Our Adventures in the Country

Server Crash

2009-02-12T18:52:00.002-05:00

The last week has been crazy. One of our server's had a hardware failure last Saturday. I worked from 8am until midnight to get a loaner running so we would be operational on Monday. This week I have been fixing setup bugs and working on a quote for a new server. I have learned a lot through this exerience -- redundency is key to keeping your business flowing. I have been thinking about what our acceptable level of downtime is this week. I have also been thinking how thankful I am that this situation did not happen during the work week. I would have had 20 some employees without computers. I also was thankful today to find a backup tape with my work email. Note: files that are open do not get backed up. I have had a habbit of leaving my email open. That will not happen any more because of the time I have spent trying to find a copy. And, I could have totally lost it which would have crippled me for a while. God has been watching after me through this situation. I have had some good people helping me out (thanks Travis!!) and an awesome God looking after me. I am looking forward to a quieter weekend to come.

Favorite Christmas Present

2009-02-07T16:25:00.001-05:00

I am looking back through my pictures from Christmas. This is a picture of me with one of my favorite Christmas presents. My mom and dad found this used leather sofa for our den. We needed this and I was amazed that they found it and had it for Christmas. Jason and I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I have loved finally have matching furniture. It's amazing how good of shape it's in for being 12 years old.

Couponing

2009-02-07T14:47:00.004-05:00

I have really gotten into using Internet coupons the last month. It's amazing how much money you can save by matching up grocery store ads and manufacturer coupons. In my area, I have found that Kroger provides the most savings. Kroger doubles coupons up to 50 cents. For example, if you have a $0.30 coupon, it doubles to $0.60 and if you have a $0.50 coupon, it doubles to $1.00 Using coupons with products already on sale even allows for FREE products! Wow! I have been getting 4-pack cottonelle toilet paper free for the past few weeks. I found this link in January and it was reset in February. You should be able to print two $0.50 coupons. Kroger sells cottonelle for $0.99; so if you use the coupon, it will double and make the toilet paper free. Here is the link: http://www.cottonelle.com/coupons.aspx Since I work full-time and almost always over 40 hours a week, I do most of my matching of coupons during my lunch. It is actually quite fun, at least for me. And, when my husband goes to the grocery store with me, he gets a huge kick out of my deals. I have got free dog food at Wal-mart last week. And you would wonder, why in the world would I want free dog food because I don't have a dog!!?! Well, we gave it to Jason's mom and dad's dog. If I see something free, I get it. I plan on donating anything above and beyond what we don't use. I know the food banks could use extra food, etc. since so many people are out of work right now.

Free Stuff

2009-01-29T12:01:00.003-05:00

I love Diet Dr. Pepper. I especially love FREE Diet Dr. Pepper. Well, now you can get one for FREE. Just visit this website and you can get a coupon for either a 2 liter or a 20 oz for free.

2009-01-10T15:01:00.002-05:00

Jenny has tagged me
Which of these 100 things have you done?

Hint: If you are using Blogger, before you paste the text, click over to the "edit html" tab instead of "compose", and when you paste, it will keep the vertical formatting!

RULES: There are 100 statements and you bold / change the colors of the ones you have done. Grab it and play for yourself!! When you post this on your own blog, come back and link me to your post! and tag four friends while you're at it :o)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept in an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon (1/2)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten cavier.
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Jingle Bell 5K

2008-12-16T11:10:00.004-05:00

Jingle Bell 5K in Roanoke

1,200 Runners

$55,000 raised for the Arthritis Foundation

2008-12-10T18:46:00.003-05:00

Two posts in one night, maybe I'll be more consistent one day. Jason and I, my mom, dad, and two Granny's went to Thomas Road Baptist Church's Living Christmas Tree production this past weekend. This was my second year and no doubt, they put a lot of time into such an elaborate production. Jason and I stayed with his cousin in Lynchburg on Friday night and we stayed at the Peaks of Otter Lodge on Saturday night. It was really slick driving up the mountain on Saturday night. I was very nervous because the roads were so icy. We made it, thank goodness. Sunday, we went Christmas shopping in Roanoke. We will return to Roanoke this coming weekend for the Jingle Bell 5K Run that supports the Arthritis Foundation. Yay! I haven't ran in an organized run in over a year and am looking foward to it.

Where have I been?

2008-12-10T17:56:00.008-05:00

We have no Internet at our house; therefore, I have not had time to post on this blog since August when Jason and I got married. Since I now live in timbuktu, I do not have the simple pleasure in life of having choices of Internet providers. I'm trying to convince Comcast to extend their lines 1/2 mile to our house. I have had no luck given the extensive budget retrictions most companies are now dealing with. I'll try again in 2009. I'll leave you with some wedding photography......

Wedding Picture ---- More to come.

2008-08-09T21:29:00.002-04:00

Time with the Cows

2008-06-04T00:09:00.003-04:00

I have grown fond of the dairy cows at Spurlin Farms. I like to visit with them and sometimes even torture their bull. Here is me inside the window of their barn.

Romantic Breakfast

2008-06-04T00:07:00.001-04:00

This is what Jason made me for breakfast just recently. He's such a sweetie!

Summer is Here!

2008-05-29T10:16:00.002-04:00

Summer is finally here. School is out. Whoo Hoo!! So far Jill and I are cutting wood. We have enough wood for two or three winters. Wood cutting is almost done thank goodness. I like the exercise but I'm ready to BIKE, fish, and kayak. That starts Saturday. We're camping and riding the New River trail this weekend. I'm looking forward to it. People that say there is nothing to do in Grayson County must not like the outdoors. I don't have any problem filling my time. GO SUMMER!

We Are Engaged!!

2008-05-19T22:05:00.005-04:00

JILL SAID YES!!!! We haven't made any plans yet. We are just enjoying the moment. It is mind boggling what changes can occur within a year's time. I'm excited about spending the rest of my life with her. I thank God every day for blessing me with her companionship. Yes, if you can't tell I'm on cloud 9. Life is truly good.

Scouter Extraordinaire

2008-05-04T22:18:00.002-04:00

This weekends campout was a success. All of us had a fun time. It came a couple of rain showers, but that didn't dampen anyone's spirits. God's presence is never more obvious than when you wake up and roll out of a tent on a crystal clear spring morning. No alarm clocks are needed. The birds, sunlight, and your bladder are all the alarm clock you need when in the woods. I really enjoyed having Jill with us. She was worried that she might feel out of place, but there were several women leaders there. I may even be able to talk her into going with us again sometime. Dutch ovens are the bomb!! We started using them a couple of years ago and we won't ever go back to the propane stoves. We can cook everything for the troop in two dutch ovens and an 16" frying pan on top of an old washing machine tub. We had silver turtles and garlic toast friday. Pancakes with blueberry and whipped topping Saturday morning. Venison and beef stew Sat. night and bacon, eggs, biscuits, and strawberry jam this morning. We ate so much this weekend that we skipped lunch and supper tonight.

Weekend Fun

2008-05-03T12:11:00.002-04:00

Jason and I are camping with his boyscout troop this weekend. I am home to get a few errands done and then I'm heading back to the site. I'm officially a "chaperone" on this trip. I'm envious of the activities men do together and wish more females liked to camp and participate in other outdoor activities! I will report back after the trip. In the meantime, enjoy a picture of me and Jason goofing off. I am back to my roots these days if you didn't already notice.

Pioneer Woman

2008-04-29T20:30:00.002-04:00

I found one of the coolest blogs today. http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking This woman has a very eye-appealing site. She is not only hilarious but her recipes are simple and look very tasteful. If you like to cook or are learning to cook like me, check her out.

Aubrey Marie Hall

2008-04-22T07:51:00.003-04:00

Aubrey Marie Hall
DOB: 4-12-08 @ 5:33 pm
7lbs. 5 oz.; 20 1/2 inches

Cleaning Again

2008-04-20T21:45:00.002-04:00

Jill and I dodged rain showers yesterday and cleaned out my garage. We removed enough stuff to allow me to almost put both of my vehicles inside. I think with a little more work I'll be able to do it. Jill is the master at rearranging and compacting. Today we painted my laundry room floor. We squeazed out just enough paint to finish. I really didn't want to buy a gallon just for a couple square ft. The house is going to look sharp after we get finished. I asked Jill, "What will we do after we get the house projects finished." She said, "The yard needs some work too." Go figure. A bachelor with a less than spic and span house and an unbeautified lawn. Women add beauty to the world in more ways than one for sure. I can't type any more. My blistered fingers (not really) are started to become irritated. Later. Don't forget to tell someone you love them.
Oh yeah, my little sis came over for a sleepover last night. We had a good time. Her and Jill rooted me out of my bed. I had to sleep in the basement. Fortunately, we just have finished painting and furnishing one downstairs bedroom. I didn't lose a bit of sleep. I may even sleep down there more often. It is much cooler in the basement during the summer months.

Practical Jokester

2008-04-09T17:17:00.001-04:00

I have pulled one on Jason twice in the last week. For April Fool's, I acted like I had to work late and didn't know if I wanted to see him. I suggested he call his sisters but both of them had plans. So he went hiking in the country. I called him around 7 (I really did have to work late) and told him I just had come out of work and I had a flat tire. In reality, I was about five minutes from his house. He totally believed me and said he would be there as fast as he could. So, I immediately told him where I was so he wouldn't hike back. We met and watched the sun set that night!

Last night, Jason had a baseball game in Bland. I decided about 6 that I would head to his house and attempt to mow his lawn. I mowed and started cleaning out his garage. When he called me from the school after they had gotten back, he asked if I wanted him to come to my house for a while. I said sure, and bring the shrimp from your house too please. So, therefore he had to stop by his house. In the meantime, it had gotten dark and I was using his headlamp to be able to see outside. So, I hid behind a tree and hung the flashing headlamp in the tree. As Jason is coming up the driveway, he exclaims, "dang, Kevin (his brother) is outside working with a flashing light!" I cracked up when he said that.

Life is so fun! I'm just waiting for the joke to be on me next time. :)

I need a date, please.

2008-04-07T23:52:00.002-04:00

Matchmaking

2008-04-06T14:19:00.002-04:00

It is hilarious. My brother is single and everyone I know is trying to set him up. I went with my family to Mountain Surf Seafood today and Kevin was introduced to someone there. He can't escape it. He has is happy that everyone is thinking about him though. In a small town, getting introduced by mutual friends is a good way to meet people. That is how Jill and I got together, and I wouldn't trade that relationship for anything. God is truly good to those who trust in him.

Rainy Day

2008-04-03T18:42:00.002-04:00

Well, Jill wanted me to start blogging once a week. I believe I can handle it since she has already written most things that have recently happened with us. I can just sit back, listen to the wonderful rain, and watch the grass grow. I love green. The rain is good for mine and Kevin's blueberries. Grow baby, grow!

Running

2008-04-03T13:27:00.002-04:00

I have learned this week that it is terrible to run with old running shoes. My feet hurt last night as I attempted to run. So, I'm ordering some new shoes today. Asics are my preferred brand of choice. I believe I will order two pair, one for the trail and one for pavement/indoors. Jason also ordered a pair of running shoes today. I found a pair of Asic Gel Nimbus discounted. He needs shoes worse that I do so I'm excited that he's finally getting a new pair!

In other news, Jason and I painted again this past week. We have been working on a bedroom in his basement that needed repainting. We have the floor and walls painted. We are currently working on the trim and the door. In other remodeling new, the bathroom in the basement stopped up and has been unuseable since the weekend. As of yesterday, it is functioning again. Jason had plumbers come and unclog the drain and replumb. He also had them fix the leak in the laundry room. We are both thrilled there that won't be a puddle of water in the floor every time clothes finishing washing.

My best friend.

2008-03-26T20:49:00.000-04:00

Jill is great! She has introduced me to many new things. As a matter of fact, this is my first ever blog. We have had an excellent winter. God has so richly blessed both of us. I look forward to spending many more seasons with her.
Things are wide open now. Between coaching baseball and FFA, I stay hoppin'. We won our first game today. The kids pulled out a nailbiter against Richlands. It was a great game.

Winter Wonderland of Pictures

2008-03-26T13:03:00.000-04:00

I've had a wonderful winter. I've been to Gatlinburg for Resurrection with Jason's church and Utah to visit Sarah and ski. I thought I would share a few pictures below from the two trips. Even with a fantastic winter, the warm weather has given me spring fever. I sure do look forward to the longer days, the warmer rays of sun, and the beautiful flowers. Spring is my favorite time of year.