Thursday Threesome:

Onesome: Visualize-- Hmmm...How are you on maps and mapping? Are you one of those people who can translate the paper version to what you're seeing on the road? ...or do you rely on a 'trusy native guide' (or GPS unit) to get you around someplace you've never been? I've been my family's human road map ever since I can remember. There's "The Railroad" story that my mother enjoyed talking about.

Twosome: Whirled-- about in your head: did you ever have a phrase or song lyric you "just got wrong"? You know, like that Hendrix "Kiss this guy" malapropism... Add me to the "Wrapped up like a douche" group. Seems this a very common one. My brother text messaged me a few weeks ago about this song. The message only said "Wrapped up like a douche." I laughed. I knew he had just heard the song. My brother is one the few that could have sent me that message and it not be offensive.

Threesome: Peas-- porridge hot? Even though we're looking to the end of Winter (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere), what has been your favorite hot meal this past few months? Tacos with Joey. He likes the hard shells, where as my family likes the soft shells. I'm the only one that eats hard shells. Plus, Joey likes to get lettuce to eat with the tacos. My family doesn't. Joey has also gotten me to eat pork chops. He can make a great pork chop. Last time he made us pork chops, he made me a hoe cake, too, with his extra breading mix. I admit it; he has spoiled me with cooking dinner for me.

[♪ Listening to: "Save The Day" - Train]

Last night, Ben graduated from Savannah Tech. He earned dual Associates degrees. His mother sent an invitation to the whole family. Yesterday was also Nicki's birthday. Nicki went to spend the next couple of days with her boyfriend, Cameron. The rest of us went with Beth to see her boyfriend walk the stage.

The guest speaker kept the keynote speech short. One of the stories he brought up was the one of Captain Plumb and the parachute packer. Tears welled in my eyes, but I didn't cry. I wanted to, but didn't. I just started thinking, which for me, is never a good thing when I think about life and my purpose. I realized I'm happier as a parachute packer than I am parachuting.

Right now, whether I like it or not, I am going to have to make a jump. A huge jump. On a professional level, I have a job interview Monday in Atlanta. I've been through 2 phone interviews for it so far. Now, they want to see me in person. I have taken care of arrangements for a place to stay the night before. The company sounds interested in me. I hope I get the job. I need one. It will be scary moving to Atlanta and living on my own, but I need it.

The other jump is having to let go. I don't want to let go, but I must. I have to let go of my family. I don't want to do it. Mainly, I don't want to leave my dad. I would be leaving my dad around the same time my brother is leaving, too. My brother is planning on moving with Jessica to Brunswick. He's going apartment hunting next weekend. And in addition to losing my father, I have to say goodbye to Joey. He graduates college in 17 days. A few days after that, he's moving home to Fayetteville, GA. I don't want to do that. I have enjoyed hanging out with him and his friendship this past year. Even when he had a major lost, in a way, he was there for me. He needed me as a friend, but by needing me, he was there for me and made me feel good. I'm going to miss the hanging out to watch a movie, the late nights working on his homework, his making dinner for me, or just talking to me on the phone. Our friendship won't be the same. His friendship spoiled me in a way no other friendship has.

I know change is a part of life, but I don't like change. Change upsets me. But, I know this job opportunity is a big one. And I really believe God was listening to me earlier today when I got the call to meet on Monday. I was feeling down and the call made me feel better. I wouldn't be totally leaving my family. Atlanta's half a day away. I can make the drive. God has some big plans for me right now that I can't explain. And I know He's been talking to me. I need to just have faith in him.

[♪ Listening to: "Echo" - Trapt]

Ft. McAllister
Uploaded by peachy92.

I am alive.

Friday, most of the day was spent with Joey. We had plans to go together to the Savannah Sand Gnats' home opener against the Columbus Catfish. Boy, did the Sand Gnats blow chunks in that game! The Gnats lost 8-3. If those boys that pitched that game are considered the bright future of the New York Mets, I'd be afraid. There were passed balls, wild pitches, and hit batters abound by the Gnats' pitchers. After the game, there were fireworks. It was a nice display.

Earlier in the day, Joey and I hung out with his niece, nephew, and step-mother. The kids were spending the week with their paternal grandfather, who is Joey's father. I had visited the kids Monday night, along with meeting that side of the family for the first time. The kids had met me before, so I wasn't a stranger to them. Friday, Joey and I had my camera and we just took tons of photos of the kids playing in the water. We transfered the photos to the step-mother's computer so she could have a copy. Joey has copies of the photos, too, so he can share with his mother. His mother loves those kids dearly. She loves kids in general, but she sees the twins the most. Had I know they were going to be in town last week, I would have seen about getting them tickets to the game. They wanted to go, but there just wasn't enough notice. Joey ended up getting the twins and his own son a mini-bat. After the game, Joey wanted to hit the bars, so we did that. I wish that we hadn't, but we did.

My early Saturday afternoon was spent down in Ft. McAllister. The weather was much better then the last time I went and some of the bunkers in the mounds were open. Last time, they weren't. I got some better pictures of the place. I was originally supposed to go with Joey, but he backed out. He was too tired. I didn't need him with me to go. So, I went. It was peaceful out there.

I did spend the evening with Joey. He had a DJing gig lined up on the riverboat cruises that night. His boss at school needed some help for her husband and figured Joey could do the job. She also told him he should take me along. So, I went. I helped him set up and equipment. I also had to help him use iTunes. I also went to take some photos of the river and River Street. I got some good shots. The ride was a little boring, but not too much. I was cold in the second cruise. I was under dressed. Also, I was scared a bit for Joey on that second cruise. One of the patrons got all in his face because Joey wasn't playing the cuss-laden hip-hop music. Joey explained the music had to appeal to everyone, and cuss-ladened hip-hop didn't fit his audience. Well, this guy acted like he and his friends were the only ones on the deck, so it should be their type of music. The guy became so aggressive, I was afraid he was going to physically hurt Joey. Joey can keep his own, I don't doubt, but my fear was the guy had a knife. I wouldn't have been surprised if he did. The last thing Joey needs is to get stabbed. Thank God he didn't.

Photos from this weekend are up on Flickr.

Today, I went and got my hair cut. I needed one. I also had a guy flirt with me. Of course, he was trying to sell me some Dead Sea salt, but I impressed him when I said the Dead Sea was the saltiest body of water on earth. He also couldn't believe I was 30 (yeah, I lied about my age for once) and asked me what I did to look so youthful. I think had I not said I was looking into getting a job in Atlanta at the moment, he would have asked me out. That made me feel good.