Buzz'n Around

Live Like No One Else

2009-07-30T21:32:00.006-06:00

This is the entry for Tuesday........I fell asleep before I finished posting it......

Today was a very packed day as we were "in session" from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. We started out with retirement discussion in the morning. Then after lunch we went to Finacial Peace Plaza and saw Dave doing the radio show. He does it live from the first floor where vistiors can sit and watch him on the air. It's like he is in a corner fish bowl. Two sides of the room that he is in is glass and the "lobby" is full of couches that people can sit and watch him from. On the bottom corner of the glass is a small little box that says "Do not feed the Monkey".

Across from the recording studio is the bookstore and "Martha's Kitchen"--which is a coffee bar that serves homemade desserts--everything from lemon bars, cupcakes cookies, chocolate dipped strawberries, brownies, lemonade, expresso, and coffee all complimentary to vistitors that come in.

What a fun place to work! Most employees LOVE their job and can tell you where in the Dave Ramsey story they were hired on. "I'm employee number 100" "I am employee number 47". The average age of employee at Lampo is 29 and There is currently around 250 employees.

Lampo Group (parent company of Dave Ramsey) ranked1 the #1 place to work in TN the last five years. Everyone looks like they work hard but love every minute of it!!!

Ended the day doing a role play with a case study. Played a counselor for 20 minutes and a couple that needed help for 40 minutes. I was really nervous about this but it went fairly fast. Much easier to be the ones in need of help than the one giving it!!!

Walked two blocks over and got a Baskin Robin's Mocah Almond Fudge Ice Cream Cone. Yum! Now off to bed!

When I came into my room tonight...This was sitting on my desk! What Fun!

oh boy!

2009-07-28T20:22:00.002-06:00

Today started with a swim in the pool during torrential downpour. Made me feel like I was in one of those snow globes. I was swimming a few laps back and forth and when I stopped the water kept coming down. Fortunately it was in the 70s so it wasn't too cold.

Classes started this afternoon at 1:00 over at the Financial Training Center (located behind Financial Peace Plaza). Met the staff of Lampo Group (The lead company of Dave Ramsey) and dug in right away. There are about 83 people in the class--from all walks of life (a lot of CPAs and teachers) and all areas of the country (including Spokane and CDA--which made me happy!) Pretty cool to be in a room with a bunch of people who want to help bring hope and information to others.

Dave Ramsey himself showed up around 5:00 to say welcome. What a cool guy--for all his fame and fortune he is pretty much a down home person with a heart to help. He talked about some of the things that he is in the middle of and asked us for questions. We get to go tour his offices later in the week which should be fun.

All in all--lots of information and I am exhausted. We start tomorrow about 8:00 am and go till 6:00 pm. Pray for strength and concentration for tomorrow. I want to get everything I can out of this!!!

Off to do homework and then to bed.

Welcome to Music City

2009-07-27T21:08:00.004-06:00

Well...It's been a whole lifetime since I posted anything. Monumental things have happened but to write them down would be overwhelming at this point.

I thought I would start re blogging with Today as I pray it will a positive monumental moment in my life......

Today I left Missoula MT at 6:20 am and arrived in Nashville, TN @5:30 pm. I am about to embark on 5 day training for Dave Ramsey Counseling. I am both excited and Nervous. The most interesting thing is that this is something totally for me. It's weird to me to be traveling alone and spending a week meeting new people by myself. It's been exciting thus far and me, myself and I have all made it safely to TN.

Pray that God blesses this event and that it can be a springboard for a new direction in my life.

Highlight of the day: Having Dinner next door in an Irish Pub (had the blackened Mahi Mahi) and having a hotel room all to myself.

Disappoint of traveling alone: Having to drag your luggage wherever you go cause no one is traveling with you to watch it while you run to take care of business! Bummer!

Pictures of my hotel room are above.

Curiously Delicious

2008-05-01T17:20:00.005-06:00

On 4/26/08 My family of Mom, Dad, Warrens, Jones, Chrissy, Andy, Laura, and Jamie all went to Lewiston to watch my brother David fly in. This was an exciting and monumental moment for all involved. After Dave landed the helicopter, fueled up, and hung around for questions and answers and took pictures we had an hour for lunch so all 13 of us tromped off to find a place for lunch and thus entered..........The Buzga Phenomenon (known to all the rest of the world as Arby's)

The first part of the Phenomenon was that before the last person was in the door the first couple had ordered. (No waiting, no wondering, decisions were being made right and left)

The second part of the Phenomenon was that all of us were done ordering and had food within 10 minutes. Amazing.

Then came the best part......Steph then asked Dave, "Are those cheese curds?" We all sort of looked at her and she said" You know they are curiously delicious". Dave then told Steph that they were motzasarella sticks but she could have some. Steph then said,"Is this the restaurant that serves Cheese Curds or is it A&W? They are curiously delicious according to billboard out there. I was just wondering if this was the restaurant." The conversation proceeded to get more complicated from there. Someone offered Steph more motzasarella sticks but she refused. She finally got the answer to her original question after much "curiously delicious" debate. Whew! it was a tough one but we made it through!
Here's to my cheesy family!

P.s. Steph sent me the billboard today! She's does know what she is talking about! Happy Birthday Stephie! We love our "curiously inquisitive" Neeno!

ABCs of Life

2008-05-01T16:30:00.003-06:00

ABC Tag
A-Attached or Single?- Besides the 3 of us--Me, Myself, and I--I'm Single
B-Best Friend?- Depends on the situation--Friend is so generic--Best Roommate--Patty, Best Person to watch movies with---Pookster, Best Fan Club--Chrissy, Best Bookmark Maker--Stephanie, Best Fairy Godmother--Nette, Best Person most like me in grace--Bekah, and the list could go on........
C-Cake or Pie?- Pie or maybe cake depends on the day
D-Day of Choice?- Saturday
E-Essential Item?- My eyes
F- Favorite color? Green
G-Gummy Bears or Worms?- Bears
H-Hometown?-Hard one born in Moscow but almost lived in Missoula for as long
Favorite Indulgence?- Cold Coke from a glass bottle.
J-January or July? July- the bestest month ever!
K-Kids? I have played with, wrestled with, stayed, dried tears, just about all of the kids in church.
L-Life isn't complete without? funny stories
M-Marriage Date?- TBD
N-Number of brothers and sisters? 3 Sisters, 2 Brothers (biological)
O-Oranges or Apples?- Apples Monday-Friday Oranges on the weekend (too messy for the desk!)
P-Phobia and Fears? Ending up in heaven by accident (ABC--Always Be Careful)
Q-Quote?- "Some Days I feel like a Flintstone stuck in a Jetson World"
R-Reason to smile?- Life is good!
S-Season of choice?- Fall
T-Tag ten people?- Do Ten People even read my ramblings?
U-Unknown fact about me?- I have a lazy eye! Only visible in pictures!
Vegetable?- Peas
W-Worst habit?-Being Late
Y-Your favorite food?- Salads and chocolate!
Z-Zodiac Sign?- Cancer

My Rap

2008-04-28T15:31:00.003-06:00

He's no ordinary Phil
If he can't pay for it no one will
He whips out his plastic with such skill
and swipes in to pay the bill.

Who is this masked man with all the money?
Some know him as Chrissy's honey
Others prefer to call him Andy
Many think he's handy

But really he's more defined and should be known
as Skinbone

CHOURS:
Skinbone...yeah yeah
Skinbone..bad,bad
Skinbone..the complex guy
Skinbone...the name doesn't lie

A Wolf Loge Steak
Keeps his mouth wide awake
If a plate of veggies make
It's more than he can take

Some find him quiet and think he's an illusion
Not many would classify find him as an intrusion
But little do the thy know
just how deep this man's mind can go

CHOURS:
Skinbone...yeah yeah
Skinbone..bad,bad
Skinbone..the complex guy
Skinbone...the name doesn't lie

Deep Mind
Heart Kind
Never in a bind
Always like to Dine

Give him a rod and a reel
Then he'll give you a deal
Give him a high five
Then you'll find him quite alive

He's the man
He's got the toughest skin
and good to the bone......
He's

CHOURS:
Skinbone...yeah yeah
Skinbone..bad,bad
Skinbone..the complex guy
Skinbone...the name doesn't lie

Skinbone....the badest, coolest, kindest dude you'll ever meet
Skinbone.....Yeah Yeah
Skinbone.....bad bad

Feeling Small

2008-02-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

This week has been a very interesting week. It's February in Missoula which means that the restless bug hits really fast. Anywhere but here is a good place to be. I get feeling that way often on the cold dreary days of winter--I just didn't expect it to hit so soon after all my recent running around.

I have been reflecting on life a lot lately and decided to make some changes--so in the past month I have updated my wardrobe and my resume. I really like the feeling of excitement of doing something new....There is also a fear of leaving the comfortable and safe. But I guess that is what a leap of faith is--knowing that God will be there no matter what and moving in a direction to better my service to Him.

I have also had to deal with some stuff about myself I do not like. I hate that. It leaves me feeling so small and tiny. You know--that knot in the pit of your stomach that doesn't leave. I just want to hide away from the world. Find my bed and not come out till spring. I know we don't grow unless we go through growing pains but Ouch they hurt!

So for today I'm going to go curl up in God's lap and have a good cry. There is a Twila Paris song that talks about the warrior is a child. It really fits today. Today I am a child...Tomorrow I'll be the warrior. The lyrics are listed below:

Lately I’ve been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I’m amazing
I’m strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears

[CHORUS]They don’t know
That I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know Who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
Cuz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

Unafraid because his armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I’m amazing
I never face retreat
But they don’t see the enemies
That lay me at his feet

2008 A Dream Come True

2008-02-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Boy it has been a while since I've posted. Life...it gets so busy sometimes! The amazing thing is that when you go to record Life some times it sounds so boring.

Anyway here we are in 2008. As usual I have big goals set for myself. But before I share those, I want to reflect on a moment where a dream came true.....

Molly has waited patiently for the man of her life. Molly has always dreamed of having a husband and a home of her own and on January 26 her dream began as she married Hein Pham. I was truely honored to be able to go and watch this blessed event. It was one that has been prayed about for a very long time. I am so excited for her and can't wait to see what God does with their life! I love you, Molly!

Warm Fuzzy #2

2007-11-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

First Met: Missoula, MT
# of years known: 13 years

Every Wednesday night after church I take this young man home and we usually go to Wendy's--grab some food and take "the long road home" so that we have a chance to talk. I love this young man because he makes me feel like a big sister again. We talk about everything from school and work to relationships in our lives--home, school, work, church and abroad. He reminds how important older siblings are and makes me want to be a better sibling to my family. I also enjoy being the older sibling in his life and helping him with his problems,and rejoicing with him in the good times. I thought for sure that this "date night" would pass as he got his driver's license and he would be out on his own and wanting to hang with friends. But he surprised me again by still wanting to go out with me. How special and loved I feel! Now he can drive and I can enjoy the view!

He amazes me in his service. Many times his older siblings will ask him to go upstairs and retrieve something for them. He will get up from his own comfy seat and run upstairs and get it WITHOUT saying a word--no "get it yourself", "you have two legs", "I got it last time". Mom will ask him to take out the garbage or feed the cat and again he doesn't without ANY backtalk or complaining. He is so sweet and gentle with his grandma and checks on her to make sure she is okay. He also helps her to/from the car and runs errands she asks.

He is also active in serving at church--he helps pass out bulletins and greets people. Pretty good for a teenage boy. He doesn't physically fight and like his mom wears his heart on his sleeve. He has such a big heart that he is going to go far. He also has a spiritual mindset and is devoted to helping others in life. I love talking to him about devos and talks he has given or wants to give in the future. He has a heart to make a big impact and I am excited to see what God does in this young man's life.

To my Missoula "Little Bro"...........I love you and hang in there God's not done with you yet!

Warm Fuzzy #1

2007-11-08T23:12:00.000-07:00

First Met: Troy, Idaho
# of years known: 30 years

This person was my first best friend. She is the only person I have ever been able to share a room with successfully. She always followed me and would do anything I asked her to. She was my cohort in just about everything I did growing up. She let me finish her desserts as I was her "fairy godmother". She often hid her left over lunch food under her pillow (so mom wouldn't find it) and helped me to spy on the "Little Ones". She even (accidentally) helped pull out my tooth by yanking on her blanket while it was in my mouth (don't ask why the blanket was in my mouth). She also played "hippo and rhino" with me even though she absolutely hated it. (Hippo and Rhino was this game where you take pillows and put them on your head and butt heads together--I loved it!) She was the only one in the family who actually sat through my laundry classes without complaining. (When my siblings became "of age" (9) they had to learn how to laundry and I professed it my job to teach them. So I taught classes complete with tests to make sure they understood the proper steps in doing laundry)

As we got older, she became my confidant--even though we would fight she was the one I would always turn to for support. She was my cheerleader and believed in me no matter how silly of an idea I came up with. She was always supportive in all I did and inspired me by the level of confidence she showed in me. I didn't have to worry about having friends at school cause no matter what happened, I had one at home. She was/is very smart and always inspired me to high academic achievement with her straight As in high school. She made being smart look easy. Mom always said that I got the gumption and she got the perfection. We made such a great team cause she covered up what I left undone...... She could also interpret my speech as I had/have a tendency to slur my words and on many occasion make up my own. She often was able to tell others what I was trying to say. Saved me on many occasions within the family and socially with friends.

When I moved to Missoula, things got a little distant between us as the roles changed. In 1999 she took the lead in the family by being the first one to marry. She and her husband have also ventured into uncharted waters in starting their own business. Our roads have diverged but she still is my cheerleader. She still is my "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and a stable force in my life....I love being able to share our lives and learn from each other.

So here is to you--my sister, my friend..........I love you.

Warm Fuzzies

2007-11-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

When I was in 2nd grade our teacher, Mrs Stockwell made us do these things called warm fuzzies. They were a "Who am I?" of people in our lives. On the front of a sheet of paper she would have us describe our classmates using characteristics that they have, things they did, or the way they made us feel. The comments had to be positive and encouraging. On the Back we put who it was. Then she would read them out loud in class and the rest of the class had to guess who it was..........

For example, This person is a strong leader and has seen the United States through both the September 11 terrorist attacks and the Iraq war. He has two daughters and is a believer in God. He has made reference to both God and scripture in his speeches. He comes from the Lone Star State and holds the same office his father did. Who am I? (George Bush)

The most important and valued part of my life is the people that it includes. People, both past and present, that God has brought into my life have made my life purposeful and valuable. Since November is the month of Thanksgiving, I would like to honor some (by no means is this going to be an inclusive list) with a warm fuzzy. See if you can guess who they are (feel free to add your guess as a comment). Answers will be posted at the end of the month. I've added "hints" by telling where I was when I met them and how long I have known them.

I love watching God work in my life through people. I hope you all (including those not listed)know that you are love and valued more than I can ever tell you.

And Then I Found 20 Dollars........

2007-10-30T20:52:00.000-06:00

About two Fridays ago, a bunch of us girls got together at the Sullivan's for a girls nite. We had all sorts of fun and games. We did each other hair, nails, and feet. We watched Anne of Green Gables and had a night spent in luxury and laughs. Hannah and Emma were entranced with bubbles and "spa" treatment.

I had brought pizza and Tonya (mom) had reimbursed me $20.00 for the expense. Having no pockets on my PJ's (which were a requirement of the evening) I stuck the 20 in my shoe. Later after getting home, I looked in my shoe and didn't find the 20. I took out the insoles and still no 20 appeared. I checked all my stuff, car and pockets to make sure I didn't accidentally move it--still no luck. I called Tonya and let her know about my missing cash. She and Sarah looked over the house and yard--no 20 either.

I am currently running my budget off of a cash based envelope system. So not having the twenty cut me a little short in my food envelope but I was determined to make it work. Fortunately God intervened and I found $20 in an old purse I hadn't used in a while. So I replaced the missing 20 with the 20 I found and lived off of that for a week....Amazing how God provides when you let Him.

Exactly a week later, I had use all but $1.00 of my providentially provided $$. I went over to Lana's house and took off my shoes. Ten minutes later another friend, Bekah shows up bends down, picks up a flat $20.00, and asks, "Whose is this?" I was stunned--It was my original $20.00. What was amazing was that I had worn those shoes all week and the money never showed up. God's timing is always Amazing..........

Adventure in the Park

2007-10-23T21:24:00.000-06:00

Tonight was so neat....when I got off of work I had NO agenda....I usually have some sort of activity or some chore that has to be done after work. Today....NOTHING. The possibilities were endless. I could be responsible and go pay bills and finish some homework but it is such a nice GORGEOUS day that it shouldn't be wasted on such details.

So I decided to go geocaching. Jeremy has been giving me such a hard time about only have claimed one cache in my profile that I finally decided to remedy the situation. So I call my friend, Rebekah and invite her along. Since it gets dark so early we decided to hit the park next door to my house..............

We get to the coordinates and begin looking around. There are a couple of trees with tall grass and thorn bushes around them. The cache has got to be in there....so we go stomping and digging on our hands and knees trying to find anything out of the ordinary. Bekah picks up a stick and starts digging and prodding with it. It's a wonder we didn't dig up the trees. Unfortunately it got too dark to continue looking and we had massacred the place....time to go back and consult the web page to see if the cache had been found recently. It is an older cache in the area. So we headed towards the house.....

On the way we found a neighbor's tree who has fun shaped pinecones that Bekah fell in love with. We stopped and picked some up. We need pinecones for decorating tables at her wedding in December. So we each grabbed a few. Then I remember that not far up the street is a great tree that has majestic pinecones that Patty found a few years ago. So we drop the pinecones off at her car on the way up the street. As we pass this one house on the corner Bekah notices these small cute itty-bitty pinecones. She is so excited and the next thing you know both her and I are in the bushes digging out the mini cones. Of course true to form both of our heads are in the bushes and our bottoms are facing the street. (For those of you who don't know Bekah, her and I come from the same graceful lady like mold:)) We ended up having to run back to the house to grab a bag and flashlights to go collect our new found treasures. About an hour later we had collected a whole bag full of mini pinecones. Unfortunately we had also collected a whole jacket/jeans full of sap. And of course the car seat where we stuck the pinecones was sappy too. Now what? Call Mom....she always has the answers. Mom of course once again comes in and saves the day. Thanks Mom! I would be sappy without you!

P.s. The answer to getting sap out of car seats and clothes is rubbing alcohol. I just saved you a phone call.

Welcome Home Bernie

2007-10-20T15:52:00.001-06:00

Today has been a very fun Saturday. I went to my Financial Peace Class this morning and learned all about investments. Some of the factoids that I learned are:
1. You should never buy something you don't understand~this includes investments. You should be able to explain it to a 7th grader.
2. An investment broker should have the heart and patience of a teacher. They should be able to help you understand what you are purchasing.
3. If you plan on taking the money out in less than 5 years it's called savings. Investments are long term commitments.
4. Your investments should get more than 6% annually to stay ahead of taxes and inflation.
5. The average investor makes a 7% return on single stock portfolio with a very high degree of risk.
6. 70% to 90% of all day traders LOSE $$$
7. True wealth is not built in a moment but over time.

After class, Patty and I went shopping! It's one of our favorite pastimes. We went to Staples to look for....yep...you guessed it....office supplies. Then there on the end of one of isles, was a display of lap desks (in case you don't know what a lap desk is...it's a hard top surface with a pillow underneath that you set on your lap to work on. This way you can work while you sit comfortably on the couch.) I've been wanting one of these for years. I often end up stealing Patty's to use. Now here was a hard black plastic surface with a bright blue soft pillow underneath that could be mine for the low bargain basement price of $9.99. I was so excited. Patty was even more excited since I wouldn't have to borrow hers. Thus I purchased and brought home Bernie~the long awaited for lap desk. He is supporting my computer as I type. "This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship............"

Unusual Wednesday

2007-10-17T16:20:00.000-06:00

Today is unusually quiet. Which for a Wednesday is.......um .......well......unusal. My Wednesdays start at 6:30 with an exercise class working with weights and Pilate's. This can be entertaining as I am not all that flexible nor do I have good balance. Jen and a ball make an interesting combo. I have managed to succeed in giving my self a black eye which is a hysterical story. Today was rather uneventful~except for the arm raises.

I went to work and NOTHING HAPPENED~which on Wednesday is unusual. Nothing today. I have gotten a lot of comments on my new hair cut which is nice except what does that say about my old one? Did I look like an old rag mop? I have decided it's a good thing I don't have to look at me all day long. Me, myself and I get along better when we don't have a constant reminder of what I look like. You poor people who have to look at me!

I have almost used a whole box of Kleenexes today. I NEVER blow my nose that much. It feels like I am trying to stop Niagara Falls and I am not succeeding. OH Well........

Wish of the day: That I get a shout out from Alex!

Magical Morning

2007-10-10T11:11:00.000-06:00

This morning as I was driving home at 7:30 am from my midweek exercise class I got to have a magical moment. The sunrise was so pretty. As the sun peaked over the mountains it turned everything a golden color. It was almost like golden fingers were reaching out and touching Missoula. All the trees looked radiant in their fall colors~~the reds, golds, greens and orange were heighten by the golden light. As I looked down on the valley coming up Hillview there on the hill was a heard of doe eating breakfast. Further up the road were two bucks~~one standing on either side of the road. They looked like they were posing for pictures~~heads tall with a full rack spread. It was a picturesque moment. I love living in Montana in the fall.

Praise God for His wonderful creation and glorious seasons!

Valuables

2007-07-19T16:30:00.001-06:00

I have been reflecting a lot lately on the value of good friends. They sure make life a lot easier. I have had some very difficult pain and agony in the couple of months. My friends have made it bearable.

***They have helped me with daily chores (such as laundry and meals)

***They have drove me around

***They have sat and chatted

***They have run errands

***They have laughed, cried, and most importantly Hugged.

***Those who lived far away--have called and e-mailed

***They have let me cry, laugh, and be totally insane in their presence without asking why or expecting anything more.

***They have made me laugh till I could cry

***They have reminded me that God is in control and that tomorrow is another day.

I can't imagine my life without friends. So to all of you out there--Here is to you
THANKS FOR MAKING THE PAIN BEARABLE