This is merely a blog so I can show off my hair.....i thought it looked cute :)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Completely Unnecessary....
This is merely a blog so I can show off my hair.....i thought it looked cute :)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Numbers....
700: The number of points my course was worth.
18: How many points I was away from an "A".
4.0: The number of academic perfection.
.09: How far away I will be from perfection if all other grades are "A".
562: Number of tears shed.
18: How many points I was away from an "A".
4.0: The number of academic perfection.
.09: How far away I will be from perfection if all other grades are "A".
562: Number of tears shed.
Monday, December 15, 2008
DMV
Appointment time: 8:15am
Time arrived: 8:05am
Time seen: 8:07am, Incredible!
Disclaimer: This DMV post does not discuss the time delay in being seen. If you ever go to the DMV, make an appointment. There were about 20 people standing in line when the DMV representative came out and said, "Does anyone here have an appointment?". I raise my hand. I'm the ONLY person who raises their hand. He then ushers me past all 20 people to walk into the office first. I resisted the urge to turn around and say, "suckers!".
Conversation with DMV person, Ralph.
R: That will be $20
Me: Here you go
R: We don't accept Visa
Me: Excuse me?
R: We don't accept Visa. We accept credit cards, just not that one.
Me:(Tapping to the card I was sent in the mail) You should put that on there, you know.
R: (silence)
Me: What if I didn't have any other form of payment. I'd have to come back. Oh my goodness, I would be so upset!
R: (silence)
Me: (handing over another card, kinda smiling) And I thought Visa was everywhere you wanted to be.
R: Not here
Me: Well then I guess this isn't where you want to be (I chuckle, I can't help it. I am alone in the chuckling)
R: Please sign here.
Me: Wait a minute, I thought you said it was $20.
R: There's a dollar charge for using your credit card.
Me: Are you serious? I think that's something else you should have said.
R: Go have a seat while I print your new license.
Front receptionist: Would you like to fill out a survey?
Me: Gladly.
Time arrived: 8:05am
Time seen: 8:07am, Incredible!
Disclaimer: This DMV post does not discuss the time delay in being seen. If you ever go to the DMV, make an appointment. There were about 20 people standing in line when the DMV representative came out and said, "Does anyone here have an appointment?". I raise my hand. I'm the ONLY person who raises their hand. He then ushers me past all 20 people to walk into the office first. I resisted the urge to turn around and say, "suckers!".
Conversation with DMV person, Ralph.
R: That will be $20
Me: Here you go
R: We don't accept Visa
Me: Excuse me?
R: We don't accept Visa. We accept credit cards, just not that one.
Me:(Tapping to the card I was sent in the mail) You should put that on there, you know.
R: (silence)
Me: What if I didn't have any other form of payment. I'd have to come back. Oh my goodness, I would be so upset!
R: (silence)
Me: (handing over another card, kinda smiling) And I thought Visa was everywhere you wanted to be.
R: Not here
Me: Well then I guess this isn't where you want to be (I chuckle, I can't help it. I am alone in the chuckling)
R: Please sign here.
Me: Wait a minute, I thought you said it was $20.
R: There's a dollar charge for using your credit card.
Me: Are you serious? I think that's something else you should have said.
R: Go have a seat while I print your new license.
Front receptionist: Would you like to fill out a survey?
Me: Gladly.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Laugh, Cry.....Remember
I was driving home from work friday afternoon trying to simultaneously organize my final exam in my head. My thinking was stopped when I saw a bumper sticker on the back of a car. It said simply, "Laugh, Cry....Remember". It got me thinking about the things I remember and whether or not they make me laugh or cry. Here are a few I came up with.
I remember.....
1. How excited we use to get at the thought of going to secret lake park to play on the playground.
2. Sitting in the back of the station wagon while singing the donut song on the way to dunkin' donuts.
3. Racing to see who could crawl under all the pews the fastest.
4. Wanting so much to be thought of as cool in 5th grade. (Why didn't someone tell me that no one is cool in 5th grade?)
5. Mr. LeMaster using an overhead projector and transparencies to teach math. I thought he was so advanced.
6. Not wanting to go to the hospital to see my mom after she had surgery. (If only I had realized how much she didn't want to be there either!)
7. How good it felt to tell the little girls in my camp cabin about the love of Jesus.
8. The smell of Orlando Hall.
9. The first time I realized that I had legitimately been lied to at work. I just didn't understand how some people are simply ok with that.
10. How incredible it feels to be noticed.
11. Spending more time cutting out tombstones and decorating the office than actually working at the CPRD.
12. Being scared out of my mind that I had contracted some crazy disease in Mexico (sun poisoning can look life-threatening!)
13. The accomplished feeling of getting an acceptance letter in the mail.
14. Hearing mom's keys jingle down the hall as she rounded the corner to meet me for lunch.
15. How good it feels to submit finals and for the first time in months not have anything I should be doing.
I remember.....
1. How excited we use to get at the thought of going to secret lake park to play on the playground.
2. Sitting in the back of the station wagon while singing the donut song on the way to dunkin' donuts.
3. Racing to see who could crawl under all the pews the fastest.
4. Wanting so much to be thought of as cool in 5th grade. (Why didn't someone tell me that no one is cool in 5th grade?)
5. Mr. LeMaster using an overhead projector and transparencies to teach math. I thought he was so advanced.
6. Not wanting to go to the hospital to see my mom after she had surgery. (If only I had realized how much she didn't want to be there either!)
7. How good it felt to tell the little girls in my camp cabin about the love of Jesus.
8. The smell of Orlando Hall.
9. The first time I realized that I had legitimately been lied to at work. I just didn't understand how some people are simply ok with that.
10. How incredible it feels to be noticed.
11. Spending more time cutting out tombstones and decorating the office than actually working at the CPRD.
12. Being scared out of my mind that I had contracted some crazy disease in Mexico (sun poisoning can look life-threatening!)
13. The accomplished feeling of getting an acceptance letter in the mail.
14. Hearing mom's keys jingle down the hall as she rounded the corner to meet me for lunch.
15. How good it feels to submit finals and for the first time in months not have anything I should be doing.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Da Studies
Recently I was encouraged to write something interesting about my studies, and so I shall. I think it's quite possible that people do not fully understand what it means to study Library Science as how could it possibly take 2 years to learn how to check some books out and learn the Library of Congress classification system for re-shelving. Oh Contrar.
As a recap of this first semester of studies, I thought I would list (YES LIST!) out my favorite topics, issues, policies and so forth from the last semester.
1. ALA Code of Ethics. Who knew that there is a published code of ethics that librarians must follow. With questions posed to my fellow students and myself such as, "Would you give a 12 year old girl who has noticeably been crying a book on suicide?" or "Would you assist a man of Middle Eastern decent locate bomb making skills on the internet?" and so forth. The answer is yes.
2. The reference desk. Much upcoming discussion surrounds the purpose and necessity of the reference desk being actually a physical desk located somewhere throughout the public or academic library. With the addition of email, text, chatting, facebook, blogs and phones, is it really even necessary to go to the library? Nearly 1/3 of all library personnel are currently reference librarians. This removal of the reference desk would surely change the face of the library facility.
3. Cataloging. Ok, in truth, I still don't fully understand the science behind cataloging. It's more than just learning what everything means as it's all very cryptic, MARC records, AACR2 and IR Systems. It's a fascinatingly organized method in which all sources of information are documented with its own record and then assigned a classification number. Librarians all over the world are continually checking the catalog (this does not refer to your personal library's catalog, but more the universal catalog) for updates, typos and reclassifications that are necessary.
4. Favorite assignments: I had two assignments called Question Sets. The first was based specifically on print reference resources and the second on electronic. Ok, so for my beloved readers, I will give you one of the questions I was assigned. If you can post back the answer in the comment section using only a print resource (that means a book!) then the prize will be yours ;)
I’m an American Civil War aficionado! Can you please tell me how many soldiers Grant had at the FIRST Battle of Vicksburg? Actually, I could use a good map of that battle… do any maps have the battles and number of soldiers together?
As a recap of this first semester of studies, I thought I would list (YES LIST!) out my favorite topics, issues, policies and so forth from the last semester.
1. ALA Code of Ethics. Who knew that there is a published code of ethics that librarians must follow. With questions posed to my fellow students and myself such as, "Would you give a 12 year old girl who has noticeably been crying a book on suicide?" or "Would you assist a man of Middle Eastern decent locate bomb making skills on the internet?" and so forth. The answer is yes.
2. The reference desk. Much upcoming discussion surrounds the purpose and necessity of the reference desk being actually a physical desk located somewhere throughout the public or academic library. With the addition of email, text, chatting, facebook, blogs and phones, is it really even necessary to go to the library? Nearly 1/3 of all library personnel are currently reference librarians. This removal of the reference desk would surely change the face of the library facility.
3. Cataloging. Ok, in truth, I still don't fully understand the science behind cataloging. It's more than just learning what everything means as it's all very cryptic, MARC records, AACR2 and IR Systems. It's a fascinatingly organized method in which all sources of information are documented with its own record and then assigned a classification number. Librarians all over the world are continually checking the catalog (this does not refer to your personal library's catalog, but more the universal catalog) for updates, typos and reclassifications that are necessary.
4. Favorite assignments: I had two assignments called Question Sets. The first was based specifically on print reference resources and the second on electronic. Ok, so for my beloved readers, I will give you one of the questions I was assigned. If you can post back the answer in the comment section using only a print resource (that means a book!) then the prize will be yours ;)
I’m an American Civil War aficionado! Can you please tell me how many soldiers Grant had at the FIRST Battle of Vicksburg? Actually, I could use a good map of that battle… do any maps have the battles and number of soldiers together?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
All about men!
Dear Readers-
It comes with much introspection, and events as of late that I have begun to ponder what truly makes a man worthy of attention. If you had asked me at 16, 22 or even 26, I probably would have given you a different answer each time. Rather than suggest the rubric for a person's worth changes with the seasons, it is I who has changed. Maturity and, at times, reality can make our clouded judgement clear again. So for the earlier post when I said muscles were the end all of what makes a fella attractive, I have new insight to share! I was sent these words by a friend of mine, and I thought I would share them with you. Disclaimer: While it does not mention it, I think the true worth of a man (and a woman!) is given to us by the grace of God alone. I have no worth outside of the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.
The Strength of a Man
The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders;
It is seen in the width of his arms that encircle you.
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice;
It is in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has;
It is how good a buddy he is with his kids.
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work;
It is in how respected he is at home.
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits;
It is in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn't in how many women he's loved by;
It is in his ability to be true to one woman.
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift;
It is in the burdens he can understand and overcome.
It comes with much introspection, and events as of late that I have begun to ponder what truly makes a man worthy of attention. If you had asked me at 16, 22 or even 26, I probably would have given you a different answer each time. Rather than suggest the rubric for a person's worth changes with the seasons, it is I who has changed. Maturity and, at times, reality can make our clouded judgement clear again. So for the earlier post when I said muscles were the end all of what makes a fella attractive, I have new insight to share! I was sent these words by a friend of mine, and I thought I would share them with you. Disclaimer: While it does not mention it, I think the true worth of a man (and a woman!) is given to us by the grace of God alone. I have no worth outside of the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.
The Strength of a Man
The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders;
It is seen in the width of his arms that encircle you.
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice;
It is in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has;
It is how good a buddy he is with his kids.
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work;
It is in how respected he is at home.
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits;
It is in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn't in how many women he's loved by;
It is in his ability to be true to one woman.
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift;
It is in the burdens he can understand and overcome.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Cindy Crawford? What?
Yes, this conversation has to get blogged. Picture a voice that is sort of old man grossness, while mine is far from amused with a hint of dry humor that only I'm picking up on.
Me: Hi, this is Cindy. I'm calling to get an invoice for an order I recently placed.
Him: Not Cindy Crawford? heh heh heh
Me: No, I don't believe so. Nor do I think she would be making her own calls should she choose to speak with Omega Engineering, the world's leading supplier of engineering parts and manufacturing.
Him: (uproarous laughter) Oh man, that was good. Well you never know do you. So tell me. Is it true what we see up here in the pictures?
Me: Excuse me?
Him: Is it true, the pictures we see of all the co-eds and girls walking around in Florida.
Me: I wouldn't know what kind of pictures you're looking at.
Him:(Similar uproarous laughter)You know, the pictures we see up here of Florida and all the scantily clad women walking around on the beaches. It's as if no one in florida is out of shape.
Me: Similarly, I would think everyone in Connecticut owns toboggan sleds and white lab puppies, or at least that's what I see in the LLBean Catalog.
Him: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Oh man, you're a sharp one. No wonder they have you working at the university.
Me: Anything I can do to get me through having to make phone calls and ask for invoices.
Me: Hi, this is Cindy. I'm calling to get an invoice for an order I recently placed.
Him: Not Cindy Crawford? heh heh heh
Me: No, I don't believe so. Nor do I think she would be making her own calls should she choose to speak with Omega Engineering, the world's leading supplier of engineering parts and manufacturing.
Him: (uproarous laughter) Oh man, that was good. Well you never know do you. So tell me. Is it true what we see up here in the pictures?
Me: Excuse me?
Him: Is it true, the pictures we see of all the co-eds and girls walking around in Florida.
Me: I wouldn't know what kind of pictures you're looking at.
Him:(Similar uproarous laughter)You know, the pictures we see up here of Florida and all the scantily clad women walking around on the beaches. It's as if no one in florida is out of shape.
Me: Similarly, I would think everyone in Connecticut owns toboggan sleds and white lab puppies, or at least that's what I see in the LLBean Catalog.
Him: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Oh man, you're a sharp one. No wonder they have you working at the university.
Me: Anything I can do to get me through having to make phone calls and ask for invoices.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Acceptance = Happiness
Yea so I just now attempted to change my blog background to something cooler and hipper and more interesting. Well, never again! I had a brief moment of frustration, but now I have accepted that I'm just not cool. I certainly don't know what to do with html, xml or whatever else it kept telling me I needed to do in order to change the look of my blog. At one point I had changed the entire thing to some crazy code, and that's all I saw when I clicked on the "preview" button. I've been forced to revert back to a boring, standard template. I just know I'm going to be one of those librarians that complains about change and hates all things digital. Encyclopedia Britannica Online? I think not!
Friday, November 7, 2008
I'm giving myself a gift...
Gift: Taking myself out of life for awhile
Duration: At least a week, hopefully longer
Why: Because I'm tired of thinking, planning, worrying, wondering, fearing and analyzing
What this means: It means I'm not going to think about the reason behind things, worry about my future, plan on anything, wonder what other people are thinking, fear the unknown and analyze that unknown to oblivion.
Responses I will give when life tries to contact me:
Whatever
It doesn't matter
Perhaps another time
I don't care
Try again later
Talk to someone else
We'll see
It is what it is
Maybe, Maybe Not
Duration: At least a week, hopefully longer
Why: Because I'm tired of thinking, planning, worrying, wondering, fearing and analyzing
What this means: It means I'm not going to think about the reason behind things, worry about my future, plan on anything, wonder what other people are thinking, fear the unknown and analyze that unknown to oblivion.
Responses I will give when life tries to contact me:
Whatever
It doesn't matter
Perhaps another time
I don't care
Try again later
Talk to someone else
We'll see
It is what it is
Maybe, Maybe Not
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Addendum
Mara of the Wilderness: A child of nature...reared by wolves...UNTAMED-UNTOUCHED! She was the hunted and the huntress...fighting for survival against the fury of Forest and Man
For all of those wondering, Mara of the Wilderness was a brilliant film in the 60s. It just so happened that some wonderful sisters, Danielle and Teresa, managed to see this grand production enough times for it to make an impact on them thus becoming a term of endearment for any amazon-like feat of strength while in the great outdoors.
Mara of the Wilderness!
So last night mom and I realized that a switch had flipped in the breaker in the garage leaving the porch and the septic tank without electricity. Unfortunately, while this still gives electricity to the rest of the house, it effects the water situation for everything. Bottom line: no shower. I have to confess that it'd been a couple days. I've been sick, mom hasn't been feeling the best so we've been embracing pajamas and relaxing. When the possibility of not being able to take a shower comes upon me though, I want nothing else. My mind is consumed with thoughts of being clean.
Thus, Mara of the Wilderness. You all know my hair is pretty long and there's no washing it in a little basin in the sink. Nope.....this called for the use of a hose and the great outdoors. I donned my towel and shampoo and marched outside in the early morning hours so that none of the neighbors would bear witness to this event! I now sit here blogging feeling incredibly clean! I'm considering pitching a tent outside and just soaking in the communing with nature.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
WHATEVS!
I've been told that my blog is getting boring by a couple different people, and I should write something- whatevs!
School work is piling up while I download many different pointless tv shows on itunes to watch- whatevs!
I've been told that the new girl is actually my supervisor- whatevs!
I was told today that if I even considered voting for Obama that I would actually be voting for the unionization of America- whatevs!
My lunch break is already over, but I'm not done enjoying it so- whatevs!
The DHL guy summed me up as being the boring, inteligent one- whatevs!
It's been awhile since I've found something truly funny, other than this post of course, but- whatevs!
It kills me that I got a 49 out of 50 on an assignment that I busted my booty on; I should just be happy I got an A- whatevs!
I already bought a coffee at Starbucks today and I'm getting another one at Joeffry's, budget?- whatevs!
There's a noticeable amount of cat hair on the sofa- whatevs!
I found nothing in the fridge for lunch but white rice- whatevs!
What? I shouldn't be so uncaring about life??- WHATEVS!!!
School work is piling up while I download many different pointless tv shows on itunes to watch- whatevs!
I've been told that the new girl is actually my supervisor- whatevs!
I was told today that if I even considered voting for Obama that I would actually be voting for the unionization of America- whatevs!
My lunch break is already over, but I'm not done enjoying it so- whatevs!
The DHL guy summed me up as being the boring, inteligent one- whatevs!
It's been awhile since I've found something truly funny, other than this post of course, but- whatevs!
It kills me that I got a 49 out of 50 on an assignment that I busted my booty on; I should just be happy I got an A- whatevs!
I already bought a coffee at Starbucks today and I'm getting another one at Joeffry's, budget?- whatevs!
There's a noticeable amount of cat hair on the sofa- whatevs!
I found nothing in the fridge for lunch but white rice- whatevs!
What? I shouldn't be so uncaring about life??- WHATEVS!!!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A quick list...
1. Sometimes I wish my cats would just disappear. It's cruel...I realize that, but if this world were a perfect place, they would disappear and reappear at my choosing.
2. I've been using my 15-20 minutes of eating dinner time to catch up on the news. If I don't see it flash up on the screen in 20 minutes, then it must not be breaking news and therefore something that will change my life forever and keep me from needing to write the paper I've been putting off.
3. I got mail today (work-related), all the way from Iran. Yes, I checked to see if any powders flew out when I opened it. Although it is an application for Materials Science Engineering, so perhaps it would be an invisible nano-particle type powder. Interesting.
4. Students just stopped by, said they are waiting for a fax, walked over to my desk, told me there is no paper in the fax machine and then watched me as I picked up the paper sitting next to the fax machine and put it in. I refused the urge to say, "was that so hard?".
5. I consider 2pm-4pm the dead zone. I get to work, create this beautiful list of things that I need to get done when I get home and then somewhere between 2pm and 4pm, all motivation is lost. I suddenly no longer want to be uber-productive and would just rather go home, heat up some soup and watch hour after hour of mindless television.
2. I've been using my 15-20 minutes of eating dinner time to catch up on the news. If I don't see it flash up on the screen in 20 minutes, then it must not be breaking news and therefore something that will change my life forever and keep me from needing to write the paper I've been putting off.
3. I got mail today (work-related), all the way from Iran. Yes, I checked to see if any powders flew out when I opened it. Although it is an application for Materials Science Engineering, so perhaps it would be an invisible nano-particle type powder. Interesting.
4. Students just stopped by, said they are waiting for a fax, walked over to my desk, told me there is no paper in the fax machine and then watched me as I picked up the paper sitting next to the fax machine and put it in. I refused the urge to say, "was that so hard?".
5. I consider 2pm-4pm the dead zone. I get to work, create this beautiful list of things that I need to get done when I get home and then somewhere between 2pm and 4pm, all motivation is lost. I suddenly no longer want to be uber-productive and would just rather go home, heat up some soup and watch hour after hour of mindless television.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Oh the trials...
During these weeks with mom post chemo, I have to say I'm faced with many hardships. Oh sure, some would say they are of an emotional type, seeing someone you love not feeling well and the scariness of what this all really means. I completely disagree. Oh that's tough, no doubt, but the trials I'm talking about are of a completely different kind. I'm a list girl, so I figure I'll make a quick list of the top five gems:
5. Hours of flipping through mindless television, afternoon programming is not what I once thought it was.
4. Being told "no", A LOT. How about some peaches? No. poptart? No. orange juice? No. frozen yogurt? Funny, but No.
3. Moving to the porch to sit because it's a change of scenery. It's the same view people, just different furniture.
2. M*A*S*H- Seriously, it's an oddly depressing yet weirdly funny show, and it's on ALL afternoon long. Mom loves it.
1. Campbell's Bean and Bacon Soup. The stuff is orange, and I'm surprised every single time mom thinks it might just be the one thing she can get down. GROSS.
5. Hours of flipping through mindless television, afternoon programming is not what I once thought it was.
4. Being told "no", A LOT. How about some peaches? No. poptart? No. orange juice? No. frozen yogurt? Funny, but No.
3. Moving to the porch to sit because it's a change of scenery. It's the same view people, just different furniture.
2. M*A*S*H- Seriously, it's an oddly depressing yet weirdly funny show, and it's on ALL afternoon long. Mom loves it.
1. Campbell's Bean and Bacon Soup. The stuff is orange, and I'm surprised every single time mom thinks it might just be the one thing she can get down. GROSS.
Friday, September 19, 2008
I'm a hero!
When choosing between personal desires and the right thing to do, I chose the right thing to do.
When faced with discomfort and slight hysteria, I persevered.
When what I really wanted to do was scream like a little girl, I kept my focus.
When the easy road was a life of captivity and darkness, I chose to give freedom.
I saved a life today. The lizard is no longer trapped in the garage, but once again tasting the sweetness of the great outdoors.
When faced with discomfort and slight hysteria, I persevered.
When what I really wanted to do was scream like a little girl, I kept my focus.
When the easy road was a life of captivity and darkness, I chose to give freedom.
I saved a life today. The lizard is no longer trapped in the garage, but once again tasting the sweetness of the great outdoors.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
New low....
This morning I made an appointment to get my oil changed. (This is not the low, by the way). Yes, I prefer making an appointment. I don't have to drive over that giant hole in the ground which I DID see a terrible clip from America's Funniest Home videos of someone completley driving into the hole. My fear has been validated.
So the low is this: I asked if Saturn has wireless internet. I will now get to enjoy feasting on free coffee and doughnuts while working ever so diligently on school work. I'd say that's a step in the right direction for technology!
So the low is this: I asked if Saturn has wireless internet. I will now get to enjoy feasting on free coffee and doughnuts while working ever so diligently on school work. I'd say that's a step in the right direction for technology!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Fun conversation.....
Disclaimer: company name is Blast-it-All
Me: Dialing number.
Them:(monotone voice answers) Good afternoon, Blast-it-All
Me: AAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Them: silence
Me: Oh, um yes, this is Cindy with ______ I'm calling to place an order.
Them: silence
Me: (soft chuckling) Don't you ever chuckle that you get to say "Good afternoon blast-it-all" when you answer the phone???
Them: (unamused grunt)
Me: Right, ok I'd like to order......
Me: Dialing number.
Them:(monotone voice answers) Good afternoon, Blast-it-All
Me: AAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Them: silence
Me: Oh, um yes, this is Cindy with ______ I'm calling to place an order.
Them: silence
Me: (soft chuckling) Don't you ever chuckle that you get to say "Good afternoon blast-it-all" when you answer the phone???
Them: (unamused grunt)
Me: Right, ok I'd like to order......
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Grandma burn # 283
Mom: I think we need to play some cards.
Cindy: Oh let me sleep for just a bit. I need some extra energy so I can beat you guys.
Grandma: It's gonna take more than energy.
Ohhhhh Grandma!!!
Cindy: Oh let me sleep for just a bit. I need some extra energy so I can beat you guys.
Grandma: It's gonna take more than energy.
Ohhhhh Grandma!!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
marriage, men and game
So here we all sat yesterday, enjoying our afternoon. The "we" there is the sweet blessing of three generations of women under one roof supporting my mom as she goes through this crummy week and encouraging her to know that there are bright days ahead. This blessing of female solidarity is NOT what I'm writing about. Instead, I would like to tell a little story about what took place in the afternoon. I sat at my computer, playing around checking email and the like when I noticed that my Grandma was talking with my Grandpa on the phone and my mom was video chatting with my dad. Both my mom and my grandma were talking with their men. Now granted they are both married and have been for a total of something like eight-five years combined. Of course they would be talking with their fellas, but I have to admit....I was a little annoyed. Why is it that marriage seems to be the ultimate reward in life for women. If you're godly enough, keep a good enough house, have just enough spunk mixed with enough holly homemaker tendencies that you'll land yourself a man and enter into the sacred hall of marriagedom with all the other godly, holly homemaker types who have also achieved this ultimate victory. I started filtering through the possibilities of men I know, wondering if any are truly marriage material, wondering if any are interested in me, wondering if I'll be granted this sort of extreme privilege of matrimony someday.
I wish I could say this post will end with sharing about the blessings of the single life and how I'm patiently waiting and wanting the life that God has intended for me, but alas it does not. I do seek the life that God would want for me, and I am trying desperately to wait patiently if God has a fella in mind that He would like for me to love and honor and respect all the days of my life. Until then, however, I simply sit here at my computer writing a post about how my mom and grandma both have more game than I do!
I wish I could say this post will end with sharing about the blessings of the single life and how I'm patiently waiting and wanting the life that God has intended for me, but alas it does not. I do seek the life that God would want for me, and I am trying desperately to wait patiently if God has a fella in mind that He would like for me to love and honor and respect all the days of my life. Until then, however, I simply sit here at my computer writing a post about how my mom and grandma both have more game than I do!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Total Annihilation!
There I was, having just returned home from work, standing next to the sink about to clean up the few remaining plates and prepare dinner. I looked down and saw a giant wing flap against the side of the drain. It was a wasp! Thankfully it was next to the drain and I suddenly began the ancient Chinese water torture, except it wasn't a slow agonizing trickle but rather an attempt to drown the creature by pummeling it with wave after wave of rushing water from the water sprayer. I can not tell you how long I continued to spray the disgusting creature with water, but I assure it seemed like a lifetime. Time after time it would begin to flap its wings and desperately attempt to crawl out from the drain area and seek freedom. I applauded its resilience while simultaneously cursing its indestructible qualities.
I realized after about 3 minutes of direct water that this thing was not going to die by water torture alone. I had to engage in plan B. I absolutely had to maintain direct water contact as I began to fear it would escape and become a raging creature of death out to destroy me. While holding the water sprayer with my right hand, I stretched as far over as possible to the left to grab the paper towel roll. I grabbed the paper towels and began unrolling sheet after sheet off the roll. I had gathered a sufficient enough ball of torture and stood there watching this wasp fight for its life and contemplated how to handle this final stage of execution. I had to time it perfectly because I wanted to stop the water and then kill it without too much lapse time, allowing it to escape. I quickly turned the water off with one hand while focusing all of my strength of pushing the paper towels against the sink drain and capturing the winged critter in a suffocating and dismembering death. Don't worry, I checked to make sure he was most definitely dead before I once again squished him between the deadly walls of paper towel.
I WAS VICTORIOUS!!!!!!
I realized after about 3 minutes of direct water that this thing was not going to die by water torture alone. I had to engage in plan B. I absolutely had to maintain direct water contact as I began to fear it would escape and become a raging creature of death out to destroy me. While holding the water sprayer with my right hand, I stretched as far over as possible to the left to grab the paper towel roll. I grabbed the paper towels and began unrolling sheet after sheet off the roll. I had gathered a sufficient enough ball of torture and stood there watching this wasp fight for its life and contemplated how to handle this final stage of execution. I had to time it perfectly because I wanted to stop the water and then kill it without too much lapse time, allowing it to escape. I quickly turned the water off with one hand while focusing all of my strength of pushing the paper towels against the sink drain and capturing the winged critter in a suffocating and dismembering death. Don't worry, I checked to make sure he was most definitely dead before I once again squished him between the deadly walls of paper towel.
I WAS VICTORIOUS!!!!!!
Friday, August 22, 2008
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Great Faith
The Mueller's set off for the United States in August 1877 aboard the Sardian…Off Newfoundland the weather turned cold and the ship's progress was seriously delayed by fog. The captain had been on the bridge for 24 hours when something happened which was to revolutionize his life; George Mueller appeared beside him.
"Captain, I have come to tell you I must be in Quebec by Saturday afternoon."
"It is impossible," said the captain.
"Very well, " said Mueller, "if your ship cannot take me, God will find some other way--I have never broken an engagement for 52 years. Let us go down into the chart-room and pray."
"Mr. Mueller," he said, "do you know how dense this fog is?"
"No, my eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life."
Mueller then knelt down and prayed simply. When he had finished the captain was about to pray, but Mueller put his hand on his shoulder, and told him not to.
"First, you do not believe He will' and second, I believe He has, and there is no need whatever for you to pray about it."
"Captain," he continued, I have known my Lord for 52 years, and there has never been a single day that I have failed to get an audience with the King. Get up, captain, and open the door, and you will find the fog is gone."
The captain walked across to the door and opened it. The fog had lifted. It was the captain himself, who later told the story of this incident, and who was subsequently described by a well known evangelist as "one of the most devoted men I ever knew."
It was prayer that swept his soul free of doubt, distemper, and the after-effects of a trial by the incoming tide of peace. For this reason he could make such remarks as this entry on March 9, 1847, "The greater the difficulties, the easier for faith." And a later one, "The greater the trial, the sweeter the victory."
-Excerpt from christianadoption.com
"Captain, I have come to tell you I must be in Quebec by Saturday afternoon."
"It is impossible," said the captain.
"Very well, " said Mueller, "if your ship cannot take me, God will find some other way--I have never broken an engagement for 52 years. Let us go down into the chart-room and pray."
"Mr. Mueller," he said, "do you know how dense this fog is?"
"No, my eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life."
Mueller then knelt down and prayed simply. When he had finished the captain was about to pray, but Mueller put his hand on his shoulder, and told him not to.
"First, you do not believe He will' and second, I believe He has, and there is no need whatever for you to pray about it."
"Captain," he continued, I have known my Lord for 52 years, and there has never been a single day that I have failed to get an audience with the King. Get up, captain, and open the door, and you will find the fog is gone."
The captain walked across to the door and opened it. The fog had lifted. It was the captain himself, who later told the story of this incident, and who was subsequently described by a well known evangelist as "one of the most devoted men I ever knew."
It was prayer that swept his soul free of doubt, distemper, and the after-effects of a trial by the incoming tide of peace. For this reason he could make such remarks as this entry on March 9, 1847, "The greater the difficulties, the easier for faith." And a later one, "The greater the trial, the sweeter the victory."
-Excerpt from christianadoption.com
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Forecast....
Tuesday Forecast: Make coffee before I lose electricity. Charge computer and portable dvd player. Locate and arrange peanut butter, bread, water, golden girls dvds and flashlights. I can't wait for a day off work!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Free Citizenship
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. - Fourteenth Amendment
Today I experienced my very first legitimate frustration with regards to the Constitution of the United States. I firmly believe that we should uphold our Constitution with the strictest of rulings. I feel it should be a closed document, one that should never be altered.... just not today!!
We have many international students living here that are starting families. Naturally, those children automatically become US citizens. This should not be! And on top of that, I was asked to write a letter that would allow two of those students to apply for Medicaid for their child. How dare their children automatically be bestowed with all the rights and privileges of United States citizenship. I felt the injustice of how hard I work to pay for my own medical insurance only to have internationals having children on US soil, and my hard-earned money going to pay for THEIR medical costs as well. I understand poverty, and with my compassionate heart, I feel a need to take care of those within our country, but I refuse to work hard for these people who pop out their babies in the US and suddenly feel they deserve everything.
I have decided that my new stance is that in order for a baby to be granted citizenship, it needs to be born to two US citizens. If this is not the case, then they can file for citizenship like everyone else. We have an appropriate due process for average people to be given the gift of citizenship. It's not impossible. If we don't become a bit more serious about who should and should not be citizens, the very weight of citizenship and what it means will become worthless.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Email Interpretation
He wrote this:
"Ok. Yesterday I changed my other tickets for 140 per ticket"
But really meant this:
"Ok, I guess that will have to do. Seeing as how you naturally appear the type to be so incapable that you are frequently taken advantage of, I would like to help you out by letting you know that the price I was able to achieve yesterday was at least half of what you got. You don't deserve the desk you sit at, title you carry, or air you breath. It's a wonder you're able to accomplish anything from the mundane to the meaningful. With your said incapable qualities, you have cost me my precious million-dollar time which translates into research. It would appear the university has not given me any other staff in which I can deal with, so you, along with your pathetic excuse of a airline ticket exchange, will have to suffice."
"Ok. Yesterday I changed my other tickets for 140 per ticket"
But really meant this:
"Ok, I guess that will have to do. Seeing as how you naturally appear the type to be so incapable that you are frequently taken advantage of, I would like to help you out by letting you know that the price I was able to achieve yesterday was at least half of what you got. You don't deserve the desk you sit at, title you carry, or air you breath. It's a wonder you're able to accomplish anything from the mundane to the meaningful. With your said incapable qualities, you have cost me my precious million-dollar time which translates into research. It would appear the university has not given me any other staff in which I can deal with, so you, along with your pathetic excuse of a airline ticket exchange, will have to suffice."
Incredible
What an amazing reminder for when I feel so inept with what to say.
"And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Romans 8:26
"And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Romans 8:26
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Happy Birthday Christina!
I have such a wonderful sister, and I'm thankful for her! I just wanted to give a sweet tribute to her on her birthday. I celebrated this special occasion with thick sliced sourdough bread from Panera along with the house hazelnut blend of coffee, just like we use to during sister planning sessions at Panera. It needed to be cooler weather outside, but it was quite lovely all the same. I enjoyed those days together and miss them often. Just as soon as I am granted the super power of my choice, I will teleport myself to Wales to enjoy a slice of that birthday cake with you :) Love you Sis!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
I'm on day 22, beware.....
I've recently started drinking Naked fruit juice every morning on my way to work in an effort to boost my immune system's fighting power and create a well-working force field against bacteria and sickness which surrounds us on a continual basis. I firmly believe that I feel better because of it. If you are unaware of the product, it has a pound of fruit in every bottle, and the vitamins and antioxidants are abounding. They always have quippy little sayings on the side of the bottle describing that particular flavor. They speak of faraway tropical places and breezy, summer days. I really need it to only say one thing for me to keep drinking it. "Naked fruit juice, so good for you that after 30 days, you'll have 100% confidence to drink it....Naked."
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The quest for certainty
I was talking with a friend (nay a GREAT friend) of mine last night, and I was sharing with her that I just wish I knew for certain so many more things than I do. I wish I knew what the future held. I wish I knew how specific things are going to turn out ahead of time. She's such an encouraging friend; I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation we shared. After I got off the phone, the conversation led me to create a list of things I know with absolute certainty.
Updated list
1. God has a distinct plan for my life.
2. Waking up earlier makes for an unrushed morning.
3. My friends listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit ;)
4. Tea can, at times, be soul-satisfying.
5. Music makes the work day go by faster.
6. God hears me when I pray.
7. I always smile when I think about a particular person.
8. My mom is an incredible woman.
9. The sun will rise and set each day, time continues on.
10.All food sounds incredible when I'm hungry.
Updated list
1. God has a distinct plan for my life.
2. Waking up earlier makes for an unrushed morning.
3. My friends listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit ;)
4. Tea can, at times, be soul-satisfying.
5. Music makes the work day go by faster.
6. God hears me when I pray.
7. I always smile when I think about a particular person.
8. My mom is an incredible woman.
9. The sun will rise and set each day, time continues on.
10.All food sounds incredible when I'm hungry.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Civic Duty
Finally, and I do mean FINALLY after being an actively registered voter for 10 years, I finally have been called up, summoned if you will, to partake in my civic responsibility of jury duty. I am so excited! I know most people when they see that red-inked envelope sitting in their mailbox begin ticking through each and every possible excuse of why they couldn't be put on a jury, but not me. I marked the day on my calendar, happily asked off work, and began wondering just what kind of trial I might be placed on. Somehow I like having the responsibility of someone's fate in my hands. Now there's no need to panic, I would rather see ten guilty individuals roaming the streets than one innocent behind bars. I think I'm going to begin watching my favorite courtroom movies in preparation. I have also created a list of phrases that I just hope I get to shout out from the jury stand.
1. GUILTY!!!!!!
2. You can't handle the truth!
3. Try it again, that glove SO FITS!
4. I'm out of order? You're out of order!
5. Bailiff, take him away!!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Irony
One of my faculty walks around the corner to hand me a piece of paper, to which I respond with a chuckle, "You so had better not be bringing me any work. It's friday, the boss is out today, and I plan on enjoying this day as much as possible. I don't intend to do much work".
Here comes the irony: The elevator by my office is broken. It's only 12:30 and already I've had to take the stairs 3 times. I am not amused.
Here comes the irony: The elevator by my office is broken. It's only 12:30 and already I've had to take the stairs 3 times. I am not amused.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Oh, I'll so sign for that!
Dear UPS Delivery Guy,
I don't think you realize just how much your sweet words and smile really can make someone's day nicer. I'm sure somedays you wonder what's the point to being nice, the person just has to sign for the box and you're on your way to 5 o'clock freedom. And yet, you say hi and ask me how I'm doing in a truly genuine manner. You laughed when I kidded around with you. Your smile reached your eyes. I can't tell you how much that makes my heart a little lighter! So here's to you, UPS Delivery Guy, I'll sign for your boxes any day of the week ;)
Sincerely,
Office Girl
Friday, July 25, 2008
The best is yet to come....
"I smile when I think about
The way You've turned my life around
I smile when I think about
The happiness in You I've found
I'm so amazed at what Your love has done
And when I think the best is yet to come
I smile!" - Russ Lee, "Smile"
It is a beautiful thing to realize that while the Lord provides us with His grace and undeserved forgiveness here on earth, the best is still yet to come. I often get stuck looking to make this life better or more wonderful, as if these few years I have here are all I will get. Through God's grace, however, this world is merely something we endure in order to experience the blessings and goodness that He has waiting for us. The realness of eternity with God are what He intended from the beginning, and will provide us with in His perfect timing. As the song says, when I think about how the best is yet to come, I can't help but smile!
The way You've turned my life around
I smile when I think about
The happiness in You I've found
I'm so amazed at what Your love has done
And when I think the best is yet to come
I smile!" - Russ Lee, "Smile"
It is a beautiful thing to realize that while the Lord provides us with His grace and undeserved forgiveness here on earth, the best is still yet to come. I often get stuck looking to make this life better or more wonderful, as if these few years I have here are all I will get. Through God's grace, however, this world is merely something we endure in order to experience the blessings and goodness that He has waiting for us. The realness of eternity with God are what He intended from the beginning, and will provide us with in His perfect timing. As the song says, when I think about how the best is yet to come, I can't help but smile!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
It's official...
I'm registered. That's right, registered for classes this Fall. Soon I'll be able to view my required reading lists, and hopefully be able to log into the library website and print off any articles that have been placed on reserve. I'm a student again! I'll be able to walk the halls of academia (ok the cyber-halls), join others in the conversation about the upcoming digital era for librarianship, remark on the days gone by when people complained about how awful card catalogs were. They wondered then what would happened to the profession, yet it lives on. Books will forever be the epicenter of civilization, mattering little what form they take. After a few years of study, I'll be able to join the living, breathing, working body of the library system as it inhales and exhales which each passing season.
If anyone wishes to say I'm romanticizing this thing called education, save it! Sure there's lots of long nights, starbucks coffee and endless hours in the library ahead of me, but I also get to join the club of too-tired, over-worked and burned-out students around the globe. There's no place I'd rather be.
If anyone wishes to say I'm romanticizing this thing called education, save it! Sure there's lots of long nights, starbucks coffee and endless hours in the library ahead of me, but I also get to join the club of too-tired, over-worked and burned-out students around the globe. There's no place I'd rather be.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
new concern
I broke a mirror today; that's seven years of bad luck. Maybe now I could walk under a ladder, have black cats cross my path or spill some salt. I'm even considering opening an umbrella inside the house on friday the 13th.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Things I'm tired of....
1. Blogging, Emailing, Texting (Don't take it personally!)
2. Showering every day.
3. Shaving my legs, and toe if necessary ;)
4. The alarm ring that plays on my cell phone at 5:30am.
5. The radio I have at work that doesn't pick up any good stations.
6. That there are no coffee cups I REALLY love at home. (The one I love is at work, but can you really LOVE anything you have at work?)
7. Social interaction. You heard me, I'm tired of it. (I have a plan, though, refer to point two)
8. That I don't get foo-foo coffee whenever I want it (That's right parentals, you're bringing me down)
9. The shower curtain I have in my bathroom. (I wonder if there are some with words on them so I can read while doing my business. I probably shouldn't blog about my business.)
10. Crying. (Don't get your panties in a wad, It's not like I'm throwing myself on the floor or nothing.)
11. Worrying about money. Life is too short, yet what if it's not?! You need money.
12. Making "To Do" lists. New rule: No list- Nothing "To Do".
13. The warm weather. I'm ready for Christmas, yup the whole deck the halls, mistletoe, apple cider shebang. I'm ready for fake trees and red ribbons and sugar cookies. Please don't remind me it's just July (refer to point 10).
14. Scooping liter. I love you cats, just not what you make ;)
15. Being responsible. I'm tired of the fact that I still blog, email, text, shower ever day, shave my legs, set my alarm, drink coffee out of ugly cups, socially interact, acquiesce for peace, stick with the old shower curtain, express emotions, remain fiscally smart, do what's on my "to do" list, refrain from putting out holly and fern 6 months early and scoop liter when I really don't want to!! Being responsible is for the birds.
2. Showering every day.
3. Shaving my legs, and toe if necessary ;)
4. The alarm ring that plays on my cell phone at 5:30am.
5. The radio I have at work that doesn't pick up any good stations.
6. That there are no coffee cups I REALLY love at home. (The one I love is at work, but can you really LOVE anything you have at work?)
7. Social interaction. You heard me, I'm tired of it. (I have a plan, though, refer to point two)
8. That I don't get foo-foo coffee whenever I want it (That's right parentals, you're bringing me down)
9. The shower curtain I have in my bathroom. (I wonder if there are some with words on them so I can read while doing my business. I probably shouldn't blog about my business.)
10. Crying. (Don't get your panties in a wad, It's not like I'm throwing myself on the floor or nothing.)
11. Worrying about money. Life is too short, yet what if it's not?! You need money.
12. Making "To Do" lists. New rule: No list- Nothing "To Do".
13. The warm weather. I'm ready for Christmas, yup the whole deck the halls, mistletoe, apple cider shebang. I'm ready for fake trees and red ribbons and sugar cookies. Please don't remind me it's just July (refer to point 10).
14. Scooping liter. I love you cats, just not what you make ;)
15. Being responsible. I'm tired of the fact that I still blog, email, text, shower ever day, shave my legs, set my alarm, drink coffee out of ugly cups, socially interact, acquiesce for peace, stick with the old shower curtain, express emotions, remain fiscally smart, do what's on my "to do" list, refrain from putting out holly and fern 6 months early and scoop liter when I really don't want to!! Being responsible is for the birds.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Time stands still...
At the little house in the woods, time stands still. To date, I have no reason to bemoan this simple treasure. For the minute the car wheels pull off the beaten path and start driving down that creepy wooded driveway, all civilization is left behind and the pure enjoyment of laughing with friends ensues. Granted, I'm not always a fan of the rustic, the makeshift toilet paper, questionably dead spiders, sleeping on a couch, bringing my own towel, a bathroom where I can wash my hands while "going" because everything is so conveniently close or moldy refrigerators. Yet these small sacrifices are nothing compared to the simple fun that is had when the cares and burdens of life are left where the pavement ends. I haven't laughed so much in such a long time, and it seems now more than ever I appreciate the therapeutic benefit of laughing over the silly, the sarcastic or the utterly disgusting! The girls I hang with are the responsible types, the ones you hope always surround you in life. It's a treat to know others are thinking about how we're going to set up the movie, make the coffee or pack the car. It's a good feeling to know I'm not the only one planning the best escape route if suddenly it were necessary to make it to the prius in 1.7 seconds flat. I think great adventures will continue to be enjoyed at this little house in the woods. I smile every time I think of it, and it's the simplest times of sitting around knitting or making goofy madlibs that make it so refreshing. I have to give some sweet kudos to Nini for providing her family with such a retreat from the world, truly a safe haven from this sometimes overwhelming business of life.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Random thoughts...
Forgive me for always making lists, but I find that sometimes I have these interesting thoughts that wouldn't make up an entire blog, but do produce an interesting bit of thoughts to ponder. Here goes....
1. While I enjoy the thought of perhaps being married someday, much like any girl, I absolutely 100% refuse to give up girly sheets on my bed. I currently bought some super cute sheets with pink roses. I will not give in to masculine colors or ugly geometric shapes or really anything I distaste. Submission only goes so far.
2. Speaking of men, I like muscles. I realize this is superficial to the core. Please don't try to sway me into thinking looks isn't everything ;)
3. Sweet conversation is always so uplifting. I enjoy it completely. It really matters little who the conversation is with, someone new or a friendship that has withstood the test of time. Somehow the exchange of thoughts and pleasantries can really uplift the soul.
4. Oh, here's a good one. Moose tracks ice cream....completely Divine!!
5. I've been thinking recently about the over-taking that people and civilization have done to this world. After watching a discovery channel or history channel (or well one of those educational ones) show on what would happen if people were no longer and the earth once again overtakes the planet with its presence. It's sad when we think of the negative influence we have had on this beautiful planet. Of course there is also good that has come from people (refer back to #3) so it's a toss up which is better. Always something to ponder though.
6. I dislike that this is not an even number for my list (which usually means divisible by 5), but I must add. I think cat treats and their controlling nature for making me cats come and go when I want them to is positively magnificent. Thank you Whiskers!
1. While I enjoy the thought of perhaps being married someday, much like any girl, I absolutely 100% refuse to give up girly sheets on my bed. I currently bought some super cute sheets with pink roses. I will not give in to masculine colors or ugly geometric shapes or really anything I distaste. Submission only goes so far.
2. Speaking of men, I like muscles. I realize this is superficial to the core. Please don't try to sway me into thinking looks isn't everything ;)
3. Sweet conversation is always so uplifting. I enjoy it completely. It really matters little who the conversation is with, someone new or a friendship that has withstood the test of time. Somehow the exchange of thoughts and pleasantries can really uplift the soul.
4. Oh, here's a good one. Moose tracks ice cream....completely Divine!!
5. I've been thinking recently about the over-taking that people and civilization have done to this world. After watching a discovery channel or history channel (or well one of those educational ones) show on what would happen if people were no longer and the earth once again overtakes the planet with its presence. It's sad when we think of the negative influence we have had on this beautiful planet. Of course there is also good that has come from people (refer back to #3) so it's a toss up which is better. Always something to ponder though.
6. I dislike that this is not an even number for my list (which usually means divisible by 5), but I must add. I think cat treats and their controlling nature for making me cats come and go when I want them to is positively magnificent. Thank you Whiskers!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Reasons why I'm really 80 years old
1. I'm tired, lately even when I wake up.
2. I think knitting has made my arm muscles sore.
3. I knit, nuff said.
4. I'm planning on going to bed before 10pm tonight.
5. I have crow's feet and age spots.
6. I talk about the latest medical breakthroughs with friends.
7. I contemplate pre-emptive medicine and procedures.
8. I love pearls and crazy, ugly lapel pins.
9. I sometimes feel I've already lived a full life.
10. I talk about "the youth" like they're decades younger than me.
11. I'm a bit of a prude.
12. I just want to wear my hair in a bun, not worry about fashion.
13. I like playing cards, your Grandma's card games like canasta.
14. I want to be a librarian and wear cardigan sweater sets.
15. I hope to meet a nice man that can still walk and has most of his teeth.
2. I think knitting has made my arm muscles sore.
3. I knit, nuff said.
4. I'm planning on going to bed before 10pm tonight.
5. I have crow's feet and age spots.
6. I talk about the latest medical breakthroughs with friends.
7. I contemplate pre-emptive medicine and procedures.
8. I love pearls and crazy, ugly lapel pins.
9. I sometimes feel I've already lived a full life.
10. I talk about "the youth" like they're decades younger than me.
11. I'm a bit of a prude.
12. I just want to wear my hair in a bun, not worry about fashion.
13. I like playing cards, your Grandma's card games like canasta.
14. I want to be a librarian and wear cardigan sweater sets.
15. I hope to meet a nice man that can still walk and has most of his teeth.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
That's a wrap!
So let me just say, I've been spending a little time at work this morning reviewing how to tie a head scarf. Mom need not fear, she's in good hands! I can now make her look like an African queen. I have to be honest, there really is such elegance and art to how these head scarves (called gele) are tied, folded and molded to the head to make such beautiful creations.
I don't want to brag, but I was able to view the Advanced Gele Tying Course on youtube and so now can make an even more amazing creation. Just wait Mom, you give me 3 yards of material, 25 minutes of working and wrapping, and I'll be able to have you looking like this! Do you think you'll be able to get into the car?? Although really, with such royalty flowing through your veins, perhaps we can have James pick us up some groceries ;)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
My preferred lifestyle
With life continually dishing me out a healthy dose of reality, I'd like to pause for a moment to consider a typical day in my preferred lifestyle. I would rise with the sun just beginning to beam its rays into my bedroom of my adorably simple and cozy old Florida style cottage. My feet would swing out from under the covers and touch the coolness of my terraza floor. I would greet my kitties as I walk out to the kitchen to brew some coffee, which must be leisurely enjoyed while catching up on current events that I read from the newspaper that is thrown onto my front porch every morning.
With the morning in full swing, I would change into my swim clothes, jump in my 1957 Chevy convertible and drive to the springs to enjoy the early morning ritual of old Florida natives taking an invigorating swim in the rich coolness of 72 degree water. It's so peaceful to enjoy nature in the early morning hours. Of course with these early waking hours, I could have all of this done by 9am. The question is what to do with the rest of my day. I'm pretty sure I would need to tend to my flower beds, water my indoor plants, put some fresh food and water out for my kitties, perhaps take a nap on the sun room after finishing my latest great read purchased from the second hand bookstore in town.
The afternoon hours would be spent with some light cleaning, relaxing cooking and perhaps creating a painting or two to hang on the wall. I'm not a very good painter, but I remember seeing a flyer from the local art studio where they were offering some beginning courses for the benefit of the community. I might have some close friends over for some dinner and we can discuss the happenings of town and lives of our families and friends, perhaps while playing our favorite card game and sipping our gin and tonics. Yup, just give me 40 more years and a room at the Sunny Ridge retirement village and I'll be basking in the greatness of my preferred lifestyle.
With the morning in full swing, I would change into my swim clothes, jump in my 1957 Chevy convertible and drive to the springs to enjoy the early morning ritual of old Florida natives taking an invigorating swim in the rich coolness of 72 degree water. It's so peaceful to enjoy nature in the early morning hours. Of course with these early waking hours, I could have all of this done by 9am. The question is what to do with the rest of my day. I'm pretty sure I would need to tend to my flower beds, water my indoor plants, put some fresh food and water out for my kitties, perhaps take a nap on the sun room after finishing my latest great read purchased from the second hand bookstore in town.
The afternoon hours would be spent with some light cleaning, relaxing cooking and perhaps creating a painting or two to hang on the wall. I'm not a very good painter, but I remember seeing a flyer from the local art studio where they were offering some beginning courses for the benefit of the community. I might have some close friends over for some dinner and we can discuss the happenings of town and lives of our families and friends, perhaps while playing our favorite card game and sipping our gin and tonics. Yup, just give me 40 more years and a room at the Sunny Ridge retirement village and I'll be basking in the greatness of my preferred lifestyle.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
My thoughts, in random order
1. I dislike hospitals. I started to hurt just sitting in the waiting room. No matter what bed was being wheeled by, I knew I had what they had, by transference. It's totally possible.
2. I like knowing I can call people at whatever hour of night and demand they pick me up and let me hang with them, even if they force me to get a cart and push it around for them, thanks chica ;)
3. Life feels better when the house is clean. Perhaps cleanliness really is next to godliness.
4. Work seems a million miles away. Thank you Lord for a job where I can simply say I'm taking days off and it not be a big deal!
5. Coffee is not only soul-satisfying but after watching about 50 rotations of the same 15 minute news segment yesterday on channel 13, they assured me it is heart-healthy.
6. French fries are sounding quite possibly the most delicious thing imaginable right now.
7. I aggressively knit when trying to wait patiently. I think the cute little blanket I'm working on might have about 20-30 rows that are a LOT tighter than the rest of it.
8. Daytime television really IS as wonderful as I always think it is when I'm sitting at my desk whittling away the prime of my life for payday.
9. Today is one of those days where life has brought me and those I love most in this world a lot of pain, but still I say, blessed be the name of the Lord.
10. I have a great family, that's my wonderful mom, dad, sister, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, all of them. What sweetness!
2. I like knowing I can call people at whatever hour of night and demand they pick me up and let me hang with them, even if they force me to get a cart and push it around for them, thanks chica ;)
3. Life feels better when the house is clean. Perhaps cleanliness really is next to godliness.
4. Work seems a million miles away. Thank you Lord for a job where I can simply say I'm taking days off and it not be a big deal!
5. Coffee is not only soul-satisfying but after watching about 50 rotations of the same 15 minute news segment yesterday on channel 13, they assured me it is heart-healthy.
6. French fries are sounding quite possibly the most delicious thing imaginable right now.
7. I aggressively knit when trying to wait patiently. I think the cute little blanket I'm working on might have about 20-30 rows that are a LOT tighter than the rest of it.
8. Daytime television really IS as wonderful as I always think it is when I'm sitting at my desk whittling away the prime of my life for payday.
9. Today is one of those days where life has brought me and those I love most in this world a lot of pain, but still I say, blessed be the name of the Lord.
10. I have a great family, that's my wonderful mom, dad, sister, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, all of them. What sweetness!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Banquet frozen dinners? I don't think so
This last weekend, my parents and I went shopping at The Fresh Market. It was while I was slowly strolling up and down each aisle, taking in the excitement of such variety, that I realized this simple truth. I am not meant for Walmart Neighborhood Market. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to sound like a snob! I was raised on the art of bargain shopping from the Piggly Wiggly to Winn Dixie. I know how to cut costs and buy generic. The problem is, I just don't want to. I prefer buying over-priced wasabi rice snacks and fruit/nut trail mixes that come packaged for me in little containers. I like how it feels to purchase fancy fruit juice, specialty potato crisps and whole wheat crackers with flax seed. I delight in the entire shopping experience, from the ingenious carts to the chicken salad made from rotisserie chickens done on the premises. So yea, as everyone else is shopping in bulk at their local wholesale club, trying to purchase a gallon of olive oil for $2.00, I'll be selecting the finest olive oil, hand-pressed in Italy by Grandma Ritoli for $15.99 and loving it!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Splittin' Gumballs
Backstory: Growing up, Mom always would divide things like this, one person would divide and the other person got to choose which half they wanted. It was the only way to ensure continual equality and happiness.
Scene: After lunch at the Mexican place near where I work, Mom and I walking to the door.
Me: Ohhhhhhh
Mom: Yea, you want a gumball?
Me: Heck yea, I'm hoping for a purple one. You got a quarter?
Mom: Let me see. You know we need two quarters.
Me: If you only have one quarter, I'll let you have it.
Mom: Oh no! I don't have any quaters! Let's ask Dad.
pause...
Mom: Hey, Bill, you got a couple quarters, or even just one.
(looking back at me) You know, if he only has one, I'll share it with you.
Me: You can't split a gumball!
Mom: Yea, I'll just bite off my half.
Me: (Pausing to contemplate it) Yea, well if you divide it, I get to choose which half I want.
(Laughter)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Things I find funny
1. I threw my gum out at work today, but missed the trash can. I went to pick it up but couldn't find it.
2. My Mom told me today that we should eat more cabbage because of it's cancer-fighting qualities. I told her she had better get right on that ;)
3. Driving down 426 on my way to work and seeing 3 chickens congregating by the street lamp.
4. Your friend joking with you that using them as a reference for a student loan sounds a little "iffy".
5. Chatting online with someone who is sitting in the same room as you.
2. My Mom told me today that we should eat more cabbage because of it's cancer-fighting qualities. I told her she had better get right on that ;)
3. Driving down 426 on my way to work and seeing 3 chickens congregating by the street lamp.
4. Your friend joking with you that using them as a reference for a student loan sounds a little "iffy".
5. Chatting online with someone who is sitting in the same room as you.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Downloading Fool!
I have just discovered the incredible greatness of podcasts. Oh sure, I had seen them before when playing around in itunes, but never really checked them out or what kind of podcasts there are to enjoy. Because of a recent conversation I had about some great pastors/speakers, I decided to check out if they have their sermons online. Not only do they have them online that you can listen to, but podcasts you can subscribe to and download. Incredible! The possibilities are limitless, for they don't just have the podcasts of their sermons, but the chapel services at their seminaries and so forth. Let's just say, I have enough listening material to keep me busy for the next year! But wait, it gets better! For the same introductory price of FREE....there is now this thing called itunesU which is an organized educational podcasting center for all sorts of lectures by prominent faculty at prestigious universities. All you have to do is press the little "download" button and you can be hearing lectures by MIT, Harvard and Oxford faculty. Which means, dear readers, that education is now available to the masses, thus making the weight of that piece of paper hanging on the wall in offices everywhere a whole lot lighter.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Yea, I'd tap that....
This morning I stopped to get a bagel and coffee at my local Panera. As I walked back to my car, I noticed 5 decked-out firemen pushing a woman's car down the street and up the hill into the Panera parking lot. I had to pause for a moment, smile, and make a particular noise of appreciation (you know the one, when a woman with some flava sees a fine looking fella, she lets out a little mmm-mmm-mmmmm!!!). There is nothing quite like seeing brute strength in action, and from firemen no less. They had kindly pushed her car all the way to Panera and then walked her bags and personal belongings back to where she was standing.
And if that wasn't enough sweetness for my morning, I drove past that grouping of firemen only to see another set of about four of them (all decked-out in uniform of course) walking down the street, in front of my car, as I was waiting to merge into traffic. I tried to telepathically signal to the Escalade in front of me to take its precious time, that I was very much enjoying the sights. When it came for my turn to go, I pulled out slowly (you can't be too careful!) and took my last look. To my delight, however, there was yet another grouping of about 5 who had pulled into the gas station with the fire truck to assess the damage on another vehicle. Now I'm sure most people would see all of this glorious, manly chaos and be thankful that they were not a part of it. Unfortunately, I was actually a little jealous when I saw the girl surrounded by so many good-looking men who appeared to be making sure she was ok. My question is, how can you not be?!
Thank you Winter Springs. Really, thank you!
And if that wasn't enough sweetness for my morning, I drove past that grouping of firemen only to see another set of about four of them (all decked-out in uniform of course) walking down the street, in front of my car, as I was waiting to merge into traffic. I tried to telepathically signal to the Escalade in front of me to take its precious time, that I was very much enjoying the sights. When it came for my turn to go, I pulled out slowly (you can't be too careful!) and took my last look. To my delight, however, there was yet another grouping of about 5 who had pulled into the gas station with the fire truck to assess the damage on another vehicle. Now I'm sure most people would see all of this glorious, manly chaos and be thankful that they were not a part of it. Unfortunately, I was actually a little jealous when I saw the girl surrounded by so many good-looking men who appeared to be making sure she was ok. My question is, how can you not be?!
Thank you Winter Springs. Really, thank you!
Monday, June 2, 2008
control, i wants it
I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. I like being in charge. Oh sure, I like keeping the peace, but if you ask me which I prefer....I prefer being in charge. I like making decisions. I like knowing what's around the corner before I get there. I don't like surprises, and I absolutely detest the unknown. So you can imagine how difficult it is for me NOT to be in charge in the lives of the folks I love the most in this world. Yet when I eventually release my kungfu grip on this sweet little thing called control and take a step back, I am blessed with the sweet assurance that God cares more about the people I care about than even I do. The very same God that created this world from nothing loves 'mah peeps" more than I do. And if that's the case, well then, what more can I say... I'm good!
No applesauce? What the?
Can you believe it? I am out of applesauce! There isn't any in the refrigerator OR the pantry waiting to be opened. I noticed this when I was making me some delicious barbequed chicken this weekend, and I thought about what to have with it. In any proper Shenk family home, the answer to that is always, APPLESAUCE!!!! It makes every meal complete. You just have some pineapple wedges on a bed of lettuce?? No worries, serve some applesauce next to it and suddenly it's a well-balanced feast. Don't feel like you can have just spaghetti but don't have all the stuff to make a green salad....it's all good, applesauce it up!! So when you start rifling through your fridge and there's no applesauce to be had, it's as if no meal could truly be complete, EVER! Needless to say, I will be making a trip to the grocery store and I know exactly what aisle I will be headed to first!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Embrace the Elements :)
"Bring the rain" by MercyMe
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain?
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain?
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Friday, May 30, 2008
Don't Fence Me In
I had a beautiful realization today. I realized how much bigger God seems when I'm outside. I know that it is the result of my limited understanding, and imperfect nature, but sometimes when I am sitting at my desk at work, surrounded by these four cubicle walls that my view and purpose of life can feel so limited that unfortunately I also allow that to limit my perspective of God's infinite power. God is not to be contained in any measure. It's just that this understanding is more clear to me when I'm outside. His design for the universe and control of every detail are visible when you see all the beauty that nature has to offer, from a blue sky to rich, dark thunder clouds and from a bird chirping all the way down to ants crawling on the ground. So my new mantra is "don't fence me in"! Let me not allow the imperfect nature of my surroundings influence my understanding of the perfectness of God!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Overheard
Scene: waiting area in my office
Players: four nerdy looking undergrads
The comment: "Every freshman year sucks man, but trust me, by your junior year you will be an unstoppable force for science research."
Players: four nerdy looking undergrads
The comment: "Every freshman year sucks man, but trust me, by your junior year you will be an unstoppable force for science research."
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
why did I do it...
I watched Into the Wild. I shouldn't have done it, but I did. I kept seeing it listed in the options of itunes movie rentals, but I would continually pass over it for a feel-good rental like Enchanted or even Nancy Drew. Finally, yesterday, I decided to watch it. I had already read major portions of the book and so knew the story, but nothing prepared me for actually seeing it acted out on screen. Towards the end of the movie, when he's realized he has eaten something poisonous and becoming extremely weak, he uses his last bits of energy to write. It was a line from his final words that truly got me. "Happiness is only real when shared." If anyone else had told me this line, it would have had very little effect on me. I would toss it aside with a hearty, "well, YEA!". It's because he writes it, while engrossed in a gigantic dose of hindsight and self-reflection, that it makes the words truly heart-breaking. Regret, at any age, is a difficult thing to witness or experience. All this to say, don't watch the movie. He dies in the end. There, now you know what happens. It's not a happy movie, don't watch it. In fact, instead of the current codes for movies (such as G,PG and so on), I would like happiness ratings.
Into the Wild- Rated "D" for Devastating. Rated D for the following reasons: You will ball your eyes out, ache and hurt for the life that was lost while simultaneously experiencing your own sort of self-reflective funk. Also rated "D" for DO NOT WATCH!!!
Into the Wild- Rated "D" for Devastating. Rated D for the following reasons: You will ball your eyes out, ache and hurt for the life that was lost while simultaneously experiencing your own sort of self-reflective funk. Also rated "D" for DO NOT WATCH!!!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Peak Oil Survivalist Training
With the current economic state of our country, I have decided to begin what I would like to refer to as Peak Oil Survivalist Training. This is not a training for the well educated on self-sufficient, "off the grid" living. This is for the city folk, the ones that aren't likely to survive should the need to take care of ourselves actually come to fruition. Please see listed below my options for training courses. They will be offered by appointment only, however, Thursday night works best for me. I will contact you directly with the meeting times and information. And remember, there is no shame in consuming 80% of the world's resources. After all, where would this world of producers be without the willing hands of consumers ready to buy up their products!
Peak Oil Survivalist Training 101: Persuade Your Neighbor
This training will focus on your persuasive powers. In an attempt to continue driving your gigantic SUVs and Hummers which only get roughly 8-15 miles per gallon, it is crucial that you begin convincing all of your neighbors, friends, family members and church folk to purchase economy sized cars, perhaps even a "green" one. Soon they will become accustomed to the low to the ground equality with the rest of society on the road. They will forget the days of driving 6 feet above traffic, able to seek out the fastest route due to higher-ground advantage. With all of them getting an upwards of 30-50 miles per gallon, the gas consumption will be yours for the taking.
Peak Oil Survivalist Training 102: Learn Green Speak
There might come a day when you city folk need to, how shall I say it, bum off a little solar powered energy from a greenie. This training will be focused on the art of camellion-like speech amongst the up and coming green party. You will learn the turns of phrase, the points of interest, and even perhaps a good organic recipe or two. You will want to blend in. The strategy will be to place yourselves in the midst of these so-called hippies, whenever possible. Make friends with them. They will soon be the "haves" in the world of "have nots". A perfect opportunity to practice your socializing, for instance, is when all of you are walking to your cars after a hard day of work. First you non-challantly mention how you are excited to get home and try that new flax seed encrusted tofu recipe that you read about in Mother Earth News. The key to the conversation comes when you walk past your said vehicle to stand next to the economic hybrid parked just beyond you. A slight sneer and comment towards your gigantic vehicle is helpful. Try something like, "wow I bet they love slaving away at their job just to pay for their gas". Perfect the soft chuckle that always directly follows.
Peak Oil Survivalist Training 101: Persuade Your Neighbor
This training will focus on your persuasive powers. In an attempt to continue driving your gigantic SUVs and Hummers which only get roughly 8-15 miles per gallon, it is crucial that you begin convincing all of your neighbors, friends, family members and church folk to purchase economy sized cars, perhaps even a "green" one. Soon they will become accustomed to the low to the ground equality with the rest of society on the road. They will forget the days of driving 6 feet above traffic, able to seek out the fastest route due to higher-ground advantage. With all of them getting an upwards of 30-50 miles per gallon, the gas consumption will be yours for the taking.
Peak Oil Survivalist Training 102: Learn Green Speak
There might come a day when you city folk need to, how shall I say it, bum off a little solar powered energy from a greenie. This training will be focused on the art of camellion-like speech amongst the up and coming green party. You will learn the turns of phrase, the points of interest, and even perhaps a good organic recipe or two. You will want to blend in. The strategy will be to place yourselves in the midst of these so-called hippies, whenever possible. Make friends with them. They will soon be the "haves" in the world of "have nots". A perfect opportunity to practice your socializing, for instance, is when all of you are walking to your cars after a hard day of work. First you non-challantly mention how you are excited to get home and try that new flax seed encrusted tofu recipe that you read about in Mother Earth News. The key to the conversation comes when you walk past your said vehicle to stand next to the economic hybrid parked just beyond you. A slight sneer and comment towards your gigantic vehicle is helpful. Try something like, "wow I bet they love slaving away at their job just to pay for their gas". Perfect the soft chuckle that always directly follows.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
TRUE Atrocities!
1. My mom has a darker tan than I do, which means I have NONE.
2. I haven't been out to eat in like 10 days.
3. I plucked my eyebrows, and now I know what true pain is.
4. The itunes store is currently unavailable. It tells me that I'm to try back in a few minutes.
5. Saturday is already half over, I only have 2.5 more days to the weekend.
2. I haven't been out to eat in like 10 days.
3. I plucked my eyebrows, and now I know what true pain is.
4. The itunes store is currently unavailable. It tells me that I'm to try back in a few minutes.
5. Saturday is already half over, I only have 2.5 more days to the weekend.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Sunsets, Soaring, Skittles
Anne of Avonlea By Lucy Maud Montgomery: "When I think something nice is going to happen I seem to fly right up on the wings of anticipation and then the first thing I realize I drop down to earth with a thud. But really Marilla the flying part is glorious as long as it lasts. It's like soaring through a sunset... I think it almost pays for the thud."
Well this sunset did NOT pay for the thud! Below is a picture of the most bitterly disappointing candy I have EVER tried. How has Mars gone so wrong?? In their attempt to gain the attention of chocolate lovers everywhere, they have created a new product called "Chocolate Mix" of Skittles. I have never tasted a more chemically invented bunch of flavors. From Chocolate Pudding to Brownie Batter, it was such a let down. Now I will have to drink my cup of coffee with no sweetness to go along with it. My trash can is the only appropriate home for this bag of treats.
Well this sunset did NOT pay for the thud! Below is a picture of the most bitterly disappointing candy I have EVER tried. How has Mars gone so wrong?? In their attempt to gain the attention of chocolate lovers everywhere, they have created a new product called "Chocolate Mix" of Skittles. I have never tasted a more chemically invented bunch of flavors. From Chocolate Pudding to Brownie Batter, it was such a let down. Now I will have to drink my cup of coffee with no sweetness to go along with it. My trash can is the only appropriate home for this bag of treats.
I've heard it all
This morning I had a conversation with a woman who works in the same building as I do. Many times she comes in to use our paper cutter or fax machine. Her daughter recently got married to a service man who is currently stationed in Iraq (three cheers for military men!). Apparently, her daughter is missing her husband and finding a job after graduating hasn't been going well so they she and her mom are planning a vacation to Las Vegas!! Now, to many, Vegas is considered the best kind of vacation. You can enjoy some relaxing by a pool, drink some fruity drinks, eat cheap steaks and enjoy the continual glow of daylight from the strip. For this mother/daughter duo, however, they are going for a completely different reason. They are under the assumption that their woes of life will be answered by attending a male review. With all the loss of innocence these days, I was quite proud of the fact that I had no idea what a male review was. As I furrowed my eyebrows signaling my puzzled confusion, she comically tried to explain to me what exactly it entailed without actually using the word "stripper". I was so aghast that the only thing I could come up with was, "well let me just heap my self-righteous judgement on you by saying FOR SHAME!!!!" I truly was rendered speechless. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure many a woman has trespassed over the threshold of such an establishment, but to proudly say she is going to get some good bonding time in with her recently married daughter, again I have to say FOR SHAME!!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Just don't cry on me ok....
I was recently driving by a church that had on its sign "As the mother is, so too is the daughter". I have to say, I lucked out on this one. I happen to have the best mom in the world! She is the toughest yet most gentle woman I know, and boy can she make me laugh. So, as I read the sign, it had me thinking. Do I have the attributes of my mom? I believe I have many, but not all (which is a shame). I think like her, plan like her, worry like her, love like her and serve like her (nobody contest that last one, it would only hurt my feelings ;) I don't think I'm as tough as she is or as gracious, but she has a few years on me so I'll hope for the best! I don't think moms in general get enough recognition for the hard work, love and tears they put into their families. So here's to you Mom!! I will be completely blessed if I am able to look back over my life and say, "As the mother is, so too is the daughter" :)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Elevator Encounter
Dear Good-looking fella,
Please know that your warm smile made my morning sweeter, and your kind greeting was much appreciated. Also, thank you for being a gentleman and asking which floor is mine. Elevator manners seem to have gone by the wayside these days. I was encouraged by your positive charisma, but you nearly made me faint when you asked if I would like a Christian track. The ding of the elevator, signaling my floor, caught me off guard, or I would have thoroughly enjoyed an engaging conversation on the common love of our Savior. I am grateful that you were interested in my eternal destination. In an effort to meet you again, I will be at the aforementioned location at the same time next week, and I promise to have my wits about me!
Sincerely,
Slightly smitten
Please know that your warm smile made my morning sweeter, and your kind greeting was much appreciated. Also, thank you for being a gentleman and asking which floor is mine. Elevator manners seem to have gone by the wayside these days. I was encouraged by your positive charisma, but you nearly made me faint when you asked if I would like a Christian track. The ding of the elevator, signaling my floor, caught me off guard, or I would have thoroughly enjoyed an engaging conversation on the common love of our Savior. I am grateful that you were interested in my eternal destination. In an effort to meet you again, I will be at the aforementioned location at the same time next week, and I promise to have my wits about me!
Sincerely,
Slightly smitten
Monday, May 19, 2008
I'm quitting my job
Yup, don't think I am kidding here. I have decided to quit my job. You see, today I was doing some important research on student loans for graduate school. I have been told that the type of loan I will be getting has a maximum allowance of $10,500 per semester. I ask myself, what would be the point of my working anymore? I'll be making bank as a student. In fact, I'll be signing the papers for my new Disney timeshare, trading in my Saturn for a brand new M3 BMW Convertible and I've been eyeing these extremely elegant diamond earrings that I think would look marvelous on me while I'm supping at the Captain's dinner on my 7 day, 6 night cruise through the Caribbean. I have no idea why I haven't thought of this before. No wonder so many people enjoy school! They aren't in it for the self improvement of education or increased knowledge on a particular subject, no indeed. They start and stay in school so they never have to return their loan money at a 6% interest rate. If I stay in school until I'm 65, would the federal government really garnish my wages from my social security check? I didn't think so either. It's really quite relieving to finally know the answer to the age old question of what I'm going to do when I grow up. I'm going to stick it to the man by hitting the books and writing papers for the next 38 years. That'll show him.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Please, don't make me do that....
There are few times in life that you get to enjoy the sweet fellowship of friends for an entire weekend. I am about to embark on a 3.5 day/3 night trip to the beach with 4 other girls I went to school with. I am very much looking forward to it, so long as no one gets the bright idea to make me karaoke. I have to admit, this mini vacation reminds me of a particular cruise I took with two of the greatest and adventuresome girls I know! I believe the highlight was when we (more THEM) decided to walk a small ways down what appeared to be side streets through Belize City in order to get to the water taxi company. Immediately I recognized the fact that we were not among tourists, but locals. Most of the time I'm all for vacationing with the locals, but not when on a cruise. I prefer to be surrounded with other sunburned cruise ship tourists, safety in numbers so to say. I feel that the cruise boat would definitely leave if 3 girls were missing, but would maybe re-think it if it were 50. We climb on the boat along with about 20 other people and their luggage to take roughly a 45 minute boat ride to Caye Caulker. Don't get me wrong, it was beautiful! While there, though, I had already embraced the fact that the taxi would not come back to get us, and we would have to fly home by ourselves. Is there even an airport in Belize? Thankfully I did not have to figure it out. In the end, the girls were right (and I'm not fond of saying that!). I would have missed out on one of the most fun adventures if I had baulked at the idea of leaving the city limits. For anyone reading this, do not think it means I'm down with karaoke, but it does make me realize that some of the sweetest memories a person can have take place when you are wishing you were somewhere else!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
When tea dreams...
The famous quote from Starbucks says, "When coffee dreams, it dreams of chocolate". The phrase invokes visions of my sipping delicious Italian espresso while enjoying a simple piece of rich, dark chocolate. Since this slightly depressing switch of mine to no longer drink coffee, it has me wondering what tea dreams of. I believe the answer is simple, crumpets. I use to like tea and crumpets when my dad would make them for us kids and we would sit all bundled up on the front porch and look out over plot of dirt across the street and watch the sun set. I have since decided that I no longer like crumpets. I think they tend to have fruit in them, perhaps some flaky biscuit that has zero to no sugar in it or a lemon wafer. Such crumpets compliment the delicate, light taste that tea embodies. The problem with this picture is that I am not delicate. I hate to think that it all hearkens back to the days of American settlers, but let me remind people that we are the decedents of British rebels. True Americans embody the bold voice of settlers forging out on their own to claim for themselves the first American dream, freedom. Coffee was the drink that, at first, left a bitter taste in their mouth as they were use to their delicate tea. Soon, however, they toughened. Much like a wonderfully brewed cup of coffee, the American spirit grew strong and hearty. It is that dream that I wish to enjoy. The only that is most complimented with coffee and chocolate.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
oh the emptiness...
I'm on my third cup of tea so far this morning and already I am sensing a void. I miss my dark brew. I miss its full-bodied aroma and richness of flavor as it filled me with a sense that there is more in this world, more to live and enjoy. Each morning, it broke down the walls of the mundane to give hope towards there being a world beyond this cubicle. As for tea, a pathetic excuse of a counterpart hot beverage, you are staining my cup, and I abhor you.
Crossin' Over
I was chilling at my local BAM last night, doing some reading, when I came across a book that raved over the benefits of tea. I continued reading, dejected at the thought that this was not about the benefits of massive coffee consumption. The benefits are numerous, too many even to list here on in this post. Thus, I have crossed over to the dark side, and I'm going to begin drinking tea instead of coffee. (insert high pitched female scream akin to a friday night horror flick) Here are my concerns:
1. My soul will cease to be satisfied
2. Caffeine withdrawal
3. Disliking myself for I instinctively dislike tea drinkers
4. I'll have to use the restroom more
5. Unhappiness will overtake me and I will shrivel up and die
I believe these to be valid concerns. I will inform you of any progress that might happen along the way. I'm giving it 30 days to figure out if it really does have all the benefits the book claims it does. If not, I will gleefully return to my coffee drinking days when happiness abounded but my life was marked to be infinitely shorter.
1. My soul will cease to be satisfied
2. Caffeine withdrawal
3. Disliking myself for I instinctively dislike tea drinkers
4. I'll have to use the restroom more
5. Unhappiness will overtake me and I will shrivel up and die
I believe these to be valid concerns. I will inform you of any progress that might happen along the way. I'm giving it 30 days to figure out if it really does have all the benefits the book claims it does. If not, I will gleefully return to my coffee drinking days when happiness abounded but my life was marked to be infinitely shorter.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Ghetto Style Ridin'
So the excitement of the evening happened when I was done chillin' with some friends and was walking out to my car. I noticed my car window looked a little funny. Upon closer inspection, I saw that there was a bullet hole in the driver's side window. Yes, it was just a bb bullet, but last time I checked a bullet is still a bullet. It was just one and that was the only damage done, thank goodness. Thanks to the girls I was with, I was helped as to know all the people I should call. I called my insurance agent and the local police, but mind you...I really just wanted to call my mom!! After some recommendations and assistance from Pops tomorrow morning, I will endeavor to take care of this very adult-like hassle. Until I can get it fully fixed though, I plan on cruisin' around with the bass cranked and some hip hop blaring. Complete with bullet hole in the window, I consider it to be some super fly ghetto style ridin'.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Office quote of the day
Ryan: Did this happen on company property?
Michael Scott: It was on company property, with company property. So, double jeopardy, we're fine.
Ryan: I don't think you understand how jeopardy works.
Michael Scott: Oh, I'm sorry. What is, 'we're fine'?
Michael Scott: It was on company property, with company property. So, double jeopardy, we're fine.
Ryan: I don't think you understand how jeopardy works.
Michael Scott: Oh, I'm sorry. What is, 'we're fine'?
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
A new crush....
You heard it correctly. I have a new crush going on right now, with technology! I love my computer (MacBook 13") and my camera (Canon Powershot SD1000). You put those two together, and it is amazing what can be produced! I brought my computer with me to work today because I was working on a little project, and I feel more at home just knowing my computer is here with me. I know it sounds crazy, but there is a comfort that comes from your own personal computer that no work computer could ever produce. I love this wonderful bit of technology! It bridges gaps between people and distance, bringing the world together one email or video chat at a time. What sweetness :)
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Adulthood, when did it happen?
I realized yesterday that I am very much an adult. Here are the latest issues that prove this point.
1. I've started watching my gas gauge every time I drive somewhere just to see how far it decreases. I also hurl insults at all the gas stations along the way.
2. I had a moment of frustration while standing in the meat section of my local grocery store. I felt incredibly "adult" as I stood looking at the $9.56 price tag on 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts. I began muttering how absurd that price is along with the random vague comment of "You've gotta be kidding me" to no one in particular.
3. Instead of seeking to find a perfect job because the world is my oyster, I am thankful for the job I have with the current state of the economy.
4. I turn on CNN and Fox News in the morning when I'm getting ready.
5. I actually flipped through those mega pamphlets my retirement funds send me as a voting member, wondering if I might find some insight into how to get back my $1200 that I lost this last quarter.
Let me be honest here, I'm not a fan of being an adult. I seek to fight it as much as possible, but for some reason the cosmos seems to have a stronger pull. Truthfully, I would rather be brushing the hair of My Little Pony while dreaming of how great it will be when I'm older.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Things I fear:
1. All my teeth falling out and swallowing them.
2. Instant dangerous (ie explosive) reaction if two separate cleaning products merge.
3. Contamination of kitchen counter from raw chicken and eggs. (Sidenote: this applies only to the counter because I have no qualms consuming my body weight in raw chocolate chip cookie dough and batter.)
4. Rounding the corner by the back door and a random stranger standing there to greet me.
5. My car breaking down in the middle of a road/intersection.
6. Having some rare blood disease and/or an abscess in my throat (It's possible. I saw it on the discovery channel).
7. Coming home and finding something drastically wrong with one of my kitties.
8. The discontinuation of my favorite hair care products.
9. Choking while driving. (I have ceased to eat in my car.)
10. False Imprisonment. (I've watched too many movies such as brokedown palace)
Friday, May 2, 2008
Fudge!!
I've officially purchased some fudge from the best fudge shop in all the world, the Parri Family Fudge Shoppe. You can check out their website to place orders, or if you live near me and consider yourself a close enough friend, I will be receiving my order shortly and might have you over for coffee and fudge :) As they say in the Uk, Cheers!
http://www.welshfudge.co.uk/epages/es111041.sf
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Get this off me!
Have you ever decided to wear something that you can not wait to get off when you get home? I'm in NO WAY suggesting joining a nudist colony, but sometimes it's just something that doesn't feel quite comfortable or maybe it's not sitting right on you, and you can't get home fast enough to change into something else. I am having one of those days! No No...let's not all at once look at my clothing of choice for the day. Just know that it is killing me, and I'm desperate to get home and put something else on. Case closed.
When peace doesn't come
I was having coffee last night with a friend of mine, discussing some of life's more difficult issues. Such as, what happens when I have no desire to be obedient to God's Word? What happens when I have no faith to see the purpose of obedience? And what happens when I've barely managed to push myself enough to be obedient and blessing and peace do not immediately follow? Nothing. Sometimes, nothing happens. It is in these moments of uncertainty, when my faith does not seem strong enough to even see the purpose of obedience that the Lord is making me stronger. My friend reminded me that many times in life our theology has to trump our experience. My experience right now feels like darkness surrounds me, but I know that it is in darkness that the light of God's Word is most visible. And when it seems peace will never be given, God reminds me of the promise, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
Monday, April 28, 2008
I'm unbeatable...
19
I stole this little quiz from Jen Yeadon (err Richardson!) It seems so wrong, yet unbelievably hysterical. I wouldn't want to go up against her, though, because her 22 5-year olds could probably take my 19. Although maybe if my 5 year olds were a little more scrappy we could take em'. Something to ponder.
I stole this little quiz from Jen Yeadon (err Richardson!) It seems so wrong, yet unbelievably hysterical. I wouldn't want to go up against her, though, because her 22 5-year olds could probably take my 19. Although maybe if my 5 year olds were a little more scrappy we could take em'. Something to ponder.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Cha, Ching
Today I received not only my regular bi-weekly paycheck, but my sweet reimbursement from Uncle Sam. My plan is to leave the funds in my bank account for a couple days and revel in the fact that I don't have to ration out $22 for the next 5 days which is an all too typical scenario. Don't you worry folks, I'm not suddenly able to pack it up and retire with all these riches. It's as if the money isn't even there with the fact that I'm saving for school, which starts in August. For the next two or three days, though, "I'm loaded with papers"!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Silence, please
Dear Office staff and students,
Currently I am drinking the very best cup of coffee I have had in a really long time. It's the right flavor, the right mixture of cream and sugar, and the right temperature. Yes, I am going to close my eyes and sip it slowly to savor each delicious drop. Please, do not talk to me, look at me or try to signal for my attention. Consider me busy.
Sincerely,
Contented
Currently I am drinking the very best cup of coffee I have had in a really long time. It's the right flavor, the right mixture of cream and sugar, and the right temperature. Yes, I am going to close my eyes and sip it slowly to savor each delicious drop. Please, do not talk to me, look at me or try to signal for my attention. Consider me busy.
Sincerely,
Contented
I'm taking a moment....
To acknowledge that the Lord is always overwhelming me with blessings! I don't deserve them at all, yet for some reason He still delights in giving them to me. As I am embracing this new day of life that stretches out before me, it is with a light heart that is filled with joy :)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Why am I talking to you?
Have you ever been mid-conversation with someone and you think, I don't value your opinion...I don't even know why I'm talking to you! A couple days ago, I was talking with someone and we got on a topic that we did not see eye to eye on. And during this conversation I was like, I'm out! I'm done with this discussion! NO MAS!
Truthfully, everyone bases their thoughts and opinions on their own value system. It's not a discussion of what's right for you is not always right for me, I firmly believe in absolute Truth. Yet, not everyone places the same value on such Truth. It's tough to keep your conversations limited to people you will always agree with, and where is the fun in that anyway? However, I'm learning in my old age about the importance of keeping my cards close to my chest and valuing only select people's judgement and opinions. And might I say, it's a tough lesson to learn.
Truthfully, everyone bases their thoughts and opinions on their own value system. It's not a discussion of what's right for you is not always right for me, I firmly believe in absolute Truth. Yet, not everyone places the same value on such Truth. It's tough to keep your conversations limited to people you will always agree with, and where is the fun in that anyway? However, I'm learning in my old age about the importance of keeping my cards close to my chest and valuing only select people's judgement and opinions. And might I say, it's a tough lesson to learn.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Earth Day 2008
In keeping with the emphasis of today being Earth Day, I decided to post some simple every day tips for greener living. These suggestions not only improve the environment around you, but also your own health.
Green tips you can practice every day
Water
1. Fix any leaky faucets, toilets or water pipes. Even a small drip can add up to a lot of water over time.
2. Wash your car the natural way - wait until it rains.
3. Install water saving faucets.
Energy
1. Conserve energy by turning up the AC at night and while you are away from your home — or install a programmable thermostat.
2. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
3. Fix air leaks with weather stripping and caulking.
4. Insulate your electric hot water heater and pipes.
5. Avoid using cars — walk, cycle or use public transportation whenever possible.
6. Buy locally — not only is it good for the local economy, it will save energy because products haven’t traveled across the globe to get to you.
Toxics
1. Use non-toxic cleaning alternatives in your home, such as the ones listed in the booklet.
2. Avoid the use of aerosols.
3. If you have a furnace, fireplace or gas heater, have them serviced regularly to prevent deadly fumes and install a carbon monoxide detector.
4. Ensure you have good ventilation and balanced humidity in your home to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health.
Waste
1. Do not throw out your toxic household wastes, such as paint, paint thinner, and car fluids, in the garbage or down the drain. Check with your local facilities for proper disposal and avoid these products in the future.
2. Take your own bags to the grocery store. If you take plastic bags, use them until they are worn out.
3. Compost your food waste and use as nutrient rich soil for your lawn.
4. Avoid excess packaging.
5. Always use reusables mugs, lunch containers, batteries, pens, razors, etc.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Is it Racism?
I had the pleasure of attending a meeting this morning that decides on the applications of international students. One of our Chinese faculty in the meeting made the statement, "No offense to you (pointing to the Indian faculty member) but I don't ever want to hire an Indian student. It's been my experience that they are not hard working." This statement was accepted as no big deal, whereas; I was appalled. How dare he make a blanket judgement statement against an entire culture of students based on an experience he had with two, many years ago. Racism is not defined as a single duragatory remark against one individual, but rather reducing an entire culture or people group to its lowest common denominator. For him to judge an entire culture on the work ethic of two students he had a long time ago really rubbed me the wrong way. It would be, hands down, accepted as racist if said by the white, American faculty member who was also present. Can racism really be defined differently depending on who is making the comments?
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Parentals, cover your ears
Yea so I was chillin last night with a friend of mine. We were making a late night target run when I spotted the newly opened ABC liquor store next to the mall. I suggested we get a little something for the movie we were going to watch back at her place. Good times! I brought the remainders home with me. I am currently enjoying some of the sweetness right now. If it's possible, I might become a raging alcoholic one sip of watermelon schnapps at a time.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Simple pleasures
There are so many big things in this world that bring joy to individuals, such as relationships or having children, a job promotion or accomplishing a large goal like school. These pleasures bring joy to most people, yet it is the simple pleasures that define us and make us the individuals we are. For me, the sun shining on my face or hearing the heartfelt laughter of someone I care about are pleasures that make up everyday life. It's also the simple and sweet gestures people do to show each other they care about them. It's the knowing glance between someone you connect with or a friend who brings over flowers to make you smile. Life is filled with these moments. They never last long, and they are never to be repeated quite the same way. What is truly important is if we take the time out of our busy lives to acknowledge and smile when we experience them.
Friday, April 18, 2008
A tribute to sweetness
I have to say there are few as thoughtful as my co-worker, Judy. She seems to know exactly the days I'm rushing around in the morning trying to get everything done, yet also getting rid of unecessary things in order to make it to work on time. This morning was one of those mornings. I had already removed shaving, blow-drying the hair, breakfast, liter boxes and watering the garden from the daily routine in order to make it to work on time. I'm ok with all of those except breakfast. I drove to work thinking about how hungry I was and contemplating that maybe if I drank 5 cups of coffee it would take away the hunger long enough to make it to lunch. This is when I get to work and notice the orange dunkin' donuts box sitting next to the coffee pot containing the best muffins in all the world. What sweetness!
You are a joy to work with, a treat to laugh with and a completely lovely woman (and for way more reasons than bringing in muffins)! You make working here positively enjoyable, and you and I both know what THAT is saying :)
You are a joy to work with, a treat to laugh with and a completely lovely woman (and for way more reasons than bringing in muffins)! You make working here positively enjoyable, and you and I both know what THAT is saying :)
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