Back to School

Well, the time has come for the kids to go back to school. As a teacher, I was always as excited as the students about back to school activities. There's just something about taking advantage of a fresh start to build new relationships, mend broken ones, assess and adjust your goals and ambitions, accept challenges, and embrace the learning that comes with knowledge and experiences. I'm getting excited just writing this and I'm not even going back to school! 

So I guess I'm talking to myself here, but why wait for the start of a year to wake with this expectancy? Why can't I be this excited for a new day everyday? It should be that easy since I believe God's promise of new mercies every morning. I am happy to accept that opportunity, but how quick am I to offer it to others? Ouch! 

Maybe this fresh start is about what I can do for others, instead of myself. Maybe it's about seeking out new relationships (which makes me very uncomfortable-why can't I be my only friend?) where I offer more to the relationship than I receive from it? Or mend those relationships that affect those around me. How about assessing my goals and ambitions to ensure I am looking at a future more inclusive than just Tori. I would like to challenge others through my responses and actions while I am accepting my own challenges. And hopefully I will be able to provide knowledge and learning opportunities for my family, friends, coworkers, and others that I engage with. 

I am very excited for the school year to begin! I LOVE to watch my kids grow and stretch and mature throughout the year. I pray that everyday will be spent shining His light to those around us!

What fresh start do you need to take advantage of this year?

Tori

The Wedding Preacher

Yesterday we had the privilege of attending the wedding of a beautiful couple, John and Dallyce.  Not only was everything perfect, but the preacher was pretty awesome himself! I do love to hear Rick preach anywhere, anytime, but I especially love his wedding ceremonies.  Each and every ceremony has it originality and personal touch by him. He does his very best to offer vows that fit the couples personality and he makes it priority to give a word of encouragement that is specific to the bride and groom individually as well as to them as a couple. No two weddings have ever been the exact same. I just wanted to brag on him and say how much I love him! The vows he used last night were excellent and I wanted to share them with you.

I love you, Rick. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad,when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today and all the days of my life.

So everyone go hug your spouse and tell them one more time how much you love them!

XOXO

Tori

Frequent Flyer Woes

Ok so I may not be a frequent flyer, but I do have to jump on a plane every now and again and there are certainly some pet peeves that I have when flying.  Maybe it was the 4:00 am wake up/5:30 am boarding that had me feeling extra sensitive today, but either way, I'm going to share those peeves with you.  I hope I can get through with this, I only have about 30 minutes....

So my first observation was noted in my FB status earlier: learn the security guidelines!!!  No, you can't take water. No you don't have to unpack your entire carry on suitcase into the gray bin. No, do not send your security pass through the scanner if you want to use it. And please, do not put on your socks, shoes, belts, necklaces, watches, and repack your carry on bag from the gray bin while my tiny little backpack is trying to come off of the belt. No one wants to see you retucking your shirt or your gnarly feet. There are benches in a lower lighted area for you to redress. 

So if I am traveling alone, I like to sit on the front row. More rules- lady with the grocery bag sized tote and purse that is the same size, you cannot leave it at your feet and then act like you didn't know you had to store it.  There is a sign posted right in front of you! And if you choose a front row aisle seat so you can have more space, don't take mine with your big ole arms laying on me! Now I understand it gets warm  on the plane for some people, but not me. I always have a sweater or scarf for cover. Yes even in August. So if you need your air vent, that's fine, but when you get tired of the air blowing on you, turn it off and NOT on me. Do they not se me already covered up and can they not hear my teeth chattering? 

Ok, I pride myself in keeping these blogs short so you will keep coming back for quick reads so I'll just share one more thought. Ok maybe two because something funny did happen.  I had to stop in Dallas and change planes so we are sitting by the gate but haven't arrived for deplaning yet. Everyone is seated and waiting, just a minute or two. A young, probably college age, guy walks right up to the attendants who are also still seated and buckled and looks at the door and asks them if we are getting off! Ok it was hilarious at 6:30!! I think he was sleepwalking! 

So last bit of advice- Austin Yellow Cab, if you have a car that is being used for transportation, in Austin, TX, in August, you might want to ensure that it has an air conditioner aside from the two front windows! So not only am I wearing clown make up, I have a Bozo hairdo to go with it! I'm attaching a pic for proof. Which will provide hours of laughter for my kids! Me and selfies NOT!

This is going to be a great day! 

(Comments welcomed.)

Love to ya,

Tori