Face to face with the burglar

Many of you know that the sentencing for our burglar was held today. What a clown show. I do think a novel is in store.

Basically I arrived early—as usual—and our burglar arrived shortly after. I was able to identify him as he was one of the few young, white men in the courtroom. He arrived with his mother or grandmother. Not sure which. They sat right in front of me. The bailiff came out and asked all people sitting on the front row to move back as the front row was reserved for the attorneys. I was sitting on the end of the second row with room beside me so guess who gets to sit by me!!

I sat there for two hours and watched jailed criminals in orange jumpsuits come out of the holding room one by one. Most of for probation, most denied thanks to Judge Truman Hobbs. One gentleman had about ten family members speak on his behalf. It was hard watching what poor choices did to this family who wanted so much more for their son. Once the parole cases were heard, they moved onto new cases and of course, mine was about second to last.

The attorney had asked me if I would like to speak and it won’t surprise you that I said, “of course.” The case of Jonathan Michael Spann was announced and we all walked to the front. I basically told Judge Hobbs that my husband and I arrived home from work on March 14th, 2008 and found our house had been burglarized. I explained to him how you lie awake at night wondering if the person is going to come back, you see people on the street and wonder if that’s “the person” and how it overall rocks you. I told Judge Hobbs that I was a firm believer in forgiveness but I did feel the person should pay for the crime. He was very appreciative of me being there. The sentence was 10 years suspended (more than normal) with three years probation. Basically he won’t serve time as I suspected but will have to check in for the next three years and if he does anything else will get the automatic ten years.

Although I wish he served some time, I was so impressed with Judge Hobbs. Especially with the probation hearings. He did not fool around and we need more people in the courts like him.

After our hearing was complete, we were able to leave the courtroom. I held back because I did not want to get on an elevator with Mr. Spann and his relative and the bailiff saw what was happening. He came over to me quickly and told me I didn’t have to leave and could stay put as long as I wanted to. I thanked him and told him I just wanted to give him a few seconds to not have to encounter an awkward situation. He was very kind to see what was going on. I exited the building and saw Mr. Spann and his relative leave and hoped to God that he would take his sentence seriously.

He does have a job in Dothan. I didn’t get to ask why our house, where my stuff is, etc. I guess I could have afterwards but didn’t feel comfortable doing that.

So, I guess it’s over—I hope. Thanks to all who have listened to the drama unfold and offered support.

An Extremely Humbling Experience

Many of you have seen my photos and short updates I've posted on Facebook over the past few weeks and especially the the past week about being involved in the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition project. I'll explain how I was lucky enough to witness this incredible act of kindness. For those that don't know, I work at an advertising agency in Montgomery (LWT Communications). One of our big clients is Aronov--which is a real estate company that handles everything from new homes to shopping center development to condominiums on the Gulf. Although they are located in Montgomery, they have a huge presence in the Southeast. 

Aronov was approached by EMHE to be the chosen builder to build a new home for a lucky family in Montgomery. They accepted and came to LWT to seek help in promoting the build. We handled everything from outdoor design promoting the announcement to vendor signage to VIP badges to t-shirts to a custom-built Web site with countdown to you name it! I say "we," that's not accurate. A group of LWT folks handled the majority of it including Cindy as the fearless leader, Kathleen, Karla, the Web dept and I'm sure I'm leaving out some. But I rounded up director's chairs and made a sign!!!!!! Kidding sort of. Anyway, as an employee of LWT I was lucky enough to be able to roll in the VIP area several times including seeing the shooting of the pre-demolition, house build, furniture move (including seeing inside which is limited) and of course the MOVE THAT BUS!

EMHE doesn't give a lot of lead time in their announcement to add to the suspense so needless to say the effort has to happen quick. The Jordan Family was the lucky family chosen to be the recipient of the new home. In the beginning the excitement was about the superstars being in town, a TV show being filmed, etc. But as the week progressed my focus switched to so many more things. 

A family's entire life is changed for the better in the matter of minutes of an announcement. Which is a change for the Jordans whose lives have in the past been changed for the worst in a matter of minutes including  the death of two children--one to domestic violence and one to drunk driving. 

I also looked around a sea of blue volunteer shirts and noticed the excitement and privilege of those that volunteered. Whether to hammer nails or to serve food. It took an army of folks. I heard Cindy mention the Sigma Nus from Huntingdon College and how EMHE couldn't have finished the house without their help from 12-6.....AM! These guys showed up nightly when everyone wanted to sleep to do anything asked of them. I took pride in that as a former SN sweetheart but thought to myself, "those guys will never get the credit they deserve but helped changed a life." There were so many people like that whose contributions added up to a lifetime of giving. 

I heard the sweet Jordan Family father interviewed this evening and had a tear in my eye as he told the news interviewer that he didn't expect to come home to a "castle." A house you and I might think is normal or average. It's a beautiful house indeed. 

I have that feeling inside after big events end. A sadness that the excitement is over. No more stars in town. No more VIP passes. No more MOVE THAT BUS signs to make. No more hearing Kathleen begging for "one more free sign." No more photo ops. No more shuttles to Southlawn. No more "project 621." But more importantly, no more living in sub par conditions for the Jordans. 

Please check out www.extremearonov.com to learn more and below is a link to some photos taken the days I was there. I'll be sure to announce when the airing is. We're hearing late April to early May. I'd also like to add how nice the EMHE cast/crew was while in town. I know they were tired of photos and autographs and being nice but they were so nice. Montgomery is a better place from their brief visit. 

http://gallery.me.com/scottiep/10036

the weekend

Many of you know that I don't just dislike but HATE the cold. I would take 95 degree weather over the cold any day. While many complain in the heat of July and August, I do not as I know the alternative. So Friday was spent shooting a TV spot with a new client who turns out to be a lot of fun. Looking forward to more fun times with them. It was cooooollllld. 

Late Friday evening, my good friend Meredyth delivered her second beautiful child. She and Hal have a little boy, Owen, who is about as cute as they come. They chose not to find out what baby Earnest would be so how sweet it was to hear about Virginia Bennett entering the world about 45 minutes before her official arrival date. I went to visit Meredyth and Bennett yesterday. First, Meredyth did NOT look like she had just delivered a baby but Bennett was a beautiful, brand new baby. She was wide awake, alert and full of hope. As I held her, I thought about what she would turn out to be. Would she be a prissy little girl in ballet outfits or dress up clothes? Or covered in dirt while playing soccer or wanting to be the shadow of her big brother. It's always so humbling to me to hold a baby that new. Full of promise, with parents who have big dreams for that tiny soul. What a beautiful family. I can't wait to see what little Bennett turns out to be. 

Last night, I attended Alabama's Jr. Miss. For those of you who don't know, it's a scholarship program for senior girls in high school. I looked back in the program and think I have been going since 1987 and only have missed one or two years. My family was a host family for several years and I've just followed it since. It's often referred to as a pageant but it's hardly that. The 50-something girls are very smart, talented, poised, involved and represent their counties so well. Jefferson County won and was a wonderful choice. She will represent Alabama well in Mobile this summer at America's Jr. Miss. Not to mention banked some awesome scholarship money! 

Good luck to the Alabama cheerleaders who are competing tonight in National Cheerleading Championship. It's usually Kentucky's party and everyone else is invited but you never know. Bama's cheerleaders are incredibly athletic and talented so good luck to them. T-I-D-E ROLLL TIDE! 

Looking forward to a work week with some various projects and will make an appearance at St. James kindergarten open house Tuesday evening. No, not as a parent but as a distinguished alum. HA! Mom just suckered me into going but it will be fun as I know many parents searching for the right school. 

Then, off to a girls weekend at the Grand Hotel. Hello relaxation! 

The Best Way to Spend a Saturday

When you're sad college football is over is to go to the spa. Hands down. Or actually hands out. Mom had given me a generous gift certificate to my favorite spa in town, Amplify. It's a "new" Aveda salon about two minutes from the house in the A & P Lofts. It's so peaceful in there. I have been a customer at various salons in town but have finally found one I love. So many others they're yelling back and forth to each other, don't speak your language or selling random crap in the lobby and it looks like a flea market. Not at Amplify. 

I enjoyed a facial for over an hour and then a manicure and pedicure. NICE! Talk about feeling like a princess. I should have taken my new koozie I bought in Nashville that says, "my tiara is giving me a headache." I'm not really a princess but I do like my hair fixed, makeup on and some heels. Y'all know that. Does that make me a princess? If so, it's a princess that knows offsides or traveling. 

It's sad that college football is over but the Titans playing at 3:30 will help ease the pain. College basketball is also in full swing but it's not the same. Although not as bad now that conference play has started. I'm sure I'll be the CEO of the bracket pool again this year. Y'all be sure to plan on being in it. 

The house is fairly clean, sheets are clean, towels are in the wash, workout complete, spa services check so I'm kind of not sure what to do. Perhaps get back to Twilight that I put down a few weeks ago because I was so busy? Take a nap? No, Titans start soon. Make some chess squares? No, Allison wants me to video doing that and video quality I am not at the moment. Drink a beer? Maybe. But I had a good bit of that last night. Watch Duke put a whopping on Florida State? I guess. Chat with Gavin on FB chat? In progress.  Exciting times I know. Be jealous. 

The Paparazzi

On my 2nd and final week of vacation, I had a chance to see lots of special people and headed north to Nashville. My aunt, uncle and cousins live there and it's always been like a 2nd home to me. I had a lovely visit and even got to party some. I never want to leave their house so that was hard but back to reality. I also was able to see some old friends from college last night and they haven't changed a bit. 

Today was a special morning. A friend of mine, Jay Cooper, has been contemplating a call into the ministry and followed that call. He will start Divinity School at Candler/Emory in February. Jay and his wife Susan are members of our Sunday School class so we've had the privilege of getting to know them well although I've known Susan many years. Jay has been a leader in our class for years and although we will miss his talents in our class, our church as a whole will have the benefit of his knowledge and leadership over the next few years as he attends school and serves our church as an associate. 

This morning was his first service as an associate and I followed him around and took photos of this special day for he and his family to have. It was an honor to be up close (I'm sure he thought too close!) to document this day. Many of you have been in FUMC and know it's such a beautiful setting anyway and makes special times like these picture perfect. I felt like Jay's personal paparazzi and I'm sure those around me were tired of hearing the camera snap but I thought it was worth it for the family to have these shots for many years to come. His wife Susan, is a member of the choir. Which does not do that justice as she is attending U of A to get her masters in music. The girl can sing. Jay and Susan's daughter was an acolyte so it was a family affair! I have posted some of my favorites to Facebook so check them out. 

I so enjoy days like today in terms of photography. Many of you know it is a hobby of mine and I "fake it til I make it." I am no photography or camera expert but just try things until I get them right. I purchased my D200 in the spring and it's revived my hobby which I am so thankful for. My favorite times to shoot are things like today where it's just a favor, no pressure and you know the recipient will appreciate it. It's a win win. 

But watch out....the paparazzi might follow you!!!!

The One I Miss

Christmas Eve is drawing ever so close. As my brother, William, and I would call today--Christmas Eve Eve. It made it felt like the big day was just around the corner. As an adult, it usually means last minute shopping, wrapping, cleaning, etc. But as a child we would carefully remove a candy cane from our countdown to Christmas Day and the excitement would build. To the point I am sure we were wild.

Christmas Eve was always such a special day. My father's mother would join us in the festivities. Nana was how she was know to us. Nana lived in Montgomery and was only a 10-minute drive away but she would stay with us overnight to share in the excitement of a VERY early Christmas morning. Nana was an elegant, soft spoken woman who you would never want to disappoint. She would come check us out of school if our "toe" hurt as she knew we just needed a little Nana TLC, some fast food and some afternoon time together. It was a sure fire remedy.

Every Christmas Eve Nana would join us at our church Christmas Eve candlelight service. We would pick her up on the way and we got to see her Nativity scene setup in the foyer one last time for the season. Off we were to church, and then to 5769 Carriage Barn Lane. A 1800-sq-ft house that felt so large with play space, warmth and love. Nana "got" to sleep in my bed with me each Christmas Eve night. We would play music on my radio, she would tell stories of growing up as a child and we would just "talk." As Christmas morning approached and the clock struck a ridiculous hour (5am), she would talk my mother into letting us descend upon the living room to see the madness. We would wait patiently in the hallway for mom to get the camera ready before we could come see the abundance. She delighted in seeing our gifts and often would proclaim, "what will they think of next!"

Nana passed away my junior year in college. Her health had been failing for years but despite the mental preparation we all had, it was a tough loss. Christmas Eve was "our time" year after year. A time I had counted on. As I sing "Away in a Manger" and get to the verse of "Be Near Me Lord Jesus I ask Thee to Stay, Close by men forever and Love Thee I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with the there" I can't seem to make it through without tears. The sanctuary is beautifully dark with only the glow of candles in every hand. I have to believe she is still with me not only on Christmas Eve, but daily. She would always point out red birds in her back yard and I have noticed when having rough times, I see red birds and I know she is with me comforting me like she always did.

She is missed so very much this time of year. It is always a beautiful time with special people but will never be the same.

Just Buy the Woman Diamonds

So my brother and dad have solicited help in buying Christmas gifts for their wives--my sister-in-law and mother respectively. I can understand my brother needing a tad of help as he and Angie have two kids, both teach, on a busy schedule and he isn't exactly what you would call a mall or shopping enthusiast. So I'll cut him some slack. 

But, my dad, is about to get wailed upon. For those of you who do not know him, he possesses a PhD in Chemistry and is the Dean of Arts and Sciences at a major university in the area. No dummy in essence. However, when it comes to shopping for my mom, he is in the remedial class. I get so frustrated as each December 15th-ish, I see his cell number pop up on called ID and without a doubt, I know what the call is about. "Miss (my childhood name), um, do you have any ideas for gifts for your mom?" says dad sheepishly. Probably because he knows the answer is about to be, "dad, you live with the woman." My answers have started sounding hauntingly familiar. "Well dad, she mentioned a car, diamond earrings and upgrading her engagement ring." Of which I hear a loud sigh and he says, "did she mention anything else?" No dad, not really. Although every year she tells me to get her trouser socks, a new bath robe and slippers. Really mom? Not so much. 

My dad also thinks they are about to go broke ANY DAY so the poor woman will end up with something that is nice, but not quite what she was hoping for. When mom and I went out today, I tried to talk her into just driving straight to the car lot, trading in the 1999 Avalon and just coming home with a new ride. I think she's considering it. Since she knows dad will want to research a new car purchase on Consumer Reports for the next 10 years the cars he researched are no longer made. 

Poor woman. She's only risen to the top of her career this year not to mention her daily responsibilities. Can we say dad and I need to have a little father/daughter talk?