As the play nears production, I have reviewed my calendar. It's insane. Throw in long days at work, combined with routine tennis and church, and the incidental lunches-to-keep-people-i-love-in-touch, baby-sitting job, or garage sale.... and it's breath-taking.
However, I have a few minutes to kill at the moment. I'd like to use this rare moment to complete a survey. And it's only fair to say i stole it from kenlevine.blogspot.com.
1. What newspapers do you read?
I skim USA Today when delivering it to the studio in the morning, and I get CNN headline feed on my homepage. Sometimes the Drudge Report. I know two of those aren't newspapers, but internet news is more up-to-date without killing trees.
2. Which ones do you move your lips to while reading? I don't.
3. Which Web sites are on your favorites bookmark? i only use my favorites for sites i don't visit often enough to remember, such as as the charity click-to-support (and good to shop through) sites and freebie sites- and my yahoo NCAA brackets. Go Memphis!
4. Where do you get your car washed?On the 210 freeway when it's raining... occasionally the drive-thru gas station car wash, or the put-in-quarters-and-quick!-wash-your-car! place.
5. Do you know your dentist's first name? I used to. I've only been to this one once. And I keep having to reschedule. Oh, and there's a group of them so I don't know who I'm going to get, haha.
6. Do you believe newspapers are going to die? If so, when?I think they'll evolve, for the reasons mentioned in the first question.
7. What was the last book you read? I'm in the middle of the entire Chronicles of Narnia, and it is awesome still.
8. What's the last book you say you read?I don't mind telling the truth, I have nothing to hide!!
9. If you got a unicorn what would you name it? Lasaraleen of it's a girl-icorn and October if it's a boy-icorn
10. What does your TiVo think about you? My TiVo doesn't exist, so does it have power of thought? Ponder THAT philosophers!
11. Character of fiction you most resemble? Stargirl Caraway
12. Who plays you in your bio-pic? some unknown chubby actress
13. Do you floss? Not as often as I should. I use Crest Pro Health though.
14. Did you ever believe your toys come alive when you leave the room? Did I? I don't think so.... Do you still? I still have residual dislike for robots/animatronics/anything that acts "alive when it clearly isn't. This is based on childhood fear.
15. How many old cell phones do you own? I just have my current phone. And I would appreciate it not dying as it is threatening.... my upgrade isn't for awhile
16. Best show legendary biz/movie star encounter. Chuck Norris. I'm totally not kidding.
17. Do you get satellite radio? Nope
18. And as a follow do you "get" satellite radio?Yes, but eh, I don't want to pay for my radio. I think it dilutes the community aspect of the medium.
19. Do you read the Enquirer/InTouch/US/people? Only if it's laying around while I'm waiting for something and there are no other choices. It's a waste of time and is a catalyst for a bundle of society's problems. I hate TMZ, for the record.
20. Do you lie about it? HA. What do you think?
An addition not for my myspace blog:
This week, I discovered a cache of floppy disks in storage. They contained things from high school and when I was at KWC. This includes my open diary from junior year! I couldn't believe it. I haven't gone through it all, but I am happy to say I'm not as completely lame as I expected. Though I can't believe how low in depression I was... I sincerely am surprised I made it past that stage. It reminded me the part of "A Horse and His Boy" where Shasta is running through the forest with Aslan. He doesn't realize how close to the edge he is, until he revisits the path later. Had he known, he would've freaked out, and he was glad that Aslan stayed between him and the steep drop to death. I'm glad, too.
March 24, 2009
March 20, 2009
reprieve
Upside of mandatory vacation? I'm not at work today. So thank you, Salem, for allowing me to ditch your stress in favor of sleeping in and March Madness.
Everyone seems surprised that I'm interested in the games and actually sitting here watching basketball while I type. My theory is that, thanks to the brackets, I actually have something invested in who wins or loses. So far I've only missed three... but it's still early. The prize? The losers buy dinner for the winner. Yay for economic solutions.
So what shall I do for the rest of my long weekend? I contemplated the beach, but the idea was killed due to weekday traffic and the amount of things I need to do... the next 72 hours will be filled with:
cleaning the cat box
"One Voice"
rehearsal
eye dr. appointment
vacuuming my car
lunch with Sophia
working on kids Easter performance
exercise of some sort- the weather is beautiful
going to Target for miscellaneous needs
buying dance shoes and tights
church
reading
cleaning the bathroom
likely dinner with Sophia's family
In other news, I miss chocolate more than certain family members (you can guess which ones, haha). With the exception of a couple birthday treats that I imagine the Lord would forgive, I've stuck with no-sweets-for-Lent. This means that I have not had ice cream, cookies, cake, chocolate, granola bars, pop tarts, muffins, soda, milkshakes, or candy since February 26th. This also means that I have 22 days 11 hours and 53 minutes until my Easter celebration. ;) I bought a box of thin mint girl scout cookies from a co-worker that I will be freezing for the event. Although, I am going to attempt to be super-minimal on my sugar intake after Easter. I am working on being in better shape, and I don't need additional set-backs.
Everyone seems surprised that I'm interested in the games and actually sitting here watching basketball while I type. My theory is that, thanks to the brackets, I actually have something invested in who wins or loses. So far I've only missed three... but it's still early. The prize? The losers buy dinner for the winner. Yay for economic solutions.
So what shall I do for the rest of my long weekend? I contemplated the beach, but the idea was killed due to weekday traffic and the amount of things I need to do... the next 72 hours will be filled with:
cleaning the cat box
"One Voice"
rehearsal
eye dr. appointment
vacuuming my car
lunch with Sophia
working on kids Easter performance
exercise of some sort- the weather is beautiful
going to Target for miscellaneous needs
buying dance shoes and tights
church
reading
cleaning the bathroom
likely dinner with Sophia's family
In other news, I miss chocolate more than certain family members (you can guess which ones, haha). With the exception of a couple birthday treats that I imagine the Lord would forgive, I've stuck with no-sweets-for-Lent. This means that I have not had ice cream, cookies, cake, chocolate, granola bars, pop tarts, muffins, soda, milkshakes, or candy since February 26th. This also means that I have 22 days 11 hours and 53 minutes until my Easter celebration. ;) I bought a box of thin mint girl scout cookies from a co-worker that I will be freezing for the event. Although, I am going to attempt to be super-minimal on my sugar intake after Easter. I am working on being in better shape, and I don't need additional set-backs.
March 11, 2009
the letter
The letter finally came last night. Sophia texted to announce it's arrival, and I had her open it and read it over the phone.
The Director's Guild regrets to inform me that I will not be proceeding further in the selection process for the Assistant Director's Training Program. They say thanks for applying, and suggest I try again next year.
I knew it was a long shot, but I foolishly had hope. Especially since, as a grown-up, I can't take internships. And no one wants to hire me for entry positions when plenty of film school students and current interns are on hand.
My head reminds me that God still has a plan, and for some reason, He's still keeping me at the station. He sees the big picture, after all. And the possibilities are still endless.
But my pesky heart won't stop being sad. And, for the moment, feels imprisoned in piles of paperwork and dying dreams.
The Director's Guild regrets to inform me that I will not be proceeding further in the selection process for the Assistant Director's Training Program. They say thanks for applying, and suggest I try again next year.
I knew it was a long shot, but I foolishly had hope. Especially since, as a grown-up, I can't take internships. And no one wants to hire me for entry positions when plenty of film school students and current interns are on hand.
My head reminds me that God still has a plan, and for some reason, He's still keeping me at the station. He sees the big picture, after all. And the possibilities are still endless.
But my pesky heart won't stop being sad. And, for the moment, feels imprisoned in piles of paperwork and dying dreams.
March 10, 2009
i hate when time sails by and i miss things
Bah. My blog is going to pot. If anything, I require more time in my day so that I can keep everything updated!!! My condolences to my semi-neglected pen-and-paper journal as well....
The birthday fun was pretty cool. Did the Disneyland thing, and it was a good time to go. Perfect weather, but not too crowded. We did pretty much everythign we wanted to do. I don't really have pictures though, unfortunately. Sophia and family aren't fond of being photographed, and didn't want to engage in silly poses. Pity. It was interesting to see just how many people have the same birthday! They give you a "Happy Birthday" pin, and a ton of people had 'em. And I think I got a record number of birthday well-wishing from strangers! It was a fun time, and I have a 2fer ticket in case anyone wants to go to California Adventure before the end of the month....
Sadly, I didn't get to go paddling on Saturday... however, I was introduced to the Veggie Grill, a little vegetarian place. It is awesome. And I seek more of that goodness. So far, there are only two in the area, and both are agonizingly far from convenience. But if you have any tips on other locations, PLEASE do share. The sweet potato fries and not-really-chicken wings call to me.
Do you remember Sophia's grandpa and his battle with cancer? Get THIS: the cancer is gone. Gone! Can you believe that? God truly does work miracles! So thanks for your prayers. They have been heard!
Mark your calendars for April 10th-19th. One of those days on one of those weekends, you will hopefully be attending "One Voice", a production of Masquer Ministries. I shall provide more details soonly.
Final thought: I'm starting to suspect Obama is full of crap. I've tried to be optimistic, but he's not turning out to be any better than our past politicians. My favorite line of the week is how approving embryonic stem cell research finally allows science to prevail over politics. So then I assume we'll quit distorting the truth about global warming for political gain?
Who are we are kidding?
The birthday fun was pretty cool. Did the Disneyland thing, and it was a good time to go. Perfect weather, but not too crowded. We did pretty much everythign we wanted to do. I don't really have pictures though, unfortunately. Sophia and family aren't fond of being photographed, and didn't want to engage in silly poses. Pity. It was interesting to see just how many people have the same birthday! They give you a "Happy Birthday" pin, and a ton of people had 'em. And I think I got a record number of birthday well-wishing from strangers! It was a fun time, and I have a 2fer ticket in case anyone wants to go to California Adventure before the end of the month....
Sadly, I didn't get to go paddling on Saturday... however, I was introduced to the Veggie Grill, a little vegetarian place. It is awesome. And I seek more of that goodness. So far, there are only two in the area, and both are agonizingly far from convenience. But if you have any tips on other locations, PLEASE do share. The sweet potato fries and not-really-chicken wings call to me.
Do you remember Sophia's grandpa and his battle with cancer? Get THIS: the cancer is gone. Gone! Can you believe that? God truly does work miracles! So thanks for your prayers. They have been heard!
Mark your calendars for April 10th-19th. One of those days on one of those weekends, you will hopefully be attending "One Voice", a production of Masquer Ministries. I shall provide more details soonly.
Final thought: I'm starting to suspect Obama is full of crap. I've tried to be optimistic, but he's not turning out to be any better than our past politicians. My favorite line of the week is how approving embryonic stem cell research finally allows science to prevail over politics. So then I assume we'll quit distorting the truth about global warming for political gain?
Who are we are kidding?
February 28, 2009
i did it again
I have survived another year. Well, the verdict is technically still out until midnight, but I think my chances are pretty good.
I don't really have much to say about it all... a birthday is a birthday. I love birthdays, but age doesn't really matter to me. I've witnessed spry old ladies dancing for hours and people twice my age who've never experienced the random joys of life. Meanwhile, I've also heard the wisdom of a child and realized there are teenagers who've loved deeper than I have yet. So age schmage.... life goes at its own pace.
That's not to minimize the importance of one's special day. Let's get that clear. If I had the resources, I'd indulge in amazing celebrations for the people I love. I do try to acknowledge your day in some way. When I shake Sallie Mae and her impossible student loan debt off my back, perhaps you shall personally benefit from my imagined extravagance. :) How cool would that be? I think I really could be Stargirl...
So tomorrow..... I'm taking advantage of Disneyland's 2009 free-admission-on-your-birthday promotion. I feel kind of lousy for skipping church, but I'm not the only one going, and that's what everyone else wants to do. And since I'm dragging them to pay for tickets, I will do anything they want. It's going to be fun and I'm easy to please.
Already the weekend has been good. My co-workers are so sweet and thoughtful, and I actually got off work on time Friday night. There have been happy small moments, like putting a baby cousin to sleep and eating cereal while watching the Jetsons and Scooby-Doo this morning. And I am increasingly blessed by my time with Masquer (the theater company) and the amazing people there. Not to mention the awesome people in Ohio and Kentucky who still take the time to keep in touch and not forget about me. If only I could somehow put our two ends of the country closer together, because I miss you all so much.
I wouldn't be honest if I didn't mention that I'm in the poopy depressive down swing of the bipolar cycles. But I'm clinging to the incredibly long list of good things in my life. It's the rope that pulls me out to happiness again. You know, that and Jesus. ;)
I don't really have much to say about it all... a birthday is a birthday. I love birthdays, but age doesn't really matter to me. I've witnessed spry old ladies dancing for hours and people twice my age who've never experienced the random joys of life. Meanwhile, I've also heard the wisdom of a child and realized there are teenagers who've loved deeper than I have yet. So age schmage.... life goes at its own pace.
That's not to minimize the importance of one's special day. Let's get that clear. If I had the resources, I'd indulge in amazing celebrations for the people I love. I do try to acknowledge your day in some way. When I shake Sallie Mae and her impossible student loan debt off my back, perhaps you shall personally benefit from my imagined extravagance. :) How cool would that be? I think I really could be Stargirl...
So tomorrow..... I'm taking advantage of Disneyland's 2009 free-admission-on-your-birthday promotion. I feel kind of lousy for skipping church, but I'm not the only one going, and that's what everyone else wants to do. And since I'm dragging them to pay for tickets, I will do anything they want. It's going to be fun and I'm easy to please.
Already the weekend has been good. My co-workers are so sweet and thoughtful, and I actually got off work on time Friday night. There have been happy small moments, like putting a baby cousin to sleep and eating cereal while watching the Jetsons and Scooby-Doo this morning. And I am increasingly blessed by my time with Masquer (the theater company) and the amazing people there. Not to mention the awesome people in Ohio and Kentucky who still take the time to keep in touch and not forget about me. If only I could somehow put our two ends of the country closer together, because I miss you all so much.
I wouldn't be honest if I didn't mention that I'm in the poopy depressive down swing of the bipolar cycles. But I'm clinging to the incredibly long list of good things in my life. It's the rope that pulls me out to happiness again. You know, that and Jesus. ;)
February 21, 2009
jersey is my bff
I am sleeping beneath my own sheets, and it is heavenly.
Since it appears we will remain living with Sophia's family for awhile (and at their suggestion, so it's all cool), we ventured to storage today. Since moving out almost two years ago, we have been living without a lot of our possesions. Today we reclaimed my bed, Soph's armoire, a shelf, our games, and my desk. I now have my tall-but-double-the-storage-thanks-to-shelves-underneath bed, complete with the soft cotton jersey sheets. I write this entry between these lovely sheets that I have sorely missed. And I am momentarily content.
Claudia would like me to announce that she is officially coming to visit California in August. I, for one, am quite excited. I hope she is just as happy to be coming. Now we have the fun task of dreaming how we will spend our week. Currently on the agenda: a day in Hollywood with a performance of "Legally Blonde" at Pantages, the beach, Knott's Berry Farm, and the Museum of the Holocaust. Also playing tennis. I love my sister. I wish Becca could be here, too.
Oh, and Jolie would like you to know she's equally content with the return of the jersey sheets, as she sprawls out all over them.
It's an interesting feeling to rediscover parts of your life you've forgotten in two years.
Since it appears we will remain living with Sophia's family for awhile (and at their suggestion, so it's all cool), we ventured to storage today. Since moving out almost two years ago, we have been living without a lot of our possesions. Today we reclaimed my bed, Soph's armoire, a shelf, our games, and my desk. I now have my tall-but-double-the-storage-thanks-to-shelves-underneath bed, complete with the soft cotton jersey sheets. I write this entry between these lovely sheets that I have sorely missed. And I am momentarily content.
Claudia would like me to announce that she is officially coming to visit California in August. I, for one, am quite excited. I hope she is just as happy to be coming. Now we have the fun task of dreaming how we will spend our week. Currently on the agenda: a day in Hollywood with a performance of "Legally Blonde" at Pantages, the beach, Knott's Berry Farm, and the Museum of the Holocaust. Also playing tennis. I love my sister. I wish Becca could be here, too.
Oh, and Jolie would like you to know she's equally content with the return of the jersey sheets, as she sprawls out all over them.
It's an interesting feeling to rediscover parts of your life you've forgotten in two years.
February 17, 2009
drown out American Idol
So good news! The prodigal laptop has returned! Almost as good as new.... but so far it functions. I guess I can live without some of the bells and whistles as long as I can actually USE it.
Sometimes when I have my headphones in with my music turned up loud enough to drown everything else out, I remember what it's like to be inside the music. This is a phenomena first discovered in band and theater. When you're performing, you're enveloped in the sound, and part of it. It's safe and comforting (usually, haha). It's quite peaceful. And there's no darn American Idol. I think the world could possibly be better without American Idol.
I know i'm kind of jumping around. That's the kind of mood I'm in.
Oh, I haven't forgotten my challenges. I completed one- the early one. I tried to do it on a work day, but this proved difficult due to my living situation. Four adults plus one shower equal a very strict morning schedule. And honestly, at 5:00 in the morning, a shower is about the only productive thing I can muster. Picking out clothes ends in me staring blankly at the closet, and trying to read my devotional stuff results in the same blank stare. So instead, I woke up thirty minutes earlier on a Sunday morning. This meant that I was a)on time for church, b)able to put on my make-up BEFORE getting in the car, and c)didn't have to rush. I rather liked it. Granted, I rather like my sleep. However, it's possible that Sunday mornings could begin at 7:30a again.
Still working on the others... random acts of kindness and the live-as-homeless project. I'm trying to figure out how to separate the random acts from the day-to-day kindness that should automatically be part of our existence.
Today I tried to take a walk during my lunch break. Then it started raining (again). A quick movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention. It was a sparkly green hummingbird. It flew toward me, stopping about three feet from where I stood, then turned to fly away in an emerald blur.
We understood each other.
Sometimes when I have my headphones in with my music turned up loud enough to drown everything else out, I remember what it's like to be inside the music. This is a phenomena first discovered in band and theater. When you're performing, you're enveloped in the sound, and part of it. It's safe and comforting (usually, haha). It's quite peaceful. And there's no darn American Idol. I think the world could possibly be better without American Idol.
I know i'm kind of jumping around. That's the kind of mood I'm in.
Oh, I haven't forgotten my challenges. I completed one- the early one. I tried to do it on a work day, but this proved difficult due to my living situation. Four adults plus one shower equal a very strict morning schedule. And honestly, at 5:00 in the morning, a shower is about the only productive thing I can muster. Picking out clothes ends in me staring blankly at the closet, and trying to read my devotional stuff results in the same blank stare. So instead, I woke up thirty minutes earlier on a Sunday morning. This meant that I was a)on time for church, b)able to put on my make-up BEFORE getting in the car, and c)didn't have to rush. I rather liked it. Granted, I rather like my sleep. However, it's possible that Sunday mornings could begin at 7:30a again.
Still working on the others... random acts of kindness and the live-as-homeless project. I'm trying to figure out how to separate the random acts from the day-to-day kindness that should automatically be part of our existence.
Today I tried to take a walk during my lunch break. Then it started raining (again). A quick movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention. It was a sparkly green hummingbird. It flew toward me, stopping about three feet from where I stood, then turned to fly away in an emerald blur.
We understood each other.
February 09, 2009
blur
Ok, so my laptop is on its way to Texas for repairs. It crashed to the point of no return. And my computer-dependent heart is sad because it is still a new computer... I'm praying once it comes back to me it will be good-as-new once and for all. I'm also hoping it actually returns before my birthday.
So since I have no computer access at home, I am neglecting certain things (blogging) and staying late at work to do personal tasks after hours. I have mixed feelings about this and again pray that my laptop is soon home safely. Until then, certain personal projects are on hold (video game, devotional, etc etc etc....). But it kind of works out well, because I'm quite busy with other things.
The latest challenge is the increased crappy behavior of our church kids. Last Wednesday began with innapropriate language and disrespect by the students, and ended with me crying in the bathroom after being scolded by a church elder. At that point, the kids were left with Soph, who was shaking in anger after all their... what do I call it? Crap is the only word I can muster. They are old enough to know better, and have been in church long enough to have no excuses. And while there's a little bit of pride that makes me wonder why I am not doing a better job as a teacher, most of my frustration is because it feels like we aren't reaching them. It's as if all of our effort falls on deaf ears- or at least willingly blocked out. So I pray for solutions, because I really don't know how to help the situation.
But, there are other, happier things in the mix. I accomplished my first goal of 2009 and conquered the original Mario Bros, saving the princess! Woot! I was going to post photographic proof, but I'm rushed so you'll have to imagine it. Besides, i'm sure most of you have already done it and know what it looks like, so why wallow in my silliness? I'm still glad I did it.
I'm still loving Masquer (the theater company). My castmates are so loving and welcoming... rehearsals are a blast and just fly by. I love having music to work on... it's the happiest kind of productivity. Last night I had the chance to hang out after rehearsal and get to know some of them better. Theater people are the best. :) AND... I was asked to be part of a production of "Godspell" that will benefit a charity. This is awesome on so many levels... a)theater to help people is fantastic... b)it is such an extreme honor to be included.... c)I have been wanting to do "Godspell" for years.... d)we will be performing in Texas in June.... e)I had a glimpse of how God weaves things together in such an intricate way. So I will be working on two shows at once, but I'm completely ok with that. I have a few ideas about time management.... but I need to pray a lot about that before I try to implement it. Of course, you'll be updated more than you could care to know through the joy that is my online journaling, haha.
We have a new receptionist at work. She is terrific. Things should be a little less stressful very soon.
I'm listening to "Walkin on the Sun" by Smashmouth for it's nostalgic value.
So yes, there are obstacles in life... challenges that I don't even want to write about right now. Because they are nothing but building blocks and a chance for God to display to the world how amazing He is. Because if He can put this many good things in my messed-up existence, the possibilities of His goodness are infinite.
So since I have no computer access at home, I am neglecting certain things (blogging) and staying late at work to do personal tasks after hours. I have mixed feelings about this and again pray that my laptop is soon home safely. Until then, certain personal projects are on hold (video game, devotional, etc etc etc....). But it kind of works out well, because I'm quite busy with other things.
The latest challenge is the increased crappy behavior of our church kids. Last Wednesday began with innapropriate language and disrespect by the students, and ended with me crying in the bathroom after being scolded by a church elder. At that point, the kids were left with Soph, who was shaking in anger after all their... what do I call it? Crap is the only word I can muster. They are old enough to know better, and have been in church long enough to have no excuses. And while there's a little bit of pride that makes me wonder why I am not doing a better job as a teacher, most of my frustration is because it feels like we aren't reaching them. It's as if all of our effort falls on deaf ears- or at least willingly blocked out. So I pray for solutions, because I really don't know how to help the situation.
But, there are other, happier things in the mix. I accomplished my first goal of 2009 and conquered the original Mario Bros, saving the princess! Woot! I was going to post photographic proof, but I'm rushed so you'll have to imagine it. Besides, i'm sure most of you have already done it and know what it looks like, so why wallow in my silliness? I'm still glad I did it.
I'm still loving Masquer (the theater company). My castmates are so loving and welcoming... rehearsals are a blast and just fly by. I love having music to work on... it's the happiest kind of productivity. Last night I had the chance to hang out after rehearsal and get to know some of them better. Theater people are the best. :) AND... I was asked to be part of a production of "Godspell" that will benefit a charity. This is awesome on so many levels... a)theater to help people is fantastic... b)it is such an extreme honor to be included.... c)I have been wanting to do "Godspell" for years.... d)we will be performing in Texas in June.... e)I had a glimpse of how God weaves things together in such an intricate way. So I will be working on two shows at once, but I'm completely ok with that. I have a few ideas about time management.... but I need to pray a lot about that before I try to implement it. Of course, you'll be updated more than you could care to know through the joy that is my online journaling, haha.
We have a new receptionist at work. She is terrific. Things should be a little less stressful very soon.
I'm listening to "Walkin on the Sun" by Smashmouth for it's nostalgic value.
So yes, there are obstacles in life... challenges that I don't even want to write about right now. Because they are nothing but building blocks and a chance for God to display to the world how amazing He is. Because if He can put this many good things in my messed-up existence, the possibilities of His goodness are infinite.
January 30, 2009
kind of hoping its over
What a week.
I don't even know where to begin and am afraid I'm forgetting something.... Shall we go day by day? Oh, and guys, there are girly elements (gross ones, sorry), so you are excused from reading. If you keep going, know that it's at your own risk....
Monday: Normal, yet hectic, start of the work week. Quarterly staff luncheon meeting goes as usual. Aunt Flow shows up, and is greeted both with joy (it's been awhile) and doom (it's gonna suck).
Tuesday: Practically crawl to work thanks to the joy of womanhood. One moment it seems my fallopian tubes are being tied in knots around my uterus, then it's as if it's all being twisted and wrung out. I vow to see the doctor as soon as the madness ends, because this is ridiculous. Though I was tempted to call in sick, I try to fight it out and spend the morning curled up in my office doing data entry. I end up being glad I made it, as a last-minute mandatory staff meeting is called. We knew the news was bad, as we just had a staff meeting. And we were right. We are all getting 5% pay cuts. After recognizing that keeping most of my paycheck is leaps and bounds better than unemployment, I go home to find that my expected package from Dell Computers is not there. My disappoinment was met with Midol and sleep.
Oh, and crazy thing. While I was driving home thinking about the income decrease and other challenges, the song "In My Arms" by Plumb emerged in my head. I had heard it that morning on the radio, and thought that turning the radio on at that moment might be a good idea to take my mind of things. Wouldn't you know, the minute I hit the button, I heard it pick up right where the song in my head left off...
"Knowing clouds will rage
And storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
Castles they might crumble
Dreams may not come true
But you are never all alone
Because I will always Always love you."
Coincidence? I thinketh not.
Wednesday: Give into the "joy of womanhood" and stay in bed. For most of the day. Truly vow to call doctor the minute Aunt Flow departs. Still no Dell package, which means no computer. That's right. My awesome, brand new computer does not work. At all. Dell has had me wiping all my files out and re-installing operating systems, and nothing's working. I'm trying to press on and not cry. Thank God for warranties.
Thursday: I jump in my car to return to work. I turn the key... and nothing. I look to the sky and say "Really? Now? This week?" Thankfully, I take Sophia's car. I decide to conserve her gas and walk to get lunch. I waited at the corner of the intersection, watching the traffic lights. When the little man appeared that signaled my turn to walk through the crosswalk, something made me hesitate. Right then, a van blew through the red light. It took a minute for the shock to wear off.... Thank God for holding me back. The feeling of extreme vulnerability at near injury combined with the invincible feeling of divine intervention and equaled each other out to normalcy. Later that evening, we jump started my car. Randomly, the cd player works again. I don't understand it, but i'll take it!
Also, I spent hours on the phone with Dell working on my computer. I can use it for the moment, but it's already starting the cycle that ends with it crashing again.
Friday: I happily drive to work learning music for "One Voice". Then my check engine light goes on. I can only conclude that God is teaching my relience on Him in crazy circumstances. I cancel plans to spend Saturday morning volunteering with the Dream Center so I can wake up early and take my car to be checked out (again). I have a feeling a certain mechanic can fund his children's education based on one 2002 Cavalier....
And now I sit at work, typing. For a really long complicated reason, I can't go home until late tonight. I don't feel like being social (and now, with a paycut, neither can I afford to be), so i'm not sure how I will be spending my Friday. But blogging in my office is not the answer.
I don't even know where to begin and am afraid I'm forgetting something.... Shall we go day by day? Oh, and guys, there are girly elements (gross ones, sorry), so you are excused from reading. If you keep going, know that it's at your own risk....
Monday: Normal, yet hectic, start of the work week. Quarterly staff luncheon meeting goes as usual. Aunt Flow shows up, and is greeted both with joy (it's been awhile) and doom (it's gonna suck).
Tuesday: Practically crawl to work thanks to the joy of womanhood. One moment it seems my fallopian tubes are being tied in knots around my uterus, then it's as if it's all being twisted and wrung out. I vow to see the doctor as soon as the madness ends, because this is ridiculous. Though I was tempted to call in sick, I try to fight it out and spend the morning curled up in my office doing data entry. I end up being glad I made it, as a last-minute mandatory staff meeting is called. We knew the news was bad, as we just had a staff meeting. And we were right. We are all getting 5% pay cuts. After recognizing that keeping most of my paycheck is leaps and bounds better than unemployment, I go home to find that my expected package from Dell Computers is not there. My disappoinment was met with Midol and sleep.
Oh, and crazy thing. While I was driving home thinking about the income decrease and other challenges, the song "In My Arms" by Plumb emerged in my head. I had heard it that morning on the radio, and thought that turning the radio on at that moment might be a good idea to take my mind of things. Wouldn't you know, the minute I hit the button, I heard it pick up right where the song in my head left off...
"Knowing clouds will rage
And storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
Castles they might crumble
Dreams may not come true
But you are never all alone
Because I will always Always love you."
Coincidence? I thinketh not.
Wednesday: Give into the "joy of womanhood" and stay in bed. For most of the day. Truly vow to call doctor the minute Aunt Flow departs. Still no Dell package, which means no computer. That's right. My awesome, brand new computer does not work. At all. Dell has had me wiping all my files out and re-installing operating systems, and nothing's working. I'm trying to press on and not cry. Thank God for warranties.
Thursday: I jump in my car to return to work. I turn the key... and nothing. I look to the sky and say "Really? Now? This week?" Thankfully, I take Sophia's car. I decide to conserve her gas and walk to get lunch. I waited at the corner of the intersection, watching the traffic lights. When the little man appeared that signaled my turn to walk through the crosswalk, something made me hesitate. Right then, a van blew through the red light. It took a minute for the shock to wear off.... Thank God for holding me back. The feeling of extreme vulnerability at near injury combined with the invincible feeling of divine intervention and equaled each other out to normalcy. Later that evening, we jump started my car. Randomly, the cd player works again. I don't understand it, but i'll take it!
Also, I spent hours on the phone with Dell working on my computer. I can use it for the moment, but it's already starting the cycle that ends with it crashing again.
Friday: I happily drive to work learning music for "One Voice". Then my check engine light goes on. I can only conclude that God is teaching my relience on Him in crazy circumstances. I cancel plans to spend Saturday morning volunteering with the Dream Center so I can wake up early and take my car to be checked out (again). I have a feeling a certain mechanic can fund his children's education based on one 2002 Cavalier....
And now I sit at work, typing. For a really long complicated reason, I can't go home until late tonight. I don't feel like being social (and now, with a paycut, neither can I afford to be), so i'm not sure how I will be spending my Friday. But blogging in my office is not the answer.
January 27, 2009
bandwagon betty
Yeah, it's 25 random things. I wasn't going to do it for a couple reasons (time, trendiness, the fact that i talk about myself in my blog quite often (malthestar.blogspot.com!), the usual). But I'm actually enjoying reading everyone else's, and i have some time to kill at the moment..... so here you go. I'd gift wrap it if I could.
25 things you probably knew about me already.....
1. When my sister, Becca, and I were little, we would use our happy meal boxes and toys to play McDonald's drive through. This involved one of us sitting inside a low cabinet while the other came to order. Years later, I would work at McDonald's.....
2. I like pickles and peanut butter. I also like pickles with swiss cheese, and pickles with vanilla ice cream. However, I do not like relish.
3. I miss my car cd player.
4. The other night I had a vivid dream I was visiting my old Kentucky college, and i had plans to re-enroll there. First I cried because I didn't realize how much I missed the school and the people there. Then I cried harder because I really missed California. I decided I would only do Kentucky for a semester then return to L.A. I woke up shaking.
5. I have always like my first name and never wanted to change it, even as a child.
6. Long ago, I vowed to never marry a pastor, but if I did, to never put kids through life in the ministry.
7. This is harder than it looks.
8. I just finished a book about child soldiers in Africa that broke my heart.
9. Currently, I am trying to reconcile my ridiculous schedule with the desire to not miss life's goodness.
10. I refuse to give up on my new year's goals. I almost beat Mario last Saturday.... again. One day, Koopa... one day....
11. I dream of writing professionally, but I'm sort of scared I don't have anything of worth to say, so I haven't started the screenplay, devotional, novel, or song.
12. Sometimes God has to remind me that He's really using me at Kids Kingdom, and the kids aren't really wasting their time in my class. But remind me He does.
13. I've developed a crazy high tolerance to tylenol and ibuprofen.
14. Sometimes I'm sad when I seem happy, and other times, I'm happy when I seem sad. Isn't that fun for you? ;)
15. Bubbles are always a good idea.
16. I wish I knew when my last Mamaw-cooked meal was, or the last night I stayed over at my Grandma's house. The "no-going-backness" and lack of permanence of my past makes me sad.
17. This list is more melancholy than intended and does not accurately represent that I'm typically pretty happy. :-D
18. The fact that I pick a word and overuse it until I've wrung it dry does not appeal to me. Yet lately, everything seems to be amazing, random, or fantastic. Perhaps a thesaurus is in order.
19. I'm truly attempting growing small plants in window sill flower pots, with a long term goal of a garden.
20. I'm having leftover Japanese food for lunch.
21. I find it grossly unfair that those of us of the female persuasion must smile through cramps and pms as if nothing were wrong, and go about our work and daily life. When do men get to struggle like that? Not that I wish agony upon men, but if they get off easy, shouldn't we? Otherwise, I recommend mandatory PMS days given to every woman in the workplace. Paid.
22. I would also settle for a standard four-day work week, three-day weekend. Americans are smart. Let's find a way to keep our work ethic and still live balanced lives.
23. I like kids. I like babies. Small people tend to make more sense than their older, taller counterparts.
24. My lunch break is about to start so I need to wrap this up.
25. I love you. Seriously. If you are reading this, you matter to me. Please don't forget that. I will offer you reassurance anytime you need it, though.
25 things you probably knew about me already.....
1. When my sister, Becca, and I were little, we would use our happy meal boxes and toys to play McDonald's drive through. This involved one of us sitting inside a low cabinet while the other came to order. Years later, I would work at McDonald's.....
2. I like pickles and peanut butter. I also like pickles with swiss cheese, and pickles with vanilla ice cream. However, I do not like relish.
3. I miss my car cd player.
4. The other night I had a vivid dream I was visiting my old Kentucky college, and i had plans to re-enroll there. First I cried because I didn't realize how much I missed the school and the people there. Then I cried harder because I really missed California. I decided I would only do Kentucky for a semester then return to L.A. I woke up shaking.
5. I have always like my first name and never wanted to change it, even as a child.
6. Long ago, I vowed to never marry a pastor, but if I did, to never put kids through life in the ministry.
7. This is harder than it looks.
8. I just finished a book about child soldiers in Africa that broke my heart.
9. Currently, I am trying to reconcile my ridiculous schedule with the desire to not miss life's goodness.
10. I refuse to give up on my new year's goals. I almost beat Mario last Saturday.... again. One day, Koopa... one day....
11. I dream of writing professionally, but I'm sort of scared I don't have anything of worth to say, so I haven't started the screenplay, devotional, novel, or song.
12. Sometimes God has to remind me that He's really using me at Kids Kingdom, and the kids aren't really wasting their time in my class. But remind me He does.
13. I've developed a crazy high tolerance to tylenol and ibuprofen.
14. Sometimes I'm sad when I seem happy, and other times, I'm happy when I seem sad. Isn't that fun for you? ;)
15. Bubbles are always a good idea.
16. I wish I knew when my last Mamaw-cooked meal was, or the last night I stayed over at my Grandma's house. The "no-going-backness" and lack of permanence of my past makes me sad.
17. This list is more melancholy than intended and does not accurately represent that I'm typically pretty happy. :-D
18. The fact that I pick a word and overuse it until I've wrung it dry does not appeal to me. Yet lately, everything seems to be amazing, random, or fantastic. Perhaps a thesaurus is in order.
19. I'm truly attempting growing small plants in window sill flower pots, with a long term goal of a garden.
20. I'm having leftover Japanese food for lunch.
21. I find it grossly unfair that those of us of the female persuasion must smile through cramps and pms as if nothing were wrong, and go about our work and daily life. When do men get to struggle like that? Not that I wish agony upon men, but if they get off easy, shouldn't we? Otherwise, I recommend mandatory PMS days given to every woman in the workplace. Paid.
22. I would also settle for a standard four-day work week, three-day weekend. Americans are smart. Let's find a way to keep our work ethic and still live balanced lives.
23. I like kids. I like babies. Small people tend to make more sense than their older, taller counterparts.
24. My lunch break is about to start so I need to wrap this up.
25. I love you. Seriously. If you are reading this, you matter to me. Please don't forget that. I will offer you reassurance anytime you need it, though.
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