(this post was almost titled "Gripe of the Day" but it was a few days ago, so...)
Okay, so I decide Tuesday on my way to work that I want an orange. Okay, no problem. it's 8:00 in the morning and the grocery store is dead. there are like 5 cars in the parking lot. I choose my space, and then pull through so that I don't have to back up to leave (yeah, i'm that lazy). I go into the store and notice a woman in the produce section. She has probably an 18 month old little girl in the cart with her. I smile and say good morning when we make eye contact. She completely ignores me and keeps on going. FINE, I think. Be that way.
Fast forward about 15 minutes. I check out at the U-Scan with 2 oranges, 2 boxes of tuna helper (on sale) and an unsweetened iced tea. I walk out to my car. There are 2 cars on my side of the parking lot. Mine and a green mini van circe early 90's. Sure enough, the mini van is being driven by the woman from the produce section. She is closing her door as I get to my car. I stop and stare. She has left her cart just sitting in front of my car, in the road, so I would either have to move it or back up through 2 parking spaces (did I mention she had done the pull through, too?). GRRR. I should explain. This just pisses me off in general. They put those cart things all over the parking lot, taking up perfectly good parking spaces, for a reason. If you're so d*&^ lazy that you can't walk 20 feet to the nearest deposit spot, I just want to cuss at you. It's not like the cart things are full or anything. Anyway, so that makes me angry. I turn and look and she's SITTING AT THE STOP SIGN watching me! So, I smiled my best frustrated smile and began to push her cart to the designated location. Which was, by the way, DIRECTLY ACROSS from where she had been parked. Surely her daughter could hold on, strapped comfortably into her carseat, for the whole 20 seconds it would have taken to push it over there.
So, I push her cart to where it should have been and happen to move my hand about 2 inches to the left. Yup, big pile of baby spit up/snot/whatever that I hadn't noticed before is now all over my hand. To which I cuss and gag at the same time in the parking lot. I get to my car, find a tissue, clean my hand and sanitize it using the purel that is always nearby. GRRR. At this point, green mini van lazy butt decides to peel out of the parking lot, almost causing an accident. Insert your favorite choice word here.
So, the moral of the story is this: If you are in the grocery store (with or without a toddler) please take the extra 10-30 seconds to put your cart where it belongs instead of leaving it for someone else. And, if you do have a small child, please clean up anything that leaks from them before doing so.
thank you.
Thus ends my public service announcement.
9.29.2005
9.27.2005
Letting Light Shine
I read something last night in the Captivating study that almost brought me to the point of tears. Here it is:
“You cannot be alive very long without being wounded. The sun rises, the stars follow their courses, the waves roll in crashing against the rocks, and we are wounded. Broken hearts cannot long be avoided in this beautiful yet dangerous world we live in. This is not Eden. Not even close. We are not living in the world our souls were made for. Something’s rotten in the state of Denmark and in our own backyards as we journey through the unknown terrain of the moments and months that make up our lives.
Take a deep look into the eyes of anyone and behind the smile or the fear, you will find pain. And most people are in more pain than they ever realize. Sorrow is not a stranger to any of us, though only a few have learned that it is not our enemy either. Because we are the ones loved by God, the King of kings, Jesus himself, who came to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free, we can take a look back. We can take his hand and remember. We must remember if we would not be held prisoner to the wounds.”
Last night was a heavy night. We talked a lot about being wounded and hurt by the world and the people in our lives. We talked about how we have been hurt and disappointed by those we love the most, and how those wounds have shaped us to be the women we are. I noticed a couple things through the night. First of all, everyone has wounds. Everyone. Second I realized that I am so blessed in my life to have a mother who loves me and cherishes me and tells me that every day. I called her last night and told her just how amazing it is.
One of the ministers here on staff was talking about hurts the other day and using the analogy of the broken pot. How we're all vessels that have been shattered. When you put the pieces back together again and stick a candle inside the pieced back together pot and light it, the only places light shine through are the places where it's been cracked. A perfect vessel won't let light through. Our cracks and broken pieces are the places where God can shine through the most, if we let Him. If all my wounds show God's love, mercy, and grace in a dark world, I wouldn't trade them for anything.
“You cannot be alive very long without being wounded. The sun rises, the stars follow their courses, the waves roll in crashing against the rocks, and we are wounded. Broken hearts cannot long be avoided in this beautiful yet dangerous world we live in. This is not Eden. Not even close. We are not living in the world our souls were made for. Something’s rotten in the state of Denmark and in our own backyards as we journey through the unknown terrain of the moments and months that make up our lives.
Take a deep look into the eyes of anyone and behind the smile or the fear, you will find pain. And most people are in more pain than they ever realize. Sorrow is not a stranger to any of us, though only a few have learned that it is not our enemy either. Because we are the ones loved by God, the King of kings, Jesus himself, who came to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free, we can take a look back. We can take his hand and remember. We must remember if we would not be held prisoner to the wounds.”
Last night was a heavy night. We talked a lot about being wounded and hurt by the world and the people in our lives. We talked about how we have been hurt and disappointed by those we love the most, and how those wounds have shaped us to be the women we are. I noticed a couple things through the night. First of all, everyone has wounds. Everyone. Second I realized that I am so blessed in my life to have a mother who loves me and cherishes me and tells me that every day. I called her last night and told her just how amazing it is.
One of the ministers here on staff was talking about hurts the other day and using the analogy of the broken pot. How we're all vessels that have been shattered. When you put the pieces back together again and stick a candle inside the pieced back together pot and light it, the only places light shine through are the places where it's been cracked. A perfect vessel won't let light through. Our cracks and broken pieces are the places where God can shine through the most, if we let Him. If all my wounds show God's love, mercy, and grace in a dark world, I wouldn't trade them for anything.
9.23.2005
Places I Want To See
Places I would like to visit before I die:
Ones in italics I have been to, but want to go again
Ones in italics I have been to, but want to go again
- Seattle
- Alaska
- Ireland
- Hawaii
- Costa Rica
- Puerto Rico
- Grand Canyon
- Las Vegas
- Australia
- Maine
- New York City
- Cape Cod
- Montana
- Italy
Yes, I'm in the mood for travel. I'm in the mood for a road trip to somewhere fun. I'm in the mood for adventure.
9.21.2005
Roller Coasters and Ferris Wheels
If my life would slow down a little bit, I would get around to updating my blog. However, that's not going to happen anytime soon, so you readers will just have to be patient with me (all four of you!). I guess if I had internet at home that would help, too...anyway...
Saturday Tim and I went to Kentucky Kingdom. It was FANTASTIC. Apparently on toward the end of the season, on an overcast yet beautiful day, while there is a University of Louisville football game going on is just about the perfect time to go to Kentucky Kingdom. We didn't wait in line really for anything. We waited in one line, but that was just because we wanted the front row for the suspended coaster.
If I haven't said it before, I love roller coasters. I think they're fantastic. They scare me and make me laugh all at the same time. They're great. I love going to amusement parks and wish I could go to a lot more a lot more than I do. I used to go to Cedar Point a lot. I'm hoping to get there again next year. It is, after all, the world's "Roller Coast." The first coaster I rode was the Iron Dragon right there at Cedar Point. So, yay roller coasters!
However, I really dislike Ferris Wheels. I think it's a height vulnerability issue or something. It makes me crazy. I think the thing with roller coasters is that I don't really like heights there, either...but it's fast and I can get over it and just laugh a lot. When the wheel stops at the top as they're letting people on below...it makes me want to cry, it really does.
Other than that, it's just been a busy week of trying to get things done and stay ahead of the game. We'll see how it works.
It seems there is another season of changing blowing in...it makes me sad. There's been too much change. I'm ready for stability. It makes me anxious about the future, and i hate that. I know I should just be patient and wait, but when things start changing around me, it's so hard...
Saturday Tim and I went to Kentucky Kingdom. It was FANTASTIC. Apparently on toward the end of the season, on an overcast yet beautiful day, while there is a University of Louisville football game going on is just about the perfect time to go to Kentucky Kingdom. We didn't wait in line really for anything. We waited in one line, but that was just because we wanted the front row for the suspended coaster.
If I haven't said it before, I love roller coasters. I think they're fantastic. They scare me and make me laugh all at the same time. They're great. I love going to amusement parks and wish I could go to a lot more a lot more than I do. I used to go to Cedar Point a lot. I'm hoping to get there again next year. It is, after all, the world's "Roller Coast." The first coaster I rode was the Iron Dragon right there at Cedar Point. So, yay roller coasters!
However, I really dislike Ferris Wheels. I think it's a height vulnerability issue or something. It makes me crazy. I think the thing with roller coasters is that I don't really like heights there, either...but it's fast and I can get over it and just laugh a lot. When the wheel stops at the top as they're letting people on below...it makes me want to cry, it really does.
Other than that, it's just been a busy week of trying to get things done and stay ahead of the game. We'll see how it works.
It seems there is another season of changing blowing in...it makes me sad. There's been too much change. I'm ready for stability. It makes me anxious about the future, and i hate that. I know I should just be patient and wait, but when things start changing around me, it's so hard...
9.13.2005
Playing Catch Up
Okay, so there have been a few things that have happened since I last blogged. For some reason, I just haven't let myself sit down and write, so be warned - this could take awhile. I'll try to cover all the highlights, at least.
Labor Day Weekend
Yes, I know I haven't posted since right before the holiday. However, my 3 day weekend was FANTASTIC! Tim and I went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on that Saturday. I really enjoyed it. Johnny Depp is just such a talented actor, it's hard for me to not like something he does. And the boy who played Charlie - well I fell in love with him during Finding Neverland, and he didn't disappoint. For the sake of the entire movie watching world, I hope Johnny Depp never takes a 'traditional' role. He's a fantastic actor, and I love that he constantly stretches himself to new and amazing levels. Anyway, enough about him.
On Labor Day, Tim and I went to Holiday World. I had never been, but Tim went all the time growing up. It was a lot of fun - honestly more fun than I thought it would be. We only rode a couple rides in the theme park side of it and spent most of our day in the Splashin' Safari waterpark. Okay, that was huge for me, I'll be honest. For someone who is pretty self-conscious about their body ALL THE TIME, spending hours in a bathing suit in front of a lot of other people wasn't something I was real excited about doing. However, there is something beautiful to be said about spending a day at a waterpark with someone who loves you just how you are. I can't say that I felt comfortable but I felt accepted, and that was important. I was able to let go of my inhibitions and just enjoy being with Tim and playing in the water. The weather was perfect - somewhere in the 80's and sunny. Not too sunny, though, so there were no sunburns to be had. Anyway, it was a great day and I had a great time. I felt good and loved and just enjoyed being away and having a lot of fun together.
September 6
On the sixth, I finally had to do what I'd been avoiding for awhile. I said goodbye to my close friends Paul & Abigail and their kids. They've made the move to Ireland. It was so hard to say goodbye. I tried not to cry, I really did...but it didn't work. Cry I did. However, Paul and Abigail are there and doing great. It's beautiful. Here's the view from the top room in their house.
So much beauty. I'm so happy for them. I can't believe they're gone, but I'm so excited to see God moving in their lives and answering their prayers in such a real and powerful way. Their daughter is in school and loving every moment of being a kindergartener. Their son has acclimated fine. Abigail seemed genuinely happy in her email. There is still so much to be done - packages need to arrive and the work visa needs to go through, but there is a certain peace in knowing they are right where they need to be - in the Killiney part of Dublin.
Katrina
I haven't blogged about the devastation in New Orleans mostly because I haven't known what to say. I'm lucky. I don't know anyone that lived there. I have a friend who is down there now as part of the chainsaw team cutting through the debris. What bothered me most about the aftermath was not the sometimes sluggish response of aid, but the fact that celebrities and political idiots immediately made it about our President and how he did something. I've made it no secret that Michael Moore makes me want to cuss. My mom really appreciated "Bowling for Columbine" so I may watch it someday just for that reason. However, I really don't like him. The things that he said about the horror of Katrina - well... If you haven't heard, you're better off. I would post a link to it so you could read it. That would be the 'fair' thing to do... But it's my blog and I don't want to, so their. I will, however, give you this link. This is Ben Stein's rebuttal to Moore (at least that's how it reads). Enjoy it. I've decided I really like him, especially since I can hear the unique timber of his voice in my head while I read it!
What happened was horrible. What happened was beyond our meager comprehension. What happened was not the fault of a single person or Person. What happened was a disaster. For people to start looting and raping and killing in the middle of the horror. Where to go from here. How to rebuild and give the displaced back their lives - that is what people should spend their breath talking about - not making up some political reason. Give me a break.
Captivating
I started a small group study of the book Captivating on Monday. It went really well. I had 13 people there, and am expecting an additional 10-15 this week. It's a great book with a great message and something women are obviously longing to hear. The hurts and the fears that came out this week are just the tip of the iceberg. I'm looking forward to seeing what God does in all of our lives over the next seven weeks. I have a feeling it's going to be something amazing. I don't know what God has planned, but I'm honored to be a part of it. We'll see what happens. I'll keep you updated. If you're a woman looking for your place in God's plan, pick it up. It will change you.
And, to conclude this entry - some random thoughts -
Work has been crazy. Between my normal job duties and helping out on another print piece, I've been swamped. Add to it my other job and I feel like I'm running a marathon in a hamster wheel and not getting anywhere at all. Oh well. I guess it comes and goes, and the extra income is nice.
Is Subway a public company? If so, I should seriously invest in some stock as much as I eat there. I think it's at least 2 times a week, if not more. I love it. I'm not ashamed to say it! Try the new Buffalo Chicken if you haven't. It's good.
I love Iced Animal Cookies. The ones from the nice elves at Keebler. I think they're fantastic. I bought a bag yesterday and it's taking a lot of self control to not just eat the whole bag right now. Maybe I really am a kid still. I'm okay with that. There's something to be said about staying a kid at heart (or at stomach) as long as humanly possible. I also eat a children's vitamin every single day.
I have something planned for evweekendkend between now and the middle of October. That's a little overwhelming. It's all good stuff, though - fun stuff. Just a lot of it. Kentucky Kingdom with Tim on Saturday, next weekend is the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer walk, then home for a weekend to get pictures taken with Cameron. The next weekend Jenny, Liz, and I are getting together for some much needed girl time. The next weekend is the Jars of Clay concert (with Sara Groves and Donald Miller) here at the church. It'll be great. I'll be tired, but it will be worth it.
So, that's a little bit of what's been going on in my life lately. I'll try to not wait so long in between updates again...
Labor Day Weekend
Yes, I know I haven't posted since right before the holiday. However, my 3 day weekend was FANTASTIC! Tim and I went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on that Saturday. I really enjoyed it. Johnny Depp is just such a talented actor, it's hard for me to not like something he does. And the boy who played Charlie - well I fell in love with him during Finding Neverland, and he didn't disappoint. For the sake of the entire movie watching world, I hope Johnny Depp never takes a 'traditional' role. He's a fantastic actor, and I love that he constantly stretches himself to new and amazing levels. Anyway, enough about him.
On Labor Day, Tim and I went to Holiday World. I had never been, but Tim went all the time growing up. It was a lot of fun - honestly more fun than I thought it would be. We only rode a couple rides in the theme park side of it and spent most of our day in the Splashin' Safari waterpark. Okay, that was huge for me, I'll be honest. For someone who is pretty self-conscious about their body ALL THE TIME, spending hours in a bathing suit in front of a lot of other people wasn't something I was real excited about doing. However, there is something beautiful to be said about spending a day at a waterpark with someone who loves you just how you are. I can't say that I felt comfortable but I felt accepted, and that was important. I was able to let go of my inhibitions and just enjoy being with Tim and playing in the water. The weather was perfect - somewhere in the 80's and sunny. Not too sunny, though, so there were no sunburns to be had. Anyway, it was a great day and I had a great time. I felt good and loved and just enjoyed being away and having a lot of fun together.
September 6
On the sixth, I finally had to do what I'd been avoiding for awhile. I said goodbye to my close friends Paul & Abigail and their kids. They've made the move to Ireland. It was so hard to say goodbye. I tried not to cry, I really did...but it didn't work. Cry I did. However, Paul and Abigail are there and doing great. It's beautiful. Here's the view from the top room in their house.
So much beauty. I'm so happy for them. I can't believe they're gone, but I'm so excited to see God moving in their lives and answering their prayers in such a real and powerful way. Their daughter is in school and loving every moment of being a kindergartener. Their son has acclimated fine. Abigail seemed genuinely happy in her email. There is still so much to be done - packages need to arrive and the work visa needs to go through, but there is a certain peace in knowing they are right where they need to be - in the Killiney part of Dublin.
Katrina
I haven't blogged about the devastation in New Orleans mostly because I haven't known what to say. I'm lucky. I don't know anyone that lived there. I have a friend who is down there now as part of the chainsaw team cutting through the debris. What bothered me most about the aftermath was not the sometimes sluggish response of aid, but the fact that celebrities and political idiots immediately made it about our President and how he did something. I've made it no secret that Michael Moore makes me want to cuss. My mom really appreciated "Bowling for Columbine" so I may watch it someday just for that reason. However, I really don't like him. The things that he said about the horror of Katrina - well... If you haven't heard, you're better off. I would post a link to it so you could read it. That would be the 'fair' thing to do... But it's my blog and I don't want to, so their. I will, however, give you this link. This is Ben Stein's rebuttal to Moore (at least that's how it reads). Enjoy it. I've decided I really like him, especially since I can hear the unique timber of his voice in my head while I read it!
What happened was horrible. What happened was beyond our meager comprehension. What happened was not the fault of a single person or Person. What happened was a disaster. For people to start looting and raping and killing in the middle of the horror. Where to go from here. How to rebuild and give the displaced back their lives - that is what people should spend their breath talking about - not making up some political reason. Give me a break.
Captivating
I started a small group study of the book Captivating on Monday. It went really well. I had 13 people there, and am expecting an additional 10-15 this week. It's a great book with a great message and something women are obviously longing to hear. The hurts and the fears that came out this week are just the tip of the iceberg. I'm looking forward to seeing what God does in all of our lives over the next seven weeks. I have a feeling it's going to be something amazing. I don't know what God has planned, but I'm honored to be a part of it. We'll see what happens. I'll keep you updated. If you're a woman looking for your place in God's plan, pick it up. It will change you.
And, to conclude this entry - some random thoughts -
Work has been crazy. Between my normal job duties and helping out on another print piece, I've been swamped. Add to it my other job and I feel like I'm running a marathon in a hamster wheel and not getting anywhere at all. Oh well. I guess it comes and goes, and the extra income is nice.
Is Subway a public company? If so, I should seriously invest in some stock as much as I eat there. I think it's at least 2 times a week, if not more. I love it. I'm not ashamed to say it! Try the new Buffalo Chicken if you haven't. It's good.
I love Iced Animal Cookies. The ones from the nice elves at Keebler. I think they're fantastic. I bought a bag yesterday and it's taking a lot of self control to not just eat the whole bag right now. Maybe I really am a kid still. I'm okay with that. There's something to be said about staying a kid at heart (or at stomach) as long as humanly possible. I also eat a children's vitamin every single day.
I have something planned for evweekendkend between now and the middle of October. That's a little overwhelming. It's all good stuff, though - fun stuff. Just a lot of it. Kentucky Kingdom with Tim on Saturday, next weekend is the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer walk, then home for a weekend to get pictures taken with Cameron. The next weekend Jenny, Liz, and I are getting together for some much needed girl time. The next weekend is the Jars of Clay concert (with Sara Groves and Donald Miller) here at the church. It'll be great. I'll be tired, but it will be worth it.
So, that's a little bit of what's been going on in my life lately. I'll try to not wait so long in between updates again...
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