Just a few things on my mind recently that seem like they should be shared. That is, I'm never grateful enough, and even when I am I rarely express it. I'm not sure why I never think to post things on Facebook right away, but then it seems silly to post about something the day after it happened. I should also tell people I'm grateful more often (I work every year on Thank You cards after Christmas, and yet I never finish them. I finished about half of them this year.)
So, since these things have been building up in my mind, I figured why not post them here, where it's less silly that the thanks are slightly stale (especially because next to nobody reads my blog). I've posted things I'm thankful for once in the past, and that list was quite enjoyable to come up with. I doubt I will ever write such a long list, but maybe if I practice being thankful.... I like Kari Patterson's sweet Week's End with Thanks posts (example). But, here's my list for this (month?), that I should be/ am thankful for. Or, praising God for.
1. I am so tired of my car. Okay, that doesn't start out right, and from the context you'll see in a moment, I actually am not trying to make a pun either. To be technical, it's not my car, it's my parent's car which they have let me use without payment to them. For this I am incredibly grateful (not that you would ever know it because I might complain about the car a lot.) However, the poor thing is getting older and having problems with more things (oil, transmission fluid, coolant all leak, I'm not fond of the gas mileage, seat belt doesn't latch in its own slot, and so on.) Thankfully, it runs.
Last month it was not running well. The car was beginning to shake. As per my usual, I avoided doing anything about it because I didn't know exactly what to do. Was the engine about to blow up on me? Not that I could tell by looking (and no, I really couldn't tell anything by looking.) Was it the tires? At quick glance, not that I could see. So it was getting worse.
I am quite grateful, then, to the gentleman who pulled up beside me as I parked at work one day who told me that my tires were shaking. This certainly wasn't something I wanted to hear! However, it narrowed down the problem. I think the guy actually followed me just to tell me because it seems like he left right away, he might not have been going shopping.
I called my dad after I got home and he looked at my tires the next day. Sure enough, much more obvious to his eyes than mine, the belt had slipped on my front passenger tire and there were wires sticking out (it's possible the wires were hidden or not sticking out when I looked, because I'm sure I would have seen them at least). I am probably most grateful to my Dad for then calling around to find places that had used tires. (Because I really don't want to buy more new tires for a car I want to get rid of. I don't have $120 dollars, and since the other front tire is getting worn too, $240.)
I was off the next day, so Dad met me at the tire shop and checked out the used tires they had at the moment. There was only one decent one, unfortunately, so my other front tire has to wait a little longer. (It's getting cracks along the side, should really remember to drive carefully.) But, yay! One less problem to worry about. And driving the car home felt so strange, I'd forgotten what it was like to drive without the steering wheel shaking.
Well, that could have been it's own post, couldn't it? And if I'd written it when it happened, almost a month ago, it could have been. But, today it isn't.
2. My sister came and visited me during spring break. Gem is working as a teachers assistant, so she had time off that week, and we haven't really visited since before she got married (in September). She moved about 45 minutes away. (Not terrible, but there is nothing besides her out that direction to see.) It's okay, we at least see her a couple more times a year than holidays. They visit our church (her home church) occasionally, or come for special events when they can. Sadly, they come for dinner with the parents sometimes when I'm working. (Edit- She was even randomly at the parents house when I went there for dinner before Awana.) Anyhow, Gem and I end up fighting if we spend too much time together, so it's not huge that we don't hang out a lot. We text occasionally.
But, it was great to sit and visit with her about things. I admit, we did probably talk about the baby quite a bit. (She's pregnant, due September. I'm gonna be an aunt, yay!) And decorating/ organizing things. She borrowed a couple movies since they don't have tv and don't really have internet so they can't watch tv online like I do. She was disappointed that I hadn't made her peanut butter cookies like she'd been hinting earlier in the week. Problem is, none of us are really sure what recipe I used to use, so they can't copy my skill (and neither can I.)
Wow, I really didn't think I was going to elaborate on all of these quite this much. I must be in some sort of chatty mood today?
3. Movie night with my cousin and his girlfriend, who I quite like. Watched a couple movies and they made a yummy dinner (chicken, salad, greek frozen yogurt for dessert). Saw where my cousin lives for the first time; though he intends to move to Portland soon.
Even the night was good because on my way there I stopped at Goodwill to look, well, I can't remember what exactly I was looking for, but I found a couple things that were pretty well perfect. You'll see them in a couple posts "coming soon".
4. That my organizing as of recent has been quite helpful! It is really great when more items have a spot, it's a lot easier to put things away that way, you know? Yes, maybe the room staying cleaner has been influenced by me working on a not very messy project (finally really working on transferring my money information from the old computer to the new one... which is over two years old now?), but I had a day off last week where I realized I didn't need to clean anything. That was quite nice.
5. My roommate invited me to have dinner with her one night. Meatballs, noodles and asparagus. Quite good. And, for a strange turn of things, we both sat at the table for dinner and talked about a couple things. (Including how we're both content living here and uncontent at the same time.)
6. A friend on Facebook, after realizing per my organizing photographs that if I have lots of art supplies I probably have some art to go with it, requested that I show said art. So, for her, I took lots of photos and posted them on Facebook. It was nice to show people a bit of proof that I do have some artistic talent... I'm just lacking creative inspiration. Okay, so most of my artwork is old, so maybe I don't have any talent anymore, and you random people here shan't get to see more of it right now (except the snowflake/flower thing that currently sits at the top of this blog, if it's still here when you read this.)
7. I finished taxes and get money back from both federal and state, yay!
8. Most recent, had a wonderful Resurrection Sunday. (Well, would have been wonderful if I didn't have to go to work before dessert.) Our choir did a great job, one of their best ever. (My parents are both in there. I don't sing in choir, partly 'cause I don't sing wonderfully, although my Aunt who sat next to me and doesn't regularly attend church so she doesn't know the songs said I sang well, so that was nice. Anyway, but mostly because I have to work when choir practices.)
The day was gorgeous! (Back to rainy days again now.)
Dinner was at my parents house with lots of delicious food. I brought rolls and a dessert (Mom said it was good, hopefully other people agreed. They saved some dessert for me, hopefully I remember to get it tonight!). I made the dessert up again. Of all foods, I like experimenting with pies the best. This was raspberry something. A bit cheesecake, a bit chiffon (jello and whipped cream). And I prefer making the graham cracker crust myself.
And, I should not forget to make known that I am grateful beyond words for what my Lord has done for me!
Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
34. Job 1:12
Job 1:12
And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not lay a hand on his person."
God let Satan control Job's wealth and family. He let Satan destroy all Job loved. It seems incomprehensible that God could allow, much less permit such slaughter to any person. After all isn't He a loving God? Obviously this is one of those things not quite in our reach of mind. It does in a way, however, give quite a bit of comfort to mind, that Satan can only take what he is allowed "only do not lay a hand of his person." Job was protected against the worst, at least for now.
Lord, thank you for the protection we have in You against the evil one. Help me to stand up for You and the things You stand for because, unlike Job, temptation to wander and wonder often begins to get a hold on me. Let me always stick with the fact of Your love.
And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not lay a hand on his person."
God let Satan control Job's wealth and family. He let Satan destroy all Job loved. It seems incomprehensible that God could allow, much less permit such slaughter to any person. After all isn't He a loving God? Obviously this is one of those things not quite in our reach of mind. It does in a way, however, give quite a bit of comfort to mind, that Satan can only take what he is allowed "only do not lay a hand of his person." Job was protected against the worst, at least for now.
Lord, thank you for the protection we have in You against the evil one. Help me to stand up for You and the things You stand for because, unlike Job, temptation to wander and wonder often begins to get a hold on me. Let me always stick with the fact of Your love.
<-- Job 1:10-11 Job 1:13-15 -->
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
33. Organization- Dresser
So, I'm in an organizing kick. Partly because I ended up reading a couple organizing blogs. I can't remember why. Possibly Pinterest. Or Flylady. Anyway... It really start around Christmas, which those friends of mine on Facebook may remember my pictures of my mess, which I then proceeded to organize as I put things away. (No pictures of things put away, just of the cleaned living room/ kitchen.) Well, if you look at the picture below you can possibly see that I moved the wrapping paper in a bag for it below the lamp in the empty corner between the dresser and a bookshelf.
This is the top of my dresser. Or, that is, was. I had already changed it, but I changed it back just so there could be a before picture of at least one thing.
I'm afraid I haven't fixed the whole thing, just the right side. So, here, have a closeup of what I worked on yesterday.
I know on Facebook I talked about rearranging bookshelves, but I started here.
I actually moved the blue bin to the side a week or two ago. It held address books/ church picture directories, a couple clipboards and and drawing pads. This was better than before I put it up there, where it held old calenders, gift bags, coloring books and other miscellaneous stuff, but you'll have to check back another time to see what I did with it. The candle is a bit out of season, so it was due to be moved anyway. The blue bin at the bottom of the pile holds scrap-booking paper. I don't ever scrapbook (my pictures are all at my parent's house still), but occasionally I use the paper for crafts. I bought some pretty paper back in December that I hadn't put in there because it's such a pain to get in to. So- Goal 1: Change so I can get to scrap-booking paper
The two sideways bins are okay, well, they look kind of messy, but I didn't specifically set out to fix what was in them. One of them holds old church newsletters and the other scraps of drawings. Well, the drawings aren't in there anymore (not that you can tell by the picture), but I'll get to that in a bit. The top bucket holds painting supplies. It's obviously messy looking. I didn't really have a goal there either. On to what I did....
I was thinking about buying drawers that would fit the newsletters and then something else on top, but didn't happen across any in my short look that were the right size (and I didn't really want to spend money), then I happened to remember I had drawers under my bed. One of them was almost empty, it just had some drawings in it and a light box. The other had painting supplies from art class long ago. Perfect! I put the drawing pads in with the light box and added a few more stray craft supplies to the bottom drawer. The scrapbook paper bin went alongside with a few larger canvas.
If you look back at the picture of the whole dresser you'll see the photo laying down on top of the CD player. It's a picture of Mom's side of the family a couple Easter's ago.
The box with books to the side- what replaced the blue bin when I moved it a couple weeks ago. I am gradually getting rid of books, and one of the places to start is giving Mom back books which are technically hers. However, I hate to get rid of books without reading/ rereading them, so as I read them I'm moving them into this box.
So, this is the bottom of my huge bookcase. (It also wasn't part of the bookshelves I talked about rearranging.) If you couldn't tell, it's got some of my bigger drawing paper pads. The pink and blue thing Mom made for me to keep my artwork from school. The case to the side is my computer case, a nice easy to get to spot. I don't have a before pic of this, at various times it's had my sewing machine and typewriter in front of all this stuff, but the before pic would have had puzzles that fell out of the box to the left (stuff to get rid of) when it was in front of the shelf. The blue box I bought for something else that didn't fit like I was hoping, so in the midst of making decisions about what to do with the top of the dresser I happened upon the great idea of putting all the drawings and art work that were in one of the bins from earlier in it. Much easier to drop something in as I'm sorting papers, and at some point I'll organize what's in it better. Hooray! Another perfect thing stumbled across.
And we can always hope that now that more of my art stuff is accessible, I'll use it more...
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
32. 2011
Well, I guess we've verified that I'm no good at blogging... and things have actually happened this fall that I could have blogged about. Like the college group's camping trip that I just barely got to go on. Or that my sister got married (Congratulations!!). Let's see... what else... Dad got laid off, my brother finished college and is looking for a job, my Mom is working with a new teacher. Awana and Bible study (this year we're studying Acts) have started up again. And I'm now addicted to Korean dramas. And maybe I'll practice being a blogger and tell you all about these things... we'll see.
But, all in all, I am still pretty much boring.
However, Nanowrimo has started again! Apparently I never did come back and tell you that I actually won last year! That makes this year a little more exciting, if I won once I can do it again, right? I am less certain about the story I ended up choosing this year. It stalled in the past (yes, I do usually end up writing a story I started long ago, however I rarely have more than five pages written) because I couldn't figure out why the main character left... and therefore, more important to the story, why he goes back.So, there you go... I am still alive after all.
Friday, November 19, 2010
31. Nano '10
I am very happy that this year I have managed to pretty much double 2008's word count, and it won't be long before I double 2009 and 2007's wordcounts. I don't know if I can pass 50000 before the end of the month, but it is currently within the realm of possibility. Of course, as with many wrimos, that doesn't mean my story will be worth reading when I finish, but that I actually "finish" a story, well, that would be amazing. I am currently just over 21000, so if I want to finish I had better get back to work.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
30. Job 1:10-11
Job 1:10-11
"Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!"
God had a special protection over Job. "You have made a hedge around him, protected him, his household, and all that he has on every side." God was taking care of Job, He'll take care of those who put their trust in Him and leave their worries and problems with Him. Satan can't get past God's hedges, so, Job truly had no reason to fear anything not in God's will. God blessed Job; he had what he needed, plus.
Satan wants to destroy the (seemingly) fragile connection between God and man. He doesn't seem to realize that God is in control and will only test those ready for or in need of testing.
Lord, if ever I have a test such as Job hand, I pray that I will have enough strength not to curse You, but to stand up for You. No man has seen God's face, so there is no way Job could curse You to Your face. There however is also no way he could curse You without You knowing, for God, You know all. But more than just knowing all, You have all wisdom! Thank You God for Your wise direction in all things.
"Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!"
God had a special protection over Job. "You have made a hedge around him, protected him, his household, and all that he has on every side." God was taking care of Job, He'll take care of those who put their trust in Him and leave their worries and problems with Him. Satan can't get past God's hedges, so, Job truly had no reason to fear anything not in God's will. God blessed Job; he had what he needed, plus.
Satan wants to destroy the (seemingly) fragile connection between God and man. He doesn't seem to realize that God is in control and will only test those ready for or in need of testing.
Lord, if ever I have a test such as Job hand, I pray that I will have enough strength not to curse You, but to stand up for You. No man has seen God's face, so there is no way Job could curse You to Your face. There however is also no way he could curse You without You knowing, for God, You know all. But more than just knowing all, You have all wisdom! Thank You God for Your wise direction in all things.
Monday, October 19, 2009
29. Job 1:9
It crossed my mind that I hadn't posted for Job in a while. I thought I might have stopped because I lost my notebook, but I was sure I'd seen it recently. Sure enough, it wasn't where it belonged but it was in some recent paperwork I'd gone through. Here we go again...
Job 1:9
So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?"
Satan says, there has got to be a reason why Job is so great. It's because You (God) have been very generous with him. (See verse 10) If you gave any person so much they would fear you. That isn't neccessarily true... there are many who are without that fear the Lord, and many that posses who do not. In fact, I would say the more someone gives me the less I fear them. (Unless it's like the mafia, the more they give you the more people they expect you to kill for them?)
Did Job fear the Lord for nothing? Is Satan instead suggesting that Job shouldn't have feared the Lord because there was nothing to fear if God was taking care of him, so God should give him a reason to fear? Fear of the Lord is mentioned as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge a couple times in Scripture. So, perhaps what God gave Job that made him fear God was not great possessions, but wisdom.
Lord, why do I fear you? Or maybe, do I fear you? I know that you are greater than just a giver of good things. Please give me the wisdom to fear You.
Job 1:9
So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?"
Satan says, there has got to be a reason why Job is so great. It's because You (God) have been very generous with him. (See verse 10) If you gave any person so much they would fear you. That isn't neccessarily true... there are many who are without that fear the Lord, and many that posses who do not. In fact, I would say the more someone gives me the less I fear them. (Unless it's like the mafia, the more they give you the more people they expect you to kill for them?)
Did Job fear the Lord for nothing? Is Satan instead suggesting that Job shouldn't have feared the Lord because there was nothing to fear if God was taking care of him, so God should give him a reason to fear? Fear of the Lord is mentioned as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge a couple times in Scripture. So, perhaps what God gave Job that made him fear God was not great possessions, but wisdom.
Lord, why do I fear you? Or maybe, do I fear you? I know that you are greater than just a giver of good things. Please give me the wisdom to fear You.
<-- Job 1:8 Job 1:10-11 -->
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
28. So...
I can't believe I haven't posted in almost a year. I don't really have time to post at the moment, just here to check on some information in a post I never got around to finishing, and thought I'd let you (if there is any you out there) know I am still alive!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
27. Nanowrimo 2008
So, I only got to 10687 words, which is of course even worse than last year... ah well. I still haven't figured out what happens in the last half of this story.
I titled the story Quiet the Voices. Here's a summary (although what I've written for the story doesn't quite match what I wrote for the summary, it gives you an idea of where the story was going.)
--- Almichaeli's college professor and mentor has come to him with a problem. In his research to destroy the segregation between those with 'voices' and those without, he has removed the 'voices' from his own mind. Mike attempts to keep Bob from slipping into the typical (non-voice) depression and drugs while he and Tasha attempt to continue Bob's research, despite being watched by the government.
And here are two of my better scenes (one is currently at the beginning, the other about halfway through.):
It was cold that night, Tasha had walked the four blocks to work like normal and now she was wishing she had not. Home might be close, just around the corner, but her thin brown jacket did not keep the wind from getting under her skin.
"Hey, Tasha!"
She stopped, startled, and turned to face the voice. Her neighbor, Sid, sat in his fancy black car with his fancy black suit and pulled his fancy black briefcase off of the seat beside him.
"Here, let me give you a ride. You look like you are about to be blown back to where you started."
"Thanks!" She shivered.Her reliable white nurse shoes crunched over the leaves as she stepped off the curb and walked around.
"I cannot believe how fast fall is flying by. This jacket is not near heavy enough."
"Do you really think it is safe to be walking this late at night?"
"Well…"
"I mean, I assume you may have chosen this neighborhood, like I did, for it is safety record, however, a young woman such as yourself really should not walk alone after dark. That is my view in any case." He smiled kindly, indicating he was not considering her dumb for doing what he would not advise. His shiny white teeth annoyed her however. Sid was just too polished.
"I agree really. One day you have plenty of time to get home before it is too dark and the next it was too dark hours ago. I need to start driving. It is such a waste of gas for such a short distance."
I titled the story Quiet the Voices. Here's a summary (although what I've written for the story doesn't quite match what I wrote for the summary, it gives you an idea of where the story was going.)
--- Almichaeli's college professor and mentor has come to him with a problem. In his research to destroy the segregation between those with 'voices' and those without, he has removed the 'voices' from his own mind. Mike attempts to keep Bob from slipping into the typical (non-voice) depression and drugs while he and Tasha attempt to continue Bob's research, despite being watched by the government.
And here are two of my better scenes (one is currently at the beginning, the other about halfway through.):
It was cold that night, Tasha had walked the four blocks to work like normal and now she was wishing she had not. Home might be close, just around the corner, but her thin brown jacket did not keep the wind from getting under her skin.
"Hey, Tasha!"
She stopped, startled, and turned to face the voice. Her neighbor, Sid, sat in his fancy black car with his fancy black suit and pulled his fancy black briefcase off of the seat beside him.
"Here, let me give you a ride. You look like you are about to be blown back to where you started."
"Thanks!" She shivered.Her reliable white nurse shoes crunched over the leaves as she stepped off the curb and walked around.
"I cannot believe how fast fall is flying by. This jacket is not near heavy enough."
"Do you really think it is safe to be walking this late at night?"
"Well…"
"I mean, I assume you may have chosen this neighborhood, like I did, for it is safety record, however, a young woman such as yourself really should not walk alone after dark. That is my view in any case." He smiled kindly, indicating he was not considering her dumb for doing what he would not advise. His shiny white teeth annoyed her however. Sid was just too polished.
"I agree really. One day you have plenty of time to get home before it is too dark and the next it was too dark hours ago. I need to start driving. It is such a waste of gas for such a short distance."
~*~
"Dr. McGee."
"Ms. Ralt."
"What brings you here today? Another conspiracy theory?"
"Ms. Ralt."
"What brings you here today? Another conspiracy theory?"
Idan bit his tongue. He had once tried to tell Ms. Ralt a story, when he was really nervous and not thinking clearly obviously. This had backfired into the closest thing to a joke Ms. Ralt ever said. The story was meant to be funny, playing on the fact that in this job it was rather plain to see that most conspiracy theories were based on truth.
"Not today Ms. Ralt. Today I have information on a couple people losing their voices, and the fact that one does not seem to be affected."
"That's nonsense!"
"You remember Sidney Burnell."
"Ah yes, the idiot that cannot drive. It is such a waste of money to fix such people. Why cannot they just crash and die?" She paused. "So, it cannot be him. There would be no need to fix him if he were not affected."
"No... it is his neighbor who was in the car with him at the time."
"Wait, let me look this up in his records.
"Ms. Ralt snapped her fingers outside her door and a small squinty-eyed man rushed over from his cubicle.
"Ms. Ralt snapped her fingers outside her door and a small squinty-eyed man rushed over from his cubicle.
"I need the employee record for Mr. Sidney Burnell. Yesterday."
"Yes Ms. Ralt." Away he rushed.
"Dr. McGee." She turned back his direction and inwardly he cringed. "How did you come across this information?"
"Mr. Burnell called me a few months ago and told me he was having a few problems adjusting still, and felt there was things that he needed to talk over with someone. I did inform him that if I felt he had something to discuss he would rather the government not know, he should not come to me because I was required to pass the information on. He did not feel it would be an issue. I'm not sure why he felt that, because I do feel slightly uncomfortable with passing this information on."
"But you believe it to be important?"
"Yes, I do. The reason I find it more important has to do with a report from the mental hospital. This same neighbor has changed jobs to this facility, especially to care for a Dr. Robert Gibbs, Professor of Psychology at the state university. Have you read of him recently?"
Ms. Ralt pursed her lips. "No, should I have?"
"I think you would find it pertinant to the information I just passed on."
"All right. I suppose after I have refreshed my memory on these two men I will call you to explain in further detail why this is important to me."
"Good. I will be ready."
"Dismissed."
Idan quickly left the office, and leaned against the wall. His heart had been beating much too hard and it was a great relief to be out of there, even if just for a short while. He hoped he had made the right decision... but it was too late now if it was not.
~*~
Saturday, November 29, 2008
26. Thanksgiving
So, Marshall was going to write a list of little things on his blog that he was thankful for, and I was inspired to write a few things down.
My list is not nearly as long (I didn't get back to it after the first day.) and a lot of my thank-yous are a bit conditional, but here they are anyhow.
(I didn't have time to post them on Thanksgiving.)
I am thankful to God...
.... that the station wagon decided to die after my parents traded cars with me (dad has gotten it to start again now, although it seems the starter might be dying... and the brakes are almost gone).
.... that I have a job (even if I don't care for working with people ... the job is stretching me and I'm getting somewhat friendlier.)
.... for a roommate who keeps everything nice and neat, but doesn't freak out if I don't do my dishes right away.
.... for having enough stuff that I don't really know what I want for Christmas (well, except for stuff no one else can afford either.)
.... for the way Katia and I arranged the living room and the picture we both love as a finishing touch.
.... for Taco Bell being a good landmark when telling people how to get to the apartment.
.... that my family gets along fine.
.... that I found one of my waterbottles before I lost the other one.
.... that I have the bigger bedroom and my own bathroom (like I said, I have lots of stuff.)
.... that I get to see people I know all the time when they shop at Walmart (the best part of my job!)
.... for my purse spoon, I never guessed how much I'd use it when I picked it up.
.... that the station wagon cleaned up without too much work.
.... that I don't have to do the sunday school tags or run slides during service anymore (although I do like to think I was better at running the slides, I really like being able to think about what what I'm singing or listening to instead of thinking about when to change the slide.)
.... for a fairly easy year in Awana, that I have one returning leader and one new one (although I dearly miss Shirley).
.... for a newer coworkers comment that she feels more comfortable around me than most of the other cashiers.
.... that Gem found a job, even if it's only part time and won't help much with her resume. (She will be a little less stressed.)
.... that Ian is doing well in school.
.... that I'm no longer addicted to chatting (even if that's partly because no one I used to chat with is online and I've started wasting time other ways online.)
.... for the people I hug almost every week at church... and being told by them that I give good hugs.
.... for people who tell me my hair is beautiful (even if they have a tendency to tell me when it needs washing).
.... that there is less traffic when I have to go to work way too early.
.... for Ealon (having ones own language/ code thing feels cool, even if nobody else can read it).
.... that I can sing/ listen to Christmas music all year (and that I can turn it off when I'm tired of it).
.... that there are more people in the college/ young adult group (even though I really miss the old dynamics of the group.)
.... for having a washer and dryer in the apartment.
.... for parents who let me use their washer and dryer, their car, and just plain for not kicking me out when I wasn't ready.
.... that Kelli said I always have funny answers when playing Balderdash.
.... that even though I wish I weren't single, I'm willing to wait and I won't give up my values in finding him.
.... that God loves me even when I'm not sure if actually I love Him.
.... that I have coats when I'm cold.
.... that I haven't died of ink poisoning as Lele keeps telling me is going to happen.
.... for someone else cooking on Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoons.
.... for Bob, who almost always does snack and cleanup on Wednesday nights. For the guys in the college group, who somehow manage to do more of the cooking and cleaning than the girls... and who are pretty good examples of good men.
.... for Ginny, the cutest one in the group (hope she doesn't get too spoiled!)
.... for when Lele and I get to talk... for when she has time to hang out with the group.
.... for Kale growing up and being way less annoying than he was!
.... for my kitty blanket being warm and heavy... perfect to sleep or cuddle with.
.... for mom not wanting to be like her mother when she's old (much as we love her).
.... that my bed is okay in comfort (as long as I sleep in it upside down).
.... for Lein getting Lawrence's job because (I think this is the plan anyway...) him, Risa and Ginny will move closer. (Although I can't imagine Lawrence not being there all the time!)
.... for Bethany, my pretend little sister who makes me feel special by calling me mean names like 'monkey' and dragging me around the church.
My list is not nearly as long (I didn't get back to it after the first day.) and a lot of my thank-yous are a bit conditional, but here they are anyhow.
(I didn't have time to post them on Thanksgiving.)
I am thankful to God...
.... that the station wagon decided to die after my parents traded cars with me (dad has gotten it to start again now, although it seems the starter might be dying... and the brakes are almost gone).
.... that I have a job (even if I don't care for working with people ... the job is stretching me and I'm getting somewhat friendlier.)
.... for a roommate who keeps everything nice and neat, but doesn't freak out if I don't do my dishes right away.
.... for having enough stuff that I don't really know what I want for Christmas (well, except for stuff no one else can afford either.)
.... for the way Katia and I arranged the living room and the picture we both love as a finishing touch.
.... for Taco Bell being a good landmark when telling people how to get to the apartment.
.... that my family gets along fine.
.... that I found one of my waterbottles before I lost the other one.
.... that I have the bigger bedroom and my own bathroom (like I said, I have lots of stuff.)
.... that I get to see people I know all the time when they shop at Walmart (the best part of my job!)
.... for my purse spoon, I never guessed how much I'd use it when I picked it up.
.... that the station wagon cleaned up without too much work.
.... that I don't have to do the sunday school tags or run slides during service anymore (although I do like to think I was better at running the slides, I really like being able to think about what what I'm singing or listening to instead of thinking about when to change the slide.)
.... for a fairly easy year in Awana, that I have one returning leader and one new one (although I dearly miss Shirley).
.... for a newer coworkers comment that she feels more comfortable around me than most of the other cashiers.
.... that Gem found a job, even if it's only part time and won't help much with her resume. (She will be a little less stressed.)
.... that Ian is doing well in school.
.... that I'm no longer addicted to chatting (even if that's partly because no one I used to chat with is online and I've started wasting time other ways online.)
.... for the people I hug almost every week at church... and being told by them that I give good hugs.
.... for people who tell me my hair is beautiful (even if they have a tendency to tell me when it needs washing).
.... that there is less traffic when I have to go to work way too early.
.... for Ealon (having ones own language/ code thing feels cool, even if nobody else can read it).
.... that I can sing/ listen to Christmas music all year (and that I can turn it off when I'm tired of it).
.... that there are more people in the college/ young adult group (even though I really miss the old dynamics of the group.)
.... for having a washer and dryer in the apartment.
.... for parents who let me use their washer and dryer, their car, and just plain for not kicking me out when I wasn't ready.
.... that Kelli said I always have funny answers when playing Balderdash.
.... that even though I wish I weren't single, I'm willing to wait and I won't give up my values in finding him.
.... that God loves me even when I'm not sure if actually I love Him.
.... that I have coats when I'm cold.
.... that I haven't died of ink poisoning as Lele keeps telling me is going to happen.
.... for someone else cooking on Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoons.
.... for Bob, who almost always does snack and cleanup on Wednesday nights. For the guys in the college group, who somehow manage to do more of the cooking and cleaning than the girls... and who are pretty good examples of good men.
.... for Ginny, the cutest one in the group (hope she doesn't get too spoiled!)
.... for when Lele and I get to talk... for when she has time to hang out with the group.
.... for Kale growing up and being way less annoying than he was!
.... for my kitty blanket being warm and heavy... perfect to sleep or cuddle with.
.... for mom not wanting to be like her mother when she's old (much as we love her).
.... that my bed is okay in comfort (as long as I sleep in it upside down).
.... for Lein getting Lawrence's job because (I think this is the plan anyway...) him, Risa and Ginny will move closer. (Although I can't imagine Lawrence not being there all the time!)
.... for Bethany, my pretend little sister who makes me feel special by calling me mean names like 'monkey' and dragging me around the church.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
25. Happy Birthday to Me!
I don't know how I got to be so old so fast!
That is, I'm still only 27, so I've possibly many more years left... but 27 sounds so old. By 27, wasn't I supposed to be married and have a couple kids, maybe an interesting job... what happened?
Although, somewhere along the way I think I stopped believing I was going to get older. Maybe that's part of my problem, I'm still stuck back in my teens, and with time going by so much faster (why? I mean, it really goes the same speed, so why does it go so much faster when you're older?) I'm having a hard time catching up.
The older I get though, the more I realize that people older than me don't feel like they are as old as they are either. I had this discussion with one of my customers a couple months ago.
My dad tried to tell me on Sunday that I was still about 7 (which would make him 33.) I informed him that since I drive, have a job, and don't live at home anymore that didn't work... but he could claim I was still 17 if he wanted to.
Actually, it's disturbing to think that I'm old enough to have kids that are 7!
Yeah, so that's my thoughts for today... except, Thank You God that I am still alive at 27!
That is, I'm still only 27, so I've possibly many more years left... but 27 sounds so old. By 27, wasn't I supposed to be married and have a couple kids, maybe an interesting job... what happened?
Although, somewhere along the way I think I stopped believing I was going to get older. Maybe that's part of my problem, I'm still stuck back in my teens, and with time going by so much faster (why? I mean, it really goes the same speed, so why does it go so much faster when you're older?) I'm having a hard time catching up.
The older I get though, the more I realize that people older than me don't feel like they are as old as they are either. I had this discussion with one of my customers a couple months ago.
My dad tried to tell me on Sunday that I was still about 7 (which would make him 33.) I informed him that since I drive, have a job, and don't live at home anymore that didn't work... but he could claim I was still 17 if he wanted to.
Actually, it's disturbing to think that I'm old enough to have kids that are 7!
Yeah, so that's my thoughts for today... except, Thank You God that I am still alive at 27!
24. Job 1:8
Job 1:8
Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
"Have you considered My servant Job." "Have you set your heart on My servant Job." These are a bit different, most of my Bibles say considered. "Set your heart on My servant..." does Satan have a heart? I think not? It is hard to imagine God saying that there is none like a person, none on earth so upright.
Lord, I know that I am not like Job, but I would like to become as he was, an upright woman, blameless in Your eyes, one who fears You Lord, and one who always shuns/ has nothing to do with evil. God, I keep messing that up. Forever it seems I am giving in to evil, I'm sorry. Please help me strengthen my gates and build up my walls against the evil one. If I could totally feel Your presence, I think I could stand firm against the devil, but "we walk by faith, not by sight," so my request instead is that You increase my faith.
Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
"Have you considered My servant Job." "Have you set your heart on My servant Job." These are a bit different, most of my Bibles say considered. "Set your heart on My servant..." does Satan have a heart? I think not? It is hard to imagine God saying that there is none like a person, none on earth so upright.
Lord, I know that I am not like Job, but I would like to become as he was, an upright woman, blameless in Your eyes, one who fears You Lord, and one who always shuns/ has nothing to do with evil. God, I keep messing that up. Forever it seems I am giving in to evil, I'm sorry. Please help me strengthen my gates and build up my walls against the evil one. If I could totally feel Your presence, I think I could stand firm against the devil, but "we walk by faith, not by sight," so my request instead is that You increase my faith.
Friday, October 31, 2008
23. Nanowrimo
So, I tried Nanowrimo last year as mentioned in my conversation with Marshall under post 19. I am trying again this November, unsure yet of my story so I won't tell what it is. I thought I'd give you a glimpse of last years story though. It's a fairy tale, mostly based on snow white with mish-mashed bits of others in it. Also, pardon my... (I forget what word I want.) the way I phrase things. I'm sure it's noticable in my blogs, but it's even more noticable in my unedited fiction. I don't speak that way so I don't know why I write that way. Also, I just randomly picked names, so... yeah.
I know there’s been many fairy tales, and some of them claim to be rightly true, but sometimes we can just tell they aren’t. I make no claims; you may judge for yourself if my tale is truth. It begins long ago in a land far, far away (as it must), and hopefully ends happily ever after, but I cannot give away the end before the full beginning.
Long ago in a land far away there ruled a beloved king and queen. If this is a surprise to you, remember that this tale might be quite old, and more oft than not, if the rulers are generally good and just, the wrongs will be forgotten and they will be remembered as beloved. So it was with King Bob and Queen Marilynn. The citizens of this small kingdom, which we shall call ___ (no sense telling where, else you figure whether this tale be truth or tall), have long forgotten the tragedy in favor of the beloved memory.
King Bob and Queen Marilyn wanted a child and after many years of waiting they had a daughter. As many kings and queens are to do throughout history, they avoided inviting the person they should have never skipped. The evil wizard The Great “peter”.
He arrived before the party began, just barely, as you watched out the castle tower you could see the man pushing through the crowds on his horse. Just as he arrived, minutes ahead of the crowds, he forced the gates closed and rode into the throne room alone.
“All hail the stupid king. Good morning madam.” He bowed.
“Four leaf clovers and whimpering dogs! What are you doing in my castle!”
“To curse the cursed, to bless myself, and all in all to rid the world of a grand family such as yourself.
“Cursed to wander, cursed to roam, this place shall never again be your home. Your child, though small she be, will walk in circles for eternity.”
So, though known only for a short time in this story, the king and queen were remembered with love. Their daughter the wizard locked in a tower. She shall enter our story again after a while...
A bit strange, eh? And kind of hard to see how snow white fits in. Any guesses? There are dwarves, woodsmen, mines, an evil queen, a magic mirror and a princess in a glass coffin. Promise. Not that you're likely to ever see any of it. :)
I know there’s been many fairy tales, and some of them claim to be rightly true, but sometimes we can just tell they aren’t. I make no claims; you may judge for yourself if my tale is truth. It begins long ago in a land far, far away (as it must), and hopefully ends happily ever after, but I cannot give away the end before the full beginning.
Long ago in a land far away there ruled a beloved king and queen. If this is a surprise to you, remember that this tale might be quite old, and more oft than not, if the rulers are generally good and just, the wrongs will be forgotten and they will be remembered as beloved. So it was with King Bob and Queen Marilynn. The citizens of this small kingdom, which we shall call ___ (no sense telling where, else you figure whether this tale be truth or tall), have long forgotten the tragedy in favor of the beloved memory.
King Bob and Queen Marilyn wanted a child and after many years of waiting they had a daughter. As many kings and queens are to do throughout history, they avoided inviting the person they should have never skipped. The evil wizard The Great “peter”.
He arrived before the party began, just barely, as you watched out the castle tower you could see the man pushing through the crowds on his horse. Just as he arrived, minutes ahead of the crowds, he forced the gates closed and rode into the throne room alone.
“All hail the stupid king. Good morning madam.” He bowed.
“Four leaf clovers and whimpering dogs! What are you doing in my castle!”
“To curse the cursed, to bless myself, and all in all to rid the world of a grand family such as yourself.
“Cursed to wander, cursed to roam, this place shall never again be your home. Your child, though small she be, will walk in circles for eternity.”
So, though known only for a short time in this story, the king and queen were remembered with love. Their daughter the wizard locked in a tower. She shall enter our story again after a while...
A bit strange, eh? And kind of hard to see how snow white fits in. Any guesses? There are dwarves, woodsmen, mines, an evil queen, a magic mirror and a princess in a glass coffin. Promise. Not that you're likely to ever see any of it. :)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
22. Stnj Ensacq
Pehot ai alaf kail itarmluj ui Ealon. Wa'ai otu itarmluj uhe-ytlug rtyom eparluj, wisarod ai. It onh nraigf nto etym isyt zehs, esalad atl aw omuk. If nlpom aq oloc it aouaows sala amuk etym ai esm ehsluj. If zi lexarluj, avaromy, of itarm zrpom etyt euam ylugotu of ouauhe ntq onh. Lam, dosands ai etyt onh uto'p lhaer raec upe syim isyt esm arvo, zo, tilun tarel... Pqhaog.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
21. Job 1:6-7
Job 1:6-7
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?"
So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."
These "sons of God" come to present themselves, why did Satan come among them, and why did God ask where Satan had come from?
God knows all things, therefore He knew from where Satan came, and why, assumably He also knows how and all the rest of the questions. With all the pacing Satan is doing it's a wonder the earth isn't worn clear through.
Lord, protect me please from the wondering path of the Adversary. Keep my path straight along Your road with my focus only on You. Give me the knowledge I need to answer questions about You, but let me keep relying on You for the answers because You are the answer. Lord, increase my faith and help me to hold fast to my trust. Let me walk always in Your way.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?"
So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."
These "sons of God" come to present themselves, why did Satan come among them, and why did God ask where Satan had come from?
God knows all things, therefore He knew from where Satan came, and why, assumably He also knows how and all the rest of the questions. With all the pacing Satan is doing it's a wonder the earth isn't worn clear through.
Lord, protect me please from the wondering path of the Adversary. Keep my path straight along Your road with my focus only on You. Give me the knowledge I need to answer questions about You, but let me keep relying on You for the answers because You are the answer. Lord, increase my faith and help me to hold fast to my trust. Let me walk always in Your way.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
20. September
So...
I really didn't mean to not post in September. I keep forgetting how quickly time passes! I couldn't slip you any of my notes on Job for a while there either (just so it looked like I hadn't forgotten you) because I couldn't find the notebook it was in. Never fear though, I have found it today and you shall suffer again in the near future! [Evil laugh]
I might tell you about the details of my September vacations if I get around to it later, but for a short summary of the month: Awana started (I began a post on this, but obviously didn't finish.), BSF also started (studying The Life of Moses this year), the college group at church went on a camping trip, then there was women's retreat the next weekend, and for my sister's birthday we went to the coast the last weekend.
I don't know that I have ever been gone from my church that many weekends in a row! Wonder if anyone missed me? It's nice to be home (wasn't really feeling quite so lonely this month, was ready for a day off by myself.)
I really didn't mean to not post in September. I keep forgetting how quickly time passes! I couldn't slip you any of my notes on Job for a while there either (just so it looked like I hadn't forgotten you) because I couldn't find the notebook it was in. Never fear though, I have found it today and you shall suffer again in the near future! [Evil laugh]
I might tell you about the details of my September vacations if I get around to it later, but for a short summary of the month: Awana started (I began a post on this, but obviously didn't finish.), BSF also started (studying The Life of Moses this year), the college group at church went on a camping trip, then there was women's retreat the next weekend, and for my sister's birthday we went to the coast the last weekend.
I don't know that I have ever been gone from my church that many weekends in a row! Wonder if anyone missed me? It's nice to be home (wasn't really feeling quite so lonely this month, was ready for a day off by myself.)
Saturday, August 30, 2008
19. Friends, or Lack Thereof
[I've edited this post because, well, it served it's purpose at the time: it made me feel better after complaining to the great unknown and I even got to chat with Marshall, but, well, I don't really feel as strong as I felt this day the majority of the time, so here's the less lonely version (which is still a little stronger than I usually express my feelings, but I guess it's good to speak your mind on occasion.]
Sometimes I really hate days off. I mean, I look forward to them all week, but... well, what do you do with days off? Today I did: nothing.
Some days I don't mind doing nothing (watching TV, reading a book, etc.), but sometimes I really want to do something (not sure what something is.) Last time I felt this way I got lucky. I was housesitting for my aunt and uncle and my cousin came home for the weekend. He invited me to go watch the batman movie with him and his friends.
Today... my roommate is gone for the weekend (not that I usually do anything with her, but at least it's someone to say hi to)... and I have nothing to do (Well, technically I could vacuum and do dishes). It doesn't help that I have no money so I can't really go anywhere.
And I have no friends.
Okay, so I have friends, I've mentioned a few before, but no close friends. None of them call me, none of them invite me to do things. It's just, we're group friends, I'm part of the group... and nobody in the group is that talkative.
I hate talking on the phone, my intelligence level drops in half when talking on the phone. And yet, I wish people would call me. And yes, I realize maybe I should call someone... but who? I really don't know. They all have other friends they do things with, or they're always really busy with school and such.
My old roommate, Caitie, despite being my best friend (whatever that really means), never calls me and probably doesn't miss me since she has a boyfriend now.
I don't know if it's me, everyone else, or just God saying wait... I'm really tired of being lonely, but I don't know how to fix it.
I don't believe in leaving where I am just for the stupid selfish reason that I might find friends or love somewhere else.
I'll probably be happier tomorrow, when I'll see most of my group friends, and all the other people at church that I love.
But still, what good are days off if I always spend them alone?
Sometimes I really hate days off. I mean, I look forward to them all week, but... well, what do you do with days off? Today I did: nothing.
Some days I don't mind doing nothing (watching TV, reading a book, etc.), but sometimes I really want to do something (not sure what something is.) Last time I felt this way I got lucky. I was housesitting for my aunt and uncle and my cousin came home for the weekend. He invited me to go watch the batman movie with him and his friends.
Today... my roommate is gone for the weekend (not that I usually do anything with her, but at least it's someone to say hi to)... and I have nothing to do (Well, technically I could vacuum and do dishes). It doesn't help that I have no money so I can't really go anywhere.
And I have no friends.
Okay, so I have friends, I've mentioned a few before, but no close friends. None of them call me, none of them invite me to do things. It's just, we're group friends, I'm part of the group... and nobody in the group is that talkative.
I hate talking on the phone, my intelligence level drops in half when talking on the phone. And yet, I wish people would call me. And yes, I realize maybe I should call someone... but who? I really don't know. They all have other friends they do things with, or they're always really busy with school and such.
My old roommate, Caitie, despite being my best friend (whatever that really means), never calls me and probably doesn't miss me since she has a boyfriend now.
I don't know if it's me, everyone else, or just God saying wait... I'm really tired of being lonely, but I don't know how to fix it.
I don't believe in leaving where I am just for the stupid selfish reason that I might find friends or love somewhere else.
I'll probably be happier tomorrow, when I'll see most of my group friends, and all the other people at church that I love.
But still, what good are days off if I always spend them alone?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
18. Family Trips
This summer my family drove up to visit some of our relatives. I haven't been on a car trip with them for a while, so it was a fond reminder of all those hated family trips. Most of my extended family lives in Washington (this being where my parents grew up), so most family vacations growing up consisted of driving to Washington. Happily, we were meeting the extended family at a campground 3 hours away instead of the 8 hours away that they live.
So... car trips. I'm sure you've experienced a few... telling younger siblings to stop singing because you want to listen to the music, only to have a hard time not singing yourself. The annoying feel of your brothers sleeve constantly brushing against your arm. How boring it all gets so that you desperately start looking for letters on license plates and signs to keep yourself entertained.
Well, there are a few things that are annoying even as an adult. The major one, now that I can drive it is certainly harder being a passenger! I admit, I don't really care for the way my dad drives. This isn't because he's a bad driver. After all, he's worked many years as a driver... but this also means that he's driven a lot by himself. He also tends to get mad at bad drivers, and if you're tailgating, he'll stomp on the brakes to get you to back off. It's very hard to stay asleep when the car jerks suddenly.
We also have assigned seating in the car, and my place sucks. Gem gets carsick (even still as an adult, just not near as bad), so she gets to sit up front. Dad drives of course. Mom sits up front in the middle (I think because she's smaller, and because she likes sitting next to dad). Ian has long legs, so he sits behind Gem, because her seat is normally not quite as far back as dad's (which makes it a bit awkward for mom in the middle, especially in this car which doesn't have a real seat behind the middle, just an arm-rest in up position). This leaves shorter me behind dad... so I have to lean one way or the other to see out. I don't get motion sick as easily as Gem, but I will if I'm not watching out the window. Then, dad is constantly putting his arm up on the window sill and taking it down, so if I'm watching that way, I have to lean the other way... and leaning means I end up putting my arms to sleep.
So... I sleep most of the way there and back, because otherwise I go crazy! The main problem with this is that my dad prefers to go up the back way, and that is closer to their house. So I'm the one that has to get up and drive over way too early (though with 4 people in the house with 1 bathroom vs 2 people with 2 bathrooms, I don't have to get up earlier than them), and then drive the half hour home, by myself, after sleeping (which can sure make it hard to stay awake while driving), at about 11 pm.
But, if it wasn't for the travel... it was really great to see my relatives since I haven't gotten to see some of them for quite a while.
So... car trips. I'm sure you've experienced a few... telling younger siblings to stop singing because you want to listen to the music, only to have a hard time not singing yourself. The annoying feel of your brothers sleeve constantly brushing against your arm. How boring it all gets so that you desperately start looking for letters on license plates and signs to keep yourself entertained.
Well, there are a few things that are annoying even as an adult. The major one, now that I can drive it is certainly harder being a passenger! I admit, I don't really care for the way my dad drives. This isn't because he's a bad driver. After all, he's worked many years as a driver... but this also means that he's driven a lot by himself. He also tends to get mad at bad drivers, and if you're tailgating, he'll stomp on the brakes to get you to back off. It's very hard to stay asleep when the car jerks suddenly.
We also have assigned seating in the car, and my place sucks. Gem gets carsick (even still as an adult, just not near as bad), so she gets to sit up front. Dad drives of course. Mom sits up front in the middle (I think because she's smaller, and because she likes sitting next to dad). Ian has long legs, so he sits behind Gem, because her seat is normally not quite as far back as dad's (which makes it a bit awkward for mom in the middle, especially in this car which doesn't have a real seat behind the middle, just an arm-rest in up position). This leaves shorter me behind dad... so I have to lean one way or the other to see out. I don't get motion sick as easily as Gem, but I will if I'm not watching out the window. Then, dad is constantly putting his arm up on the window sill and taking it down, so if I'm watching that way, I have to lean the other way... and leaning means I end up putting my arms to sleep.
So... I sleep most of the way there and back, because otherwise I go crazy! The main problem with this is that my dad prefers to go up the back way, and that is closer to their house. So I'm the one that has to get up and drive over way too early (though with 4 people in the house with 1 bathroom vs 2 people with 2 bathrooms, I don't have to get up earlier than them), and then drive the half hour home, by myself, after sleeping (which can sure make it hard to stay awake while driving), at about 11 pm.
But, if it wasn't for the travel... it was really great to see my relatives since I haven't gotten to see some of them for quite a while.
Friday, August 8, 2008
17. Pens and Time Travel
I realized the other day that I couldn't go back in time. I'd go crazy!
I need my pens!
The smooth slide across paper (I couldn't do without paper either!)... there is something so satisfying about it, even if I have nothing to write. (There is oddly somewhat of the same satisfying feeling when typing.)
I imagined standing back in time (not sure when, my imagination is a little fuzzy in the history department) and needing to sign something. So I pull my pen out of my back pocket (why the fact that wearing jeans would stand out didn't cross my mind?) and they would ask (A lady and her 13 year old son and 16 year old daughter, and maybe a couple smaller children, the details weren't that clear) "What on earth is that?" And I would say a pen and reach out to write.
The paper would be pulled away and I'd end up drawing on my hand to show it was really just a pen. This would of course make them even more horrified (the father joining the group at this point.)
So, I would give in and put my pen away before it was stolen and burned and I couldn't have it anymore.
Then I'd turn the quill in several directions and have to ask how to use it. At which "mother" would shake her head and "brother" would laugh and "sister" would think I'm stupid.
After I finally slaughter my writing, cringing all the while at the scratch of the quill on the paper, they would all laugh at my abysmal penmanship which isn't really that bad.... I can read it fine anyway.
Anyhow... my favorite pen at the moment is Pilot Precise Grip (bold). They carried them at Walmart until a couple weeks ago. Argh! At least other stores still sell them. I admit, my favorite part about them (and my friend Frankie's too) is that they write really well on skin and it can take a while to wash off.
My cousin gave me one of her favorite pens, Staedtler liquid point 7 is what it says, dunno where she buys them. They don't write on skin well :( , but they are one of the least scratchy fine point pens I've used.
Pilot precise V7 is pretty good, though extra fine is too scratchy and you have to go to certain stores to get the fine tip.
But, there are lots of other good options out there. If you care about pens, I happened across these review sites: http://penaddiction.blogspot.com/ , http://www.penreview.com/ , and http://penquest.wordpress.com/ .
I need my pens!
The smooth slide across paper (I couldn't do without paper either!)... there is something so satisfying about it, even if I have nothing to write. (There is oddly somewhat of the same satisfying feeling when typing.)
I imagined standing back in time (not sure when, my imagination is a little fuzzy in the history department) and needing to sign something. So I pull my pen out of my back pocket (why the fact that wearing jeans would stand out didn't cross my mind?) and they would ask (A lady and her 13 year old son and 16 year old daughter, and maybe a couple smaller children, the details weren't that clear) "What on earth is that?" And I would say a pen and reach out to write.
The paper would be pulled away and I'd end up drawing on my hand to show it was really just a pen. This would of course make them even more horrified (the father joining the group at this point.)
So, I would give in and put my pen away before it was stolen and burned and I couldn't have it anymore.
Then I'd turn the quill in several directions and have to ask how to use it. At which "mother" would shake her head and "brother" would laugh and "sister" would think I'm stupid.
After I finally slaughter my writing, cringing all the while at the scratch of the quill on the paper, they would all laugh at my abysmal penmanship which isn't really that bad.... I can read it fine anyway.
Anyhow... my favorite pen at the moment is Pilot Precise Grip (bold). They carried them at Walmart until a couple weeks ago. Argh! At least other stores still sell them. I admit, my favorite part about them (and my friend Frankie's too) is that they write really well on skin and it can take a while to wash off.
My cousin gave me one of her favorite pens, Staedtler liquid point 7 is what it says, dunno where she buys them. They don't write on skin well :( , but they are one of the least scratchy fine point pens I've used.
Pilot precise V7 is pretty good, though extra fine is too scratchy and you have to go to certain stores to get the fine tip.
But, there are lots of other good options out there. If you care about pens, I happened across these review sites: http://penaddiction.blogspot.com/ , http://www.penreview.com/ , and http://penquest.wordpress.com/ .
Saturday, July 5, 2008
16. Job 1:4-5
Job 1:4-5
And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly.
As the notes in my Bible mention, these siblings must have been close.
Lord, I do wish that my sister and I could be close and rid of this constant misunderstanding of each other.
In some ways verse five reminds me of those fathers who beat their kids for what they 'were going to do'. Job has a nice alternative. He's a loving father, he wants his family to be right with God.
Lord, when (or if) I'm a mother, I want to always take my children and their problems to you. I want them to recognize that just one little curse, especially against You, is a sin that leads to death. God, please cleanse me of my sins and make me pure in Your sight!
And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly.
As the notes in my Bible mention, these siblings must have been close.
Lord, I do wish that my sister and I could be close and rid of this constant misunderstanding of each other.
In some ways verse five reminds me of those fathers who beat their kids for what they 'were going to do'. Job has a nice alternative. He's a loving father, he wants his family to be right with God.
Lord, when (or if) I'm a mother, I want to always take my children and their problems to you. I want them to recognize that just one little curse, especially against You, is a sin that leads to death. God, please cleanse me of my sins and make me pure in Your sight!
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