Amanda's Adventures

Happy Father's Day, a little late

2010-06-22T16:50:00.000-04:00

Talk about vintage...here' s my proud pappa and me in early 1977.

Five posts in a year?

2010-03-31T14:54:00.002-04:00

Are you kidding me? I'm a writer. I love to write. Just not writing blogs.

I am alive

2010-01-19T10:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I have nothing to say, but I want to start updating the blog again. So here we go.

A new background

2009-10-14T14:06:00.001-04:00

I've seen more and more people with cute blogs, so I just went and added this new cute background. Love it!

Reflecting on a legacy

2009-08-27T13:11:00.002-04:00

I watched a special on CBS last about Edward Kennedy's remarkable life.

Here are the transcripts.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/26/national/main5267991_page5.shtml

This is amazing:

After [Caroline's] wedding, Jackie wrote Ted a thank you letter - a token of gratitude for what he’d meant to all the Kennedys over the years.

The letter read, "There have been 17 children besides your own - Bobby's, Pat's, Jack's and mine, for whom you have always been there. Every graduation, every big decision, every trouble, every sad and even every happy day. On you, the carefree youngest brother, fell a burden a hero would beg to be spared. Sick parents, lost children, desolate wives. You are a hero. Everyone is going to make it, because you are always there with your love. Jackie."

As a dyed-in-the-wool conservative, I am not sure I would have agreed with Sen. Kennedy on very much, but one thing is the same: compassion. By all accounts, he matured into a kind-hearted generous man who knew how to help those in need. This world is so lacking in compassion and kindness, especially in politics. Thank you, Senator. I hope you're enjoying time with your beloved siblings now.

Quotidian mysteries/a Latin lesson

2009-08-11T09:21:00.003-04:00

I borrowed the title of a lecture that I'm reading from Kathleen Norris, the marvelous poet and Christian thinker.

Here's the book's Google Page, where you can read more:
http://books.google.com/books?id=ETnB8B93otEC&dq=Kathleen+Norris&printsec=frontcover&source=an&hl=en&ei=p1-MSp2gCIisMJ2V3JMO&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Honestly, I purchased this book to round out a cart for free shipping. What a wonderful accident (or instance of providence, I should say). Quotidian was one of those words on the fringes on my consciousness. I had heard of it, but wasn't quite sure what it meant... It does mean "everyday, repeated actions." It comes from the same Latin root/Old English as "quote," from the question "how many."

Entomology aside, that's exactly what I've been thinking about lately. Perhaps, I should message the subtitle: "Laundry, Liturgy, and 'Womens' Work." Normally, this title would never catch my attention. I work "outside the home" as they say and don't feel very domestic. Yet, this book is so enthralling. It's hardly about laundry, as Norris makes clear.

Then it hit me...that's where I'm missing God in my life: in the details. Frankly, my life is boring right now. I never made good on that plan to save the world. I'm caught up in the trappings of thirtysomethings, namely working and worrying too hard. So, I was treating that as an excuse to ignore God. How silly.

A week ago, I heard a sermon that reminded me that God is always part of life. Pastor Larry said these words:

"Coram Deo. Two words that mean that something takes place in the presence of, or before the face of, God. To live Coram Deo is to live one's entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God. To live in the presence of God is to understand that whatever we are doing and wherever we are doing it, we are acting under the gaze of God."

And then my friend Kerry shared words from her Pastor Larry and a co-worker encouraged me to listen to a sermon from his church about living your whole life in worship. In about 40 hours, I was hit over the head with how important it is to live all of our lives before God.

What a challenge. But the truth is that God cares about what do and how we live. He loves us...how do we return that?

Passive aggressive no more

2009-07-09T13:10:00.002-04:00

I'm going to visit my parents in two weeks. I am getting very nervous about that. Everything I do is wrong...I never make the right plans...there's never enough room for me. I spend too much time with my friends...I don't help enough...I'm in the way.

Can you hear me rolling my eyes? I don't like conflict and there's a reason why I spend most of the year 700 miles away from my parents. That sounds crazy...but it's the way it is. I haven't even yet mentioned my grandmother. She is really getting on my mother's nerves. There's so much tension there....because they're both seriously passive-aggressive. My mother won't call out my grandma's bad behavior and my grandma won't stop acting like a petulant. I know there's 55 years of passive-aggressive past between them, but it just seems so crazy. I'm not sure how I'm going to fit into this. I'm hoping to be honest about how I feel and not hop on the crazy train. We will see.

Balance

2009-06-17T11:13:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I began this message, and all I typed was a "p". I am wondering what I was thinking. Since I'm not sure, I will start over again.

It saddens me that I've only written a handful of posts this year. What have I been doing? Working and writing of course. I've said I was busy before, but I had no idea what that meant. I haven't been this busy since college. But those silly credit cards are almost paid off. Really...I've paid off 80 percent of the balance. That's a lot of money. And a lot of work behind it.

Anyway... balance is the key word. My wonderful friends that are part of the GSPN.tv community are working on living a more balanced life. You can visit pursuingabalancedlife.com to find out who's involved and read more about it. Thanks to Cliff's leadership, we've started talking about our goals and making real changes in our lives.

Really, we're learning how to be happy with what we have. Being healthy, moderate, wise, and kind is a good way to live. It's important to remember this is :PURSUING: because it's a whole bunch of little tiny choices in our daily lives.

I've come a long way. I am now working out, reigning in my spending, and working hard.

However, I need to work on cooking healthy food and keeping the house picked up. Really, that's not too bad!

My moment of glory

2009-04-28T14:53:00.001-04:00

I meant to post this last week when it happened.

We did something strange in the office...we took a Thursday afternoon off to do some bowling. It was a reward, actually, for our month-long fitness challenge at work. There were only two days I couldn’t make it: nothing but water and no salt. If you didn’t make the challenge, you put a dollar into the pot. If not, you just had the satisfaction of doing something good for yourself.

So, when it came to bowling, somehow it worked out that I was able to bowl first. I was really nervous about it. But everyone was milling about and I was ready. After being urged to go, I let the ball go. ... And knocked down 9 pins. And then I picked up the spare with everyone watching. Amazing! It went downhill from there, but I had a brief, fleeting moment of glory. And I was happy with the 81 I bowled.

Groovy!

2009-04-20T16:31:00.001-04:00

What a year 1977 was. Here I am at Easter. Notice the world's ugliest couch surrounded by the world's ugliest curtians. Did my mother ever think those matched? Actually, the clothes aren't too bad. I could see them being worn today. But thank goodness gold and green are no longer in style.

I don't think I've come to grips with being 32 years removed from this picture. How is that possible that so much time has passed?

I'm just back from a trip to Virginia for work. I was going to blog about this, but I ran across this picture in Picasa, so I thought I'd comment on this first!

A peach tie? Really?

2009-04-09T17:11:00.001-04:00

Well, I was going through some pictures on my computer and found these. They're from a few years ago when I scanned all the pictures my grandma had. As you can see this parade of bad hair and dorky smiles shows wonderful school pictures. The one where I'm in the pink, I look so much like my dad, it's scary. That was second grade. The red and green dress with the bow tie is third grade. My mother made this one. I was embarassed. Now I think this is cool.

Next is the blue dress, Dorthy Hamel haircut and third grade. But I hated that hair cut and grew out my hair. That is the unfortunate mullet in the picture where I'm wearing a little grey dress with a skinny peach tie. That was 1985. can't you tell? Fifth grade is the feathered bangs and strips, while sixth grade is big sweater and really short bangs.

Will today's Hannah Montanas be embarrased when they look back? I bet so!

Starting anew

2009-02-26T15:07:00.002-05:00

Lent has arrived again. The calender has circled back to February and Lent. It's a draining month; the reason why February only has 28 days is that the Romans didn't like this time of year either. It's wet, cold, dark, and lonely. Perhaps that's indicative of my spiritual condition. Actually, our spiritual condition is more accurate. I'm surely not the first person to feel down and draggy this time of year. And I can't be the first person who forgot God.

Just as February ends, so does the season of Lent. I'm looking forward to better days.

I should have something to say

2009-01-30T12:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't said anything in 2009 yet? What have I been doing? Being cold, driving in the snow, and writing. That is all.

I'll need to read this

2008-11-18T12:21:00.000-05:00

What happens when you turn to the Bible....

Something new on your grocer's shelf

2008-09-24T08:59:00.002-04:00

Stay In and Go All Out
•Now you can make restaurant-style food at home in about 20 minutes — just add chicken!
•Try all four delicious flavors inspired by the chefs at Romano’s Macaroni Grill®.

I really love trying new products and telling people about them. General Mills asked me to do just that, so here I go!

August has evaporated

2008-08-28T09:08:00.003-04:00

Poof! It's gone! Labor Day is Monday and September is arriving. Oh joy!

What did I do this month? Worked, read a whole bunch:

When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
Conservatize Me: How I Tried to Become a Righty with the Help of Richard Nixon, Sean Hannity, Toby Keith, and Beef Jerky by John Moe
The Fruit Hunters: A Story of Nature, Adventure, Commerce, and Obsession by Adam Leith Gollner
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of "Roget's Thesaurus" by Joshua Kendall
Why We Read What We Read: A Delightfully Opinionated Journey Through Bestsellers by Lisa Adams
Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America by Richard Zoglin
Maps & Legends by Michael Chabon

And I finished
Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner
Leap Over a Wall by Eugene Peterson
Julie & Julia by Julie Powell

If we're counting, I read 7 books in whole and finished three. 10 books in a month sounds pretty good to me.

I also saw three movies in eight days: The Dark Knight, Iron Man, and Pineapple Express.

I have reserved comments on my media consumption. I will review later. I barely watched TV or the Olympics. Think that's why I've had time to work and read? ???

Green Bay round-up

2008-07-30T13:11:00.002-04:00

I realize I'm not living up to my purpose of the blog. I am not describing my wanderings. Earlier this month, I went to Green Bay. Why Green Bay? It was another chapter on this adventure we call tagging along with Dad while he is a part of the National Bible Quiz finals.

Well, this trip sucked...to be blunt. Money was tight, tensions were high, and I was a mess health-wise. My knee was bad, really bad, so I could hardly walk or get around. There was nothing to do, it was hot, and my Mom made me sew. My dad barely paid any attention to me...I didn't end up seeing my best friend when I was in the same state...should I go on? I don't really want to!

I've attached a few photos: The hotel exterior, a dinosaur with a cheesehead (where else but Green Bay by Lambeau field?), and a nice shot of Lake Michigan from up in the UP.

I've survived

2008-07-27T19:29:00.001-04:00

Well, on Friday, I was nervous about being stuck at home all weekend, and Saturday, I whined about it. But on Sunday I relish it. What is up with that? I adore my quiet Sundays and never feel guilty about it. Now here's the truth...no one gives a flying fig what I do the weekends. I should stop feeling guilty when I don't do a lot. I am entitled to getting some rest...and I am not the type who likes to go out any way. It's okay to stay in. Really, it is.

Time to stay home

2008-07-25T11:55:00.003-04:00

I will be the first to admit that I don't like to stay home. It's lonely there, in need of some serious cleaning attention, and generally stifling to me. And I don't really have any nice toys. But I have slept in hotel beds for 12 nights of the last three weeks. It's time to deal with it, suck it up, and spend some serious time at home. I'm not sure what I think about it. I'm not really excited per se, but I'm looking forward to tackling some of those small projects and just dawdling. Too bad I don't get to sleep in either day this weekend, but I have plenty of time nap.

And these guys need me:

Feeling jazzy today

2008-07-24T12:35:00.002-04:00

Besides headachey

SeeqPod - Playable Search

I followed a link to Rufus singing "Careless Whisper" with Ben Fold Five, which reminded how much I love his voice. His lifestyle/ Not so much.

The adventure continues

2008-07-24T09:24:00.003-04:00

Why has it taken so long for me to write a real post? I'm not sure I know the answer, so moving on...

Yesterday was one of those rare days when I had a lot of energy. That happens so infrequently. But I've really been off since Memorial Day when I killed my knee. I finally am walking better. It doesn't hurt as much and now I can walk a lot better. I am not sure the doctor did anything, but I know that I'm better; it's a load off my mind knowing that I don't need to have surgery

yet.

And then it was not fun to be sick on vacation. I guess if you're going to have a huge fever and spend lots of time feeling horrible, it's best to do it in a hotel when you don't have to do anything. But I felt terrible when I got home too. I had tons of work to do and I was gearing up for the Girls Night In meet-up. But I'm home and things are getting back to normal. I don't regret all my travels this month, but I sure am tired.

Until yesterday. Once in a while, I have lots and lots of energy. Generally it precedes a migraine...and I'm starting to have the auras, so I'm guess that all it was. My doctor was even thinking it was bipolar, but no, it's migraines and having fibromyalgia. I think that migraines are closely related, but what do I know. They are with me.

Needless to say, I enjoyed the extra energy last night. I had a nice dinner out, bought some highlights for my hair (which I'll do later when this all calms down), and just avoided being home. But more of a hallmark, I felt like talking. I was on the phone for nearly four hours last night (two friends, two grandmas, two parents). Poor Jackie, she really got an ear full. But i haven't talked to her in a few months, and it was like no time had gone by at all. That's how you know you're a part of a real friendship. We've only been friends for 19 years now.

I'm not too bad right now, but it will get worse. I hope I don't read this blog post later and worry about me.

Why am I talking about this? It's not impossible someone else might read this now that I'm NOT hiding my blog, but hey, it need to be said.

UPDATE: I'm through the Aura phase and onto the feeling headachy and really sensitive.

Ausiello is back

2008-07-16T12:39:00.001-04:00

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1659866173

I'm a nerd...Ever since Michael Ausiello jumped ship from TV Guide to EW, I've been waiting for new stuff. He's still answering questions and he's even got a great little TV show.

yes, I am a nerd.

If I were Scandinavian furniture

2008-06-25T10:30:00.004-04:00

It's not all about me

2008-06-22T17:40:00.002-04:00

Did you ever have one of those stretches where you're reminders it's not all about you? Seemingly annoying things make sense rather quickly and it all seems to work for a reason. So yesterday, I had a crummy day. I didn't have any work to do ... nice, but it makes me worry ... and I had tons and tons of laundry to do. With this silly knee, carrying things down the stairs is real hard. I managed to get a dozen loads down the stairs and some we clothes back up. I still have some dry clothes in the car, but that's just the way it is. Any who, I had some chicken cooking in the crock pot, or so I thought. I plugged it in and forgot to turn it on. I cleaned it up real good and brought the yucky chicken down to the trash and noticed....

a scared raccoon in the corner of the dumpster. Poor little guy must have been dumpster diving and fallen in. While I was at the car, a neighbor tossed a plastic bag on top of him. So I was able to get it off of him. I called maintenance and they brought a big board so he could crawl out. Other neighbors saw the little guy in the mean time (between the phone call and delivery of the big stick). So, this morning, it looks like he clawed his way out.

And today I was home for about three minutes in between the church services. It turns out a neighbor was locked out and needed help in knowing what to do...so I was able to tell him about maintenance. So, I guess I got to help a raccoon and neighbor!

Fin

2008-05-28T08:31:00.002-04:00

This is great!

Hopping aboard the discipline train

2008-05-26T12:27:00.004-04:00

I'm not much of an artist. I can doodle, but mainly it consists of squares and circles. But I was in a meeting a week or so ago and this came out: I wanted to draw a picture of Godzilla taking over Tokyo.

And I ended up with a giant rabbit taking over the town. Now, I'm the sort of person that turns everything into a lesson. There's hidden meanings under every rock, a greater truth behind ever breath...so of course, I start thinking about this means. The answer is pretty simple, I feel trampled upon. I do not feel like Godzilla (why does a lizard look like a bunny? Well, mainly because I can't draw lizzards. Really; it's that simple.) I do not feel like the stomper, but the stompee; maybe that's because lots of things have been out of my hands.

But it's more like I'm learning to be more disciplined, which frankly, is a pretty suckey process. I'm not that bad as a whole. I'm kind, caring, thoughtful, conservative, patient, etc... but I can aways do better. I still drift through days without much of a plan. I eat like every meal will be my last, and I get selfish and insular. And, oh, I'm a gawd awful housekeeper. So how do I go through life well?

Although it's going to take a whole life to figure this out, I think the answer lies in discipline. That word. ... that annoying, uncomfortable concept. I don't enjoy working hard and don't like to be structured. But there are benefits that come out of being disciplined.

I've learned this lesson in a few ways last week. I joined Curves. It's painful to work out, but I do feel better. It's not that hard and I will get stronger.

But the other thing that happened was a carpool. This kind of happened organically. Catherine's car conked out, so I gave a ride and then we decided to give it a go. I didn't expect it to be so hard. It's funny how set in my ways I've become. It's hard to give up some control (and quietness)...but somehow, there's a lesson in this.

Maybe I will feel less like Tokyo as I strengthen my discpline. Just maybe.

Cute baby animals (a top five)

2008-05-21T16:01:00.006-04:00

It's cool to make lists, right? I was talking about this the other day with my mom and thought it was worthy of a blog post.

Here's the list
1. Baby Ducks
2. Baby Polar Bears
3. Baby Seals
4. Marmalade Kittens

and the dark horse...it's actually a water horse
5. Baby hippos

Sharing a funny!

2008-05-14T13:21:00.003-04:00

I am looking forward to the Sex and the City movie. I'm not sure I'll be able to handle the unedited moments, but I want to see how the story works out!

Changing the world...and my life

2008-05-03T20:23:00.003-04:00

So, the big thing right now is reusable shopping bags; this is a wonderful way to conserve and care for the environment. I've picked a couple up at various places. I didn't realize it was possible to fall in love with a bag. Now I know it is luducrous to even be blogging about a reusable shopping bag...but man, I just adore this bag. It's sturdy, but if something happens to it, that's no big deal. It's deep and easy to sling over my shoulders. But more importantly, it helps take some of the weight away from my arms when I've carrying things. I have tendinitis is my elbows (well, the opposite side) and it's hard to lug boxes around. But this bag takes the weight and transfers it to my back.

Now, this problem with carrying boxes has affected my ability to do laundry. I'm behind. I mean behind...a dozen loads, I'm washing scarves in May behind. I sorted it all last night and it took over the living room. I've filled two bags three times...and I'm doing laundry. It's not a big deal. Maybe this will change things. I want to keep with this...it won't be that hard if I keep up with.

Now that I've blogged about something so minor, I also need to admit that I'm working my way through the first season of Benson on hulu.com. I love this show! It's smart, relatively timeless, and gentle. I loved it as a kid, and I love it now!

More Friday quizzes

2008-05-02T15:27:00.002-04:00

My brain is mush...so I am doing this instead of work:

Your Psyche is Green

You radiate love, empathy, and acceptance.

You are able to relax almost everyone you meet. You are naturally comforting.

Balanced and flexible, you only seem perfect!

When you are too green: you are jealous, manipulative, and deceptive

When you don't have enough green: you feel sluggish and out of sorts

What Color Is Your Psyche?

You are 80% Capricorn

How Capricorn Are You?

You Are More Yin

Feminine

Devoted

Forgiving

Fall

Winter

Afternoon

Moon

Time

Passive

Metal

Honey

Are You More Yin or Yang?

Amanda's American Life

2008-05-02T08:52:00.003-04:00

In some ways, this process of focusing our lives on the mind and work of Jesus involves distancing ourselves from the world around us in an effort to break away from our dysfunctions and addictions. To them we appear foolish and misguided. Thus this kind of focus cannot happen without a daily--even hourly--decision to surrender to the sway of the Spirit.
Quote From:
The Importance of Being Foolish
How to Think Like Jesus
by Brennan Manning

Last night was a real treat!

I drove to the north side of Grand Rapids ... to watch a live event at a movie theater... to watch a radio host work. Well, it was This American Life Live....a lecture, preview of the TV show, wonderful evening.

Here's an article explaining it:

http://www.courant.com/entertainment/tv/hc-amlife.artmay01,0,3954325.story

I have to admit I was feeling claustrophobic last night. I moved my seat three times...finally settling in the front row in the corner. I also bolted out the side door when it was over. That happens at time...I get really sensitive. Don't know why, but it's a family trait.

Anyway, before the show, there were animated puzzles and a fun tune playing up on the screen. Then we got a close-up of the inexplicably sexy Ira Glass, with his greying hair, big black glasses, and a natty brown suit.

We watched several clips from the upcoming season of This American Life. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I have to have the DVD. I've spent a fortune lately, and it's time to reign it in. But I want this DVD. It's only available at Border's right now. I'll wait rather than driving to Ann Arbor. We saw a clip of yearbook photos, how nothing from real life shows up in the yearbook. Boy isn't that the truth? We also watched a radio essay (!) from Jonathan Gold. It was about awkward middle school boys who are learning to do stand up comedy. Another was about an Iraqi man who came to the US and talked to people about the war.

We also saw Ira work his magic with some equipment and his distinctive voice. His TV producer was there too; he was very nervous and fidgety, almost to the point of distraction. I haven't said much about what this made me think. I will...I'm brain dead now that it's Friday afternoon.

A quiet Sunday

2008-04-29T14:52:00.002-04:00

I couldn't resist adding these photos to my blog. Sunday evening was so quiet and restful. The kitties were snuggled up in their chairs. I couldn't resist taking these photos! It's not quiet now. I totally was blessed by that time of rest.

So funny!

2008-04-13T17:37:00.001-04:00

Why oh why do I love this so? It's because it's funny!

A sucker for personality tests

2008-04-07T14:33:00.002-04:00

In case you were wondering:

Your Power Color Is Magenta

At Your Highest:

You energize yourself and push others to succeed.

At Your Lowest:

You feel frustrated and totally overwhelmed.

In Love:

You are surprised by who you attract. You're a love magnet.

How You're Attractive:

Open and free spirited, people want to explore the world with you.

Your Eternal Question:

"What is my next source of inspiration?"

What's Your Power Color?

Ted's new brakes

2008-04-02T15:25:00.002-04:00

(This is a picture of Ted from the day I got him. Thank God there is not snow out now.)

Ted, ah, Ted. He had an expensive trip to the mechanics today. I noticed last weekend that the tire was bald in the front. And then the brake light was flashing on...and then, well, yesterday was scary. It was shaking really bad when I tried to brake hard on M6. So this morning, I went to Belle tire, because I had a coupon. A $10 coupon for a $750 brake job.

Here’s what my loan from the bank of Dad bought:

Two new tires with roadside warranty, nitrogen, alignment, two rotors, brake hardware kits, brake shoes, a brake fluid flush, and lots and lots of labor. But now my car stops. That’s a good thing!

Beautiful slowness

2008-04-01T14:06:00.001-04:00

“He who has set his heart exclusively upon the pursuit of worldly welfare is always in a hurry, for he has but a limited time at his disposal to reach, to grasp, and to enjoy it.” Alexis de Tocqueville

Today, I have started reading “In Praise of Slowness” by Carl Honore. It all started with a quote. Each day, I get a mail from Harper Collins’ inspirational line of books and found this little gem:

“This book is not a declaration of war against speed. Speed has helped to remake our world in ways that are wonderful and liberating. Who wants to live without the Internet or jet travel? The problem is that our love of speed, our obsession with doing more and more in less and less time, has gone too far; it has turned into an addiction, a kind of idolatry. [...] When you accelerate things that should not be accelerated, when you forget how to slow down, there is a price to pay.”

I posted it to the Lent blog (now the accountability blog) and Kerry suggested that it would be a great book to read. So, I whipped out my gift certificate from Barnes and Noble, found a discounted copy, and even ordered the book with expedited shipping (It was free, and yes, I am fully aware of the irony). So at lunch today, instead of wasting time at a store (and money too), I curled up on the couch at work and got to reading.

The author calls for balance. He is not saying we need to go off the grid, just be more intentional about what we do. I hear this clarion call. We need to be more intentional about what we do...what we eat, what we buy....everything. I think this is a spiritual issue....we are more connected to our creator and the creation.

There will be more to say; this is an interesting and challenging book!

Let it Snow is Complete!

2008-04-01T13:45:00.003-04:00

I reached the final page of A Free Life last Wednesday. I have finished the book club! I went to the library, turned in my card, and got some new things to read. What an accomplishment.

Here's what I read:

Travel or International Fiction
No Reservations from Anthony Bourdain

Romance or Inspirational
Weight of Glory from C.S. Lewis

Biographical Fiction or Memoir
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid from Bill Bryson

Your Choice
The New Kings of Nonfiction from Ira Glass

Mystery or Thriller
Wheel of Darkness from Preston & Child

Your Choice
The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007 edited by Dave Eggers

An audiobook
Digging for the Truth from Josh Berstein

Political or Historical
Shakespeare by Bill Bryson

Your Choice
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

NY Times Bestseller Award Winner
The World is Flat by Steven Friedman

Tropical Fiction
Mr. Pip from Lloyd Jones

Staff Picks
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

Michigan Author or Setting

The Muskegon: The Majesty and Tragedy of Michigan’s Rarest River, by Jeff ?

One Book, One County

A Free Life, Ha Jin

Your Choice

Talk to the Hand, Lynne Truss

Classic

A Wrinkle in Time, Madeline L'Engle

So, I also read John Stossel's book Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity as well as Drew Curtis' book: It's Not News, It's Fark. I also finished most of Eugene Peterson's celebration of David, Leap Over a Wall.

I've been busy lately!

Phew...what an accomplishment!

Easter

2008-03-14T12:40:00.001-04:00

Easter is coming in only a week. I saw a commercial today for some store full of kids and sun and family merriment. I will not be celebrating Easter like that.

But I am thankful for what I do have!

Henry's come a long way

2008-03-11T14:14:00.003-04:00

Look at how little Henry looks...This was only last Memorial Day. He was so gross and ill-mannered. But he's turned into the sweetest most wonderful cat. They really get along well...I was worried that Charlie would not like a new baby brother. But he does!

Can't get this out of my head

2008-03-06T15:14:00.000-05:00

Why am I admitting this?

Henry hates when I sing this to him. I don't know why. It's fun!

15 down one to go

2008-02-20T15:37:00.002-05:00

I'm almost through with the reading club! What a challenge!

Since I've last posted, I have finished a few more titles:

http://msupress.msu.edu/bookTemplate.php?bookID=3039

The Muskegon
The Majesty and Tragedy of Michigan’s Rarest River

I also read my classic, A Wrinkle in Time from Madeline L'Engle. A cheat? Perhaps. It is a Young Adult book that I've read six or eight times. But I enjoyed it so much and really did read it.

I've also knocked off most of Eat, Pray, Love.

That just leaves A Free Life from Ha Jin, the One Book One County title. I've just ordered it, so I hope it comes in soon.

Photographic proof

2008-02-10T19:08:00.001-05:00

That Henry and Charlie are getting along!

This is getting ridiculous

2008-02-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

Frick! Another snow day...another blast of Arctic air. For the third week in a row, it's warmed up, been really wet, dropped around 30 degrees, and rendered it icy.

I was just about the brush my teeth at 7:45 this morning when Michelle Wagner called...no nursey...they cancelled the first service. They've since cancelled the second. I have some errands to run today. We'll see if I get to them.

Spring???? Please come!

Three good things

2008-02-03T18:47:00.000-05:00

I heard a podcast that talked about happiness...we know that has less to do with our circumstances than our attitudes.

One of the suggestions was to journal three good things that happened to you each day. Why not? I need a reason to blog.

Sunday, 2/3

1. Heard an awesome sermon 3X while running image computer (about praying & confessing)
2. Henry snuggled up to me when I got home from church
3. Took a break from work for a nap

More books finished

2008-02-03T18:42:00.000-05:00

I'm making progress! I have completed two rows...I now have my travel mugs. Here's what I've finished....

NY Times Bestseller Award Winner

The World is Flat by Steven Friedman

Tropical Fiction

Mr. Pip from Lloyd Jones

Staff Picks

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

Now I'm reading Talk to the Hand by Lyne Truss (Your choice)
And some tome about the Muskegon River (a Michigan setting).

I'm getting there!!!!!

Personal DNA

2008-01-23T14:23:00.000-05:00

Generous Visionary

The early primary

2008-01-16T21:56:00.001-05:00

http://www.digthewig08.com/

No seriously, Michigan held it's primary last night. The Democrats are punishing Michigan by pulling their delgates. The Republicans' are halved. But Michigan got some attention. It needed it. We have a state that is very different than Iowa or New Hampshire.

So, I had no idea how to vote. I literally didn't know until I was standing at the podium. I voted for Romney. For some reason, his business experience popped into my head, so I voted for him. Plus, I love his voice. He sounds awesome. That's not a reason to vote for the man...but I do love his voice.

So, I went to the doctor this morning. I am sick. It's bronchitis and ear infections. I hope the antibiotics do the trick. Good luck white blood cells!

Let it snow book club

2008-01-09T14:01:00.001-05:00

Well, my dream of joining a book club never seems to come true, but I am working on a challenge from the Kent District Library: The Let it Snow winter book club. While I'm not meeting with others, I am challenged to read 16 books of varying genres.

I'm getting there! I just completed my first row of four and am close to another.

Here's what I've read already:

Travel or International Fiction

No Reservations from Anthony Bourdain

Romance or Inspirational

Weight of Glory from C.S. Lewis

Biographical Fiction or Memoir

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid from Bill Bryson

Your Choice

The New Kings of Nonfiction from Ira Glass

Mystery or Thriller

Wheel of Darkness from Preston & Child

Your Choice

The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007 edited by Dave Eggers

An audiobook

Digging for the Truth from Josh Berstein

Political or Historical

Shakespeare by Bill Bryson

Here's what I'm working on, but I'm not done

Your Choice

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

NY Times Bestseller Award Winner

The World is Flat by Steven Friedman

Tropical Fiction

Mr. Pip from Lloyd Jones

Staff Picks

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

So, that leaves

Michigan Author or Setting

One Book, One County

Your Choice

Classic

Wednesday reflections

2008-01-09T09:53:00.001-05:00

This was one of those mornings when I woke up late and I never really recovered from that. I left 20 minutes late, but I only ended up being 10 minutes late. I guess the traffic must have been lighter.

I had one of those mornings where I cry all the way to work. It’s beyond me why I feel like blogging about this. It’s the same old problem...there’s not enough money and I don’t really have what I want in my life. Will it change? It never does. Is it worthy of hope? Can I expect it to get better?

Only 28 more payments until my credit cards are paid off. I’ll get there. That will make things better. Really, it would.

Well, there’s more on my mind than I’m willing to write about. Maybe I’ll get to it later. We’ll see.

More flying squirrel pics

2008-01-08T11:57:00.000-05:00

Henry just loves chasing "Rocky" through the window.

Happy New Year

2008-01-03T15:01:00.001-05:00

This poor little blog was neglected when I was so busy in December. But I made it through the holiday. I’ll have to post some of the pictures from the Christmas trip soon. What will this year bring? We’ll see!

Rocky

2007-12-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

We have a new resident on the porch. The newest woodland creature is a flying squirrel!

I never got a good look at it until tonight. Henry's been pawing at the window for weeks. I wasn't sure what it was. I was worried it was a rat. I finally saw it tonight and looked on google to figure out what it was. And it's an Eastern Flying Squirrel! I think it's living in the flower pots I have on the porch. It's also eating my bird seed...just hopping in the bucket to get a treat anytime it wants. The big squirrels keep taking off the lid.

Well, I need to get back to packing. It's almost Christmas break!

2007-12-17T14:17:00.001-05:00

The kitties are starting to enjoy each other's company.

I'm still really busy and tired. I'll have to write more later.

:)

Viral craziness

2007-12-12T15:14:00.000-05:00

Special Ops&date=12.12.2007">
CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE

Music for a dreadful Friday

2007-12-07T17:37:00.001-05:00

It’s dark, dreary, I’ve worked overtime for the last 12 days, and I have five more to go.

I’m listening to comfortable music right now. These lines from Andrew Peterson are a balm for my weary soul.

I've been thinkin' about my home
I've never been but I will, I know
Meadow green and the river wide
Valley deep and the mountain high

The saints of old are singing now (Shiloh)
My ears are ringing with the sound (Shiloh)
But greater still, as clear as day (Shiloh)
I can hear my Savior saying
I can hear my Savior saying
I can hear my Savior say

"Come home, come home and rest awhile
Come home, come home and rest awhile"

Henry's Doppelgänger

2007-12-06T16:20:00.000-05:00

(well, not an evil one anyway)

Acc. to Wikipedia, a Doppelgänger is "In the vernacular, "Doppelgänger" has come to refer (as in German) to any double or look-alike of a person—most commonly an "evil twin". The literal translation of the German word is "doublewalker", meaning someone who is acting (e.g. walking) the same way as another person. The word is also used to describe the sensation of having glimpsed oneself in peripheral vision, in a position where there is no chance that it could have been a reflection. They are generally regarded as harbingers of bad luck. In some traditions, a doppelgänger seen by a person's friends or relatives portends illness or danger, while seeing one's own doppelgänger is an omen of death. In Norse mythology, a vardøger is a ghostly double who precedes a living person and is seen performing their actions in advance."

My kitty's Doppelgänger lives in Seattle. I was at Seattle's Best Coffee the other day and saw this stuffed animal (which I bought the next day. I know stuffed animals are a waste of money, but I wanted it and bought it.)

Apparently, there is an orange cat named Henry that lives among the coffee roasting facilities.

So, I have a real orange cat named Henry and a stuffed one now. Fun!

Who is Jesus (to you?)

2007-11-28T13:31:00.001-05:00

This is really a struggle for me lately.

Who is Jesus? Will I ever really know? I suspect it will take a whole lifetime to answer this question. I know we so often get this answer wrong...but can we get it right?

I suspect we can try. That’s why I’m spending a year scouring the Torah for images of the Messiah (verywords.blogspot.com) and trying to encounter Jesus through prayer and service...the devotional stuff.

And here’s what the Nicene Creed says about Jesus:

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
      the only Son of God,
      begotten from the Father before all ages,
           God from God,
           Light from Light,
           true God from true God,
      begotten, not made;
      of the same essence as the Father.
      Through him all things were made.

We’re starting a sermon series on Sunday called American Jesus (Adam mentioned this at Worship Team practice last night)...and we’re going to dig deep into who Jesus really is...not who Americans think he is. The sermon will be about Jesus being co-eternal with God. That reminded me of the Nicene Creed.

Light from Light
True God from True God

This is hard for me to type. I am worried that even if I have a good understanding of Jesus, I don’t know how to appropriate him into my life. I’m not a very devotional person, nor am I very affectionate towards others. Is that bad? Is it that okay that I’m more distant? That’s not going to change. My personality will always be this way. Do I love Jesus less because I’m not affectionate?

Where have I been

2007-11-12T14:51:00.000-05:00

Let's see...working a whole bunch...cleaning and generally stressing.

These guys have been great lately:

I am hoping to write more later. Really, I am.

This can be put into words?

2007-10-31T22:34:00.001-04:00

The Weight of Glory arrived at the library tonight and I went to go pick it up. I could scarcely wait to read it.

So, I made it a few people pages before I had to run and blog. C.S. Lewis thinks about so much and is so eloquent. He can put things to words I've never been able to express.

"If our religion is something objective, then we must never avert our eyes from those elements in it which seem puzzling or repellent; for it will be precisely the puzzling, or the repellent which concepts what we do not yet know and need to know."

He's talking about those feelings we have, that are at the heart, longing for heaven.

"These things---the beauty---the memory of our own past---are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself, they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers. For they are not the things themselves, they are only the scent of the flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited."

I'm sure I'll have much more to say, but it's getting late and time to sleep.

Hulu rocks

2007-10-31T16:26:00.000-04:00

So, I am one of the few thousand people beta testing Hulu...and really, it is amazing. I think I need to spend a lot of time at this site. There's clips from some old shows and all of the current shows on Fox & NBC. It even has some movies from Universal. I am so watching the Blues Brothers this weekend.

Here's the clip that started it all (on YouTube)

A 5th-century blogger

2007-10-29T11:47:00.001-04:00

This weekend, I (re) read most of The Confessions from St. Augustine. For centuries, readers, critics, foes, fans, etc. have struggled with its form. It’s not a straight biography, nor is it straight theology. What struck me is how much his writing sounds like a blog (at least the ones my intelligent, godly friends are working on). The introduction called it a prose poem written to God with restless Christians who might overhear.

Brilliant! That is exactly the tone that blog posts take.

Where is the tov?

2007-10-29T11:38:00.001-04:00

“What ever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness and equality
Instead of spreading love, we’re spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading us away from unity
That’s the reason why sometimes I’m feeling under
That’s the reason why sometimes I’m feeling down
It’s no wonder why sometimes I’m feeling under
I gotta keep my faith alive, until love is found.”

The Black Eyed Peas, 2003

“This is what the LORD says:
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he
will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:5-8, roughly 587 B.C.

Tov is the Hebrew word for good...but it’s not good like we use the word today. It means so much more than merely pleasant or passable. It is a rich word that describes prosperity, delight, moral goodness...and so much more.

So, I heard Pastor Larry’s sermon twice when I was running the computer. And the whole time, “Where is the love” kept running through my head. Both the prophet of God and the modern-day poets recognize there is something missing. When we turn to human interests, we are not getting to what’s really good. God really is the source of our blessings...not people.

And then we will be like trees planted by the water (Referencing Psalm 1? Even if Jeremiah isn’t directly...his readers will think of it). Firm...secure...grounded...bearing fruit in times of drought. Sounds good to me.

What instrumentation

2007-10-26T17:00:00.001-04:00

I'm digging these tunes this afternoon.

(Yes...I'm well aware that Pete Townsend is part of The Who)

SeeqPod Music beta - Playable Search

Inland North accent

2007-10-24T10:20:00.000-04:00

What a fascinating subject...We've been talking about accents at work, and I've been thinking about it every since.

I've been reading about the Inland North Accent and it fits me to a T...

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."
The Northeast
Philadelphia
The South
The Midland
North Central
The West
Boston
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

The interactive Web

2007-10-23T16:07:00.000-04:00

Northern Cosmopolitan Evangelical

2007-10-22T14:39:00.001-04:00

When one has less than 20 channels, it’s amazing what gets watched. Last night, I was entranced by something on book TV (yes on C-Span). It was a fascinating discussion about two books: God’s Harvard by Hannah Rosen and D. Michael Lindsay's "Faith in the halls of Power".

Here’s what C-Span has to say about it at http://www.booktv.org/program.aspx?ProgramId=8772&SectionName=&PlayMedia=No:

D. Michael Lindsay interviewed over 100 evangelical Christian men and women in the field of business, politics and entertainment and explores their ascendancy in their respective fields. Hanna Rosin profiles Patrick Henry College, an evangelical school that considers itself the Christian equal to the Ivy League. D. Michael Lindsay and Hanna Rosin discuss their books at the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in Washington, DC.

Wow! I was blown away by this discussion. Frankly, it was really encouraging that such a respectful and open discussion was on TV. It was not dissing people of faith.

And then I am amazed that I am okay with calling myself an evangelical.

Basically, both authors mentioned that the tide is turning from this “populist evangelical” to “cosmopolitan evangelical.” The populist is more of the (Who’s the old guy from the 700 Club?) Pat Robertson and James Dobson who want to create their own Christian worlds . The new kind is on e that wants to live in the world we have and make it better. They are okay with non-Christian friends and even welcome those interactions. But they authors point out that both recognize there is a problem in the world and they know how---and want to---fix it.

They also pointed out that Northern evangelicals are much different than the Southern Baptist strain. That made me happy to hear that. One of the question askers brought up the Reformed faith and Lindsay talked about what a vital force that is today.

Hmmm...I need to read these books.

The funniest word in the English language

2007-10-19T16:08:00.001-04:00

Underpants.

Nothing else comes close.

Photos part deux

2007-10-19T16:03:00.000-04:00

No captions, just photos

More reunion pictures

2007-10-19T15:42:00.000-04:00

It's Friday afternoon... a good time to post those pictures from the reunion.

I can't believe it was 90 degrees in October!

My mom made this tablerunner:

Uncle Max & Aunt Eunice:

They were talking away and telling jokes to each other...I'm not sure I've seen two happier people!

Well, the uploader isn't working now, so I will do more later.

Kitty update

2007-10-09T13:48:00.001-04:00

The kitties have been really wonderful lately. Henry has really grown up; he’s well-behaved and is still sweet. Charlie’s finally returning to his old self. Henry really took a shine to my Mom. He sure wanted lots of attention...and that’s what he wanted.

Here are a few pictures of the little guys.

Happy Scoopie Day!

2007-10-08T14:12:00.000-04:00

Each day, Whitney Matheson from USA Today profiles a reader. Today, it was my turn!

http://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/2007/10/pop-forum-tal-5.html

I was so excited by all of the nice comments the other readers gave. They're really nice.

Here are some images of the exciting post (coming soon. They're slow to upload).

A family reunion

2007-10-08T13:49:00.000-04:00

Hello!

This weekend was something else! I went to Michigan City and saw 39 of my family members. The descendants of my great grandparents, Courtney and Grace Smith, got together at a beach house in Michigan City. There were three generations there...(There are four generations now, but none of the kids were there).

There were all of my grandma's siblings and the surviving spouses:

Grant and Frances
Danny
Dave and Jo
Marguerite
Max and Eunice
June
Annie Mae
and Granny

And there were lots of kids there.

Grant's son Mike and his wife
Dave and Jo's daughter Debbie and her husband Terry
Marguerite's son Louie and his wife Cindy
Max and Eunice's daughters Ruby and Rosie
Annie Mae's daughters Evie, Kristen, Lois, and Delight, and her son Mark. Sharon is someone's partner, but I didn't catch whose.
And My mom, Loretta, and Aunt Linda, Granny's daughters (Uncle Jim came too)

And from the third generation:
Me!
Amber and Adam
Kari, Kristen's daughter
Jake, Ruby's son
Louie's daughter Alex
and Louie and Cindy's daughter Gracie and Greta

I think I got everyone! There were some cousins there too (first cousins of my grandma's).

Here's a picture of the two generations:

I'm hoping to get a picture with the third generation in it. I wasn't able to get one, so a relative will have to supply it.

Career services panel

2007-09-27T11:12:00.001-04:00

I'm excited and nervous about this. I spent lots of time last night picking out what I want to wear. Is that weird?

Inheriting the love

2007-09-21T14:58:00.001-04:00

Right now, I’m reading Jonathan Mahler’s book, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx is Burning.

It’s a tale of New York City and its most tumultuous year of 1977. ... This is the year that Reggie Jackson arrived in the Bronx (and won the World Series on three homeruns in three pitches), the mayoral race that introduced the world to Koch and Cuomo, and the summer that the Son of Sam scared everyone.

But this beginning made such a poignant statement:

“I grew up hearing stories about the New York of my father’s childhood, the New York of the 1940s and 1950s....The images were were especially resonant because we lived so far away from this world, in Palm Springs, California...The California Angles played their spring training games in a small ballpark just a short bike ride from our house. We would get season tickets every March and dutifully cheer on the home team, which was owned by one of the community’s many aging celebrities, Gene Autry. But I never cared much for the Anglers. I knew that baseball loyalty was generational, not geographic. You don’t choose your team; you inherit it....”

Yes that’s now! The Cubs are talking about Magic Numbers and September may not be the end of the season. Awesome!

And this time of year...I always feel most connected to some lost part of my childhood...my dad, grandpa...those afternoons watching and listening to Cubs games.

Why am I blogging about this? A co-worker and I just had a great talk about the joys of AM radio..and we talked baseball.

I love Target

2007-09-20T20:37:00.001-04:00

So, they just reset the local Target store. Or, more accurately, they are resetting the local Target store. Its food selection has gone from a few rows of carbohydrates to tons of choices. They're adding a bunch of freezer cases...so basically you can get everything there but fresh meat and fresh produce. And the prices on their store brand are killer. I just love all of the healthy/inventive choices they have available.

Yes...I am that banal.

Today's entry

2007-09-20T14:38:00.001-04:00

Hello! I have just figured out that you can post via e-mail. That is great! This will save a lot of time; I won’t have to worry about logging on after I get to the Web and then the delayed typing is no longer a problem. I am much more used to typing e-mails than blog comments.

Will this lead to more blog comments? Time will tell!

Time marches on

2007-09-18T13:26:00.000-04:00

Man, the blog posts just haven't been coming lately. I am not sure why I haven't felt like posting, but I haven't. I have spent more time at the new GSPN forum. That's bee a lot of fun. ...I love all of the new followers on Twitter.

I've been off lately. I'm not sure why...I just am. Maybe I'll want to write more later.

Goals for this blog

2007-09-16T21:48:00.000-04:00

Pastor Larry mentioned this in a sermon...blogging Proverbs. I will write more about the sermon when I'm not so tired...but that got me thinking. I want to do one blog entry about each week's Torah portion. We're starting in a few weeks on year two. That's a great time to start.

Now, I'm going to beed. I feel feverish and yucky.

A new fun website

2007-09-12T11:19:00.000-04:00

Seepaq...you can search and listen to songs. I remember when you couldn't just think of anything and find it right away!

SeeqPod Music beta - Playable Search

Holiday tetanus shot

2007-09-03T18:30:00.000-04:00

This has not been the best labor day ever. I spent two and half hours at the med center for the giant laceration in my foot. Not that most fun that I've ever had. It doesn't hurt that bad...it's more annoying than anything. Last evening, I was picking up the living room and I moved my foot and saw blood. I ended up sliding it across a row of staples, which I had left out the Sunday before from a project. These aren't normal staples, they're the giant staples of the staple gun. The kind you can drive into wood. It hurt...but man, there was so much blood. I cleaned up my foot and it looked bad, but not that bad. I scrubbed the blood from the carpet and went to bed with a sore foot. It was fine overnight and stopped bleeding. I had a perfectly fine time this morning. I was out running errands (actually eating lunch) when I noticed it was bleeding again. So...it was on to the med center, the new one out by M6. There were tons of sick people there, this being a holiday and all. After arriving at 1:30, I saw the doctor about 3:45. Then it was all over by 4:15. I had the wound cleaned and I was given a lecture about coming in earlier. Because it was a deep cut, I should have come in the night before. But I didn't. So now, I have plastic staples. Yuck. It hurts and I'm sick of seeing blood. I hope it heals quickly.

Spring cleaning in August

2007-08-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

I am procrastinating right now. But, really, I needed a break. I'm cleaning out the front closet. To be honest, I haven't touched one thing in that closet that entire calendar year. I think I should gut it and donate a bunch of stuff to Goodwill here soon. But that's a whole other project. I just need to get the closet door closed and keep the cats out of there.

Life is thrilling sometimes, eh?

Today's thought

2007-08-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

This came in my e-mail from Beliefnet

Daily Christian Wisdom

To deny oneself is to be aware only of Christ and no more of self, to see only Him who goes before and no more the road which is too hard for us.

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

My 100th Post in 2007

2007-08-16T21:21:00.000-04:00

And what would be appropriate?

Kitty bookends!

Things have taken a turn

2007-08-15T15:28:00.000-04:00

It’s been a really long time since I’ve made a blog entry. (Word is really outdated. It suggests that I misspelled blog wrong…do I mean Bog? No! I wish I didn’t have a program that was copyright 2001. A lot has changed since the beginning of the decade).

Anyway, works sure has been different lately. Thank God! It was getting pretty tiring squeezing all of that work in and doing the same old same old. It’s been anything but normal since Dave & Carol were gone on their vacations. I’ve done a lot of little things that have helped others to work. I’ve also done a bunch of work towards finding someone to fill the staff writer position. Today, the ad appeared in the Holland Sentinel. There’s been a crush of applications. Some are way too qualified…some are way not qualified. I hope that we can find someone out of this. But I do feel honored to be handed this process. It’s a lot of work…but I’m up for it.

The humidity isn’t helping the stiff joints. My elbows and bottom of the feet are really bothering me. (I know that the bottom of my feet aren’t really joints…but they hurt, so I will let that go.)
Again, I don’t really have any spiritual insights to add. That kind of bothers me. But I can’t quite phrase how that feels. Maybe it’s time to post this entry.

In 186 days...

2007-08-10T14:32:00.001-04:00

....Lost begins.

Not that I'm counting.

Transcending McDonald's

2007-08-09T17:24:00.000-04:00

Life is fantastic at times. Sometimes you have an experience where the ordinary seems to be transformed and you transcend the ordinary every day.

Last night, I met Kerry in Plainwell to see the Simpsons Movie (yes, it was almost better the second time). After that, we ended up at McDonald's. We tried to get ice cream, but we had no cash with us. So, over some coffee and a fruit and yogurt parfait, we had the most marvelous conversation. How encouraging and spiritually uplifting.

I tell you...I've been really social this week and it's been tiring. Tonight...it's just me, some cats, and a book. I tried to start Thunderstruck by Erik Larson, but I just wasn't feeling it. I also get to cook my own meal. Exciting!

A rainy Tuesday

2007-08-07T14:58:00.000-04:00

It’s as humid as the jungle here…we had some rain, but the air is so sticky that you can hardly move. So much for West Michigan’s temperate summers. It will probably snow in September given our pattern of extreme weather. It didn’t snow in December, it was 60 degrees on New Year’s, 40 and snowy on Easter, and 90 degrees in the middle of May. Go figure. Thankfully, my car is air conditioned and the apartment is shielded by the big oak trees.

Lots of spiritual things have been running through my mind lately, but I have to tell you, I’m not feeling it today. I’m too busy dealing with cramps. I love being a woman. No, I really do, but this is annoying. I’ve been dealing with this all for 17 years and yeah, annoying would be the word.

Deuteronomy continues to challenge and comfort all at the same time. God’s love and care is so evident. But there are some confusing things (about why he decided to wipe out other cultures and a whole mess of the Israelites).
And God is trustworthy. Here’s some words Moses told the Israelites back in Deuteronomy 10:

14 To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. 15 Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today. 16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. 20 Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. 21 He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. 22 Your forefathers who went down into Egypt were seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky.

What a difference a few days makes!

2007-08-03T20:35:00.000-04:00

To put it mildly, things were not going well the last time I wrote the blog. But life is a series of ups and downs. There's been a lot of little things that have been an answer to prayers...and feeling stuck in the rut.

The pool is open again! It was closed for six months of maintenance. I've swam two nights in a row...and it feels so good just to get in the water and work out.

The construction project at Ivanrest & 44th seems to be wrapping up. It was like the wild west out there..driving with no lines. Now, there's white lines and no orange barrels! It's good to take the direct route home.

And I have a new job. Same company, same pay...but hey, I have a new job! I am now the senior staff writer. At the company picnic today, Elly announced that I had been with the company for five years and that I had earned the new title. And everyone clapped!

RUT RUT RUT

2007-07-31T13:51:00.000-04:00

I hate feeling like this.

Isn't that a terrible way to begin a blog entry? It's all negative and I'm writing in the first person. But that is the strange way that Blog-ese works. It's strange to publish your inner monologue.

I'm getting whiney again about how things are going. I'm whining about being 30, single, broke, and stuck at a job I don't like. I'm trying to enjoy my life and be grateful for what I have, but it's so hard. How long is this season going to last? Even asking that question is presumptuous of me. But what if it's a matter of prayer? Abraham, Moses, David, the prophets all talked to God and questioned him.

There is more

2007-07-27T10:22:00.000-04:00

We do not merely want to see beauty, though, God knows, even that is bounty enough. We want something else which can hardly be put into words--to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it.

C.S. Lewis

A thing resounds when it rings true
Ringing all the bells inside of you
Like a golden sky on a summer eve
Your heart is tugging at your sleeve
And you cannot say why
There must be more

There is more
More than we can stand
Standing in the glory
Of a love that never ends
There is more
More than we can guess
More and more, forever more
And not a second less

Andrew Peterson

Thank God there's more!

Too much to do today

2007-07-26T11:33:00.001-04:00

Well, I have to hit my deadline, but I want to follow up on my pledge to post each day.

Maybe I will write more later.

Green with envy

2007-07-25T16:00:00.000-04:00

I'm getting a headache and my head is starting to spin. Really, I would like to go home and curl up my quilt. It's dark and rainy, plus...well, let's just say it's that time of the month. But I have a few more hours to trudge through before I can go home.

This has nothing to do with my title. I can't shake thinking about envy. I think that's because I'm suffering a serious case of it and I have for a really long time. I always thought that envy was wanting more things. But that's really greed. It's really easy to understand (and identify) greed. Envy ... (the green-eyed monster (or is that jealously? What's the difference?)) ... is more subtle. And my life is ripe with it. I don't like what I have. I look at others who have more than me and I want it. I don't begrudge anyone what they hae...but I want a cool job and a family and a husband. I want to not have to worry about money. I want some real furniture (okay, that's a material thing, but really, I want to be comfortable). I want to have some fun. I want to trust God and his plan. But it's hard. So hard!

The opposite virtue of envy, according to the Catholic Church, is kindness. Hmmm. That really pulls the envious one out of navel-gazing and the realm of selfishness.

But I still feel like I have so much to offer and it's not working. No one seems to care that I am loving, loyal, deep, caring, and intelligent.

Man, I'm just arrogant. But that's how I feel.

I just wanted to finish Harry Potter

2007-07-25T10:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a rough day. Rough day, did I mention that?

v All I wanted to do is finish Harry Potter. But I am a grown-up and I had a job to do. And yesterday threw me through the wringer. Everyone wanted my attention all day and I never had a moment’s peace. This is my blog so I can complain:

v My intern and the part-time writer were in the office. They’re both great and do lots of great work, but I sure was interrupted a lot.

v Our deadline for the student magazine has been moved up by TWO WEEKS. This has put everyone in full freak-out mode. We can meet the deadline if we don’t spend all of this time stressing out.

v My phone rang off the hook with contacts.

v The people that I couldn’t a hold of are still there. So now I look bad because the number I called wasn’t in the service. Sorry I missed the 800#. No big deal. I’m not turning this into something bigger (this one will make no sense to anyone else, but hey, I’m the only reader of this, right?)

v Candy was having an off day and needed me. She wanted to me exchange her foundation. I think she is genuinely obsessed with Clinqiue foundation. I’ve never seen anything like that. But she and Amaya came to visit right after lunch.

v Right after my Dad called to see about the plans for my grandma visiting. Grandma is living on planet zircon or something….and has some random fantasies about what people are doing. When did I say I wouldn’t come to Michigan City?

v So I called Amber, and it turns out she knew THREE weeks ago that Granny was coming to visit.

v Did I mention that I had to read proofs yesterday?

v I spent way too much time at the Clinique counter and spent money that I probably shouldn’t have. The bronzer (go figure…I never use that) looked so wonderful and I felt so pretty last night. I had to get it. $32, plus it took an hour.

v I stopped at Candy’s last night and she was a wreck. Amaya and Jessica were really annoying her. I hope she’s doing better; I really need to check on her.

v I didn’t get home until 8:30, but I did whip up a small dinner of tri-color rotini, Prego, and a leftover chicken breast. It was good, but I was so hungry that I wasn’t hungry when it came to eat dinner.

v And then I read 150 pages of Harry Potter. It kind of ended like I expected, but kind of didn’t.

v And work today sucks just as bad.

And that, dear reader, is the story of a bad day.

Not feeling it today

2007-07-24T09:02:00.000-04:00

Feed on goodness, and your soul will delight in its richness.

-St. Bernard of Clarivaux

The inspiration seems to be gone; that rush of energy that I had last week is gone. What a blessing that is when it comes. But that's what happens when you deal with the ebbs and flows of life and with fibromyalgia. Some days are bad, most are okay, but some are great. I've learned to deal with this over the years, but it's still annoying to crash from those times when I'm feeling so great.

But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the days when I'm not feeling as great. I'm trying to learn how to see everything as a blessing ---and how to thank God for those blessings.

A fantastic day

2007-07-21T21:29:00.000-04:00

I'm really obsessed with "Miracle Drug"...what a song!

Anyway, today has been a pleasant Saturday. the weather couldn't have been lovelier. Wow. These are the days we pine for in February.

So, last night, at 11:30, I schlepped off to Meijer to purchase Harry Potter 7. I have checked all the other ones out from the library. And I haven't even seen all of the movies. But I wanted this one. I picked up some groceries and heard the huge commotion when midnight arrived. There were a zillion people in line, but it went really fast because all you did was get a book and then back in the store. I was home 62 minutes after I left. I read two chapters yesterday and six today. I was able to take a reading-induced nap. That was the best! I also met my small group for ice cream. I so enjoy them!

Highy feminine?

2007-07-20T15:03:00.000-04:00

I'm so worn out today...all of that creative burst and rest from the vacation is gone...gone...gone.

Since I'm so worn out...playing around sounded good. Pop Candy linked to the Personal DNA test. So here I am:

The Generous visionary

http://www.personaldna.com/report.php?k=URPrMCCtiiIYgXe-FE-CDAAC-3992

I was not too surprised by the results...except for how high I scored on femininity and how low and masculinity. I know I'm girly...but I am wondering what caused this. Is it my empathy?

Mojo's back

2007-07-19T13:51:00.000-04:00

Hello!

Well, I have submitted three articles for editing and have written most of a fourth. And it's only 2 p.m. I've been really energetic today. I will chock it up to more than just the Diet Coke effect.

This blog has been really therapeutic lately, as has my journal and nighttime quiet time. I have known for years that I needed to do this, but I was letting my introspective side go dormant. Was it because I was afraid to face who I was? Was there sin there? (The sin of sloth to be sure.) Or was it because I didn’t think my pedestrian life didn’t deserve it?

I feel more alive right now. There’s this deep side of me that is digging its way out. On the outside, things are not any different. I can find joy and think about things even when I’m not happy with this season of my life. I do pray that I find some kind of end to this stretch of dryness and dissatisfaction. What do I want? That is the question.

My dad and I have been talking about my going all philosophical. He can't think of what to say, so he quotes C.S. Lewis from Narnia:

Mr. Beaver: "Safe...Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."

The book I’m reading (which is about different types of love from a philosophical perspective) said that fiction is often the way to portray truth. We are story makers and story tellers. There is often more understandable truth in fiction than in raw statements of fact. (Sound like Jesus telling parables)? It just warms my heart that he quoted C.S. Lewis. Lewis was beyond adept at explaining things via facts, but his most heart-palpitating truth is found in his stories----kids stories at that.

Maybe I need to read more fiction!

Working away

2007-07-18T15:12:00.000-04:00

I have nothing profound to say (ironic for a writer, eh?)

There's a lot of work that needs to be done, but I wanted to take a break. So here's a post. No good reason, but all I'm losing is some time and maybe I'm inconveniencing some electrons.

Rain, Rain

2007-07-17T14:08:00.000-04:00

This rainy day feels wonderful. It's humid, but not that hot.

Everything has been quite green despite the lack of rain. I’m looking forward to the scenes after the rain has passed us by.

Today has been okay. I’m pretty tired (Tuesday after vacation…that’s the worst). I didn’t have a good breakfast and that really set the course for a rough morning. But I had a good lunch---a mushroom burger wrap with some prunes on the side. Go me! I also made some chicken soup last night, so I’m going to have a big bowl of it before I head out to do some work tonight.

Imagination vs. Fiction making

2007-07-16T22:55:00.000-04:00

Let me start by saying that quiet time is so much better than watching TV. It's so much better to read, meditate, and pray than watch TV. Why did I wait so long to figure this out?

Anyway, one of the books on my shelf caught my eye...A Disciplined Heart by Caroline Simon. She is (was?) a philosophy professor at Hope. That was my least favorite class and most challenging. Why do I have this book?

It's so interesting. She's talking about different kinds of love and what is the difference between true love and false love (not true love like in the movie that ends with a wedding a big kiss...genuine love). Well, true love engages in imagination, the other, fiction making. Imagination is seeing what is not yet but should be. Fiction making is making up what you want it to be. That is profound. I can see that difference in many of my relationships. How many guys and/or friends have I stopped liking becasue I was making them out to be something they weren't meant to be?

Interesting thought!