Monday, February 28, 2005

New kid on the blog...

Yes, that's right - my DH has been assimilated into the BLOG. Fireguy has arrived. Check it out - should be interesting! This also means that my 101st thing is no longer true!

So, this weekend wasn't half bad. I felt very efficient Saturday. I was able to get done the things that needed to be done, both in and out of the house. Such a great feeling!

The kiddos and I watched a movie Saturday evening, and had a really nice time! I'm going to miss these cuddly, snuggly times - and I know they'll be ending all too soon.

Yesterday's worship was great! The songs were rockin' and the message was oh so challenging! With lots of 'Panera' thrown in the mix! (I've got to get over there sometime!)

I met one of our newer neighbors Saturday too. She's a single mom with a 7 year old son. My kiddos really enjoy playing with him so I figured I'd better go over and introduce myself. The funny thing is, we stood outside and talked for probably 10-15 minutes, but she never told me her name! So she's still "Jonathan's mom" at our house. Oh well!

Friday, February 25, 2005

Happy Friday!

Things are kind of surreal around here today - the boss (not so nice) has finally gotten the message that we don't want him to test out his voice mangler on us, so he's calling an answering machine in his office and listening to it repeatedly; one of the 'tile boys' here is insisting on speaking to everyone with a real Southern hick accent; another co-worker has discovered the joys of 'My Yahoo!' - and is telling me about it along with high school memories; and me? well, I'm blogging, and reading blogs, and surfing blogs and thinking about blogs and reading comments on blogs, and dreading laundry. (Gotcha!)

We've decided that taking some time away from television for awhile. We're going to try other methods of entertainment - dominoes, anyone? Gonna try some directed viewing of 'good' movies occasionally. But I will admit, I will miss American Idol and Survivor terribly! Thank goodness they have the internet on computers now!

So, happy Friday, dear blog family! Enjoy your weekend, rest and refresh, and come back Monday, rarin' to go! (Oh dear, it's only been one day and I'm already annoying myself! Yikes!)

Thursday, February 24, 2005

Thursday

101. I don't think my DH has ever read my blog...hmmm

Well, it's been a roller coaster kinda day - you know - good news, bad news, upside down news - the whole gamut! I'm choosing to focus on the good and praise God for His hand in it.

I recently got a posting on the 'other job' from my friend on the inside. It doesn't look like it would be something I could do. Some of the qualifications I simply don't have, and even with the benefits, we couldn't handle that drastic of a pay cut. So, I'll keep my eyes open. Or rather, closed in prayer.

I received the sweetest note yesterday from one of our 'retreaters'! She was thanking me and the committee for all of our hard work. What a rush! I really need to do this same kind of thing for other people more often! Share the joy!

My boss (the not nice one) has been buying products to disguise his voice. It's been really odd - I mean, where does one go to get something like that?! Stalkers 'R' Us? Gosh!

Lord, make our paths straight. Help me to be encouraging and supportive to others, as You encourage me. Thank You for my family and all they do.

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

100 things part 2

51. I've never gotten a speeding ticket.
52. I once dated a minister and thought that would get me in good with God. Go figure!
53. I've never had braces. (see "dentist-phobic")
54. I once wanted to write the great American novel.
55. I've had a hard time getting this list to this point.
56. I wish my church was less conservative.
57. I've never been to a class reunion.
58. Occasionally, I come up with a good idea.
59. I didn't get my driver's license until I was 17...
60. ...because I failed the test the first time.
61. One of my favorite movies is Gone With the Wind.
62. My only two times in the hospital was for the births of my two children.
63. These were also my only two surgeries.
64. I adore comments on my blog!
65. I prefer autumn to the other seasons.
66. People who drive with their turn signal on irritate me.
67. I used to be able to speak German. I even took notes in college in German - really confused people who borrowed my psych notes!
68. I don't make decisions easily.
69. I have English, Irish, German and Cherokee ancestors.
70. I don't have a green thumb. I killed a plant that had survived longer than I had been alive.
71. I watch too much television.
72. One of my favorite books is Little Women.
73. I tend to have good intentions, but lack a bit on that whole follow-through thingy.
74. I really enjoy antiques and heirlooms, and the stories that go with them.
75. The first time I met DH's oldest brother, he was wearing a purple glitter wig.
76. My DH proposed to me while I had curlers in my hair...
77. ...and before I had brushed my teeth.
78. We've not had a morning date since then...hmmm...
79. Marching bands make me cry - no clue why!
80. I'm so proud of my DH and my kids!
81. I love all things coffee-flavored.
82. Except the drink.
83. I used to think Dracula lived in my bedroom closet.
84. I'm terrified of things that are grossly disproportionate (think Freddy Krueger in the first movie - ugh!)
85. I tend to play everything safe!
86. I usually have a difficult time believing I'm good at anything.
87. When I was a child, I had a number of odd, 'supernatural' experiences.
88. I like Monty Python - indeed, all things British.
89. I've never broken a bone.
90. I can't do a cartwheel - never could.
91. I enjoy organizing events - even though it makes me nuts!
92. I would rather be in the background.
93. I don't always know how to show my family how much I love them.
94. I dislike wearing shoes indoors - blame my hillbilly grandmother!
95. I adore my grandmother!
96. I hate being in traffic - large cities at rush hour will send me into a conniption!
97. When I was a child, I was deathly afraid of sirens - kinda ironic, eh?
98. I'm not logical, nor do I have a whole lotta common sense.
99. I'm concerned that I'm not doing a good job raising my kids.
100. I want to be closer to God.

*whew*

100 things - part one

1. I've been saved.
2. I don't deserve it.
3. I'm a wife.
4. I'm a mom.
5. I've been baptized twice.
6. I was never teacher's pet.
7. I was the principal's pet (much better!)
8. I'm an only child.
9. I'm a good speller.
10. I spelled down my entire grade school when I was in fourth grade.
11. I came in fourth in the next round of competition.
12. I used to collect koala bears, music boxes and unicorns.
13. I love to read.
14. I love music.
15. But, I don't read music well.
16. I sing while I do dishes. Every night.
17. I didn't go to my prom - or any dances in high school.
18. I didn't have my first date until the night I graduated.
19. I was in an accelerated English class in high school.
20. I cannot diagram a sentence.
21. I hated studying wars and battles.
22. I acted in a play (yes, a real one!) when I was in Jr. High.
23. I don't know how I got roped into doing it.
24. I come from a broken home.
25. I was nine days late when I was born.
26. My mother thought my head was on backwards when viewing an early sonogram.
27. I am a sexual abuse survivor.
28. I love weddings.
29. My first experience singing publicly was at a funeral for someone I didn't know.
30. I don't read my Bible or pray nearly as much as I should.
31. I'm related to John Wilkes Booth.
32. I've been to both coasts.
33. I hate to clean floors.
34. I have no desire to visit Las Vegas.
35. Ah...but the United Kingdom is another story...
36. I don't cook very well. Or very often.
37. I like chocolate.
38. I couldn't eat the stuff when I was pregnant.
39. I have a terrific memory for useless information.
40. I'm a great Trivial Pursuit player.
41. I'm named for two aunts.
42. I like Victoriana.
43. I enjoy cross-stitching.
44. But I can't ever finish projects after the stitching is done.
45. Because I can't sew.
46. I'm a Past Honored Queen.
47. I've always lived in the same state.
48. I'm dentist-phobic.
49. I used to work in a carnival.
50. And as a result of that job, I once showered in a tent next to a beer garden.

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

...on and on and on...

Well, the cupcakes went over big time, in spite of the lack of beverage. And, okay, yes, I'll admit it wasn't that big of a deal to get them. And yes, it made me feel good to do something nice for my kiddo. Could you stop guilting me already? Gosh!

So, I've become like Miss Popularity at work. Crazy things keep ending up on my desk: papers, candles, stamps, things that actually require my attention and/or action...what are people thinking around here?! I actually had a call from a vendor and they referred to me as an administrator - yikes! Doesn't that mean I have some sort of authority? No thanks, I'll pass! Actually, the vendor wanted to walk me through changes on their website and asked if I had about five or ten minutes to do that. Hah! Maybe next April!

I've started working on my 100 things list. I should have all 100 in, oh, about two weeks! Actually, I fell asleep on the couch last night, and DH came upstairs and I woke up to find him reading my list. He had some creative and interesting suggestions to add. (insert sarcasm here) 100 things is tough!



Monday, February 21, 2005

Home again home again, jiggity jog

What am I thinking - no jogging! Although after all the chocolate this weekend - something sure needs to be done! The retreat went very well I thought. We were a crowded, but merry, band of about 35 or so. Our theme was "Speechless" - yeah, I've heard it already - 35 women together for a weekend and "speechless"?! Actually, during the time set aside for personal devotion, it was very quiet! We had lots of positive comments about the study material, the location, the food - it was very gratifying to hear that all the hard work the committee did was appreciated!

Fridays at our retreats are always fun - icebreaker games, singing, and free time/games until all hours.

Saturday we started with breakfast and then sang some songs and went into our video speaker presentation (Liz Curtis Higgs) after which we did personal devotions. We regrouped for lunch and then free time - usually naps after Friday, but games as well, and as we were in a beautiful location with halfway decent February weather, some went for walks. Then came dinner, after which we broke into small groups for one more study. Then we had some personal testimonies, and singing. LOTS of singing. My voice, which was iffy at best Friday morning, completely quit by about 11:30 Saturday night - that last 'there's no God like Jehovah' did me in!

Sunday morning was breakfast and singing, devotional and communion. Then we packed and skedaddled.

Sometimes, the ride home can be the most fun - our travel group of three vans wound up at a 'local' restaurant, where we found three other van loads! Lots of fun!

We studied Liz Curtis Higgs' Bad Girls of the Bible this year, and it seemed to go over well! I believe that based on the response we had at the retreat that we'll be doing the book as a Sunday School class.

I do have to admit that I felt a bit disconnected this year - I'm not sure why. I didn't feel like I could get as deep into my studies or relationships this weekend. I don't know if it was the headaches I suffered from ALL weekend, or the fact that I was really concerned if people would be getting anything out of the studies/weekend, or that I hadn't been sleeping and it was really catching up to me...I don't know...

Regardless, it was good to get home and see my kiddos and DH and dawg. Of course, this morning my elder gets up and reminds me he needs 25 treats of some sort for his 'half-birthday' - ugh! Please! Half-birthday?!?! Why does the teacher think I had kids in the summer in the first place?!? Fortunately (for me, anyway), younger DS's half birthday happens to fall during Christmas break! Mwahaha!

So off I trudge to the store looking for treats. You know what? 25 is not the common number in which cupcakes are sold. Fortunately, I had a sympathetic bakery who threw in an extra cupcake at no charge. But I drew the line at beverages! Just call me the half-birthday scrooge! lol!

Thursday, February 17, 2005

Wow

My DH came to me last night and asked for prayers. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but this doesn't happen often. So I sat quietly and listed attentively, while at the same time, I'm jumping for joy inside. He let me know that he has some hard tasks to take care of in the next couple of days and that he needs prayers that things would well. I guess there's good news and bad news here: good that he's asking for prayers, not so good for the things he needs to do. But, I've decided to look at the bad stuff as an opportunity for God to show His power.

The retreat is tomorrow! Darn work is really interfering with the stuff I need to get done...

Next on my list of things I believe/know is that my family loves me. My DH and kids are so wonderful and I'm incredibly blessed. There are some people in my hometown family who are solid as rocks and on my side - and they more than make up for the ones that aren't.

Thank You Lord for my family. Lord, please be with my husband over the next couple of days. Extend Your grace to him as he humbles himself. Please let things work according to Your will and plan. Be with the women at the retreat this weekend. Let us draw close to You and experience Your power.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

prayer

Oh, great God, be small enough to hear me now
There were times when I was crying from the dark of Daniel's den
And I have asked You once or twice if You would part the sea again
But tonight I do not need a fiery pillar in the sky
Just want to know You're gonna hold me if I start to cry
Oh, great God, be small enought to hear me now

Oh, great God, be close enough to feel You now
There have been moments when I could not face Goliath on my own
And how could I forget we've marched around our share of Jerichos
But I will not be setting out a fleece for You tonight
Just want to know that everything will be alright
Oh, great God, be close enought to feel You now

All praise and all honor be
To the God of ancient mysteries
Whose every sign and wonder turn the pages of our history
But tonight my heart is heavy
And I cannot keep from whispering this prayer
"Are You There?"

And I know You could leave writing on the wall that's just for me
Or send wisdom while I'm sleeping, like in Solomon's sweet dreams
But I don't need the strength of Samson or a chariot in the end
Just want to know that You still know how many hairs are on my head
Oh, great God, be small enough to hear me now.
-Nichole Nordeman

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Blessings...

Well, another day at work...sigh. But on the bright side, another day closer to the retreat! Woo hoo!

Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day - and for my single friends - Happy Ferris Wheel Day!

Next on the list of things of which I'm certain...God has blessed me beyond measure. He has given me life. He has given me a wonderful husband and children. He has given me a great measure of health. My church family is out of this world. I have a job, for which I'm grateful. He is constantly providing for me and my family. He's given me talents which I am still discovering through the kind words of others. Even the fact that the sun rose this morning and I could enjoy it is from Him. How marvelous! And it goes on...

Monday, February 14, 2005

Twu Wuv

Saturday, my DH was involved in the planning and execution of the second annual men's ministry Valentine's dinner. Last year, it was a surprise for the wives - which I think they pulled off admirably. This year, we had some new blood in the kitchen (no - no one got hurt!) and although the smoke alarm kept sounding, I think a good time was had by all. DH was called in for overtime and we didn't think he'd be able to make it, but at the last minute, he managed to squeeze a few hours out of work to come help with the preparation and dinner.

I think part of my problem in blog-land is that I read everyone else's before I work on mine - and I think I get intimidated by all those deep thoughts out there: all those rationalizations, and homilies on apologetics and hermaneutics and other 'ics' of which I know only enough to scramble my poor widdle bwain...but let's start with the basics of what I believe.

I believe that there is a Creator who loves me. He has devoted Himself to me and to prove it, He sent a part of Himself to die a terrible, horrible, torturous death. For me. So He and I could be together forever.

Overwhelming! Amazing! Who am I? Why me? What did I do to deserve such sacrifice? How could I ever repay Him?

This, then, is what love is all about.

Thursday, February 10, 2005

Hmmm...

I was recently challenged to discover what I believe. About everything. This challenge has been reinforced by some of the topics on some of my regular blog readings. So. I guess I ask for your indulgence for awhile as I discover what the heck makes me tick.

Tuesday, February 08, 2005

It's ALIVE!!

Well, mostly alive anyway...

I checked out of work last Thursday. The niggling pain in my throat turned into a full blown assault on my entire system. Not pretty. DH was firmly convinced that I started my annual bout of pneumonia early this year, and I have to admit that Saturday I was ready to agree with him. But I'm feeling a bit better today. It's amazing how much work can pile up from being gone just one day. But I'm finally officially caught up! Hooray!

So not much has really been going on that I've been conscious of anyway. I know people came to our house to watch the Super Bowl Sunday evening, and I was really looking forward to it! However, one of our guests said he'd be late, and as he recently had two bouts of major hip surgery, I wanted to make sure he was able to navigate our treacherous front steps. So I remained upstairs while the party headed down to the cave.

Sunday after church the Women's Ministry Group finalized (if I may use that term loosely) the ladies' retreat. I think (hope and pray) that it will be a good time!

Have a pleasant day!

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

**this space for rent**

Today is not going to be a great day - I can already tell. The cold that's been threatening since early December has hit full-force today. So I feel like dookie. And on top of that, I discovered today that part of my job can, and has been done by an eleven year old. Ouch! Sorry I'm such a downer today!

Lord, help! I'm at a really low point today. I realize my problems aren't that huge in the scale of world events, but I don't feel like I can even lift my head to praise You. Grant me Your patience today. Let me see You. Help me get over and outside of myself today and focus on others. Let me be an encouragement to someone.

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

My turn

Not so much great news on the new job front...(oooh - my English degree is rolling in its frame!) Looks like it may be a bust - the current person in the position may have botched up the job so badly that management will be sorting and revamping for awhile before offering it to someone new. Shame, 'cuz I can botch with the best of 'em - just ask my boss!

Anyhoo~started working on music for the retreat in earnest, and it seems to be coming together pretty well. I'm always amazed when a plan comes together!