A New Reality

Life without soccer and band is still taking some getting used to. I miss both activities.

My Friday's and Saturday's used to be spent juggling football games, marching competitions and soccer games. This past Saturday I spent a rainy day in Dahlonega, GA. It was Gold Rush. If that means nothing to you, don't feel bad because I had no idea what it was either.

EJ called around 9 AM Saturday to say that he just found out some parents were coming up for the parade at 3 PM. Squad progress drills would be in the morning. His squad was scheduled for 11:15 AM. I could come watch that if I wanted to. I told him I could make that and headed out.

The drills were interesting to watch. I could have done without the 43 degree weather and rain, but I managed to stay fairly dry. When EJ was released, he came to find me and we went to get a bite to eat. Then I wandered the square in downtown Dahlonega and waited for the parade to start. I listened to some gospel music, ate some fried dough and wandered through two antique malls and a TON of craft booths. A very pleasant way to spend Saturday afternoon.

The parade was surprisingly very long. Two bands, a fire truck, some Clydesdales and every Boy Scout and Girl Scout in Lumpkin County. Lots of politicians, beauty contest winners AND runners-up. And antique cars; so many of them. The Corp of Cadets were in the beginning of the parade. Honestly, after my cadet went by the event lost most of its appeal for me. But I stayed for most of it.

EJ was able to come home with me after the parade. He had dinner with Kate and me, went to a movie with friends, attended church and played soccer with Kate Sunday afternoon. After dinner Sunday night I took him back to school. A different kind of weekend, but not a bad one.

It's All About Who You Know

I know this to be true. Today, we saw it in action.

Back in July EJ received his first (and only???) speeding ticket. The irony of the whole ticket thing is that he managed to drive to and from Ohio and Florida with his teenage buddies without any tickets, warnings or accidents. He no sooner gets back into Forsyth County, GA, from his last summer excursion and he gets pulled over. Grrr!

When he handed me the ticket, I was NOT happy and that is putting it mildly. EJ was angry and felt it was a trap. No surprise there :-). He decided he wasn't going to call the number and just pay the fine. He was going to court and fight it. Today was his court date.

While EJ was waiting in the hall for his turn to go before the judge he met up with Leslie Abernathy, Solicitor General, Forsyth County. Mrs. Abernathy is Jessica's mother. Jessica and her family attend First Baptist Cumming and Jessica participates in the youth group with EJ. Mrs. Abernathy greeted him and asked him why he was there. She asked to see his ticket and then proceeded to reduce the speed noted on the ticket and pulled him to the front of the line at the counter so he could pay his fine. The change she made on the ticket means NO points on his license and NO INCREASE in insurance!!!! She also told him to SLOW DOWN and said she didn't want to see him there again. THANK YOU Leslie Abernathy. You can bet I will be looking for her at church so I can thank her in person.



Getting EJ to the court house by 8:30 AM in Cumming from Dahlonega was not convenient and meant that I missed some work this morning. But no longer having to worry about how that ticket will affect my insurance rates makes the early morning, 4 hours in the car, extra gas and time missed at work definitely worth all the inconvenience. I feel strongly that things played out the way they were supposed to.

It is my sincere wish that the inconvenience, cost and scolding were enough to slow EJ down. A mother can dream!

Feast or Famine

This seems to be the theme of my life. Right now it applies to the weather in Atlanta.

Last summer we were bombarded with drought information; how many days of water left in Lake Lanier, how to conserve water, how many people had been fined for watering their yards, etc. Today the news is filled with stories of people that have lost their homes and all their worldly possessions and some their lives as a result of washed out roads and flooding. It has rained every day for over a week.

We, here in Cumming, GA, are happy to report no water damage, flooding or roof leaks! We are very blessed.

Last night after dinner, Chloe and Katie decided they needed an ice cream treat and they wanted it badly enough to face the elements. This meant gearing up for an excursion out into pouring rain. As you can see, they made quite the fashion statment!!!

But they had dry feet when they came home with their ice cream. Sometimes it is the simple things that can make you so happy!

Getting Our Money's Worth

Katie sent me an email yesterday afternoon. It is too good not to share. Those of you on Facebook may have already seen this.

This is Ej's status on facebook. I thought you would find it amusing.

Eric Sloth loves the unlimited meal plan. 8 slices of pizza, two cheeseburgers, a patty melt, french fries, a rotisserie chicken, and two ice cream cones... for lunch. Can't wait for dinner. (Katie)

I felt very strongly about the unlimited meal plan for EJ. I think I was right.