Friday, June 08, 2007
Fears Realized
Everyone has some sort of fear. Mine [Alicia] is spiders. Irrational but true and I can’t help it. Just a few weeks ago in quiz practice my brother says “Alicia, move to your left, but do NOT stand up”. I took this to mean there was a spider directly above me and in my haste to move, I tripped on the leg of my chair and fell, injuring myself. Having a certain level of pride rather than admit how much I had just hurt myself, I left quiz practice, went to the bathroom to assess the injury, decided it was bad enough to go home and left to put an ice pack on my swollen knees. All for an imaginary spider.
Two weeks ago I pull into my garage at home and see a monster spider directly in front of my car. I panic (this has happened before when my brother wasn’t home and I chased it out of the garage with spider spray that did not kill it) and thinking that my brother was awake, go downstairs to plead with him to kill the monster spider. This wakes him up, which annoys him (he doesn’t share this fear). He replies that he is not getting up to go kill something that is OUTside. So, I leave it and say a prayer that monster spider shows up on his car door handle some day.
Okay, this is Chauntay now and I want to tell you that I, too, have a deathly fear of spiders. It’s my cross to bear in life. I think all spiders are out to get me; they seek me out. Okay maybe that’s a little bit dramatic, but whatever, ha. So one night this week I almost have a meltdown on the way home from work. I felt something on my arm, look over and brush it. Then I feel something again, see something dark and swipe at it again. Then I look down and there is a napkin on my lap and what do I see? A black GORILLA (not really) spider running a marathon across my lap. Did I have a meltdown? Oh absolutely. It’s times like these I know God has his hand on me because I could have killed myself, or someone else. I was in the fast lane on the interstate and I quickly weaved to the opposite side of the interstate because I was intent on the spider. As I was crossing lanes the spider went airborne across my car to the passenger seat. This of course freaks me out because knowing my luck, and the fact that I’m a statistic, this spider is a female, pregnant, and due any minute to have hundreds of little creatures in my car. So that’s just great. Now I have to sell my car. Well anyway, I want to. Also these times are the times that I just about have to pray through! Luckily, God gives me strenth to make it.
I think it would make us both feel better about ourselves if there were others who had an irrational but very real fear. In fact, why don’t you let us know what they are. Please leave us a comment!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!
Two weeks ago I pull into my garage at home and see a monster spider directly in front of my car. I panic (this has happened before when my brother wasn’t home and I chased it out of the garage with spider spray that did not kill it) and thinking that my brother was awake, go downstairs to plead with him to kill the monster spider. This wakes him up, which annoys him (he doesn’t share this fear). He replies that he is not getting up to go kill something that is OUTside. So, I leave it and say a prayer that monster spider shows up on his car door handle some day.
Okay, this is Chauntay now and I want to tell you that I, too, have a deathly fear of spiders. It’s my cross to bear in life. I think all spiders are out to get me; they seek me out. Okay maybe that’s a little bit dramatic, but whatever, ha. So one night this week I almost have a meltdown on the way home from work. I felt something on my arm, look over and brush it. Then I feel something again, see something dark and swipe at it again. Then I look down and there is a napkin on my lap and what do I see? A black GORILLA (not really) spider running a marathon across my lap. Did I have a meltdown? Oh absolutely. It’s times like these I know God has his hand on me because I could have killed myself, or someone else. I was in the fast lane on the interstate and I quickly weaved to the opposite side of the interstate because I was intent on the spider. As I was crossing lanes the spider went airborne across my car to the passenger seat. This of course freaks me out because knowing my luck, and the fact that I’m a statistic, this spider is a female, pregnant, and due any minute to have hundreds of little creatures in my car. So that’s just great. Now I have to sell my car. Well anyway, I want to. Also these times are the times that I just about have to pray through! Luckily, God gives me strenth to make it.
I think it would make us both feel better about ourselves if there were others who had an irrational but very real fear. In fact, why don’t you let us know what they are. Please leave us a comment!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
The Never Ending Journey
Okay. Today is Wednesday and lets hope that I have had enough time to recover from my weekend. You only get Chauntay today, sorry :). Anyway, short version, I flew to Arkansas this past weekend to visit family. I haven’t been there in at least four years, crazy I know. Anyway, I won’t even dive into the weekend happenings, save one story. Sunday morning after church our family went to Mazzio’s for lunch. While standing in line for pizza I noticed some men, and young guys dressed in nice suits. They all stand up around the table hold hands and sing at the top of their lungs, “Come and Dine the Master Calleth Come and Dine”. Imagine our shock. I just stood in amazement. They were definitely no Philips Craig and Dean. Bless their little hearts they were just trying to let their light shine but seriously. Do you ever wonder if people are just trying to call attention to themselves? Is this positive attention? What on earth do the non-practicing Christians out there think about us? They didn’t look any different than any other person. Events like these sometimes make me crazy. I of course could not leave without asking where they went to church. Very interesting, definitely not Pentecostal. Anyway, here is a pic of my cousins that I went to see:
L-R: Sierra, Alisha, Talitha, me, Mindy, and Aunt Nae
Family
I should say that I am a very family oriented person. When it comes down to it your family (and God, obviously) is all you have. I have been blessed with the best family, brothers and parents, one could ask for. I love them all dearly. I will put a pic of my family up too. I am all about putting a face with a name. It makes stories more fun.
L-R: Rob, Mom, Wesley, and me
Can't leave out Dad :)
L-R: Rob, Dad, and Wesley
AirportSee I told you I am already off on a tangent. Back to the story: So I left Rogers, Arkansas at 2:30 pm on Sunday afternoon en route to Tulsa, Oklahoma to fly out. Rogers is approximately two hours out. My flight was planned to take off at 6:35 pm, so I arrived two hours early. When I checked in I was told that my flight was delayed till 7:30. I was succumbed to the fact that I was there three hours early and there was nothing I could do about it. So, I made about five trips back and forth across the airport and then wandered into a gift shop. Those shops are highway robbery. I finally wandered over to my gate and my new home.
New Sport: People Watching
So I like to people watch, I’m guilty. People just fascinate me. I also don’t meet strangers, rarely ever. It didn’t take long for me to meet my neighbors, two brothers (in their forties) and their mother. They wrestled in college and their father is in the Hall of Fame for Wrestling (real wrestling not WWF). My brothers wrestled in high school also, so this intrigued me. My other neighbor was on her way to a business meeting in Dallas. I was also getting the mean mug from a guy across the room; every time I looked up I was getting the stare down. Crazy stuff. Anyway, as the minutes tick by I start to notice everything. This “not skinny” person’s, that looked like he was the line backer for the Titans to my right, phone starts ringing. Guess what the ringer was? “When the Saints Go Marching In”. Quite funny; quite religious. Also, did I mention that I managed to plant myself directly under an air vent? I was in a frigid state. Well, as the minute’s draaaag by they kept delaying my flight, three times in fact. The airline guy, bless his heart, was as passionate as Rosie O’Donnell. No seriously. Every time he made an announcement he ended, or interjected several times with a “ HALLAAYYYLLEEEJJUUAAHH”. I of course cannot hide my facial expressions, so all eyes were on me every time he made an announcement, my eyes would get big and everyone would start laughing. I finally walked on the plane at around 9 pm, two and a half hours late. We take off around 9:15. I had been in Tulsa for over almost seven hours.
Thank you Jesus
I arrive in Dallas at around 10:30 pm and was informed that I had missed my connecting flight to Nashville. Great! I immediately get in line to figure out what my options are. The not so helpful lady asks me if I want a “discounted room”. HOLD UP. You delay my plane three times, cause me to miss my flight and I’m supposed to pay for my lodging? I missed the part where that’s my problem. Of course I said none of this, but I sure thought it. At this point I should thank God that I have arrived in one piece and that I am Pentecostal. Why Pentecostal do you ask? Because due to this (quizzing, camp, congress, conference) I know people across the United States. I was fortunate enough to be able to pick up the phone and call my friend Diana [Alford] to explain my dilemma. She came straight there. Meanwhile I was informed that they locked my luggage up for the night. Meaning no clean clothes, toothbrush, hairbrush, phone chargers, nothing. I was stuck.
Exasperated
As I wait for my ride, I begin to make phone calls. I call my boss and Barry. I then start to vent about my events for the weekend. Poor thing. When Diana showed up she had a full car and I felt so bad. I with the rough day I had had, had overlooked that it was her BIRTHDAY and that her family and friends were in town to visit her. Bless her heart; in times like these you learn you true friends. She took the whole convoy to the airport to get me and insisted on not leaving me there overnight.
L-R: Me and Diana @ Conference
Day #2 in Journey
After only a few hours of sleep I made it back to the airport at about 8 am. My flight left at 10:15 and I arrived back in Nashville at noon. After a 20 minute depressing search for my luggage I spot it propped up in the baggage claim office. I said, this is my luggage, to which they replied it came in on a different flight. ??? What? Whatever. I was so over the weekend. They didn’t ask for ID or anything. They went on my honest image alone (I’m assuming) and just let me take the luggage.
So, after 22 hours I finally made it back to Nashville and went straight to work. I tell you, I feel like these things only happen to me. You don’t realize how blessed you truly are until you go through the trials and realize, ya know what? Things may be crazy but they always, always work out in the end. And hey, I just try to enjoy the ride!! :)
-Chauntay
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!
Humble Abode
**Tuesday's Blog**
For the Dogs Lovers
After 8 nights at my boss’ house taking care of the 88 pound black lab “puppy”, Rosie, I was finally able to return home. I have to say that house/dog sitting for my boss is really not an inconvenience since he lives much closer to the office, has the private in ground swimming pool, the hot tub, large flat screen televisions everywhere, a resort-like home and not to mention the pay is great. It was kind of like staying at a resort for a week. This resort comes with a dog. She’s sweet and loves to swim so we made it fine. This wasn’t my first time staying at my boss’, but it was my first time at the newly built mansion/estate.
I met some neighbors that had seen the house under construction and said it had basically been the talk of the neighborhood because of the contemporary style and size of the house. Then they knew that construction was complete but couldn’t tell if anyone lived there because they never saw cars (there’s a three car garage) and never saw anyone go in or out of the house. I introduced them to Rosie and said that she definitely lived there. What a life for a dog.
One other aspect to this stay was to water five flower pots that aren’t on the sprinkler system. I was shown the five pots and how to access water for each and did so each day. I was six days in before I noticed a sixth flower pot that had been neglected this whole time. Not sure if it will pull through. I’ll let Chauntay elaborate on the house since she notices details and came over to swim.
My take
Okay-Chauntay speaking here goes. So I have to stay as I’m driving through the quaint “old money” neighborhood I was more than shocked when I drove over the hill and saw her temporary abode. Wow. Words can’t really describe. I was expecting a nice four-story home with columns on the front, swing on the front porch, ferns everywhere, a Magnolia tree in the front yard. You know, the typical southern home. The outside of the home is exquisite. It stretches across the entire lot and looks like a home you would see in a movie set in 2072. It is very modern, very cutting edge. I have to say that I seriously feel sorry for the window washer. There are windows everywhere. There really isn’t much privacy in the home. Their sense of humor is funny; in one of the front bay windows in their daughters room is a life size MANEQUIN WITH A SOMBRERO!! Ha I'm going to post pictures throughout this blog, because my words just might not suffice.
After 8 nights at my boss’ house taking care of the 88 pound black lab “puppy”, Rosie, I was finally able to return home. I have to say that house/dog sitting for my boss is really not an inconvenience since he lives much closer to the office, has the private in ground swimming pool, the hot tub, large flat screen televisions everywhere, a resort-like home and not to mention the pay is great. It was kind of like staying at a resort for a week. This resort comes with a dog. She’s sweet and loves to swim so we made it fine. This wasn’t my first time staying at my boss’, but it was my first time at the newly built mansion/estate.
I met some neighbors that had seen the house under construction and said it had basically been the talk of the neighborhood because of the contemporary style and size of the house. Then they knew that construction was complete but couldn’t tell if anyone lived there because they never saw cars (there’s a three car garage) and never saw anyone go in or out of the house. I introduced them to Rosie and said that she definitely lived there. What a life for a dog.
One other aspect to this stay was to water five flower pots that aren’t on the sprinkler system. I was shown the five pots and how to access water for each and did so each day. I was six days in before I noticed a sixth flower pot that had been neglected this whole time. Not sure if it will pull through. I’ll let Chauntay elaborate on the house since she notices details and came over to swim.
My take
Okay-Chauntay speaking here goes. So I have to stay as I’m driving through the quaint “old money” neighborhood I was more than shocked when I drove over the hill and saw her temporary abode. Wow. Words can’t really describe. I was expecting a nice four-story home with columns on the front, swing on the front porch, ferns everywhere, a Magnolia tree in the front yard. You know, the typical southern home. The outside of the home is exquisite. It stretches across the entire lot and looks like a home you would see in a movie set in 2072. It is very modern, very cutting edge. I have to say that I seriously feel sorry for the window washer. There are windows everywhere. There really isn’t much privacy in the home. Their sense of humor is funny; in one of the front bay windows in their daughters room is a life size MANEQUIN WITH A SOMBRERO!! Ha I'm going to post pictures throughout this blog, because my words just might not suffice.
This is the front of the house
Right side of house
Left side of house
POSH
When you walk in the door immediately in front of you is a floor to ceiling fountain. Amazing. The art there is that you would see in a museum. Every appliance, photograph, drawer, shelve, sliding/built-in unit has obviously been very well thought out. I would have to say the creepiest thing there is a big chair of Frank Sinatra’s face. One day I was on the staircase and looked over the balcony at the living room and noticed the chair had bright blue eyes. Weird. Their staircase is even a work of art. It’s one piece of flowing wood and they had to have a huge semi-truck to transport it. Anyway, the entire downstairs is very formal, very nice. The hardwood floors are amazing and the top half of the walls, as well as the outside, of the house is a stone tablet look. Really to enter the house is like entering a house in Beverly Hills or of a famous person. There are TV’s in every room, literally, kitchen, living, bedrooms, closets, outside. Someone loves watching their stocks.
Living Room
Staircase
Must be Nice
The top story is almost entirely their only daughter (only child). She has a privacy door. She has her own bedroom, bathroom, living room with big screen TV, stocked kitchen, painting area, a huge balcony/porch, and office equipped with two computers. Also upstairs at the opposite end of the house (big house) is a fully stocked gym with a full bathroom shower, and additional quarters. Anyway, the house is hard to describe, you would really have to just see it. They even have a Cedar room for their winter coats and clothing to keep the moths out. Their pool is a lap pool. The bottom and walls are smooth stone. It’s quite amazing Rosie thinks so too. She swims in it all the time. Their lounge chairs aren’t even normal; they are fully cushioned reclining chairs. They also have a four-person hot tub that is amazing. I feel like I didn’t do a good enough job describing it, but it definitely motivates me to strive for something better in life that’s for sure.
The top story is almost entirely their only daughter (only child). She has a privacy door. She has her own bedroom, bathroom, living room with big screen TV, stocked kitchen, painting area, a huge balcony/porch, and office equipped with two computers. Also upstairs at the opposite end of the house (big house) is a fully stocked gym with a full bathroom shower, and additional quarters. Anyway, the house is hard to describe, you would really have to just see it. They even have a Cedar room for their winter coats and clothing to keep the moths out. Their pool is a lap pool. The bottom and walls are smooth stone. It’s quite amazing Rosie thinks so too. She swims in it all the time. Their lounge chairs aren’t even normal; they are fully cushioned reclining chairs. They also have a four-person hot tub that is amazing. I feel like I didn’t do a good enough job describing it, but it definitely motivates me to strive for something better in life that’s for sure.
Back View
Pool
-Alicia and Chauntay
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!
Duty's and Privileges of a Coach
As I mentioned before we’ve had technical difficulties, so I am posting Monday’s blog today :).
A Coaches Privilege
Today we’re going to reach back into the past few weeks. This experience was to “good” not to share. Now, part of the job description for quiz coach includes the extras that the kids are involved in at school. Alicia has attended many graduations over the years and felt like a proud parent. Only in the past few years have I been able to share in these wondrous occasions, ha. We all know it’s a dream to go and sit at a graduation to hear the same speeches of kids who would rather be anywhere but there. It’s not just graduations that we get to go to. Lucky for us our quizzers are participants in every organization, sport, activity POSSIBLE. These events call for lots of caffeine, food, and text messaging.
High School Chorus
A few weeks ago two of our quizzers were involved in their high school chorus (they go to the same school). Odigene invited us separately to the spring pops concert. When we realized both of us had been invited we breathed a sigh of relief. We met at Starbucks for coffee and a quick chat/catch-up of our daily happenings. Then it was off to the high school. When we arrive it’s the typical sad little theatre in the high school w/ a small turnout. I turn to Alicia and ask, “surely you don’t think they’re going to dance right?” Alicia answers emphatically “NO! Why would they dance? It’s just a chorus”.
Performance
OH MY WORD. The curtain parts and there is a sea of lime (horrid) green t-shirts. We quickly spot Odigene and then Kap Sum. The look of dismay on his face can’t really be described, ha. Suffice it to say he was less than thrilled we had come to see him perform. So then they were off. Growing up Pentecostal you have this innate ability to notice even the slightest bad note, a faulty sound system, or even an unmoved singer. So the music started, the two microphones placed at the front edge of the platform, the kids placed halfway back. On a side note, have you ever noticed that all ‘costals (get used to this term, I always refer to pentecostals as ‘costals) refer to the “stage” as a platform? I find it very humorous. Okay back to the story. As you will notice in the next month I am sidetracked easily. Anyway, the kids burst into the first note and I am not exaggerating when I say that my mouth was agape. Then the next thing I know they start flailing their arms and moving in some sort of line dance. This made it even funnier because there were hardly any white kids up there. So here you see an array of ethnicities trying to move in some sort of line dance. Words can’t describe the look. I immediately grabbed Alicia’s arm and held on for dear life. At this point I was thanking the good Lord that I had brought my coffee cup in because it was my lifeline. I promptly placed it in front of my face and held it there for oh, lets say the next HOUR! Poor Alicia just had to sit there and fake it. I have to say that both Kap and Odigene’s solos were fantastic, and that’s not because we’re proud “parents”. Kap’s brother Sang showed up near the end of the performance, sat down, and promptly started laughing. We were told later that the lovely musical had been choreographed by one of the star soloists. I know you think we are so lucky to be able to benefit from such events, but the truth is- we really are. Wouldn’t trade them for the world.
-Alicia and Chauntay
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!
A Coaches Privilege
Today we’re going to reach back into the past few weeks. This experience was to “good” not to share. Now, part of the job description for quiz coach includes the extras that the kids are involved in at school. Alicia has attended many graduations over the years and felt like a proud parent. Only in the past few years have I been able to share in these wondrous occasions, ha. We all know it’s a dream to go and sit at a graduation to hear the same speeches of kids who would rather be anywhere but there. It’s not just graduations that we get to go to. Lucky for us our quizzers are participants in every organization, sport, activity POSSIBLE. These events call for lots of caffeine, food, and text messaging.
High School Chorus
A few weeks ago two of our quizzers were involved in their high school chorus (they go to the same school). Odigene invited us separately to the spring pops concert. When we realized both of us had been invited we breathed a sigh of relief. We met at Starbucks for coffee and a quick chat/catch-up of our daily happenings. Then it was off to the high school. When we arrive it’s the typical sad little theatre in the high school w/ a small turnout. I turn to Alicia and ask, “surely you don’t think they’re going to dance right?” Alicia answers emphatically “NO! Why would they dance? It’s just a chorus”.
Performance
OH MY WORD. The curtain parts and there is a sea of lime (horrid) green t-shirts. We quickly spot Odigene and then Kap Sum. The look of dismay on his face can’t really be described, ha. Suffice it to say he was less than thrilled we had come to see him perform. So then they were off. Growing up Pentecostal you have this innate ability to notice even the slightest bad note, a faulty sound system, or even an unmoved singer. So the music started, the two microphones placed at the front edge of the platform, the kids placed halfway back. On a side note, have you ever noticed that all ‘costals (get used to this term, I always refer to pentecostals as ‘costals) refer to the “stage” as a platform? I find it very humorous. Okay back to the story. As you will notice in the next month I am sidetracked easily. Anyway, the kids burst into the first note and I am not exaggerating when I say that my mouth was agape. Then the next thing I know they start flailing their arms and moving in some sort of line dance. This made it even funnier because there were hardly any white kids up there. So here you see an array of ethnicities trying to move in some sort of line dance. Words can’t describe the look. I immediately grabbed Alicia’s arm and held on for dear life. At this point I was thanking the good Lord that I had brought my coffee cup in because it was my lifeline. I promptly placed it in front of my face and held it there for oh, lets say the next HOUR! Poor Alicia just had to sit there and fake it. I have to say that both Kap and Odigene’s solos were fantastic, and that’s not because we’re proud “parents”. Kap’s brother Sang showed up near the end of the performance, sat down, and promptly started laughing. We were told later that the lovely musical had been choreographed by one of the star soloists. I know you think we are so lucky to be able to benefit from such events, but the truth is- we really are. Wouldn’t trade them for the world.
-Alicia and Chauntay
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Crazy Adventures of Alicia and Chauntay
**Writer's Note: We've had techinal difficulties, sorry for the delay in posting.**
Elective Torture
Well. The day has finally come. Lucky you. No really. Well, this is Chauntay speaking for Alicia and I. If you knew either of us you would probably never put us together as friends. We are on opposite ends of the spectrum on so many things, yet seemingly always on the same page. Now I should go ahead and be real with you. I really think that my life happenings can only happen to me (or at least it feels that way sometimes). It’s the most absurd crazy things. Maybe it’s because I’m too detail oriented and notice everything, OR I really think it’s because I’m the statistic. If it’s going to happen, it’s going to be me! Those are the facts people. As for Alicia, as across the board detail oriented as I am, she is on the OPPOSITE side of the spectrum. I will share with you one of my favorite stories about Alicia. “While driving to church one Sunday morning, Alicia made a startling discovery. Directly across the street from our old church facility was a home for troubled teens. You can’t miss it. Well one morning on the way to church Alicia exclaims, “Oh my goodness! There used to be buildings there!” To which Arlen replied, “What buildings are you talking about? (thinking to himself she can’t mean the children’s home, it’s been gone for over two years) She says “the children’s home”. Arlen rather exasperated replies it’s been gone for TWO years Alicia! She replies, “No it hasn’t”. Arlen says “Alicia, grass has already grown over where they demolished the buildings!” The most obvious things to me seem to slip by Alicia, right under her nose. That’s probably the chemistry that makes our friendship so funny. The fact that I get to relive the story to her, and the laughter of how on this EARTH did she miss that? I’ll never know. We recently teamed up to write the article of “My Saturday Night Foot Washing Equivalent”, (found on www.ninetyandnine.com) which is what behooved us to continue writing.
The Rundown
We’ll take the quick approach. Alicia is from St. Louis, MO, home of headquarters to the UPCI. She went to University of Missouri and graduated with her Mathematics degree. She now is back in Nashville (where she was raised early childhood). She and I both attend Bro. Ron Becton’s church. She is the head coach for the Senior Bible Quizzing team. I claim Jackson, MS and Nashville, both, as my home. I went to Ole Miss and finished with a Business degree. We are both heavily involved with the BQ team here at our church.
Though we’ve known each other for years, we only became friends March of ’05. Alicia was praying that God would send her someone to go to help chaperone/coach at the BQE (Bible Quizzing Extravaganza) in Indianapolis, IN. He told her that the person was right in front of her, she opened her eyes, and there I was, at the altar. So after the first few experiences, I [Chauntay] knew that things would forever be different!
Purpose Driven
It’s the same ole chestnut. It took some convincing, but I finally persuaded Alicia that who wouldn’t love to hear about our crazy, daily, unbelievable adventures. Our goal is to share our crazy lives with you, in hopes to bring a smile to your face, a look of “you’re KIDDING”, an “and I thought I had it bad!” or maybe a simple inspiration. Well-we shall see. Sit back, strap in, and enjoy the ride! It’s going to be a crazy month. In fact, it could quite possibly change your life.
Elective Torture
Well. The day has finally come. Lucky you. No really. Well, this is Chauntay speaking for Alicia and I. If you knew either of us you would probably never put us together as friends. We are on opposite ends of the spectrum on so many things, yet seemingly always on the same page. Now I should go ahead and be real with you. I really think that my life happenings can only happen to me (or at least it feels that way sometimes). It’s the most absurd crazy things. Maybe it’s because I’m too detail oriented and notice everything, OR I really think it’s because I’m the statistic. If it’s going to happen, it’s going to be me! Those are the facts people. As for Alicia, as across the board detail oriented as I am, she is on the OPPOSITE side of the spectrum. I will share with you one of my favorite stories about Alicia. “While driving to church one Sunday morning, Alicia made a startling discovery. Directly across the street from our old church facility was a home for troubled teens. You can’t miss it. Well one morning on the way to church Alicia exclaims, “Oh my goodness! There used to be buildings there!” To which Arlen replied, “What buildings are you talking about? (thinking to himself she can’t mean the children’s home, it’s been gone for over two years) She says “the children’s home”. Arlen rather exasperated replies it’s been gone for TWO years Alicia! She replies, “No it hasn’t”. Arlen says “Alicia, grass has already grown over where they demolished the buildings!” The most obvious things to me seem to slip by Alicia, right under her nose. That’s probably the chemistry that makes our friendship so funny. The fact that I get to relive the story to her, and the laughter of how on this EARTH did she miss that? I’ll never know. We recently teamed up to write the article of “My Saturday Night Foot Washing Equivalent”, (found on www.ninetyandnine.com) which is what behooved us to continue writing.
The Rundown
We’ll take the quick approach. Alicia is from St. Louis, MO, home of headquarters to the UPCI. She went to University of Missouri and graduated with her Mathematics degree. She now is back in Nashville (where she was raised early childhood). She and I both attend Bro. Ron Becton’s church. She is the head coach for the Senior Bible Quizzing team. I claim Jackson, MS and Nashville, both, as my home. I went to Ole Miss and finished with a Business degree. We are both heavily involved with the BQ team here at our church.
Though we’ve known each other for years, we only became friends March of ’05. Alicia was praying that God would send her someone to go to help chaperone/coach at the BQE (Bible Quizzing Extravaganza) in Indianapolis, IN. He told her that the person was right in front of her, she opened her eyes, and there I was, at the altar. So after the first few experiences, I [Chauntay] knew that things would forever be different!
Purpose Driven
It’s the same ole chestnut. It took some convincing, but I finally persuaded Alicia that who wouldn’t love to hear about our crazy, daily, unbelievable adventures. Our goal is to share our crazy lives with you, in hopes to bring a smile to your face, a look of “you’re KIDDING”, an “and I thought I had it bad!” or maybe a simple inspiration. Well-we shall see. Sit back, strap in, and enjoy the ride! It’s going to be a crazy month. In fact, it could quite possibly change your life.
