Chicken Noodle

Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise -- then you will discover the fullness of your life
-Brother David Steindl-Rast

Well, she popped! Briana finally had her baby, and I haven't seen him yet. She and I were best friends since we were four, and all the way through middle school. We found different crowds to be apart of I guess, but still talked to one another when given the chance. I mean, she's still eight houses down from mine...So Kas finally came out, and I'm sure she's enjoying every second of it. She waited long enough. I saw the flag late last night, and haven't had time to stop by. Plus, I'm sure she needs her rest.

Today is a good day, minus a few upsets, but coming home and finding out that my Mom is making one of my favorite meals...CHICKEN NOODLE. Yes I'm simple, but this is so good! Nothing can compete with it, and it's just chicken and noodles. I would eat this on a hot day and still enjoy it just as much. Things like that make me feel better about being home, and miss it while I'm gone.

I guess with Rhonda's planning a wedding in 9 months I've been paying more attention to things in my life concerning marriage. Gabe once told me that I shouldn't look too deep about every relationship, just enjoy it. I'm twenty-three, so I'm still young, but I'm at that point( and have been for some time), that I'm gonna evaluate the person on life term qualities. It's subconsciously done for the most part, and expressed to my closest friends. Like my last so called boyfriend, I knew we weren't gonna get married, but was doing my best to enjoy the attraction we had together, which he seemed to lack when it came to me. I also catch myself looking at how they handle situations and themselves, and ask if that's what I would do. It's a lot of things that I don't need to worry about at this moment, but they have been on my mind.

I currently have a lot happening within the next two weeks. Along with work, I have family events(YES! PAINTBALL ON SATURDAY! Anyone interested?), friends to catch up with and say goodbye, and the never ending decisions. But I also have more personal things going on, or more like not going on...

I need a change, and working on it in anyway possible. No John, it's not a sex change, I like being a lady and wouldn't make an attractive man. Just plain and simple things that I really have been wanting to do with myself, but haven't really gotten into. I grew up pretty much a tom boy six days out of the week, and a girl on Sundays. So most people would think I'm just a t-shirt and jeans girl, since that's what most people see me in, but I really would prefer the other. I love heels and girly clothes, but jeans and tees are so much cheaper, but that can't be an excuse anymore. The simple, boyish Raylene needs to be retired. I think it will help me work on my behaviors...being less of a thirteen year old, and more like a young lady. That's what I want. I'll still have my fun, there's not doubt in that. But I'll just look even better doing it. So don't be too shocked if I start wearing skirts to work, it's not that serious.

A Golfer's Deal With the Devil

A golfer was having a tough day and in his frustration he blurted out, "I would give anything for a birdie on this hole."

A nearby stranger walked out of the woods beside the hole and whispered, "If you give up one quarter of your sex life, I guarantee you will make this shot."The golfer said "OK." He made the shot for birdie.

A few holes later, he was having trouble on another hole. "Please, let me make this for eagle" he said.

Again, the stranger stepped up to him and said, "If you give up another quarter of your sex life, you will make eagle."

"You're on," the golfer said, and made the shot for eagle.

On the eighteenth hole, the golfer needed an eagle to win. The stranger again stepped up and said "If you give up the last half of your sex life, you will make eagle to win."

"OK," the golfer said, and made his shot for eagle, winning the round.

As he was walking back to the clubhouse, the stranger walked up beside him and said, "I think I should inform you that I am the Devil, and from now on you will have no sex life."

The golfer turned to him, smiled, and said, "Nice to meet you, my name is Father O'Malley!"

I love me some bar-b-que...no really, I did!

Knowing that we are fulfilling God's purpose is the only thing that really gives rest to the restless human heart.
- Charles Colson

Today was our usual family get together to celebrate July Birthdays in my family, and of course it had to be at the Brice's house. Oh well, at least I got some Lucille's beef ribs, tri tip, mac and cheese, and of course biscuits with apple butter. I had two plates, well almost two plates, but I was so full it hurt. But it was worth it, and I found out later it was not worth taking some home either. Let's just say my truck smells delicious now.

I had a blast with my nephews, though I spent most of my time with James snoozin' on me. At least I got to watch the Angels game. And yes, they lost, but the Dodgers lost to the Angels, so what does that say about them? And I'm starting to realize that my cousin is really moving, for realz! And also realizing that my family doesn't listen very well. Every function I tell them I have a year and a half left, no more, no less. And that hurts, but I just have to laugh about it...

But also with today was church, which our regular pastor is back in Indiana (Gary Indiana, Gary Indiana...) so Don and Nate Adams preached. Which I prefer Pastor Hill, but they were both great sermons. I was challenged today, not in anyway I felt comfortable about. I sat down for morning worship and was immediately being approached by a complete stranger, which I consider most of the members one since I'm only home a few times out of the year. So I just was like, oh a member that hasn't met me yet. Boy was I wrong! It was a first timer, and I was the wrong person to answer any questions. She stated that she's been going through a hard time; passing of family members, her current living situation, etc. All I could say is that the Bible says not to worry, and that God can handle anything, the hard part is letting Him handle it. Some of the things she said scared me, really bad. I was glad that someone else came over to talk to her as well, but why did God put me there in the first place? I'm not really strong in my faith, but I do hold tight to what I have. Thus, I don't consider myself that great of a witness to those around me. I guess every little bit helps...

I think I might put off the date of my return to Flagstaff. The College and Career Group is going to Yosemite again for the 3rd year in a row, and I want to go. I went the first year, almost died, and wasn't able to go last year. But I have to make sure it's ok with what I left back home, and I'm not just talking about work. I've been away for three weeks, and worried about what I'm coming home to on the 29th. That is two weeks away, but is another week really going to matter? Everything is gonna be there when I get back for the most part. I might miss some people passing through, but nothing says I won't see them another time. I'm still debating, and thinking about the responsibilities I'm leaving unattended...

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Johnny standing in the foyer of the church, looking at a large plaque that hung there. After the young man of seven had stood there for some time, the pastor walked up beside him and said quietly,

"Good morning, son."

"Good morning, Pastor," replied the youngster, not taking his eyes off the plaque. "Can I ask you, Sir, what is this for? Why are all these names listed on here?"

"Well, son, these are all the people who have died in the service," replied the pastor. Soberly, they stood together, staring up at the large plaque.

Little Johnny's voice barely broke the silence when he asked quietly, "Which one, Sir, the 8:30 or the 10:30?"

Is it time to leave?

If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth...
- C. S. Lewis

Friday ended week three of LBUSD Underwater Adventure, so two to go. But Friday was a real test of my patience. I'm blaming the heat and the exhaustion of the staff on most of the things that happened. It seemed that every time we had a so called situation(fighting, not sharing, etc), and we get it resolved and taken care of, we have another one brought to our attentions. I really was frustrated with a lot of the kids, and the inferno was not helping me keep my cool. So we sent the kids in to the air conditioned room twice that day, which seemed to help, but still was stressful. "we can't hear the movie, why do we have to be in here, Miss Raylene, Miss Raylene..." I wanted to just start ignoring them and go to sleep, but with my luck, I would get caught. And I know I'm not the only one feeling the pain. Poor Collin...

Four o'clock rolled around, and I was peacin' out. I wasn't getting stuck waiting with the kids, not today. "Oh, you're parents aren't here, go talk to Ms. Brenda or Ms. Amy." Yea that makes me look bad, and almost unqualified for a promotion to a leader, but I really could careless at this point. I had a date with three guys and a chicken, since Tony told me to come to dinner.

This is most likely my last summer, which I did say that last year, but things are changing in my life, big changes. And it hurts to think that my replacement won't do an efficient job, which I have already seen with Linda and Urias. This was also my very first paid job, and have worked for the past six summers. I volunteered from 1995 until I was finally hired in 2002, so I have more experience than most of the Recreational Leaders, and seen a lot of the changes in the program. And I enjoy this job, more than you would think. I'm making a difference in the kids lives, some who's parents are to busy to even ask them about how their day went. Yes, most of these kids come from single parent homes, or households that both parents work so that they can survive, which makes life harder at times on the kids themselves. But will the next person really understand that?

I found out yesterday morning that every Friday, one of the church families has a bit of a pool party. I know the girl, Noelle, who's house it was, but not that well, along with the rest of the church members. So I went, and met up with Rhonda and Paul there. Yes, I was shy at first and started talking to Rhonda, and accidentally dunked her in. I'm not that comfortable in a bathing suit, mostly because I'm a bit big in the chestal area. So I quickly got in and rushed over to my sister. But realized I was with family, and could be myself, and no one would care what I looked like. I got asked a lot of questions, which is expected, I am the long, lost, little sister. I have never felt so welcomed before in my life, and wonder if that's how people feel when they meet my family? Guess I'll have to ask next time some one does for the first time...won't that be awkward.

Oh and the pool...Was amazing! Just what I needed to end my week. And it wasn't just some ordinary pool, it was a saltwater pool. Or as AJ corrected me, Saline Pool. I was diving and just screwing around for the most part, and I didn't feel like I was dirty and needed to shower, and my eyes didn't burn like in a normal pool. Plus, my skin felt really nice after getting out and going home. But I'll be back next Friday...

My weekend is pretty empty at the moment. I really wanted to go to the beach, mostly with my little brother. So when I went to ask him, he said he was already going and that I couldn't go for a lame reason. Why is the fact that his girlfriend's friend from college is gonna be there? The beach is big enough that I'm sure I wouldn't get in the way of her tanning. Shoot, I would be in the water anyway. At first I thought I was mad, but it was more that it hurt. I love my brother and haven't even gotten the chance to catch up with him...I miss him and he's here.

Joke of the day!
An engineer died and ended up in Hell. He was not pleased with the level of comfort in Hell, and began to redesign and build improvements. After awhile, they had toilets that flush, air conditioning, and escalators. Everyone grew very fond of him.

One day God called to Satan to mock him, "So, how's it going down there in Hell?"

Satan replied, "Hey, things are great. We've got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and there's no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next."God was surprised, "What? You've got an engineer? That's a mistake. He should never have gotten down there in the first place. Send him back up here."

"No way," replied Satan. "I like having an engineer, and I'm keeping him."

God threatened, "Send him back up here now or I'll sue!"

Satan laughed and answered, "Yeah, right. And just where are YOU going to get a lawyer?"

Lack of Function

Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart
-Ruth Bell Gramham

I get religious jokes and scriptures sent to my email everyday, which I've shared some of the jokes, but nothing else. In the ones that contain scripture, there is always a quote. Some have opened my eyes, or just secured my faith more. I'm not a big Bible Thumper, and never will be, but I do know my believes.

Today I was not up for playing with the kids, at least not when 2pm rolled around. I was ready to go, and so was one of the Hudson Girls(three sisters that I've worked with before). Brenda just kept saying I lost it, cause I was laughing up a storm over nothing. I was exhausted!

At least I had plans after work. Just hanging out with Urias and Linda at Avenue, trying to find Ashley a woman. We found a good selection there, even Tony agreed when he finally arrived. I really like them, we can talk about more than just work, and since we don't get a lot of opportunities for us to be together, it makes it just that much sweeter.

So I'm off to bed...


Once upon a time, in the middle of the ocean, there was the Island of Trid.

It seems that most of the Island of Trid was covered by a large mountain. On this mountain lived a Giant. The Giant did not allow Trids on his mountain. If a Trid dared to climb onto the mountain, the Giant would kick him into the ocean. Trids are notoriously bad swimmers, and frequently drowned when kicked into the ocean.

The Trids were a very sexual people, and the population had grown quite large. Every square inch of the island, except the mountain, was crowded with Trids.

The Trids spent their days crowded together, dreaming of the open space available on the ever visible mountain. Every few days, a Trid would decide he couldn't stand the crowds any more. He would start to climb the mountain, and the Giant would kick the Trid into the ocean.The Trids were a very depressed people.

One day a traveling Rabbi visited the Island of Trid. Despite their overcrowded conditions, the Trids were extremely generous to this man of God.

The Rabbi decided to return the favor, and to go plead the Trid's case to the Giant. "Surely the Giant can be convinced to share some of the mountain with you," the Rabbi explained.

The Trids were horrified. "Please don't go, Rabbi", the Trids implored. "The Giant will kick you into the ocean, and you will surely drown."

The Rabbi was stubborn, and insisted that he talk to the Giant. The Trids sent out every boat they had. They formed a ring around the island, so that they would be able to rescue the Rabbi.

The Rabbi started walking towards the mountain. No sign of the Giant.

He walked through the foothills, and there was no sign of the Giant.

He started up the slopes of the mountain, further than any Trid had ever been. Still no sign of the Giant.

Finally he reached the summit of the mountain. There the Giant was waiting for him. The Rabbi asked "Tell me Giant, why have you allowed me to climb to the top of the mountain, without kicking me off the moment I started climbing?"

And the Giant replied, "Silly Rabbi, kicks are for Trids!"

So much for that...

That's what I get for being honest I guess...but I did nothing wrong. Whatever, if that's how they're gonna act, that's on them.

After being at work a total of 30 minutes, both Collin and I get called into a meeting with our leaders. "so what's the problem?" is the basic question to come out of Amy's mouth. So I laid it out, and I got the reaction I was expecting, but only from Amy. Brenda said like one sentence, only because I directed an issue towards her. We were basically told that we were suppose to be outside since we do the sports, which is just an excuse, not a reason. We all agreed there was no communication between the leaders and the aides, and hopefully with today's meeting, that will change. I'm glad we finally were able to discuss these things, and so is Collin.

My Major(6th-8th) Basketball team, which consisted of mostly Minors(3rd-5th), came out with a win and loss. The first game was too easy, so when the other team showed up...Let's just say my boys got a rude awakening. There was a lot of slappin' and foul play by the other team, yet my boys(for the most part) were able to keep a cool head. I'm proud of them for that.

A parent came up to me today and asked me if I teach during the school year. I've worked with his son the year before, and now his daughter. We talked about about how I only do this during the summer, and that I grew up in the program..."so next week is the last week?" I wish! I corrected him, and also informed him of the program starting the week after we end, he didn't seem interested when I told him Collin and I would not be work that. "oh, well they need a rest before school starts." It amazes me at times how much parents depend and trust me with their kids. Think about, from 8am-4pm I have 40 kids, forty little minds and bodies that parents have placed in my care and that of the staff. I just hope I can do the same when it comes to my kids...

A well-worn one dollar bill and a similarly distressed twenty dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation.

The twenty dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the county. "I've had a pretty good life," the twenty proclaimed. "Why I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean.""Wow!" said the one dollar bill. "You've really had an exciting life!"

"So tell me," says the twenty, "where have you been throughout your lifetime?"

The one dollar bill replies, "Oh, I've been to the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Lutheran Church ..."

The twenty dollar bill interrupts, "What's a church?"

July 11th is FREE Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven

I'm not saying just because it's some rumor, I myself have experienced the excitement and sugar high on such a day. It was two years ago when Brian Dalley and myself ventured around East Long Beach at 9pm in search of these little treats! We hit seven dispenser facilities, and obtained a total of five slurpees in various flavors. So what does one have to do to actually enjoy one of these delicious treats? NOTHING! Find the nearest 7-Eleven to your current location. Walk in, they should have the cups (which are smaller) place somewhere close to the unit in which the frozen gold is held. Sometimes you have to ask the clerk, but it's still worth it. Fill with whatever flavor you are desiring or willing to try. Add a straw with the scoop at the end, and leave. SIMPLE?

Due to the new Simpson's Movie, some of these fine establishments have been converted to Kiwi-Marts...Apu not include in some locations.

Just another day in the neighborhood...

My Grandma turned eighty-one today, and I still have to call her. It's kinda crazy to be reminded repeatedly how strong she is. She's currently staying at my Aunt Linda's house, which I think she's grown tired of and just wants to go home. She fell a few months ago, after a family members funeral service, and currently walking with the aid of a walker. She's a strong lady spiritually, but always has had her battles physically. My Grandma is the only person in my family to be diagnosed with Breast Cancer, had two successful heart bypass surgeries, and cirrhosis of the liver(which was due to affliction with her medication). She was told she wouldn't make it past the age of fifty. But since then she has seen all eleven grandkids graduate high school, six get their Bachelor's, and one her Masters. Been in the lives of all five great-grandkids, and soon number six. Seen three Granddaughters tie the knot, and soon Rhonda will join them.

She's a pretty amazing woman, and always will be remembered that way. She has a personal relationship with God that you rarely see. She loves Him so much, yet still has enough love to share with everyone. If you ever meet her, she's Grandma Lawson and that's it. Not Mrs. Lawson, or Virginia, just Grandma.

Work went over a bit better today, mostly because I decided to just let things happen, and not worry about them. I did vent to Collin earlier in the morning, but that was mostly because the Guys(Ash and Tony) were there.

The day just seemed to drag on, but at least our Minors (3rd, 4th, 5th graders) won kickball, so hopefully by Friday we'll know who we play at Play-Offs. I was proud of them. They weren't poor sports or rude to the other team about being whooped on. Their conduct was a lot better than that of our opponents. But the other schools were just a bunch of new people, who never worked Summer Rec, so it's expected. Not everyone is an expert like me, but that took 17 years of training.

This week is flying it seems, which brings me closer to going to the beach on the 20th, which is my favorite field trip. Mostly because I'm the only adult that goes into the water with the kids. Everyone stands at the shore looking and laughing at me. Shoot I would laugh too! But it also brings me closer to being back home. I plan on leaving for Flagstaff the Sunday after the program ends, so the 29th I'll be putting another five hundred miles on my truck. That's ok, I use Amsoil! And I'll be back with the people I've missed these past few weeks...or more.

JOKE OF THE DAY!

A man goes to see his Rabbi.

"Rabbi, something terrible is happening and I have to talk to you about it."

The Rabbi asks, "What's wrong?"

The man replied, "My wife is poisoning me."

The Rabbi, very surprised by this, asks, "How can that be?"

The man then pleads, "I'm telling you I'm certain she's poisoning me, what should I do?"The Rabbi then offers, "Tell you what. Let me talk to her, I'll see what I can find out and I'll let you know."

The next day the Rabbi calls the man and says, "Well, I spoke to your wife on the phone yesterday for over three hours. You want my advice?"

The man anxiously answers, "Yes."

"Take the poison," says the Rabbi.