Okay - I've done this once already, and I am thinking that I tagged Cher......funny that NOW she does it and she tags me back! ;) Well, at least I do have enough randomness to fill another ten list......The rules of this game of tag are simple. Once you have been tagged, you must write a blog with ten weird, random things, little-known facts or habits about yourself. At the end, tag your close friends and explain why you chose them. Then leave a comment to tell them they've been tagged and to read your blog.
1. I cannot stand for socks to hang off your toes. This goes for me or anyone else around me. Socks are meant to be snug to your foot, not draping off the ends of your toes so that you can see all the debris that has collected. GROSS. (This stems from torcher inflicted by my Uncle Billy in childhood....) :)
2. I love Star Trek. (The Next Generation and Voyager.) Andy does too. We want to go to a convention one day. Maybe I'll dress up as a character....and make Andy be a Klingon......
3. I hate the feeling of wet paper. If I HAVE to use a paper towel in a public restroom, I get like three of them because I can't stand the feeling of the sogginess against my skin. This goes for paper towels at home when cleaning glass countertops, etc.
4. I have bad habits.....I bite and pick at my lips terribly and crack my knuckles, both of which I am trying to stop. So far, no luck.
5. I know many random facts about European countries because I had "Where in Europe is Carmen Sandiago" and played it incessently in the 4th grade.
6. Along the same nerdy lines, I taught myself to type in the 5th grade......just for the fun of it.
7. It is difficult for me to make new, close friends. I tend to either be too picky about who I spend my free time with, or I figure that we wouldn't have anything in common anyway, so why bother. But I'm great at letting people see exactly what I want them to see about me and nothing more. This is not a positive characteristic. I really miss having girlfriends close by.....
8. I can't stand Michael Savage. Even if he is right in principle on certain issues, his manner of communicating makes my blood boil and blood pressure rise. Andy, on the other hand, eats it up.
9. I require LOTS of sleep. I need my full 8 hours at least, but I really feel better with nine. Also, I can drop off to sleep at a moment's notice - no insomnia for me. (I get it from my Dad!)
10. I only wear real jewelry. Well, I mean - I will wear costume jewelry if it is beadwork or modern stuff. But if it LOOKS real, then it better BE real. No fake gemstones for me. I don't care what other people do, but for me, I just gotta have the real thing or something that everyone KNOWS is costume.
Considering nobody bothered to play along the last time I tagged them, I am not even going to bother. You know who you are........ :)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Do your job! (Imported from Myspace)
Argh. Stupid teacher. I have this class that I hate, Principles of Counseling - thought it would be great, turned out I was way wrong. So anyway, I got a slow start and didn't do so hot at the beginning, so I really had to work my butt off the second half. I just got my grade back for my final and participation grade - both 100%! That was great, but my final average was still showing 88%, which didn't make any sense considering all my grades were A's except for my Discussion Board grade which was worth 15% of the final grade and I had an 88% average in that class.
I emailed the stupid teacher and she told me that the final grade was correct. I went back and looked again and I had earned 1001 of 1100 points, which is a 91% - so I emailed her to double check it. All she emailed back was "Stop....", which really ticked me off - I mean, I have a RIGHT to question her grading if it doesn't add up correctly and I am NOT going to take a B, just because that is what she wants to give me - not if my grades don't support it. I mean, I'm passive, but not that passive. So, anyway, I look again at the gradebook and I notice that her Discussion Board weights do not match - some show as 100% and some show as 3% - well, that doesn't make sense so I email the stupid woman again and guess what.......she changes my grade - to a 93%! Okay, so then she emails the class and says that she "discovered" that her grading was incorrect, so double check your grades. Then she sends me a personal email saying that she realized the grade had been incorrect but that I had been a pest and basically needed to ask all my questions in one email instead of three!! Well, don't you think I WOULD have if I had thought of all the questions at once??? And isn't the point that she is the instructor, which means she HAS to listen to my emails? I am so sorry that my emails get on her nerves, but frankly, that is what she is paid to do. I know lots of people far more annoying than me, and I am thinking that if she thinks that I am annoying, she better find a new profession.
Okay - I feel better now. I have my "A" and that's all that counts. So offended though! Once my grade is recorded officially I may write a nice little letter to admin to complain (not that I think it will do any good).
I emailed the stupid teacher and she told me that the final grade was correct. I went back and looked again and I had earned 1001 of 1100 points, which is a 91% - so I emailed her to double check it. All she emailed back was "Stop....", which really ticked me off - I mean, I have a RIGHT to question her grading if it doesn't add up correctly and I am NOT going to take a B, just because that is what she wants to give me - not if my grades don't support it. I mean, I'm passive, but not that passive. So, anyway, I look again at the gradebook and I notice that her Discussion Board weights do not match - some show as 100% and some show as 3% - well, that doesn't make sense so I email the stupid woman again and guess what.......she changes my grade - to a 93%! Okay, so then she emails the class and says that she "discovered" that her grading was incorrect, so double check your grades. Then she sends me a personal email saying that she realized the grade had been incorrect but that I had been a pest and basically needed to ask all my questions in one email instead of three!! Well, don't you think I WOULD have if I had thought of all the questions at once??? And isn't the point that she is the instructor, which means she HAS to listen to my emails? I am so sorry that my emails get on her nerves, but frankly, that is what she is paid to do. I know lots of people far more annoying than me, and I am thinking that if she thinks that I am annoying, she better find a new profession.
Okay - I feel better now. I have my "A" and that's all that counts. So offended though! Once my grade is recorded officially I may write a nice little letter to admin to complain (not that I think it will do any good).
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Will Term II ever end? (imported from Myspace)
Man, this term is about to kill me. I'm taking a five-minute break from a final exam on the heels of another final. Blackboard booted me out of the system while I had just barely started a test and I've emailed the professor hours ago, to no avail. Due by midnight. I'm stressing (probably over nothing, I admit) that he might not let me retake it, which would KILL my exam average and also frustrate me beyond all possible reason.
It's not that this semester has been that much tougher than another, but just that with everything else that was going on at the outset I got behind, which has caused me difficulty ever since. I put SO much pressure on myself to make straight A's and so, I don't accept much less from myself. At least not without exhausting every opportunity to do better. We'll see how it turns out this semester though - I'm borderline "B" in every class, but I can still pull off A's if I do really well on everything that is left. THAT is why this test thing has got me so freaked out. I NEED A GOOD GRADE. Argh. Frustration. Annoyance. Irritation.
Add that to the other stressors in my life, and this week just has been a doozy. Praise God I'm almost done. Then I get a two week break. Yay! I have NO intention of working full-time during that break. Pray with me that Pat will not "remember" that school lets out over the Christmas holidays. I do not want him to ask me to work, because I do not want to have to say no. Frankly, I don't know that I have enough backbone to request to keep to my part-time schedule for two weeks. I am such a wuss. I hate that about myself. He doesn't *need* me to work those two weeks - it's just that I would be available, so I must want to work, right???
Okay, I vented. I don't feel loads better, but I will in ten minutes when I go to bed against my will. By morning I should have an email. (I hope!) Better finish up my study guide....
It's not that this semester has been that much tougher than another, but just that with everything else that was going on at the outset I got behind, which has caused me difficulty ever since. I put SO much pressure on myself to make straight A's and so, I don't accept much less from myself. At least not without exhausting every opportunity to do better. We'll see how it turns out this semester though - I'm borderline "B" in every class, but I can still pull off A's if I do really well on everything that is left. THAT is why this test thing has got me so freaked out. I NEED A GOOD GRADE. Argh. Frustration. Annoyance. Irritation.
Add that to the other stressors in my life, and this week just has been a doozy. Praise God I'm almost done. Then I get a two week break. Yay! I have NO intention of working full-time during that break. Pray with me that Pat will not "remember" that school lets out over the Christmas holidays. I do not want him to ask me to work, because I do not want to have to say no. Frankly, I don't know that I have enough backbone to request to keep to my part-time schedule for two weeks. I am such a wuss. I hate that about myself. He doesn't *need* me to work those two weeks - it's just that I would be available, so I must want to work, right???
Okay, I vented. I don't feel loads better, but I will in ten minutes when I go to bed against my will. By morning I should have an email. (I hope!) Better finish up my study guide....
Sunday, December 2, 2007
NYC (imported from Myspace)
NYC was great - we realy had a good vacation. It probably wasn't as great as Washington, DC was last year, but great all the same. I love going new places.
Lesson 1: Do not schedule long layovers in boring airpots, regardless of how much money you save. We had a three hour layover (not bad, normally) at the Orlando, airport. YUCK. I hated that airport - almost nothing to do, or nothing to look at. Give me Atlanta anytime.
We were thrilled with the cost-element of our trip - I continue to be thrilled with the deals that obtain. Going to NYC for a week for $1,000 is not a bad deal in my book. Not for airfare AND lodging. We booked our hotel in Queens, three blocks from the "7" train, which was great because we were able to escape the noise and crowds of the big city and yet we were only about ten minutes, tops into Times Square, without having to switch trains. The subway is GREAT and though some people don't like using it, I really enjoy it - someone drives me and I don't have to worry about parking, what more can you ask for? :)
Once we got to our hotel that night though - we ordered authentic Italian from a local restaurant that delivered. Oh my goodness.....Andy was in Heaven. ;)
Sunday we got up late and walked around Brooklyn - we ate brunch in a great little cafe, The Union Square Cafe, that had the best french toast I've ever had. I liked Brooklyn - though it was cold, the area had a welcoming feel to it. Lots of neat stores and a very cozy atmosphere - at least in the area we were in. A little later we went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle, which was a phenomenal experience, and one of the highlights of the trip for me. Ever since I read "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" several years back, I've had a real admiration for Jim Cymbala and the awesome work that is going on in that church. I really had to "get it together" because my emotions came close to getting the best of me when the worship service started. SO many people, of all colors singing and praising God together. Little, old white-haired white women standing next to a black man with dredlocks - both singing. I just loved it. I'm so sick of the homogenous worship that we experience week in and week out and it was refreshing to be in a place that was so vastly different. Praise songs blended with hymns and everyone sang together. Oh, such bliss.
That night we ate Asian Fusion, which I actually had never heard of until I read The Devil Wears Prada. It is actually food that comes from the regions where China meets up next to India. Very unique and delicious. The atmosphere was great, and I love asking the waitress to order something yummy on my behalf. Makes the meal interesting, and usually results in a great choice!
Monday we walked through Fifth Avenue and enjoyed looking at the city, but it was nasty and drizzly (hence the hood in my pics!). We took a respite in a Cajun eatery, The Delta Grill, for lunch and they had the best macaroni and cheese that I think I have ever had. I ordered "real" food, but I think I should have just ordered a second mac and cheese. We also *finally* found the Apple Store for Andy, which was neat because it was all glass and the actual store is located underground, you take a circular stairway downstairs, where you can test out about a million Apple products. After walking around Times Square we signed up for the obligatory bus tour, which we really didn't get to enjoy like we had hoped because of the weather, which was still on the gray, cold side. We took the uptown tour into the Upper East and West Side and Harlem, which was neat, except we didn't start until late and it started to get dark on us. Plus we got bad news about our little dog Walker while on this tour - it's always so hard to lose a pet......
Tuesday we slept in (again) and went back to downtown to eat breakfast at a great little dinner, The Andrews Cafe. Then we went back to the bus tour, braved the elements and sat on the upper level of the double-decker bus. The tour was very long, especially because of traffic, but it did a great job of letting you see the major sights and get more familiar with the neighborhoods. I've done bus tours in several cities now, Savannah, St. Augustine, DC, NYC and I really think that they are a great way to start a touring trip in order to familiarize yourself with the layout. Everytime we've taken one, it's led to our discovery of something we WANTED to do, but would have never known about except for the tour.
Wednesday I insisted on getting a *real* NYC bagel from a bagel shop - what a disappointment. The Italian lived up to its reputation, but the bagel was certainly lacking. Especially in comparison to Andy's berry yogurt muffin. Wow! But it was a good experience, nonetheless. We spent several hours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which has been a dream ever since I read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler in the 5th grade. (BTW- if you haven't read this, it is a GREAT read, even if it IS a kids book!) :) I liked seeing the portraits of George Washington that I have always seen in my textbooks in person......you can really appreciate them much better that way. My favorite was the GIGANTIC painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware. It is HUGE and very, very impressive in person. Definitely a highlight.
We also got some nuts and a hot dog from a street vendor - again, the hot dog did not live up to its reputation and my expectation.
Later that night, after a small disagreement over my cranky condition (from walking WAY more than I'm used to) Andy and I took the Staten Island Ferry roundtrip to get some great views of Manhatten and the Statue of Liberty at dusk. The lady was so beautiful and majestic all lit up - that was probably the single greatest sight. Made you proud of our nation, regardless of where we may be at present. Too bad the lighting was strange so I couldn't get a good picture at all. Very disappointed about that. But the ferry was Andy's idea, and the best one that we had while we were gone. You can't beat free for a pricetag, either. If you go to NYC - definitely do the ferry at dusk.
Thursday was our last day and we tried to make it full, but it being Thanksgiving and all, and besides our exhausted condition from all the walking we aren't used to doing, our bodies fought back as far as the tourist-ing was concerned. We slept in later than planned, but did make it to Columbus Circle by the time the Macy's Day Parade had begun. Took a while to get a spot where we could actually see, but man, was it worth it. The weather was (finally) beautiful, and t was a great thing to see 4-5 story balloons! The bands were neat also, and I felt like a kid! Andy enjoyed it too, which I think may have surprised him! If I ever go back, I will make sure to rent a hotel room that overlooks the parade route, at least for that one night - I was super jealous of those folks - they had it made! I guess they may have lost some of the experience by NOT having to fight the crowds though.....We then went out and bought our Thanksgiving Dinner from Boston Market and took it back to our hotel room because they had run out of utensils. So we ate dinner in our hotel room, on dessert-size paper plates. It's amazing how little food can fit on a plate that size! I discovered a new love of pupkin pie, which I could have lived without. I need another vice like I need the proverbial "hole in the head." We topped off Thanksgiving by going to see Beowulf in the IMAX at Lincoln Square, which was fun and escapist entertainment. We both enjoyed it.
We did a lot more, the Empire State Building, Macy's, Times Square, Grand Central Station, the subway, the historic Public Library and it was all wonderful. I could go on and continue writing a book, but I am tired and it is late. I recommend NYC for anyone at Thanksgiving - we had a marvelous time and now it is time to start planning the next getaway - hopefully to Vegas and the Grand Canyon in May! Yay!
Lesson 1: Do not schedule long layovers in boring airpots, regardless of how much money you save. We had a three hour layover (not bad, normally) at the Orlando, airport. YUCK. I hated that airport - almost nothing to do, or nothing to look at. Give me Atlanta anytime.
We were thrilled with the cost-element of our trip - I continue to be thrilled with the deals that obtain. Going to NYC for a week for $1,000 is not a bad deal in my book. Not for airfare AND lodging. We booked our hotel in Queens, three blocks from the "7" train, which was great because we were able to escape the noise and crowds of the big city and yet we were only about ten minutes, tops into Times Square, without having to switch trains. The subway is GREAT and though some people don't like using it, I really enjoy it - someone drives me and I don't have to worry about parking, what more can you ask for? :)
Once we got to our hotel that night though - we ordered authentic Italian from a local restaurant that delivered. Oh my goodness.....Andy was in Heaven. ;)
Sunday we got up late and walked around Brooklyn - we ate brunch in a great little cafe, The Union Square Cafe, that had the best french toast I've ever had. I liked Brooklyn - though it was cold, the area had a welcoming feel to it. Lots of neat stores and a very cozy atmosphere - at least in the area we were in. A little later we went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle, which was a phenomenal experience, and one of the highlights of the trip for me. Ever since I read "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" several years back, I've had a real admiration for Jim Cymbala and the awesome work that is going on in that church. I really had to "get it together" because my emotions came close to getting the best of me when the worship service started. SO many people, of all colors singing and praising God together. Little, old white-haired white women standing next to a black man with dredlocks - both singing. I just loved it. I'm so sick of the homogenous worship that we experience week in and week out and it was refreshing to be in a place that was so vastly different. Praise songs blended with hymns and everyone sang together. Oh, such bliss.
That night we ate Asian Fusion, which I actually had never heard of until I read The Devil Wears Prada. It is actually food that comes from the regions where China meets up next to India. Very unique and delicious. The atmosphere was great, and I love asking the waitress to order something yummy on my behalf. Makes the meal interesting, and usually results in a great choice!
Monday we walked through Fifth Avenue and enjoyed looking at the city, but it was nasty and drizzly (hence the hood in my pics!). We took a respite in a Cajun eatery, The Delta Grill, for lunch and they had the best macaroni and cheese that I think I have ever had. I ordered "real" food, but I think I should have just ordered a second mac and cheese. We also *finally* found the Apple Store for Andy, which was neat because it was all glass and the actual store is located underground, you take a circular stairway downstairs, where you can test out about a million Apple products. After walking around Times Square we signed up for the obligatory bus tour, which we really didn't get to enjoy like we had hoped because of the weather, which was still on the gray, cold side. We took the uptown tour into the Upper East and West Side and Harlem, which was neat, except we didn't start until late and it started to get dark on us. Plus we got bad news about our little dog Walker while on this tour - it's always so hard to lose a pet......
Tuesday we slept in (again) and went back to downtown to eat breakfast at a great little dinner, The Andrews Cafe. Then we went back to the bus tour, braved the elements and sat on the upper level of the double-decker bus. The tour was very long, especially because of traffic, but it did a great job of letting you see the major sights and get more familiar with the neighborhoods. I've done bus tours in several cities now, Savannah, St. Augustine, DC, NYC and I really think that they are a great way to start a touring trip in order to familiarize yourself with the layout. Everytime we've taken one, it's led to our discovery of something we WANTED to do, but would have never known about except for the tour.
Wednesday I insisted on getting a *real* NYC bagel from a bagel shop - what a disappointment. The Italian lived up to its reputation, but the bagel was certainly lacking. Especially in comparison to Andy's berry yogurt muffin. Wow! But it was a good experience, nonetheless. We spent several hours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which has been a dream ever since I read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler in the 5th grade. (BTW- if you haven't read this, it is a GREAT read, even if it IS a kids book!) :) I liked seeing the portraits of George Washington that I have always seen in my textbooks in person......you can really appreciate them much better that way. My favorite was the GIGANTIC painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware. It is HUGE and very, very impressive in person. Definitely a highlight.
We also got some nuts and a hot dog from a street vendor - again, the hot dog did not live up to its reputation and my expectation.
Later that night, after a small disagreement over my cranky condition (from walking WAY more than I'm used to) Andy and I took the Staten Island Ferry roundtrip to get some great views of Manhatten and the Statue of Liberty at dusk. The lady was so beautiful and majestic all lit up - that was probably the single greatest sight. Made you proud of our nation, regardless of where we may be at present. Too bad the lighting was strange so I couldn't get a good picture at all. Very disappointed about that. But the ferry was Andy's idea, and the best one that we had while we were gone. You can't beat free for a pricetag, either. If you go to NYC - definitely do the ferry at dusk.
Thursday was our last day and we tried to make it full, but it being Thanksgiving and all, and besides our exhausted condition from all the walking we aren't used to doing, our bodies fought back as far as the tourist-ing was concerned. We slept in later than planned, but did make it to Columbus Circle by the time the Macy's Day Parade had begun. Took a while to get a spot where we could actually see, but man, was it worth it. The weather was (finally) beautiful, and t was a great thing to see 4-5 story balloons! The bands were neat also, and I felt like a kid! Andy enjoyed it too, which I think may have surprised him! If I ever go back, I will make sure to rent a hotel room that overlooks the parade route, at least for that one night - I was super jealous of those folks - they had it made! I guess they may have lost some of the experience by NOT having to fight the crowds though.....We then went out and bought our Thanksgiving Dinner from Boston Market and took it back to our hotel room because they had run out of utensils. So we ate dinner in our hotel room, on dessert-size paper plates. It's amazing how little food can fit on a plate that size! I discovered a new love of pupkin pie, which I could have lived without. I need another vice like I need the proverbial "hole in the head." We topped off Thanksgiving by going to see Beowulf in the IMAX at Lincoln Square, which was fun and escapist entertainment. We both enjoyed it.
We did a lot more, the Empire State Building, Macy's, Times Square, Grand Central Station, the subway, the historic Public Library and it was all wonderful. I could go on and continue writing a book, but I am tired and it is late. I recommend NYC for anyone at Thanksgiving - we had a marvelous time and now it is time to start planning the next getaway - hopefully to Vegas and the Grand Canyon in May! Yay!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Thanksgiving (imported from Myspace)
Dear Diary (or other friend who chooses to make it through my stream-of-consciousness, exhausted, way-too-wordy discourse):
Been a tough semester. I've had a ton of stuff going on at the church the first half of this term, and so, I got behind. Which I swore to myself I wouldn't do, but alas, here we are. So, I've been working like a crazy person to catch up. I made all A's last semester and really wanted to again, but I'm not sure I can manage it in one class. I mean, the world won't end if I get a "B," but I will be a little saddened all the same. I need to continuously prove to myself that I am still smart. Sounds stupid I know.
One benefit of taking an awesome Forensic Psychology class is being forced to read, which I generally really enjoy, but fail to make time to do. I just finished a book called Without Conscience, about psychopaths and it was riveting. Really enjoyed it. I know, I'm a complete nerd.
Andy's been out of town on tour with the Male Chorale and he's had a really good time. I'm glad he is home now though. We had a good service tonight at church though. One of the youth guys, Josh, taught our lesson, and I just beamed with pride. Takes a lot of courage to teach in front of your peers. We all feel like failures inside, and we all know our own weaknesses, so for me, teaching is a challenge because I feel like, "well, who am I" to try to teach. So I was really happy about Josh doing it, and doing it so well.
I am also lamenting the fact that I have no friends. I mean, I have online, old friends, but close-by friends.......very, very limited and very shallow relationships. I hope someday to have some girlfriends that I can laugh and talk with like I used to have. I had a nice dinner with Carrie recently and really enjoyed being around somebody who knows me. Andy and I also went out with another couple last Friday, and I got to be around another person near my age, which I enjoyed. Then tonight I talked to a girl on the phone that I really like who lives in NC. Leah's on myspace now too, but we are both so busy. So, it's like, I like people, but no relationships that are close enough by that they can really be cultivated the way I would like to. One of these days I am going to call these old friends and see if we can't do a girls weekend out - us all meet somewhere in the middle and share hotel expenses - who knows, maybe we can even get a kitchenette so we can make our own meals (we'd have to make sure Cher a/k/a Betty Crocker came to cook for us). Anyway, just rambling now, but it would be fun.
Well, I need to go to bed, though I don't want to. Tomorrow is my last day at work until vacation, so I need to get lots done. Sometimes it is hard to "work" at work because my boss is so hands off. I need him to look at things, which he won't do, and then they don't get done and he wonders why. Sometimes I get mad, sometimes I feel guilty, sometimes I don't care. It's very frustrating because I like him so well.
Been a tough semester. I've had a ton of stuff going on at the church the first half of this term, and so, I got behind. Which I swore to myself I wouldn't do, but alas, here we are. So, I've been working like a crazy person to catch up. I made all A's last semester and really wanted to again, but I'm not sure I can manage it in one class. I mean, the world won't end if I get a "B," but I will be a little saddened all the same. I need to continuously prove to myself that I am still smart. Sounds stupid I know.
One benefit of taking an awesome Forensic Psychology class is being forced to read, which I generally really enjoy, but fail to make time to do. I just finished a book called Without Conscience, about psychopaths and it was riveting. Really enjoyed it. I know, I'm a complete nerd.
Andy's been out of town on tour with the Male Chorale and he's had a really good time. I'm glad he is home now though. We had a good service tonight at church though. One of the youth guys, Josh, taught our lesson, and I just beamed with pride. Takes a lot of courage to teach in front of your peers. We all feel like failures inside, and we all know our own weaknesses, so for me, teaching is a challenge because I feel like, "well, who am I" to try to teach. So I was really happy about Josh doing it, and doing it so well.
I am also lamenting the fact that I have no friends. I mean, I have online, old friends, but close-by friends.......very, very limited and very shallow relationships. I hope someday to have some girlfriends that I can laugh and talk with like I used to have. I had a nice dinner with Carrie recently and really enjoyed being around somebody who knows me. Andy and I also went out with another couple last Friday, and I got to be around another person near my age, which I enjoyed. Then tonight I talked to a girl on the phone that I really like who lives in NC. Leah's on myspace now too, but we are both so busy. So, it's like, I like people, but no relationships that are close enough by that they can really be cultivated the way I would like to. One of these days I am going to call these old friends and see if we can't do a girls weekend out - us all meet somewhere in the middle and share hotel expenses - who knows, maybe we can even get a kitchenette so we can make our own meals (we'd have to make sure Cher a/k/a Betty Crocker came to cook for us). Anyway, just rambling now, but it would be fun.
Well, I need to go to bed, though I don't want to. Tomorrow is my last day at work until vacation, so I need to get lots done. Sometimes it is hard to "work" at work because my boss is so hands off. I need him to look at things, which he won't do, and then they don't get done and he wonders why. Sometimes I get mad, sometimes I feel guilty, sometimes I don't care. It's very frustrating because I like him so well.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Life enrichment=canning (imported from Myspace)
Okay, so there are lots of things I can't do and many of them I really want to be able to do. These include fluently speaking spanish, ballroom dancing (well), singing, styling my hair properly, etc. But I can no longer say that I cannot can food! Woo hoo!
Our friend Pat is one of those women who loves anything homespun, like garden produce, canning, needlework, home remedies, etc. She would rather take a shot of honey, whisky and lemon than use some good old nyquil. (She keeps trying to convert me, but it is NOT working. YUCK.) Anyway, she makes this awesome stuff called pear relish. I'd never heard of it while growing up in Jacksonville, though, as it turns out, there are lots of things I had never heard about until I moved to the sticks, ahem, I mean Alabama.
Anyway, pear relish is simple - made of pears, sweetened with sugar, with bell peppers (various colors), hot peppers, onions and vinegar added in.
We got two five gallon buckets full of pears from Pat's house a week ago. She said to lay them out to ripen for a week, which we did. Then they all have to be peeled, cored and then blended. Lots of work. Andy peeled while I cored and added ingredients. It was a good assembly line. Well, it took us about 4.5 hours, but we finally did get the stuff made! Yay - go us!
In the middle of our project though we realized that our blender only has one working setting - puree. I mean, it has lots of setting, but they all do the same thing - puree. So, instead of coarse grinding the pears, we pureed the pears. And instead of coarse chopping the onions, bell peppers, etc., we pureed the onions, bell pepper, etc. If you want to know what nasty looks like, I would wager that it looks very similar to pureed onion. :)
Turns out that canning isn't so much hard, as it is time consuming. You fill the jars with the substance you prepare, then screw the lids on tight and boil in a large canning pot for twenty minutes. Then you sit the scalding hot jars out on the counter and wait for them to pop! That means that they have sealed.
Well, so far our pear relish has been a hit. We are very proud. When you look at the end result, which for us was 12 pints and five quarts and think "I made that!" you feel a swell of pride! :)
Our friend Pat is one of those women who loves anything homespun, like garden produce, canning, needlework, home remedies, etc. She would rather take a shot of honey, whisky and lemon than use some good old nyquil. (She keeps trying to convert me, but it is NOT working. YUCK.) Anyway, she makes this awesome stuff called pear relish. I'd never heard of it while growing up in Jacksonville, though, as it turns out, there are lots of things I had never heard about until I moved to the sticks, ahem, I mean Alabama.
Anyway, pear relish is simple - made of pears, sweetened with sugar, with bell peppers (various colors), hot peppers, onions and vinegar added in.
We got two five gallon buckets full of pears from Pat's house a week ago. She said to lay them out to ripen for a week, which we did. Then they all have to be peeled, cored and then blended. Lots of work. Andy peeled while I cored and added ingredients. It was a good assembly line. Well, it took us about 4.5 hours, but we finally did get the stuff made! Yay - go us!
In the middle of our project though we realized that our blender only has one working setting - puree. I mean, it has lots of setting, but they all do the same thing - puree. So, instead of coarse grinding the pears, we pureed the pears. And instead of coarse chopping the onions, bell peppers, etc., we pureed the onions, bell pepper, etc. If you want to know what nasty looks like, I would wager that it looks very similar to pureed onion. :)
Turns out that canning isn't so much hard, as it is time consuming. You fill the jars with the substance you prepare, then screw the lids on tight and boil in a large canning pot for twenty minutes. Then you sit the scalding hot jars out on the counter and wait for them to pop! That means that they have sealed.
Well, so far our pear relish has been a hit. We are very proud. When you look at the end result, which for us was 12 pints and five quarts and think "I made that!" you feel a swell of pride! :)
Monday, August 13, 2007
Happiness=school plus part-time work (imported from Myspace)
I am thrilled to report that like the kids in our youth group, I am back to school too!
Been a long time coming, and I am still a little unnerved, but I was always a good student, so I don't anticipate any problems at this juncture. Thankfully, I should be able to finish by early summer, if all goes as planned. (And I do plan exhaustively.)
Spent quite a lot of time today reading over materials and trying to get the classes straight in my brain. Doing online coursework is nice, but it may pose a problem with distinguishing the individual classes. Note to self: buy planner.
Otherwise, all is well. Andy is leading worship at a youth rally in Jax this weekend and lucky me gets to play the piano. It's really not that bad - he got the music to me early and I have been practicing. Been kind of fun.....once we had war over whether I would play keyboard music or chords. I think he understands my limitations a little better now - I did not grow up playing chords and in my entire musical education there was NEVER an emphasis on chord knowledge. This has stunted my ability, I am convinced, but alas, two weeks notice on a playing opportunity is not sufficient to learn what I should have learned ten+ years ago.
I don't think my dogs like me back in school - they are all three holed up in the office with me - and have been for hours! Probably doesn't help their mood that Andy is back in school too, and his Monday schedule is a killer! He's not been home all day either.
Otherwise, things are good on our end. Usual irritations notwithstanding, things seem to be going well. Praise God for that. I am absolutely LOVING my new work schedule. I wish I could have done it years ago. I get off at 2:00 p.m., so when I am at the office I am busy all the time. What a nice change. I can't get everything done (mainly because Pat is in court or not in the office at the right time), but I stay busy and productive. I like that. The day flies by and before I can blink it's 2:00. So then I have this nice, long afternoon to study/relax/veg and I actually have TIME to cook dinner. Woo hoo. (Means I can go back on weight watchers and get this weight off again!) And don't even mention the weekend! Since we've been at the chuch, Sunday is a complete work day. I don't know how/why full-time working people do it frankly - between Bible Study, Worship Services, Choir Practice, Evening Services, special meetings - Sundays become anything BUT a day of rest. If I weren't married to a staff member, there is no way that I would do it. I admire those who do and still enjoy church. Anyway, sorry for the tangent. Back to my point - since we came to Cowarts, Sundays are busy and I feel like I only have one rest day - and even that is oftentimes interrupted by something to do related to the church. Makes you feel like you do nothing but work. (Don't misunderstand me - I love the church!) But now, I am off at 2:00 on Thursday for the weekend! Last weekend I used one day to do nothing but enjoy myself and then used Saturday to catch up the housecleaning, study, etc. It was wonderful. And you know what - when Sunday came, I didn't resent it. I also didn't dread going back to work on Monday. It all felt right. ::sigh:: I am very content.
Been a long time coming, and I am still a little unnerved, but I was always a good student, so I don't anticipate any problems at this juncture. Thankfully, I should be able to finish by early summer, if all goes as planned. (And I do plan exhaustively.)
Spent quite a lot of time today reading over materials and trying to get the classes straight in my brain. Doing online coursework is nice, but it may pose a problem with distinguishing the individual classes. Note to self: buy planner.
Otherwise, all is well. Andy is leading worship at a youth rally in Jax this weekend and lucky me gets to play the piano. It's really not that bad - he got the music to me early and I have been practicing. Been kind of fun.....once we had war over whether I would play keyboard music or chords. I think he understands my limitations a little better now - I did not grow up playing chords and in my entire musical education there was NEVER an emphasis on chord knowledge. This has stunted my ability, I am convinced, but alas, two weeks notice on a playing opportunity is not sufficient to learn what I should have learned ten+ years ago.
I don't think my dogs like me back in school - they are all three holed up in the office with me - and have been for hours! Probably doesn't help their mood that Andy is back in school too, and his Monday schedule is a killer! He's not been home all day either.
Otherwise, things are good on our end. Usual irritations notwithstanding, things seem to be going well. Praise God for that. I am absolutely LOVING my new work schedule. I wish I could have done it years ago. I get off at 2:00 p.m., so when I am at the office I am busy all the time. What a nice change. I can't get everything done (mainly because Pat is in court or not in the office at the right time), but I stay busy and productive. I like that. The day flies by and before I can blink it's 2:00. So then I have this nice, long afternoon to study/relax/veg and I actually have TIME to cook dinner. Woo hoo. (Means I can go back on weight watchers and get this weight off again!) And don't even mention the weekend! Since we've been at the chuch, Sunday is a complete work day. I don't know how/why full-time working people do it frankly - between Bible Study, Worship Services, Choir Practice, Evening Services, special meetings - Sundays become anything BUT a day of rest. If I weren't married to a staff member, there is no way that I would do it. I admire those who do and still enjoy church. Anyway, sorry for the tangent. Back to my point - since we came to Cowarts, Sundays are busy and I feel like I only have one rest day - and even that is oftentimes interrupted by something to do related to the church. Makes you feel like you do nothing but work. (Don't misunderstand me - I love the church!) But now, I am off at 2:00 on Thursday for the weekend! Last weekend I used one day to do nothing but enjoy myself and then used Saturday to catch up the housecleaning, study, etc. It was wonderful. And you know what - when Sunday came, I didn't resent it. I also didn't dread going back to work on Monday. It all felt right. ::sigh:: I am very content.
Friday, July 13, 2007
MaMa is coming! (imported from Myspace)
Andy's grandmother is coming next week to visit. Well, actually she is coming home with us from youth camp. The problem is that we leave Wednesday for camp, so I have to have my house sparkling and immaculate by Tuesday night! AHH! I mean, this is the cleanest woman alive, honestly! I am clean, especially by most standards, but NOT by that standard. She is way too sweet to ever say a word, but personal pride being what it is.......I MUST have my home in order.
Therefore, I have admitted defeat and contacted a cleaning lady who will come Tuesday to bail me out on the hard stuff: floors, tubs, blinds, windowsills, etc. I guess half the battle is knowing when to quit, huh?!
I am even having my dogs groomed on Monday. Tell me THAT's not overkill.
So, this weekend I will be doing what I can in the way of organizing everything. Wish my small bathroom was redone already, but we can only do so much.
But I have discovered Star Trek: Voyager and so Andy and I will entertain ourselves with DVDs from Season 1 some also. (Torchering our weekend visitor, Hannah, in the process!)
So, hope you all have a nice weekend. For me, just call me Mrs. Clean.
Therefore, I have admitted defeat and contacted a cleaning lady who will come Tuesday to bail me out on the hard stuff: floors, tubs, blinds, windowsills, etc. I guess half the battle is knowing when to quit, huh?!
I am even having my dogs groomed on Monday. Tell me THAT's not overkill.
So, this weekend I will be doing what I can in the way of organizing everything. Wish my small bathroom was redone already, but we can only do so much.
But I have discovered Star Trek: Voyager and so Andy and I will entertain ourselves with DVDs from Season 1 some also. (Torchering our weekend visitor, Hannah, in the process!)
So, hope you all have a nice weekend. For me, just call me Mrs. Clean.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Snippets (imported from Myspace)
As always, be warned that this is probably really more of a diary entry than anything else. Just didn't want to check "diary" because then it looks like I must have been either venting some serious emotions or have a secret!
Rewatched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers today. I absolutely love it still. I also discovered a great "making of" documentary on my DVD and watched it, which was fun, but depressing. All the cute "brides" from the movie are now so old, and age has not been kind. I mean, aging isn't so bad if you are more of a Laura Bush or Goldie Hawn or Oprah kind of woman. Terrible if you are.....well, these women. Too much makeup and frizzy hair at 60 is a bad look. If I ever forget that, please feel free to remind me. But back to the movie - the barn-raising scene is one of my all-time favorite movie scenes. ::Sigh:: it just doesn't get better than that!
I am still just so happy that my kitty (now known as Midnight) has a good home. Andy says I am forever forbidden to take in any more strays though - he said I used up all my chances on this one by getting too attached! :)
Andy has gone to Jacksonville for the next several days to visit his family. I enjoy my "alone" time, but have been a little bored today.
For the past few days I have been a little more-than-usually absorbed about my appearance-feeling frumpy. Soooo....this led me to desire to spend a little money for a couple of new things. I rarely buy new clothes, there's just usually not money for that sort of nonsense, when I have a closet full already. But I came to the conclusion late last night that it doesn't matter if the closet is full if I only wear 15% of what is in there. So I did a MAJOR purge. Too big - GONE. Too old - GONE. Haven't worn - GONE. Old shoes - GONE. I even forced myself to part with nice, brand name things if they hadn't been worn. I tell you - it felt really good. So now, looking at my summer wardrobe, I feel a little better. There are actually some nice things to look at, now that the chaff has been removed. It probably did help that last night I went and bought a few new things at this new mall store, The Boutique. I like that place a lot. It's home-owned, which I am always a sucker for, and I've met the owner several times. So I picked up a couple of things (five shirts) last night. It was great. I still need to go through my winter wardrobe, but I will probably wait until winter to do so. I'm going to take everything over to the Baptist Association office rather than the consignment store - I think I'll actually get a better return for my money donating it and getting a receipt than taking it to be consigned. Only difficulty is working it into my schedule - their drop off hours are weird.
I've also been playing with makeup. I'm trying to identify ways to cut my makeup bill down. I've been living like a diva, wearing only expensive, department store brands (primarily Lancome) since high school. Unfortunately, that doesn't sit well with my adult budget. So I am trying to identify where I can cut back. I've found that mascara seems to be just as good whether cheap or expensive. Same with eyeliner and lipliner. Absolutely not with foundation - I will stick with my Estee Lauder foundation and Lancome powder, expensive though they are. I've learned to love Aveeno's moisturizer. Haven't tried cheap blush yet, and I have enough "gift" liptick from Lancome, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden and Estee Lauder to last me a lifetime. I am about to try cheap eyeshadow tomorrow - I picked some up today. I love the fact that CVS lets you return things you don't like. GREAT discovery! Today I really dolled up and tried some new things with my eyeshadow, and was very pleased with the result. I feel the frumpy mood passing...
I think the whole "frumpy" mode has really just been brought about by my recent regaining of weight. I've gained seven pounds of the eighteen I lost back. That's terrible, especially considering how hard I worked to get it off. But, as of today, I am back on with a vengeance. I even cooked some WW food for dinner - "fake" fried chicken, roasted corn on the cob in the oven and mashed sweet potatoes - yum! I like to cook when I have time, energy and don't have to do all the cleanup. I need to cook more often. For two reasons at least - fattening food and money expense. Here in four and a half weeks, I will get to definitely start.
Speaking of four and a half weeks - can't wait to cut to part time hours! Woo hoo! Go me.
Andy is so sweet. He found seasons of the King of Queens on sale at FYE last night and pointed them out to me - the fact that he made such a fuss that I buy a season while he was gone touched me. I like it when he notices things that I like. I have a wonderful husband. I miss him when he is gone - it makes my house very empty.
He took me to see Ratatouille Monday night, which was great. I really enjoy those Pixar flicks. Since I watched it, I did some reading on the culinary dish "ratatouille" and it doesn't sound appetizing to me at all.
Otherwise, I am totally pumped about the last Harry Potter book coming out on the 21st. If we didn't have youth camp that weekend, me and Andy would so be going to one of those parties at the bookstore. That would be fun.
Going to go indulge in a long bath and read for a while.
Rewatched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers today. I absolutely love it still. I also discovered a great "making of" documentary on my DVD and watched it, which was fun, but depressing. All the cute "brides" from the movie are now so old, and age has not been kind. I mean, aging isn't so bad if you are more of a Laura Bush or Goldie Hawn or Oprah kind of woman. Terrible if you are.....well, these women. Too much makeup and frizzy hair at 60 is a bad look. If I ever forget that, please feel free to remind me. But back to the movie - the barn-raising scene is one of my all-time favorite movie scenes. ::Sigh:: it just doesn't get better than that!
I am still just so happy that my kitty (now known as Midnight) has a good home. Andy says I am forever forbidden to take in any more strays though - he said I used up all my chances on this one by getting too attached! :)
Andy has gone to Jacksonville for the next several days to visit his family. I enjoy my "alone" time, but have been a little bored today.
For the past few days I have been a little more-than-usually absorbed about my appearance-feeling frumpy. Soooo....this led me to desire to spend a little money for a couple of new things. I rarely buy new clothes, there's just usually not money for that sort of nonsense, when I have a closet full already. But I came to the conclusion late last night that it doesn't matter if the closet is full if I only wear 15% of what is in there. So I did a MAJOR purge. Too big - GONE. Too old - GONE. Haven't worn - GONE. Old shoes - GONE. I even forced myself to part with nice, brand name things if they hadn't been worn. I tell you - it felt really good. So now, looking at my summer wardrobe, I feel a little better. There are actually some nice things to look at, now that the chaff has been removed. It probably did help that last night I went and bought a few new things at this new mall store, The Boutique. I like that place a lot. It's home-owned, which I am always a sucker for, and I've met the owner several times. So I picked up a couple of things (five shirts) last night. It was great. I still need to go through my winter wardrobe, but I will probably wait until winter to do so. I'm going to take everything over to the Baptist Association office rather than the consignment store - I think I'll actually get a better return for my money donating it and getting a receipt than taking it to be consigned. Only difficulty is working it into my schedule - their drop off hours are weird.
I've also been playing with makeup. I'm trying to identify ways to cut my makeup bill down. I've been living like a diva, wearing only expensive, department store brands (primarily Lancome) since high school. Unfortunately, that doesn't sit well with my adult budget. So I am trying to identify where I can cut back. I've found that mascara seems to be just as good whether cheap or expensive. Same with eyeliner and lipliner. Absolutely not with foundation - I will stick with my Estee Lauder foundation and Lancome powder, expensive though they are. I've learned to love Aveeno's moisturizer. Haven't tried cheap blush yet, and I have enough "gift" liptick from Lancome, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden and Estee Lauder to last me a lifetime. I am about to try cheap eyeshadow tomorrow - I picked some up today. I love the fact that CVS lets you return things you don't like. GREAT discovery! Today I really dolled up and tried some new things with my eyeshadow, and was very pleased with the result. I feel the frumpy mood passing...
I think the whole "frumpy" mode has really just been brought about by my recent regaining of weight. I've gained seven pounds of the eighteen I lost back. That's terrible, especially considering how hard I worked to get it off. But, as of today, I am back on with a vengeance. I even cooked some WW food for dinner - "fake" fried chicken, roasted corn on the cob in the oven and mashed sweet potatoes - yum! I like to cook when I have time, energy and don't have to do all the cleanup. I need to cook more often. For two reasons at least - fattening food and money expense. Here in four and a half weeks, I will get to definitely start.
Speaking of four and a half weeks - can't wait to cut to part time hours! Woo hoo! Go me.
Andy is so sweet. He found seasons of the King of Queens on sale at FYE last night and pointed them out to me - the fact that he made such a fuss that I buy a season while he was gone touched me. I like it when he notices things that I like. I have a wonderful husband. I miss him when he is gone - it makes my house very empty.
He took me to see Ratatouille Monday night, which was great. I really enjoy those Pixar flicks. Since I watched it, I did some reading on the culinary dish "ratatouille" and it doesn't sound appetizing to me at all.
Otherwise, I am totally pumped about the last Harry Potter book coming out on the 21st. If we didn't have youth camp that weekend, me and Andy would so be going to one of those parties at the bookstore. That would be fun.
Going to go indulge in a long bath and read for a while.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Kittens over church members anyday! (imported from Myspace)
First off, I have been adopted by a kitten. So cute! I'm not even a cat person. But it is a temporary adoption, thanks to Morgan. Last night, I was on the telephone and heard a meowing in the garage. Went outside and there is this little tiny baby kitten.....just as little and dis-proportionate as he can be. Has huge paws and a long tail and a wee-baby body. Adorable. He came to me and jumped around and overall just won me over. Andy caught me outside and smiling says, "Why are you petting that cat?" But he could see how cute he was too. But neither of us are cat-people, even though kittens are darling. To make a long story short, "The Cat" stayed in the garage overnight and we fed him and this morning it nearly required an act of God to get my car out of the garage without hurting The Cat. Morgan has found him a home though, so I am happy. As cute as he is, I just can't bear the thought of dropping him out somewhere or taking him to the pound to be euthanized. I am grateful he has a new home. ::Sigh:: I was a cat-owner for 36 hours.
So, church life is wonderful, right? Well, not so much right now. Feeling trapped in a ministry situation is definitely less than preferable, and we definitely feel trapped. There are some issues to be faced in the next little bit and I would covet your prayers on it. Seems like no matter how hard you try, or even how successful (quote, unquote) your ministries seem to be, people are still fallen and want to gripe about everything. It makes me angry because Andy is doing a good job. Everything he is involved in is flourishing. We all could improve of course, but he is trying hard, and in my book, he is succeeding. We have the added bonus (sarasm intended) of having a pastor three years from retirement, max, and boy is he waiting for it. In theory a ministry team should be just that - a team. Not at our church though. We have two ministers and two totally autonomous ministries through them. And this is not our preference and we have tried very hard to work things out, but it just seems like when Shon left, something inside Johnny died and he refuses to step over a certain point with Andy. That point isn't very far either - safe subjects only, i.e, theology, the church's "golden age," local politics.....you know.....stuff that requires no vulnerability and no risk. Really annoying to me. I am a relationship-builder by nature generally and having a pastor that you can't relate to, and who doesn't want to relate to you, STINKS.
We know that the gripers aren't everyone, but a few folks can really get you down.
I know that some people have a problem with the fact that we have had several black boys joining our youth group, which to us is great. They are nice boys, respectful and they add something to our group. But we have a few old fogeys that still think that the races shouldn't mix in worship. Phooey on them. Their loss at not getting to know these kids. Good kids too.
I need to vent, but more so I recognize that I need to commit myself to fervent prayer on this subject. We do not feel "released" from Cowarts yet, and it certainly would be difficult financially if we were to try to make a move at this time, but I can't say that we would be devestated if something else opened up.
It really has the effect of making me want out of vocational ministry permanently. I see the ministry that is accomplished through this law office and I say, "wow - more happens in a secular office than has happened at the church in years." The sad part is that I would not be exaggerating.
But for now, we will persevere - Andy only has two more semesters at BCF and he will be through there and we will have more options about what we desire to do next. He will definitely be doing graduate work, but whether it is law school, music ed, or something else entirely, we don't know yet. This has the obvious effect of drawing me closer to my Lord though.....He will sustain us if we are to stay there for another year, just as He has sustained us through the last year. Glory to Him either way.
On other notes - I am in the middle of doing some more home projects. Our house is SO close to being finished.....(I think we may finish just in time to move!) But I want to complete these last few projects before I go part-time here at work (providing that still works out.) I plan to strip the wallpaper in my small bathroom and repaint it with a lighter color, perhaps even a nice texture paint. I also plan to put in a tile border and backsplash in my kitchen. Found a beautiful pattern I love and will really pull from the color of the walls, which is "Desert Dust." Dad is going to come soon and help me replace the outside lights and repair my gate. I am going to push myself to finish my front and back flowerbeds next week (hopefully) and my "handyman" is coming Saturday at 10:00 am to look at finishing my baseboards and repairing my back door. Once my dad actually comes we will finish everything out with new laminate flooring and new couches. Then the house will be complete (or at least dang close to it!) - Yay!
No other real news here - we had VBS last week and it was exhausting, but we had a fantastic turnout. This weekend I want to go see the new Fantastic Four movie.
I feel a little better now.
So, church life is wonderful, right? Well, not so much right now. Feeling trapped in a ministry situation is definitely less than preferable, and we definitely feel trapped. There are some issues to be faced in the next little bit and I would covet your prayers on it. Seems like no matter how hard you try, or even how successful (quote, unquote) your ministries seem to be, people are still fallen and want to gripe about everything. It makes me angry because Andy is doing a good job. Everything he is involved in is flourishing. We all could improve of course, but he is trying hard, and in my book, he is succeeding. We have the added bonus (sarasm intended) of having a pastor three years from retirement, max, and boy is he waiting for it. In theory a ministry team should be just that - a team. Not at our church though. We have two ministers and two totally autonomous ministries through them. And this is not our preference and we have tried very hard to work things out, but it just seems like when Shon left, something inside Johnny died and he refuses to step over a certain point with Andy. That point isn't very far either - safe subjects only, i.e, theology, the church's "golden age," local politics.....you know.....stuff that requires no vulnerability and no risk. Really annoying to me. I am a relationship-builder by nature generally and having a pastor that you can't relate to, and who doesn't want to relate to you, STINKS.
We know that the gripers aren't everyone, but a few folks can really get you down.
I know that some people have a problem with the fact that we have had several black boys joining our youth group, which to us is great. They are nice boys, respectful and they add something to our group. But we have a few old fogeys that still think that the races shouldn't mix in worship. Phooey on them. Their loss at not getting to know these kids. Good kids too.
I need to vent, but more so I recognize that I need to commit myself to fervent prayer on this subject. We do not feel "released" from Cowarts yet, and it certainly would be difficult financially if we were to try to make a move at this time, but I can't say that we would be devestated if something else opened up.
It really has the effect of making me want out of vocational ministry permanently. I see the ministry that is accomplished through this law office and I say, "wow - more happens in a secular office than has happened at the church in years." The sad part is that I would not be exaggerating.
But for now, we will persevere - Andy only has two more semesters at BCF and he will be through there and we will have more options about what we desire to do next. He will definitely be doing graduate work, but whether it is law school, music ed, or something else entirely, we don't know yet. This has the obvious effect of drawing me closer to my Lord though.....He will sustain us if we are to stay there for another year, just as He has sustained us through the last year. Glory to Him either way.
On other notes - I am in the middle of doing some more home projects. Our house is SO close to being finished.....(I think we may finish just in time to move!) But I want to complete these last few projects before I go part-time here at work (providing that still works out.) I plan to strip the wallpaper in my small bathroom and repaint it with a lighter color, perhaps even a nice texture paint. I also plan to put in a tile border and backsplash in my kitchen. Found a beautiful pattern I love and will really pull from the color of the walls, which is "Desert Dust." Dad is going to come soon and help me replace the outside lights and repair my gate. I am going to push myself to finish my front and back flowerbeds next week (hopefully) and my "handyman" is coming Saturday at 10:00 am to look at finishing my baseboards and repairing my back door. Once my dad actually comes we will finish everything out with new laminate flooring and new couches. Then the house will be complete (or at least dang close to it!) - Yay!
No other real news here - we had VBS last week and it was exhausting, but we had a fantastic turnout. This weekend I want to go see the new Fantastic Four movie.
I feel a little better now.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Tag, I'm It! (imported from Myspace)
I have been tagged. Thanks to my amiga, Vicki. Good thing the tag doesn't require you to act within 24 hours or be shot at down, or contract a rare virus, or lose the love of your life, etc. or I would be in bad shape.
The rules are:
Once you have been tagged you can't be re-tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird random things, facts, or habits about yourself. At the end, you choose 10 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" on their profile and tell them to read your latest blog.
1. I hate it when people plant plastic flowers in their outdoor flower beds. Like we can't tell they are fake.
2. I do not watch movies that end sad. Period. My philosophy being that life has enough sadness, cinema should be an ESCAPE from it. (BTW - this drives my movie-loving husband crazy.)
2. On the same line of thinking....I have a basic annoyance with "chick flicks." Not that I don't watch them at all, but I think they paint romance with a VERY rose-colored brush. I mean, how many real guys do you know that will declare their fascination with your eyes, lips, hair, etc. in a Romeo/Juliet-esque soliloquey? None. That's what I thought. Influences girls/women to expect more from their significant other than they can live up to. I mean, I don't look like Nicole Kidman, so why should I expect Andy to live up to Matthew McConaughey? Unfair. Anyway, I find myself rolling my eyes during those tender scenes of reconciliation after what is usually a very stupid misunderstanding.
3. On a lighter note, (haha - pun INTENDED!) I tend to sing stupid songs when I am happy. They are usually extremely random and repetitive. This morning it was, "I'm a little Teapot." More recently it had been a thoroughly southern gospel selection of "Just a Little Talk with Jesus." (Don't ask me why the base line just kept rolling through my head, over and over and over and over....I don't even LIKE southern gospel generally!)
4. My car is messy. Inside and out. Always. Andy's is too. We both want clean cars but are unable to achieve it. (Mine is better than his though.)
5. I hate kickball. I was never athletic in school and it brings back feelings of being picked late in the selection.
6. I love bees. Not buzzing bees, but trivia contests. I won the school spelling bee twice and placed twice. I won the reading bee in 3rd grade. I placed 2nd in the geography bee in the 5th grade. Woo hoo! Go me.
7. I am a documentary-junkie. National Geographic and the History Channel kick butt. I know.....I am way dull.
8. I think that on average, I would generally rather talk to guys than girls. Or, maybe I should rephrase and say that I would rather talk with girls who have opinions on subjects that MATTER than girls that want to talk about what brand of flip-flop they prefer. (Seriously, I was at a party recently and they discussed flip-flops for an hour. I felt SO out of place.) If I must make small talk, I would rather it be about something of interest, i.e., current events, politics, heck, even religion.
9. I am extremely texture sensitive. I can't stand the way that mushrooms feel - not the taste, just the texture. Same goes with soggy bread. Same goes for using a paper towel to clean up a mess - I never use it to its full capacity - gets too wet and nasty. The list could go on and on and on.
10. I make lists. Lots of lists. I lose them a lot of times, but I find that the act of writing out my to do's helps me remember them. One time Andy bought me this cool book that was full of suggested list-topics and blank lines underneath. I so need to find that book.
Okay. Not as bad as I thought it would be either. Only took me a week to getting around to doing it. Ten more people to tag......Jennifer Maddox, Carrie, The artist formerly known as Aditha a/k/a Cher, Leah, Angie, Sarah, Josh Watford, Julie, Morgan, and Jeanna.
The rules are:
Once you have been tagged you can't be re-tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird random things, facts, or habits about yourself. At the end, you choose 10 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" on their profile and tell them to read your latest blog.
1. I hate it when people plant plastic flowers in their outdoor flower beds. Like we can't tell they are fake.
2. I do not watch movies that end sad. Period. My philosophy being that life has enough sadness, cinema should be an ESCAPE from it. (BTW - this drives my movie-loving husband crazy.)
2. On the same line of thinking....I have a basic annoyance with "chick flicks." Not that I don't watch them at all, but I think they paint romance with a VERY rose-colored brush. I mean, how many real guys do you know that will declare their fascination with your eyes, lips, hair, etc. in a Romeo/Juliet-esque soliloquey? None. That's what I thought. Influences girls/women to expect more from their significant other than they can live up to. I mean, I don't look like Nicole Kidman, so why should I expect Andy to live up to Matthew McConaughey? Unfair. Anyway, I find myself rolling my eyes during those tender scenes of reconciliation after what is usually a very stupid misunderstanding.
3. On a lighter note, (haha - pun INTENDED!) I tend to sing stupid songs when I am happy. They are usually extremely random and repetitive. This morning it was, "I'm a little Teapot." More recently it had been a thoroughly southern gospel selection of "Just a Little Talk with Jesus." (Don't ask me why the base line just kept rolling through my head, over and over and over and over....I don't even LIKE southern gospel generally!)
4. My car is messy. Inside and out. Always. Andy's is too. We both want clean cars but are unable to achieve it. (Mine is better than his though.)
5. I hate kickball. I was never athletic in school and it brings back feelings of being picked late in the selection.
6. I love bees. Not buzzing bees, but trivia contests. I won the school spelling bee twice and placed twice. I won the reading bee in 3rd grade. I placed 2nd in the geography bee in the 5th grade. Woo hoo! Go me.
7. I am a documentary-junkie. National Geographic and the History Channel kick butt. I know.....I am way dull.
8. I think that on average, I would generally rather talk to guys than girls. Or, maybe I should rephrase and say that I would rather talk with girls who have opinions on subjects that MATTER than girls that want to talk about what brand of flip-flop they prefer. (Seriously, I was at a party recently and they discussed flip-flops for an hour. I felt SO out of place.) If I must make small talk, I would rather it be about something of interest, i.e., current events, politics, heck, even religion.
9. I am extremely texture sensitive. I can't stand the way that mushrooms feel - not the taste, just the texture. Same goes with soggy bread. Same goes for using a paper towel to clean up a mess - I never use it to its full capacity - gets too wet and nasty. The list could go on and on and on.
10. I make lists. Lots of lists. I lose them a lot of times, but I find that the act of writing out my to do's helps me remember them. One time Andy bought me this cool book that was full of suggested list-topics and blank lines underneath. I so need to find that book.
Okay. Not as bad as I thought it would be either. Only took me a week to getting around to doing it. Ten more people to tag......Jennifer Maddox, Carrie, The artist formerly known as Aditha a/k/a Cher, Leah, Angie, Sarah, Josh Watford, Julie, Morgan, and Jeanna.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Relating to Eeyore (imported from Myspace)
I am going to try this diary keeping thing. I need to talk to someone, and since there is nobody to talk to, I am going to talk to myself.
I hate fighting with Andy. We never fight, so when we do it shakes my whole world around. We don't communicate well - never have - regarding sensitive issues. Therefore, it has to get bad before either of us will say much. This is not a good thing, but what can you do?
Evidently I am a terrible wife, failing in all the areas that I have striven to succeed in. I've wanted to be supportive and loving and encouraging (i.e., multiple major changes, career goals, etc.) and evidently all the while I am tearing him down in his opinion. My sense of humor is offensive and relearning how to behave is hard. I don't know what will offend him and what won't. It's a very tense, insecure place to be after 10 years of being one way. But it seems that I must learn.
Not to mention that the things that bother me are unaddressed, primarily because they aren't significant enough to bring up. (Or, I've brought them up before and seen the wrath that they incur.) I don't want to start WWIII just because I am hurt and confused.
I still feel that I carry the full load of everything regarding the home, the bills, any organization - even to the point of trying to encourage him to plan ahead for his own benefit. (I've tried to stop this though - it does no good, and just makes him mad.) He says he will help, but that never happens. And the tone of voice used towards me just speaks volumes. He says he doesn't mean anything by it, but my dad said the same thing. When you talk to someone like they are stupid, that is EXACTLY what they will think you mean. But this stuff is ultimately minor - it isn't worth fighting over right now. For the most part I don't mind keeping the house, as long as he doesn't deliberately destroy it. And he has been doing better in this area. There are still little things that make me insane, like our sleeping arrangements, not flushing the toilet, etc. Things that would be so easy to fix, but he won't do it just because. (I am starting to think he won't do it just because I have asked him to do it.)
Another issue for me is that I do wish that I didn't feel restrained with my own walk with God. I feel inhibited, even silly, to talk about wanting more from that relationship with Andy. I even feel silly (or viewed as self-righteous) if I try to read my bible at home, instead of in my car or at work. I need to get over that and just move forward. That's what all the people that I admire would do. Somehow, I am just extremely dependent, it seems. It may be that we never reach an understanding or a joint comfort discussing that issue, or it may be that we must suffer great personal loss in order to break down those walls. I hope not. But I never dreamed we would go this long in "ministry" and be this shallow with each other. We can discuss the lofty ideas, but not the heart. Sad. Maybe one day. I know that I inadvertently played a part in making him even more closed, but God knows I've tried since then to be accepting. I don't know why I can't communicate this to Andy, or maybe he just doesn't want to hear me.
Then the job, and Jack - good Lord, what else.
Pat's driving me crazy today. I'm not a freaking lawyer, for crying out loud. He has been high strung and demanding. He'll call and say, "Get a wrecker for this equipment!" and I'm steading saying, "What equipment, where is it, when, where are we taking it??" and he just completely tunes me out and starts talking to somebody else wherever he is and then says he will have to call me back, CLICK. Just that quick. People say, "well, just ask him." IT ISN'T THAT EASY!! IT'S TREMENDOUSLY difficult, in fact. So, I call the blasted wrecker service and of course, they want to know all the information I DON'T have. (Maybe the reason this makes me insane is because my dad used to do this to my mom - make her call with no information and then be mad because you didn't ask the right question.) Now he wants me to do research on Sheriff's sales, but I have no clue what I am trying to solve. I do not understand how the Sheriff's offices work between counties when doing repossessions - it will take me HOURS to figure out even the basics! If you want an assistant, GREAT. If you want an associate then send me to law school! Don't expect so much.
I'm just tired. I feel unappreciated by Pat. I feel completely misunderstood by just about everyone. Another example: Before we left for our cruise I made Josh write down the things that would need to done that next Monday. On that list I had him put down that the McDuffie interrogatories needed to go out and that this was imperative. Pat somehow invented in his own mind that I said I would do them Sunday when I came in. The ONLY reason I was coming in Sunday was to organize/clean up the office and double check that the calendars were all accurate and up to date. NOT to work on those stupid interrogatories. In fact, I even told Josh that they were completed to the point that I could do them - that Pat would HAVE to finish them before they could go out. So, I couldn't have sent them out if I had wanted to, or had time to. But he gets it in his head that I said I would send them out Sunday, then when I get back he wants to know why I didn't send them out. I told him that I didn't say that I would send them out and he insists that I did!
But I love Pat, and he is a great guy. But our work styles are night and day and I just can't take it sometimes. I can't get anything finished. I can't even get his attention sometimes. I like being here when he is here, or at least available by cell phone. When he is going crazy and busy out of the office, he is very demanding and cryptic. I know that the cryptic-ness is just him and his A.D.D., but still.
I love my husband too for that matter, but how do I show it? How do I get over this hump where I don't know who he wants me to be. It doesn't help that I have nobody. Kim is my only real friend. So, with us at odds I feel very much alone. If I just had one friend that was like me.....
I would be happy just to have my best friend, Andy, back on good terms with me.
I hate fighting with Andy. We never fight, so when we do it shakes my whole world around. We don't communicate well - never have - regarding sensitive issues. Therefore, it has to get bad before either of us will say much. This is not a good thing, but what can you do?
Evidently I am a terrible wife, failing in all the areas that I have striven to succeed in. I've wanted to be supportive and loving and encouraging (i.e., multiple major changes, career goals, etc.) and evidently all the while I am tearing him down in his opinion. My sense of humor is offensive and relearning how to behave is hard. I don't know what will offend him and what won't. It's a very tense, insecure place to be after 10 years of being one way. But it seems that I must learn.
Not to mention that the things that bother me are unaddressed, primarily because they aren't significant enough to bring up. (Or, I've brought them up before and seen the wrath that they incur.) I don't want to start WWIII just because I am hurt and confused.
I still feel that I carry the full load of everything regarding the home, the bills, any organization - even to the point of trying to encourage him to plan ahead for his own benefit. (I've tried to stop this though - it does no good, and just makes him mad.) He says he will help, but that never happens. And the tone of voice used towards me just speaks volumes. He says he doesn't mean anything by it, but my dad said the same thing. When you talk to someone like they are stupid, that is EXACTLY what they will think you mean. But this stuff is ultimately minor - it isn't worth fighting over right now. For the most part I don't mind keeping the house, as long as he doesn't deliberately destroy it. And he has been doing better in this area. There are still little things that make me insane, like our sleeping arrangements, not flushing the toilet, etc. Things that would be so easy to fix, but he won't do it just because. (I am starting to think he won't do it just because I have asked him to do it.)
Another issue for me is that I do wish that I didn't feel restrained with my own walk with God. I feel inhibited, even silly, to talk about wanting more from that relationship with Andy. I even feel silly (or viewed as self-righteous) if I try to read my bible at home, instead of in my car or at work. I need to get over that and just move forward. That's what all the people that I admire would do. Somehow, I am just extremely dependent, it seems. It may be that we never reach an understanding or a joint comfort discussing that issue, or it may be that we must suffer great personal loss in order to break down those walls. I hope not. But I never dreamed we would go this long in "ministry" and be this shallow with each other. We can discuss the lofty ideas, but not the heart. Sad. Maybe one day. I know that I inadvertently played a part in making him even more closed, but God knows I've tried since then to be accepting. I don't know why I can't communicate this to Andy, or maybe he just doesn't want to hear me.
Then the job, and Jack - good Lord, what else.
Pat's driving me crazy today. I'm not a freaking lawyer, for crying out loud. He has been high strung and demanding. He'll call and say, "Get a wrecker for this equipment!" and I'm steading saying, "What equipment, where is it, when, where are we taking it??" and he just completely tunes me out and starts talking to somebody else wherever he is and then says he will have to call me back, CLICK. Just that quick. People say, "well, just ask him." IT ISN'T THAT EASY!! IT'S TREMENDOUSLY difficult, in fact. So, I call the blasted wrecker service and of course, they want to know all the information I DON'T have. (Maybe the reason this makes me insane is because my dad used to do this to my mom - make her call with no information and then be mad because you didn't ask the right question.) Now he wants me to do research on Sheriff's sales, but I have no clue what I am trying to solve. I do not understand how the Sheriff's offices work between counties when doing repossessions - it will take me HOURS to figure out even the basics! If you want an assistant, GREAT. If you want an associate then send me to law school! Don't expect so much.
I'm just tired. I feel unappreciated by Pat. I feel completely misunderstood by just about everyone. Another example: Before we left for our cruise I made Josh write down the things that would need to done that next Monday. On that list I had him put down that the McDuffie interrogatories needed to go out and that this was imperative. Pat somehow invented in his own mind that I said I would do them Sunday when I came in. The ONLY reason I was coming in Sunday was to organize/clean up the office and double check that the calendars were all accurate and up to date. NOT to work on those stupid interrogatories. In fact, I even told Josh that they were completed to the point that I could do them - that Pat would HAVE to finish them before they could go out. So, I couldn't have sent them out if I had wanted to, or had time to. But he gets it in his head that I said I would send them out Sunday, then when I get back he wants to know why I didn't send them out. I told him that I didn't say that I would send them out and he insists that I did!
But I love Pat, and he is a great guy. But our work styles are night and day and I just can't take it sometimes. I can't get anything finished. I can't even get his attention sometimes. I like being here when he is here, or at least available by cell phone. When he is going crazy and busy out of the office, he is very demanding and cryptic. I know that the cryptic-ness is just him and his A.D.D., but still.
I love my husband too for that matter, but how do I show it? How do I get over this hump where I don't know who he wants me to be. It doesn't help that I have nobody. Kim is my only real friend. So, with us at odds I feel very much alone. If I just had one friend that was like me.....
I would be happy just to have my best friend, Andy, back on good terms with me.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Working for a living...... (imported from Myspace)
Sometimes I love my job and other times I just HATE working. Not my boss, though there are days he drives me crazy, I think a lot of him and we get along nicely most of the time. Today though, my gripe is not with him, but one of my coworkers. More than most anything, I can't stand a person who is fake to me. I like consistency in behavior and value trust in my relationships. Therefore, I expect that when a person has a problem with me, they will come to me, but evidently that is too much to expect around here.
Pat is the best one to work for in the office and many times I feel like someone might be trying to pull a fast one on me. So anyway, coworker decided to talk to my boss about two issues she had with me. Ready for the earth-shattering, terrible things I've done that would warrant going over my head to my boss.....well, here you go:
1) I used five dishes yesterday and didn't wash them. (DEFENSE #1 - they did them for me before I ever had the opportunity! and DEFENSE #2 - I NEVER use dishes, yesterday was just a very unusual day, the first in MONTHS.)
2) I don't say hello when I come in first thing in the morning. Yes, this is a major deal, huh? If you don't know I am here, buzz my office. Big deal. Serious inconvenience.
Anyway, just ticks me off that she couldn't come to me about these two very minor issues. I have no problem rectifying both problems, but I feel like she was deliberately trying to make me look bad to my boss. He talked to me about it, and I expressed this concern to him, and he was great about it, so why do I feel so violated?
Some days I can't wait not to work full-time.
Pat is the best one to work for in the office and many times I feel like someone might be trying to pull a fast one on me. So anyway, coworker decided to talk to my boss about two issues she had with me. Ready for the earth-shattering, terrible things I've done that would warrant going over my head to my boss.....well, here you go:
1) I used five dishes yesterday and didn't wash them. (DEFENSE #1 - they did them for me before I ever had the opportunity! and DEFENSE #2 - I NEVER use dishes, yesterday was just a very unusual day, the first in MONTHS.)
2) I don't say hello when I come in first thing in the morning. Yes, this is a major deal, huh? If you don't know I am here, buzz my office. Big deal. Serious inconvenience.
Anyway, just ticks me off that she couldn't come to me about these two very minor issues. I have no problem rectifying both problems, but I feel like she was deliberately trying to make me look bad to my boss. He talked to me about it, and I expressed this concern to him, and he was great about it, so why do I feel so violated?
Some days I can't wait not to work full-time.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Cruise to the Bahamas (imported from Myspace)
Had an awesome week on our cruise/visit to Jacksonville last week. Highly recommend it. We left out Monday morning and BARELY made it to the boat. Partially because we had to take a different route due to interstate closures around Lake City and partially because I read all the information back in March when we received the tickets and the part about "must arrive one hour prior to departure" slipped my mind. Note to self: re-read all applicable documentation prior to leaving home! So, needless to say, by the time I DID read that part in the ticket package, we were already in Perry, Florida and had like, two and a half hours to make it there! But, praise to Jesus, we did make.....with two minutes to spare. The terminal was EMPTY though, so I guess that was a benefit! haha.
I have to say that this was one of the best value vacations we have ever taken. We planned to do a road trip, trying to save some money from a typical vacation, but by the time we figured the gas, hotels, entertainment, etc. involved we figured that we wouldn't be saving much money, so I checked with the travel agent and got a much better deal with this cruise. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that our dinner table group paid over $150 more than we did WITH his military discount. And we didn't even book early.
Really though, we had a wonderful, relaxing time. You could run yourself to death on a cruise – there is so much to do. We chose to resist the urge though, and spent a great deal of time doing very little. Watched some new movies that we just out, played cards in the lounge areas, listened to live music and just had a great time. Plus we took a nap every day! Yay!
Nassau stunk though. I don't recommend it at all. People hawking their wares all over the place, together with bad driving, large crowds, 100 degree weather and high humidity did not make for a lovely vacation spot in my estimation. CocoCay (a private island owned by Royal Caribbean) made up for it though. It was wonderful. Looked like a movie set with its teal water, palm trees, brightly colored buildings, hammocks, etc. We went snorkeling there, which was one of the highlights of the whole trip. I've never snorkeled before and the water was so clear and the fish were colorful. Really nice day trip. Wish we could just go back there!
The food really lived up to its reputation also! It was wonderful.....and constant! Needless to say, I have blown my diet, but it's back to the gym this week. I loved how they decorated the buffets and made them so pretty.
Overall, for what we paid for the cruise, it was a 10 out of 10 in my book. I doubt we will go again very soon, (we like to try new things) but it was a WONDERFUL, much needed respite from my overly-busy life here in Alabama.
I have to say that this was one of the best value vacations we have ever taken. We planned to do a road trip, trying to save some money from a typical vacation, but by the time we figured the gas, hotels, entertainment, etc. involved we figured that we wouldn't be saving much money, so I checked with the travel agent and got a much better deal with this cruise. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that our dinner table group paid over $150 more than we did WITH his military discount. And we didn't even book early.
Really though, we had a wonderful, relaxing time. You could run yourself to death on a cruise – there is so much to do. We chose to resist the urge though, and spent a great deal of time doing very little. Watched some new movies that we just out, played cards in the lounge areas, listened to live music and just had a great time. Plus we took a nap every day! Yay!
Nassau stunk though. I don't recommend it at all. People hawking their wares all over the place, together with bad driving, large crowds, 100 degree weather and high humidity did not make for a lovely vacation spot in my estimation. CocoCay (a private island owned by Royal Caribbean) made up for it though. It was wonderful. Looked like a movie set with its teal water, palm trees, brightly colored buildings, hammocks, etc. We went snorkeling there, which was one of the highlights of the whole trip. I've never snorkeled before and the water was so clear and the fish were colorful. Really nice day trip. Wish we could just go back there!
The food really lived up to its reputation also! It was wonderful.....and constant! Needless to say, I have blown my diet, but it's back to the gym this week. I loved how they decorated the buffets and made them so pretty.
Overall, for what we paid for the cruise, it was a 10 out of 10 in my book. I doubt we will go again very soon, (we like to try new things) but it was a WONDERFUL, much needed respite from my overly-busy life here in Alabama.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Criminal Jury Trial.....day three (imported from Myspace)
We've been in jury trials this week and boy, it's been an adventure. To spare you the details, I will suffice it by saying that we are representing an innocent man against a very dirty sex charge. Pitiful situation, but we believe wholeheartedly that this is a comedy of errors and that he is COMPLETELY innocent. Been a terrible year and a half for him and his family, as you can imagine. I've only been through one full jury trial with Pat before, an assault charge from wielding a pencil as a weapon while in jail, and that guy was guilty (in my opinion), so I didn't have a lot of sympathy. This is totally different and it has really taken its toll on me this week. The man is very simple. Simple, decent and hardworking. Wrong place, wrong time, didn't respond well. But NOT a child molester.
Anyway, even though I am not "doing" the trial, like Pat is, I still feel a great amount of pressure because of my relationship with the family. I want to encourage them and give them reassurance, but at this point, I don't know how to reassure. We rested our cases this morning, and closing arguments ended by 11:00. The deliberated before lunch, met back at 1:15 and deliberated until 4:45 this afternoon. Could be a good sign....OR.....a bad sign. Only God knows, and Pat has learned to rest in his trust in God. I need to work in this area evidently. So, I just keep praying - for the jurors, for the Sheffields, for wisdom to know how to deal with them, etc. Please pray also, as you have a moment.
Well, looks like Andy is home. We've been going crazy busy the past several days. It's starting to work on me. Tonight I had a hair appointment after work, then to the gym, then home and a million phone calls. Last night was working late, church and then dinner out. Tuesday was working late and Andy had a meeting at the church. Something all the time. In the midst is the normal housecleaning and bill paying and plumbing problems in Graceville. You know, normal life. I don't know how some women. work full-time and have children and go to church and do everything that we are "supposed" to do. :)
Anyway, even though I am not "doing" the trial, like Pat is, I still feel a great amount of pressure because of my relationship with the family. I want to encourage them and give them reassurance, but at this point, I don't know how to reassure. We rested our cases this morning, and closing arguments ended by 11:00. The deliberated before lunch, met back at 1:15 and deliberated until 4:45 this afternoon. Could be a good sign....OR.....a bad sign. Only God knows, and Pat has learned to rest in his trust in God. I need to work in this area evidently. So, I just keep praying - for the jurors, for the Sheffields, for wisdom to know how to deal with them, etc. Please pray also, as you have a moment.
Well, looks like Andy is home. We've been going crazy busy the past several days. It's starting to work on me. Tonight I had a hair appointment after work, then to the gym, then home and a million phone calls. Last night was working late, church and then dinner out. Tuesday was working late and Andy had a meeting at the church. Something all the time. In the midst is the normal housecleaning and bill paying and plumbing problems in Graceville. You know, normal life. I don't know how some women. work full-time and have children and go to church and do everything that we are "supposed" to do. :)
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Life Update 4.18.07 (imported from Myspace)
At the outset – this is basically a rehashing of my personal reflections on my recent experiences – a diary of sorts, so it is long-winded, as most of my blogs are. Consider yourself warned.
Today is my friend Hannah's birthday. She is sixteen today and that reminds me of being sixteen. That was a good year. I wish I would have thought to buy her a present - I am terrible about buying cards/presents. I am good about thinking of folks though, does that count?
It's been a good week. Last week Andy's dad came to visit us for only the second time since we have been married. I think he and Andy were really able to re-establish some semblance of a healthy father/son relationship. Leaving the past in the past is really the way to do it sometimes. I was really proud of Andy and the way he treated him. He was so kind and respectful of his dad, regardless of their "history" and worked so hard to make his dad feel welcome. It showed a lot of maturity on Andy's part and I was very proud.
Saturday after Andy's dad left he was pretty down though – with his dad's health and all, we never know how long he will be around. So we went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and ate Krystals. What a blast. The movie was fun! I really liked it.
I'm going home to visit with my folks this weekend. I wasn't sure if I would go or not, since I have been so busy. But when I reviewed my schedule, it looks like that if I don't go this weekend, then I won't be able to go for quite some time. Next week we have a children's ministry development meeting (which I need to be praying about more faithfully), the weekend after that is open, but my parents will be on vacation, the 12th we are taking the youth group to Six Flags (yay!) and the weekend after that we will be returning from our cruise. Of course, by then we will want an "at-home" weekend. Then Memorial Day, then a week off and we go straight into VBS, and then youth camp the next week! So, that being said, it's now or never!
I've started going to the gym and I am loving it. I don't think I would like just any gym, but I've been going to Impact Fitness here in Dothan. It's owned by a great lady that I met through work. She is a committed Christian woman, and one of those rare people who really let you "in" to see their lives. It sure seems to me that so many younger women (or at least me!) just crave to have an older mentor to learn from, to be able to discuss spiritual issues of the home and family with (and life too for that matter!) and to just generally see what Christian womanhood looks like at a different stage in life. I am deeply disappointed to say that I have extremely few role models, or even just Christian women that I admire. Sandy, the owner of the gym, is a beautiful exception. I have really enjoyed being around her and seeing her grace in the midst of personal difficulty.
Being around Sandy has challenged me though – to grow deeper and to devote myself more to my personal walk with Christ. It's easy to put it all on the back burner and just live off what we know in our brains, rather than consistently seeking him more fervently. I want to KNOW Him more and I want to WANT to know Him more!
The gym itself has been a ball. I am not a fitness freak, nor could I ever hope to be. I just do not enjoy sweating enough to qualify! This is one of those circuit gyms, similar to curves, but with childcare, better equipment and a bigger and nicer space. I just love it. Thirty minutes and I have really been able to tell some difference. But the people are what's awesome. Seems like Sandy just attracts folks of a like mind. Every single time I've gone, without exception, I've met some interesting person. When I went Saturday – it was wild. Andy has been wanting to learn Spanish ever since before he went to Guatemala in December. He's been working on it faithfully all this year, but feels like he needs to take classes. It's almost like something he feels "led" to do. Anyway, we went to La Bamba Mexican Restaurant last week and there was a sign for Spanish lessons, and I showed it to him and mentioned that it might be interested in going. So, back to Saturday, I go to the gym and meet this really nice lady and her daughter and we talk for a good while and I find out that she teaches Spanish for a living – at the same place we saw the sign for! So that was cool. Kind of a confirmation, I felt like. But she goes to Calvary Baptist here in town and we really just hit it off nicely. All that said, I have really enjoyed the whole experience.
Tomorrow night is Andy's last male chorale concert this season, so I am going to try to get out of work early and go to Chipley for it. I will probably record it also, providing I can borrow a tripod from Pat. I like to hear him sing in the chorale. It really stretched him vocally at a time that he needed it in his life and gave him an opportunity to excel, so that has made me very proud.
No news about work – it's been a rough week with taxes being due and all. Pat is so funny – he says that he likes to do taxes, but it sure does put him in a bad mood! Which seems to have the same effect on me! So then we are really a great pair – the two of us both grumpy! But taxes are done, so things should get back to usual now. I am still hoping desperately to be able to work less come Fall so I can be back in school. I should know soon though, one way or the other. It's all dependent on us getting out of debt, which we are working VERY hard towards!
We are going to Six Flags in May with the youth – I am really looking forward to it. Last year I dreaded it, hot weather, long lines, tons of kids to chaperone, and boy was I wrong. Weather was great, kids all divided amongst themselves and we bought a flash pass to save on line waiting. It was a ball. Almost like we were going by ourselves. BTW – this is not to say that we don't like having the kids around, because we love being with them, but sometimes on long trip, people get grouchy and then I DON'T enjoy their company! J So, this year, we are planning to do the very same thing – flash pass all the way!! Last year the kids got really upset and vocal when we jumped in line for Goliath and had to wait only ten minutes after they waited three hours!! (They weren't mad – it was a show, but it was a funny show!) This year they are all getting flash passes too, I think! It should be a good time.
We are starting back to our ballroom classes again soon. I am excited. We will be taking at a different place this time since the other classes just do not seem to work with our schedule at all. I am not sure if Andy is excited or not. He really enjoyed the classes, but says that he wishes that he just "knew" how to dance without having to learn. (Wouldn't we all.) But, I know Andy, and when he goes – he will enjoy it again. Hard-headed menfolk. J
Had to meet with a man today that is in the middle of sad situation – please pray for him. He has been in rehab for alcohol/drug use and graduated from the program today. He became a responded to a salvation message and became a Christian while in the program and the very next day received a letter from his wife telling him that she had been cheating on him for six months and that she was leaving him. When he got back to their home today, his son was sitting their alone on the bed – which was about all she left him. She left a day and a half ago and cleared all the food out of the house, leaving nothing for the son to eat, so he had to bum a meal off the neighbors. Needless to say this man is devastated and will need a great deal of prayer and support. Thankfully my boss is wonderful at this very thing and hopefully can get him plugged in to his church's men's ministry and their small group.
After visiting with this man, my little problems seem miniscule. I have a blessed life.
Today is my friend Hannah's birthday. She is sixteen today and that reminds me of being sixteen. That was a good year. I wish I would have thought to buy her a present - I am terrible about buying cards/presents. I am good about thinking of folks though, does that count?
It's been a good week. Last week Andy's dad came to visit us for only the second time since we have been married. I think he and Andy were really able to re-establish some semblance of a healthy father/son relationship. Leaving the past in the past is really the way to do it sometimes. I was really proud of Andy and the way he treated him. He was so kind and respectful of his dad, regardless of their "history" and worked so hard to make his dad feel welcome. It showed a lot of maturity on Andy's part and I was very proud.
Saturday after Andy's dad left he was pretty down though – with his dad's health and all, we never know how long he will be around. So we went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and ate Krystals. What a blast. The movie was fun! I really liked it.
I'm going home to visit with my folks this weekend. I wasn't sure if I would go or not, since I have been so busy. But when I reviewed my schedule, it looks like that if I don't go this weekend, then I won't be able to go for quite some time. Next week we have a children's ministry development meeting (which I need to be praying about more faithfully), the weekend after that is open, but my parents will be on vacation, the 12th we are taking the youth group to Six Flags (yay!) and the weekend after that we will be returning from our cruise. Of course, by then we will want an "at-home" weekend. Then Memorial Day, then a week off and we go straight into VBS, and then youth camp the next week! So, that being said, it's now or never!
I've started going to the gym and I am loving it. I don't think I would like just any gym, but I've been going to Impact Fitness here in Dothan. It's owned by a great lady that I met through work. She is a committed Christian woman, and one of those rare people who really let you "in" to see their lives. It sure seems to me that so many younger women (or at least me!) just crave to have an older mentor to learn from, to be able to discuss spiritual issues of the home and family with (and life too for that matter!) and to just generally see what Christian womanhood looks like at a different stage in life. I am deeply disappointed to say that I have extremely few role models, or even just Christian women that I admire. Sandy, the owner of the gym, is a beautiful exception. I have really enjoyed being around her and seeing her grace in the midst of personal difficulty.
Being around Sandy has challenged me though – to grow deeper and to devote myself more to my personal walk with Christ. It's easy to put it all on the back burner and just live off what we know in our brains, rather than consistently seeking him more fervently. I want to KNOW Him more and I want to WANT to know Him more!
The gym itself has been a ball. I am not a fitness freak, nor could I ever hope to be. I just do not enjoy sweating enough to qualify! This is one of those circuit gyms, similar to curves, but with childcare, better equipment and a bigger and nicer space. I just love it. Thirty minutes and I have really been able to tell some difference. But the people are what's awesome. Seems like Sandy just attracts folks of a like mind. Every single time I've gone, without exception, I've met some interesting person. When I went Saturday – it was wild. Andy has been wanting to learn Spanish ever since before he went to Guatemala in December. He's been working on it faithfully all this year, but feels like he needs to take classes. It's almost like something he feels "led" to do. Anyway, we went to La Bamba Mexican Restaurant last week and there was a sign for Spanish lessons, and I showed it to him and mentioned that it might be interested in going. So, back to Saturday, I go to the gym and meet this really nice lady and her daughter and we talk for a good while and I find out that she teaches Spanish for a living – at the same place we saw the sign for! So that was cool. Kind of a confirmation, I felt like. But she goes to Calvary Baptist here in town and we really just hit it off nicely. All that said, I have really enjoyed the whole experience.
Tomorrow night is Andy's last male chorale concert this season, so I am going to try to get out of work early and go to Chipley for it. I will probably record it also, providing I can borrow a tripod from Pat. I like to hear him sing in the chorale. It really stretched him vocally at a time that he needed it in his life and gave him an opportunity to excel, so that has made me very proud.
No news about work – it's been a rough week with taxes being due and all. Pat is so funny – he says that he likes to do taxes, but it sure does put him in a bad mood! Which seems to have the same effect on me! So then we are really a great pair – the two of us both grumpy! But taxes are done, so things should get back to usual now. I am still hoping desperately to be able to work less come Fall so I can be back in school. I should know soon though, one way or the other. It's all dependent on us getting out of debt, which we are working VERY hard towards!
We are going to Six Flags in May with the youth – I am really looking forward to it. Last year I dreaded it, hot weather, long lines, tons of kids to chaperone, and boy was I wrong. Weather was great, kids all divided amongst themselves and we bought a flash pass to save on line waiting. It was a ball. Almost like we were going by ourselves. BTW – this is not to say that we don't like having the kids around, because we love being with them, but sometimes on long trip, people get grouchy and then I DON'T enjoy their company! J So, this year, we are planning to do the very same thing – flash pass all the way!! Last year the kids got really upset and vocal when we jumped in line for Goliath and had to wait only ten minutes after they waited three hours!! (They weren't mad – it was a show, but it was a funny show!) This year they are all getting flash passes too, I think! It should be a good time.
We are starting back to our ballroom classes again soon. I am excited. We will be taking at a different place this time since the other classes just do not seem to work with our schedule at all. I am not sure if Andy is excited or not. He really enjoyed the classes, but says that he wishes that he just "knew" how to dance without having to learn. (Wouldn't we all.) But, I know Andy, and when he goes – he will enjoy it again. Hard-headed menfolk. J
Had to meet with a man today that is in the middle of sad situation – please pray for him. He has been in rehab for alcohol/drug use and graduated from the program today. He became a responded to a salvation message and became a Christian while in the program and the very next day received a letter from his wife telling him that she had been cheating on him for six months and that she was leaving him. When he got back to their home today, his son was sitting their alone on the bed – which was about all she left him. She left a day and a half ago and cleared all the food out of the house, leaving nothing for the son to eat, so he had to bum a meal off the neighbors. Needless to say this man is devastated and will need a great deal of prayer and support. Thankfully my boss is wonderful at this very thing and hopefully can get him plugged in to his church's men's ministry and their small group.
After visiting with this man, my little problems seem miniscule. I have a blessed life.
Monday, April 2, 2007
What to expect from a 14 year old girl?? (imported from Myspace)
Friday night we took some of the youth at the church to the Aaron Schust, Audio Adrenaline, MercyMe concert in ozark. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed watching Josh Watford's (one of the guys in our group) reaction to Audio Adrenaline if nothing else! Plus, we had the opportunity to get to know a couple of the other youth a little better, Jessie and Seth, so that was cool. Sometimes when you just see folks on Wednesday nights, you don't really get to interact like you would like to.
My girls bible study is tonight. I've really got to evaluate how to proceed with it in the future. My enthusiasm is waning somewhat - not because of the girls, but because of how much work it is!! I don't have any help at all, and as the group continues to grow and grow it becomes exhausting. I've stopped giving rides, so that has helped, but still there is the planning, cooking, cleaning, execution all by myself. I've asked for help, but gotten little response. I really enjoy my time with the girls - we have a ball together, but I want to know that my effort is paying off. I am not seeing an increase in their desire to dig deeper spiritually, and that concerns me. (This is of course, generally speaking - some are totally on fire.) I don't want to host a girls party every two weeks. I wonder if maybe I should be selective and approach some girls individually and start a closed discipleship group and then only have the open group maybe just every so often so everyone can hang out. I think maybe then we could really try to do some serious bible study. I don't know. Maybe I need to really decide the purpose of the group. If the purpose of the group is deep bible study, then maybe it should change. But if the purpose of the group is to fellowship and build a bond within the group, which will in turn hopefully foster accountability and unity and a common devotion to Christ then maybe it isn't going so bad. And maybe I am desiring too much from a teenage girl.....I mean, I was not who I am now at 14.....
My girls bible study is tonight. I've really got to evaluate how to proceed with it in the future. My enthusiasm is waning somewhat - not because of the girls, but because of how much work it is!! I don't have any help at all, and as the group continues to grow and grow it becomes exhausting. I've stopped giving rides, so that has helped, but still there is the planning, cooking, cleaning, execution all by myself. I've asked for help, but gotten little response. I really enjoy my time with the girls - we have a ball together, but I want to know that my effort is paying off. I am not seeing an increase in their desire to dig deeper spiritually, and that concerns me. (This is of course, generally speaking - some are totally on fire.) I don't want to host a girls party every two weeks. I wonder if maybe I should be selective and approach some girls individually and start a closed discipleship group and then only have the open group maybe just every so often so everyone can hang out. I think maybe then we could really try to do some serious bible study. I don't know. Maybe I need to really decide the purpose of the group. If the purpose of the group is deep bible study, then maybe it should change. But if the purpose of the group is to fellowship and build a bond within the group, which will in turn hopefully foster accountability and unity and a common devotion to Christ then maybe it isn't going so bad. And maybe I am desiring too much from a teenage girl.....I mean, I was not who I am now at 14.....
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Hometown v. living away (imported from Myspace)
I am contemplating the value to be had in living in your hometown, where your roots are, near your family versus the value to be had in a lower-cost area, where your standard of living can be higher and you can enjoy things that you wouldn't be able to enjoy when you have to swallow a doubly-high mortgage payment. My friend moved home and has hated having to reduce her quality of life because of the high expense of housing, etc. I sympathize. There is yet a part of me though, that still would like to live near home. I think Green Cove is beautiful. Partly nostalgia, granted, but I love the river and the pretty scenery. I like the nearness to events and cultural doings. That's my biggest gripe with Dothan. There's nothing to do! That is, there is nothing to do without driving to either Panama City (1.5 hours), Montgomery (2 hours), Tallahassee (2 hours), Birmingham (3 hours) or Atlanta (4 hours). Yuck! How often did I really take advantage of the goings-on though?? I dunno.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
On and on and on.... (imported from Myspace)
Just a *quick* note for my own sanity.
I've been extremely busy - busier than normal, and, if I do say so myself, that IS saying something.
We had a great time Friday night and Saturday at the "Complete" girls conference in Montgomery. We had a good group go, and despite a little typical 7th grade drama, I think it went fantastic. I had a really good time, regardless of whether they did or not. The theme of the weekend was our completeness through Christ. Friday night we talked about "Knowing Him Intimately," Saturday morning was about "Loving God Passionately," and that afternoon was "Serving Him Purposefully." I will have to post some of my notes, since this blog acts as a kind of diary for me. I want to remember some of this stuff and take time to ponder it in more depth when I slow down just a hair.
Got back from Montgomery Saturday evening and got a call from home saying that my grandmother died. So, I spent Sunday morning cleaning up from the conference, repacking and then heading back over to Jax for the visitation Monday and funeral Tuesday. It all went well. I'm not terribly close to either set of my grandparents, but especially this one, so it is okay. I was happy to hear that she met Jesus before she died - that did give me some peace. It's just strange to be so distant from such a near relative. I mean, she lived in the same town as me and everything and we STILL weren't close. Weird. I had a lot of issues with the funeral and the way that he decided to handle the sermon/eulogy-thingy, but that's another issue in itself and I am far too tired to gripe about methodology. I did wish that he would have made the gospel a little clearer considering half of my relatives aren't Christians and don't ever sit under any Christian teaching. Oh, well.
Got back from Jacksonville LATE Tuesday night just in time to go right back to work. It was a busy day and a grumpy old lady ruined the end of my already-stressful day by fussing about Pat. You know, it's kind of like, well, I can be mad and fuss about/to Pat, but not clients. Especially if it isn't justified, which this wasn't. Not when he gives 110% all the time to them. So that aggravated me. This particular woman has an especially sharp tongue, so hearing her insinuate that he wasn't acting Christianly towards her struck me as extremely bizarre.
Not to mention that I have once again overloaded myself with projects - I have a 9 x 10 foot bookcase that will take up one whole wall in my office area that he to be sanded, primed and repainted before I can install it. Probably my dad will come this weekend and help me install it, so I may only get to start painting it and do the necessities - base and sides that will touch the walls. But, in the meantime, I have got to get the office painted. Fun. I bought the paint and I love it, but it is just moving everything out that is such a pain!! Of course, this is why I needed the bookshelf in the first place. I should have taken a "before" picture so that you could see the results when it is done. I have no doubt that it will be a wonderful change. We've bought a new bench that opens up that will hold Andy's trumpet stuff and also bought a new desk that is a little more streamlined. I think it will look nice. A couple of the girls are going to come over and help me paint tomorrow. I am looking forward to the company, but not the project. Though that could have something to do with it being 11:51 p.m. and my lack of sleep. Okay. I'm going to bed now.
Nope, not yet!! Not until I end on a happy note! We booked a cruise yesterday! So excited! I told Andy I needed to get away desperately and so we planned to try to take a road trip, but by the time you added up the gas, food and hotels, I figured a cruise might be cheaper. I was right and we got a great deal on a basic cruise to Nassau and CocaCay, Bahamas. It'll be the first cruise for either of us, so we should really enjoy it. Gives me something great to look forward to. Andy's has promised that we will go back to practicing our ballroom dancing so that we can do some dancing on the boat without embarassment, so I am going to hold him to it! But I have officially went back on my diet - gotta finish getting skinny so that I can enjoy it. Next comes tan-in-a-bottle!
I've been extremely busy - busier than normal, and, if I do say so myself, that IS saying something.
We had a great time Friday night and Saturday at the "Complete" girls conference in Montgomery. We had a good group go, and despite a little typical 7th grade drama, I think it went fantastic. I had a really good time, regardless of whether they did or not. The theme of the weekend was our completeness through Christ. Friday night we talked about "Knowing Him Intimately," Saturday morning was about "Loving God Passionately," and that afternoon was "Serving Him Purposefully." I will have to post some of my notes, since this blog acts as a kind of diary for me. I want to remember some of this stuff and take time to ponder it in more depth when I slow down just a hair.
Got back from Montgomery Saturday evening and got a call from home saying that my grandmother died. So, I spent Sunday morning cleaning up from the conference, repacking and then heading back over to Jax for the visitation Monday and funeral Tuesday. It all went well. I'm not terribly close to either set of my grandparents, but especially this one, so it is okay. I was happy to hear that she met Jesus before she died - that did give me some peace. It's just strange to be so distant from such a near relative. I mean, she lived in the same town as me and everything and we STILL weren't close. Weird. I had a lot of issues with the funeral and the way that he decided to handle the sermon/eulogy-thingy, but that's another issue in itself and I am far too tired to gripe about methodology. I did wish that he would have made the gospel a little clearer considering half of my relatives aren't Christians and don't ever sit under any Christian teaching. Oh, well.
Got back from Jacksonville LATE Tuesday night just in time to go right back to work. It was a busy day and a grumpy old lady ruined the end of my already-stressful day by fussing about Pat. You know, it's kind of like, well, I can be mad and fuss about/to Pat, but not clients. Especially if it isn't justified, which this wasn't. Not when he gives 110% all the time to them. So that aggravated me. This particular woman has an especially sharp tongue, so hearing her insinuate that he wasn't acting Christianly towards her struck me as extremely bizarre.
Not to mention that I have once again overloaded myself with projects - I have a 9 x 10 foot bookcase that will take up one whole wall in my office area that he to be sanded, primed and repainted before I can install it. Probably my dad will come this weekend and help me install it, so I may only get to start painting it and do the necessities - base and sides that will touch the walls. But, in the meantime, I have got to get the office painted. Fun. I bought the paint and I love it, but it is just moving everything out that is such a pain!! Of course, this is why I needed the bookshelf in the first place. I should have taken a "before" picture so that you could see the results when it is done. I have no doubt that it will be a wonderful change. We've bought a new bench that opens up that will hold Andy's trumpet stuff and also bought a new desk that is a little more streamlined. I think it will look nice. A couple of the girls are going to come over and help me paint tomorrow. I am looking forward to the company, but not the project. Though that could have something to do with it being 11:51 p.m. and my lack of sleep. Okay. I'm going to bed now.
Nope, not yet!! Not until I end on a happy note! We booked a cruise yesterday! So excited! I told Andy I needed to get away desperately and so we planned to try to take a road trip, but by the time you added up the gas, food and hotels, I figured a cruise might be cheaper. I was right and we got a great deal on a basic cruise to Nassau and CocaCay, Bahamas. It'll be the first cruise for either of us, so we should really enjoy it. Gives me something great to look forward to. Andy's has promised that we will go back to practicing our ballroom dancing so that we can do some dancing on the boat without embarassment, so I am going to hold him to it! But I have officially went back on my diet - gotta finish getting skinny so that I can enjoy it. Next comes tan-in-a-bottle!
Monday, February 12, 2007
ANOTHER puppy! (imported from Myspace)
First and foremost, let me say that I was quite content with two small dogs. They are good companions, clean and very easy to keep inside. Somewhere along the line my senses failed me and I promised Andy that he could get an bigger outside dog. Soooooo......Saturday we went with friends of ours to get a puppy from the breeder that both of our dogs came from. Andy and I had a talk before we went about how cute the puppies were going to be and how settled we were with two dogs, yadda yadda, yadda. The end of the conversation confirming both our desires NOT to get another dog, so I thought. Well, I thought wrong. We barely get there and Andy is asking about puppies! I tried to fight, arguing with him over our available space, the added expense, the burden of housebreaking (since he will be inside some of the time) but it did no good. The breeder smelled blood and went in for the kill, promising "such a great deal" and "she's getting out of the business" and a puppy came home with us.
That being said, he is a little darling! He is a standard poodle - will grow to be about as tall as your hip, maybe a little shorter. Beautiful caramel color dog with sweet little eyes. He is so funny. Only nine weeks old and definitely still in "full klutz" mode. So, I am already in love with the dog though I STILL think that it was an unnecessary addition to our home. Walker has had NOTHING to do with him other than snarling here and there. Joey has really enjoyed him when they are outside, but continues to snarl and hiss (?!! I've never heard a DOG hiss before!) at him whenever he comes near. This part of it I am not enjoying at all. I will post pictures soon though.
Otherwise, I've been struggling a little here and there with discouragement, which is a real oddity for me. Usually I am smiley and happy, and as I have bemoaned to Andy this past week, when you are usually smiley and happy, people expect you to ALWAYS be smiley and happy. No bad days, no irritating people, all of it is supposed to wash right off and not get to you. Gets really old. I can play-act really well, but at the moment I am tired of play-acting for everyone else's benefit. I want to be able to be quiet and introspective instead of talkative sometimes, without being questioned to death. Alas, that seems to be too much to ask. Having very few nearby friends doesn't help things either.
Wednesday night at church I got "chewed on" (sorry, still on puppy mode!) by a church member. A very grumpy woman who used to like me, but seems to have decided that she doesn't anymore. I don't know what I've done, but such is life. She just cornered me Wednesday night and acted SO ugly. I mean, if you don't want your kid to go on a trip, don't let them go......seems an easy enough solution for me. But that is church work, and that is a big part of the reason that I would not be heartbroken if Andy decided that he was a bivocational kind of guy with a different full-time position. Sometimes you just want to be able to tell people what you think about their attitude. But I know that if God wants him full-time in a church position he'll work it all out - HIS way, versus Rhonda's way.
But that combined with another two situations that have been building at the church has really led me to do some soul searching, which HAS been good for me.
That being said, he is a little darling! He is a standard poodle - will grow to be about as tall as your hip, maybe a little shorter. Beautiful caramel color dog with sweet little eyes. He is so funny. Only nine weeks old and definitely still in "full klutz" mode. So, I am already in love with the dog though I STILL think that it was an unnecessary addition to our home. Walker has had NOTHING to do with him other than snarling here and there. Joey has really enjoyed him when they are outside, but continues to snarl and hiss (?!! I've never heard a DOG hiss before!) at him whenever he comes near. This part of it I am not enjoying at all. I will post pictures soon though.
Otherwise, I've been struggling a little here and there with discouragement, which is a real oddity for me. Usually I am smiley and happy, and as I have bemoaned to Andy this past week, when you are usually smiley and happy, people expect you to ALWAYS be smiley and happy. No bad days, no irritating people, all of it is supposed to wash right off and not get to you. Gets really old. I can play-act really well, but at the moment I am tired of play-acting for everyone else's benefit. I want to be able to be quiet and introspective instead of talkative sometimes, without being questioned to death. Alas, that seems to be too much to ask. Having very few nearby friends doesn't help things either.
Wednesday night at church I got "chewed on" (sorry, still on puppy mode!) by a church member. A very grumpy woman who used to like me, but seems to have decided that she doesn't anymore. I don't know what I've done, but such is life. She just cornered me Wednesday night and acted SO ugly. I mean, if you don't want your kid to go on a trip, don't let them go......seems an easy enough solution for me. But that is church work, and that is a big part of the reason that I would not be heartbroken if Andy decided that he was a bivocational kind of guy with a different full-time position. Sometimes you just want to be able to tell people what you think about their attitude. But I know that if God wants him full-time in a church position he'll work it all out - HIS way, versus Rhonda's way.
But that combined with another two situations that have been building at the church has really led me to do some soul searching, which HAS been good for me.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Already into February? (imported from Myspace)
Prewarning - this is another rambling "diary-style" entry for Rhonda - probably on the boring side!
Saw a great movie this week - "Because of Winn-Dixie." Every had raved over it a while back, but I was afraid it was going to make me cry. (I don't like to cry at movies.) It turned out to be a great flick though - especially for those of us who are dog-lovers!
Finally got my youth newsletter started up again. A nice lady in our church took the preparation of it over for me, so that was a relief. It was hard to let someone else handle it though, it has been my "baby" in the past. I was really blessed by her attitude about doing it - she thanked me for giving her the opportunity to serve the Lord......wow!! What a great perspective. Looking for ways to serve and being thankful to have the opportunity......my goodness, how rare.
Last night Andy had a concert with the Chorale in Milton, Florida. I had a nice quiet evening at home alone, which was enjoyable. Listened to my Harry Potter book-on-CD for a while, took a nice long bath, talked on the phone, made myself dinner, and then sat down and studied for a while for my upcoming girls bible study. The relaxation was very nice. Wish I would make myself do that more often. Too much time is wasted in front of the television or computer while I am at home.
Regarding my girls bible study - I am excited about starting it again, but I am concerned more than ever with my shortcomings as a teacher. I did some reading last night that helped though - the book talked about viewing yourself as a "learning facilitator", rather than a teacher. When you are a teacher, the implication is that the pressure is all on you to impart knowledge. When you facilitate learning, you bring together components (skits, readings, outlines, etc.) that help the students to teach themselves the material. I really liked that concept and I feel that that frees me to give the students some responsibility in their own learning. We'll see. I am still really struggling between a couple of topics to study this "semester".
Otherwise, life continues as it has been for quite some time. No major changes, but some good things have been happening. I love the changes I have seen in Andy recently, he was wonderful before, but since Guatemala I have seen increased growth in him, which spurs me on to want to draw nearer to God also. Any guy who doesn't believe that Christian women want to be led in the home is crazy. There is nothing better than the security of knowing that your husband wants what is best for you and your family and is seeking God himself to pursue that goal.
I am also proud to report that I have lost 18 pounds as of last Wednesday. I feel so much better. I'd like to lose another 6-8 pounds, but I am pretty happy even as I am now. This has been the best diet Andy and I have ever been on. He's lost 27 pounds. It's amazing how much more energy I have had and self-esteem boosting also. I'd forgotten.......
I am also excited because I think we will pay off another credit card this month and that feels wonderful!! We are down to our last three and it seems to be taking forever to get them paid off. Slowly but surely we'll get there though. And then I want my new couch that I found last weekend with mom! (And new flooring too!)
Saw a great movie this week - "Because of Winn-Dixie." Every had raved over it a while back, but I was afraid it was going to make me cry. (I don't like to cry at movies.) It turned out to be a great flick though - especially for those of us who are dog-lovers!
Finally got my youth newsletter started up again. A nice lady in our church took the preparation of it over for me, so that was a relief. It was hard to let someone else handle it though, it has been my "baby" in the past. I was really blessed by her attitude about doing it - she thanked me for giving her the opportunity to serve the Lord......wow!! What a great perspective. Looking for ways to serve and being thankful to have the opportunity......my goodness, how rare.
Last night Andy had a concert with the Chorale in Milton, Florida. I had a nice quiet evening at home alone, which was enjoyable. Listened to my Harry Potter book-on-CD for a while, took a nice long bath, talked on the phone, made myself dinner, and then sat down and studied for a while for my upcoming girls bible study. The relaxation was very nice. Wish I would make myself do that more often. Too much time is wasted in front of the television or computer while I am at home.
Regarding my girls bible study - I am excited about starting it again, but I am concerned more than ever with my shortcomings as a teacher. I did some reading last night that helped though - the book talked about viewing yourself as a "learning facilitator", rather than a teacher. When you are a teacher, the implication is that the pressure is all on you to impart knowledge. When you facilitate learning, you bring together components (skits, readings, outlines, etc.) that help the students to teach themselves the material. I really liked that concept and I feel that that frees me to give the students some responsibility in their own learning. We'll see. I am still really struggling between a couple of topics to study this "semester".
Otherwise, life continues as it has been for quite some time. No major changes, but some good things have been happening. I love the changes I have seen in Andy recently, he was wonderful before, but since Guatemala I have seen increased growth in him, which spurs me on to want to draw nearer to God also. Any guy who doesn't believe that Christian women want to be led in the home is crazy. There is nothing better than the security of knowing that your husband wants what is best for you and your family and is seeking God himself to pursue that goal.
I am also proud to report that I have lost 18 pounds as of last Wednesday. I feel so much better. I'd like to lose another 6-8 pounds, but I am pretty happy even as I am now. This has been the best diet Andy and I have ever been on. He's lost 27 pounds. It's amazing how much more energy I have had and self-esteem boosting also. I'd forgotten.......
I am also excited because I think we will pay off another credit card this month and that feels wonderful!! We are down to our last three and it seems to be taking forever to get them paid off. Slowly but surely we'll get there though. And then I want my new couch that I found last weekend with mom! (And new flooring too!)
Friday, January 5, 2007
Where is winter? (imported from Myspace)
Is it just me or are we sailing straight from summer to spring??? It kills me. I am ready for some good old-fashioned winter (and believe me, coming from a native Floridian, that isn't asking very much!)
Anyhow, haven't blogged in a while, been kind of under the weather, still am, as a matter of fact.
I had a great visit with an old friend last week while I was in Jacksonville. It was interesting to revisit high school and see what everyone is up to. There are a couple of folks who are totally MIA, but otherwise, between the three of us, we could update each other on most everyone. I am still pretty amazed at the variety of life paths everyone has taken. As far as I am aware we have only had one death so far, but at least two folks are in jail for bank robbery of all things, plus several others with small offenses (one particularly nasty one was a domestic violence charge - yuck!). You just never know what to expect out of people. One nice thing is that EVERYONE has gained weight, so I don't have to feel so bad. Well, not everyone, there are a few sickening people, but hey, at least now they are in the extreme minority. But it was fun to get an update and travel down nostalgia lane briefly. Believe me, no matter what people say about those being the best years of your life, they aren't, weren't and couldn't possibly be. I cannot express how depressed I would be if I thought my senior year was the epitome of life......wow......I could get depressed already.
Anyway, I enjoyed my visit, I only keep up with a small handful of people, and visit with even fewer. I am a pitiful correspondent. Myspace has actually helped me improve just slightly!
Anyhow, haven't blogged in a while, been kind of under the weather, still am, as a matter of fact.
I had a great visit with an old friend last week while I was in Jacksonville. It was interesting to revisit high school and see what everyone is up to. There are a couple of folks who are totally MIA, but otherwise, between the three of us, we could update each other on most everyone. I am still pretty amazed at the variety of life paths everyone has taken. As far as I am aware we have only had one death so far, but at least two folks are in jail for bank robbery of all things, plus several others with small offenses (one particularly nasty one was a domestic violence charge - yuck!). You just never know what to expect out of people. One nice thing is that EVERYONE has gained weight, so I don't have to feel so bad. Well, not everyone, there are a few sickening people, but hey, at least now they are in the extreme minority. But it was fun to get an update and travel down nostalgia lane briefly. Believe me, no matter what people say about those being the best years of your life, they aren't, weren't and couldn't possibly be. I cannot express how depressed I would be if I thought my senior year was the epitome of life......wow......I could get depressed already.
Anyway, I enjoyed my visit, I only keep up with a small handful of people, and visit with even fewer. I am a pitiful correspondent. Myspace has actually helped me improve just slightly!
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