"How did C choose her screename?"

"Enjoying motherhood"

"Caroline's tips for [a] new year"

"Kind words from Joy"

Caroline is a busy woman!!

Okay, so what's up? Well, school/exams is/are long done. :o) YAY!!!!! Got my grades - wasn't really happy w/ them - except for the A- in Criminal Trial Presentation. Not sure what happened in my other classes :o( At least I passed though.

Working 2 days a week for my Judge from last semester doing all Megan's Law (for those who don't know - that's the sexual assault registration law). It's FASCINATING!!!!! When we see the registrants they have already been convicted and served their time, they are now back out in the community and have to register. So we hold hearing to give them a chance to object to the rating they have been given - it's a constitutional issue thing. Needless to say, I get their COMPLETE case history file - even stuff they haven't been convicted of. OMG - y'all should read some of these files. SCARY!!!!!! But really interesting at the same time. (I know some of you are wondering what planet I'm from right about now).

Okay - the other 2 days a week I work for DVAP (Domestic Violence Advocacy Project) which is a school program in the Family Court. We help victims of domestic violence get FRO's (final restraining orders). Occassionally we will represent them in Municipal Court as defendants. The latest trick for harassing victims is for the abuser to bring suit against them in Municipal Court so that the victim then becomes the defendant. GGGRRRHHH!!! There should be a way to stop them. Unfortunately there isn't. The way our system is set up everyone deserves they're day in court. Oh well, usually the judge can see straight so they don't get convicted - that helps. But it's still one more ordeal they have to endure. I have met some unbelievable women through the program. It's amazing what some of these women go through and the strength that they have. (If you didn't think I was crazy before - I'm sure you're thinking it now - Megan's Law AND D.V.?)

Okay - still researching Parental Kidnapping for my Journal Note (btw - don't let the word NOTE fool you - it's really a 25-60 page paper ;o) I have to have it turned in by some time in November I think. I really have to get cracking on it. Haven't worked on it in a while. I'm planning to hopefully get some work done on it this Friday. (Now all y'all KNOW for a fact that I'm certifiable - could I get one more unpleasant subject into my day?).

Free time? What free time? Pretty much, I read, watch tv, or play on the computer. I've been in a "downtime" mood for a while. Not really wanting to do much of anything. I am feeling a little better - not quite so exhausted. Still getting muscle cramps/aches though. My blood work came back totally normal so they don't know what's going on. The latest is thinking it may be related to side effects of my anti-depressant. I've started going to the gym again, but not nearly as regularly as I'd like. I'm playing softball for my church - FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!! It's nice being able to fellowship w/ people outside of church. Catin goes to the games to and does pretty well on the side lines.

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Enjoying motherhood~

Catlin was SOOOOO funny this weekend. Last week I was discussing Holy Week w/ her. She was asking questions and I was trying to answer them. Well, I never made it past Good Friday and the Crucification (ack - think I botched that spelling). I just didn't have time. So, Saturday during lunch at my grandparents, Catlin asked my mother about Easter and why it was important. My mother told Catlin about the Resurection and Jesus coming back to earth.

She put her hands on her hips, assumed the stance, got the attitude in her voice, and told my mother, "My Mommy said Jesus was DEAD!!!!"

It was hysterical. And she was absolutely correct - I had told her that Jesus died. I just hadn't gotten around to the Jesus came back part. *shaking head in wonderment at children's little brains* So, she's been asking me lots more questions about it and it is very difficult to explain to her satisfaction.

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Caroline's tips for the New year
(posted Jan 1, 2002)

I'm going to try REALLY hard to follow this advice. My biggest problem is with the busyness and over committment.

The foundation of happiness is joy. The basis of joy for followers of Jesus Christ is our salvation, our fellowship with God, our delight in serving Him, and our relationships with other Christians. There are a lot of reasons for joy!

But let's face it. One reason we welcome 2002 is that we can bid 2001 adieu. We're ready to leave some of its disappointments and tragedies behind.

For us to be happy, we need to get rid of the roadblocks to joy. Some things, like accidents or illness, we have no control over. But here are some common blocks to happiness we can kick out of the roadway.

1. Fear caused by anxiety. We will walk into 2002 with the cares of 2001 still weighing us down unless we cast that load of care on the Lord (Philippians 4:6-7). Proverbs 12:25 says that "an anxious heart weighs a [person] down." Toss those cares onto the broad, strong shoulders of the Lord.

2. Coveting caused by comparing. When we're always comparing what we have with what others have, we're bound to become unhappy. "Be content with what you have," the Bible says (Hebrews 13:5). Accept God's goodness to you and choose to be happy with it.

3. Busyness caused by overcommitment. The drive for recognition and approval can jam our schedules so full that we have no time for God, ourselves, or anyone else. We begin to feel responsible for everything. "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain" (Psalm 127:1).

Joy is a gift from God (Psalm 126:3) that we rob from ourselves. Let's take it back in 2002. It'll help us have a HAPPY NEW YEAR all year long.

Caroline

Click here to read Caroline's "Year in Review:2002"!

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Well Caroline (ruglet) this is for you.......

You amaze me. You are still somewhat of a baby Christian but you are growing so fast and so deep in Christ. You are raising your little girl (mostly) by yourself and going to school at the same time and wow, I just don't know how you do it. I have a hard time and I have a dh, get to stay at home and only take classes very part time!!! You are amazing. Your strenght, young wisdom, and determination are so inspiring. Caitlin has such a wonderful role model to look up to.

I know that in your heart, you have some desires...and you are waiting patiently (anxiously at times, but still patiently) for God to fulfill those desires. And He will, He will give you the desires of your heart. He has such a special and perfect plan for your life, and in His time, He will reveal every part of it to you. Hugs C!!! I love ya!

Joy

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How did Caroline choose her screename?

From my childhood....
My last name is Rugg and when we were little everybody called us Ruglets, so.... it seems to have stuck around. We still have friends that call us Ruglets.

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page last updated July 15, 2003