My Hubsy

This a post to tell eveyone what a cool hubsy I have. Do you know what he did last night? He spontaneously took me to Omaha and we went shopping. It was a ton of fun and an actual productive shopping trip together. We went to 3 stores, found what we needed, and then ate at Olive Garden for dinner. It was fun to have a little date night in the middle of the week, especially when it wasn't even planned!

I love these few weeks that he gets as a break from school because we can have even more fun than normal. So, THANKS, babe, for a fun evening together and making my day!

PS - This picture has nothing to do with last night, but posts are way more interesting when there are pictures and we had fun together on this hike, too!

Hawaii, here we come!

After buying tickets, the airline then going bankrupt and shutting down, many calls to the credit card company to get our money back, and lots more searching for flights, we have officially booked flights to Hawaii, again! Talk about a load off of our shoulders! I am pretty sure that when we are sitting on the beach, eating pineapple, and hanging with some friends without a care in the world it will all be well worth it. Don't worry, I'll take plenty of pictures :).

More

It's true that I blog for my own fun, but I also blog to hear your comments and thoughts. So, if you have something to say, post it! And, I will do my part to make it more interesting, thought provoking, and stimulating so that you will have something to say.

Rod's Thought from last week:
Last week the news was dominated by the highest leader in the Roman Catholic Church. He was called ‘the holy father’ in light of the fact that no believers are to call any one their father religiously. Jesus said, "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.” Matt 23:9

He also said, "I have come to repeat the Apostle's urgent call to conversion and the forgiveness of sins, and to implore from the Lord a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church in this country." My question is conversion to what? He encouraged his listeners to "taken up the challenge of the Second Vatican Council, so often reiterated by Pope John Paul II, and committed their lives to the new evangelization." The new evangelism is a call back to the Catholic church under the blanket of ecumenism.

The so-called evangelical church is very weak in biblical doctrine and the result is a return Rome. It looks like we are in the last days after all. “Even so come, Lord Jesus.”

And another thought:
"The Council of Trent decreed that ‘Images were not only to be placed in the temples, but also to be worshipped as if the persons represented thereby were present.’ And Pope Paul IV said; ‘I most firmly assert that the images of Christ and of God and also of the saints are to be retained, and that due honor and veneration are to be given them.” - J. H. Bomberger

Where does this commandment fit in?
"You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me.” [Ex 20:4-5] -Jehovah, God

David Phelps Concert

David Phelps came back to Nebraska! Before I lived in Lincoln, we traveled here to see him in concert at Berean. This time he was in Grand Island; so my aunt, Ruth, and another friend, Angie, came to visit this weekend from Kansas City so that we could all go to the concert. It was awesome! If you have never heard David Phelps sing, you are missing out. Not only is he a fabulous Christian artist, but also one of the best tenors out there.

Ruth and I spent most of Saturday shopping for shoes. We did not even purchase one pair, which is a typical outcome of a shopping trip with me. I did find a pair to replace the lost black shoes (they are very similar in style and comfort), but am holding out until they go on sale. We had fun and tried out some new stores. Then Ruth, Angie, and I set out for Grand Island in the pouring rain to eat dinner and then be at the church before the doors opened. When we first got to the church we were surprised at the number of gray hairs lined up waiting for the doors to open! David isn't really a "gray-hair" type vocalist. As the church filled up, however, we did see younger people. While we waited for the concert to start, I got bored and started snapping some pictures...


Ruth, Me, Angie




Waiting...


Getting really bored...still waiting.


Almost time...


Finally!





We decided not to get our picture with him this time (I already have 2 of those from previous concerts), but I did want to get you all a close-up so you could see what he looks like. During the entire concert I kept thinking, "Oh, I am going to post those lyrics on my blog." But, I thought that with about every song, so I am not going to post any. You will just have to borrow my cds or something. I hear he is on K-Love every once in a while, too.

Lunch date

Today was a long time in coming. For a while, my good friend Leah and I have been having lunch together each week. We had gone 2 weeks without a lunch date and finally got a chance again. Leah was the first person I really got to know in Lincoln. She and I used to work together at the bank and both had husbands in dental school. We have been friends ever since and I look forward to times when we can hang out more whether it is lunches, shopping together, or getting pedicures (which we need to do soon!). Now, she has a 6 month old, Kate. Kate and I were buds when she was too little to care who held her. Then we went through a stage where I could look, but not touch. Today was a break-thru and Kate was happy to be in my arms! She gotten really fun too because she talks and laughs and smiles and plays. As you can see in the picture, we will have to teach her to sit in a more lady-like position, but those things come. Anyway, I wanted you all to meet Leah and Kate, my lunch buddies and my friends.

In other news today, plane tickets to Hawaii are a low $998 each right now. Sweet.

Shoe

Do you have a pair of shoes that you absolutely love? They are comfy, cute, and can make your day? I cannot believe I am posting about a shoe, but I am extremely frustrated with myself. At the end of this you will be saying, it's just a shoe, and I know that. But, this particular pair wasn't one of those cheap pairs that you buy and expect them to break or get tired of in a few months. These shoes I bought before I was married and I have not had to purchase a new pair for 2 years because they have been so great.

My side of the closet is not exactly the most organized place in our apartment. So, a few weeks ago, I go really fed up with my shoe rack and decided that some of the shoes that haven't been worn in the past year (aka, those so dusty I could not tell what color they were) could be tossed. Yesterday morning, I was very excited because my toes were painted and ready for my favorite pair of black sandals. Yes, it was going to be a good day. When I got to my closet, however, I could only find one of those great sandals. I searched all day, trying to find that missing shoe, but it is gone. I am afraid I must have accidently tossed it with some of old shoes. This is one of those things about myself that can frustrate me to no end - I go through these spells of losing things. So, today I am trying to search for new black sandals, but not just any black sandals. I am hoping to find the same exact sandals that I bought 2 years ago - so far, no luck.

I think that is enough about my shoes (I just realized this is my second post about shoes-sad). In other good news this week, our friends that live 2 floors down in our apartment complex are moving to 2 doors down from us and Saturday is the David Phelps Concert!

Rod's Thought

I read this this afternoon and just had to post again, because oh man, does it apply to my life (especially the reading the Word and praying part). Since it really impacted me, I thought it may cause someone else to not only think about it, but change.

Since God is an excellent and glorious being our worship of Him ought to be of our best. He is to be served with best we have. When we offer God the leftovers of our time, energy, and mental abilities; we slight Him. How can one tell when they are giving leftovers to God? It is when I do not have time to read the Word or pray, when I am too tired to serve, when having company with the world is more important that fellowshiping with the saints.

Malachi said, “You also say, 'Oh, what a weariness!' And you sneer at it," Says the LORD of hosts. "And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?" Says the LORD. "But cursed be the deceiver Who has in his flock a male, And takes a vow, But sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished --For I am a great King," Says the LORD of hosts, "And My name is to be feared among the nations.” Mal 1:13-14

Friday Already!

This week has flown by for us, which is unusual. Next week, Richard has finals and then we only have one more year of dental school. I am sitting here amazed at how times flies and how fast we are "growing up." We have gotten very comfortable with our life as it is, but big changes are on the way.

Last Sunday, the Clabaugh family got together and watched the Master's on the big screen. Tiger didn't manage to win, but it was fun and there was lots of good food as you can see us filling up our plates in the picture. Golf actually gets pretty interesting at the very end, when it is down to every stroke (I hope that is the right terminology).



Well, it is rainy outside and I think it is a perfect night for hot chocolate, my sweat pants, and a girlie movie.

Rental Car

My car seems to have a magnet in the rear bumper that attracts other cars to it. Because of that, my car is at the body shop for the 3rd time in the last 5 months (1 time = my fault, 2 times = not my fault). It is pretty sad when you call the body shop and they remember exactly who you are.

The fun part about getting your car fixed at anothers expense is that you get a free rental car to drive around. Last time I got a Dodge Caliber - ew (I hope none of you have one). This time, I get to drive a 2008 Silver Pontiac G6. The good things: really quiet ride, love the red interior lights, really easy to go fast in it, it isn't red, and super clean inside. The bad things: the ceiling is lower than I am used to and it is really hard to drive slowly (so I really had to stretch to find some bad things).

I am kind of leery about rental car companies because of a bad first experience, but Hertz was extremely helpful and nice. All I want to do is drive around in my "new" car, yet I also don't want to injure this car. Therefore, I will probably not have as much fun with it as I could. I do think it will be hard to get back into my Neon after this.

Airline ticket update: Still have not bought new tickets for Hawaii, but did purchase 2 tickets to Chicago. In 21 short days we will be off to visit Ryan and Martha and the boys! Really pumped about that.

Family

My great-uncle Dan came to town for lunch today. He was traveling and made a detour through Lincoln to see Richard and I. When the family in Kansas City heard, they also came to Lincoln and we all met at Runza for lunch. I love my family. One of the things I really love is that they are always willing to meet for quick little lunches to say "hello" since we are sometimes scattered in different states, and sometimes even different countries. Uncle Dan and Aunt Tricia have been in the mission field in both Indonesia and South Africa for most of my life (that I can remember). Now, they work with Barnabas International and provide support to pastoral staff, missionaries, and missionary kids. It is always a lot of fun to have lunch with Uncle Dan - he always has great stories to tell. The lunch hour went really fast, but it was great to see the fam even for a little bit.

Now that I have this blog, I take pictures more often! Here is a picture of us at lunch. Hey mom, your shirt matches the cups!



On a side note, I have been studying Habakkuk 3 for our Bible study. There is a verse that says, "I will joy in the God of my salvation." This is the second time in one week that I have heard "joy" used as a verb. I usually think of it as a noun or adjective (I have joy. I am joyful. etc). So, that got me to thinking about what "joying" is and if I am doing it. The best part about this statement is that Habakkuk says that he will joy in the Lord no matter what happens (Hab. 3:17-19). Great reminder, especially since I cannot think of one thing in my life right now that should keep me from having this attitude. I am also working on memorizing the whole book by the time we next meet. I only have chapter 1 done...I have got my work cut out for me. But, perhaps by having these verses in my mind over the next few weeks, I will remember to also "joy".

That thought brings me to another one - more random this time. How do you say Habakkuk? Is it Ha-BACK-kuk or HAB-A-KUK? I say it wrong (second way), according to the majority, but it is how I learned and I will probably keep on saying it wrong.

Professionals Day

Today was the day that Richard presented his research. After months of tedious work and stress, it was over in a few short hours and a 5 minute presentation. I think he did an amazing job - the poster turned out great and his presentation sounded really good (and intelligent). Let's see if I can remember the title: Osseous Changes in the Temporomandibular Joints of Patients using Bisphosphonates. Or, in simple form: Bone changes in the jaw of women on Boniva. Here is a picture of my hubby next to his poster. What a stud.



We had lunch afterwards. We are both exausted and about to fall asleep in our food. This afternoon is the awards ceremony and then it is all over. Finals in a week and then my baby is a Senior!!

Also, I debuted my new shoes and purse for the event. I took a pic of the shoes. They are patten-leather flats and the most comfortable things ever! Hmmm, is it bad that I have 2 pictures of the shoes and only 1 of my husband?

Well, no posts over the weekend because we don't have internet at home. I'll catch you up on Monday. Highlight of the weekend - THE OVEN for dinner tomorrow night!

Airplanes

I have always loved to fly. If I fly somewhere, I feel like I am really getting away from normal life and truly on a vacation. The busy airport life excites me; I anxiously await the free glass of ginger-ale with the round ice cubes, and watching the world get smaller and smaller as we take off is amazing. Airplanes take us places we may have never been able to go otherwise and therefore, open up new experiences and possibilities. I think it is one of the most exciting experiences out there.

In the past week, however, I have taken the rose-colored glasses off and seen the other side of the travel industry. Last week, ATA went bankrupt and cancelled our 2 tickets to Hawaii. After months of watching the prices on tickets to Hawaii, we purchased these great tickets. In the matter of one email, we find ourselves back where we started. It really is a guessing game: to buy or to wait. The prices could go down, but they will for sure go up. So far we have taken the waiting approach, but it is scarier than putting our money in the stock market! Each morning kayak.com sends me an email with the lowest price out there. Each evening Richard and I discuss our options. Today, the prices have gone down, but we would have 2 layovers. So, that takes us to a new decision. What is more important cheaper tickets or less travel time?

This is the dilemma we have been faced with the past week. No matter what, we will be in Hawaii in a few short months, soaking up the sun, spending time with friends, relaxing, and being away from it all! And, if we lose sight of all that, we can just look at this picture and remember where we will be staying.

The First Post

This is the awkward first post on my blog. I have wanted one for a while, but just been timid to actually start it. I have a lot happen in this head of mine and Richard tells me that I communicate best when writing. So therefore, I have a blog. Who cares if anyone reads it; as long as it is out of my head!

Running. For the past 4 out of the 5 days I have been running. And it is REAL running. Not jogging at the same pace I could walk, but pushing myself to go harder. My goal is to someday enjoy it, even a eensy weensy bit. I will let you know when that actually happens, but for now I am exausted. Here is how my typical work out goes:

1 hour before workout: "Oh, I can't wait to go on a run. I am going to run without stopping this time."
30 min before workout: "Alright, the goal is to not stop, no matter what. No stopping."
15 min before workout: "Let's just get this over with. Why do my legs have to be so white?"
During workout: "I hate this. I have to stop. It hurts. Just a little bit longer. You can do it Heather! No I can't. I have to stop."
Post workout: "Man, I wish I would have worked out harder. I feel great!"

I lack the "drive" that my husband does and I hope to someday have at least half of his motivation. So, my conclusion after reading articles and taking advice from avid runners is that it is different for everyone. Some people can go out and run 2 miles, even after months of no running. For those of us who feel like dying with every other step and need a break every 4 minutes, it will take us a little longer to get there. The key is that we all CAN to get that spot if we want to badly enough. And, I do. So, I am starting this journey of learning to enjoy running by pushing myself each day, going at it with a positive attitude, and doing what works for me. My goal is to make Richard proud in about 8 weeks when I will attempt to run a short race in a decent amount of time.