So, in order to blog more often, I'm going to do some short ones. My last post told the story of misunderstood statements, so read that first if you haven't already.
The most recent cryptic statement was heard from the back seat, "Mom, Zachary's being a 'sit wiener'!"
Let me know what you think was actually said and what it meant, and I'll post the answer in a day or so.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Post That Makes You Thankful For Your Own Family
Alas, I have been chided for my lack of blogginess by my niece. See her SHINY NEW POST at seeking perfect peace She's an amazing girl and I want everyone (all 10 of you!) who read my post to get to know her, but of course not monopolize her time as it ALL BELONGS TO ME! and, of course, her husband, daughter, and brand new son.
She started this idea of family strangeness, you know, things you all do as a family, that when you do them, others cock their heads to the sides like a calf looking at a new gate.
Many years ago, 20 to be exact, we were getting ready for church one Sunday morning. I called out to my husband, "I made a bottle and it's in the diaper bag," as we had one very cherished youngun, and my husband was a helpful father. He ambled into the room where I was, with a concerned look on his visage (like that word? ain't I smart?). "Sinead O'Connor's in the diaper bag?!" And thus began the laughing with one's legs crossed so as not to overtax a delivery-weakened bladder. We decided from that day on to repeat exactly what we heard any time the message was unclear. Kind of our own version of that game where you read what's on the card and try to figure out what it's saying, combined with the old gossip game.
Actually this was a great tactic for dealing with my detestation of repeating myself. You see, I am not a patient person. Really. Not. Patient. God seems to be making an example of me lately. Not really loving that either. But I do love to repeat what I've just heard. Sometimes hearing it out loud is just what I need to figure out what was originally said. Try it. There's no telling what you'll come up with. Be like the Taylors!
More weirdness to follow.
She started this idea of family strangeness, you know, things you all do as a family, that when you do them, others cock their heads to the sides like a calf looking at a new gate.
Many years ago, 20 to be exact, we were getting ready for church one Sunday morning. I called out to my husband, "I made a bottle and it's in the diaper bag," as we had one very cherished youngun, and my husband was a helpful father. He ambled into the room where I was, with a concerned look on his visage (like that word? ain't I smart?). "Sinead O'Connor's in the diaper bag?!" And thus began the laughing with one's legs crossed so as not to overtax a delivery-weakened bladder. We decided from that day on to repeat exactly what we heard any time the message was unclear. Kind of our own version of that game where you read what's on the card and try to figure out what it's saying, combined with the old gossip game.
Actually this was a great tactic for dealing with my detestation of repeating myself. You see, I am not a patient person. Really. Not. Patient. God seems to be making an example of me lately. Not really loving that either. But I do love to repeat what I've just heard. Sometimes hearing it out loud is just what I need to figure out what was originally said. Try it. There's no telling what you'll come up with. Be like the Taylors!
More weirdness to follow.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Start The Music, I Feel A Happy Dance Comin' On!
You know I had a really great post, and long, written out and ready to go, just a few days ago. It's somewhere out in the Blogzone, never to be heard from again, apparently. So I'm trying to remember what all I've told you about. I think I'll stop promising to post, 'cause obviously I'm a pathological blogpromise breaker. However, since its de-lurking week, I wanted to get in on the sweet commenty goodness.
1. My son was named "Ram of the Month" (If I already told you this, just smile and nod. I've waited a long time for this honor and I am savoring it!). Now, personality quirks being what they are, this boy qualified for ram of the house very early on. I call him my sheepdog, because he is always herding. THIS is MY space, THAT is YOUR space! However, he has many fine qualities and this award is for his middle school (mascot-you guessed it-Rams).
2. The aforementioned sheepdog is coming to Tulsa to join the girls as of tonight.
3. Driving him into the oncoming ice storm will be my DH, ready for some heavy-duty snugglin'.
4. We will all be together in the 2, that's right 2, bedroom apartment we moved into over the Christmas holiday. Same ghetto, phenomenal cosmic power-itty bitty living space.
5. Started teaching my "Boundaries" class two weeks ago. I LOVE THIS CLASS! I LOVE CLOUD & TOWNSEND! This is my 5th time to teach it and it's still GOOD!
6. I got a perfect attendance bonus on my check today. WOOHOO!
7. Doug has an interview with Home Decorators (a Home Depot company) for a part-time position on Saturday.
8. Drumroll please - Doug got a full-time position with faithHighway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He will start the second week of February. You can see their commercials on their website www.faithHighway.com to see what Doug will be selling. It is base+commission, so it's a little scary at first. Hence the part-time position. So if you have any media needs for your church, ministry, or Christian business, look us up. O.K. end of commercial.
When you're praying, please remember us for the following: the sale of our home, a new home for our 2 female Lab-mix dogs (we can't have them in an apartment, finances for the transition, and safe travel for my men today.
So the mood in my office cubbyhole is pretty positive these days. I have been lurking, I've even commented a couple of times, only to have them vanish. So the lesson is...save? I still haven't gone to the new Beta, mainly because I don't have a clue. Honestly, anyone in the Tulsa area willing to come to my cave and teach me this stuff? But not this weekend, I'll be snugglin'.
1. My son was named "Ram of the Month" (If I already told you this, just smile and nod. I've waited a long time for this honor and I am savoring it!). Now, personality quirks being what they are, this boy qualified for ram of the house very early on. I call him my sheepdog, because he is always herding. THIS is MY space, THAT is YOUR space! However, he has many fine qualities and this award is for his middle school (mascot-you guessed it-Rams).
2. The aforementioned sheepdog is coming to Tulsa to join the girls as of tonight.
3. Driving him into the oncoming ice storm will be my DH, ready for some heavy-duty snugglin'.
4. We will all be together in the 2, that's right 2, bedroom apartment we moved into over the Christmas holiday. Same ghetto, phenomenal cosmic power-itty bitty living space.
5. Started teaching my "Boundaries" class two weeks ago. I LOVE THIS CLASS! I LOVE CLOUD & TOWNSEND! This is my 5th time to teach it and it's still GOOD!
6. I got a perfect attendance bonus on my check today. WOOHOO!
7. Doug has an interview with Home Decorators (a Home Depot company) for a part-time position on Saturday.
8. Drumroll please - Doug got a full-time position with faithHighway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He will start the second week of February. You can see their commercials on their website www.faithHighway.com to see what Doug will be selling. It is base+commission, so it's a little scary at first. Hence the part-time position. So if you have any media needs for your church, ministry, or Christian business, look us up. O.K. end of commercial.
When you're praying, please remember us for the following: the sale of our home, a new home for our 2 female Lab-mix dogs (we can't have them in an apartment, finances for the transition, and safe travel for my men today.
So the mood in my office cubbyhole is pretty positive these days. I have been lurking, I've even commented a couple of times, only to have them vanish. So the lesson is...save? I still haven't gone to the new Beta, mainly because I don't have a clue. Honestly, anyone in the Tulsa area willing to come to my cave and teach me this stuff? But not this weekend, I'll be snugglin'.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Ah, yes, the edit to this post is that Blogger STINKIN' ATE my post! And it was great. And Long. And I'll never have that recipe agaaiiiinnnn, OHHHHH NOOOOOOO! (imagine Richard Harris, or Donna Summer singing that last line). This has happened before and the post miraculously showed up later. I'm hoping that happens here. If not, I'll try again tomorrow. OH BTW! May have a buyer for our house! WOO HOO!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
A Rip-Snortin' Good Time
The 3rd Annual (yes, that means this has happened twice before!) Redneck Talent Show and Dinner was an evening to remember. I don't have pictures yet, but I'll post them when they come in.
My cousin Kevin (the pastor), his bassett hound Millie, my daughter Andrea (http://dastardlystar.blogspot.com) and I sang, "If your hair's too long, there's sin in your heart!" You can find an actual sound clip of this song if you do a google search. Also featured were Delmar and PD in "We're in the Jailhouse Now," various redneck poems, Kevin singing "The Redneck 12 Days of Christmas (and uh possum in a per-sim-mon treeeee)," and Tator - age 6 (his real name - my hand to God) making his stomach roll.
You have to understand, my cousin and I both have music degrees. Andrea sang the lead in "The Pirates of Penzance" operetta last year. Millie was on her own. She wandered off and, when no one was looking, nabbed the ham off the buffet table.
A grand buffet was served, and yes, game sausage was on the table. Door prizes included Bubba teeth, pocket knives, and whoopee cushions.
I wish you coulda been there. Yes, indeedy! I think I pulled a muscle laughing so hard.
On another note, I made a gingerbread house this weekend! Now I have a Christmas decoration in my apartment! I'll try to take a picture of it tonite and post tomorrow. This was made possible by an amazing gift from my dear friend Sarah at (http://inthemidstofit.blogspot.com) A woman of God if there ever was one. My thank you note is on its way to her today.
I'm so excited that I'll be home soon. I can hardly wait. Doug got three contacts about jobs yesterday and we are praying and following up today. Please Lord let it be in this bunch!
My middle child will be joining us in the cracker box after Christmas to begin her final semester of high school. She just got her acceptance letter from ORU, and is nearly beside herself with excitement. It's gonna be even more of an adventure. Pray for us.
I'm beginning to feel a little Christmas-y at last.
My cousin Kevin (the pastor), his bassett hound Millie, my daughter Andrea (http://dastardlystar.blogspot.com) and I sang, "If your hair's too long, there's sin in your heart!" You can find an actual sound clip of this song if you do a google search. Also featured were Delmar and PD in "We're in the Jailhouse Now," various redneck poems, Kevin singing "The Redneck 12 Days of Christmas (and uh possum in a per-sim-mon treeeee)," and Tator - age 6 (his real name - my hand to God) making his stomach roll.
You have to understand, my cousin and I both have music degrees. Andrea sang the lead in "The Pirates of Penzance" operetta last year. Millie was on her own. She wandered off and, when no one was looking, nabbed the ham off the buffet table.
A grand buffet was served, and yes, game sausage was on the table. Door prizes included Bubba teeth, pocket knives, and whoopee cushions.
I wish you coulda been there. Yes, indeedy! I think I pulled a muscle laughing so hard.
On another note, I made a gingerbread house this weekend! Now I have a Christmas decoration in my apartment! I'll try to take a picture of it tonite and post tomorrow. This was made possible by an amazing gift from my dear friend Sarah at (http://inthemidstofit.blogspot.com) A woman of God if there ever was one. My thank you note is on its way to her today.
I'm so excited that I'll be home soon. I can hardly wait. Doug got three contacts about jobs yesterday and we are praying and following up today. Please Lord let it be in this bunch!
My middle child will be joining us in the cracker box after Christmas to begin her final semester of high school. She just got her acceptance letter from ORU, and is nearly beside herself with excitement. It's gonna be even more of an adventure. Pray for us.
I'm beginning to feel a little Christmas-y at last.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Merry Christmas
Time for some fun. I got this from and thought I'd jump right in. I wonder how they knew...
I got a special...make that a VERY special gift in the mail yesterday. The giver can't know how much just the thought, not to mention the actual gift meant to me. Perhaps this will be a good Christmas after all.
| ||||||||||||||
|
I got a special...make that a VERY special gift in the mail yesterday. The giver can't know how much just the thought, not to mention the actual gift meant to me. Perhaps this will be a good Christmas after all.
Friday, December 08, 2006
ABC - easy as 123, name that supergroup!
I really need to go to remedial blogging school because I can't, for the life of me, figure out how to do buttons! So this is my undecorated ABC meme:
A - Available or not: Married for 23 years, longer than I was single.
B - Best friend: I count my husband as best, but if we exclude husbands, probably my niece Erica. I feel very separate from all my friends right now, as apparently none of us are good about calling or writing.
C - Cake or pie: hard to say, I like both, but I think I like more types of pie than cake. And is cheesecake a cake or a pie? Doesn't really matter, I'll eat it either way.
D - Drink of choice: Diet Coke, but if I didn't have to mind my carbs it would be Starbucks Chai Latte.
E - Essential item you use every day: Palm Treo 600 PDA/Phone. It's my life.
F - Favorite color: Green - from Emerald to Forest, & Purple - deep Purple
G - Gummy bears or worms: Cherry Sours
H - Hometown: Irving, Tx
I - Indulgence: Good sheets and blankets, the best I can afford
J - January or February: February, it's the month for lovers, and it's my oldest's birthday
K - Kids and names: Andrea Rebecca - 20, Rachel Roxanne - 17, Zachary Dennis - 14, Joe (the dog) - 4
L - Life is incomplete without: my hubby and aforementioned kids (and dog)
M - Marriage date: October 8,1983
N - Number of siblings: 3, 1 brother and 2 sisters, all older
O - Oranges or apples: Oranges, best of all Clementine Tangerines
P - Phobias or fears: stairs, which is why I never ran for Miss America. Who can walk down those stairs in a swimsuit and heels without a bannister? and heights.
Q - Favorite quote: Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" NIV I'm holding hard to this one right now.
R - Reason to smile: Boo Mama, who I am missing dearly (please blog!), my middle child's rendition of Silent Night, sung sincerely in several different keys at once (how did this happen?) when I was having a particularly weepy day at work last week, I get to go home for a week at Christmas
S - Season: Fall, it's always such a beautiful relief from summer
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: Andrea at You Just Think I'm Normal, Erica at Seeking Perfect Peace (who has yet to blog, the dirty lurker!), and anyone else who hasn't done this one yet.
U - Unknown fact about me: My guilty listening pleasures are Prince and Janet Jackson
V - Vegetable you don't like: Where to begin? I've never asked for a big plate of any vegetable other than maybe Asparagus, since potatoes don't count as a vegetable. My MOST HATED is broccoli. X-P
W - Worst habit: procrastination. I love a crazy deadline and the adrenaline rush of pulling it off at the last minute. It's pathological really.
X - X-rays: teeth in the last 5 years
Y - Your favorite food: Shrimp or Steak - I'm not a cheap date
Z - Zodiac sign: Leo - and I do seem to fit the profile, though how everyone born on that day could be the same is a mystery to me. I won't listen to or read a horoscope on religious principles at any rate.
A - Available or not: Married for 23 years, longer than I was single.
B - Best friend: I count my husband as best, but if we exclude husbands, probably my niece Erica. I feel very separate from all my friends right now, as apparently none of us are good about calling or writing.
C - Cake or pie: hard to say, I like both, but I think I like more types of pie than cake. And is cheesecake a cake or a pie? Doesn't really matter, I'll eat it either way.
D - Drink of choice: Diet Coke, but if I didn't have to mind my carbs it would be Starbucks Chai Latte.
E - Essential item you use every day: Palm Treo 600 PDA/Phone. It's my life.
F - Favorite color: Green - from Emerald to Forest, & Purple - deep Purple
G - Gummy bears or worms: Cherry Sours
H - Hometown: Irving, Tx
I - Indulgence: Good sheets and blankets, the best I can afford
J - January or February: February, it's the month for lovers, and it's my oldest's birthday
K - Kids and names: Andrea Rebecca - 20, Rachel Roxanne - 17, Zachary Dennis - 14, Joe (the dog) - 4
L - Life is incomplete without: my hubby and aforementioned kids (and dog)
M - Marriage date: October 8,1983
N - Number of siblings: 3, 1 brother and 2 sisters, all older
O - Oranges or apples: Oranges, best of all Clementine Tangerines
P - Phobias or fears: stairs, which is why I never ran for Miss America. Who can walk down those stairs in a swimsuit and heels without a bannister? and heights.
Q - Favorite quote: Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" NIV I'm holding hard to this one right now.
R - Reason to smile: Boo Mama, who I am missing dearly (please blog!), my middle child's rendition of Silent Night, sung sincerely in several different keys at once (how did this happen?) when I was having a particularly weepy day at work last week, I get to go home for a week at Christmas
S - Season: Fall, it's always such a beautiful relief from summer
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: Andrea at You Just Think I'm Normal, Erica at Seeking Perfect Peace (who has yet to blog, the dirty lurker!), and anyone else who hasn't done this one yet.
U - Unknown fact about me: My guilty listening pleasures are Prince and Janet Jackson
V - Vegetable you don't like: Where to begin? I've never asked for a big plate of any vegetable other than maybe Asparagus, since potatoes don't count as a vegetable. My MOST HATED is broccoli. X-P
W - Worst habit: procrastination. I love a crazy deadline and the adrenaline rush of pulling it off at the last minute. It's pathological really.
X - X-rays: teeth in the last 5 years
Y - Your favorite food: Shrimp or Steak - I'm not a cheap date
Z - Zodiac sign: Leo - and I do seem to fit the profile, though how everyone born on that day could be the same is a mystery to me. I won't listen to or read a horoscope on religious principles at any rate.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Ain't God Good!
Just for little old me, God gave Tulsa 10.4 inches of snow! Their yearly average is 9.1, so I know this was a special gift for me. I got to miss work (paid) 1 1/2 days, YAY! And because I LOVE SNOW I drove around in it all weekend! Did I mention I LOVE SNOW?!! And EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!
You see, being away from home, and flat broke, I haven't bought one gift, baked one cookie, or decorated one inch. All my decorations are back in TX and if I buy new ones, they will come in place of someone's Christmas gift. No bloggity Christmas Tour of Homes for me. I'll probably start baking this weekend, and just hope the folks back home will decorate in my absence. I'll be doing a lot of online shopping this year and that will start on the next paycheck. Picture me trying not to be stressed out about this. I just go to the window and look at the snow again.
I also drove up to my cousin's church again this weekend and began counseling a couple of families. It's so fulfilling to me that I truly could go on for hours, and have to remind myself that it's draining for the counselees. I pray ahead of time for wisdom and insight for each one, and find that God is always faithful. Even with my training, I am not adequate to the task without Him. He gives me word pictures that are particularly appropriate, Scripture that absolutely fits, and compassion for each and every one. What a joy! I love giving hope to the hopeless!
By-the-by, we're havin' a Redneck Christmas Talent Show this Sunday Eve. at New Life Foursquare in Vinita, OK, and my cousin, his bassett hound Millie, my daughter Andrea, and I are workin' up a "special" just for the occasion. Wish you could all come. If I get a picture I'll post it next week. Not a clue what I'm going to wear, yet. What do women rednecks look like?
You see, being away from home, and flat broke, I haven't bought one gift, baked one cookie, or decorated one inch. All my decorations are back in TX and if I buy new ones, they will come in place of someone's Christmas gift. No bloggity Christmas Tour of Homes for me. I'll probably start baking this weekend, and just hope the folks back home will decorate in my absence. I'll be doing a lot of online shopping this year and that will start on the next paycheck. Picture me trying not to be stressed out about this. I just go to the window and look at the snow again.
I also drove up to my cousin's church again this weekend and began counseling a couple of families. It's so fulfilling to me that I truly could go on for hours, and have to remind myself that it's draining for the counselees. I pray ahead of time for wisdom and insight for each one, and find that God is always faithful. Even with my training, I am not adequate to the task without Him. He gives me word pictures that are particularly appropriate, Scripture that absolutely fits, and compassion for each and every one. What a joy! I love giving hope to the hopeless!
By-the-by, we're havin' a Redneck Christmas Talent Show this Sunday Eve. at New Life Foursquare in Vinita, OK, and my cousin, his bassett hound Millie, my daughter Andrea, and I are workin' up a "special" just for the occasion. Wish you could all come. If I get a picture I'll post it next week. Not a clue what I'm going to wear, yet. What do women rednecks look like?
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Did you guess this?
| You Are Midnight |
 You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits. Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle. Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it. You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends. |
I got this from Barb at A Chelsea Morning and thought I'd join the fun. How about you?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
All the News from Lake Woebegone
Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been since I blogged last. And WOO HOO, I have 10 subscribers out there. DOUBLE DIGITS! SHWEET!
I'll have to type fast 'cause I'm on lunch. Great Thanksgiving - 4 1/2 days with my hubby! And kids! And the Greatest Dog in the World! The weather was perfect, though my dressing didn't taste quite right. Zach caught his first fish.
Sunday I got to go to the home church for a wonderful service with Kent Henry. Probably the MOST ADD worship leader ever. Still, an anointed man. Who called MY SON up to pray for him and to pass on that anointing to him. He even sat and listened to the songs my 14 yr. old has been writing. SO HONORED! Truly a day to remember. Didn't get to see Erica or the new baby - GRRRR! She was off at the IN-LAWS! You owe me, Chica!
Just for fun I decided to get a RAGING Sinus Infection! Maybe NOT such a good idea.
I have to say that "Good-byeing" doesn't get any easier with practice. One child decided to start a big fight just to ease the sadness. Not such a good idea either. Doug drove me back to Tulsa, and went for a possible interview. PPLBBLTTT! They offered him $8/hr. Right. My big ol' macho husband nearly cried on my shoulder last night. I'm pretty sure he did as he was driving back to Texas. When you're praying - include us. We're really tired of the separation. And the no money. And the sinus infection. WHINE!
One piece of good news. My cousin, who pastors a church about an hour from here, has asked me to do some counseling for his congregation, and so we're working on a day of the week that I can come out and fulfill part of God's calling on my life. I'm really excited about it and the opportunity to support his ministry.
I'd best go now. I have read each of your posts, I just haven't commented. I know, shame on me. I'll try to get that caught up tonite.
I'll have to type fast 'cause I'm on lunch. Great Thanksgiving - 4 1/2 days with my hubby! And kids! And the Greatest Dog in the World! The weather was perfect, though my dressing didn't taste quite right. Zach caught his first fish.
Sunday I got to go to the home church for a wonderful service with Kent Henry. Probably the MOST ADD worship leader ever. Still, an anointed man. Who called MY SON up to pray for him and to pass on that anointing to him. He even sat and listened to the songs my 14 yr. old has been writing. SO HONORED! Truly a day to remember. Didn't get to see Erica or the new baby - GRRRR! She was off at the IN-LAWS! You owe me, Chica!
Just for fun I decided to get a RAGING Sinus Infection! Maybe NOT such a good idea.
I have to say that "Good-byeing" doesn't get any easier with practice. One child decided to start a big fight just to ease the sadness. Not such a good idea either. Doug drove me back to Tulsa, and went for a possible interview. PPLBBLTTT! They offered him $8/hr. Right. My big ol' macho husband nearly cried on my shoulder last night. I'm pretty sure he did as he was driving back to Texas. When you're praying - include us. We're really tired of the separation. And the no money. And the sinus infection. WHINE!
One piece of good news. My cousin, who pastors a church about an hour from here, has asked me to do some counseling for his congregation, and so we're working on a day of the week that I can come out and fulfill part of God's calling on my life. I'm really excited about it and the opportunity to support his ministry.
I'd best go now. I have read each of your posts, I just haven't commented. I know, shame on me. I'll try to get that caught up tonite.
Friday, November 10, 2006
I Think I'll Try It
I got this from Barb - http://anewchelseamorning.blogspot.com and thought I'd jump right in. If you read further, you'll find that fits with my assessment.
| Your Five Factor Personality Profile |
 You have high extroversion.You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends.You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation.Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!" Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness.You're generally good at balancing work and play.When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done.But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness.You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly.Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone.You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism.You are very emotionally stable and mentally together.Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly.Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high.In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything. |
The'>http://www.blogthings.com/thefivefactorpersonalitytest/">The Five Factor Personality Test
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Enough's enough!
I have to say that independence is overrated. I always thought of myself as an independent person. Appears I was woefully mislead. Since moving to OK over two months ago, I am not more self-confident, nor am I more interesting. I am not more patient, nor am I more trusting of God. I'd say this little experiment is a resounding failure.
I do, however, appreciate my family, my dog, and my washer and dryer a great deal more. Also the simple act of touch. Nobody touches me out here on my own. Did you know your skin can ache from the absence of touch? As much as I may declare that I have personal space issues, this is not what I was looking for. I miss having someone to sit by in church, leading worship, or the opportunity to sing a "special" from time to time.
I need my family and I need God to open up a job for my husband. I don't like crying every day. It hurts and it messes up my sinuses something awful.
p.s. My daughter needs some readers for her blog if you don't mind stopping by http://dastardlystar.blogspot.com I know she'd appreciate a shout out.
I do, however, appreciate my family, my dog, and my washer and dryer a great deal more. Also the simple act of touch. Nobody touches me out here on my own. Did you know your skin can ache from the absence of touch? As much as I may declare that I have personal space issues, this is not what I was looking for. I miss having someone to sit by in church, leading worship, or the opportunity to sing a "special" from time to time.
I need my family and I need God to open up a job for my husband. I don't like crying every day. It hurts and it messes up my sinuses something awful.
p.s. My daughter needs some readers for her blog if you don't mind stopping by http://dastardlystar.blogspot.com I know she'd appreciate a shout out.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Works for me Wednesday
I know I should link or something for this WFMW, but I don't know how. If you can help, please email or comment with the info.
Meal Planning
I took the time about 5 years ago to plan out a menu. I enjoy cooking, but I hate to decide what's for dinner. I also like a lot of variety. I found, however, that I was making the same old thing and throwing away perfectly decent food gone bad then running to the store for two more ingredients. EVERY. DAY.
This involves some serious investment of time, but it will last forever. I am one of the pickiest eaters you will find, so I think if you put your mind to it, you'll do even better than me. The primary purpose of this is to plan meals, but it will help greatly with your shopping list and grocery budget.
I got out my recipes and cookbooks, and a spiral notebook and scissors. I made a list of all the entrees I like and will actually make. Then I made a list of all the vegetables/side dishes I like and will actually make (MUCH shorter list). I then cut out each item for moving around. I decided I would plan for 6 nights a week, to accomodate date night.
Here is where the work comes in. You'll have to set your priorities. I planned to have chicken at least twice a week, red sauce no more than once a week, pasta no more than twice a week, and no particular meat two days in a row. You may want to have vegetarian, or fish a certain number of times a week. Just won't fly at my house. I also planned for stew after roast, and dishes requiring boned chicken after preparing a roasted chicken or turkey. Once I got all those ducks in a row I had TWO WHOLE MONTHS of 6 nights/wk, no entree doubled! This was a joy, because having something once every two months is not too often. Plus, as I find new recipes I can either replace something I'm tired of, or add to the end and work up to THREE MONTHS!
Next I matched the veggies/side dishes, first of all the things that MUST go together like fried chicken and mashed potatoes. This involves more moving of pieces of paper, as I didn't want potatoes too often, or cheese every day. (o.k., I LIKE cheese everyday, but it doesn't like me!) I made sure I had a green veggie or salad every meal and increased our intake of these items DRASTICALLY.
Next, I make the shopping list, making sure that I check for EVERY ingredient in my recipes. I may buy meat on sale and freeze it, or canned goods on special, but no more buying fresh produce that isn't in the plan and then throwing away not-so-fresh produce that I neglected to cook. I really save SO MUCH MONEY this way. Now you may be thinking, "GEE, she's so ORGANIZED!" To which I reply, "BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" I just LOVE me a plan. I am NOT so organized, which is why this was so necessary. Organized people do this innately. I had to work on it. Now just sit back and let the plan work for you.
This plan shops every other week, so the flexibility lies in that you can eat any of the meals within that two weeks, because you already have all the ingredients for each meal. It can also get backed up because of unexpected events, so your plan will probably last longer than you originally think.
The very best, serendipitous (is that even a word?) part of this plan is what has happened with my kids. I have taught all three of them - ages then: boy 12, girls 15 and 18 - how to cook ALL of these entrees. "WHAT?!?" It's true! As I was finishing up my M.Ed., all my classes were at night and my husband was less than involved in food preparation. I offered to pay them $5 per meal (only one person per meal) to make dinner according to the plan. They had to defrost, if necessary, and begin preparation in time for dinner to be at a decent hour. This was much less expensive than them eating fast food and so much better for them. Our finances had been so low for so long that they had forgotten the meaning of the word allowance. I actually had them arguing over who got to cook, and I came home from class to a plate, left warming for me in the oven or microwave. What's not to love? They learned how to follow a recipe, planning ahead, and the mystery of getting all the parts of a dinner to come out at the same time. They tried more things because they cooked them. From time to time we go off the plan, but we always come back to it eagerly.
click to see here
This is a page of my plan (it's like the velveteen meal plan!). If you run into any problems, just ask me. I LOVE a plan!
Meal Planning
I took the time about 5 years ago to plan out a menu. I enjoy cooking, but I hate to decide what's for dinner. I also like a lot of variety. I found, however, that I was making the same old thing and throwing away perfectly decent food gone bad then running to the store for two more ingredients. EVERY. DAY.
This involves some serious investment of time, but it will last forever. I am one of the pickiest eaters you will find, so I think if you put your mind to it, you'll do even better than me. The primary purpose of this is to plan meals, but it will help greatly with your shopping list and grocery budget.
I got out my recipes and cookbooks, and a spiral notebook and scissors. I made a list of all the entrees I like and will actually make. Then I made a list of all the vegetables/side dishes I like and will actually make (MUCH shorter list). I then cut out each item for moving around. I decided I would plan for 6 nights a week, to accomodate date night.
Here is where the work comes in. You'll have to set your priorities. I planned to have chicken at least twice a week, red sauce no more than once a week, pasta no more than twice a week, and no particular meat two days in a row. You may want to have vegetarian, or fish a certain number of times a week. Just won't fly at my house. I also planned for stew after roast, and dishes requiring boned chicken after preparing a roasted chicken or turkey. Once I got all those ducks in a row I had TWO WHOLE MONTHS of 6 nights/wk, no entree doubled! This was a joy, because having something once every two months is not too often. Plus, as I find new recipes I can either replace something I'm tired of, or add to the end and work up to THREE MONTHS!
Next I matched the veggies/side dishes, first of all the things that MUST go together like fried chicken and mashed potatoes. This involves more moving of pieces of paper, as I didn't want potatoes too often, or cheese every day. (o.k., I LIKE cheese everyday, but it doesn't like me!) I made sure I had a green veggie or salad every meal and increased our intake of these items DRASTICALLY.
Next, I make the shopping list, making sure that I check for EVERY ingredient in my recipes. I may buy meat on sale and freeze it, or canned goods on special, but no more buying fresh produce that isn't in the plan and then throwing away not-so-fresh produce that I neglected to cook. I really save SO MUCH MONEY this way. Now you may be thinking, "GEE, she's so ORGANIZED!" To which I reply, "BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" I just LOVE me a plan. I am NOT so organized, which is why this was so necessary. Organized people do this innately. I had to work on it. Now just sit back and let the plan work for you.
This plan shops every other week, so the flexibility lies in that you can eat any of the meals within that two weeks, because you already have all the ingredients for each meal. It can also get backed up because of unexpected events, so your plan will probably last longer than you originally think.
The very best, serendipitous (is that even a word?) part of this plan is what has happened with my kids. I have taught all three of them - ages then: boy 12, girls 15 and 18 - how to cook ALL of these entrees. "WHAT?!?" It's true! As I was finishing up my M.Ed., all my classes were at night and my husband was less than involved in food preparation. I offered to pay them $5 per meal (only one person per meal) to make dinner according to the plan. They had to defrost, if necessary, and begin preparation in time for dinner to be at a decent hour. This was much less expensive than them eating fast food and so much better for them. Our finances had been so low for so long that they had forgotten the meaning of the word allowance. I actually had them arguing over who got to cook, and I came home from class to a plate, left warming for me in the oven or microwave. What's not to love? They learned how to follow a recipe, planning ahead, and the mystery of getting all the parts of a dinner to come out at the same time. They tried more things because they cooked them. From time to time we go off the plan, but we always come back to it eagerly.
click to see here
This is a page of my plan (it's like the velveteen meal plan!). If you run into any problems, just ask me. I LOVE a plan!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Sunday Seventeen?
Seventeen things you might not know about me
Ok, I know this was a Thursday Thirteen, but I couldn't blast my daughter's behind away from the computer before now. So here goes.
1. If I could have any gift/skill in the world...the ability to dance. I watch all dance movies - awful acting and all- and dream that I can actually put the lower half of my body into some kind of synchronization with the top half.
2. I actually took a hip hop dance class a couple of years ago. If you've ever seen me in person, please tone the guffaws down to a mild chortle. It was me and 3 girls from a high school drill team and a girl in junior high. Wow. With mirrors everywhere.
3. I think I'm thinner and more attractive than I really am. This is why photographs are so unwelcome and so shocking. Unfortunately, when I was MUCH thinner and more attractive, I didn't have a clue.
4. I was plagued by nightmares as a child and couldn't watch any t.v. show or movie that was even slightly scary. This includes "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" with Don Knotts. Ok, stop guffawing, I can hear you. When I got older I learned to change my dreams when they started to turn dark and now I almost never have any trouble at all. Even after watching really dark, psychological movies. I still don't do the whole Freddy Krueger, Halloween, SawIII thing, though.
5. As outgoing as I am - I can literally carry on a balanced, two-way conversation with virtually anyone - I often agonize over my own foolishness and/or foot-in-mouth disease on my way home.
6. I don't consider myself maternal in the slightest. I always wanted children, but the actual raising of them has been quite a challenge. It's not their fault, just how it is. I actually do better with teenagers, even in jr. high, than with toddlers through elementary. I know. Weird, huh?
7. I have an uncanny memory for faces, and I'm pretty good with names, too. If I tell you your face is familiar, I will eventually figure out where I met you before. In another state. 22 years ago.
8. I have a nearly all-consuming desire to be on stage. Except I don't do skits. They're not cool.
9. I have a minister's license and I am third generation in the ministry. I don't preach, but I do teach, counsel, sing, and write.
10. My most difficult birthday was my 30th, because I had not finished my degree and I was disappointed in myself. By 40 I had my B.A. and was working on my M.Ed. Much better.
11. I still feel that the bigness of my life is ahead of me. I hope I'm not wrong about this because I believe there is bigness in me. At this point there is definitely bigness to me.
12. I took an English horseback riding class in college and it was one of the most fun things I have ever done. One of these days I'm getting a horse and I don't care if it harelips the Devil! What exactly does that phrase mean?
13. I don't think I am creative. I'm really good at following a pattern, and that is not the same thing.
14. Did I mention that I'm weird. Oh, you already knew that. What I didn't realize growing up and trying desperately to hide my weirdness, was that it was like trying to hide a fart. Particularly if one is lactose intolerant. I have found, however, that weirdness seems to be "in" these days and I enjoy a certain degree of coolness to my own bewilderment.
15. I carry Play-Doh with me at all times, because when I get stressed out I like to smell it. Please refer to the above item.
16. When I was in college, different school, I slid down the bannister of the music bldg. in a dress. Unfortunately, the young man at the bottom neglected to catch me and I broke my foot.
17. I had a black belt in dating before I married 23 years ago. I did mention that I was much thinner and more attractive then, didn't I?
O.k. that's certainly more than anyone really needed to know. I'm going to bed now. Feel free to spread the love.
Ok, I know this was a Thursday Thirteen, but I couldn't blast my daughter's behind away from the computer before now. So here goes.
1. If I could have any gift/skill in the world...the ability to dance. I watch all dance movies - awful acting and all- and dream that I can actually put the lower half of my body into some kind of synchronization with the top half.
2. I actually took a hip hop dance class a couple of years ago. If you've ever seen me in person, please tone the guffaws down to a mild chortle. It was me and 3 girls from a high school drill team and a girl in junior high. Wow. With mirrors everywhere.
3. I think I'm thinner and more attractive than I really am. This is why photographs are so unwelcome and so shocking. Unfortunately, when I was MUCH thinner and more attractive, I didn't have a clue.
4. I was plagued by nightmares as a child and couldn't watch any t.v. show or movie that was even slightly scary. This includes "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" with Don Knotts. Ok, stop guffawing, I can hear you. When I got older I learned to change my dreams when they started to turn dark and now I almost never have any trouble at all. Even after watching really dark, psychological movies. I still don't do the whole Freddy Krueger, Halloween, SawIII thing, though.
5. As outgoing as I am - I can literally carry on a balanced, two-way conversation with virtually anyone - I often agonize over my own foolishness and/or foot-in-mouth disease on my way home.
6. I don't consider myself maternal in the slightest. I always wanted children, but the actual raising of them has been quite a challenge. It's not their fault, just how it is. I actually do better with teenagers, even in jr. high, than with toddlers through elementary. I know. Weird, huh?
7. I have an uncanny memory for faces, and I'm pretty good with names, too. If I tell you your face is familiar, I will eventually figure out where I met you before. In another state. 22 years ago.
8. I have a nearly all-consuming desire to be on stage. Except I don't do skits. They're not cool.
9. I have a minister's license and I am third generation in the ministry. I don't preach, but I do teach, counsel, sing, and write.
10. My most difficult birthday was my 30th, because I had not finished my degree and I was disappointed in myself. By 40 I had my B.A. and was working on my M.Ed. Much better.
11. I still feel that the bigness of my life is ahead of me. I hope I'm not wrong about this because I believe there is bigness in me. At this point there is definitely bigness to me.
12. I took an English horseback riding class in college and it was one of the most fun things I have ever done. One of these days I'm getting a horse and I don't care if it harelips the Devil! What exactly does that phrase mean?
13. I don't think I am creative. I'm really good at following a pattern, and that is not the same thing.
14. Did I mention that I'm weird. Oh, you already knew that. What I didn't realize growing up and trying desperately to hide my weirdness, was that it was like trying to hide a fart. Particularly if one is lactose intolerant. I have found, however, that weirdness seems to be "in" these days and I enjoy a certain degree of coolness to my own bewilderment.
15. I carry Play-Doh with me at all times, because when I get stressed out I like to smell it. Please refer to the above item.
16. When I was in college, different school, I slid down the bannister of the music bldg. in a dress. Unfortunately, the young man at the bottom neglected to catch me and I broke my foot.
17. I had a black belt in dating before I married 23 years ago. I did mention that I was much thinner and more attractive then, didn't I?
O.k. that's certainly more than anyone really needed to know. I'm going to bed now. Feel free to spread the love.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Sweet, sweet connection
I'm cookin' with gas, now!
Actually, I'm not cooking at all, my sweet daughter is. I'm merely sitting on the floor of my new apartment...BLOGGING! Yes friends, I finally have internet. No couch, no desk, no table, no box springs, no bedframe, no lamps. I do have a small t.v., a computer with INTERNET!, an air mattress for Andrea and a queen mattress for me. Oh, find of finds - we happened upon a not-so-gently used chair and coffee table at the DUMPSTER! Now we can have High Tea with the Queen! She gets the chair of course.
I spent my Saturday partaking of various forms of chocolate. Dicey business for a diabetic, but I persevered. Actually my boss' women's group put together a Chocolate Boutique women's day and she invited Andrea and me. It was a treat, not just because of the chocolate (MMMMM!), but because a day on the floor watching our 4 t.v. stations didn't hold much appeal. Now this wasn't just about eating, but also about how God's love is extravagant, and necessary, just like chocolate. You can get the details of how to do your own C.B. at www.group.com and enjoy!
I hardly know what to blog about since I've been so out of touch. I want you to know you may tag me for any meme you'd like and I'll be sure to respond. No word yet on a job for Doug.
I'm doing pretty well, considering... Considering my van started smoking last Wednesday and he had to make a mad dash up here to replace a hose that went to the coolant, pump, valve thingy. I know it may not seem cost effective to drive that round trip, but imagine the cost of limping one's van into an unknown repair shop and saying, "Um, I think it's broke. Can you fix it?"
I snickered feverishly at In the Midst of It's post today. Dangerous in an office setting. I'm sure you all did, too, because I think the only ones who read my blog are related to her. OOH! If you'll notice, I just created my very first link or two. You may gaze in wonder. You may also notice (please concur) that I've gotten my funny back on. Apparently it was attached to personal internet service. Who'da thunk it? It's a good thing, too, because all that whining was gettin' on my last nerve. I must say, however, that Monday is the saddest day of the week because my MomTime buddies are playing without me. You know who you are!
I'll sign off before this officially becomes the longest post evah. I'll be back. Soon.
Actually, I'm not cooking at all, my sweet daughter is. I'm merely sitting on the floor of my new apartment...BLOGGING! Yes friends, I finally have internet. No couch, no desk, no table, no box springs, no bedframe, no lamps. I do have a small t.v., a computer with INTERNET!, an air mattress for Andrea and a queen mattress for me. Oh, find of finds - we happened upon a not-so-gently used chair and coffee table at the DUMPSTER! Now we can have High Tea with the Queen! She gets the chair of course.
I spent my Saturday partaking of various forms of chocolate. Dicey business for a diabetic, but I persevered. Actually my boss' women's group put together a Chocolate Boutique women's day and she invited Andrea and me. It was a treat, not just because of the chocolate (MMMMM!), but because a day on the floor watching our 4 t.v. stations didn't hold much appeal. Now this wasn't just about eating, but also about how God's love is extravagant, and necessary, just like chocolate. You can get the details of how to do your own C.B. at www.group.com and enjoy!
I hardly know what to blog about since I've been so out of touch. I want you to know you may tag me for any meme you'd like and I'll be sure to respond. No word yet on a job for Doug.
I'm doing pretty well, considering... Considering my van started smoking last Wednesday and he had to make a mad dash up here to replace a hose that went to the coolant, pump, valve thingy. I know it may not seem cost effective to drive that round trip, but imagine the cost of limping one's van into an unknown repair shop and saying, "Um, I think it's broke. Can you fix it?"
I snickered feverishly at In the Midst of It's post today. Dangerous in an office setting. I'm sure you all did, too, because I think the only ones who read my blog are related to her. OOH! If you'll notice, I just created my very first link or two. You may gaze in wonder. You may also notice (please concur) that I've gotten my funny back on. Apparently it was attached to personal internet service. Who'da thunk it? It's a good thing, too, because all that whining was gettin' on my last nerve. I must say, however, that Monday is the saddest day of the week because my MomTime buddies are playing without me. You know who you are!
I'll sign off before this officially becomes the longest post evah. I'll be back. Soon.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
The rest of the story
O.k. well I'm at home for just a couple of days and I finally got through to blogger. I didn't even know it posted my last entry because it erased me twice. Come to find out it cut some off, so I'll finish that up.
The house we are looking to lease/purchase will not be available until the first of January. The couple that owns it is moving to Africa to train pastors and won't be leaving until then. So we need a place for 2-3 months until that works out.
The update is, I got a call yesterday afternoon from the owner of the house I'm in. She decided that she needed to work on the house without occupants. I have until next weekend to find a place. I spent most of the ride home trying not to throw up from the stress. Any ideas folks? You'd think I'd have my sea legs by now wouldn't you?
The rollercoaster this week also included this event. After I got my first paycheck and my husband paid bills, we had like $20 to make it the next two weeks. That meant I would not make it home for my son's 14th birthday. When he found this out he called me sobbing! Another weepy day at work. I was finally able to get some of the email addresses from the folks back home and shared just a bit of what was going on with one of my friends.
He called that evening and said that everyone deserves a good birthday, and he and his wife were paying for my gas to come home! So here I am, trying to figure out what to take back with me and where I'm going to put it anyway. Enjoying my family and praying like crazy.
I appreciate your comments and prayers. This adventure doesn't feel very fun yet.
The house we are looking to lease/purchase will not be available until the first of January. The couple that owns it is moving to Africa to train pastors and won't be leaving until then. So we need a place for 2-3 months until that works out.
The update is, I got a call yesterday afternoon from the owner of the house I'm in. She decided that she needed to work on the house without occupants. I have until next weekend to find a place. I spent most of the ride home trying not to throw up from the stress. Any ideas folks? You'd think I'd have my sea legs by now wouldn't you?
The rollercoaster this week also included this event. After I got my first paycheck and my husband paid bills, we had like $20 to make it the next two weeks. That meant I would not make it home for my son's 14th birthday. When he found this out he called me sobbing! Another weepy day at work. I was finally able to get some of the email addresses from the folks back home and shared just a bit of what was going on with one of my friends.
He called that evening and said that everyone deserves a good birthday, and he and his wife were paying for my gas to come home! So here I am, trying to figure out what to take back with me and where I'm going to put it anyway. Enjoying my family and praying like crazy.
I appreciate your comments and prayers. This adventure doesn't feel very fun yet.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Weeping may last for the night...but joy comes in the morning
I find myself at my desk weeping. My family has just left to go back home, and though I will be headed there in 4 days, I'm having a hard time. This is the difficult part of walking out God's provision. Doug felt like both interviews went well and we are praying that the job that is NOT 55 hrs/wk. is the one that will work out at a good pay and quick start date. (Cross your fingers and toes for relocation package!)
Let me tell you about the housing God has provided. I spent the first week with my MIL who lives 1/2 mile from my office. She has a 1 bedroom condo and I stayed on the couch. Thought I might stay there until my first paycheck arrived so I could get an apartment. When she found out that would be at the end of three weeks...well, let's just say she was unprepared.
So I called a couple of friends in town. The next day I moved to the pastor's home 25 miles away - they have a MIL's suite that had a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen/living room with its own entrance. She stocked the frig for me and made dinner in the evening! I can't tell you how much I appreciate this family. Talk about instant in season and out.
I was there for nearly two weeks until I moved to the vacant, but furnished home of a friend's daughter. It was also 25 miles away, but in the other direction. The joy of Tulsa is that at each place it only takes 30 minutes to go those 25 miles in rush hour! This home is awfully cute and is such a blessing. After the stress of the MIL's house, I certainly didn't want to overstay my welcome anywhere. There is room for my older daughter, who is here and looking for a job, and myself. God bless this family as well!
Oh, while at the pastor's home I learned of a house that he was buying that is about 5 miles from my job. He wanted to know if we would be interested in renting or lease/puchase -ing it from him! It is beautiful, much nicer than any home I have lived in since I married. It is also well within our price range. Three blessings for me!
Here's the hitch: The house in which I am currently staying is on the market and is getting a lot of realtor attention. Even if it sold right awa
Let me tell you about the housing God has provided. I spent the first week with my MIL who lives 1/2 mile from my office. She has a 1 bedroom condo and I stayed on the couch. Thought I might stay there until my first paycheck arrived so I could get an apartment. When she found out that would be at the end of three weeks...well, let's just say she was unprepared.
So I called a couple of friends in town. The next day I moved to the pastor's home 25 miles away - they have a MIL's suite that had a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen/living room with its own entrance. She stocked the frig for me and made dinner in the evening! I can't tell you how much I appreciate this family. Talk about instant in season and out.
I was there for nearly two weeks until I moved to the vacant, but furnished home of a friend's daughter. It was also 25 miles away, but in the other direction. The joy of Tulsa is that at each place it only takes 30 minutes to go those 25 miles in rush hour! This home is awfully cute and is such a blessing. After the stress of the MIL's house, I certainly didn't want to overstay my welcome anywhere. There is room for my older daughter, who is here and looking for a job, and myself. God bless this family as well!
Oh, while at the pastor's home I learned of a house that he was buying that is about 5 miles from my job. He wanted to know if we would be interested in renting or lease/puchase -ing it from him! It is beautiful, much nicer than any home I have lived in since I married. It is also well within our price range. Three blessings for me!
Here's the hitch: The house in which I am currently staying is on the market and is getting a lot of realtor attention. Even if it sold right awa
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Long Time No Blog
Let the praises ring out - I'm Bloggin' Again!
I can't catch everything up today, but I'm gonna start sumpin'. I only have 30 minutes for lunch and I don't have a computer at home, yet.
It's kinda cold and rainy here in the CityPlex Towers (aka The City of Faith) in beautiful South Tulsa. I have been on the job almost 3 weeks, and didn't have a computer at all for the first 2 1/2! Then I had to catch up on everyone's posts since I had been away before I could even think of posting. It was so good to read y'all! I've missed you more than you know.
Speaking of missing, I haven't seen my family since I left and that's mighty hard. They are coming up this weekend because...drumroll please...Doug has 2, yes 2, interviews! And they are bringing the greatest dog in the world with them! My cup runneth over!
About the job - I am a writer in the Editorial Department of Oral Roberts Ministries. I get to read testimonies of God's faithfulness all day. And of course edit them. That's what they pay me for. I have my own office, which is very exciting for me. Payday is tomorrow which is even more exciting because we've all been livin' on fumes since I left. You'd think I'd be thinner by now.
I'll try to blog again tomorrow and let y'all know how the housing situation has progressed. I still can't get my email from home so I'm depending, nay waiting with bated breath, on your posts and comments.
It's good to be back!
I can't catch everything up today, but I'm gonna start sumpin'. I only have 30 minutes for lunch and I don't have a computer at home, yet.
It's kinda cold and rainy here in the CityPlex Towers (aka The City of Faith) in beautiful South Tulsa. I have been on the job almost 3 weeks, and didn't have a computer at all for the first 2 1/2! Then I had to catch up on everyone's posts since I had been away before I could even think of posting. It was so good to read y'all! I've missed you more than you know.
Speaking of missing, I haven't seen my family since I left and that's mighty hard. They are coming up this weekend because...drumroll please...Doug has 2, yes 2, interviews! And they are bringing the greatest dog in the world with them! My cup runneth over!
About the job - I am a writer in the Editorial Department of Oral Roberts Ministries. I get to read testimonies of God's faithfulness all day. And of course edit them. That's what they pay me for. I have my own office, which is very exciting for me. Payday is tomorrow which is even more exciting because we've all been livin' on fumes since I left. You'd think I'd be thinner by now.
I'll try to blog again tomorrow and let y'all know how the housing situation has progressed. I still can't get my email from home so I'm depending, nay waiting with bated breath, on your posts and comments.
It's good to be back!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?
It's 1:31 am on the day that I am leaving and I'm up finishing the laundry so I can take clean clothes to my MIL's house. Feelin' kinda ponderful (yes, that's what I meant to type) so I thought I'd share.
I've had only a few big moves in my life. My first memory is moving to my big house the week before my 3rd birthday. Big excitement and I must have talked a blue streak that day. A couple of house changes within the same town before the next big move - to the dorm at ORU. It was all excitement because I was about to take the world by storm. Only a little sadness to leave friends because I knew I'd be back to visit. Often. The song that I felt was written for me was "I'm Gonna Fly" by Amy Grant. College would be the place where people would finally "get" me. And they did. I felt such a freedom there to be all of me, not just the parts that were acceptible to the particular group or guy I was with. It was o.k. to be smart and I could show that and still date - my favorite pasttime.
The next move was when I got married a couple of years later (comin' up on 23 next month!). Yet again, a happy adventure. My quest for "the man" was over and I could commence with the rest of my goals. I had made friends in Tulsa, home of my first married apartment, and wasn't concerned about leaving home at all. What could go wrong? I had full confidence in the future.
About a year and a half later, we headed back to Texas and it didn't seem like such a big move because I was coming home. We had some adjustment issues like any young couple, but life was still good. I was still ready to conquer the world. During the next 6 mos. during which I had my first child, my husband's fledging faith in the Lord began to unravel. I was too naive to know what was going on and tied up with new baby and postpartum.
The bad move. Work took us off to Oregon for a "temporary" contract job. I. DID. NOT. WANT. TO. GO. At this point I knew things were not all right and the sense of foreboding was tangible. I couldn't get anyone to listen to me. I was trapped. We put our stuff in storage and I packed up my baby and my postpartum and went to the land of no sun, with no transportation of my own. Because this was just "temporary" - 6 weeks at the most - it wasn't necessary to make new friends or a find a church that I would only have to say good-bye to right away. Only, if you'll remember, my motto is everything is better with a buddy or cheese. I don't operate this way. So began the downward spiral of this little family of three into the pits of long term depression. Six weeks turned into, by excruciating slowness of multiple delays, 11 MONTHS! So much damage was done to us, by us, and through us, that it has taken YEARS to recover what was lost in Banana Slugland. We returned to Texas beaten, damaged, wounded. Lost was the innocence of youth and the unquestioning belief that God would lay the path out before us, smooth and clear. We were forever changed by that move and my personal jury is still out on whether the good things that happened through that time (and it took me a long time to even see any good) outweigh the damage.
We have changed homes a few times since then, but have stayed in the same area for the last 19 years. We've done a lot of healing and I can truly say that God is my Redeemer. However, I find myself on the brink of this move - knowing it is what I want and what God wants for me - apprehensive, fearful, confused. Afraid that there lurks in the shadows a Devourer like before. I want to have that 100% confidence that all will be smooth sailing, but I'm not 23 years old and unscarred anymore. My wounds have healed, but the scars remain. There is an aching in times of stress like the aching in my foot (that I broke in college) when it's going to rain. I am excited and sad. Wishing I could just be excited. This total dependence on God messes with my need to control my life. To say that I will never be without an escape again. Having to trust Him when I would rather trust me.
Ultimately I believe this move is about my Redeemer. I believe He wants to redeem my trust in Him and He can only do that through this step of faith that I am taking. I feel like Indiana Jones in the movie where he must step out onto nothingness to save his dad. I am leaving friends and church behind and stepping out into an entirely new season of my life. No net. It's up to the Lord to catch me. I know He is my Redeemer; I'm just a little frightened.
I've had only a few big moves in my life. My first memory is moving to my big house the week before my 3rd birthday. Big excitement and I must have talked a blue streak that day. A couple of house changes within the same town before the next big move - to the dorm at ORU. It was all excitement because I was about to take the world by storm. Only a little sadness to leave friends because I knew I'd be back to visit. Often. The song that I felt was written for me was "I'm Gonna Fly" by Amy Grant. College would be the place where people would finally "get" me. And they did. I felt such a freedom there to be all of me, not just the parts that were acceptible to the particular group or guy I was with. It was o.k. to be smart and I could show that and still date - my favorite pasttime.
The next move was when I got married a couple of years later (comin' up on 23 next month!). Yet again, a happy adventure. My quest for "the man" was over and I could commence with the rest of my goals. I had made friends in Tulsa, home of my first married apartment, and wasn't concerned about leaving home at all. What could go wrong? I had full confidence in the future.
About a year and a half later, we headed back to Texas and it didn't seem like such a big move because I was coming home. We had some adjustment issues like any young couple, but life was still good. I was still ready to conquer the world. During the next 6 mos. during which I had my first child, my husband's fledging faith in the Lord began to unravel. I was too naive to know what was going on and tied up with new baby and postpartum.
The bad move. Work took us off to Oregon for a "temporary" contract job. I. DID. NOT. WANT. TO. GO. At this point I knew things were not all right and the sense of foreboding was tangible. I couldn't get anyone to listen to me. I was trapped. We put our stuff in storage and I packed up my baby and my postpartum and went to the land of no sun, with no transportation of my own. Because this was just "temporary" - 6 weeks at the most - it wasn't necessary to make new friends or a find a church that I would only have to say good-bye to right away. Only, if you'll remember, my motto is everything is better with a buddy or cheese. I don't operate this way. So began the downward spiral of this little family of three into the pits of long term depression. Six weeks turned into, by excruciating slowness of multiple delays, 11 MONTHS! So much damage was done to us, by us, and through us, that it has taken YEARS to recover what was lost in Banana Slugland. We returned to Texas beaten, damaged, wounded. Lost was the innocence of youth and the unquestioning belief that God would lay the path out before us, smooth and clear. We were forever changed by that move and my personal jury is still out on whether the good things that happened through that time (and it took me a long time to even see any good) outweigh the damage.
We have changed homes a few times since then, but have stayed in the same area for the last 19 years. We've done a lot of healing and I can truly say that God is my Redeemer. However, I find myself on the brink of this move - knowing it is what I want and what God wants for me - apprehensive, fearful, confused. Afraid that there lurks in the shadows a Devourer like before. I want to have that 100% confidence that all will be smooth sailing, but I'm not 23 years old and unscarred anymore. My wounds have healed, but the scars remain. There is an aching in times of stress like the aching in my foot (that I broke in college) when it's going to rain. I am excited and sad. Wishing I could just be excited. This total dependence on God messes with my need to control my life. To say that I will never be without an escape again. Having to trust Him when I would rather trust me.
Ultimately I believe this move is about my Redeemer. I believe He wants to redeem my trust in Him and He can only do that through this step of faith that I am taking. I feel like Indiana Jones in the movie where he must step out onto nothingness to save his dad. I am leaving friends and church behind and stepping out into an entirely new season of my life. No net. It's up to the Lord to catch me. I know He is my Redeemer; I'm just a little frightened.
Friday, September 01, 2006
And they're off!
Well, technically it's just me, and I'm actually leaving Sunday, but I don't know if I will get a chance to blog between now and then.
I have just a wee bit of anxiety about this move. I know it is exactly what God has planned, but that doesn't mean it will be easy. I have only lived outside of Dallas/Ft. Worth 3 years of my 43. I've been attending the same church for 21 years with my brother as pastor. I haven't worked full time, except for a couple of temp jobs, in 21 years either. So I have alot of adjusting to do. Not to mention starting off without the DH and DKs, and the best dog in the universe.
My DH has agreed to let me take the van (unairconditioned) so that I will not be completely at the mercy of my MIL. Please pray for rain all the way from DFW to Tulsa on Sunday so that I will survive the trip! I will be spending the first week with my MIL so that might take some prayer as well. After that, I may be getting the first apartment by myself of my entire life. I might finally be a real grownup, or GRUP as we say around here.
I think it will be fun after 2 years of living with 5 other people, packed to the rafters. However, since my motto is "Everything's better with a buddy, or cheese, or both" I'm not sure how I'll function on my own. Oh, did I mention - I won't have a computer, except at work! Guess where I'll be spending my lunch! So, I'll do a little freelance writing and a lot of reading.
We're still believing for financial provision, as we have about $40 to get us to next Friday - not this Friday - all of us. I know God will provide, it's His penchant for waiting till the last minute that is so unsettling. I choose to believe in Him and I will make myself rest in that belief. Help my unbelief!
I have a small shindig/big weepfest scheduled for tomorrow evening with a few friends. I have managed to keep the tears to a minimum, but there's no way I can hold out there. Sunday morning I will say good-bye to a few more, though I will be traveling back about every two weeks until DH finds a job and we sell the house. Then it's off to Tulsa. Thank Heavens for email and cell phones.
Wish me well sweet bloggy friends.
I have just a wee bit of anxiety about this move. I know it is exactly what God has planned, but that doesn't mean it will be easy. I have only lived outside of Dallas/Ft. Worth 3 years of my 43. I've been attending the same church for 21 years with my brother as pastor. I haven't worked full time, except for a couple of temp jobs, in 21 years either. So I have alot of adjusting to do. Not to mention starting off without the DH and DKs, and the best dog in the universe.
My DH has agreed to let me take the van (unairconditioned) so that I will not be completely at the mercy of my MIL. Please pray for rain all the way from DFW to Tulsa on Sunday so that I will survive the trip! I will be spending the first week with my MIL so that might take some prayer as well. After that, I may be getting the first apartment by myself of my entire life. I might finally be a real grownup, or GRUP as we say around here.
I think it will be fun after 2 years of living with 5 other people, packed to the rafters. However, since my motto is "Everything's better with a buddy, or cheese, or both" I'm not sure how I'll function on my own. Oh, did I mention - I won't have a computer, except at work! Guess where I'll be spending my lunch! So, I'll do a little freelance writing and a lot of reading.
We're still believing for financial provision, as we have about $40 to get us to next Friday - not this Friday - all of us. I know God will provide, it's His penchant for waiting till the last minute that is so unsettling. I choose to believe in Him and I will make myself rest in that belief. Help my unbelief!
I have a small shindig/big weepfest scheduled for tomorrow evening with a few friends. I have managed to keep the tears to a minimum, but there's no way I can hold out there. Sunday morning I will say good-bye to a few more, though I will be traveling back about every two weeks until DH finds a job and we sell the house. Then it's off to Tulsa. Thank Heavens for email and cell phones.
Wish me well sweet bloggy friends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)