26, But Who's Counting?

Today is Andrew's birthday. He turns the good old age of 26! Happy Birthday Andrew! I love you!

Southwest Airlines

This evening, I called Southwest Airlines to change a flight a couple extra days for when I am in Oregon in May/June. I was happy to hear on the phone that I would be able to do this over the website and with NO extra cost to change this ticket. I was able to do this due to me changing more than 21 days ahead so that was helpful to be a thinker before 21 days before my flight. Another thing I was very pleased about with Southwest was the woman that answered my call. Even though I had to sit on the phone about 5 minutes before I got a live person (they have an option where you could leave your number, not lose your place in line, and they will call you back), but I decided to wait. Patience I figure is what I need to work on. Well, I was glad that I got the woman that I got. She noticed that my Rapids Rewards (which is FREE) was not activated fully so she helped me get all my flights that I have flown over the past year. Comes to find out...I have flown so many times that I was able to receive a free ticket (which anyone can use) and I am close (after another round trip) to receiving another free ticket. That means, Andrew and I would be able to go somewhere and not have to pay for airfare. What a great pleasure to know Southwest can look back and apply all my tickets to get me free tickets. I prefer to fly Southwest because first you do not have to pay for an extra piece of luggage, you do not have to sit where they want you to sit, you can check in online, you do not have any hassles, you are able to get free drinks on special times of year (Mother's Day, Father's Day, their birthday, St. Patrick's Day, etc.), they are very cheap to fly on and there are many other amenities. I just wanted to give a shout out to Southwest and let you know how great they are! =)

Success

Today, I pulled off a surprise! What was my surprise?!? Well, my mom's birthday is in 6 days and she is going to be celebrating the big 60! I wanted to enjoy the day with her...well 11 days to be exact so Andrew and I had money from our tax return, so we felt Southwest Airlines was doing a GREAT deal on tickets, so Andrew graciously flew me up to celebrate with my mom!!! My mom was totally surprised when my brother Doug dropped me off at Imagination Station in Troutdale, Oregon to join my parents, my brother & sis-in-law, and my nieces and nephew for a post-Easter egg hunt since the hunt was over by the time I got there. I saw that my parents were taking pictures of the grandchildren so I snuck up behind them and everyone realized except my mom since she was the one with the camera. Everyone was in on the surprise except my mom! Oh I made my mom's day today!!!! By the way, she was really confused at first who I was and also wondering what I was doing and how in the world I got there. WoW that was a long walk!!!! Oh I can't wait to be back in Oregon to see my family more and enjoy the Oregon fresh air! Thanks Andrew for making my mom's day by flying me up and letting me spend time with my family! =)

I Got to See Shane

Last night, Andrew and I were able to go enjoy my very first Sacramento Kings game (at Arco Arena). Mind you, I have not given up hope on my Portland Trailblazers one bit, but when one receives tickets for FREE, then I am not going to pass this game up. I had the chance to go to other Kings games, but one was before we were married and I was just stressed with planning the wedding and it was when I was down here with Andrew just for a couple days. The other time was when my dad was down here in January and I let my dad and Andrew attend the game together. So, this was the first time down here. I have seen the "special" Kings in Portland when they have played the Blazers! Well, why I was excited to go watch this game because it wasn't the fact that I got to see the Kings play (a college team might be better than them), but it was because they were playing the Houston Rockets. More importantly, I got to see SHANE BATTIER again play in person. I have always admired Mr. Battier when he went to college at Duke and I think he is a class act and always presents himself in that way on/off the court. I was able to see Mr. Battier (disappointed because he was hurt at this time, but still got to see him shoot around) when I lived in Portland growing up when he played with the Memphis Grizzlies. I think my brother got me tickets for my 18th birthday or another birthday that has happened so long ago. Anyways, last night Mr. Battier got to play and he played, started, and shot 4 3-pointers!!! I wish we brought our camera in, but Arco Arena has a "strict" policy about cameras. But after going inside the arena, everyone (all the Asians) had their camera because they felt they could because Yao Ming was playing. Disappointed because I wanted to take pictures too, but I wanted to obey their policy. Took some pictures with Andrew's camera phone, we were up far, so not good pictures. I was also excited to see Oregon's own Aaron Brooks play which he also started. He has come so far and has deserved this role to play in the NBA. Well, I am just glad that I was able to go to this game and see Mr. Battier and Mr. Brooks. =)

Shane Battier is the one in red. If you are colored blind he has the ball.

Aaron Brooks the one with the ball.

Waiting

Listening to this song has made me realize that I need to worship our great God even when I am waiting for answers in all areas of my life. Waiting to hear about employment, waiting to hear about school, waiting to hear for whatever I am seeking out after. This song is a great reminder and I am thankful that God is the one in control and the author of my life because there is no way I would be able to do this on my own. These words are my life song right now. Hope you will take the time to read the lyrics and listen to this song.

While I'm Waiting
by
John Waller

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

A Trip to "Wine" About

Andrew and I were able to go to Napa, California on Friday for the day with our friends Simon, Daisy and there almost 7 month old daughter Lily. We were blessed to be able to have the time to enjoy a wonderful, relaxing, sunny day with them while having a picnic, touring some wineries, enjoy an outlet mall, enjoying dinner, enjoying another outlet mall, Coldstone, and just good fellowship with them. I have never been to Napa, so I was very impressed with the vineyards, the buildings, and the overall relaxing feel of Napa. The landscape reminded me of Oregon and made me miss Oregon more, but soon enough we will be back there. As for now, I know there is a place in California that I could go to that has hills, green and more green! Here are some pictures of the trip.

The sign stating that the movie was actually filmed here.

The set for the movie Bedtime Stories was taped at this castle which the movie comes out on Sunday (April 5, 2009).

Click here to read more about this castle.

Kathleen's best friend....a sheep that she was hoping would accidentally fall into the water.

A picture of us in front of the castle's steps.

A butterfly that was sitting on a flower.

A gorgeous flower by the castle.

Check Nicole Out!!!!

Click on this link and listen to Nicole Hickman sing beautifully!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/b6chastain