I got this from my college friend Eva, and figured I might as well play along.
1. Your name spelled backwards:
leug ahsila harobed (hmmm...should I be posting my full name on the internet???)
2. Where were your parents born?
both were born in good old Houston, Tx
3. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
Pictures of my nephews and niece (if you scroll down you can view them . . .)
4. What's your favorite restaurant?
Bangkok Royal (in Waco), Olive Garden (b/c i have lots of good memories tied to OG), Ninfas (same reason as OG)
5. Last time you swam in a pool?
It's probably been nearly 2 years. Sadly, I can't even remember. I know for sure I swam during my Baylor Landing Apartments days, but those ended in '02 when Baylor decided to tear them down and build a parking garage.
6. Have you ever been in a school play?
Not really. There was that time in Kindergarten I had to dress like a pilgrim girl for a Thanksgiving production. I have a very vague recollection of that experience . . . or at least of my brothers making fun of me (nearly all my childhood memories include taunting from my brothers)
7. How many kids do you want?
A couple, but seeing as how I'm no where near that chapter in life, I can't say for sure.
8. Types of music you dislike most?
Heavy Metal and excessively Raunchy Rap
9. Are you registered to vote?
Sure am!
10. Do you have a car?
Yup. A 1991 Cadillac Deville. His name is Runt (it's a long story).
11. Have you ever ridden a Mo-ped?
Nope
12. Ever prank call anybody?
I don't think so; I really can't remember.
For some reason, there was no question 13
14. Would you go bungee jumping or skydiving?
SKYDIVING - For some reason, the thought of jumping from a bridge/platform with just a giant rubber band keeping me from smashing to the ground freaks me out. So I'd rather jump from a plane . . . Odd, I know.
15. Furthest place you ever traveled?
Either Uzbekistan or South Korea; I don't know for sure.
16. Do you have a garden?
We just moved into a house that's only 3 years old. We don't even have any trees, yet alone a garden.
17. What's the size of your bed?
Full
18. Do you really know all the words to your national anthem?
I think so . . .
19. Bath or Shower, morning or night?
Shower at night; sometimes in the morning.
20. Best movie you've seen in the past month?
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
21. What's the next movie you want to see?
Hitch, In Good Company
22. Chips or popcorn?
Sour Cream and Onion Pringles. Mmmm...
23. Have you ever broken any hearts?
If I have, they recovered rather well - they're all married by now, and yet, I'm still single. How ironic. . .
24. Premarital sex?
What's that?
25. Are you a good cook?
For the most part.
26. Orange or Apple juice?
I'm not a big juice drinker, but if I have to chose I'll chose orange juice.
27. Who was the last person you went out to dinner with and where did you go?
With my mom to a Thai place down the street where I introduced her to Thai curry.
28. Favorite type of drink?
Non-alcoholic: flavored iced tea
Alcoholic (that is, if I drank alcohol ;) : Ace Pear Cider
29. Best thing in the world?
Taking a walk in the cool evening, listening to the world fall asleep. The best is walking through Baylor's campus and sitting on "my swing" in the Quadrangle. *sigh* I sure do miss those college days.
30. Have you ever broken a bone?
No, praise the Lord!
31. Have you ever won a trophy?
No, but I have won ribbons for some art work (which includes first place in the congressional art show back when I lived in Corpus Christi; after which, my drawing hung in the congressman's office for a year. =o) Sorry, I just had to boast about that one!)
32. What is your favorite board game?
Scrabble, Cranium
33. What is your dream car?
Any type of convertible, but I'm not picky. I drive a 14 year-old Cadillac, for goodness sake!
34. Ever order an article from an infomercial?
Yup, Winsor Pilates last year
35. Coke or Pepsi?
I have a fondness for Coke that extends from childhood, but given the choice I usually chose Pepsi.
36. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to work?
Not really. The closest I've come is a denim shirt I had to wear when I worked at Highland's Kid's Kingdom (a mothers day out/preschool). There was a picture of Noah's Ark and it said "Get to Noah Child." Clever, huh?
37. Last thing you bought at a pharmacy?
A birthday card
38. Who are you going to marry?
Wait, what??? That sure is a random question! And seeing as how there is NO ONE in the radar, I'm thinking I don't have to worry about that now. Praise the Lord!
39. Who would you like to meet?
Bono - besides the fact that I LOVE his music, my brothers would be so jealous and I could hold it over their heads for the rest of our lives.
40. Do you believe in love at first sight?
I believe in lust at first sight, although I have known people who saw someone for the first time and knew that was the person they were going to marry. In those cases, half the people panicked and tried to avoid the inevitable, while the other half pursued until it finally happened.
41. What features do you find most attractive in the opposite sex?
Eyes and strong hands (and arms). Yeah, I know that's random, but it's true!
As far as character: Christian with a sense of humor (he'll need it to survive my family!) and a heart of worship.
42. Where would you go for a romantic evening?
What's with all the love questions?! I won't even dignify this question with an answer (mostly, because I have NO idea).
43. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Well, um, ya see, what had happened was I kinda lost count after 30. Seriously. But in my defense, that includes flip-flops, some of which are only $2-$5 Wal-mart and Target ones!
After I get my room cleaned up I'll try to gather an official count.
44. Last song stuck in your head?
Blessed be Your Name by Matt Redman
It's still there.
Before that it was Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice
Question 45 is also missing. Weird.
46. What's your all time favorite Saturday Night Live Character?
Sorry, but I've never watched SNL enough to have a favorite character.
47. What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
Play guitar and/or piano
48. What do you do when you are bored?
Play internet games (I'm addicted to Yahoo's Mahjong Solitaire)
49. What is one thing that you would want someone to appreciate about you?
My sense of humor (the greatest encouragement I've ever received was from my good friend Kelley. She said that she laughs the hardest when she's hanging out with me.)
50. What is one thing you're grateful for today?
I went shopping with my mom and grandma (Foley's had an 80% off winter clearance)! Mom bought me a cowboy hat for my school's rodeo day tomorrow. The best part is it was only $10! AND Clinique had their free gift with purchase, so I bought a lip gloss and mascara. I also got an awesome silk scarf for only $16 and three pairs of dangley earrings for only $9! Did I mention that it was also PAY DAY! =o)
Please feel free to answer any or all of the questions in the comments! Cheers! =o)
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Missing England
Okay, you people are probably SICK of hearing me talk about England, but I can't help it! First of all, I spent 1/3 of last year there and have quite a few good friends from/living in the UK. Secondly, when there's a burden and a love for a country in your heart, you can't help but talk about it. So deal! ;o)
I know I mentioned going to World Mandate two weeks ago, but I never followed up on that post. The main reason I went was because I knew there would be people from England and King's Arms there. After seeing all my friends, I was ready to leave. But since I paid the $50 for the conference I figured I might as well stay.
I know I've spiritually matured, because this was probably the first year I didn't get swept up in all the emotions. This was the first year I was able to stand before God and wait for Him to speak. There were no distractions (or at least very few) about if anyone would come over and pray for me or if they would have "a word" for me, etc etc. In England last year I learned the hard way that I HAVE TO be able to meet with God one on one. I'm all for community, and I sorely miss it now that I don't have a church, but when everyone and everything is stripped away you must be able to tap into God for yourself. So this year at Mandate I practically walked that out.
Another sign of my maturity is I didn't get swept up in the call to go to the nations. I already know that God has called me, I've already been multiple times, and I know I'm going back. As much as I would love to leave next week, I know the next year-and-a-half will be integral in preparing the way, and I'm ready to wait for Him to sort it all out.
Back to England. I met with Mike, the director of the King's Arms Project, and he told me they would love to have me back in Bedford at anytime. The problem: they can't afford to pay me this year (or at least, pay beyond the 120 pound stipend). But I assured him it was okay because I wouldn't be ready to go back for at least another year. And I long to return! It's a bit scary, because Project changes so much over just a year, but I know this is what the Lord is calling me to do next.
So now I'm faced with the challenge of living the next 18 months without pinning away for England. I don't want to miss out on anything coming my way this next year, and I don't want to hold my breath until I step off that plane in Gatwick Airport. So I'm learning how to fully live each day. Some days are better than others, but God is good! I miss England. I miss living at 19 Preston Rd with Dave and Hannah. I miss working at the Nightshelter. I miss being streched and pushed out of my comfort zone. I miss all the interesting people and those interesting encounters I had at the Nightshelter. I miss interceding and befriending those rejected by society. I miss worshiping at King's Arms. I miss day trips to London. I even miss walking everywhere in a small town and running into people I know. And I especially miss my good friends. But I KNOW God is good and faithful!
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
I know I mentioned going to World Mandate two weeks ago, but I never followed up on that post. The main reason I went was because I knew there would be people from England and King's Arms there. After seeing all my friends, I was ready to leave. But since I paid the $50 for the conference I figured I might as well stay.
I know I've spiritually matured, because this was probably the first year I didn't get swept up in all the emotions. This was the first year I was able to stand before God and wait for Him to speak. There were no distractions (or at least very few) about if anyone would come over and pray for me or if they would have "a word" for me, etc etc. In England last year I learned the hard way that I HAVE TO be able to meet with God one on one. I'm all for community, and I sorely miss it now that I don't have a church, but when everyone and everything is stripped away you must be able to tap into God for yourself. So this year at Mandate I practically walked that out.
Another sign of my maturity is I didn't get swept up in the call to go to the nations. I already know that God has called me, I've already been multiple times, and I know I'm going back. As much as I would love to leave next week, I know the next year-and-a-half will be integral in preparing the way, and I'm ready to wait for Him to sort it all out.
Back to England. I met with Mike, the director of the King's Arms Project, and he told me they would love to have me back in Bedford at anytime. The problem: they can't afford to pay me this year (or at least, pay beyond the 120 pound stipend). But I assured him it was okay because I wouldn't be ready to go back for at least another year. And I long to return! It's a bit scary, because Project changes so much over just a year, but I know this is what the Lord is calling me to do next.
So now I'm faced with the challenge of living the next 18 months without pinning away for England. I don't want to miss out on anything coming my way this next year, and I don't want to hold my breath until I step off that plane in Gatwick Airport. So I'm learning how to fully live each day. Some days are better than others, but God is good! I miss England. I miss living at 19 Preston Rd with Dave and Hannah. I miss working at the Nightshelter. I miss being streched and pushed out of my comfort zone. I miss all the interesting people and those interesting encounters I had at the Nightshelter. I miss interceding and befriending those rejected by society. I miss worshiping at King's Arms. I miss day trips to London. I even miss walking everywhere in a small town and running into people I know. And I especially miss my good friends. But I KNOW God is good and faithful!
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Try for tea
Jen mentioned Adagio Teas' giveaway, so I thought I'd give it a try. They created this genius advertising plan in an effort to move up the google ranks - they're giving away free tea if you add their link to your blog!
It's not a scam, because Jen's sister already got her tea. So, what the heck? I'll try for some tea.
The free gift is "commensurate" with our site's Google Page Rank. Believe it or not, we actually have a PR of 3! I'm looking forward to getting my just reward!
It's not a scam, because Jen's sister already got her tea. So, what the heck? I'll try for some tea.
The free gift is "commensurate" with our site's Google Page Rank. Believe it or not, we actually have a PR of 3! I'm looking forward to getting my just reward!
Friday, February 25, 2005
Poem of the Day
(It's been awhile since I've done one of these . . .)
Poetry Reading
by Linda Pastan
from An Early Afterlife
Your words are like the knife
in the hand of my surgeon father
whose completed face was hidden
from me by that green mask,
whose eyes were so focused
he could see every organ,
every arterial river laid out
before him - a map of the world
for him to choose from.
And though that knife could kill
as well as heal, still I was willing
to lie down, belly up, like a young wolf
before the alpha dog, trusting him
with my defenseless life.
Poetry Reading
by Linda Pastan
from An Early Afterlife
Your words are like the knife
in the hand of my surgeon father
whose completed face was hidden
from me by that green mask,
whose eyes were so focused
he could see every organ,
every arterial river laid out
before him - a map of the world
for him to choose from.
And though that knife could kill
as well as heal, still I was willing
to lie down, belly up, like a young wolf
before the alpha dog, trusting him
with my defenseless life.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
The Nap Line
Allow me to introduce you to The Nap Line. Here you observe my two cats in their beds, which are actually located on top of my bed. Napping is an activity that my cats engage in up to, I believe, 15-20 hours per day. (The orange furball is shy.)
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
This is completely shocking!
Your Brain is 100.00% Female, 0.00% Male |
You have the brain of a girly girl Which isn't a bad thing at all You're emphatetic, caring, and in tune with emotions. You're a good friend and give great advice. |
I'm surprised, considering I was raised surrounded by boys, and it's much easier for me to be friends with boys than girls. Oh well!
Lost in Translation
This morning I noticed that my mom had cleaned and organized the refrigerator. I thought it looked rather nifty. So I tried to compliment Mom on her nifty job. Unfortunately, I forgot to consider our generation gap. Perhaps I should recreate our dialogue here:
T: I dig the new fridge.
M: You what?
T: It's cool. The new fridge.
M: What new fridge?
T: The fridge. Didn't you clean it out? And you changed the shelves around?
M: OH!
T: I dig it.
Now the milk jugs are one shelf lower. Mom fixed it that way so as to accommodate her mildly arthritic condition. I figured maybe she was accommodating the fact that we're both short.
T: I dig the new fridge.
M: You what?
T: It's cool. The new fridge.
M: What new fridge?
T: The fridge. Didn't you clean it out? And you changed the shelves around?
M: OH!
T: I dig it.
Now the milk jugs are one shelf lower. Mom fixed it that way so as to accommodate her mildly arthritic condition. I figured maybe she was accommodating the fact that we're both short.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Artistic genius
"Apple Tree"
Media: Marker and crayon on paper
Artist: Nathan, age 5
Allow me to brag about my nephew for a bit. Nathan is 5 and when he was only 2-and-a-half he started drawing basic stick-figure faces. Two years later, the boy still loves drawing and will sit and draw for hours on end, easily producing twenty pictures a day. Some of these are half-hearted doodles, while others are full-blown masterpieces (as pictured above and below). He also has a photographic memory and will sit and draw scenes from cartoons he's watched. It amazes me, especially since I studied art in college and still can't do half of what he does.
If you are reading this and shall like to become a patron of Nathan's art, please leave a comment below. Cheers!
Saturday, February 19, 2005
The boys
Brandi bought Nathan this cap at Wal-mart for only $.50, and the kid LOVES it! He's worn it everyday for the past three weeks. He wakes up, gets dressed and puts his hat on; when he goes to sleep he takes it off and hangs it on his bedpost. Brandi even went back to the store and bought another one so she can switch them out when one needs washing. Daniel has a hat too, but he doesn't wear it nearly as often.
The girl
This is the only pic we were able to get of her somewhat smiling. She's still a cutie, though!
I think there were four people standing behind me as I took this picture - Brandi, her mom, my mom and dad. I'm sure the neighbors thought we looked like a bunch of dorks trying to get three kids to look and the camera AND smile. Sadly, my brother is a photographer but his daughter still doesn't know what to do when there's a camera in front of her. Luckily, we got Daniel to stop pulling grass long enough to look up. We were fortunate to get Abigail to look up, but I think we were hoping for too much when we insisted that she smile. I went ahead and took the pic anyway - two smiles are better than none!
The kids
The nephews and niece visited this weekend. We tried to get a cute picture of the three outside, but we didn't have much success. The pictures turned out cute anyway. I'll post a couple more.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
The Post Office, The Phantom, & Hemingway
Small towns usually have reputations for being provincial little locations where residents, often finding themselves bored, tend to gossip more than the average person. Unfortunately, Odessa tends to fall into this small-town category, even though technically it's a good-sized city (around 90,000+ population). I briefly mentioned previously about a weird encounter with the mail lady -- actually, that wasn't the first time she'd given me the creeps. When I first moved here, I had a problem with my mail forwarding properly, so I called the post office and ended up speaking with my family's mail carrier. "Oh, yeah, she's the one who went to Baylor and now she's back home, right?" When I realized she thought she was talking to my mom, I said, "This IS the girl who's back home..." And how the heck do you know all this?? I thought. (She has almost no real contact with my family.) Anyway, she's a nice lady, but it was still too weird for me... I was at the post office yesterday mailing some packages, and after I declared what was in them, the clerk behind the counter asked if I was eBaying. I replied yes. Then our conversation progressed to where I disclosed more of my plans to sell stuff online, etc., etc. Anyways, after I walked away, I thought, Great, now she's going to tell our mail lady... Hopefully I'm just overly paranoid about this. At any rate, my desire to move to a bigger city (Dallas and Ft. Worth readily come to mind) seems to increase with each passing day... Oops, I better be careful about what I write. The mail lady might find out.
* * *
A couple of weekends ago, I had the privilege of watching the new The Phantom of the Opera movie. Excellent film! I grew up with the music as a kid, but I had never seen the Broadway musical performed. All I had to go on was the Highlights soundtrack and several glimpses at a nifty book at the mall. And I read the original novel by Gaston Leroux, but it was in high school and I barely remember it. (Come to think of it, I also saw that movie from the '40s. Then that awful horror version from 1989, but it was sacrilegious as far as Phantom is concerned...)
The Phantom currently showing at theaters was absolutely breathtaking with the special effects, but overall the rest of it was pretty natural and sort of laid-back in some places. For instance, the Broadway soundtrack from the '80s seems to have a LOT of overacting, compared to the new movie. And the new movie's actors who play Christine and the Phantom sing with a much more pleasant vibrato than the original Broadway cast. (My voice teacher from college used to cringe at Sarah Brightman's vibrato, and I always thought Michael Crawford sounded like he was singing through his nose.)
Overall, it was totally da bomb! Awesome new flick! If nothing else, you've at LEAST got to go see Minnie Driver all spiffed up in an opera costume -- talk about comic relief!
This is all my opinion only. My brother-in-law didn't care for the movie. (But I think maybe he would have preferred the horror version...)
* * *
Recently I started reading Hemingway again. I've been told that what makes him stand out as a Modern American novelist is his writing style. Since he was a journalist, he tends to write in short, concise sentences.
Thusly.
But I was rather shocked as I read through the first chapter of A Farewell to Arms -- Hemingway begins most of his sentences with the letter T. If I had done that, my writing teachers would have flunked me for sure!!
But he did end that first chapter with a bang. I think Hemingway ought to be remembered for the way he disguised his deep, biting commentaries with supposedly objective journalistic prose. What a genius!
So there.
* * *
A couple of weekends ago, I had the privilege of watching the new The Phantom of the Opera movie. Excellent film! I grew up with the music as a kid, but I had never seen the Broadway musical performed. All I had to go on was the Highlights soundtrack and several glimpses at a nifty book at the mall. And I read the original novel by Gaston Leroux, but it was in high school and I barely remember it. (Come to think of it, I also saw that movie from the '40s. Then that awful horror version from 1989, but it was sacrilegious as far as Phantom is concerned...)
The Phantom currently showing at theaters was absolutely breathtaking with the special effects, but overall the rest of it was pretty natural and sort of laid-back in some places. For instance, the Broadway soundtrack from the '80s seems to have a LOT of overacting, compared to the new movie. And the new movie's actors who play Christine and the Phantom sing with a much more pleasant vibrato than the original Broadway cast. (My voice teacher from college used to cringe at Sarah Brightman's vibrato, and I always thought Michael Crawford sounded like he was singing through his nose.)
Overall, it was totally da bomb! Awesome new flick! If nothing else, you've at LEAST got to go see Minnie Driver all spiffed up in an opera costume -- talk about comic relief!
This is all my opinion only. My brother-in-law didn't care for the movie. (But I think maybe he would have preferred the horror version...)
* * *
Recently I started reading Hemingway again. I've been told that what makes him stand out as a Modern American novelist is his writing style. Since he was a journalist, he tends to write in short, concise sentences.
Thusly.
But I was rather shocked as I read through the first chapter of A Farewell to Arms -- Hemingway begins most of his sentences with the letter T. If I had done that, my writing teachers would have flunked me for sure!!
But he did end that first chapter with a bang. I think Hemingway ought to be remembered for the way he disguised his deep, biting commentaries with supposedly objective journalistic prose. What a genius!
So there.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
A V-Day Quiz (a day late)
Thankfully, I'm relatively level-headed when it comes to romance (Who knew?!). Or at least, that is what this quiz says . . .
You Are A Realist |
You are more romantic than 20% of the population.  When it comes to romance, you tend to take a realistic approach. You believe that love takes time, and it's something you have to work hard for. A bit cynical, over the top romance tends to get under your skin. Your heart is difficult to win ... but it's totally worth it. |
Monday, February 14, 2005
'Twas the Ev'ning of V-Day
'Twas the Ev'ning of V-Day, but all through the house
Not a suitor was calling, not even Pete Krause.
My stockings were hung by the shower with care
In hopes that they'd not see a run or a tear.
My cat was asleep all snug in his bed
While visions of mouse-chases raced through his head.
With tunes on my stereo, with swing jazz, not rap,
I chilled on my bean bag; my fingers I snapped.
When all of a sudden, I missed when it started,
My wide-awake cat, to the bathroom he darted!
From my bean bag I crawled to the WC,
But helpless, I cried in hysterics, "No, Kitty!"
Engrossed in his dream-state, though he'd never nipped,
His claws tore through nylon -- my stockings he ripped!
"Hey, what are you doing?!?" I shouted and scream-ed.
Limp, feath'ry, and lifeless -- my stockings were shredded!
Releasing his prey, kitty crouched down to purr.
I attempted to fathom; it was all such a blur.
Good grief, what was happ'ning? what caused this odd thriller?
Was my stereo too loud? was he spooked by Glenn Miller??
Perplexed and frustrated, I let out a roar.
Then suddenly, I heard a knock at the door.
Had the neighbors been bothered by all the commotion?
Great, that's all I need! Alas, perish the notion!
But, to my surprise, stood Pete Krause at my threshold!
Spiffed up in a zoot suit. (It made him look old.)
I think he was just a bit nervous romancing.
His voice sort of cracked as he uttered, "S-swing dancing??"
I just shook my head and explained with a sigh
That an accident happened before he came by.
"Nothing to wear have I," I said, sounding like Yoda.
"Could we maybe just go out for dinner, or a soda?"
Pete fin'lly relaxed and said, "What a relief!"
And he added, just somewhat to my disbelief,
"On the dance floor, I tell you, I have two left feet!
Happy Valentine's Day! Let's get something to eat!"
So I turned off my stereo and retrieved my purse
And wondered if kitty had found a small hearse
For the funeral of my stockings, snuffed out and decrepit.
But then I thought, "I've got a date! So to heck with it!"
I scooped up the stockings, tossed them in the wastebasket,
And thought to myself, "Why did I blow a gasket?"
I called to my cat as his eyes caught the light,
"Happy V-Day, dear Fluffy! See you later! Good night!"
Not a suitor was calling, not even Pete Krause.
My stockings were hung by the shower with care
In hopes that they'd not see a run or a tear.
My cat was asleep all snug in his bed
While visions of mouse-chases raced through his head.
With tunes on my stereo, with swing jazz, not rap,
I chilled on my bean bag; my fingers I snapped.
When all of a sudden, I missed when it started,
My wide-awake cat, to the bathroom he darted!
From my bean bag I crawled to the WC,
But helpless, I cried in hysterics, "No, Kitty!"
Engrossed in his dream-state, though he'd never nipped,
His claws tore through nylon -- my stockings he ripped!
"Hey, what are you doing?!?" I shouted and scream-ed.
Limp, feath'ry, and lifeless -- my stockings were shredded!
Releasing his prey, kitty crouched down to purr.
I attempted to fathom; it was all such a blur.
Good grief, what was happ'ning? what caused this odd thriller?
Was my stereo too loud? was he spooked by Glenn Miller??
Perplexed and frustrated, I let out a roar.
Then suddenly, I heard a knock at the door.
Had the neighbors been bothered by all the commotion?
Great, that's all I need! Alas, perish the notion!
But, to my surprise, stood Pete Krause at my threshold!
Spiffed up in a zoot suit. (It made him look old.)
I think he was just a bit nervous romancing.
His voice sort of cracked as he uttered, "S-swing dancing??"
I just shook my head and explained with a sigh
That an accident happened before he came by.
"Nothing to wear have I," I said, sounding like Yoda.
"Could we maybe just go out for dinner, or a soda?"
Pete fin'lly relaxed and said, "What a relief!"
And he added, just somewhat to my disbelief,
"On the dance floor, I tell you, I have two left feet!
Happy Valentine's Day! Let's get something to eat!"
So I turned off my stereo and retrieved my purse
And wondered if kitty had found a small hearse
For the funeral of my stockings, snuffed out and decrepit.
But then I thought, "I've got a date! So to heck with it!"
I scooped up the stockings, tossed them in the wastebasket,
And thought to myself, "Why did I blow a gasket?"
I called to my cat as his eyes caught the light,
"Happy V-Day, dear Fluffy! See you later! Good night!"
Wazzap
T: How is your day going?
D: OK. Why?
T: It's SAD.
D: Excuse me???
T: SAD. You know, Single Awareness Day.
D: Oy! I've been concentrating on NOT knowing what day it is! Thanks a LOT!
T: No problem. It's a SAD Day.
D: You just repeated yourself.
T: Huh?
D: If SAD is an acronym, you just said it's a Single Awareness Day Day.
T: Dude, bummer. Then it needs to be SADD, right?
D: No, that's Students Against Drunk Driving. You're plagiarizing now.
T: Crap!
D: Doh!
T: That reminds me of those online photo labs with painfully long turnaround times and cheesy slogans.
D: Oh, no! You don't mean --
T: Yup. "Someday my prints will come."
D: OK. Why?
T: It's SAD.
D: Excuse me???
T: SAD. You know, Single Awareness Day.
D: Oy! I've been concentrating on NOT knowing what day it is! Thanks a LOT!
T: No problem. It's a SAD Day.
D: You just repeated yourself.
T: Huh?
D: If SAD is an acronym, you just said it's a Single Awareness Day Day.
T: Dude, bummer. Then it needs to be SADD, right?
D: No, that's Students Against Drunk Driving. You're plagiarizing now.
T: Crap!
D: Doh!
T: That reminds me of those online photo labs with painfully long turnaround times and cheesy slogans.
D: Oh, no! You don't mean --
T: Yup. "Someday my prints will come."
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Keys to surviving SAD...
Are you a single woman who has found yourself alone on Valentine's Day? Need help? Look no further!
Here's what you need:
*an empty house/apartment/room with a vcr/dvd player
*an exercise video
*2-5 bags of chocolates, fruit chews, Twizzlers, or sweets of your choice
*favorite pet or stuffed animals
*two movies - one romantic comedy (such as Return to Me, Sleepless in Seattle, Love Actually, etc) and one girl-power movie (like Bridget Jones' Diary, Legally Blonde,
Supergirl, etc)
*a box of Kleenex
*a Bible
Here's what you do:
1. It's Valentine's Day, but for you it's become Single Awareness Day as you find yourself alone and dateless. First, embrace it!
2. Enter your house/apartment/room. Lock the doors and close the curtains.
3. Insert the sappy movie into the vcr/dvd player.
4. While viewing the film, munch on 1-2 bags of sweets.
5. Tears may begin to flow as feelings of loneliness and depression overwhelm you, so cuddle with your pet/stuffed animals for comfort (but don't squeeze Fluffy so hard that his eyes pop out) and use generous amounts of Kleenex to remove all unnecessary traces of tears and snot.
6. After two hours of this, you'll need a lift - insert the girl-power movie into the vcr/dvd player.
7. As you watch the power-flick, soak up the positive energy from the strong, independent women. Or at least picture Supergirl punching the lights out of that gorgeous guy who will never ask you out.
8. Eat another bag or two of sweets. You're da woman! Be confident and comfortable with who you are! Love the curves you have developed the years! You don't need a man to boost your self-worth -- heck no!
9. As you come down from your sugar high, you may begin to feel depressed again, especially when the movie comes to an end and you see Bridget happily hook up with Mr. Darcy and Elle with Everett. Resist it! Stop the movie if you must.
10. Insert the exercise video to boost endorphins and in an effort to burn a hundredth of the thousands of calories you've ingested throughout the evening.
11. By the end of the video you may begin to feel light-headed or have trouble beathing; perhaps there's a pain in your side and a burning in your lungs, not to mention the world's worst stomachache.
12. Crawl into the nearest bed or couch, cuddle with your pet/stuffed animals (again, don't squeeze too hard) and open your bible to Isaiah 58 -- it's time to start fasting!
You realize we need God's help to become the inwardly strong and confident women we were created to be . . . or at least, hopefully, you'll have this revelation before you pass out due to over-exertion following the excessive sugar intake.
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
Proverbs 31:30
Here's what you need:
*an empty house/apartment/room with a vcr/dvd player
*an exercise video
*2-5 bags of chocolates, fruit chews, Twizzlers, or sweets of your choice
*favorite pet or stuffed animals
*two movies - one romantic comedy (such as Return to Me, Sleepless in Seattle, Love Actually, etc) and one girl-power movie (like Bridget Jones' Diary, Legally Blonde,
Supergirl, etc)
*a box of Kleenex
*a Bible
Here's what you do:
1. It's Valentine's Day, but for you it's become Single Awareness Day as you find yourself alone and dateless. First, embrace it!
2. Enter your house/apartment/room. Lock the doors and close the curtains.
3. Insert the sappy movie into the vcr/dvd player.
4. While viewing the film, munch on 1-2 bags of sweets.
5. Tears may begin to flow as feelings of loneliness and depression overwhelm you, so cuddle with your pet/stuffed animals for comfort (but don't squeeze Fluffy so hard that his eyes pop out) and use generous amounts of Kleenex to remove all unnecessary traces of tears and snot.
6. After two hours of this, you'll need a lift - insert the girl-power movie into the vcr/dvd player.
7. As you watch the power-flick, soak up the positive energy from the strong, independent women. Or at least picture Supergirl punching the lights out of that gorgeous guy who will never ask you out.
8. Eat another bag or two of sweets. You're da woman! Be confident and comfortable with who you are! Love the curves you have developed the years! You don't need a man to boost your self-worth -- heck no!
9. As you come down from your sugar high, you may begin to feel depressed again, especially when the movie comes to an end and you see Bridget happily hook up with Mr. Darcy and Elle with Everett. Resist it! Stop the movie if you must.
10. Insert the exercise video to boost endorphins and in an effort to burn a hundredth of the thousands of calories you've ingested throughout the evening.
11. By the end of the video you may begin to feel light-headed or have trouble beathing; perhaps there's a pain in your side and a burning in your lungs, not to mention the world's worst stomachache.
12. Crawl into the nearest bed or couch, cuddle with your pet/stuffed animals (again, don't squeeze too hard) and open your bible to Isaiah 58 -- it's time to start fasting!
You realize we need God's help to become the inwardly strong and confident women we were created to be . . . or at least, hopefully, you'll have this revelation before you pass out due to over-exertion following the excessive sugar intake.
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
Proverbs 31:30
Friday, February 11, 2005
V-Day for Singles
Here are some
DOs and DON'Ts for Singles on Valentine's Day:
DO: If you and your friends all happen to be without a date, get together at somebody's house for a candlelight dinner anyway. Follow up dinner with prayer and maybe some TV.
DON'T: Pray for your future spouses for 5 hours. Then turn on the TV and drool over Mario Lopez.
DO: If you stay alone at home for the evening, snuggle up with your cat and enjoy some Valentine's Day chocolate.
DON'T: Buy half the chocolate-bar aisle at 7-11, then bring it home, eat all of it in one sitting, and turn to your cat for comfort after you've puked. (Fluffy may or may not want to come near you...)
DO: Read the Bible and let God encourage you.
DON'T: [if you're a guy] Get stuck in Genesis and say, "Come on, God -- can I at least have my rib back??"
DON'T: [if you're a girl] Get stuck in Song of Solomon and scream at the Shulamite, "OK, so you're faint with love -- BLA, BLA, BLA!!"
DOs and DON'Ts for Singles on Valentine's Day:
DO: If you and your friends all happen to be without a date, get together at somebody's house for a candlelight dinner anyway. Follow up dinner with prayer and maybe some TV.
DON'T: Pray for your future spouses for 5 hours. Then turn on the TV and drool over Mario Lopez.
DO: If you stay alone at home for the evening, snuggle up with your cat and enjoy some Valentine's Day chocolate.
DON'T: Buy half the chocolate-bar aisle at 7-11, then bring it home, eat all of it in one sitting, and turn to your cat for comfort after you've puked. (Fluffy may or may not want to come near you...)
DO: Read the Bible and let God encourage you.
DON'T: [if you're a guy] Get stuck in Genesis and say, "Come on, God -- can I at least have my rib back??"
DON'T: [if you're a girl] Get stuck in Song of Solomon and scream at the Shulamite, "OK, so you're faint with love -- BLA, BLA, BLA!!"
Thursday, February 10, 2005
V-Day for Dating Couples
Here are some
DOs and DON'Ts for Dating Couples on Valentine's Day:
DO: Talk about your pets, if you have pets, so as to find common ground.
DON'T: Bring your pet on the date (especially if your date is allergic).
DO: [if you're a guy] Arrange for your lovely lady to be serenaded.
DON'T: Arrange for your lovely lady to be serenaded by your favorite band, Meowing Torpedoes.
DO: [if you're a girl] Compliment your man on the stunning aroma of his cologne.
DON'T: Cough so hard from his cologne's fumes that you scream in frustration, "Just use SOAP next time!!"
DOs and DON'Ts for Dating Couples on Valentine's Day:
DO: Talk about your pets, if you have pets, so as to find common ground.
DON'T: Bring your pet on the date (especially if your date is allergic).
DO: [if you're a guy] Arrange for your lovely lady to be serenaded.
DON'T: Arrange for your lovely lady to be serenaded by your favorite band, Meowing Torpedoes.
DO: [if you're a girl] Compliment your man on the stunning aroma of his cologne.
DON'T: Cough so hard from his cologne's fumes that you scream in frustration, "Just use SOAP next time!!"
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Off to Mandate!
Since I only work Mondays and Wednesdays my weekends start Wed afternoon. Therefore, I'm heading back to Waco for the weekend.
This weekend is World Mandate, a missions conference geared toward students, although people of all ages usually go. It's gotten bigger and bigger every year. This is the second year they rented out the Waco Convention Center for the event. The main auditorium reached capacity a few weeks ago and they've opened up an overflow room. Thankfully I'll be in the big room where all the action takes place. :)
I'm extra excited because I have friends from King's Arms coming, and they're bringing English goodies for me. Yay! One of the guys I'm meeting up with is Mike, the director of the King's Arms Project. When I heard he wanted to get together I was a little nervous - I almost felt like a kid being called to the principal's office. We didn't get to talk much while I was over there, even though he and his family lived right across the street from me. It was exactly this time last year that I met him and first talked about going to work on Project. I never expected for it to happen. Now I don't know what to expect, but it would be good to see him and catch up on how everyone is doing.
So you people have a great rest of the week and weekend. I'll blog with ya again come Sunday!
This weekend is World Mandate, a missions conference geared toward students, although people of all ages usually go. It's gotten bigger and bigger every year. This is the second year they rented out the Waco Convention Center for the event. The main auditorium reached capacity a few weeks ago and they've opened up an overflow room. Thankfully I'll be in the big room where all the action takes place. :)
I'm extra excited because I have friends from King's Arms coming, and they're bringing English goodies for me. Yay! One of the guys I'm meeting up with is Mike, the director of the King's Arms Project. When I heard he wanted to get together I was a little nervous - I almost felt like a kid being called to the principal's office. We didn't get to talk much while I was over there, even though he and his family lived right across the street from me. It was exactly this time last year that I met him and first talked about going to work on Project. I never expected for it to happen. Now I don't know what to expect, but it would be good to see him and catch up on how everyone is doing.
So you people have a great rest of the week and weekend. I'll blog with ya again come Sunday!
V-Day for Married Couples
Here are some
DOs and DON'Ts for Married Couples on Valentine's Day:
DO: Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner for two.
DON'T: Enjoy chili dogs for dinner, with frito pie and nachos on the side. And onion rings for dessert.
DO: [if you're a guy] Serenade your wife.
DON'T: Serenade your wife with "Put another log on the fire / Cook me up some bacon and some beans" (unless she has a REALLY good sense of humor).
DO: [if you're a girl] Allure your husband with your favorite perfume.
DON'T: Drench yourself in so much perfume that it causes your husband's eyes to water and his face to break out in hives.
DOs and DON'Ts for Married Couples on Valentine's Day:
DO: Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner for two.
DON'T: Enjoy chili dogs for dinner, with frito pie and nachos on the side. And onion rings for dessert.
DO: [if you're a guy] Serenade your wife.
DON'T: Serenade your wife with "Put another log on the fire / Cook me up some bacon and some beans" (unless she has a REALLY good sense of humor).
DO: [if you're a girl] Allure your husband with your favorite perfume.
DON'T: Drench yourself in so much perfume that it causes your husband's eyes to water and his face to break out in hives.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
It's not too late!
Did you have a panic attack when you looked at the calendar and realized Valentine’s Day is less than a week away? No worries! You still have time to snag that PERFECT date.
For all you nice Christian guys out there whose tongues swell and whose insides turn to liquid when you approach that certain someone, here are 25 surefire “conversation starters,” aka pick-up lines, to aid your endeavors. My personal favorites are:
Tirzah and I even put our heads together to come up with our own lines:
*So, uh, is this pew taken?
*Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors, right? Well, hello there neighbor! My name is ______.
*It wasn't until I saw you from across the room that I began to believe in predestination.
*Hey, you're in the Young Marrieds Sunday School class, right? No? You're single?? That's inconceivable! Oh, uh, by the way, my name is ______.
*I attended a True Love Waits conference in high school . . . let's just say I don't think I have to wait much longer!
*God spoke to me in a dream, so here I am, baby!
You may want to personalize these lines, rewrite them to add your own unique flavor, or use them as a springboard to come up with your own lines. Be creative. The worst that can happen is you’re rejected and feel like an idiot, which may plunge you into deep depression, but it’s all good! There's therapy! Just let Jesus heal those hurts! Perhaps we should have turned to Him in the first place . . .
"Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you."
Matthew 7:7
So keep knocking, baby!
For all you nice Christian guys out there whose tongues swell and whose insides turn to liquid when you approach that certain someone, here are 25 surefire “conversation starters,” aka pick-up lines, to aid your endeavors. My personal favorites are:
4. God told me to come talk to you.
7. Do you need help carrying your bible? It looks heavy.
13. The word says "Give drink to those who are thirsty, and feed the hungry", so how about dinner?
16. Is it a sin that you stole my heart?
17. Would you happen to know a Christian woman that I could love with all my heart and wait on hand and foot?
22. My friend told me to come and meet you, he said that you are a really nice person. I think you know him. Jesus, yeah that’s his name.
Tirzah and I even put our heads together to come up with our own lines:
*So, uh, is this pew taken?
*Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors, right? Well, hello there neighbor! My name is ______.
*It wasn't until I saw you from across the room that I began to believe in predestination.
*Hey, you're in the Young Marrieds Sunday School class, right? No? You're single?? That's inconceivable! Oh, uh, by the way, my name is ______.
*I attended a True Love Waits conference in high school . . . let's just say I don't think I have to wait much longer!
*God spoke to me in a dream, so here I am, baby!
You may want to personalize these lines, rewrite them to add your own unique flavor, or use them as a springboard to come up with your own lines. Be creative. The worst that can happen is you’re rejected and feel like an idiot, which may plunge you into deep depression, but it’s all good! There's therapy! Just let Jesus heal those hurts! Perhaps we should have turned to Him in the first place . . .
"Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you."
Matthew 7:7
So keep knocking, baby!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
You know you're bored when...
You know you're bored when...
You almost get high on toothpaste one night.
You know you're easily entertained when...
You play with your dog's elbows just to make her growl.
You know you're broke when...
You consider it a banquet to get to eat more than two entrees at Taco Bell.
You know you're a little too excited about dental hygiene when...
You feel like doing cartwheels after your mom refills your mouthwash bottle.
You know your town is a wee bit too small when...
Your mail carrier asks you, "Have you found a job yet?" but you didn't even tell her you'd been looking.
You know you need to get out more when...
You tune in to The Lawrence Welk Show and start dancing with your cat.
You almost get high on toothpaste one night.
You know you're easily entertained when...
You play with your dog's elbows just to make her growl.
You know you're broke when...
You consider it a banquet to get to eat more than two entrees at Taco Bell.
You know you're a little too excited about dental hygiene when...
You feel like doing cartwheels after your mom refills your mouthwash bottle.
You know your town is a wee bit too small when...
Your mail carrier asks you, "Have you found a job yet?" but you didn't even tell her you'd been looking.
You know you need to get out more when...
You tune in to The Lawrence Welk Show and start dancing with your cat.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Monday, January 31, 2005
Confession 0001.5
I actually went to a Jessica Simpson concert last summer.
Before you ostracize me, you must know that I had free box tickets. It was right before I left for England and I was up in DC with Elaine. One of her co-worker's roommates worked at an accounting firm that held box tickets to every concert. So we all went together and enjoyed the luxury of VIP parking, access to the private "club house," and box seats with a personal waitress offering us overly-priced appetizers and drinks.
And while I'm confessing things, I might as well confess that we all had fun! It was a huge girl-bonding experience and, apart from seeing Elaine, was probably the highlight of my stay in DC (my second favorite event in DC was the Virginia's Texas Society bar-b-que - they even had cotton candy, bull-riding, and Blue Bell ice cream!).
My previous confession prompted me to write this one because Ryan Cabrera opened for Jessica. It was just before he got "famous" and as he was wrapping up he told everyone he would give them a free demo CD at the end of his set. It was hilarious because as he was starting his last song girls started running to line up for the autographed CD. Cabrera didn't expect that reaction and had to turn around and have a quick laugh before he could even start his song. It was funny. Crazy teenie-boppers!
Before you ostracize me, you must know that I had free box tickets. It was right before I left for England and I was up in DC with Elaine. One of her co-worker's roommates worked at an accounting firm that held box tickets to every concert. So we all went together and enjoyed the luxury of VIP parking, access to the private "club house," and box seats with a personal waitress offering us overly-priced appetizers and drinks.
And while I'm confessing things, I might as well confess that we all had fun! It was a huge girl-bonding experience and, apart from seeing Elaine, was probably the highlight of my stay in DC (my second favorite event in DC was the Virginia's Texas Society bar-b-que - they even had cotton candy, bull-riding, and Blue Bell ice cream!).
My previous confession prompted me to write this one because Ryan Cabrera opened for Jessica. It was just before he got "famous" and as he was wrapping up he told everyone he would give them a free demo CD at the end of his set. It was hilarious because as he was starting his last song girls started running to line up for the autographed CD. Cabrera didn't expect that reaction and had to turn around and have a quick laugh before he could even start his song. It was funny. Crazy teenie-boppers!
Confession 0001
At the risk of sounding like a teenie bopper, I must confess that I actually like the Ryan Cabrera song "True."
Sad, I know. What's even more sad is I'm listening to it on launch cast as I type this post.
Tirzah, perhaps you should pass along the number to that therapist you are always mentioning . . .
Sad, I know. What's even more sad is I'm listening to it on launch cast as I type this post.
Tirzah, perhaps you should pass along the number to that therapist you are always mentioning . . .
Friday, January 28, 2005
You know Mom's poodle is spoiled when...
You know Mom's poodle is spoiled when...
Mom pulls back the pooch's ears with a hair scrunchie, pony-tail style, at every meal.
You know your cat is confused when...
He wakes you up at 12:30 a.m. so you can play with his plastic toy.
You know your cat is territorial when...
He deposits his plastic toy in his Purina bowl so as to hide the food from the other cat.
You know your cat is bossy when...
She scratches at your hair at night because you're trying to sleep facing the wrong direction.
You know your cat is happy when...
You can hear her purring through her butt.
You know Mom's Betta fish is feeling neglected when...
He rams himself against his tank so as to remind the entire household of his feeding time.
You know Mom's poodle is eccentric when...
The dog barks at you from across the house to demand that you be her audience while she drinks water.
Mom pulls back the pooch's ears with a hair scrunchie, pony-tail style, at every meal.
You know your cat is confused when...
He wakes you up at 12:30 a.m. so you can play with his plastic toy.
You know your cat is territorial when...
He deposits his plastic toy in his Purina bowl so as to hide the food from the other cat.
You know your cat is bossy when...
She scratches at your hair at night because you're trying to sleep facing the wrong direction.
You know your cat is happy when...
You can hear her purring through her butt.
You know Mom's Betta fish is feeling neglected when...
He rams himself against his tank so as to remind the entire household of his feeding time.
You know Mom's poodle is eccentric when...
The dog barks at you from across the house to demand that you be her audience while she drinks water.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
"By the grace of God."
Mustafa Kamal reunited with his 5 year-old daughter, Rina Augustina.
I just stumbled across this story . This man, Mustafa Kamal, is a truck driver and was traveling to a city twelve hours away from his home in Banda Aceh when the tsunami hit. His wife, three daughters, and brother were all swept away from their home.
Kamal diligently searched for his family, even though there seemed to be no hope. He found the bodies of his brother and two older daughters, but kept searching for his wife and their youngest daughter. He explained that he knew in his heart his daughter had survived; he even had dreams that she was alive.
Nearly a month after searching, Kamal was finally reunited with his 5 year-old daughter, Rina Augustina.
``By the grace of God! I knew you were alive! I knew it!'' Kamal screamed at a reunion organized by the aid group Save the Children. ``My precious little one. I did not give up. I kept looking.''
This is nothing short of a miracle. As the article explains:
A local government department has recorded fewer than 10 reunifications since its program began around a week after the tsunami.
Praise God for this miracle! And know that there is a Daddy out there diligently searching for you, too. He longs to gather you in His arms and say, like Mustafa Kamal said, “My precious little one. I did not give up. I kept looking.”
Monday, January 24, 2005
Vertigo Tour
U2 released their world tour schedule today. Unfortunately, they are not coming to Texas during this round (why, I have NO IDEA, even though they are having FOUR shows in California!) My brother told me not to worry - they will probably come back and have more state-side shows by the end of the year or the beginning of '06. It just sucks that I have to wait that long!
However . . . I'm tempted to go to a UK show. They're in London June 18th, and that's only a 45 minute train ride away from my Bedford friends. The down-side: tickets for the UK tour go on sale FRIDAY, so I'll have to decide quickly. I'll try to get in touch with some of my England friends and see if they're interested in going, but I have to work fast . . . hmmm . . . it's very tempting! I've waited over 10 years for this! My brother will try to hold out for the Dublin show, which will be awesome, but my free room and board is closer to London or Manchester. I planned to return to England this summer anyway, so who knows . . .
However . . . I'm tempted to go to a UK show. They're in London June 18th, and that's only a 45 minute train ride away from my Bedford friends. The down-side: tickets for the UK tour go on sale FRIDAY, so I'll have to decide quickly. I'll try to get in touch with some of my England friends and see if they're interested in going, but I have to work fast . . . hmmm . . . it's very tempting! I've waited over 10 years for this! My brother will try to hold out for the Dublin show, which will be awesome, but my free room and board is closer to London or Manchester. I planned to return to England this summer anyway, so who knows . . .
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Singlehood: Unsuccessful Set-ups
I gotta tell ya these funny stories about unsuccessful attempts at matchmaking in my family.
A couple of years ago, my dad was in a local theater production. The cast included a young gal whom my dad thought might be a good match for my single cousin. So my cousin drove down for the performance and met the girl, but unfortunately it didn't work out. My parents and I were talking about it one day, and we were especially intrigued by the whole situation since this was the first time my dad had ever tried to set up anyone. "She's such a nice girl," Dad observed, "I just didn't want her to go to waste." My ears perked up. "Wait a minute," I replied, "are you saying that women who stay single just go to waste, like a leftover piece of pizza?? I am not a leftover piece of pizza!!" My mom was listening from the kitchen, and she concurred, "She's not a piece of pizza." We all got a good laugh that day.
More recently, my mom and sister walked in the door one evening and announced that Sis wanted to set me up with one of her co-workers, a 30-year-old single guy who was "sweet" and would probably be good for me. I know Sis meant well, but I admit I was mildly offended, mainly since the suggested gentleman was all but a complete stranger. And I wasn't all that impressed with his basic description. But he and I were never introduced. A few days later, I accompanied my parents to a job-related function of my sister's. Mom pointed out Sis' co-workers from far away and identified which one was the suggested bachelor. To me, it seemed that he had issues with spastic gum-chewing and did a sloppy job shaving that morning. But mom kept subtly encouraging me. However, later in the evening, somebody presented the bachelor with what appeared to be a set of paper plates and announced that when they spent Thanksgiving with him, they realized that he didn't use real plates. He laughingly concurred, "That's right! I never use real plates!" Mom kept a polite smile, but I sensed tension. She leaned over to me and whispered, "HE DOESN'T USE REAL PLATES." Interestingly, I did not receive further encouragement regarding the aforementioned bachelor.
Surely Sis should know by now how picky I am. Apparently, so is Mom...
A couple of years ago, my dad was in a local theater production. The cast included a young gal whom my dad thought might be a good match for my single cousin. So my cousin drove down for the performance and met the girl, but unfortunately it didn't work out. My parents and I were talking about it one day, and we were especially intrigued by the whole situation since this was the first time my dad had ever tried to set up anyone. "She's such a nice girl," Dad observed, "I just didn't want her to go to waste." My ears perked up. "Wait a minute," I replied, "are you saying that women who stay single just go to waste, like a leftover piece of pizza?? I am not a leftover piece of pizza!!" My mom was listening from the kitchen, and she concurred, "She's not a piece of pizza." We all got a good laugh that day.
More recently, my mom and sister walked in the door one evening and announced that Sis wanted to set me up with one of her co-workers, a 30-year-old single guy who was "sweet" and would probably be good for me. I know Sis meant well, but I admit I was mildly offended, mainly since the suggested gentleman was all but a complete stranger. And I wasn't all that impressed with his basic description. But he and I were never introduced. A few days later, I accompanied my parents to a job-related function of my sister's. Mom pointed out Sis' co-workers from far away and identified which one was the suggested bachelor. To me, it seemed that he had issues with spastic gum-chewing and did a sloppy job shaving that morning. But mom kept subtly encouraging me. However, later in the evening, somebody presented the bachelor with what appeared to be a set of paper plates and announced that when they spent Thanksgiving with him, they realized that he didn't use real plates. He laughingly concurred, "That's right! I never use real plates!" Mom kept a polite smile, but I sensed tension. She leaned over to me and whispered, "HE DOESN'T USE REAL PLATES." Interestingly, I did not receive further encouragement regarding the aforementioned bachelor.
Surely Sis should know by now how picky I am. Apparently, so is Mom...
Friday, January 21, 2005
Sloan Resigns
My brother called us this morning to say that a press conference was going on at Baylor. The topic: a change in leadership. Turns out that Baylor President Robert Sloan finally succumbed to the wishes of various staff, faculty, students, and powerful alumni who have all been against his leadership since implementing Baylor Vision 2012. The website explains that
Even though I was around Baylor when 2012 was implemented and have read and heard the descriptions, I still don't know what it fully means. I just know that tuition is soaring (praise God I already graduated!) and construction is going on everywhere to create beautiful red-brick buildings. I'm still a little bitter that I never had a class in one of the new buildings my tuition helped build.
Anywho, Dr. Sloan has had to deal with a lot over the years. The faculty held a vote of no-confidence in the fall of '03, and followed it up with another vote at the end of the school-year and the beginning of this school year. Sadly, President Sloan's popularity has been declining and it seems he and the Board of Regents have finally decided to adjust the leadership. This is from Dr. Sloan's statement this morning:
Although Sloan will no longer be president of Baylor, effective May 31st, he'll be the Chancellor. I have no idea what that means. Sounds like a demotion to me. But he explained the position will allow him to "focus on fundraising, recruitment, and promoting Baylor 2012."
Personally, I didn't think Dr. Sloan wasn't all that bad. It was frustrating to see the campus gutted and rearranged, not just buildings but also whole academic departments. But I did like that Dr. Sloan wanted to build a stronger Christian foundation at the school. That's the whole reason I chose to go to Baylor, so I would have that quality education based in Christian faith. Those who think that's narrow-minded in the world we live in today better watch out, lest we sic the bears on ya!
the purpose [of 2012] is to assume a unique leadership position in higher education by adding new faculty, facilities and programs, all while retaining and remaining grounded in our strong Christian mission. Baylor 2012 is a ten-year vision statement developed to set goals for moving Baylor into the upper echelons of higher education . . . . The 2012 Vision includes 12 imperatives necessary for the school to become recognized as a "top tier" institution. These imperatives range from academic and scholarly initiatives, to student life and campus expansion and improvement, to reaffirmation of faith-based learning, to athletics.
Even though I was around Baylor when 2012 was implemented and have read and heard the descriptions, I still don't know what it fully means. I just know that tuition is soaring (praise God I already graduated!) and construction is going on everywhere to create beautiful red-brick buildings. I'm still a little bitter that I never had a class in one of the new buildings my tuition helped build.
Anywho, Dr. Sloan has had to deal with a lot over the years. The faculty held a vote of no-confidence in the fall of '03, and followed it up with another vote at the end of the school-year and the beginning of this school year. Sadly, President Sloan's popularity has been declining and it seems he and the Board of Regents have finally decided to adjust the leadership. This is from Dr. Sloan's statement this morning:
But the natural side effect of change is conflict. We moved quickly and boldly to implement the vision and found that Baylor is not immune to the discomfort and insecurity generated by change. My leadership has often been a lightning rod for that discomfort.
But the focus should always be on the vision, not on the President. Though I have worked hard to cultivate mutual understanding with those who disagree with various decisions or even my management style, the reality is that my role as President has become a distraction from the main goal of fulfilling the vision. The vision is more important than any one person. No one is indispensable. Changing situations often require new leaders with different gifts and the benefit of a clean slate.
Although Sloan will no longer be president of Baylor, effective May 31st, he'll be the Chancellor. I have no idea what that means. Sounds like a demotion to me. But he explained the position will allow him to "focus on fundraising, recruitment, and promoting Baylor 2012."
Personally, I didn't think Dr. Sloan wasn't all that bad. It was frustrating to see the campus gutted and rearranged, not just buildings but also whole academic departments. But I did like that Dr. Sloan wanted to build a stronger Christian foundation at the school. That's the whole reason I chose to go to Baylor, so I would have that quality education based in Christian faith. Those who think that's narrow-minded in the world we live in today better watch out, lest we sic the bears on ya!
Life's Happenings
1.) I GOT A JOB!!! Yay for me!
Actually, it's only a VERY part-time job, but it's better than nuthin'! It's working at a Christian preschool as an assistant teacher in a three-year-old class. I'm excited because I'm definitely qualified and I love working with little ones in a Christian atmosphere. Thanks to my good friend, Becca, for the hook-up!
I'm going to try to substitute teach as a second job, and in the meantime work on an application for HISD alternative certification program and/or Baylor Graduate School of Social Work. I'm excited about both, so I don't know which one to pursue. I'm hoping God will show me soon.
2.) I finished reading C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces the other day. I read it years ago, but I barely remember it. I really enjoyed it this time around.
It's Lewis' rendition of the classical myth of Cupid and Psyche. Psyche's bitter and ugly oldest sister, Orual, tells the story, blaming the gods for taking her beautiful, beloved little sister from her when Psyche falls in love with Cupid. But at the end of her life, Orual looks back and is forced to reexamine her motives, love for her sister, and the gods' roles/actions. That's as far as I'll go with describing the book because I couldn't do it justice, so just read it for yourself!
I think my favorite part of the novel was towards the beginning when Psyche tells her older sister, Orual, that she always "had a kind of longing for death":
I think that's a beautiful description of life after death, of which I'm still working out issues I have. But we won't go into that emotional baggage here. =o)
3.) Still haven't finished reading MacDonald's book, but I'm slowly trekking through. Last night's chapter was especially good because it described John the Baptist as the ideal "called" person. MacDonald emphasizes that it's in the desert/wilderness that God speaks to John and forms his character. It reminded me of one of my favorite verses, Hosea 2:14-15
This is one of those scriptures that gives me hope in my own desert times.
4.) I'm still church shopping. I'll probably have to write about those adventures in a separate post. I've only been to two churches but I'm already sick of having to look around. *sigh* I wish there was an easier way.
Actually, it's only a VERY part-time job, but it's better than nuthin'! It's working at a Christian preschool as an assistant teacher in a three-year-old class. I'm excited because I'm definitely qualified and I love working with little ones in a Christian atmosphere. Thanks to my good friend, Becca, for the hook-up!
I'm going to try to substitute teach as a second job, and in the meantime work on an application for HISD alternative certification program and/or Baylor Graduate School of Social Work. I'm excited about both, so I don't know which one to pursue. I'm hoping God will show me soon.
2.) I finished reading C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces the other day. I read it years ago, but I barely remember it. I really enjoyed it this time around.
It's Lewis' rendition of the classical myth of Cupid and Psyche. Psyche's bitter and ugly oldest sister, Orual, tells the story, blaming the gods for taking her beautiful, beloved little sister from her when Psyche falls in love with Cupid. But at the end of her life, Orual looks back and is forced to reexamine her motives, love for her sister, and the gods' roles/actions. That's as far as I'll go with describing the book because I couldn't do it justice, so just read it for yourself!
I think my favorite part of the novel was towards the beginning when Psyche tells her older sister, Orual, that she always "had a kind of longing for death":
It was when I was happiest that I longed most. It was on happy days when we were there on the hills, the three of us, with the wind and the sunshine . . . where you couldn't see Glome or the palace. Do you remember? The colour and the smell, and looking across at the Grey Mountain in the distance? And because it was so beautiful, it set me longing, always longing. Somewhere else there must be more of it. Everything seemed to be saying, Psyche come! But I couldn't (not yet) come and I didn't know where I was to come to. It almost hurt me. I felt like a bird in a cage when the other birds of its kind are flying home.
I think that's a beautiful description of life after death, of which I'm still working out issues I have. But we won't go into that emotional baggage here. =o)
3.) Still haven't finished reading MacDonald's book, but I'm slowly trekking through. Last night's chapter was especially good because it described John the Baptist as the ideal "called" person. MacDonald emphasizes that it's in the desert/wilderness that God speaks to John and forms his character. It reminded me of one of my favorite verses, Hosea 2:14-15
Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor(Trouble) a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt.
This is one of those scriptures that gives me hope in my own desert times.
4.) I'm still church shopping. I'll probably have to write about those adventures in a separate post. I've only been to two churches but I'm already sick of having to look around. *sigh* I wish there was an easier way.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
How can you believe in someone you can't see?
Terry asked this question many times while I worked in The Nightshelter. He's mischievous, to say the least. And a charmer. He's the class-clown; the kid who always misbehaves in class but the teacher can't seem to punish because he flashes his dimples and dances his way out of trouble faster than you can say, "Terry, shut up and sit down!"
Even though Terry went to church every week, he claimed it was only because he wanted free doughnuts and coffee. He and his buddies mostly did just stand at the back of the room and scoff at everyone. He thought we Christians were weird and always tried to ruffle our feathers. I'll admit that even though I've been a Christian for most of my life and was fortunate enough to grow up in a Christian home, it was hard to answer some of his questions. It still is.
Perhaps one of my most memorable moments at the Nightshelter was halfway through my time there. I was starting a grilling 11 hour night shift and the middle lounge was full of residents. There were about five different conversations going on about the same subject: Is there a God, and if so, how can you believe and do what He says? I told Terry I know God exists because I've experienced Him. Of course Terry rolled his eyes and tried to discount my experience. So I tried a different approach: "I know God exists because if He didn't my brother would be crippled in a wheelchair, if not dead." Terry was unconvinced and explained that my brother was just lucky.
Even though Fiona, my co-worker, was involved in a conversation across the room, she jumped in and told Terry he couldn't say that because he hadn't even heard my testimony yet. Terry then turned to me and said, "Okay then, go on." I was stunned that he was willing to listen, so I quickly spoke up, lest he change his mind. A few seconds into my story, I was shocked to realize that the whole room was quiet and everyone was attentively listening to me.
I explained how my oldest brother, David, got very ill when he was nine. My parents took him to a doctor and eventually to a specialist because the docs believed he had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. My mom took him to the appointment, and while he was being examined she sat in the waiting room that was full of parents and their sick children. She saw the kids at different stages of the disease, from relatively healthy-looking to those with shriveled-up arms and legs sitting in a wheelchair. Knowing that is what her son might face frightened her, so she moved to a different area and started praying. As she prayed, she randomly opened up her bible and immediately began reading a passage on healing. She prayed some more, turned to another part of the bible, and again her eyes fell on a passage about healing. She randomly flipped through her bible at least half a dozen more times and each time she read a story of healing. She knew in her heart that God was telling her He wanted to heal my brother. So when the doctor called her into the room and confirmed that David did have rheumatoid arthritis, she chose to believe what God spoke and not receive the doctor's words.
Mom and Dad continued to take David in for treatment, but they also gathered friends and family around to continuously pray. Days of prayer turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. At some point, my parents did stop taking David to the doctor and chose to keep praying and walk out in faith. It was a long, grueling process, but when they all ran into David's doctor at the store nearly a year later, the doc was baffled when he saw my brother and claimed it was nothing short of a miracle; he exclaimed that David should have long been in a wheelchair.
When I finished my story, the guys were nearly speechless. So was I. I mean, what can you say when someone is diagnosed with a sickness and then later miraculously healed?
I share this story because I've recently been asked again about my faith - why and how can I believe in someone I can't see, especially when life sucks sometimes. I am blessed because faith comes easily for me and it has been rooted in me since I was a child. I can never stray far without being reminded of God's goodness. So in those dark moments, in those times I can't hear or feel or taste or see that God is there, I look behind me, at the path I've just traveled down; and I choose to believe that the past will carry me to the future, that the past is only a foretaste of what is to come.
Even though Terry went to church every week, he claimed it was only because he wanted free doughnuts and coffee. He and his buddies mostly did just stand at the back of the room and scoff at everyone. He thought we Christians were weird and always tried to ruffle our feathers. I'll admit that even though I've been a Christian for most of my life and was fortunate enough to grow up in a Christian home, it was hard to answer some of his questions. It still is.
Perhaps one of my most memorable moments at the Nightshelter was halfway through my time there. I was starting a grilling 11 hour night shift and the middle lounge was full of residents. There were about five different conversations going on about the same subject: Is there a God, and if so, how can you believe and do what He says? I told Terry I know God exists because I've experienced Him. Of course Terry rolled his eyes and tried to discount my experience. So I tried a different approach: "I know God exists because if He didn't my brother would be crippled in a wheelchair, if not dead." Terry was unconvinced and explained that my brother was just lucky.
Even though Fiona, my co-worker, was involved in a conversation across the room, she jumped in and told Terry he couldn't say that because he hadn't even heard my testimony yet. Terry then turned to me and said, "Okay then, go on." I was stunned that he was willing to listen, so I quickly spoke up, lest he change his mind. A few seconds into my story, I was shocked to realize that the whole room was quiet and everyone was attentively listening to me.
I explained how my oldest brother, David, got very ill when he was nine. My parents took him to a doctor and eventually to a specialist because the docs believed he had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. My mom took him to the appointment, and while he was being examined she sat in the waiting room that was full of parents and their sick children. She saw the kids at different stages of the disease, from relatively healthy-looking to those with shriveled-up arms and legs sitting in a wheelchair. Knowing that is what her son might face frightened her, so she moved to a different area and started praying. As she prayed, she randomly opened up her bible and immediately began reading a passage on healing. She prayed some more, turned to another part of the bible, and again her eyes fell on a passage about healing. She randomly flipped through her bible at least half a dozen more times and each time she read a story of healing. She knew in her heart that God was telling her He wanted to heal my brother. So when the doctor called her into the room and confirmed that David did have rheumatoid arthritis, she chose to believe what God spoke and not receive the doctor's words.
Mom and Dad continued to take David in for treatment, but they also gathered friends and family around to continuously pray. Days of prayer turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. At some point, my parents did stop taking David to the doctor and chose to keep praying and walk out in faith. It was a long, grueling process, but when they all ran into David's doctor at the store nearly a year later, the doc was baffled when he saw my brother and claimed it was nothing short of a miracle; he exclaimed that David should have long been in a wheelchair.
When I finished my story, the guys were nearly speechless. So was I. I mean, what can you say when someone is diagnosed with a sickness and then later miraculously healed?
I share this story because I've recently been asked again about my faith - why and how can I believe in someone I can't see, especially when life sucks sometimes. I am blessed because faith comes easily for me and it has been rooted in me since I was a child. I can never stray far without being reminded of God's goodness. So in those dark moments, in those times I can't hear or feel or taste or see that God is there, I look behind me, at the path I've just traveled down; and I choose to believe that the past will carry me to the future, that the past is only a foretaste of what is to come.
TV Corner2
Lately I've been glued to the tube watching reruns of Highway to Heaven, a Michael Landon drama that was originally on the air I believe 1984-1987. TV Land broadcast a marathon of the show last week, in promotion of the show's new time slot every night at 7:00 (CST). If you're not familiar with the show, it's about an angel (played by Michael Landon) and his human sidekick (played by Victor French) who drive across the country helping people who are in need. If you're familiar with Landon's production career (e.g., Little House on the Prairie), you know that he tends to keep his plots extremely melodramatic and his dialogue simple. Highway to Heaven is consistent with this style. Usually during each episode, at least one of the characters either makes a life-changing decision or becomes ill and dies. Or both. But it's done in such a way that the characters are encountering their life-changes with God's direction and help. Usually you're almost moved to tears while watching.
H to H isn't perfect. But I believe Landon's Jewish heritage contributed substantially to its content, and I think as you watch the show, you can detect overtones of what Landon's walk with God and heart for people were probably like. Personally, I find this to be an outstanding show, and I am astonished at how little I appreciated it when it was first on the air in the '80s.
My family and I think H to H probably inspired Touched by an Angel in some way, since TbyA is a show about angels helping people. Personally, I found the first 2 or 3 seasons of TbyA to be awe-inspiring in every way, with each episode trumpeting an overt "God loves you" message and its tightly-written scripts exemplifying what art-meets-Christianity ought to be. I felt that this glorified God. But as the show aged, I personally felt that it deteriorated considerably in quality, compromising its Christian message and artistry for popularity. Just a personal opinion. I have also heard that the show in general was excellent in that it drew viewers closer to God.
Angels and television. I know that the mass media in general is out of whack when it comes to portraying God and His ways, but ya gotta love that there's one more springboard for getting His message across to massive audiences.
H to H isn't perfect. But I believe Landon's Jewish heritage contributed substantially to its content, and I think as you watch the show, you can detect overtones of what Landon's walk with God and heart for people were probably like. Personally, I find this to be an outstanding show, and I am astonished at how little I appreciated it when it was first on the air in the '80s.
My family and I think H to H probably inspired Touched by an Angel in some way, since TbyA is a show about angels helping people. Personally, I found the first 2 or 3 seasons of TbyA to be awe-inspiring in every way, with each episode trumpeting an overt "God loves you" message and its tightly-written scripts exemplifying what art-meets-Christianity ought to be. I felt that this glorified God. But as the show aged, I personally felt that it deteriorated considerably in quality, compromising its Christian message and artistry for popularity. Just a personal opinion. I have also heard that the show in general was excellent in that it drew viewers closer to God.
Angels and television. I know that the mass media in general is out of whack when it comes to portraying God and His ways, but ya gotta love that there's one more springboard for getting His message across to massive audiences.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Mystery Fertilizer Revealed
Mom solved the mystery. It was indeed my Siamese cat who was fertilizing our plants in the sun room in an unauthorized manner, with unauthorized materials. The said perpetrator was sentenced to 100 minutes of litterbox re-training.
And so it was that order was reestablished in the sun room.
And so it was that order was reestablished in the sun room.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Addendum to Discussion on Singlehood
I wanted to elaborate even further on my post from 1/11 and the discussion it seems to have spawned. Which I have enjoyed, by the way -- thank you to all who have participated thus far. :D
The issue of being single vs. being married seems to be a rather delicate and complicated one. Singlehood and marriage are two distinct phases in life, and just as in any other life-season, one must aim for contentment and holiness throughout. But this contentment and holiness can be tested, and the balance can be tipped into the realm of discontentment and gut-wrenching chaos.
For instance. I worked at a job a few years ago where a girl asked me if I had any kids. I naively replied that no, I wasn't married. She responded, "Well, you don't HAVE to be married to have kids!!" I blushed and concurred.
Actually, at that same job, the seating assignments were unstable, and one day a new trainee was sitting at my cubicle and made a remark about the pictures I had displayed of my cats. "Hey, whose cats are these? Whoever this is, must not have any kids!!" Meaning that if I had CHILDREN, I would have displayed pictures of them instead. I suddenly felt self-conscious about my singlehood. Or my datelessness, for that matter. Besides, what the heck is wrong with me showing off pictures of my meowing babies??? (Hey, I should post some for y'all someday. :D)
I mean, come on. Why should I feel inferior just because some people reproduce before their time, while I'm still sitting here preserved??? Not to put down those who didn't wait as they should have -- God loves all of us, and loves to forgive us and restore our lives. But I'm perplexed at how I felt put down for doing what I was SUPPOSED to do, which was waiting for marriage and enjoying my singlehood and cat-motherhood, and how I felt that God needed to fast-forward through this suddenly agonizing period so that I could be joined forever to some dude and finally be on the same level as everybody else. Perhaps it was my own self-consciousness and insecurity. But my mind still felt like an anthill that had been stepped on.
Even in the church. Many of the sermons I've heard in Odessa insert the phrase "when you get married" or "when you pray about your future spouse" or something similar. Perhaps assuming a little too hard that everyone in their congregation is eventually going to get married. Which is not a horrible assumption to make, but technically it's a matter that's really out of their hands.
Faith will be tested. But I really wish folks would remain a little more sensitive to those around them whose singlehood is being tested.
In the meantime, I am endeavoring not to give into temptation. When the online dating commercials come on the tube, I will NOT throw my shoe at the TV.
The issue of being single vs. being married seems to be a rather delicate and complicated one. Singlehood and marriage are two distinct phases in life, and just as in any other life-season, one must aim for contentment and holiness throughout. But this contentment and holiness can be tested, and the balance can be tipped into the realm of discontentment and gut-wrenching chaos.
For instance. I worked at a job a few years ago where a girl asked me if I had any kids. I naively replied that no, I wasn't married. She responded, "Well, you don't HAVE to be married to have kids!!" I blushed and concurred.
Actually, at that same job, the seating assignments were unstable, and one day a new trainee was sitting at my cubicle and made a remark about the pictures I had displayed of my cats. "Hey, whose cats are these? Whoever this is, must not have any kids!!" Meaning that if I had CHILDREN, I would have displayed pictures of them instead. I suddenly felt self-conscious about my singlehood. Or my datelessness, for that matter. Besides, what the heck is wrong with me showing off pictures of my meowing babies??? (Hey, I should post some for y'all someday. :D)
I mean, come on. Why should I feel inferior just because some people reproduce before their time, while I'm still sitting here preserved??? Not to put down those who didn't wait as they should have -- God loves all of us, and loves to forgive us and restore our lives. But I'm perplexed at how I felt put down for doing what I was SUPPOSED to do, which was waiting for marriage and enjoying my singlehood and cat-motherhood, and how I felt that God needed to fast-forward through this suddenly agonizing period so that I could be joined forever to some dude and finally be on the same level as everybody else. Perhaps it was my own self-consciousness and insecurity. But my mind still felt like an anthill that had been stepped on.
Even in the church. Many of the sermons I've heard in Odessa insert the phrase "when you get married" or "when you pray about your future spouse" or something similar. Perhaps assuming a little too hard that everyone in their congregation is eventually going to get married. Which is not a horrible assumption to make, but technically it's a matter that's really out of their hands.
Faith will be tested. But I really wish folks would remain a little more sensitive to those around them whose singlehood is being tested.
In the meantime, I am endeavoring not to give into temptation. When the online dating commercials come on the tube, I will NOT throw my shoe at the TV.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Mystery Fertilizer
When I was considering moving back into my parents' house after being out on my own, one of my main concerns was bringing my two cats with me. I imagined the two of them destroying most of the house, especially the knickknacks, furniture, plants, etc. ... Thus far, I'm happy to report that all is well, and the house is not destroyed. With the exception of a few floor-level house plants that have been chewed on the ends. And another issue, although I don't have proof yet.
There is a possibility that my little Siamese cat has been using some of the house plants in our sun room as her alternate litterbox. Neither odor nor visible evidence have been left behind -- it is solely the following circumstantial evidence: My mom and I have caught the little furball with her paws in the soil on occasion. One plant, although Mom rescued it from dying by reducing it to a mere stump, has remained green with moist soil... even though my mother has not watered it. Another plant (sorry, I'm bad with horticultural terms), a tall one that reaches to the ceiling, has sprouted flowers on two separate occasions... and my parents insist that the plant did not bloom before my cats arrived.
To an extent, my family is grateful for the extra fertilizer. Although I am somewhat tickled about it, I am rather embarrassed, and am eager to solve the mystery and issue sentencing for the crime of unauthorized litterboxing.
My orange Tabby has been cleared as a suspect due to his routine visits to the litterbox and easygoing temperament with his routine. But my Siamese actively protests any complaints pertaining to the litterbox, whether related to cleanliness or my choice of litter brand -- it is a very delicate balance to maintain. (Let's just say I'm REALLY thankful for carpet-stain remover.) And it is she and her little bladder that remain unsupervised in the sun room for extended periods of time.
I believe it is simply a matter of catching her little Siamese butt in the act. But until then, the new flowers in the sun room do emit a rather pleasant fragrance.
There is a possibility that my little Siamese cat has been using some of the house plants in our sun room as her alternate litterbox. Neither odor nor visible evidence have been left behind -- it is solely the following circumstantial evidence: My mom and I have caught the little furball with her paws in the soil on occasion. One plant, although Mom rescued it from dying by reducing it to a mere stump, has remained green with moist soil... even though my mother has not watered it. Another plant (sorry, I'm bad with horticultural terms), a tall one that reaches to the ceiling, has sprouted flowers on two separate occasions... and my parents insist that the plant did not bloom before my cats arrived.
To an extent, my family is grateful for the extra fertilizer. Although I am somewhat tickled about it, I am rather embarrassed, and am eager to solve the mystery and issue sentencing for the crime of unauthorized litterboxing.
My orange Tabby has been cleared as a suspect due to his routine visits to the litterbox and easygoing temperament with his routine. But my Siamese actively protests any complaints pertaining to the litterbox, whether related to cleanliness or my choice of litter brand -- it is a very delicate balance to maintain. (Let's just say I'm REALLY thankful for carpet-stain remover.) And it is she and her little bladder that remain unsupervised in the sun room for extended periods of time.
I believe it is simply a matter of catching her little Siamese butt in the act. But until then, the new flowers in the sun room do emit a rather pleasant fragrance.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Ordering the Disorder
So for a couple of months now I've been trying to read Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald. A former professor gave me a copy when I visited Baylor back in October and I thought, "Hey, this sounds like a book I should read." Well, I've been trying to read it ever since. After reading the preface three or four times I finally made it to chapter one. A few weeks later I finally made it through chapter one. But I kept trucking along, and now I am proud to announce that last night I made it all the way through chapter three! Yay, for me!!!
I made two observation so far, and since this is my blog I figured I'd post any epiphanies here:
1.) The third chapter is about driven people (versus the fourth chapter which is about called people). MacDonald spends time describing stress and the tremendous amount of stress driven people take upon themselves. Now, if you've met any of my family members you would agree that we are NOT driven people, in the sense that we do not seek the next big promotion with the six-figure paycheck, etc etc. We're all rather laid back, go with the flow.
So I'm reading through the anecdotes about over-stressed people and I'm thinking, "Man, these people have families to provide for and high-power jobs that take up all their time. Of course they're stressed! But I'm totally not relating to any of this; I don't have any stress now that I'm out of college. In fact, I don't even have a job! All I've been doing is sitting on my arse since I got back from England . . . Well, we did move to a new city and still have tons of unpacking to do . . . Hmm, and I need a job . . . I need to start paying back those darn student loans and I need to pay more on my credit cards . . ." And that's when the neon sign baring the letters S-T-R-E-S-S lit up and I literally said outloud, "Oh! I do have stress now!" I was actually, in an odd way, happy for that revelation. Then, I started thinking about how I could reduce my stress. That's when I looked around my room and the second epiphany hit . . .
2.) I looked about my room and saw half a dozen boxes stacked off to the left of my mattresses, where I was sitting. I haven't even put my bedframe together because I was hoping to refinish it, but my headboard and baseboard are still across the room behind my tall bookcase. Then I looked at the dresser to my right. There sat a few more boxes as well as a plethora of papers that included an old resume, a copy of my application from King's Arms project last year, and unsigned loan deferment papers. Scattered on the floor was packing paper and bubble wrap, and books were haphazardly stacked on my short bookcase. Then I thought, "Ya know, I think what MacDonald has been saying is true and the physical disorder of my room, and my life at the moment, is a reflection of my spiritual disorder. Ooooooooo."
Looking around my room at 2 a.m. last night/this morning, I decided enough is enough! And I am happy to report that today has been my most productive day since Christmas. I woke up and cleaned my room, shocking my mom in the process. I searched through jobs online and I even got dressed before noon! AND I went to the grocery store and cooked a curry for dinner! Tomorrow I shall continue updating my resume, finally sign and mail my loan deferment papers, and write some overdue letters. Hmm . . . maybe I'll even mail the letters . . . of course that would mean I have to go to the post office because most will be going overseas . . . but we'll just cross that bridge when we get to it.
Now I need to start working on the "private world." There are stacked papers I put aside because I had no place to file them, and there are books that I need to brush up on, one in particular (the bible, that is, not OYPW). I sure do need to tidy up in there, though. Hmm . . . maybe I'll start by at least reading chapter four . . .
I made two observation so far, and since this is my blog I figured I'd post any epiphanies here:
1.) The third chapter is about driven people (versus the fourth chapter which is about called people). MacDonald spends time describing stress and the tremendous amount of stress driven people take upon themselves. Now, if you've met any of my family members you would agree that we are NOT driven people, in the sense that we do not seek the next big promotion with the six-figure paycheck, etc etc. We're all rather laid back, go with the flow.
So I'm reading through the anecdotes about over-stressed people and I'm thinking, "Man, these people have families to provide for and high-power jobs that take up all their time. Of course they're stressed! But I'm totally not relating to any of this; I don't have any stress now that I'm out of college. In fact, I don't even have a job! All I've been doing is sitting on my arse since I got back from England . . . Well, we did move to a new city and still have tons of unpacking to do . . . Hmm, and I need a job . . . I need to start paying back those darn student loans and I need to pay more on my credit cards . . ." And that's when the neon sign baring the letters S-T-R-E-S-S lit up and I literally said outloud, "Oh! I do have stress now!" I was actually, in an odd way, happy for that revelation. Then, I started thinking about how I could reduce my stress. That's when I looked around my room and the second epiphany hit . . .
2.) I looked about my room and saw half a dozen boxes stacked off to the left of my mattresses, where I was sitting. I haven't even put my bedframe together because I was hoping to refinish it, but my headboard and baseboard are still across the room behind my tall bookcase. Then I looked at the dresser to my right. There sat a few more boxes as well as a plethora of papers that included an old resume, a copy of my application from King's Arms project last year, and unsigned loan deferment papers. Scattered on the floor was packing paper and bubble wrap, and books were haphazardly stacked on my short bookcase. Then I thought, "Ya know, I think what MacDonald has been saying is true and the physical disorder of my room, and my life at the moment, is a reflection of my spiritual disorder. Ooooooooo."
Looking around my room at 2 a.m. last night/this morning, I decided enough is enough! And I am happy to report that today has been my most productive day since Christmas. I woke up and cleaned my room, shocking my mom in the process. I searched through jobs online and I even got dressed before noon! AND I went to the grocery store and cooked a curry for dinner! Tomorrow I shall continue updating my resume, finally sign and mail my loan deferment papers, and write some overdue letters. Hmm . . . maybe I'll even mail the letters . . . of course that would mean I have to go to the post office because most will be going overseas . . . but we'll just cross that bridge when we get to it.
Now I need to start working on the "private world." There are stacked papers I put aside because I had no place to file them, and there are books that I need to brush up on, one in particular (the bible, that is, not OYPW). I sure do need to tidy up in there, though. Hmm . . . maybe I'll start by at least reading chapter four . . .
Overdue Comment
As I was browsing through the Amiculus archives, one of Debbie's entries from August caught my eye. I would like to elaborate, if I may. One of the things that Debbie "hates" is being single when most of your friends are already married, and it isn't quite the same when you try to hang out with them. I must concur -- this is one of my pet peeves as well. Not to slam married people -- you folks have a wise perspective on life that I do not have!
I think living in Waco spoiled me, in a good sense, in that I was constantly surrounded by my single peers, aged 24 and up. (Thank you, Baylor and The Timeline.) There is nothing horrible about being "old" and still single. Ultimately, to pass from singlehood to marriage, we must be dependent on God, our Divine Matchmaker. (And, not to mention, on a member of the opposite gender enthusiastically volunteering to be your other half.) It is society that has placed a stigma on singlehood.
Some societies more than others. I was far from prepared to encounter this stigma when I moved to Odessa last year. None of the churches that I've visited here even HAVE a singles ministry! (Except for one, which lumps ages 18-29 into one category. Uhhh, let's see, 18-year-old college freshman who wants to conquer the world; 29-year-old college graduate who's had the world trample all over her and just wants her mommy... yyyyyeah, real similar.) Technically, I'm not sure many pastors in this area have even seen a need for singles ministries, since most Odessans either marry or co-habitate by age 22. I wondered how the population kept renewing itself out here in the middle of nowhere... The freak Odessa residents who fail to find lifetime counterparts are casually tossed into the refuse pile of humankind.
I, for one, am weary of being considered a freak. SINGLES OF THE WORLD, UNITE!!!
DYSLEXICS OF THE WORLD, UNTIE!!!
Sorry, I distracted myself. Where was I? I guess what I'm trying to say, Debbie, is that I think I know what you mean, Dude. I believe it's a matter of waiting for the Divine Matchmaker to do His work, if He chooses to do so, and not being afraid of wanting your mommy when it's appropriate... Especially during those times when your hormones are racing so hard that it's all you can to do to keep from puking estrogen all over yourself...
LITERARY NOTE: Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" is NOT a manual for single women.
I think living in Waco spoiled me, in a good sense, in that I was constantly surrounded by my single peers, aged 24 and up. (Thank you, Baylor and The Timeline.) There is nothing horrible about being "old" and still single. Ultimately, to pass from singlehood to marriage, we must be dependent on God, our Divine Matchmaker. (And, not to mention, on a member of the opposite gender enthusiastically volunteering to be your other half.) It is society that has placed a stigma on singlehood.
Some societies more than others. I was far from prepared to encounter this stigma when I moved to Odessa last year. None of the churches that I've visited here even HAVE a singles ministry! (Except for one, which lumps ages 18-29 into one category. Uhhh, let's see, 18-year-old college freshman who wants to conquer the world; 29-year-old college graduate who's had the world trample all over her and just wants her mommy... yyyyyeah, real similar.) Technically, I'm not sure many pastors in this area have even seen a need for singles ministries, since most Odessans either marry or co-habitate by age 22. I wondered how the population kept renewing itself out here in the middle of nowhere... The freak Odessa residents who fail to find lifetime counterparts are casually tossed into the refuse pile of humankind.
I, for one, am weary of being considered a freak. SINGLES OF THE WORLD, UNITE!!!
DYSLEXICS OF THE WORLD, UNTIE!!!
Sorry, I distracted myself. Where was I? I guess what I'm trying to say, Debbie, is that I think I know what you mean, Dude. I believe it's a matter of waiting for the Divine Matchmaker to do His work, if He chooses to do so, and not being afraid of wanting your mommy when it's appropriate... Especially during those times when your hormones are racing so hard that it's all you can to do to keep from puking estrogen all over yourself...
LITERARY NOTE: Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" is NOT a manual for single women.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Trespassing
My mom told me that my aunt accidentally killed a ferret once. My aunt heard strange noises and figured that there was probably a rodent in her house. (She thought it was a mouse.) She finally cornered it one day while it was under a rug and exterminated it, but when she pulled the rug back she was horrified and saddened to discover that it was a ferret. Probably somebody's pet who had wandered somehow into her house. My mom said that my aunt felt sick about it. I wanted my aunt to feel better, so I told Mom to tell my aunt not to feel so bad -- after all, the animal was trespassing in her house. (Maybe it's a good thing I didn't become a doctor... think I'd get sued for having a lousy bedside manner???)
I'm not sure what the deal is with furballs and trespassing. Last year, new neighbors moved in, with a domino-colored female cat. It didn't take too long for the neighbors' roaming cat to discover my two cats basking in our sun room. She would meander her little domino-colored self across our lawn and over to the back patio door and stare inside. She would visit our front yard as well, sometimes near my car, and sometimes sniffing around the bushes outside my bedroom window. Even though we observed her, um, fertilizing our lawn from time to time, I really didn't mind her trespassing because she seemed harmless.
Until she began to pick fights with my little Siamese cat through the window. First it was through the back patio window, and then it was by the bushes outside my bedroom window. Imagine waking up to the sound of two cats growling and punching at a window with their little paws. I'm glad there was a window between the two rivals, yet it freaked me out and ticked me off that the neighbors' cat could just saunter over whenever and pick a fight with my girl cat. (My big, hulky boy cat would usually either hide or dart out of the room on such occasions.)
My family quickly learned that although Mom's guard-dog poodle can get along with my two cats, any other cats are off limits. So whenever the domino-colored arch-enemy approaches, all we have to do is whisper, "THE CAT!!" and the poodle charges barkingly towards the back patio. The neighbors' cat usually leaves right away, so this seems to work just fine.
If that didn't work, I'd suggest a 'No Trespassing' sign... but I'm not sure it would do any good.
I'm not sure what the deal is with furballs and trespassing. Last year, new neighbors moved in, with a domino-colored female cat. It didn't take too long for the neighbors' roaming cat to discover my two cats basking in our sun room. She would meander her little domino-colored self across our lawn and over to the back patio door and stare inside. She would visit our front yard as well, sometimes near my car, and sometimes sniffing around the bushes outside my bedroom window. Even though we observed her, um, fertilizing our lawn from time to time, I really didn't mind her trespassing because she seemed harmless.
Until she began to pick fights with my little Siamese cat through the window. First it was through the back patio window, and then it was by the bushes outside my bedroom window. Imagine waking up to the sound of two cats growling and punching at a window with their little paws. I'm glad there was a window between the two rivals, yet it freaked me out and ticked me off that the neighbors' cat could just saunter over whenever and pick a fight with my girl cat. (My big, hulky boy cat would usually either hide or dart out of the room on such occasions.)
My family quickly learned that although Mom's guard-dog poodle can get along with my two cats, any other cats are off limits. So whenever the domino-colored arch-enemy approaches, all we have to do is whisper, "THE CAT!!" and the poodle charges barkingly towards the back patio. The neighbors' cat usually leaves right away, so this seems to work just fine.
If that didn't work, I'd suggest a 'No Trespassing' sign... but I'm not sure it would do any good.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
What can I do?
When I was in Waco last weekend I got to go to Antioch again. I miss that church loads and visiting makes me want to move back to Waco!
One thing I love is that the church is so missions-focused. I have gone overseas with Antioch three times in five years, and each trip changed my life in some way. Sunday was the first time the church met as a whole since the tsunami disaster. Hearing about the devastation grieved my heart because I have good friends who plan to be missionaries to Sri Lanka soon. I also have a college acquaintance, Sohani, whose mother is one of the top government officials.
Antioch quickly gathered their resources and sent a team of 22 to work in Sri Lanka. Sohani's mother is heading up the aid work in the country and the team is working with her and her church. Plus, there's a medical team traveling to Indonesia to work for two weeks AND two more teams are being sent to Sri Lanka and Indonesia again next week.
These latter teams were in the early stages of formation at the start of the week, and all I could think about after attending church was how badly I wanted to go. Even though I've officially moved and the church is HUGE, I still have a strong connection to the church and many of the leaders, so I know they know me. And since I'm not working, I have the time to go. But I knew my parents would have kittens if I decided to jump ship and leave the country for the third time in a year. So I resigned myself to staying and put my application aside for now. But my heart is definitely with the teams over there, especially since I know most of the people who went.
Our pastor, Jimmy, said that when we hear about such devastation it's easy for us to get so overwhelmed we harden our hearts. I know that's been the case for me; that's why I haven't blogged about it. It's not necessarily that my heart is hardened, it's just that what happened is so huge I don't know how to respond. While watching the news, reading the online articles, and glimpsing the horrifying images I'm stirred to action. It's hard for me to just sit here. Yes, I pray, but my arms yearn to embrace those who are grieving and my heart aches for those who are broken.
Many have questioned God's inaction and God Himself, as people easily do after every disaster since the world's beginning. I don't fully understand it myself, but who am I to question God? All I know is that He grieves with those who are grieving; He desires to comfort the hurting and heal the broken.
So, rather than sit back and do nothing, I keep praying. I pray for the child now left an orphan. I pray for the father who lost his whole family. I pray for the family that lost their home. I pray for the worker who lost all means of livelihood. I pray for the parents who lost all their children. I pray for those who are lost, hungry, and hurting. What little I have, I give, knowing that that is all I can do.
-----------------------------------------
If you are interested, the teams Antioch sent out this week send daily updates that are posted here. Also, the church is raising money to support those teams going out next week. All the teams are taking money with them to give immediate aid to those they encounter. Some people prefer to donate to small, private ministries/organization, like Antioch Ministries International (AMI), because the money goes immediately to help those in need and doesn't get tied up in a larger system. Also, AMI doesn't have to wait and assess damage before giving aid, like large organizations must do.
If you're like me, and you ache for all the children, Debbie Carona (whose son, Joey, is in Sri Lanka with AMI) of Highlander School in Dallas has organized a "teddy bear drive" to send teddy bears and other small stuffed animals to Sri Lanka. You can send bears to
Highlander School
9120 Plano Road
Dallas, TX 75238
Or, if your in the Waco area, drop bears off at Antioch's office (on 20th & Waco Dr.) by 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10th, to be packed and sent with the team going out Tuesday.
One thing I love is that the church is so missions-focused. I have gone overseas with Antioch three times in five years, and each trip changed my life in some way. Sunday was the first time the church met as a whole since the tsunami disaster. Hearing about the devastation grieved my heart because I have good friends who plan to be missionaries to Sri Lanka soon. I also have a college acquaintance, Sohani, whose mother is one of the top government officials.
Antioch quickly gathered their resources and sent a team of 22 to work in Sri Lanka. Sohani's mother is heading up the aid work in the country and the team is working with her and her church. Plus, there's a medical team traveling to Indonesia to work for two weeks AND two more teams are being sent to Sri Lanka and Indonesia again next week.
These latter teams were in the early stages of formation at the start of the week, and all I could think about after attending church was how badly I wanted to go. Even though I've officially moved and the church is HUGE, I still have a strong connection to the church and many of the leaders, so I know they know me. And since I'm not working, I have the time to go. But I knew my parents would have kittens if I decided to jump ship and leave the country for the third time in a year. So I resigned myself to staying and put my application aside for now. But my heart is definitely with the teams over there, especially since I know most of the people who went.
Our pastor, Jimmy, said that when we hear about such devastation it's easy for us to get so overwhelmed we harden our hearts. I know that's been the case for me; that's why I haven't blogged about it. It's not necessarily that my heart is hardened, it's just that what happened is so huge I don't know how to respond. While watching the news, reading the online articles, and glimpsing the horrifying images I'm stirred to action. It's hard for me to just sit here. Yes, I pray, but my arms yearn to embrace those who are grieving and my heart aches for those who are broken.
Many have questioned God's inaction and God Himself, as people easily do after every disaster since the world's beginning. I don't fully understand it myself, but who am I to question God? All I know is that He grieves with those who are grieving; He desires to comfort the hurting and heal the broken.
So, rather than sit back and do nothing, I keep praying. I pray for the child now left an orphan. I pray for the father who lost his whole family. I pray for the family that lost their home. I pray for the worker who lost all means of livelihood. I pray for the parents who lost all their children. I pray for those who are lost, hungry, and hurting. What little I have, I give, knowing that that is all I can do.
-----------------------------------------
If you are interested, the teams Antioch sent out this week send daily updates that are posted here. Also, the church is raising money to support those teams going out next week. All the teams are taking money with them to give immediate aid to those they encounter. Some people prefer to donate to small, private ministries/organization, like Antioch Ministries International (AMI), because the money goes immediately to help those in need and doesn't get tied up in a larger system. Also, AMI doesn't have to wait and assess damage before giving aid, like large organizations must do.
If you're like me, and you ache for all the children, Debbie Carona (whose son, Joey, is in Sri Lanka with AMI) of Highlander School in Dallas has organized a "teddy bear drive" to send teddy bears and other small stuffed animals to Sri Lanka. You can send bears to
Highlander School
9120 Plano Road
Dallas, TX 75238
Or, if your in the Waco area, drop bears off at Antioch's office (on 20th & Waco Dr.) by 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10th, to be packed and sent with the team going out Tuesday.
TV Corner
On Monday night, while I was killing time and waiting for dinner to be ready, I flipped the TV to Fox where this reality show that I hadn't seen before came on at 7:00. If I remember the basic plot correctly, this girl who had been separated from her birth father, and was actively searching for him, would be placed in a room of 8 men who possibly COULD be her father. The catch was that she had to guess which one her father was -- if she guessed correctly, she would win $100,000. But all of the men, some of which may have been actors, were each trying to convince her that THEY were the right dude -- if one of these fake fathers convinced her, he would win the money instead. I assume that at the end, they would reveal to the girl whom the real father really was.
At 7:15 my mom called me away from the TV when she announced that dinner was ready. So I didn't see the end of the show, and frankly I'm glad I didn't... Personally, I felt that the whole idea of the program was extremely cruel. I imagined a bored network executive thinking the whole thing up in his office, and then paying otherwise helpless producers to pull the whole thing off. I'm sure the girl and whoever her father turned out to be were relieved in the end to finally have found one another, and that they knew what they were getting into before the episode was filmed, but still.
Is this the kind of stuff they're dreaming up for reality TV nowadays?? Whatever happened to dropping a bucket of green slime on somebody's head??? Viva Nickelodeon!!!
Personally, I'm eagerly awaiting the premiere of the new Survivor season. Rupert was the bomb. I have to admit I've been hooked on the show ever since that gal screamed on the island at Survivor Thailand.
But really, on Monday night I should have just waited for Everybody Loves Raymond to come on at 8:00. Or at least flipped over to that show on the Discovery Health Channel where the people have horrifying accidents but survive. Yeah! :D
At 7:15 my mom called me away from the TV when she announced that dinner was ready. So I didn't see the end of the show, and frankly I'm glad I didn't... Personally, I felt that the whole idea of the program was extremely cruel. I imagined a bored network executive thinking the whole thing up in his office, and then paying otherwise helpless producers to pull the whole thing off. I'm sure the girl and whoever her father turned out to be were relieved in the end to finally have found one another, and that they knew what they were getting into before the episode was filmed, but still.
Is this the kind of stuff they're dreaming up for reality TV nowadays?? Whatever happened to dropping a bucket of green slime on somebody's head??? Viva Nickelodeon!!!
Personally, I'm eagerly awaiting the premiere of the new Survivor season. Rupert was the bomb. I have to admit I've been hooked on the show ever since that gal screamed on the island at Survivor Thailand.
But really, on Monday night I should have just waited for Everybody Loves Raymond to come on at 8:00. Or at least flipped over to that show on the Discovery Health Channel where the people have horrifying accidents but survive. Yeah! :D
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Cats that Snore and Talk
Earlier this week, my girl cat woke me up in the middle of the night because she was snoring. Not sawing logs, just a gentle "PRRT" emitting every few seconds from her petite Siamese frame. I figured maybe something had flipped with my hearing, since all of a sudden I can hear puffs of air blasting out of this tiny 7-pound furball. But then I realized that the covers weren't over my head and that the cat was only sleeping about 6 inches away from my face. I was a bit relieved that my ears suddenly hadn't developed superhuman abilities. But she was still snoring, and I was still awake.
I saw a talking dog on Letterman's Stupid Pet Tricks recently. The pooch could say "I love you." I was mildly impressed. OK, so the little canine can speak English. But what about my boy cat? When I tell him that I love him, he replies with "Wow, Mama." I don't see Letterman beating down my door and demanding an interview. But then, I'm not sure the shy Tabby hulk would react so well towards a TV crew and audience... He still gets jumpy around ME sometimes. All 15 pounds of him. "Wow, Mama."
I saw a talking dog on Letterman's Stupid Pet Tricks recently. The pooch could say "I love you." I was mildly impressed. OK, so the little canine can speak English. But what about my boy cat? When I tell him that I love him, he replies with "Wow, Mama." I don't see Letterman beating down my door and demanding an interview. But then, I'm not sure the shy Tabby hulk would react so well towards a TV crew and audience... He still gets jumpy around ME sometimes. All 15 pounds of him. "Wow, Mama."
Added Linkage
Tirzah and I compiled a list of our varying musical tastes. Feel free to browse through it on the sidebar.
It sure is a random list . . . Can you match the music with the amiculus blogger?
It sure is a random list . . . Can you match the music with the amiculus blogger?
Monday, January 03, 2005
Extra Mayo
That reminds me of a time a few months ago when my parents and I went out to eat at a local restaurant. Feeling diner-ish, I ordered a "BLT, heavy on the mayo." The waitress returned with a sandwich that contained a teensy bit of mayonnaise. I assumed that perhaps I had mumbled my order the first time, so I asked for extra mayo, and made sure to enunciate. The waitress returned again with a condiment bowl overflowing with mayonnaise. So I smothered the mayo all over my sandwich, and although my hands were greasy and my arteries were probably protesting, my tummy was happy with the rest of my meal.
Recently my family and I returned to the same restaurant. But that waitress wasn't there. Hmm.
Recently my family and I returned to the same restaurant. But that waitress wasn't there. Hmm.
Making Tirzah Blush
Aww, shucks! Thanks, Dude. See? Good things happen when otherwise unemployed people get their heads together! :D
I moved out to Odessa a little over a year ago, in October 2003. It's WORLDS away from Waco. The mentality and climate are total opposites. Meaning that in Waco the mentality is that you're just passing through, while in Odessa the mentality is that you're stuck. Even your pores seem to share this mentality. Meaning that in Waco if you get a zit, it takes about 2-3 days to clear up, while in Odessa if you get a zit, it takes about 6-8 weeks to clear up. Seriously! Aaah, I miss humidity.
As for that 80s dance party, er, them's blackmailin' words... I think I still have a copy of a picture that was taken to remember the moment. And there is a scanner in the next room...
Sniff, sniff. Those were fun times in Waco. I miss our Subway treks, too! And that cold cut trio with extra mayo... Yum.
I moved out to Odessa a little over a year ago, in October 2003. It's WORLDS away from Waco. The mentality and climate are total opposites. Meaning that in Waco the mentality is that you're just passing through, while in Odessa the mentality is that you're stuck. Even your pores seem to share this mentality. Meaning that in Waco if you get a zit, it takes about 2-3 days to clear up, while in Odessa if you get a zit, it takes about 6-8 weeks to clear up. Seriously! Aaah, I miss humidity.
As for that 80s dance party, er, them's blackmailin' words... I think I still have a copy of a picture that was taken to remember the moment. And there is a scanner in the next room...
Sniff, sniff. Those were fun times in Waco. I miss our Subway treks, too! And that cold cut trio with extra mayo... Yum.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Introducing Tirzah!
Although she's already posted, I figured I should still go ahead and introduce her.
Tirzah and I met in the summer of 1998, in my first few months at Baylor. We shared an apartment for a couple of months as well, and I soon learned she's a rather groovy chick! Not only is she HILARIOUS, she's a godly woman of wisdom who always had a knack for tempering my young, freshman zeal. AND she always laughed at my jokes.
Even after she moved out we would get together at our neighborhood Subway and catch up. We went to the same church and both led college cell groups in the same section (3-6 cell groups make up a section), so we got to see each other quite often. While taking a break from leading, I was even in her cell group for a semester. But the next semester she moved on to the 20's group (the singles and young married group). We didn't get to hang out much after that, and we haven't seen each other in well over a year and a half (When was it you moved back to Odessa, Tirzah?) Except for the occasional email, we haven't even interacted much over the past couple of years. I was sad about that because Tirzah always has such wonderful insight and is fun to be around (remind us to tell you about our spontaneous 80's dance party with our friend Julie).
Anywho, I was reading a recent email from Tirzah two weeks ago and I thought, "You know, Tirzah is a writer. I wonder if she ever considered blogging? I know of tons of writers who blog. Hmmm...maybe she could join me here...hmm..." Well, I sent an email, and the rest is history.
I mainly asked Tirzah to join me because I know she'll have fun with blogging, and the whole point of this particular blog is to connect friends who are separated by distance. Elaine and Tirzah don't necessarily know each other, but since Elaine is on a semi-permanent hiatus, I figured I might as well bring in someone who also enjoys word-smithery.
Welcome, Tirzah. I hope you enjoy yourself here and I'm sure our readers will enjoy your posts! I'm sure looking forward to it!
Tirzah and I met in the summer of 1998, in my first few months at Baylor. We shared an apartment for a couple of months as well, and I soon learned she's a rather groovy chick! Not only is she HILARIOUS, she's a godly woman of wisdom who always had a knack for tempering my young, freshman zeal. AND she always laughed at my jokes.
Even after she moved out we would get together at our neighborhood Subway and catch up. We went to the same church and both led college cell groups in the same section (3-6 cell groups make up a section), so we got to see each other quite often. While taking a break from leading, I was even in her cell group for a semester. But the next semester she moved on to the 20's group (the singles and young married group). We didn't get to hang out much after that, and we haven't seen each other in well over a year and a half (When was it you moved back to Odessa, Tirzah?) Except for the occasional email, we haven't even interacted much over the past couple of years. I was sad about that because Tirzah always has such wonderful insight and is fun to be around (remind us to tell you about our spontaneous 80's dance party with our friend Julie).
Anywho, I was reading a recent email from Tirzah two weeks ago and I thought, "You know, Tirzah is a writer. I wonder if she ever considered blogging? I know of tons of writers who blog. Hmmm...maybe she could join me here...hmm..." Well, I sent an email, and the rest is history.
I mainly asked Tirzah to join me because I know she'll have fun with blogging, and the whole point of this particular blog is to connect friends who are separated by distance. Elaine and Tirzah don't necessarily know each other, but since Elaine is on a semi-permanent hiatus, I figured I might as well bring in someone who also enjoys word-smithery.
Welcome, Tirzah. I hope you enjoy yourself here and I'm sure our readers will enjoy your posts! I'm sure looking forward to it!
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Testing 1, 2, 3
Hey, is this mic on? [Puff, puff.] Hello, everybody out there, this is Tirzah. I am part of this crazy blogcrew now. Just thought I'd come on stage and say Hello and that I'm glad to be aboard. I'll talk to y'all later, but for now, Happy New Year! [Applause.] Thank you, thank you very much.
Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Happy New Year, everyone!
I know it's a bit early, but I'm heading up to Waco this afternoon and won't be able to post until Sunday.
Is it just me, or has this year flown by. I was just hanging out with good old Elaine here in H-town and we were just talking about all the changes that have occurred in just one year. It's been a year full of transition - we're real grown-ups now. That's so weird! She's working up in DC and I'm unemployed in Texas.
*sigh* Seeing her made me miss the good old days. Yes, I even miss the term papers and all-nighters; I know, it's pathetic.
Anywho, although I can't believe it's 2005 I'm excited to see what this new year has in store for me. I don't know if it can be better than this last year - graduating college, having a spacewalk at my graduation party, AND being out of the country for a third of the year will be hard to top. But it will be fun to see what God has in store.
Last New Years Eve was spent in Barton House, having a dance party/flour fight. I know I can't top that this year, so I'm settling for staying up with my brother and sister-in-law for a Lord of the Rings marathon (I got the box set, "special extended dvd edition" for Christmas!). So I'll see how this year's measures up to last and get back to you.
May God bless you and keep you in this coming year. And may you know the goodness of His character as you experience His peace and love!
I know it's a bit early, but I'm heading up to Waco this afternoon and won't be able to post until Sunday.
Is it just me, or has this year flown by. I was just hanging out with good old Elaine here in H-town and we were just talking about all the changes that have occurred in just one year. It's been a year full of transition - we're real grown-ups now. That's so weird! She's working up in DC and I'm unemployed in Texas.
*sigh* Seeing her made me miss the good old days. Yes, I even miss the term papers and all-nighters; I know, it's pathetic.
Anywho, although I can't believe it's 2005 I'm excited to see what this new year has in store for me. I don't know if it can be better than this last year - graduating college, having a spacewalk at my graduation party, AND being out of the country for a third of the year will be hard to top. But it will be fun to see what God has in store.
Last New Years Eve was spent in Barton House, having a dance party/flour fight. I know I can't top that this year, so I'm settling for staying up with my brother and sister-in-law for a Lord of the Rings marathon (I got the box set, "special extended dvd edition" for Christmas!). So I'll see how this year's measures up to last and get back to you.
May God bless you and keep you in this coming year. And may you know the goodness of His character as you experience His peace and love!
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Literary Update
I finally finished reading Jude the Obscure. Actually, I finished reading it about three weeks ago, but I've just been too lazy to bump it off my list. Pathetic, I know.
Despite his pessimism, I rather enjoy reading Thomas Hardy. I was first exposed to his work in high school, where we read bits of Far From the Maddening Crowd. I liked it so much I went out and bought it. However, I found it too difficult to read and gave up. That was years before I decided to become an English major in college. Now I'm addicted to British novels. Up until seven months ago I practically lived in the late 19th century for two years.
Anywho, I read Tess of the d'Urbervilles last spring and wrote a term paper about Tess and Hardy's description of her as a "pure woman." I received an A for it from a very difficult Baylor professor, thank you very much! This professor mentioned how Jude the Obscure caused such an outrage it was the last novel he ever wrote; after that he wrote poetry. Most in the class hadn't read the book (sadly, most of us were graduating seniors), so he wouldn't tell us what exactly happened to cause such a negative reaction from Hardy's contemporaries. So I picked the book up at Barnes and Noble and decided to find out for myself. It took nearly three months, but I got through it, and I really enjoyed it!
There were some rather depressing parts, and it alarms me that my friend Brandon says it's practically his autobiography. But I have grown to love Hardy's writing style. He's novels are oozing with symbolism and drenched in irony. I love that! Although at times it does feel a little overdone; but what do I know? - I can barely write a poem!
Eventually I shall like to write an essay over JtO. Hardy has some excellent themes in that novel, including pagan vs. sacred, love vs. lust/passion, city-life vs. rural/country-life and society vs. the individual. It seems those themes appear in many of Hardy's novels. I actually miss discussing topics like these in a classroom setting! I also miss having to read more than one book. Granted, a novel a week was a bit much; but I was stilled exposed to far more than I am now!
Maybe one of these days I'll post something more specific about Jude. But don't hold your breath.
Despite his pessimism, I rather enjoy reading Thomas Hardy. I was first exposed to his work in high school, where we read bits of Far From the Maddening Crowd. I liked it so much I went out and bought it. However, I found it too difficult to read and gave up. That was years before I decided to become an English major in college. Now I'm addicted to British novels. Up until seven months ago I practically lived in the late 19th century for two years.
Anywho, I read Tess of the d'Urbervilles last spring and wrote a term paper about Tess and Hardy's description of her as a "pure woman." I received an A for it from a very difficult Baylor professor, thank you very much! This professor mentioned how Jude the Obscure caused such an outrage it was the last novel he ever wrote; after that he wrote poetry. Most in the class hadn't read the book (sadly, most of us were graduating seniors), so he wouldn't tell us what exactly happened to cause such a negative reaction from Hardy's contemporaries. So I picked the book up at Barnes and Noble and decided to find out for myself. It took nearly three months, but I got through it, and I really enjoyed it!
There were some rather depressing parts, and it alarms me that my friend Brandon says it's practically his autobiography. But I have grown to love Hardy's writing style. He's novels are oozing with symbolism and drenched in irony. I love that! Although at times it does feel a little overdone; but what do I know? - I can barely write a poem!
Eventually I shall like to write an essay over JtO. Hardy has some excellent themes in that novel, including pagan vs. sacred, love vs. lust/passion, city-life vs. rural/country-life and society vs. the individual. It seems those themes appear in many of Hardy's novels. I actually miss discussing topics like these in a classroom setting! I also miss having to read more than one book. Granted, a novel a week was a bit much; but I was stilled exposed to far more than I am now!
Maybe one of these days I'll post something more specific about Jude. But don't hold your breath.
Friday, December 24, 2004
It's a Christmas Miracle!
It's snowing in Houston!!! I can't believe it!
I went out this morning to do some last minute shopping with my dad and brother and I heard on the radio that it started snowing a bit around 11:30. About 15 minutes later we were waiting at a stop light and I saw a few flakes. Ever since then a bit of snow and sleet has fallen off and on. But about ten minutes ago it started snowing harder than I've ever seen this far down south. It's a miracle!
I got an email from my friend Ewelina this morning and she said it's weird because it's not snowing over in Poland now. She says it always snows at Christmas. It never snows here at Christmas, so thanks for sending us some snow Poland! =o)
I went out this morning to do some last minute shopping with my dad and brother and I heard on the radio that it started snowing a bit around 11:30. About 15 minutes later we were waiting at a stop light and I saw a few flakes. Ever since then a bit of snow and sleet has fallen off and on. But about ten minutes ago it started snowing harder than I've ever seen this far down south. It's a miracle!
I got an email from my friend Ewelina this morning and she said it's weird because it's not snowing over in Poland now. She says it always snows at Christmas. It never snows here at Christmas, so thanks for sending us some snow Poland! =o)
The Niece
Abigail at six months.
She's TEN months already! and her hair is growing out cute and curly! I'll try to post a recent pic soon.
The Second Nephew
Grandma introduces Daniel to his new baby sister . . . and he isn't too happy about it!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Happy Anniversary!
Today my Mom and Dad celebrated their 32nd anniversary. My parents are such a blessing and Godly example to me and my brothers. They have sacrificed time and time again for us over the years. Thanks Mom and Dad! I love you!
My brother, Eric, and his wife, Brandi, celebrated their 7th anniversary on the 21st. For only being married 7 years, they have probably gone through more difficult times than people who have been married 50 years. Not only do they keep their faith through it all, they keep on laughing and I greatly admire them for that. Happy anniversary Bird and Bran! I know there are many more and better years to come! Just keep them adorable children coming.
But there's more . . .
Yesterday, my maternal grandparents celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. 58 YEARS OF MARRIAGE! How amazing is that, eh? They have both had long and fulfilling lives. Our family is blessed to still have them with us. I love you Grandma and Grandpa! May you have 58 more years of marriage! =o)
My brother, Eric, and his wife, Brandi, celebrated their 7th anniversary on the 21st. For only being married 7 years, they have probably gone through more difficult times than people who have been married 50 years. Not only do they keep their faith through it all, they keep on laughing and I greatly admire them for that. Happy anniversary Bird and Bran! I know there are many more and better years to come! Just keep them adorable children coming.
But there's more . . .
Yesterday, my maternal grandparents celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. 58 YEARS OF MARRIAGE! How amazing is that, eh? They have both had long and fulfilling lives. Our family is blessed to still have them with us. I love you Grandma and Grandpa! May you have 58 more years of marriage! =o)
Happy Birthday
Today my best friend, Becca, turned 25. Happy birthday, Becca!!!
I went over to her house and her dad cooked us up an AMAZING meal of steak and baked potatoes. Mmmm. I don't know what was better: the food or the Finding Nemo decorations. No worries, Becca is not a weirdo; she just let her 5 and 2 year-old nieces plan the party. Shoot, I'd love to have a Finding Nemo cake at my next birthday! Of course, this is coming from someone who ordered a spacewalk for my college graduation party. Dang, that was a fun party!
Anywho, I hope you had a great birthday, Bec. I'm glad we'll be living in the same city again, so we can hang out. I'm praying that this year will be the best you've had so far. May God bless you and keep you. I love you, girlie! You rock my socks off! =o)
I went over to her house and her dad cooked us up an AMAZING meal of steak and baked potatoes. Mmmm. I don't know what was better: the food or the Finding Nemo decorations. No worries, Becca is not a weirdo; she just let her 5 and 2 year-old nieces plan the party. Shoot, I'd love to have a Finding Nemo cake at my next birthday! Of course, this is coming from someone who ordered a spacewalk for my college graduation party. Dang, that was a fun party!
Anywho, I hope you had a great birthday, Bec. I'm glad we'll be living in the same city again, so we can hang out. I'm praying that this year will be the best you've had so far. May God bless you and keep you. I love you, girlie! You rock my socks off! =o)
Back in Business
YAY!!! We have internet again! They came and set it up just two days after we moved in, and I am oh so excited. But the best thing is my parent's finally came out of the ice age and got road runner instead of a dial-up service. All those years at Baylor spoiled me, so I'm happy to have a faster connection again. Faster internet will definitely make blogging and emailing easier!
The house is great too! It's way bigger than the one we were in, and it's in a relatively posh neighborhood. Well, it's the nicest neighborhood we've ever lived in at least.
I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve! This year went by SO FAST. My oldest brother got into town this evening. My other brother and his family will arrive tomorrow afternoon, so we'll have a full house for a few days. It's always fun, though. This is my favorite time of year!
The house is great too! It's way bigger than the one we were in, and it's in a relatively posh neighborhood. Well, it's the nicest neighborhood we've ever lived in at least.
I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve! This year went by SO FAST. My oldest brother got into town this evening. My other brother and his family will arrive tomorrow afternoon, so we'll have a full house for a few days. It's always fun, though. This is my favorite time of year!
Monday, December 20, 2004
My Favorite Christmas Carol
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
by Rev. Issac Watts
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee O Israel
O come, thou rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of hell thy people save
And give them vict'ry o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee O Israel
O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by thine advent here
And drive away the shaves of night
And pierce the clouds and bring us light
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee O Israel
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heavenly home
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee O Israel
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might
Who to thy tribes, on Sinai's height
In ancient times did'st give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee O Israel
by Rev. Issac Watts
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee O Israel
O come, thou rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of hell thy people save
And give them vict'ry o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee O Israel
O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by thine advent here
And drive away the shaves of night
And pierce the clouds and bring us light
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee O Israel
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heavenly home
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee O Israel
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might
Who to thy tribes, on Sinai's height
In ancient times did'st give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee O Israel
Cardboard Forests
My parents and I have spent the weekend living in a cardboard forest. Seriously. We had packers here until midnight on Friday (I didn't exaggerate when I said we have a lot of crap.) But the forest will be gone come tomorrow. The loaders are supposed to arrive sometime in the morning. Then we get to head to Houston. Yay!!!
It will be a busy week of unpacking and setting up house (as well as Christmas decorations) for the rest of the family coming in. We won't even be in the house for a week before we have to host people! Good thing it's only by brothers and company.
I am exhausted! My mom and I spent the day shopping. I hate shopping this time of year. I tend to get annoyed easily in large crowds. But it was a fruitful excursion. We got most everyone on our list. Believe it or not, that's good for my family. Ask my brothers and they would say that Mom usually did her shopping on Christmas Eve. Every single year, before we went to Grandma's, we had to stop by the store. We were given more time when our annual family celebration was moved from Christmas Eve to Christmas day about eight years ago(My brother Eric is still bitter about that; he blames Mark and Danielle, our aunt and uncle. They wanted to start going to the Christmas Eve service and our tradition fizzled out after that).
Anywho, it will be nice to be living in Houston again. I'm off to bed now. I don't know how long I'll be without internet, so farewell for now. Merry Christmas!!!
It will be a busy week of unpacking and setting up house (as well as Christmas decorations) for the rest of the family coming in. We won't even be in the house for a week before we have to host people! Good thing it's only by brothers and company.
I am exhausted! My mom and I spent the day shopping. I hate shopping this time of year. I tend to get annoyed easily in large crowds. But it was a fruitful excursion. We got most everyone on our list. Believe it or not, that's good for my family. Ask my brothers and they would say that Mom usually did her shopping on Christmas Eve. Every single year, before we went to Grandma's, we had to stop by the store. We were given more time when our annual family celebration was moved from Christmas Eve to Christmas day about eight years ago(My brother Eric is still bitter about that; he blames Mark and Danielle, our aunt and uncle. They wanted to start going to the Christmas Eve service and our tradition fizzled out after that).
Anywho, it will be nice to be living in Houston again. I'm off to bed now. I don't know how long I'll be without internet, so farewell for now. Merry Christmas!!!
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Packing Days
As I write this, the two women who have been packing up our house since 9am are finally heading home. That's a 10 hour day, people! I can't imagine having a job where you spend 10 hours packing up someone else's house. I wonder how much they get paid? But my mom will say it's rude to ask, so I won't bother asking. I hope it's well above minimum wage. We have a lot of crap. They've spent most of the day going through the boxes we have piled in the garage. Pretty sad, eh? Some are from when I moved home from college and others are from five years ago when my parents first moved into this house. Many of the boxes contain classroom materials from when my mom was teaching six years ago. I guess I shouldn't complain, because if I do start teaching next year I can save tons of money by using her stuff.
Tomorrow is the second packing day. It's also suppose to be the last packing day. But as I look around I can't help but think it will take an act of God to get everything packed by the end of the day. I told my dad if God called us to move back to Houston He should get all of our stuff there as well. Dad says that's what the packers and movers are for.
I'm not particularly sad about moving. There's not really anything for me here in San Antonio. There are a few family friends and an old college roommate. My old roommate, Jessica, is also a newly wed so we don't even get to hang out much. When she's not at work and when Luke's not at work they are together. Although I'm good friends with both of them I know they don't have much time to be together. I love hanging out with her and we've lived in the same city for years, so it'll be sad leaving her. But that's about all I'll miss. All the extended family is in Houston as well as very promising job leads. I hope I find a good church soon . . . my spirit is yearning for Christian fellowship. Anyone out there know of any churches? I'm willing to drive anywhere!!!
So life is finally starting to settle down. But things will probably be stressful getting ready for Christmas next week! I'm excited, though. Especially since we'll be in a house big enough to hold all of us. Maybe now my loser brothers will come visit more often! I've kinda gotten used to living in the same city as them for the past six years. I especially hope Eric decides to bring his game cube.
Tomorrow is the second packing day. It's also suppose to be the last packing day. But as I look around I can't help but think it will take an act of God to get everything packed by the end of the day. I told my dad if God called us to move back to Houston He should get all of our stuff there as well. Dad says that's what the packers and movers are for.
I'm not particularly sad about moving. There's not really anything for me here in San Antonio. There are a few family friends and an old college roommate. My old roommate, Jessica, is also a newly wed so we don't even get to hang out much. When she's not at work and when Luke's not at work they are together. Although I'm good friends with both of them I know they don't have much time to be together. I love hanging out with her and we've lived in the same city for years, so it'll be sad leaving her. But that's about all I'll miss. All the extended family is in Houston as well as very promising job leads. I hope I find a good church soon . . . my spirit is yearning for Christian fellowship. Anyone out there know of any churches? I'm willing to drive anywhere!!!
So life is finally starting to settle down. But things will probably be stressful getting ready for Christmas next week! I'm excited, though. Especially since we'll be in a house big enough to hold all of us. Maybe now my loser brothers will come visit more often! I've kinda gotten used to living in the same city as them for the past six years. I especially hope Eric decides to bring his game cube.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Poem of the Day
A Conceit
by Maya Angelou
Give me your hand
Make room for me
to lead and follow
you
beyond this rage of poetry.
Let others have
the privacy of
touching words
and love of loss
of love.
For me
Give me your hand.
by Maya Angelou
Give me your hand
Make room for me
to lead and follow
you
beyond this rage of poetry.
Let others have
the privacy of
touching words
and love of loss
of love.
For me
Give me your hand.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Sunday morning
Last Sunday morning my nephew Nathan was in the church's Christmas program. It was so cute because he was a sheep! All the four and five year olds went up on stage to sing about four songs and there were two nativity scenes complete with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, a cow and a sheep. The cow and sheep on Nathan's side of the stage were in their own little world, talking to each other and playing with the hay. The program in general was adorable.
My sister-in-law took Nathan to church early in my car and I rode with my brother and the other two kids. We were running late, especially after I asked Eric if he had remembered the camera after we were already halfway there. Unfortunately we forgot Abigail's diaper bag as well but didn't realize it until we were actually at church. She didn't have her pacey either. Then she lost a sock somewhere between the van and the church. Poor thing. At least it wasn't a very cold morning. I felt sorry for the preschool workers who had to deal with her wailing. I know she cried because when I went to pick her up she was dead aleep and there were still tears on her cheeks. I found the contrast between she and the little boy that got dropped off just before her rather humorous. You could tell the little boy was the first child because both his parents dropped him off, he was all bundled up complete with hat and socks and shoes, AND he had his diaper bag complete with pacey and sippy cup. Poor Abby. It's easier to forget things the more kids you have. This reminds me of the time we went out to eat and Nathan made it all the way to the restaurant without any shoes and without anyone noticing. But that's another story.
Nathan and Daniel loved the songs Nathan had to learn. They were singing "Baby Jesus, we love you" all week. Of course my brother always has to change words to songs. It progressed to "Baby Daniel, we love you," "Baby Nathan, we love you," and "Baby Abigail, we love you." Then the boys pick up where their daddy left off (my brother may have even started it) and sang "Baby Elmo, we love you," "Baby Barney, we love you," "Baby video, we love you," "Baby pizza, we love you." The list goes on and on. Their Christmas song is a far cry from the Christmas song Eric's bestfriend's daughter made up (Jared posted it last Monday over on The Thinklings). I'm not surprised.
My sister-in-law took Nathan to church early in my car and I rode with my brother and the other two kids. We were running late, especially after I asked Eric if he had remembered the camera after we were already halfway there. Unfortunately we forgot Abigail's diaper bag as well but didn't realize it until we were actually at church. She didn't have her pacey either. Then she lost a sock somewhere between the van and the church. Poor thing. At least it wasn't a very cold morning. I felt sorry for the preschool workers who had to deal with her wailing. I know she cried because when I went to pick her up she was dead aleep and there were still tears on her cheeks. I found the contrast between she and the little boy that got dropped off just before her rather humorous. You could tell the little boy was the first child because both his parents dropped him off, he was all bundled up complete with hat and socks and shoes, AND he had his diaper bag complete with pacey and sippy cup. Poor Abby. It's easier to forget things the more kids you have. This reminds me of the time we went out to eat and Nathan made it all the way to the restaurant without any shoes and without anyone noticing. But that's another story.
Nathan and Daniel loved the songs Nathan had to learn. They were singing "Baby Jesus, we love you" all week. Of course my brother always has to change words to songs. It progressed to "Baby Daniel, we love you," "Baby Nathan, we love you," and "Baby Abigail, we love you." Then the boys pick up where their daddy left off (my brother may have even started it) and sang "Baby Elmo, we love you," "Baby Barney, we love you," "Baby video, we love you," "Baby pizza, we love you." The list goes on and on. Their Christmas song is a far cry from the Christmas song Eric's bestfriend's daughter made up (Jared posted it last Monday over on The Thinklings). I'm not surprised.
FINALLY
My parents FINALLY found a house in Houston! Actually, it's in Katy, but that's close enough. I'm excited to finally get settled in somewhere. I have literally been living out of a suitcase for seven months. SEVEN MONTHS! Even though I had my own room in England for three months and have had my own room here for two months I never settled in. Especially since I've been traveling to Houston and Waco for the past couple of months. But I will finally have my own room and my own closet to fill with my own clothes. Praise the Lord!
My brother Eric is trying to get me to go work at Allstate Insurance. That's where he worked two years ago and he really enjoyed it. His boss loved him and said he'd hire him back anytime. Eric said he'll call and put in a good word for me if I want. I think I may try it just to try it. At this point, I need all the help I can get in finding a job somewhere - anywhere. I had originally planned to apply for an alternative teaching program in Pasadena, but wasn't able to meet the December 3rd deadline. Considering we'll be living in Katy I'm not too disappointed about that anymore.
Living with Mom and Dad is getting easier. I'm sure it will be even better after I get a job. But my secret is out: they know I know how to cook, so I've been doing a lot of it lately. I don't mind; I've always loved cooking for people.
Anywho, I just wanted to share the wonderful news. My transition out of college is finally starting to settle. It's about time!
My brother Eric is trying to get me to go work at Allstate Insurance. That's where he worked two years ago and he really enjoyed it. His boss loved him and said he'd hire him back anytime. Eric said he'll call and put in a good word for me if I want. I think I may try it just to try it. At this point, I need all the help I can get in finding a job somewhere - anywhere. I had originally planned to apply for an alternative teaching program in Pasadena, but wasn't able to meet the December 3rd deadline. Considering we'll be living in Katy I'm not too disappointed about that anymore.
Living with Mom and Dad is getting easier. I'm sure it will be even better after I get a job. But my secret is out: they know I know how to cook, so I've been doing a lot of it lately. I don't mind; I've always loved cooking for people.
Anywho, I just wanted to share the wonderful news. My transition out of college is finally starting to settle. It's about time!
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