Where I was on that day...

So I actually started writing this the week Osama Bin Laden was killed but never got around to putting it out.  I thought today would be very fitting time seeing that it is 10 years later and all.  For me it has made me think a lot about where I was ten years ago when all of the madness occurred.

I was a freshman in college. Talk about a time warp. I remember walking to my 8am sociology class with my friend Kate whose birthday was that day. I was in the furthest dorm from campus, oh the joys of being a freshman, so on my way I walked to her dorm and she joined me on my trek. We were both active and pushed the button a little when it came to walking to class so we were right on time. This 8am sociology class was the thorn in my side from that first semester. Side note: For some reason I would take notes in this class and as soon as I flipped over to the back of the page I started drifting off. It was so bad that I couldn't read anything and had to copy Kate's entire notebook in order to study for my final exam :) Anyways back to the story. When we got out of class at 9:15 I remember walking out of Carroll Hall, the journalism and Mass Communication building and seeing lots of people standing in front of the televisions. We didn't think anything of it, we chalked it up to journalism majors and walked on. Our next stop was the dining hall for a birthday brunch for Kate. We met some others there and then all split off for our 11:00am classes. I still consider myself a naive person at times but this day there was no fighting it. I remember seeing people staring at the TVs while we were at the dining hall too but still thought nothing of it.  guess I just go about my life at times and don't notice the things around me.  When I got to my English class everyone was talking about it. There were a few of us that had no idea. I remember everyone being on their phones trying to call family and even though we were in NC we were still having problems getting through to our families. Shortly after being in class they released us for the day.

After finally getting in touch with my mom she reminded me that my dad and brother-in-law were renovating a hotel only a few blocks from the Potomac River just across the river from the Pentagon. It took what seemed like forever to get in touch with them to make sure they were OK. They said traffic in DC was at an absolute standstill and it was better to stay where they were rather than go out in it.

What a catastrophic event?!? Why would someone do this? As a 17 year old these were all questions we had been asking. I had only been out of the country once and I did not have any understanding of other countries perceptions or dislikes for Americans. Throughout the years to come I was blessed to be able to see many different countries and cultures. I have come to appreciate the differences in cultures.  Through that I have seen that we as Americans are quick to judge and there are many places out there that do not look highly on Americans.  With that being said I think everyone should go overseas at some point. Most of all it allows you to see that different things are not necessarily wrong. We so often in our country have the outlook that if it is not the way we are used to it is wrong. I have been challenged to get out of my box and try it another way and to stop being the apathetic being that I had become and easily fall back into. 

10 years later... Wow.  This brings so many emotions and so much introspection. 

Look at where we are now? 

1.  As a country...
We have placed a huge emphasis on the freedom we have and there is an overwhelming respect for those that constantly fight for our freedom on our soil and overseas.  I don't remember seeing military in that way as a child.  Now I am so thankful for those in the armed services.  You see more people going out of their way to thank military men and women for the job they do.  It always makes me tear up when I see a child go up to them and thank them for their service.  That child was raised right. 

2.  Remembering those fallen... 
This morning as I watched the memorial services televised to commemorate the 10th anniversary, I was amazed by the feelings this dredged up within my soul.  It seemed like the insecurity and fear was back there for a little bit.  To see those who lost friends, families, and parents in the attacks on that day really broke my heart.  However, it does go to show you that the Lord has provided for them in the time since.  They still remember the day and they can now think fondly back on the lives of their loved ones.  I will tell you that I am a dramatic person but I do not think I always am open with my emotions.  Especially tears, I am not a person who cries during chick flicks I can get sad but I do not usual cry.  However, today as I watched the group of newborns or unborn children who lost their fathers on 9/11, I cried.  I cried as they showed the children's faces beside their fathers and my dog looked confused by the tears I was releasing.  It was something I did not expect but it happened none the less and still as I write of it I am tearing up. 

3.  Personally...
I can't believe it has been 10 years.  10 years since I started college.  Friends have changed, lifestyles have changed, locations have changed, my relationship with the Lord has changed.  Everything has changed.  I never would have thought at that time that I would have travelled to 7 countries, lived overseas doing mission work, been to Everest base-camp, been a bridesmaid in 6 more weddings, moved to Texas and lived here for almost five years, and still be single, just to name a few.  I am content with my life.  I am in love with the Lord and I trust that I am here for a reason.  My mission in life is to glorify Him by loving Him and making Him known.  I am lucky that I have a career that lines up with my personal mission, that in and of itself is a blessing.  I am not really sure where I thought I would be now when I was a freshman in college.  I don't think I would have told you I would be here, but I am blessed to be where I am. Thank you, Lord!

Thanks to all of those who do their part to keep our homeland and country a place where freedom is valued. 

Emmarie

 

Five Years Ago Today...

I have quite a few five year anniversaries coming up!  Why not mark them in my blog?  Five years ago was a very big year for me.  The year was 2006.  It was actually my little brother, Peyton's 21st birthday. 
This was not what made this day special even though that was special for him.  Sorry P.  :(  Happy 26th Birthday though! 

For me this day marked the first day I set foot in... 

 the state of TEXAS! 

I came down for my first job interview after college and this was three months after getting back in the country after living in China for a year.  I did not know what this trip would bring but it changed my life, forever.  You may say I'm dramatic but you have no idea. 
More to come later...

Snake Warning

Please be advised that reports on the news have indicated that in areas of drought and flooding, an increase in nsakes and wildlife sightings have occurred. Residents are asked to review the following information for education purposes.

Snakes are naturally shy and their first form of defense is to move away from danger, and humans are viewed as danger. If provoked or cornered, a snake may attempt to protect itself by striking. People are most likely to be bitten when attempting to kill or handle a snake. Although snakes move at the speed of a fast walk, they can strike very rapidly if aroused. To avoid being bitten below are some helpful tips:

• Watch where you step, and do not harass, capture, or attempt to kill snakes - move away and report the sighting immediately to animal control and the office


• If you see a snake, maintain a safe distance (>6 feet) - most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill snakes


• Keep your personal belongings neat and tidy on patios and remove all items in breezeways


• Use caution around playground equipment as snakes like to hide in the shade and cool, moist mulch


• Clean up or report to management any spilled food around dumpster or trash areas which can attract rodents - and therefore snakes


• Keep pets on a leash


• Avoid walking through the grass. Use common walk areas.


• Any sightings of snakes/wildlife should be immediately reported to local authorities and the management office.

Please remember that no one can ensure your personal safety. We remind you that your safety and security is your responsibility. However, we believer that by taking an active role by updating you on recent reports in the news, you may be able to deter unnecessary problems.

Sincerely,

___________ Staff

So this is the Letter I received tucked in my door today when I got home from work. I have really gotten a kick out of this. I mean I'm in Texas. All people who grew up in Texas are used to all kinds of wildlife and snakes. I mean really!?! Ha ha

So I did see a snake one night this week while I was out walking Gemma. Luckily I have common sense and didn't try to "harass, capture or attempt to kill the snake." But now that I have this letter I know that I should not in case I see any future snakes. Come on people...

Simple Smiles

Reading things like this quote bring a smile to my face! You have got to love the simple things :)

An excerpt from At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks...

"Since they'd left the airport in Raleigh, the view on either side of the highway had been one long version of the movie Groundhog Day. Ramshackle farmhouses, barren fields, decaying tobacco barns, stands of trees... mile after mile. Sure, they'd passed through the occasional town, but even those had been indistinguisable, unless someone actually knew the difference between Hardee's and Bojangles."

This quote reminds me of the drive from Zebulon to Salter Path. Thought I would leave you with some of my favorite shots of natural beauty along that drive... Hope you enjoy!

Meeting Ean for the first time

My nephew, Ean Cheyne Clark, was born on December 2 and this was my first time to meet him. Here are some pictures from my trip...

Aiden, Ean, and I. Aiden gave me the elephant puppet for Christmas.

Aiden giving Ean kisses... What a good big brother he will be.

Me and baby Ean

Ama's Christmas

On Christmas Day, we always go to my Ama's! This year we ate dinner around 2pm and instead of being at the kid's table, like always, the adults sat there and we ate with our Ama! There are 8 grandchildren and with significant others we made 10 and Ama made 11. I'm not really sure what she thought of our conversation it was definitely hit or miss at times but we always have fun. Here are some pics of the day...

Me and Ama

My Cuz Ashley and I

Can you tell they're related? The man in the frame is a distant grandparent and we always thought the spot on his forehead was because he was shot or something. However, interesting fact this man cut off his thumb so he would not have to fight in the civil war. Peyton, my little brother, and him have a scary resemblance.
Dad, Mom, Peyton, Ama, and Me
No longer at the kiddie table group & Ama

The Privette boys - Three in the back row, Justin, Erik, Keith

The Byrd gals - Ashley(beside me) with her husband John, Hope(Santa Hat), Frances(to the right of Hope) with boyfriend Tony

The Clark kids- Peyton (Carolina hoodie) and Me

Ama and her children

Martha, Gary, Nancy, Beverly

Jamie and her kiddos

I had the best time spending time with my high school buddy Jamie and her family! They are so great! Jamie and I have been known to get into trouble in the past and my how things have changed. It is such a blessing to have one of those friends that no matter where you go or what you do it always seems like just yesterday when you talked. She always understands and can always make me laugh no matter what the situation. Her and her husband, Mike, have always welcomed me with open arms when I am home, and I love that about them! Their two kiddos are so adorable and tons of fun!

Mikey may be the busiest child ever... This was the only pic I was able to catch of him.

Isn't he adorable? I love me some Joe! I stayed over one night and the next morning he didn't want me to leave. He wanted me to stay and the babysitter to go home. He also got in trouble one day and Jamie got upset with him. He sat there deep in thought, she asked him what he was thinking about and he said, "I'm thinking about my friends like Noni, Daddy, Emmarie, the babysitter(can't remember her name). They don't yell at me." He sure does know how to tug at everyone's heart strings...


I saw Jamie everyday from the time I came home on the 17th to the 23rd before all of our family Christmas festivities began. It was fun to help them put together some Christmas presents including this NY Giants tackle buddy (i'm sure it is called something else but that is the best I could come up with). For some reason I never get pics of Mike but he was there. He was even nice enough to take this one of me and Jamie.

Thanks for a great trip and fun outings while I was in NC!