Sick of being Sick

Have you ever been tired of being sick..so much so it could make you sick.

I had been sick for several months.... I had no clue what it was. I heard many, many people tell me it was stress. "It's all in my head" I didn't believe them. After going through weeks of tests they are still not sure what's up with me.....
MY conclusion is that "maybe" I held too much in this past year. "Maybe" I let things bother me too much, "maybe" I bottled up things, or "maybe" I just wouldn't let go of things I "thought" I needed to fix.

SO out of all of this I learned.
1. You can't "always" fix things
2. Don't worry about what your enemies think
3. You don't need to explain "everything" - your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe you anyways.
4. Life is too short to worry about the "little" stuff
5. Don't waste your time trying to share, or give love to those who don't appreciate it.
6. Share with those who do love you and make them know how much you love them
7. Be thankful for everything, be gracious in what you have and love the Lord your God with all your heart. (for He is the one who is with you through eternity)

Today's Blessings

Material Girl

I never considered myself as materialistic.
BUT, there are possessions in my life that
I "love" and would miss if I didn't have them.
Top earthly possessions I am thankful for.


1. House - I completely and utterly appreciate a "home"
2. My Harley - I guess you would call it a thrill!
Unlike amusement rides which I am scared to death of.
Riding a motorcycle is a thrill and at the same point it is a peace.
Case in point was this mornings ride to work. Gorgeous, peaceful, quiet but loud with the sound of my pipes, feeling solitude but at the same time apart of the world around.
3. My Camera - I love documenting, see again and again, looking at the past, the moments that are now gone. If it wasn't for my camera I would have lost most memories of years gone by.
The good, the bad, the milestones, the events, and of course the people.
4. My weights - I have always had a thing about lifting heavy things! Maybe that's the tomboy in me. I grew up with three older brothers, playing all the "boys" sports. Baseball, street hockey, soccer, searched for insects, and climbed many many trees (even fell out of some).
Years of stiches and broken bones brought me to my later years of riding dirt bikes, fishing and playing pool for wages.
5. My computer - the computer a year ago was more at the top of my list now I have found it less of a "stronghold" Having to be on, reading blogs, writing emails, looking for emails and now it is used almost always for the main purpose of research.
6. My Ipod - music is not only peaceful but buildings me up, fills me with feelings.
I love music, I love to sing and I love to dance!
LAST but not least
7. My Truck - "I LOVE MY TRUCK" a 1996 GMC white pickup. I always wanted one and in 1999 I bought myself one. That truck as done a million things with me and for me.
I couldn't ask for a better friend.
http://littlefirebox.blogspot.com/2009/07/rain-rain.html

Memorial Day

Bitter Sweet.

Awesome 4 day weekend! and I 'm mean awesome.
But also really sad thinking about the people who are no longer here. Cleaned and decorated 6 graves!
On a brighter note.
I did numerous things to thank God for.
1. Cleaned (alot)
2. Gave Stevie my old sectional and bought a smaller couch that looks awweeeeesome!
3. Spent time with Stevie
4. Ran with Stacey
5. Ate seafood ALL weekend.
6. Had a great worship service at Grace Fellowship
7. Enjoyed my motorcycle
8. Started a new strength training call "Starting Strength" and I'm loving it.
For 6-12 weeks you follow a weight lifting program. During this time you DON'T do any workouts. I love this idea. I hope I can stick with it. Find the time and the spotters when I needed. I feel good (and strong) about it.



Phase II fixing lifting platform. Placed another treated and sealed piece of wood on the bottom and then finally glued down the stall mats. Worked on it till sundown..... :)
Came out real good. Very happy. It's "almost" level. Now I just need to chalk the sides.

Tell the World

Yeah.... I want to tell the world!

Yesterday.....
I, yes ME, went to the shed took out the weed wacker for the first time this season, put in the correct mix of oil and gas, and then proceeded to pull and pull and pull. If any of you have ever tried to start a weed wacker (or lawn mower) and it just doesn't want to start. I have had that problem at the beginning of every season. (at which time I would normally go back into the house and get Steve)

WELL, I, (Joy Marie) was persistent! After many attempts the beautiful, loud, sharp noise was music to my ears.

I am proud to say that my yard of obstacles is well groomed.

NOW can someone please show me how to fix the running toilet (of 3 months)!!

Freedom?

Saying Good-bye

Saying good-bye isn't always easy. When you enjoy something and the company of others so much it's hard to leave.

But, I'm starting to learn that if you want to move forward sometimes you have to take the steps....steps forward and move. Changing hours, time frames, ways of doing things takes adjusting to, it takes courage, and discipline. Similar to facing trails, tribulations, fears or obstacles... it takes strength.

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Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. — 2 Corinthians 12:10

Family and Friends

My visit was not only comprised of the CrossFit Family but more importantly my family and friends. It was great seeing my oldest brother in Philadelphia with my nephew, Greg. That was a special treat as I made my way down to NC.


Good friends are not always easy to come by, but there is someone within my company who has always been good to me (a good friend). Rick Williams is in the IT department (in Charlotte, NC) and I have communicated with him for many many years and when he has been in my area he has stopped in and when I am in his area I have done the same. I know in our business world Rick probably wishes he never gave me his number (or tell me to call if I needed something) because when the help desk wasn’t “helping” who would I call?
Thankfully things have changed and PC computers are no longer an issue/duty of mine. But still we have remained friends.
It was great seeing you and your wife Rick.
Thanks for the great time out! Hope to see you again.