"You may be right, I may be crazy. But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for!"
29 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Adam
5 weeks old
In less than three months my little girl will be here. With the exception of my godson, Ethan [who is now almost two], I haven’t held an infant since Adam’s early days. It’s surreal to think how tiny Tatum will be….
Just tonight Adam asked ‘when sister’s coming out.’ I told him it would be soon. He’s quite curious how Tatum will fly out of my belly button [oh come on-- what would you have said?!] and can’t wait to be a big brother.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
28 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Memphis
Get excited, Memphis. This photo was taken in Jackson. (WMC5)
As nice as it is to look at [comfortably ensconced in your cozy house] and get days off from your typical routine….snow is one thing I definitely don’t miss. Cold weather does not suit me well. Adam’s not a fan either. I’m already surprised how frigid it’s been some mornings here in Paso– on several ocassions I’ve seen my breath– but it definitely doesn’t sleet/snow/ice/slush in this climate. Enjoy your snow flurries, Memphians. Be careful of icy roads. That’s one thing I definitely don’t miss.
My goal is to complete my ’30 Days of Thanksgiving’ by the end of November. I could easily do it off the top of my head but I suffer from a severe case of blog OCD and can’t stand the idea of attempting two weeks of list without visuals. So we shall see.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
28 Nov 2011 2 Comments
So I’ve come to the conclusion that when I’m dismissed from the staff meeting every Tuesday the rest of my coworkers and our pastor sit around devising sermons just for me. 
What’s brilliant is they’re not just for me nor am I the only person who feels this way. The messages extrapolated from the Bible and the manner in which they are presented to the congregation resonates with countless individuals. I can honestly say this is the first church I’ve been to in the Christian faith that is actually relevant and exciting. That’s a HUGE statement coming from a de-churched person such as myself.
Today was no exception. K, the pulpit guest, spoke about the difference between happiness [glee in response to cirumstance] and joy [let’s just say it’s a state of being that requires more than the ability to feel an emotional reaction. When there is a disconnect with spirituality….life is not complete. You may not realize it– I didn’t– until you fill the void but it enhaces your life exponentially. What an incredible reward.
K quoted several verses from the book of Habakkuk. We all know I’m not the most Biblically literate person but I’d never even heard of this particular book. From what I gather it seems to have some very interesting verses so I wonder why I’m not at all acquainted with it. Maybe because nobody wants to risk slaughtering the pronounciation by saying it aloud? Heh.
Although Habakkuk served as the scripture focal point, another verse caught my eye. You’ll understand.
Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
28 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Adam
My precious little man called me tonight!! He’s been by my side since the day he was born….so it’s been hell on earth for me not being able to see or talk to him this past week and a half. Going so long without hearing that sweet little voice jolted me back to reality tonight in terms of his development– he’s becoming such a big boy– and I was thrilled to speak with him for ten minutes. Among other things he told me that he ate a turkey for Thanksgiving and was having fun. Hearing his reaction to the apartment was priceless: “I am going to take the regional bus tomorrow and get off at the bus stop. Then I will come to the apartment and knock on the door so you can let me in. I will go to my bedroom and live in it.” Needless to say he was ecstatic about the prospect of a Christmas tree with presents underneath! I can’t wait to talk to him again tomorrow night and see him as soon as possible. Things are truly looking up and I am so blessed.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
28 Nov 2011 2 Comments
in Pet Peeves, Technology
I consider myself to be pretty tech saavy when it comes to most computer programs….but I am having an issue with Gmail and hope that somebody reading this can assist me. For my email account I cannot figure out how to block somebody! Currently I use the ‘create filter’ option which sends messages from unwanted recipients straight to my trash folder yet I don’t want to see them at all. When I periodically dump my trash I see said person’s name and the first 3-5 lines of their message and I want them blocked entirely. Help?
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
26 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
After signing the lease and other exhilirating paperwork this morning, I was given the keys to my apartment. What a bittersweet experience….I eagerly anticipated this day with Adam by my side, running through the empty rooms together, and figuring out where to put our stuff. A large part of me feels guilt for the happiness and huge relief I feel because how can I be joyful when my son’s not here? Instead I will look at this interim period as a time to get our apartment ready for family life. Adam can experience the novelty of ‘unpacking’ as we get Tatum’s furniture and other accessories– and in the meantime he’ll come home to an awesome room with a fun bed and toys and books and his bike and lots of photos and a TV and his movies and a Wii and tons of yummy food in the kitchen!
All of my belongings [Adam's stuff, our clothes, and some toiletries] fit into a small SUV. While I knew I would be getting some extra knicknacks from my church family, I had no idea just what was in store for me. Now I am the proud owner of a couch, end table, living room lamp, breakfast table and two chairs, cutlery, pots & pans, dishes, cleaning supplies, towels & linens, a bed with a brand new comforter, pillows, a bedside table, and lamp. WOW. I am speechless. Beyond speechless. For the first time in over a week I couldn’t stop smiling.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the countless individuals who helped make this happen. <3
No words of mine could ever express how grateful I am. To think that so many people would give so selflessly so that we can have a cozy and hospitable home reminds me of the true reason for the season. Nothing happens by chance and I came to this city and this job for a reason. These individuals show the meaning of what it is to have a servant’s heart, to give and receive abundantly, and to do God’s work. Even if that is not the name you give your higher power– if you have one at all– to know that there are people out there filled with kindness, love, and faith that inspires them, people that want this world to be a better place….how could you not believe in a force greater than ourselves?
I am so very blessed. I am loved. I am NOT alone nor have I ever been.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
25 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Blessings, Holidays, Uncategorized
A member of my church stopped by to deliver some awesome Thanksgiving goodies….there was so much stuff I couldn’t even fit the turkey in the shot! I especially appreciated the signed card and decoration for my new apartment. If you can’t see closely it says “Believe: With God all things are possible.”
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Taking last night’s sermon to heart, I am thankful for the countless blessings in my life. There is so much I have for which to be grateful. I’m also thankful for the terrible tragedies that have happened since my arrival in California. Without these I would never realized the full potential of my faith, strength, and wisdom.
9:30 am is my move-in time tomorrow. While it’s certainly not the way I envisioned our arrival in our new family home….I’m going to make the best of it. A wonderful group of people is helping me with some furnishings and kitchen items and I’ll be on the lookout at Walmart, Craigslist, Goodwill, and various yard sales to ensure I obtain everything we need. I’ll use this time to create a cozy bedroom for my kids, stock the kitchen with food, bring in the toys and books, hang photos, and other attempts at decorating. Adam’s going to be so thrilled when he sees our new home!!
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
24 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Food, HC, Paso Robles, Spirituality
Our next court date is December 9th. Unlike what we’ve done so far [a 24 hour continuance due to one party's unavailability and being asked if I wanted to contest what was happening-- absolutely] this will be much more interactive and involved. I refuse to utter another word in this department, just wanted to bring my readers up to speed.
Despite being totally drained from my day, I am so glad I forged onward and accepted a ride from a member of our church to the annual Thanksgiving service and tree lighting. Talk about a cathartic experience. From the looks of it we collected lots of canned goods for Loaves and Fishes and the message truly resonated within my soul– I felt like the sermon had been written just for me. Essentially it involved giving thanks for ALL the things in your life, even the monumental challenges and obstacles, because those difficulties could “teach us through the toughness.” I left lighter than I was when I arrived.
After church I felt significantly better….and realized that I hadn’t had a substantial meal in quite sometime– nutritional snacks can only get a pregnant woman so far– so I went to Il Cortile for a mozzerella sampler and a pasta entree. Three different mozarellas were presented to me and all were delicious. I was unaware of the distinct differing flavors within the mozzerella genre. My pasta dish, the beef cheeks ravioli, tasted quite good as well. It’s strange I gravitated towards this because I am not a big meat person, especially when it comes to a stuffing for a ravioli. However the way the meat was cooked/seasoned pleased my palatte and the sweet wine reduction sauce was great. I’m no culinary expert but it seemed like that sauce would work very well with numerous other foods too.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who opened their families and homes to me for Thanksgiving. Although I am utilizing my day for quiet reflection– and packing!– those offers are truly appreciated.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
23 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
I don’t even know if this post conforms to the English language. My body’s still awake but my mind has shut down entirely from system overload. It is definitely time to throw in the towel when I mispell the word ‘doctor.’
Eventful. Today was very eventful. Due to legal strategy I cannot say anything else [that's like telling Imelda Marcos she can only have one pair of shoes...from the clearance bin] but the end result with be well worth my temporary gag order.
Thank you to everyone for your continued love and support. Whether it’s hearing Danielle’s Mississippi drawl over the phone, inspirational messages from Maris, laughing with Chrissy about my business ventures, and Brandi still loving me even when those Southern phrases start tumbling out of my mouth– my friends are my world. Adam has so many great aunties.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
