TAR HEEL Thoughts, Texas Style...

So today has been a funny day.  It has been a super busy but hilarious day.  There are no words...

At the Swim Meet
5 year old: Miss Emmarie, How old are you?
5 year old's mom: You should never ask a lady how old she is. 
Me:  No worries.  I'll tell you.  On Monday I'll be two years away from 30. 
8 year old: Oh so you are 28... Miss Emmarie, wow you are tall for your age. 
Me:  Ha ha ha
Their mom:  I am the same age they are comparing you to me and I'm short. 
Me:  It's ok.  I actually can't remember the last time someone said that to me.  You see guys grown-ups all hit a certain age and we stop growing. 
Another mom:  We'll we stop growing that way but we still grow in others. 

Wow, definitely so true. 

At the Y
11 year old: Miss Emmarie, how old are you? 
Me: Well on Monday I'll be 28. 
11 year old (in ecstatic voice):  I KNEW IT!!!!  You look like you are 27. 
Me:  Ha ha

Seriously, what is with all the age conversations today?  How funny is that?!?  I hope these conversations keep coming.  They are priceless!  However, I have two questions for you.  Please answer them if you know the answer.  How tall is the average 28 year old?  What makes someone look like they are 27? 

What a catastrophic event?!? Why would someone do this? As a 17 year old these were all questions we had been asking. I had only been out of the country once and I did not have any understanding of other countries perceptions or dislikes for Americans. Throughout the years to come I was blessed to be able to see many different countries and cultures. I have come to appreciate the differences in cultures.  Through that I have seen that we as Americans are quick to judge and there are many places out there that do not look highly on Americans.  With that being said I think everyone should go overseas at some point. Most of all it allows you to see that different things are not necessarily wrong. We so often in our country have the outlook that if it is not the way we are used to it is wrong. I have been challenged to get out of my box and try it another way and to stop being the apathetic being that I had become and easily fall back into. 

10 years later... Wow.  This brings so many emotions and so much introspection. 

Look at where we are now? 

1.  As a country...
We have placed a huge emphasis on the freedom we have and there is an overwhelming respect for those that constantly fight for our freedom on our soil and overseas.  I don't remember seeing military in that way as a child.  Now I am so thankful for those in the armed services.  You see more people going out of their way to thank military men and women for the job they do.  It always makes me tear up when I see a child go up to them and thank them for their service.  That child was raised right. 

2.  Remembering those fallen... 
This morning as I watched the memorial services televised to commemorate the 10th anniversary, I was amazed by the feelings this dredged up within my soul.  It seemed like the insecurity and fear was back there for a little bit.  To see those who lost friends, families, and parents in the attacks on that day really broke my heart.  However, it does go to show you that the Lord has provided for them in the time since.  They still remember the day and they can now think fondly back on the lives of their loved ones.  I will tell you that I am a dramatic person but I do not think I always am open with my emotions.  Especially tears, I am not a person who cries during chick flicks I can get sad but I do not usual cry.  However, today as I watched the group of newborns or unborn children who lost their fathers on 9/11, I cried.  I cried as they showed the children's faces beside their fathers and my dog looked confused by the tears I was releasing.  It was something I did not expect but it happened none the less and still as I write of it I am tearing up. 

3.  Personally...
I can't believe it has been 10 years.  10 years since I started college.  Friends have changed, lifestyles have changed, locations have changed, my relationship with the Lord has changed.  Everything has changed.  I never would have thought at that time that I would have travelled to 7 countries, lived overseas doing mission work, been to Everest base-camp, been a bridesmaid in 6 more weddings, moved to Texas and lived here for almost five years, and still be single, just to name a few.  I am content with my life.  I am in love with the Lord and I trust that I am here for a reason.  My mission in life is to glorify Him by loving Him and making Him known.  I am lucky that I have a career that lines up with my personal mission, that in and of itself is a blessing.  I am not really sure where I thought I would be now when I was a freshman in college.  I don't think I would have told you I would be here, but I am blessed to be where I am. Thank you, Lord!

Thanks to all of those who do their part to keep our homeland and country a place where freedom is valued. 

Emmarie

 

I have quite a few five year anniversaries coming up!  Why not mark them in my blog?  Five years ago was a very big year for me.  The year was 2006.  It was actually my little brother, Peyton's 21st birthday. 
This was not what made this day special even though that was special for him.  Sorry P.  :(  Happy 26th Birthday though! 



I came down for my first job interview after college and this was three months after getting back in the country after living in China for a year.  I did not know what this trip would bring but it changed my life, forever.  You may say I'm dramatic but you have no idea. 
More to come later...

Please be advised that reports on the news have indicated that in areas of drought and flooding, an increase in nsakes and wildlife sightings have occurred. Residents are asked to review the following information for education purposes.

Snakes are naturally shy and their first form of defense is to move away from danger, and humans are viewed as danger. If provoked or cornered, a snake may attempt to protect itself by striking. People are most likely to be bitten when attempting to kill or handle a snake. Although snakes move at the speed of a fast walk, they can strike very rapidly if aroused. To avoid being bitten below are some helpful tips:

• Watch where you step, and do not harass, capture, or attempt to kill snakes - move away and report the sighting immediately to animal control and the office


• If you see a snake, maintain a safe distance (>6 feet) - most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill snakes


• Keep your personal belongings neat and tidy on patios and remove all items in breezeways


• Use caution around playground equipment as snakes like to hide in the shade and cool, moist mulch


• Clean up or report to management any spilled food around dumpster or trash areas which can attract rodents - and therefore snakes


• Keep pets on a leash


• Avoid walking through the grass. Use common walk areas.


• Any sightings of snakes/wildlife should be immediately reported to local authorities and the management office.

Please remember that no one can ensure your personal safety. We remind you that your safety and security is your responsibility. However, we believer that by taking an active role by updating you on recent reports in the news, you may be able to deter unnecessary problems.

Sincerely,

___________ Staff

So this is the Letter I received tucked in my door today when I got home from work. I have really gotten a kick out of this. I mean I'm in Texas. All people who grew up in Texas are used to all kinds of wildlife and snakes. I mean really!?! Ha ha

So I did see a snake one night this week while I was out walking Gemma. Luckily I have common sense and didn't try to "harass, capture or attempt to kill the snake." But now that I have this letter I know that I should not in case I see any future snakes. Come on people...

My nephew, Ean Cheyne Clark, was born on December 2 and this was my first time to meet him. Here are some pictures from my trip...

Me and Ama

My Cuz Ashley and I

Can you tell they're related? The man in the frame is a distant grandparent and we always thought the spot on his forehead was because he was shot or something. However, interesting fact this man cut off his thumb so he would not have to fight in the civil war. Peyton, my little brother, and him have a scary resemblance.
Dad, Mom, Peyton, Ama, and Me
No longer at the kiddie table group & Ama

The Privette boys - Three in the back row, Justin, Erik, Keith

The Byrd gals - Ashley(beside me) with her husband John, Hope(Santa Hat), Frances(to the right of Hope) with boyfriend Tony

The Clark kids- Peyton (Carolina hoodie) and Me