The Truth About TOFW

This is how I saw things. After we met Kenney at the temple, we stopped by Albertson's, a potty break for me. When we came out of the parking lot, it was bumper-to-bumper, Friday afternoon, four-o-clock, school just let out traffic. I knew we were on a tight schedule, there was no way around it. I told Melody, "We are going to have to break the law." She said she was already ahead of me. We did an illegal "U-ey" right there in the sight of the temple. Repent.

The Brazilian food was nasty and overpriced. The only good thing was that I was in good company.

After the Friday evening session, we knew we had to get something to eat. I don't think we were really hungry we just had to keep up tradition. We drove down Sandlake Road. We thought about Perkins and their delicious pie, but we wanted to see what else was offered. We saw Checker's and talked about it. Chic-fil-A was closed. We made a legal "U-ie", forsaking our past, and headed back to Perkins. We were in the right left turn lane of a six-lane highway. I said, "What about Checker's? Let's just get that and go back to the hotel room and relax." Melody replied, "It's way over there." (Pointing to the right side of the road.) I threw down the gaunlet, "You could do it if you really wanted." She picked up the gauntlet and started turning the van to the right. It was like the parting of the Red Sea, a clear, dry pathway. We crossed the first lane. I rolled down my window as we cut in front of another lady and mouthed the word, "Sorry" with a sheepish grin. She looked like she understood. The next two lanes were clear and we made it to Checker's! I told Melody it was meant to be. Maybe the Perkin's was getting robbed at that exact moment. We will never know.

I Believe!

I, Debbie Clayton, officially declare that I believe in miracles and guardian angels.

This is a letter that I got in my mailbox at work today. Included with the letter was a rather large sum of cash.

Dear Debbie,

Many years ago, I was in between jobs and having a difficult time financially. A man and his wife told me that the Lord had blessed them that year and they wanted to share their blessings with me. They handed me an envelope full of money that I desperately needed at the time. My grandmother taught me that even though I might not be able to repay every kindness shown to me, I could help others later when the Lord blessed me. I was never able to repay the couple who helped me, but I would like to pay it forward by helping you and your family.

Please accept this gift for your family. I wish God's blessings for you and your family.

There was no signature on the letter. The feelings that surged through me were overwhelming. First, was shock. I couldn't even count the cash. I just shoved it in my pocket. That was not the important part. The important part was that I have a friend who really cares and really loves me. Next, I felt overwhelming gratitude. At the same time I felt very undeserving. There are so many people that are having a hard time. I start immediately thinking of who I could give the money to to help out.I felt honored that they picked me to pay it forward to. I took the letter back to my classroom and tried to read the letter to my co-workers. I couldn't even get through the second line without starting to cry. I let them read it individually 'cause you know I don't cry.

At lunch I told some other teachers that I felt undeserving. They said not to because God had chosen me to bless at that moment.

Of course, my brain also starts churning and I try to think of who might have done the good deed. I thought that it could have been any number of people because those are the kind of people I work with. Maybe someone dropped it off at the school. Those are the kinds of friends I have. I can think of a lot of people who would give me the shirt off of their back. I am so blessed. I decided to abort my sleuthing. The person that left it wanted it to be anonymous.

I graciously accept the gift and the blessing. I can't wait to pay it foward.

P.S. To top off my day I won Kristen's cookies!

P.P.S. Melena hurt her back. She is crying about it and wanted me to put it on my blog.

Doing my Part

I finally gave in and bought two recycled WalMart shopping bags. I have battled with the issue for some time. Not that I don't want to go green, it's just that I like the old plastic bags. I have always used mine more than once like for lunch bags, used kitty litter, and library books. Jensen uses them for overnight bags. They are very versatile.

There is also the stigma of being labeled a granola crunching, Birchenstock wearing, Subaru driving tree-hugger.

Is that really who I want to be?

I decide to go for it!

And I liked it!

I felt very responsible and trendy.

I am doing my part!

The negative side was that my $70 of groceries fit into two bags instead of 20.

The cashier seemed to have a hard time with them. I asked him if they hated the things. He was cheery and said they weren't so bad once you get used to them. Of course he looked the part of the granola crunching, Birchenstock wearing, Subaru driving tree-hugger.

Now I have a new totebag and a new identity.

The question now is what do I do with the used kitty litter?