Prison Entrepreneurship Program

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:18

I went to P.E.P. on Friday. Every time I go I get another dose of hope. Hope is addicting. (not that I don't have IT...it's just REALLY tangible there.) You should really consider going - it'll change your perspective on prisoners, not to mention your LIFE. And if you say you're a follower of Jesus and that you love your neighbor as yourself - I challenge you to do something that goes against your grain and GO TO PRISON!

These men are thirsty for life change and P.E.P. is there to support them. It is no piece of cake - if they make it into the program it doesn't mean they get to stay. They go through rigorous interviews and character assesments. When they make it in, if they show laziness, pride, flirtiness, a short temper - they are OUT! And they have to do 50 push ups for every cuss word that comes out of their mouth. And this new class has only been there a week and they've already had about 4 exams. Let's see you try it, eh?

Go here and sign up!

Tell them you heard about it from Mimi, a.k.a. TROUBLE.

Watch this video too, Okay? Perfect!

March Madness

Are we already in the third month of the year? Seriously?! WOW!

Well, I ended the month of February with a bang:

I'm so proud that I had the courage to let go! I have trouble letting go...

And then, we had 80's prom, which was an absolute BLAST!
See more pictures here!

So – at the start of every month, I look at my goals to see where I am. Boy, I am behind!!!

• I’m doing alright with reading. One book a month. Not bad. I'll save the list for the end of the year.
• My projects are at a stand still...oops. I should probably get on it. Starting tonight, or something. I'm inspired by her...
• I AM TICKET FREE. Let’s hope it stays this way.
• Weight – up and down. What’s new? Running, although I’m still hating it, makes me feel good in the end.

Things that didn’t make the original list that I’m happy about is:

• I’m journaling more.
• I’m definitely spending more time with people which has been GREAT…I just need to get some balance I think. I'm an introvert in the sense that I get energy from being alone...so balance is needed.
• I'm memorizing scripture!

This month is exciting because:

1. I get to see Peanut Preston Paget for the VERY FIRST TIME!
2. I get to go to the Prison Entrepreneurship Program Class XI Kickoff with my friend Jeannie!
3. I’m going to meet my BFF Jennifer in Dallas!
4. And my friend Jessica has her housewarming party which will be exciting to celebrate!
5. BRACKETS – need I say more? Thanks Beyer for introducing me to basketball fun!

Saying No to CHOCOLATE?

I can't imagine my life without Chocolate. I mean, seriously... Really, I mean...I might start singing the painful Ken Li. HA HA HA!

Valentine's Day

So, I had a REALLY fun Valentine's Day.

1. I spent the mornin' CHILLIN' like a VILLAIN! ;o)
2. And then I went to a friend's wedding. It was BEAUTIFUL! And so fun! The bride and groom had a secret handshake before the kiss - very fun!
3. The quotation tree turned out great! Here's the picture I promised.
4. And to finish off the night I went to a SUPERB dinner hosted by the Mosaic Men. They went all out for us. Walked us in, served us, even had the strawberry syrup drizzled on the dessert plate. They even WROTE A SONG! Yeah...I know. After the dinner, we played some fun games. It was a fun night!
   

And Then...

Update on Mexico:
The trip was sad, yet enjoyable. I spent a lot of time with my family - cried some, laughed more than I cried, and ate more than either of those. :o/ (oops...I should have sat on my hands.)

It wasn't the same going to the market, knowing the purpose of the trip wasn't tourism. I went and bought maybe 3 items. I did go to walmart to pick up disposible cameras and other things the family needed...the lines are more ridic than they are here. One thing that I love about Mexico, other than having the BEST tacos on the planet, is that you can buy 2 kilos of strawberries for less than 2 dollars. I mean SURSLY.

I learned a lot about Mexican tradition. One of the things I learned is that on your birthday they will play "Las Mañanitas" on repeat right before the day break until you leave to go to work (I suppose this depends on the family). I'm not sure that I like it. Especially being the neighbor. :o)

This is the first time EVER (which I've been there endless times) that I could imagine myself living there. I wonder if that means something...

5k:
My training prior to Mexico was on the up and up - had momentum going like nobody's business. However, I ate more than I should have in Mexico and therefore GAINED pounds I had lost and it made it difficult to get back into the swing of things. And add to that a wretched cold. I can't wait to get back into it.

Valentine's Day Wedding Project:
Some of Tim's friends are getting married tomorrow and I volunteered myself to do a center piece for the guest sign in table (is there a name for that?). I started it early, but procrastinated. Ergo, I freaked out last week and it's come together faster than I imagined and also prettier...I think so anyway. I call it a quotation tree. I'll have to get a picture to show you. It has LOVE quotations hanging from the branches. My favorite one is:

Do you love be because I'm beautiful or am I beautiful because you love me?
-Cinderella

Okay, So I guess I've promised a picture...I'll have that for you next week.

Happy Valentine's Week!

Got any gift ideas for Valentine's Day? We do. from Angel Mission on Vimeo.

I'm not saying not to get/create/plan out and execute a thoughtful gift for your special person, I'm just saying...sharing is good. :o)

Silliness

Lately, some friends and I have been speaking in a British accent. Once we get going it’s REALLY hard to stop…and what makes it funnier is that when we go get coffee or ice cream, the people behind the counter join us!

Need an example?

Mimi (with a British accent and a cheesy smile): May I have a small cup of hot chocolate?
Taylor the Latte Boy (with a British accent and a pirate look on his face): Would you like to add some Gray Poupon to your order?

HA HA. We're just spreading the cheer - don't be annoyed. :)