Yes, I’ve been sneaking around and getting a daily dose of Starbucks. Yes, I know it’s wrong! Yes, I am going to change. And, yes, I have ANOTHER plan!
My plan = coffee at home (FOR REAL)
My challenge = no coffee pot
In December, Matthew and I had friends over for a Hot Chocolate Bar. I had the bright idea of using our Senseo Coffee Maker to make hot chocolate. You may think that this isn’t a big deal. Well, I use milk in my hot chocolate instead of water. So, milk got stuck in the tubing and soured, so needless to say, I threw away our Senseo. How in the world am I going to make coffee at home without a coffee maker?
My father-in-law is the biggest coffee drinker that I know. He has HOT coffee in 100° weather. I have actually witnessed him fall asleep on several occasions with a mug of coffee in his hand. Surely, he has an extra coffee pot lying around some where, right? I asked and sure enough he did. Matthew went to pick it up last night so that I would stop spending $3.40/day on coffee, but still get my fix. The coffee pot was no where to be found. While out to eat with two girlfriends (Allison and Rachel, I had a blast!), my sweet in-laws brought over a brand new coffee maker, coffee filters, and none other than Starbucks ground coffee. They are amazing! While I NEVER expected this gift, it is very much appreciated.
Thank you, Eddie and Elizabeth for this very thoughtful gift. You did NOT have to do that for me. I hope you know that we appreciate you very much!!! Your new nicknames? Mr. and Mrs. Coffee in reference to my new Mr. Coffee coffee maker!
Tuesday, Matthew surprised me with a vocal lesson with vocal coach, Debra Byrd, of American Idol. I didn't know whether to be mad at him or thank him. Many have asked how in the world he got her to agree to work with me. I would like to say that he contacted her once and she miraculously jumped for joy to hear me sing. I think you can tell by my sarcasm that didn't happen. No, he pestered and pestered and pestered her until she finally agreed. It was (1) have him arrested for harassment or (2) just spend an hour with me. Thankfully, she chose #2. As many of you know, I have taken a 2 year singing sabbatical. Don't ask why, because I couldn't tell you. Byrd worked with me for an hour and half, and as she said, it was a counseling session more than a vocal session. My challenges are in my head. I allow others to help me decide whether I'm a "good" singer or a "bad" singer. I also get physically sick before I sing. This is not normal. While singing with a group in college, I had the privilege to sing in front of thousands several times a week, and never felt this way. After college, something happened in my mind, and nerves set in. Right now, some of you reading this post are thinking, "she doesn't need to worry about that if she is singing for the Lord." (said with a Betty Baptist voice) Ok, I DO know that! Anyway, now that you all know my life's singing story, I will move on. She shared with me, exercises that I can do to calm my nerves. She said that singing more and more will help with my insecurities and that when she checks in on me, I had better be singing. I like to think that Byrd and I are BFF now, although I highly doubt she is blogging about me. She is such a cool lady! It was such an honor to be able to work with her. I am thankful for a husband who: drove me crazy for 2 years because he thinks I'm the greatest singer in the world, prayed for the Lord to take my talent away and give it to him if I didn't start using it, and who would pester this lady behind my back until she agreed to work with me. Thank you Matthew. I AM BLESSED!P.S. - Thank you to my sweet friends Jonny and Allison too!
