Dillweeds’s Weblog

Last night, I did something I rarely do on a worknight. It was raining and I couldn’t walk, so I decided to go see a movie. I went to see Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron (aka Mike Seaver). I knew going in what it was about and I could not relate to the story-line. But I always want to invest in movie with a Godly message. It’s a story of a couple whose 7 yr marrige is tearing apart and how God, working through others, helped put it back together. As with Facing the Giants, I cried through this one too. Man, Sherwood Baptist (Albany,GA) sure knows how to make relevant films!

Toward the begining of the movie, I sat there asking God what He would have me, a single girl, get out of a movie based on a broken marriage? Then it came to me. I may not be in a relationship with a man, but I am with God! I asked myself, “is my relationship with God fireproof?” Do I spend enough time studying Him? In the movie, there was a phrase “never leave your partner behind”. As of late, I have been feeling like I am leaving God behind and not spending enough time w/ Him. Lack of communication usually is the first relationship downfall. It’s not Him. It’s me! Now, that the weather is cooling down, I am walking outside more. I leave the Crackberry at home to have some God & me time, to rekindle some areas in our relationship. Until God blesses me with an earthly man, I am going to do my part to get to know my Heavenly Man!!!

I encourage you to make an effort to see Fireproof. Here is the link to the movie http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/. Have an awesome day!!!

~dillweeds

I have been itching to go home (the great state of GA) for quite some time. So, I was sitting in Memphis traffic when it hit me….LABOR DAY! My job gives us Labor Day off, so needless to say I called my mom to tell her I was coming. You just don’t know how I LOVE road trips. Just me, Firecracker and the open road. Aww…no cares, except the state troopers you have to avoid. I am back now, but I will recap my wonderful holiday away from Mtown.

08.28.08–My boss was kind enough to let me leave at 3p to get a head start. With bag in the car, I was ready to go! Chatted w/friends on the way and 2 stops. I made it to my mom’s at 9:30p EST.

08.29.08–Slept like there’s no tomorrow. Went to Cracker Barrel w/my mom for breakfast, shopped at Hamilton Place Mall, treated my mom to Tropical Smoothie for a snack. Later that night I met up w/ my friend, Casey for dinner. We looked at his new house first. Great house! We went to dinner, then he toured me all around downtown Chattanooga to see the new developments. Afterward, we enjoyed some jazz and more conversation. Chatting w/ Casey inspired me to challenge myself more in life. After the evening ended, I had a LOT to think about. More on that later, readers.

08.30.08–Again slept like a rock. Got up. Ate cereal. Showered. Then mom and I went for lunch at the The Varsity in Atlanta. A tradition w/my mom and me. Yes, we drove there just to eat! That’s the beauty of vacation…do what you want, when you want and not care! We drove back to downtown for fresh ice cream at Clumpies. You gotta go if you’re ever there! Then we went to Greenlife (eco-friendly grocery store). I love that place. Since my Civic is an ULEV, I get to park in front!!!

08.31.08–Slept again! Pretty much was a lazy bum and did nothing all day.

09.01.08–Got up and out by 9a. Picked up Starbucks and hit the road. Didn’t stop until close to Jackson,TN. I made a pit-stop by Casey Jones’ Village to pickup some Cheerwine(soda) for my boss and his wife. Being a speed-demon, I made it back in record time! 4h30m!!! Next time I want to try for 4! I stayed under 85mph and actually used less gas. Wonder why? I hung out w/Kelley and Barbara, my 2 dear friends later that afternoon. Kelley is an awesome cook!! Try her fried tilapia….it ROCKS!

All in all it was a great weekend to get away. Weather was nice for traveling and touring. Home made my thoughts run wild and my heart a little unsettled. Got some serious research to do! Later……..

Ok, so one of my dear friends read my blog and made a few subject suggestions. I started to not write about them, but I said “what the heck, I like writing about stuff I love!” So, let me introduce you to Firecracker. She is my beautiful red 2007 Honda Civic EX and is so good to me. She and I are 1 with the road. Firecracker is my first car that I really had a say so it getting. So, we have that immediate bond.

Circumstances in my life lead me to the decision to purchase my first new car. Timing is EVERYTHING folks….trust me!! I began my research for a new car with prayer, followed by observing cars and talking with folks. My previous car was a ‘97 Honda AccordSE, affectionatly named Eggplant (SE purple color) so, I knew I liked the gas mileage Hondas offered. But I knew I couldn’t afford a newer Accord. My brother mentioned the Civic and my first reaction was “too small and not pretty.” He asked if I had noted the new style. Humbly, I had not. Until……I saw one on the road. I saw its nose 1st and wondered what that stylish car was and then I saw it was the new Civic. I feel in love. Then came the research; internet, other Civic owners, Consumer Reports, going to dealers’ lots, etc. More pros than cons. Great! I test drove the Civic twice and knew that’s what I wanted to pursue. Then came the financing. God is amazing, readers!!!! I work with mainly men and let me tell you, their negotiating tips were invaluable. My brother also was a major player. After 2 months of research, price chewing, and prayer. I am the proud owner of Firecracker. I remember the day I called the dealer and told him to take the last red EX sedan off the lot. While the dealer was getting my paperwork settled, I was selling my Accord to a private couple. An hour later I was driving to Costco to get my “little girl” some “food.” She’s a beauty!!! With ridiculous gas prices, I have never put over $38 (on E) and can go 7 days between fill-ups. She is a spunky little thing and is always ready to go. She has my personality right down to the red. Give us a honk if you ever see us flying by! ;) 

This past Sunday, my pastor’s message really challenged me. He spoke on doing all you know to do and then resting in God’s timing. During the message, he asked the question “have you done everything?” I have really been meditating on that question since. He brought up about doing all you know to do in finances, physical apperance, etc. This blogger must admit she is not doing everything she knows to do concerning her physical apperance. To me it has been more exciting to pay my car off early than taking a simple walk to improve my well-being.

All my life I have always been on the chubby side. It never has been priority 1. I get more excited about other things and never focused my weight. So, after listening to the message, I have decided to STAND UP and do more to better my physical health and apperance. I have already begun making small changes in a couple of areas. If I write this, maybe the world wide web can keep me accountable to myself!!!! I’ll keep ya posted………

Okay, so you know I can’t have a blog and NOT talk about one of my favorite things in the whole W-I-D-E  world. Everyone who knows me, knows this. I’ve been hearing the news of all the Bucks around the country being closed. So, I had to do some checking to see if my fav locale will be saved from the closed sign…..SO FAR SO GOOD!! Often blogs are used blast others, place negativity on life or nothing at all. I want to use mine to add a positive spin on life.

I want to compliment my fav Bucks. It’s the one on White Station/Poplar. It’s like Cheers….”where everyone knows your name.” [come on you know you are singing it]. My friends know I’m not a morning person by any strech, but I make an effort anyway. So, I walk in at 6 in AM, not fully awake or in the best mood, but it’s something about the people there that makes my morning! They know me, they ask “hot or cold this morning, Fern?” Then they make it. The only downfall to this location is there is no drive-thru, but the service is worth getting out of the car for. I have noted the manager, Carnell has a spirit of excellence about him. He is friendly, attentive to each customer and always making sure the property is clean and ready for guests. He and the morning crew embody the 10 Values I learned in DR. So, if you happen to be up early and need a Starbucks, head over to White Station/Poplar, talk to Carnell and the crew….tell ‘em Fern sent ya. Don’t know if that will get you far, but couldn’t hurt!

::::::::I have started a blog……now what?! [drumming my fingers] What AM I going to write about? Hmmmm…..still thinking. I have always been terrible at keeping a journal, so I will see if I have a better chance this. ::::::::::::::

Let me introduce you to dillweeds. I wanted to use dillweed, but that was taken by someone who hasn’t even used their blog name! I know, bitter, party of 1!! You see dillweed was one of my nicknames growing up, so I thought I’d pay homage to it.  Well, this is a start. I will post later with another inspiration…….STAY TUNED!

~dillweeds