iPhone UPDATE

Last night, Bobby and I went to the Apple store with the intention of getting him a new iPhone. (Remember, iBroke the last one.) WHO KNEW the Apple store did so much business at 8:15 on a Tuesday night?! Long story short, there were no appointments left to be had that evening. (We didn't even know that one needed an appointment. Let this be a lesson to you: you DO.) So, Bobby was disappointed, and after scheduling an appointment for 5:00 p.m. today, we left the mall...new iPhone-less.

So, today, we went to the no-less-packed Apple store at 5:00 p.m., but THIS time, we had an appointment. The technician looked at the phone, took it in the back room, and came back 10 minutes later...with Bobby's WORKING iPhone in hand! As it turns out, the screen "went bad" and needed replacement. And, because we did not have an AppleCare protection plan, it would cost $200ish to fix it. BUT, much to our surprise and oh, so genuine delight, the technician said that he just went ahead and replaced it for us because he "didn't want us to have to pay $200 to fix it". We were stunned. And, although Bobby was not-so-secretly bummed to NOT be getting a brand new phone (...and who can blame him? Have you SEEN the new iPhones?!), we didn't have to pay a dime to fix the old (and still perfectly good) one.

As we were leaving, Bobby wondered if it would have really cost so much for the screen replacement, or if our new friend was just saying that to make us feel like we got a deal. And to that query, I say "WHO CARES?" Brilliant, Apple. Either way, we left the store smiling (with more money in our pocket than we thought we'd be leaving with!), as even more committed Apple consumers. (Although I would NOT have needed such an act of 'kindness' to confirm my loyalty to the Apple brand. But, shhh...don't tell them that.)

I can't help but think about how different the scenario may have been if we actually had been able to get an appointment with Apple last night.

Would we have worked with someone who even knew how to find the problem and didn't just say the phone was done for?

Would we have had the same generous technician?

Would we have a couple hundred less dollars at this point?

God is faithful, isn't He? To see and feel His intercession in common, everyday situations such as this is powerful. I know we're being watched over! And, boy, are we ever in good hands....

I'm going to try very hard NOT to drop Bobby's iPhone anymore. But for the opportunity to recognize once again God's constant faithfulness and provision in our lives, I have to believe it was worth it this time...and iMean it.

iBroke It

iBroke Bobby's iPhone. (You know, putting the little 'i' in front of that phrase doesn't actually make it any more pleasant. It was worth a try.)

So, we were laying at the pool on Sunday, and in an effort to cover my eyes from the sun, I picked up Bobby's shirt, which unbeknownst to me, was holding his phone. You see where this is going.... The phone fell out of the shirt and onto the concrete below.

In my defense, I've dropped it many times, and it has fallen much harder! (Maybe this isn't helping my case like I thought it would....) Go figure, the phone decided this time to completely black out. No amount of turning it on and off has had any effect, and after dinner tonight, we are headed to the store to buy Bobby a new iPhone. The newer version, by the way. (This is actually working out quite well for him!)

So, it's a bummer, and of course we'd rather not spend the money for a new iPhone. (But, since Bobby has now HAD an iPhone, NOT getting another one is really not an option. Way to go, Apple.) However, as annoying as this unexpected expense is, it isn't a bank-breaking one. I'm so thankful that we live modestly and spend wisely so that when these things happen, we're able to deal with it, pay for it, and move on...and continue living comfortably all the while.

Our biggest problem this week is needing to replace a broken cell phone.

We are blessed to call THIS a "problem".

iAm sorry for breaking your phone, Bobby. iLove you!

My Other Half

Yesterday afternoon, Bobby and I parted ways after a wonderful weekend in Springfield. I had to drive back to St. Louis, and Bobby left for Oklahoma City for a weeklong business trip. During our ‘goodbyes’ and immediately after, I was nothing short of an emotional mess. I had a good cry on the drive back to St. Louis, and upon seeing his truck in the parking lot at our apartment, I teared up again. And once I opened the door to our empty apartment, to put it bluntly, I completely lost it.

I do feel a little pathetic. He’ll only be gone a week. I’m a big girl. I can’t help but think about all of the wives who have to say ‘goodbye’ to their serviceman husbands, knowing it will be months before they see them again, only able to hope and pray for their safe return. We’re blessed that that’s a trial we don’t have to face.

But, I sincerely feel like half of me is missing. And, that’s the way it should be. Mom reminded me that it’s a good thing that I miss him so much. (“That’s why you married him”, she said.) We dated long-distance for a long time. I don’t miss those days. I’ve gotten completely used to seeing Bobby every day and coming home to him every night, and I am nothing short of lonely here without him.

Me and my other half at a Cardinals game in June.

This isn’t Bobby’s first business trip and I’m sure it won’t be his last. I don’t like feeling so sad, but I do love that I miss him so much. I hope it never gets easier to say 'goodbye', and I hope I never take for granted the days we do get to spend together.

It’s going to be a long week. Bobby is what makes this place home. But, thank goodness for cell phones…and Facebook….and Friday.

Missing you, handsome. Hurry home.

BJOYFL

I was behind a car yesterday on I-270 and their license plate read BJOYFL. It was hot, I was frustrated with the barely-moving traffic, and I was ready to be home. Yet what a great reminder that was. It made me smile, and I wanted to somehow tell the driver, "your license plate was a blessing...thanks!"...but I never figured out how to make that happen. (We were driving, after all.) Wouldn't you know, that sweet woman in front of me was letting car after impatient car cut in ahead of her. (Not really a commonplace gesture on that thoroughfare. The 'letting cars in' part, not the cutting. That part is pretty typical.) And, while I wasn't particularly feeling quite so generous with my fellow drivers, I thought "this lady has the right idea". She is demonstrating her joy and probably doesn't even know it.

I'm going to make a greater effort to maintain and demonstrate a spirit of joy, in the midst of the frustrations that life can throw my way. Because, after all, there is so much to BJOYFL about.

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Piatt

We knew it was coming. Bobby and I had been waiting for the news that finally came over Memorial Day weekend. Our best friends, John and Natalie, are ENGAGED. We could not, not, not be any happier for those two!

Bobby and John played baseball together at CMU, and I got to know John quite well during that time. The three of us spent lots of meals and football games and weekends together, and made lots of memories. We didn't get to really know Natalie until she got back from college in Denver. John missed her terribly...and we didn't know what we were missing!

Since Natalie's been a part of our lives for the past year, we've grown to love her dearly. It's so obvious why John kept telling us how great she was! It is absolutely true. And the two of them together are even greater still.

We try to see John and Natalie just about every month, if we can. We can't get enough of them! They're easy to be around, fun to visit with, and their friendship is one we cherish. (There will be lots of Phillips/Piatt family vacations in the years ahead, I just know it!) They are special, special friends and we are so very thankful that they are a part of our lives.

To the future Mr. and Mrs. Piatt...a huge congratulations!!! We cannot wait to celebrate with you in the months ahead! Looking forward to your "Big Day" already!

Our Weekend

What a great weekend we just had! I've decided that all weekends should be 3-day weekends...what a difference it makes!

Bobby's brother, Joey, and his girlfriend, Alyssa, came up to visit Friday night, and we went to the Brad Paisley concert together on Saturday. It was terribly warm, and we waited in line (scratch that, waited in lines) for a solid 3 hours...and then waited almost just as long for Brad. The course of the afternoon was a little unexpected, but what a great concert we finally got to see! Brad was totally worth the wait, and it turned out to be a really fun time for Bobby and I.

(Personal Highlight: dancing to "Then", which played with our video slideshow at our wedding...totally romantic!)

For the record, I don't think it's coincidental that Brad Paisley and Bobby Phillips share the same initials...ignoring the "R" for "Robert". (Then again, Bobby also has the same initials as Brad Pitt. But, if I'm going to compare my husband to a celebrity, I have to go with Paisley.) What a handsome guy I got to hang out with at the concert...Bobby definitely rocks his cowboy hat and has all the country swagger as Mr. Paisley himself. What a lucky girl I am....

Aside from the concert and the rest of our time with Joey and Alyssa, the weekend consisted of Bobby and I enjoying "together time"...poolside and grill-side. Tonight will be the 4th night we're utilizing the apartment grills, and I plan to make this a habit. (Okay, tonight will be the last night of grilling in a row for a while. I'll give the guy a break and head back to the kitchen.) It's been amazing. And, paying rent doesn't seem QUITE so bad when we're only 10 seconds away from such a beautiful pool and patio area! We may never be able to move. (OR, the more likely option is that having a pool will be added to our list of "would be (really) nice to have" home qualities when we decide to start looking. We can dream, right?!) Ahh...we are going to make FULL use of these apartment amenities this summer. And, we like visitors. Keep that in mind.

It was such a treat to have Monday off from work. (It felt almost scandalous! Not working! On a Monday!) We enjoyed the day to the fullest. And, we benefited from having extra time...to just relax...together.

Yes, it was a great weekend, and we started the week rejuvenated and completely in a summertime mood. And, the best part is...it's already Tuesday.

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, I graduated from The University of Missouri.

I've felt quite nostalgic this weekend.

Admittedly, I even wore my black and gold yesterday in recognition of the commencement activities taking place in Columbia and the newest graduating class of Tigers, earning their "stripes".

I've been reflecting on the four years I spent at Mizzou, and how life has changed since May 16th last year.

Of course, the wedding date had been set at that point. I knew on graduation day that in a few months, I'd be married. But aside from that certainty, I was (like most other young graduates) relatively unsure of what life post-college would look like.

I didn't know that I'd be living in St. Louis.

I didn't know I'd be working in a real estate office.

I didn't know how I was going to use my degree.

I did know that I would happy, and well-prepared for whatever life threw my way.

And, I was right.

I'm fairly certain that I didn't give graduation enough credit last year. While I wouldn't have changed a thing about how we recognized the occasion, I was definitely pre-occupied with the upcoming "Big Day", and less concerned with Graduation Day.

I enjoyed my commencement ceremony and the time spent celebrating with my family.

I was proud and excited!

But, I was also very ready to be done, and I was happy to move on.

Looking back, though, I find myself appreciating my time at Mizzou and in Columbia even more than I did last year. What a happy time that was.... I learned and I grew and I became who I am today. I miss that school and I miss that city, and I will always, always think back on my time there with a smile.

Old Missouri, fair Missouri

Dear old Varsity.

Ours are hearts that fondly love thee

Here's a health to thee.

-University of Missouri Alma Mater, Verse 1-

A Nuisance

The ice cream man has been driving around the apartment complex and surrounding area for the last 30 minutes, maybe longer. I heard that awful “music” blaring from his speakers when I pulled into the parking lot…half an hour ago. Who knows how long he’d been going before then?

Apparently “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” is the only song in the repertoire, and I can’t take much more of it. That is NOT a song I’d choose to listen to anyway, and certainly not after a busy day at work. (I should mention, as well, that being inside has not provided escape from the sound. The noise is infectious and has made its way indoors.)

Bobby says I’m being a “Grinch”. Today was a long day, and I have a headache, and perhaps I’m a bit irritable. I’ll admit it. (He asked if I got us some ice cream…I said no, I was trying to get the guy’s license plates. Really, I was.)

I cannot come home to that incessant noise all summer long. (Much less listen to it for half an hour or more.) And, I truly suspect that this very well could be the start of an all summer long pattern. I know this because I remember that awful tune playing on a regular basis at the end of last summer when we moved here. I went so far then as to look up what I’m sure was the same company online and e-mail a complaint. (That shouldn’t surprise anyone who knows me well.) I’m not sure it did much to solve the problem. Although I don’t remember the truck being around much after that, ice cream season was on the way out at that point…. And, the truck IS back now, after all.

Perhaps I am overreacting. I just don’t have much tolerance for nuisances…especially those that get in the way of my enjoying restful evenings at home.

I think I need a bowl of ice cream.

Go Dragons!

Bobby’s “Little League” coaching experience has not been what either of us expected. It’s amounted to spending lots of time, energy, and effort (on treasured Saturdays) put into teaching a group of 10-year old boys (none of whom are our own, or of any relation) who seem to care precious little about baseball (they prefer soccer). True, Bobby gets to spend time on the baseball field and pass on his lifetime of knowledge to the youngsters, but truth be told, they don’t seem to care much for the game.

The experience has been a bit of a letdown…until last night.

Last night was the first game of the season, and to be honest, we were prepared for the worst. They had had only a few practices, only two of which had been outside…on a real field. Who knew if they even knew any fundamentals?! By all accounts, it wasn’t looking good. Bobby and I were counting each little guy as he arrived (hoping enough of them showed up), decked out in their new uniforms. (“Hmm”, I thought. “They at least look like baseball players....”) Ironically, the team’s colors match Bobby’s college team, so all of his CMU gear (and there is plenty of it) coordinates perfectly. And, sure enough, the whole team showed up. Who would've thought?

Then, the (completely) unexpected happened. The Dragons took the field, and lo and behold, those little stinkers became a baseball team right before our eyes. They were hitting the ball like nobody’s business, and stealing bases left and right. Somehow, it all came together, and they were doing more than just holding their own…they were competing, and looking pretty good while they did. They had all the baseball moves, the swagger, the style…and the talent!

It was like the stuff movies are made of. You should’ve seen it.

But, precious as all this was, my favorite aspect of the night was watching Bobby interact with those kids. As surprised as I was at the performance of the boys, I was not surprised whatsoever by the class and positive energy that Bobby brought to the field. He is incredible. His enthusiasm and genuine encouragement made all the difference, in my opinion.

It's taken a while for the kids to figure him out, but now that they’ve realized that he’s a good time, he has them eating out of the palm of his hand. They watch him and listen to him, and I cannot think of a better role model for those young boys. He knows about baseball, sure. But, more than that, he knows what it means to be a respectful, well-mannered, “class act”…on the field and off. And, the boys are drawn to that! I’m sure he’s influencing those little men so much more than he knows, and I suspect they’re going to learn a lot this season.

Watching “Coach Bobby” last night brought tears to my eyes. He has a gift, and it’s going to be a fun summer…watching the team, and watching him.

The Dragons won their first game, 15-11. It was a surprise to everyone, I think, but certainly a welcome one. I’m pretty sure that everyone left the ballpark with a smile. I know I did…because I left with “Coach Bobby” (who I’ve been married to for 8 months today!)

I’m relatively confident that I’ll be watching a good deal of Little League games in the years ahead…and I’m prepared for that. With Bobby as the coach (and perhaps, one day, “little Bobby’s” on the field), I’m sure they will be games I won’t want to miss.

--Before "Coach Bobby" was "Coach Bobby"--

Egg McPhillips

Bobby had to go into work at 2:00 a.m. Thursday morning, and when he got home at 6:30 a.m., I was just crawling out of bed. I showered and dried my hair, and when I came out of the bathroom, I peeked in the kitchen to see my wide-awake husband standing over the stove. He was fixing us bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches on English muffins! What a surprise! Did he have a vested interest in fixing breakfast? Absolutely. He was a hungry guy after a long night’s work! Still, it was a delightful treat, and a fantastic, unexpected way to start my day. I went to work with a smile on my face AND a full tummy…and Bobby went back to sleep with one.

That man makes me feel so loved, so often…and for that I am incredibly blessed. (Oh, yes, and he can fix amazing breakfast food. That’s pretty great, too.)

Bobby has the same routine tonight-another early day at work. Perhaps tomorrow morning at 6:30 a.m. he’ll have a hot breakfast waiting for HIM. I can’t make any promises….tomorrow IS Saturday, after all. But, you never know, it could happen. He’s totally worth it.