Ahhh yes, don't you remember? Your first time to ever get behind the wheel and the wide open road. Yes, seems just like yesterday I was getting my first driving lesson as a young teen and one thing is for sure it was a learning experience from both parents. Mom was sure to freak out and tell me to pull over because I didn't stop just right at that stop sign but she was always singing along on the ride in her blue Chevy Chevette until you scared her. That poor Chevette went through 4 girls learning to drive and we all have great memories of that car. Now Dad was another story he loved to have you get in his old pick-up truck named Betsy that shifted on the column and he would make you back down the "L" shaped drive-way and drive up it until you got it. Even though I managed to plow up his garden many times before I caught on, he hung in there and just laughed because he was having so much fun. I loved Sunday afternoon because he would let me drive him to the "dump" to look for lost treasure and back.
I remember my first car I bought and paid for myself - for only $500 cash - it was a 4-door blue dodge automatic that the brakes barely worked so you had to pump them and pray that you would stop in time before you hit someone. People always cleared a path when they saw me coming in my "Big Blue". It was all mine and I was so proud of it - until Mom road with me one day and after pumping til my legs hurt to stop I had to run the redlight and into a parking lot where Mom was so freaked out with fear she made me let her drive (and pump the brakes too). Yeah and now it is my turn again to begin that milestone of parenting where you teach your child to drive.
For the last two weeks every chance my daughter gets she is asking for us to let her drive. With nerves of steel I finally gave in the other night and now she is waking up extra early and staying up extra late for the hope of talking her Dad or me into working with her home driver's ed in the driveway or pasture. My Dad has graciously volunteered the fabulous "L"driveway and his pick-up, so I think since I want her to know how to drive a standard - then it is off to Papaw's soon. I will just let him laugh and have fun at this driving lesson since I am more like my Mom and would rather me be in control of the wheel. I did survive my son learning how to become a good driver, so I know she will be one too but Lord give me patience as we get through once again another parenting challenge that is sure to be some great and funny memories in a few years.
Happy Living, Loving, Laughing and driving,
Angie Lu
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
There are good and honest people in this world!
I just received a phone call from my daughter, well I thought it was my daughter since it was her number that showed up on my phone. But when I answered, it was a young girl that said she had just found this phone in the ladies room at her condo. After a muffled consversation (you know how hard it is to get a good connection in those big condos) I realized that she was at the same condo that my daughter is staying at with all her girlfriends in Orange Beach. While I am talking to her my son is calling on the other line because she had called him as well.
Can you believe that this young girl found a high dollar iphone while on vacation and was kind enough to #1 not steal it,#2 make the effort to make several calls to figure out who owned the phone and #3 stay in the lobby until my daughter got there to retrieve it from her. Needless to say my daughter was ecstatic with relief because it would have spelled big trouble for her if she had not gotten her phone back. Big, huge, gigantic trouble would have come her way!
I never did get this sweet young ladies name but in my eyes right now she is a kind and considerate person in a world that I at times think is evil and corrupt. A true angel on this earth. Yes, my faith in honesty and integrity is restored thanks to one act of kindness.
Have you ever found something expensive like that and made such an effort to return it? Would you do the same as this young teenager did? Hmmmmmmm?
Make an effort to do good things everyday and pay it forward because one act of kindness can really make a difference. And to this beautiful young girl I send my most sincere thanks for not just doing what is right but for showing us all that good does prevail in a world where what we mostly hear about are bad stories.
Go do something good and share it with others. You will make their day and hopefully inspire them to do something good too! Maybe if we all pay it forward more often we would hear more about great acts such as this.
Happy Living, Loving and Laughing,
Angie Lu
Can you believe that this young girl found a high dollar iphone while on vacation and was kind enough to #1 not steal it,#2 make the effort to make several calls to figure out who owned the phone and #3 stay in the lobby until my daughter got there to retrieve it from her. Needless to say my daughter was ecstatic with relief because it would have spelled big trouble for her if she had not gotten her phone back. Big, huge, gigantic trouble would have come her way!
I never did get this sweet young ladies name but in my eyes right now she is a kind and considerate person in a world that I at times think is evil and corrupt. A true angel on this earth. Yes, my faith in honesty and integrity is restored thanks to one act of kindness.
Have you ever found something expensive like that and made such an effort to return it? Would you do the same as this young teenager did? Hmmmmmmm?
Make an effort to do good things everyday and pay it forward because one act of kindness can really make a difference. And to this beautiful young girl I send my most sincere thanks for not just doing what is right but for showing us all that good does prevail in a world where what we mostly hear about are bad stories.
Go do something good and share it with others. You will make their day and hopefully inspire them to do something good too! Maybe if we all pay it forward more often we would hear more about great acts such as this.
Happy Living, Loving and Laughing,
Angie Lu
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Kids at the beach and I'm working . . . SAY WHAT?
Okay, what is wrong with this picture? I am home working my fingers to the bone, cleaning house, keeping up my full time job, paying bills, insurance, etc. and my kids are playing at the beach for spring break. My son left last Saturday and my daughter left today to go play in the sand and surf for a few days. While I must admit that I am happy for them, I am irratated that I have to stay home and keep working while they enjoy themselves. Isn't it supposed to be the other way around. Shouldn't I be stretched out on a sandy beach drinking something delicious with an umbrella in it as the coastal breeze blows my hair. Shouldn't I be walking down the sundrenched Gulf Coast watching the gorgeous fiery orange sunset as I daydream about the good life?
As a parent I do believe that the times have drastically changed since I was little. Actually I rarely remember ever taking a spring break vacation. I remember having to work that entire week by doing chores or babysitting my cousins. Now don't get me wrong, I had a great childhood for the most part, it was just that my parents always had to work and they in turn required us children to do our part to keep the house running smoothly.
I know that it is thanks to my parents making me do my part that I have such a hard work ethic today and I do feel that sometimes I have failed as a parent by not requiring my children to have to do the same. It was my goal as a mother to give my children the things I did not have, to allow them to be who they are and encourage them to do good everyday. To keep God first in their lives and be happy. Did I go wrong? My pride says, NO! but as I sit here typing I have to wonder if I could have and should have done better. I do have two very good children that are kind and courteous but I have got to get them to help me and their dad more so that they are efficient adults.
All that being said I am making a pact from this point forward to make a change for the better and the next time it is vacation for the kids I will let them know that their Dad and I get to go play before anyone else does and if they are allowed to come along this is a team effort as a family. Everyone has to pull their own weight to keep the ship sailing. Wish me luck.
Oh and yeah I did just get back from a girls weekend to New Orleans but that doesn't count. Right?
Wishing you all a very happy spring break!
Happy Living, Loving & Lauging,
Angie Lu
As a parent I do believe that the times have drastically changed since I was little. Actually I rarely remember ever taking a spring break vacation. I remember having to work that entire week by doing chores or babysitting my cousins. Now don't get me wrong, I had a great childhood for the most part, it was just that my parents always had to work and they in turn required us children to do our part to keep the house running smoothly.
I know that it is thanks to my parents making me do my part that I have such a hard work ethic today and I do feel that sometimes I have failed as a parent by not requiring my children to have to do the same. It was my goal as a mother to give my children the things I did not have, to allow them to be who they are and encourage them to do good everyday. To keep God first in their lives and be happy. Did I go wrong? My pride says, NO! but as I sit here typing I have to wonder if I could have and should have done better. I do have two very good children that are kind and courteous but I have got to get them to help me and their dad more so that they are efficient adults.
All that being said I am making a pact from this point forward to make a change for the better and the next time it is vacation for the kids I will let them know that their Dad and I get to go play before anyone else does and if they are allowed to come along this is a team effort as a family. Everyone has to pull their own weight to keep the ship sailing. Wish me luck.
Oh and yeah I did just get back from a girls weekend to New Orleans but that doesn't count. Right?
Wishing you all a very happy spring break!
Happy Living, Loving & Lauging,
Angie Lu
Monday, March 8, 2010
The 29 Club President - again!
Today is my 29th birthday again and I am proud to say that by a unanimous vote I have been elected the president of this exclusive organization. It is with great honor that I except this responsibility for the, uh I can't say how many times but every year it is more special and exciting than the year before. As the 29 Club President, again, I will be there for all of my fellow 29 Club members by being your voice, by being your sounding board, by helping you to feel better, by laughing at your sillyness, by doing whatever it takes to be your true friend in times of need or just to be there for no reason except for the fact that I want to be. That is what we as club members agree to do. Just be there for each other. It is that simple.
If you would like to be the V.P., Secretary, Treasurer and any other big name in the club just let me know your title, first come first serve. Make up your own title, no real rules here because there are no fussy meetings, vote yay or nays, none of that stuff that make you fall asleep in real meetings. Just lots of fun and laughter in our club. So, if you have a great story to tell we want to hear about it.
I am excited to say that I am working on our official "29 Club" logo and t-shirt design. If you are a member or about to be a member soon then I want to say congratulations for becoming a part of our prestigious club that will always make you feel better about yourself and help you on a daily basis just to be happy. So, if you are just turning 29 or have been 29 for years, then you are a member just for that reason alone. Give me a shotout and let me know how it feels to be in such a unique and powerful group of women. Our official motto for the 29 Club is "We will be happy together". Just join in, it's that easy but of course you must be 29 to be a member.
Thank you for giving me the happy honor of being your 29 Club President again and I hope and pray that you will allow me this opportunity for many more years to come. Now let's go have some fun!
Happy Living, Loving and Laughing,
Angie Lu
If you would like to be the V.P., Secretary, Treasurer and any other big name in the club just let me know your title, first come first serve. Make up your own title, no real rules here because there are no fussy meetings, vote yay or nays, none of that stuff that make you fall asleep in real meetings. Just lots of fun and laughter in our club. So, if you have a great story to tell we want to hear about it.
I am excited to say that I am working on our official "29 Club" logo and t-shirt design. If you are a member or about to be a member soon then I want to say congratulations for becoming a part of our prestigious club that will always make you feel better about yourself and help you on a daily basis just to be happy. So, if you are just turning 29 or have been 29 for years, then you are a member just for that reason alone. Give me a shotout and let me know how it feels to be in such a unique and powerful group of women. Our official motto for the 29 Club is "We will be happy together". Just join in, it's that easy but of course you must be 29 to be a member.
Thank you for giving me the happy honor of being your 29 Club President again and I hope and pray that you will allow me this opportunity for many more years to come. Now let's go have some fun!
Happy Living, Loving and Laughing,
Angie Lu
Monday, March 1, 2010
A package is at the door.
Today when I got home from work I noticed that a big box was at the front door. Yes, the bridesmaid gown has arrived! I had received an email last week that it had been shipped. It is a special made designer gown, designed just for me, not one of those horrific things that you never want to put on again. I feel like a child at Christmas. I am so nervous. What will it look like? What if it doesn't fit? I sent my measurements about 3 months ago to the designer, Ciarla Bride, yet I have not been working out the way I had planned so that my shape matched the measurements I actually sent - oops - so much for that New Year's resolution.
Oh, I cannot wait to see it any longer, let's open the box together - rip, rip, tear, tear and we are in the box. So far so good. It is wrapped in tissue and packaged safely in a hanging bag. Wow, it is gorgeous, the color is strawberry preserves, sounds yummy and it looks even better than the color sounds. I have never had a dress made especially for me by a designer - this is fun. Think I will just hang it up and wait a bit to try it on.
This is my 8th time to be a bridesmaid, and one thing is for sure, bridesmaid gowns have come a long way since the 80's. I remember in high school I was in my friend Penny's wedding at Valentine's day and the dress I wore that time was a bright red satin with shoes the same color. I also wore that gown to the prom and had a bright red sun-burn to match (using a tanning lamp - do those things exist anymore?). Right out of high school I was in my friend Suzy's wedding and we wore a bright blue satin gown with a big bow on the back and the big 80's hair to complete the look. I am proud to say that both of those girlfriends are still happily married 20 plus years later. It is such an honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid and it amazes me that at my age (I will be 29 again next Monday) I have the honor of standing beside a very close friend as she takes the step of marriage.
Most every little girl dreams of her wedding day. A day that is supposed to be the most special day in your life, a day where you are the princess and everyone comes to admire how beautiful you are. Unfortunately, I did not get that opportunity because my husband and I were scared of having a big wedding and decided to "just do it" the easy way. After we got married every time we went to a wedding I would punch Mark and say "I wanted a big beautiful wedding" but he would always just laugh and say that a big fancy wedding doesn't mean you will be happily married for ever, it takes only love.
This wedding is for my friend Maria who now lives in Austin. We first met about 8 years ago when I hired her at my father's printing company as a graphic designer. We became fast friends and she really is like a little sister to me. After completing her degree she ended up moving to Austin, TX to start her own agency called The Mod Studio. I am so proud of her and all her acomplishments. Her wedding will be on April 10th at the Austin Museum of Art. They are pulling out all the bells and whistles for it. When Scott proposed to her about 3 years ago it seemed like an eternity away and now here we are only 5 weeks until the big day and that gorgeous gown is staring at me with all of it's strawberry glory. I am terrified. I should be a natural since I have done this so many times before but every time I get crazy with excitement and want to make my friends day be special. Why did she ask me?
True friends are a rare thing and it blesses my heart that I have such great friends that they would trust me to be a part of their "story book" day. And honestly, I am planning on this wedding being like my "vow renewal" since it is going to be the big shindig event of 2010 for my family. We will all fly out on that Friday before and take part in all the pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding festivities. They even have a website to assist all the guests in planning for their big day. She is truely a modern day bride.
Okay, the moment of truth, let me run try it on before the family get's home in case it won't zip.
Squeeze, suck in, and zip. It fits! Yeah the dress fits. A little to do but nothing major and the color looks fab on me. I like it - actually I love it.
The beauty of real love, is that it is unconditional and even if I didn't love the gown, I love my friend and I will wear my designer bridesmaid gown with pride and happiness in support of her and the journey she is about to take. I know my years of marrital bliss will be very helpful to her after the wedding when she is calling for advice.
And I hate to admit it, my hubby is right, what it really takes to be happy is "love".
Now, what shoes to wear? Looks like I see shoe shopping in my future. One thing is for sure I love shoes! Wanna go with me?
Happy Living, Loving and Laughing,
Angie Lu
"always the bridesmaid and proud of it"
Oh, I cannot wait to see it any longer, let's open the box together - rip, rip, tear, tear and we are in the box. So far so good. It is wrapped in tissue and packaged safely in a hanging bag. Wow, it is gorgeous, the color is strawberry preserves, sounds yummy and it looks even better than the color sounds. I have never had a dress made especially for me by a designer - this is fun. Think I will just hang it up and wait a bit to try it on.
This is my 8th time to be a bridesmaid, and one thing is for sure, bridesmaid gowns have come a long way since the 80's. I remember in high school I was in my friend Penny's wedding at Valentine's day and the dress I wore that time was a bright red satin with shoes the same color. I also wore that gown to the prom and had a bright red sun-burn to match (using a tanning lamp - do those things exist anymore?). Right out of high school I was in my friend Suzy's wedding and we wore a bright blue satin gown with a big bow on the back and the big 80's hair to complete the look. I am proud to say that both of those girlfriends are still happily married 20 plus years later. It is such an honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid and it amazes me that at my age (I will be 29 again next Monday) I have the honor of standing beside a very close friend as she takes the step of marriage.
Most every little girl dreams of her wedding day. A day that is supposed to be the most special day in your life, a day where you are the princess and everyone comes to admire how beautiful you are. Unfortunately, I did not get that opportunity because my husband and I were scared of having a big wedding and decided to "just do it" the easy way. After we got married every time we went to a wedding I would punch Mark and say "I wanted a big beautiful wedding" but he would always just laugh and say that a big fancy wedding doesn't mean you will be happily married for ever, it takes only love.
This wedding is for my friend Maria who now lives in Austin. We first met about 8 years ago when I hired her at my father's printing company as a graphic designer. We became fast friends and she really is like a little sister to me. After completing her degree she ended up moving to Austin, TX to start her own agency called The Mod Studio. I am so proud of her and all her acomplishments. Her wedding will be on April 10th at the Austin Museum of Art. They are pulling out all the bells and whistles for it. When Scott proposed to her about 3 years ago it seemed like an eternity away and now here we are only 5 weeks until the big day and that gorgeous gown is staring at me with all of it's strawberry glory. I am terrified. I should be a natural since I have done this so many times before but every time I get crazy with excitement and want to make my friends day be special. Why did she ask me?
True friends are a rare thing and it blesses my heart that I have such great friends that they would trust me to be a part of their "story book" day. And honestly, I am planning on this wedding being like my "vow renewal" since it is going to be the big shindig event of 2010 for my family. We will all fly out on that Friday before and take part in all the pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding festivities. They even have a website to assist all the guests in planning for their big day. She is truely a modern day bride.
Okay, the moment of truth, let me run try it on before the family get's home in case it won't zip.
Squeeze, suck in, and zip. It fits! Yeah the dress fits. A little to do but nothing major and the color looks fab on me. I like it - actually I love it.
The beauty of real love, is that it is unconditional and even if I didn't love the gown, I love my friend and I will wear my designer bridesmaid gown with pride and happiness in support of her and the journey she is about to take. I know my years of marrital bliss will be very helpful to her after the wedding when she is calling for advice.
And I hate to admit it, my hubby is right, what it really takes to be happy is "love".
Now, what shoes to wear? Looks like I see shoe shopping in my future. One thing is for sure I love shoes! Wanna go with me?
Happy Living, Loving and Laughing,
Angie Lu
"always the bridesmaid and proud of it"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)