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Friday, September 22nd, 2006
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7:20 am
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I know I have sworn off livejournal, but there are some of you out there that will be easier to reach this way.
My dad passed away at 12:45 on Thursday morning. He had gone into renal failure sometime Monday or Tuesday and by the time he arrived at the hospital on Tuesday morning, he was septic and the poisons that could not escape were attacking other organs in his body. Late Tuesday night, they told my family he was in multi-organ faiulre and did not look good, but that they couldn't perform any major surgeries or treatments because he was too sick and would not even make it out of surgery. On Wednesday, he was stable enough to proceed with dyalisis, which worked wonders. However, it was too little too late. My mom & I got the "ok" to go home and get some much-needed rest, and they called us back at 12:15 to come back to the hospital. By the time we got there, he was already gone.
Everyone has been so supportive... my family and friends have all been so comforting. Some may wonder why I am on the internet at such a devastating time in life, but... if you have never been in my shoes, then you truly don't understand the need for normalcy.
My Dad was a really, really great man. He was weird and sometimes a little embarrassing (who's Dad isn't?), but he loving and compassionate and wanted only the best for me and my family. It is hard to lose him at such a young age... I still needed him to walk me down the aisle and play with my kids and even take Arnold out for walks! But, as my sister reminded me, now I have a guardian angel and he'll be there for everything.
The funeral is going to be held at Hargrove Memorial UMC in Tuscaloosa at 11am and the visitation will be an hour before. He will be buried in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park.
Thanks in advance for the prayers.
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| Sunday, June 18th, 2006
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8:29 am
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I will no longer be using livejournal. For my new blog location, please email me at Katie9642@charter.net
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| Friday, June 16th, 2006
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9:25 pm
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Sometimes you just wish you could bury your head in sand until everything blows over.
Yes, I'd like to be an ostrich today.
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| Wednesday, June 14th, 2006
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9:55 pm - The newness slowly fades
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I live a new life now. I have new friends, I have a new lovelife, I have a new relationship with my family, I have a new job, a new car, a new church family, a new apartment, a new lifestyle.
Only a few things and people from my past remain. I only have one good friend from high school, April. I only have a few good friends left from Tuscaloosa - mainly Jordan and Carla are the ones I keep up with on a consistent basis. Not to forget Jake, of course.
It took my life nearly coming to an end to get to this new life, but I love it. I really do. And I really feel like I wouldn't be here had I not been through hell over the past year - with my health, with life, with everything.
I am not ashamed anymore of my illness(es) or afraid to talk about the things I have experienced. Most of you who have read this journal in the past know that I have had suffered with self mutilation, and it is my prayer that I can use my experiences to help others. Self mutilation is something that takes special people to understand. Not everyone can fathom what it is like to suffer from such a horrible and terrifying illness, and some people may have attributed the mood swings I went through during that time to my own personality. However, I can guarantee that (especially now that I am on medication) my personality is just fine. I lost many friends during my bought with depression and self mutilation. (FYI: I haven't had an "episode" in quite a while, I'm proud to say!)
I have never actually attempted to end my life, but there have been innumerable accounts where those I loved were concerned I would go that far. Those are the people who held me in my weakest moments and helped me build myself back together.
And, Greg... I don't know where I would be without him. What other boyfriend promises to take a vitamin everyday just so you don't feel like the only person who has to take something on a continual basis? Who else would put up with me when I haven't taken my medicines and begin acting like a four year old? No one but him can separate the illness from the person - and I couldn't be more thankful for his patience.
So, I am writing all this to say... That many people have left me during my most needy moments. For a long time I have resented that. However, had they not left me during my weekest moments, I would not be as strong as I am today. So, in a strange way, I thank those of you who backed out. I am sorry you felt that you couldn't help me, but I have found something better.
I have found a better life.
A much better life.
And I live in the moment. The past is the past. We gain friends, we lose friends, we all make mistakes... And, I plan on letting the past stay in the past. There is no need for me to open old wounds just to please other people or because I might have regrets in the future. I refuse to reopen a closed book. I have moved on, and I will continue to do so.
Because I have this new life that is abundant in the Lord and rich in His favor. I have found something better than I had before - I have found true acceptance from the Lord and from His children.
And, no, I have not joined a cult.
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| Tuesday, June 13th, 2006
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7:04 am - for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory
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| Friday, June 9th, 2006
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7:29 am - updating... two days in a row?? WHAT!?
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Okay, yesterday I was being dramatic. I don't think I'm actually losing eight hundred dollars a month. But, it sure does feel like it!
Greg's sister, Katie, is moving to Colorado tomorrow. This stinks. Ever since Greg & I started dating, I have really wanted to get to know Katie better... but, everytime she came home from Cleveland, she'd be really busy. And now she's moving.... uhhh... FAR away. It's going to be very weird.
I hope Greg & I move far away one day. Maybe to Chicago. That'd be fun.
So... I got a bill from Charter today that says I owe $260. This is not good. I just sent them a check for $140... so.... I want to know where this $120 came from. But, wouldn't you know that my little pink Razr phone fell somewhere in my car and it's too little for me to find it so I can call Charter!?!
I miss April Rigsby. I missed her twenty-first birthday on 6-6-6 and I won't see her until ________________. That makes me very sad.
Oh, and I am going to win a Ford Mustang. I won't tell you how because I don't want you entering in the contest too and making my chances even more slim, but.... be praying that I get this car. I realized that I don't make enough to pay bills, gas, insurance, AND a car payment.... so.... I need this. I don't really like Ford Mustangs, but.... if it's a free car, I'll take just about anything.
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| Thursday, June 8th, 2006
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7:31 am - poverty is so hard to see when it's only on your tv, or twenty miles across town
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"where we're all living so good, we moved out of jesus' neighborhood where he's hungry and not feeling so good from going through our trash"
yay for opening up itunes for the first time in weeks because of a derek webb craving!
re-cap from previous weeks:
Da Vinci Code: sucked
X3: rocked - 'specially kelsey grammar
Arnold: learning to be more obedient
Cesar Millan: the best dog psychologist
Apartment: still sucks, but only a few more months!
Greg: he wants to marry me
My mom: always in Atlanta at Braves games with my sister and nephews
My dad: always giving me advice on what to do with my flowers
Work: Mentally tiring; ten hour days and I am losing EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS a month to health insurance, Uncle Sam, and... yeah... just those two things.
Church: About to start going to Highlands with Greg
Primary Elections: YAY LUCY!
Carla Jean: Finally employed by the Bham news (almost!)
Alisa: COMING TO TUSCALOOSA IN A WEEK AND A HALF!!!!!!!
Coffee: Gave away my coffee pot... spending lots of money at coffee houses
My Jetta: ready to sell it.... too expensive - will sell to highest bidder!
Cable & DVR: Too expensive!
That's about it!
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| Thursday, June 1st, 2006
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6:45 am - Bye Bye Katie, Goodbye...
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So yesterday I Tivo'd Katie Couric's last day on the Today show. When I got home, I started watching it and just cried and cried and cried for like.... two and a half hours.
I know that some of you who read this don't like or appreciate Katie Couric the way I do. But, I don't really care. I think she is a tremendously generous person who deeply cares about people. The work she has done for colon cancer alone is far greater than what many of us will ever accomplish.
But, what hurt the most yesterday was watching clips of Columbine and hearing her talk about Craig Scott.
Any time Katie has been asked what her most memorable interview is, she always says the one where she interviewed Craig Scott, a Columbine survivor and Michael Shoals, the father of Isaiah Shoals, who was the only black student killed in the Columbine massacre. During this interview, Craig was able to tell Michael about Isaiah's last moments, something only Craig knew because he was lying beside Isaiah during the shootings. Criag is also the son of Beth Nimmo, the lady who stayed with Greg's parents in March. Craig and Beth also lost someone that day - Rachel Scott, their beloved sister and daughter. There were clips of Columbine, and during one of them, you could see Rachel's body lying on the ground beside the sidewalk, and I always hate seeing that image.
It is going to be strange waking up and not hearing Katie's voice on the Today Show.... I know, I know... I'm being a little weird about this, but.... I also cried during the Friends finale, just not this much.
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| Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006
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7:08 am - i will buy you a new life
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I realized that I haven't really posted any pictures of my favorite little guy, Arnold.
Life has been interesting. I started working full time last Monday and it's been wonderful thus far. I do, however, need to hire a DOG-SITTER.... if you know anyone in Montevallo who has an hour every day, then.... I have a job for them!
That's about it.
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| Wednesday, May 17th, 2006
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9:56 am - Working 9-5
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Well, I started my first day as supervisor of my office on Monday. And, on my first day as a full-time manager, I got to FIRE somebody. It was great! I hope I don't wear myself out with this schedule... so much has happened.
I had two wisdom teeth pulled.
Arnold got a smokin' polo shirt that he loves.
I broke my toe.
I moved apartments.
I live in an even MORE ghetto apartment.
I planted flowers.
And so much more.
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| Thursday, May 4th, 2006
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9:14 am
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Let me reiterate for those of you who do not know or may have forgotten:
MOVING SUCKS.
Especially when you're supposed to be in Tennessee the same day you've been told you have to be out of your apartment.
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| Wednesday, April 26th, 2006
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10:34 am
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Seriously... spiders are forming an alliance against me. This time every year, I see HUNDREDS of them... I have already seen three IN MY APARTMENT this morning! I am going to die of fear!
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| Saturday, April 22nd, 2006
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12:23 pm - movin' on up
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So, I am going to be moving again within the next two weeks. I have moved three times within the past year and two of those times will have been within less than a mile! I am moving into a different unit in my apartment complex so I can keep Arnold. However, this all comes at an incredibly akward time.
First of all, there is already someone looking at my apartment (why??!? it's the GHETTO, people...!!) and my landlord told me yesterday that they'd be coming by to look at it sometime this week... "they" as in the girl who is interested and my landlord.. yikes! So, I've got to find a place to keep my doggie!
Secondly, the week I will actually start moving my things (the first week of May) is exam week... meaning that it will be hard to find help!! Everyone is always so stressed out around that time... I don't know who I will be able to find to help me move all my heavy furniture. So, if you're in the Montevallo area and you'd like to pitch in during that week... I'd love you FOREVER!
Moving [again] is going to be exciting... I'm getting kind-of an "upgrade" because I'll have a porch and can put flowers out and all that jazz... oh yeah, and I can keep Arnold. But, I'm also getting a "downgrade" because I won't have new carpet anymore and the stove/oven is about half the size of the one I have now. But, it's all worth it to keep my little bundle of energy and poop.... :) He's precious, really!
Having a dog is tougher than I thought, though! He is SO energetic! He wakes up everyday around 6:30 and is READY to go outside!!! But, he can't stay up late, either. He goes to bed around 10:30 or 11 and he is OUT! It's the cutest thing! He loves going outside and chasing squirrels and he loves playing fetch with this chewy bone thing I bought him. I just love him, though! He's so fun and cute and he loves to snuggle and sleep!
So... that's my life up to this point!
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| Friday, April 21st, 2006
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7:49 am
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I woke up this morning to hear that some Kentucky high schoolers were taken into custody for plotting a Columbine-esque murder spree yesterday. It just breaks my heart to hear that. I can't even form words to express how I feel about the situation. So, I'm not even going to try.
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| Thursday, April 20th, 2006
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7:26 pm
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Seven years ago today, the world said early farewells to twelve high school students, one teacher, and two very confused young men. To some, Columbine now seems like ancient history, but to others it still feels like it all happened yesterday.
Today is a day I'll never forget... even before I met Rachel's family, I never forgot about this day. It always saddens me and brings heartache and confusion. But, I know her family is strong. I know the survivors are strong. Let us remember those people today.
_Katie
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| Wednesday, April 19th, 2006
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8:20 am - Vacation time!!!!!!!!!!!!
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So, I'm going on vacation... kinda. Last week, my mom called and asked if Greg and I would like to go with her, my sister, and my two nephews to Six Flags in Atlanta the 28-29th. I immediately said YES! (I love amusement parks, in case you don't know!) The plan was to go Friday night, stay at a hotel, and go all day Saturday to the park and then head back Saturday night. However.... all that has now changed. Our weekend is looking more like this:
Friday: Greg and I will leave Montevallo around 10:30am. We are going to the Art Museum of Atlanta to see a Chuck Close exhibit. Then, we are going to Ikea so I can buy a chair for my living room (We probably won't have time, but... dang it, I am going to Ikea over this weekend!!!). We will meet my family in the late afternoon for a quick dinner and then we're all going to a Braves game.
Saturday: Six Flags for as long as it's open.... this means roller coasters, FUNNEL CAKES!, flume rides, bathing suit (oh crap... a bathing suit...), and having fun.
Sunday: Visit Coca-Cola plant with entire family. They will leave in the early afternoon in order to avoid Talledega traffic. Greg and I are going to stay behind and go to the Atlanta Aquarium. Then we're coming home.
And then on Monday, we start exams! Yay!
So.... I just wanted to write all of that out because I am SOOO excited! Our little mini-vacation is going to be a blast... and it's paid for!!
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My mom gave me $100 for Easter (oh, the joys of being 16 years younger than your only sister!!!!) and I can't decide what to do with it. I want to buy flowers and proch stuff for my new apartment (I'm switching units so I can keep Arnold!) and I'd like to buy a memory card for my camera. However, I also need groceries.... even though I get paid this Thursday, I will only have about $80 left of that paycheck because the rest of it is for rent. So. Hmph. OH yeah, and I always forget that I have bills at this time of the month.... GRR!! I need to be able to work more!
Speaking of work, last night while I was getting a tour of the renovated office spaces, the secretary said "And this is your office..." I thought she had me confused with someone else until later in the night she said "Goodnight, Katie" as she was heading out the door. I am curious to see if I actually am moving into an office - that would be awesome - because my boss told me last week that she has "big plans" for me, but she won't tell me exactly what they are.
But, even if I don't get an office, I did get some cool office supplies yesterday! Now that I'm "in charge" at night, my supervisor decided to order me some supplies... you should have seen me! I was like a little girl on Christmas! "Ooh! A stapler! A tape dispenser! A desk calendar! OOOH! I got a three hole punch!" Yeah... it was ridiculous.
And that's about it for now. Nothing major is going on at this moment. I love my dog. He loves me. We are best friends. My boyfriend is incredible. ONly a week and a half of school and then exams and I'm done. And...... then on the 10th of May, I'm getting my wisdom teeth pulled. Yikes!
So now that's all. You are officially updated on the life of Katie Lewis.
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| Monday, April 17th, 2006
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7:44 pm
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I had to leave my baby all alone while I went to work! I bet he misses me! Arnold is just the sweetest dog and the best pet I could have ever asked for. All he ever wants is for me to love on him! He doesn't want a lot of treats, he doesn't want to fetch things, he doesn't want to tear up furniture... he just wants to sit in my lap while I rub his little tummy!! I just love every minute of being his mommy!
However, I am going to have to move because of him! My apartment doesn't allow dogs, BUT the landlord is going to let me move into a different unit in the complex that IS suitable for dogs! So, same rent price... same location... just a different unit! I can't wait!
Greg and I have now been together for seven months... kinda scary! We're going with my mom, sister, and nephews to Atlanta next weekend. We're going to pack a week's worth of vacation spots into three days... art museum, Ikea, Braves game, Six Flags, Coca-Cola factory, Aquarium... yes, it will be great fun! And I will be TOTALLY wiped out the following Monday, I can guarantee!!! But, leaving for so long puts me in a perdicament... what to do with Arnold? Do I dare let my father dog-sit and worry that he's going to let Arnold out without a leash? Do I dare send him to the vet's office to be boarded where he'll be cooped up in a little crate? Do I beg my cousin Jace to take him in for the weekend? What shall I do!?
Anyway... life is okay. Things have been hectic and upsetting, but it's all starting to straighten itself out. I really need to keep taking my medicine everyday so I don't go crazy, but... it's so hard to remember!
OH yes, just for everyone's sake: I am enrolled for ONE (1) class next semester! One!!! :)
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| Saturday, April 15th, 2006
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8:34 am - I am a mommy!!!
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| Thursday, April 13th, 2006
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3:59 pm - new mom.... maybe
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So, I'm going to the humane society to check out this cute dauschaund named Arnold. He's a year old and just as cute as he can be... so, I might be a new mom!
But... then again, I still have to talk my landlord into letting me have a pet...
But I sure hope I get a doggie tomorrow!!!
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| Wednesday, April 12th, 2006
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8:39 am - allergy season...
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Sarah Beth being a drama queen - just like her Aunt Holli. ;)
So, I've finally caught on to the allergy season irritation. I have been sneezing and coughing and I have a stuffy nose and I feel a lot like trash right now.
Speaking of trash, I went to the Shelby County landfill for biology yesterday. Enough said.
Greg & I are going to Atlanta this weekend to see the Chuck Close exhibit at the art museum... I just wonder if $2.75 gas will bother us.
That's about it!
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