)

FIVE PLACES I WOULD RUN AWAY TO
My special beach spot in Brazil
A coffee shop
California – that is, if it’s okay with two special ladies…
A good bookstore
IRBC

FIVE TV SHOWS I LIKE  (DISCLAIMER:  I don’t watch TV – really, I don’t – so I’m going to have to rely on shows from my past.  Sorry.)
Scarecrow and Mrs. King – one of the best shows of all time!
The Cosby Show – another classic
The Mary Tyler Moore Show – I told you they were from the past, even beyond MY past!
Judging Amy
Trading Spaces

FIVE THINGS I HATE DOING  (Hate is a very strong word, so I don’t know that I hate doing these tasks, but I certainly don’t enjoy them…)
Making mistakes
Responding to a “TAG” – Just kidding, Erin!
Matching socks – I’m far too much of a perfectionist.  How do you find just the right match with the same about of stain and wear?
Lesson planning
Watching violence in movies or TV shows

FIVE BIGGEST JOYS OF THE MOMENT  (Just what does this mean exactly???)
Spending time with my nieces and nephews
Talking with Freddy on the phone
Completing tasks – Ah!  Now there’s a nice feeling!
Curling up under heavy covers
Having extended time to spend in Bible study and prayer

So, there you have it.  (And with nearly two hours to spare, Erin!)  I guess I’m now suppose to tag someone, only I don’t know that I can after listing it under things I hate; so let me resolve it with this:  I tag anyone with a fun spirit and free time who is compelled to participate – only be sure to let me know, so I can enjoy reading it, too!  Happy blogging!