~*~
“He’s a cute kid, ain't he ma?”
Evan stood, face pressed against the glass of the taffy shop, eyes open wide and mouth pressed, open, against the glass, as if any second someone would pop a piece of candy in, he was ready.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
44. November Again
It's November again... which means I'm so busy writing (Yay NaNoWriMo!) that I don't get anything I should done... even if I'm behind on my word count. Sadly, yes, I'm behind this year, however I'm over 30,000 which is better than I've done any other year except when I won two years ago. I still have hope of winning (if only I would focus...). Because I'm so nice, I'll give you a small excerpt from my story... I'm thinking this might be the prologue. If it isn't, it's a flashback scene. The Evan in this part, at about age 6, is the main character for a story I'm calling Eventually and this scene hints toward why.
“He’s a cute kid, ain't he ma?”
Evan stood, face pressed against the glass of the taffy shop, eyes open wide and mouth pressed, open, against the glass, as if any second someone would pop a piece of candy in, he was ready.
“He’s a cute kid, ain't he ma?”
Evan stood, face pressed against the glass of the taffy shop, eyes open wide and mouth pressed, open, against the glass, as if any second someone would pop a piece of candy in, he was ready.
Monday, October 8, 2012
43. Job 1:20-22
Job 1:20-22
Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord."
In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
Although Job mourned, he worshiped. Although he cried out in sorrow, he cried out praise.
Instead of complaints, Lord, I wish I was as grateful and, well, joyful in a sense, as Job. I roll easily through life's ups and downs, but I don't thank You or bless Your name through it all. I've also had my share of complaints. I'm not sure that I'm purposely ungrateful, but Lord, I want to thank You now for everything You've ever done for me, though I remember it or not. Above all I wish that worshiping You was the top on my list of priorities instead of whatever is, or appears to be.
God I know, at least most of me knows, that all things work out for good for those that love You and are called according to Your purpose. I pray that includes me, but mostly I pray that I can love You more and more, that my heart will forever long to do Your will and to serve You. Take my heart and make it Yours.
Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord."
In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
Although Job mourned, he worshiped. Although he cried out in sorrow, he cried out praise.
Instead of complaints, Lord, I wish I was as grateful and, well, joyful in a sense, as Job. I roll easily through life's ups and downs, but I don't thank You or bless Your name through it all. I've also had my share of complaints. I'm not sure that I'm purposely ungrateful, but Lord, I want to thank You now for everything You've ever done for me, though I remember it or not. Above all I wish that worshiping You was the top on my list of priorities instead of whatever is, or appears to be.
God I know, at least most of me knows, that all things work out for good for those that love You and are called according to Your purpose. I pray that includes me, but mostly I pray that I can love You more and more, that my heart will forever long to do Your will and to serve You. Take my heart and make it Yours.
<---Job 1:17-19 Job 2:1-2--->
Monday, October 1, 2012
42. More Excitement Than Normal
Well, I had been doing pretty well at posting this year, but I appear to have slacked off recently... or, not so recently being as my last post was halfway through the summer. The main reason for this... my summer was crazier than normal. Sure, compared to some people my summer was still boring... but for me it was pretty stressful, but worth it in the end.
However, I just can't seem to write about it all at once, so you're getting a three-part summer update. Now, anybody who actually knows me knows all about my updates, but I suppose I might share some thoughts they haven't heard... but for you who might just happen by... well, you probably won't remember to come back to see my updates anyway...
So, coming soon (hopefully!) a new post!
However, I just can't seem to write about it all at once, so you're getting a three-part summer update. Now, anybody who actually knows me knows all about my updates, but I suppose I might share some thoughts they haven't heard... but for you who might just happen by... well, you probably won't remember to come back to see my updates anyway...
So, coming soon (hopefully!) a new post!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
41. Job 1:17-19
Job 1:17-19
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
So why did the Chaldeans form three bands specifically? Why not two or four?
Sheep seem to be different from oxen, donkeys and camels. Why were the sheep wiped out and the rest were just stolen?
I think I shall never let my children party without me, it just isn't safe. I hope they aren't wine drinkers.
This wind reminds me of a tornado perhaps, or of a hurricane like in Florida. Who is God testing at the moment? Death can sneak upon you quickly.
Lord, is St. Helen's going to blow? Will an earthquake to end all earthquakes hit us here on the west coast as a super gigantic hurricane finishes off the east? Or is this just one of those interesting times on our lives?
God, I pray for the safety of those involved on either coast, that less lives would be lost and, above all, that somehow You would be glorified in all of this.
(Not sure if there was some big disaster happening when I wrote this or what, I should have put dates on the entries.)
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
So why did the Chaldeans form three bands specifically? Why not two or four?
Sheep seem to be different from oxen, donkeys and camels. Why were the sheep wiped out and the rest were just stolen?
I think I shall never let my children party without me, it just isn't safe. I hope they aren't wine drinkers.
This wind reminds me of a tornado perhaps, or of a hurricane like in Florida. Who is God testing at the moment? Death can sneak upon you quickly.
Lord, is St. Helen's going to blow? Will an earthquake to end all earthquakes hit us here on the west coast as a super gigantic hurricane finishes off the east? Or is this just one of those interesting times on our lives?
God, I pray for the safety of those involved on either coast, that less lives would be lost and, above all, that somehow You would be glorified in all of this.
(Not sure if there was some big disaster happening when I wrote this or what, I should have put dates on the entries.)
<-- Job 1:16 Job 1:20-22-->
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
40. What Am I Forgetting?
I do this, every so often, where, for at least a couple weeks on end I feel like I'm forgetting something. Instead of going to sleep I'll pace back and forth between websites: Facebook, Google reader, Pinterest.. so on... like I'm forgetting to check something. And yet, there's nothing that needs checking and everything is usually the same as when I left it last. I'm not sure what I'm looking for, some kind of sign from heaven, an acknowledgement of my existence on earth?
Whatever it is that I'm looking for and not finding, I know it's unlikely to be found online. Maybe it's a way of processing things I need to figure out, trying to find answers I won't find anywhere else either...
I should really close the computer and go to sleep....
I should really seek answers from God...
Whatever it is that I'm looking for and not finding, I know it's unlikely to be found online. Maybe it's a way of processing things I need to figure out, trying to find answers I won't find anywhere else either...
I should really close the computer and go to sleep....
I should really seek answers from God...
Thursday, June 28, 2012
39. Job 1:16
Job 1:16
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
The fire of God, perhaps lightening? There is that ball of fire type that could possibly be worse, or was it something beyond what I have seen or heard of?
This seems like a rather scary way for the sheep and servants to go, even worse than being raided and carried away. How did the one servant manage to escape? I still wonder. Well, obviously God left a witness to tell what had happened, but did the servant hide, did he just happen across it all in the middle or did the fire just leap right over him?
I suppose he could be severely injured.
Lord, I would not want such things to happen to my family, my cats, and if I had servants, them also. If I had to lose it all, I hope it would be in a way less painful to them all, please. God, I am nothing to brag about, Satan probably doesn't even care about testing me, and in some ways that is great... But still God, make me into an upright person like Job and mold me more and more like You.
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
The fire of God, perhaps lightening? There is that ball of fire type that could possibly be worse, or was it something beyond what I have seen or heard of?
This seems like a rather scary way for the sheep and servants to go, even worse than being raided and carried away. How did the one servant manage to escape? I still wonder. Well, obviously God left a witness to tell what had happened, but did the servant hide, did he just happen across it all in the middle or did the fire just leap right over him?
I suppose he could be severely injured.
Lord, I would not want such things to happen to my family, my cats, and if I had servants, them also. If I had to lose it all, I hope it would be in a way less painful to them all, please. God, I am nothing to brag about, Satan probably doesn't even care about testing me, and in some ways that is great... But still God, make me into an upright person like Job and mold me more and more like You.
<-- Job 1:13-15 Job 1:17-19 -->
Monday, June 18, 2012
38. My "Interesting" Hobbies
Our church is in the process of updating their picture directory. No big deal. However, along with the picture and address they ask what your hobbies are. Which led to me posting this on Facebook:
Of course people then asked what those "interesting" hobbies are, which I knew someone probably would. I figured I'd give a simple answer, but then the more I thought about it, the more I felt the need to explain everything. It's silly. But, also too long for a Facebook post.
Now, nobody on Facebook seemed to care what I actually put (my "boring" hobbies). It's the same thing I put in the last picture directory.
Not actually boring to do (most of the time, in my opinion anyway), but a bit boring sounding. They could be elaborated on to make them appear more interesting. (Well, there wasn't a whole lot of room on the form, but assuming we have a whole page to ourselves as in the past, I could have added more on the back.)
Examples I could have put: For writing- Nanowrimo. Or that I prefer to write and read fiction. Or that I usually draw on paper with a pencil, paint with acrylics, draw on myself and write on paper with a pen.
So, to my hobbies- some of these my blog knows about, some my friends, some maybe just my mom.
*I have three different handwriting styles, though I generally write in my normal sloppy one.
I also have a specific calligraphy font I combined together. (Which I used when addressing my sister's wedding invitations.)
*I watch Kdramas. I started mid-May last year and have watched around 30 so far. (For those who worry, Korean TV shows are usually about 16-20 episodes and don't come back the next year. Plus, I'm not quite as addicted as I used to be.) There's quite a few on Hulu, but I usually watch them on DramaFever.
I like watching TV or movies with subtitles on, even if the show is in English. I hate to miss anything.
*Ealon. I have my own code language. It's been in process since around 5th grade. I added a second layer of rules in college to make it a bit harder. I write notes in it all the time, most of the time in cursive, but I have a ... font... for it too.
*As the friend taking the photos for the directory put it when we were talking about what to write down- "How about "body art?" I'm sure that would make people wonder. No, I'm not into tattoos and piercings.
I usually call it a bad habit, but I draw on myself when my hands get bored. Most often designs like the flower/snowflake at the top of the blog. [Edit: removed, maybe I'll add it here later] Other times flowers like in this picture.
Either that or I scribble on paper. It feels very satisfying until the end when I realize there is still no picture. :(
That's it for the big strange ones, but here's a few that are more random, less common, more habit than hobby:
*Is hugging a hobby?
*Rearranging my room? (For example.)
*I redecorate people's houses in my mind.
*Not so often anymore, but especially back in high school I'd make up clothing designs from things I found in the room. (I'm housesitting, but maybe I'll add a pic when I get back home.)
*I make up pie recipes. Sadly, I kind of just throw ingredients together, so I can't ever make them exactly the same again. (And I much prefer baking over cooking.)
*I used to walk in circles around the college quad when I got bored. Most of my exercise is still walking. I miss having a good place to walk in circles.
*My fingers have a left over habit of finger-spelling everything from when I took ASL. I'll find myself finger-spelling to songs in church, conversations I'm listening to, and even sometimes with the subtitles on kdramas. I'm most likely to sign along to songs while I'm driving, but I don't know enough words. (If I was any good at conversations I'd probably learn more ASL. Actually, I'd probably learn more languages. They're interesting. But what's the use in learning them if I'm not going to use them anyway?")
*Now that I finally have a camera again, photography is fun.
*Occasionally, I'll crochet, knit, or sew something.
*I wrote lots of song lyrics while vacuuming in college. I'd just sing to myself and if I caught a line I liked, I'd sing it over and over 'til I could write it down. It's kind of weird to have songs you made up yourself stuck in your head.
*I like cataloging my books. I usually keep my books in alphabetical order (sometimes divided by type, depending on how my bookshelves are arranged that the moment.) I tried to keep a card file of all the books I had while growing up; it didn't work as well as I wanted. Now days I use LibraryThing. You can see what books I own (and some I've read) here.
I mean, nobody really wants to hear about my favorite Kdramas and I'm not opinionated enough to say which books I like best and why. And, as you may have noticed, all of my hobbies can be done by myself.
If only I could get paid for writing notes only I can read or for scribbling...
Anyhow, for those who haven't noticed yet, I have a blog just to prove how uninteresting I really am by trying to point out the "interesting" parts of me. Maybe I'm afraid people will expect me to be interesting all of the time if I show I might actually be interesting some of the time.
"Tried to figure out my hobbies for the new church picture directory. Went with the simple boring ones, because the "interesting" ones would make me sound more interesting, or at least weirder, than I actually am."
Of course people then asked what those "interesting" hobbies are, which I knew someone probably would. I figured I'd give a simple answer, but then the more I thought about it, the more I felt the need to explain everything. It's silly. But, also too long for a Facebook post.
Now, nobody on Facebook seemed to care what I actually put (my "boring" hobbies). It's the same thing I put in the last picture directory.
Not actually boring to do (most of the time, in my opinion anyway), but a bit boring sounding. They could be elaborated on to make them appear more interesting. (Well, there wasn't a whole lot of room on the form, but assuming we have a whole page to ourselves as in the past, I could have added more on the back.)
Examples I could have put: For writing- Nanowrimo. Or that I prefer to write and read fiction. Or that I usually draw on paper with a pencil, paint with acrylics, draw on myself and write on paper with a pen.
So, to my hobbies- some of these my blog knows about, some my friends, some maybe just my mom.
*I have three different handwriting styles, though I generally write in my normal sloppy one.
 |
| My handwriting. Not so oddly, when I'm not being sloppy, the print does sometimes resemble my mom's. |
 |
| I consider this Jil's handwriting, just because I have to label it something. It tends to be rounder and neater. |
 |
| One of my old coworker's called this my serial killer handwriting. |
I also have a specific calligraphy font I combined together. (Which I used when addressing my sister's wedding invitations.)
 |
| Don't have a calligraphy pen with me, it'd look cooler that way. |
*I watch Kdramas. I started mid-May last year and have watched around 30 so far. (For those who worry, Korean TV shows are usually about 16-20 episodes and don't come back the next year. Plus, I'm not quite as addicted as I used to be.) There's quite a few on Hulu, but I usually watch them on DramaFever.
I like watching TV or movies with subtitles on, even if the show is in English. I hate to miss anything.
 |
| Ealon The name of the code doesn't actually mean anything in the code , but to explain it would give a hint to uncoding things. |
*As the friend taking the photos for the directory put it when we were talking about what to write down- "How about "body art?" I'm sure that would make people wonder. No, I'm not into tattoos and piercings.
I usually call it a bad habit, but I draw on myself when my hands get bored. Most often designs like the flower/snowflake at the top of the blog. [Edit: removed, maybe I'll add it here later] Other times flowers like in this picture.
Either that or I scribble on paper. It feels very satisfying until the end when I realize there is still no picture. :(
That's it for the big strange ones, but here's a few that are more random, less common, more habit than hobby:
*Is hugging a hobby?
*Rearranging my room? (For example.)
*I redecorate people's houses in my mind.
*Not so often anymore, but especially back in high school I'd make up clothing designs from things I found in the room. (I'm housesitting, but maybe I'll add a pic when I get back home.)
*I make up pie recipes. Sadly, I kind of just throw ingredients together, so I can't ever make them exactly the same again. (And I much prefer baking over cooking.)
 |
| Raspberry Lemonade Frozen Pie for Easter |
*I used to walk in circles around the college quad when I got bored. Most of my exercise is still walking. I miss having a good place to walk in circles.
*My fingers have a left over habit of finger-spelling everything from when I took ASL. I'll find myself finger-spelling to songs in church, conversations I'm listening to, and even sometimes with the subtitles on kdramas. I'm most likely to sign along to songs while I'm driving, but I don't know enough words. (If I was any good at conversations I'd probably learn more ASL. Actually, I'd probably learn more languages. They're interesting. But what's the use in learning them if I'm not going to use them anyway?")
*Now that I finally have a camera again, photography is fun.
 |
| A picture! Of a squirrel, at the park, if you couldn't figure that out. |
*Occasionally, I'll crochet, knit, or sew something.
*I wrote lots of song lyrics while vacuuming in college. I'd just sing to myself and if I caught a line I liked, I'd sing it over and over 'til I could write it down. It's kind of weird to have songs you made up yourself stuck in your head.
*I like cataloging my books. I usually keep my books in alphabetical order (sometimes divided by type, depending on how my bookshelves are arranged that the moment.) I tried to keep a card file of all the books I had while growing up; it didn't work as well as I wanted. Now days I use LibraryThing. You can see what books I own (and some I've read) here.
I think part of what makes one feel boring, in spite of such "interesting" hobbies, is not sharing them with anyone.
I mean, nobody really wants to hear about my favorite Kdramas and I'm not opinionated enough to say which books I like best and why. And, as you may have noticed, all of my hobbies can be done by myself.
If only I could get paid for writing notes only I can read or for scribbling...
Anyhow, for those who haven't noticed yet, I have a blog just to prove how uninteresting I really am by trying to point out the "interesting" parts of me. Maybe I'm afraid people will expect me to be interesting all of the time if I show I might actually be interesting some of the time.
I'm thankful people don't usually think I'm as boring as I feel I am
What are your hobbies and which ones do you normally not tell people about because they are hard to explain or you worry people will think you're strange?
Sunday, June 10, 2012
37. Job 1:13-15
Job 1: 13-15
Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house; and a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away--indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
His sons and daughters were paying no mind to real life, they were off eating and drinking again. Even the best of men's children can turn out wrong. God uses men, or allows men to be used by Satan, to go about changing things on the earth. The oxen and donkeys going about their business and suddenly they are taken away. They are lucky, in a way, to just be taken and not killed as the servants. How come is there only one man left, could there be no more? Don't two make a proper witness?
Lord, thank you that all my possessions are Yours (and even selfishly, that You have not taken them from me.). As Richard reminded me, sometimes it is best to get rid of the things you hold dearest. God, what is the thing I need most to move farther from my heart to give more space to You? I am not much of a giving person, but if I ought to give something away, push me toward it. Thanks for all You have given me.
Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house; and a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away--indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
His sons and daughters were paying no mind to real life, they were off eating and drinking again. Even the best of men's children can turn out wrong. God uses men, or allows men to be used by Satan, to go about changing things on the earth. The oxen and donkeys going about their business and suddenly they are taken away. They are lucky, in a way, to just be taken and not killed as the servants. How come is there only one man left, could there be no more? Don't two make a proper witness?
Lord, thank you that all my possessions are Yours (and even selfishly, that You have not taken them from me.). As Richard reminded me, sometimes it is best to get rid of the things you hold dearest. God, what is the thing I need most to move farther from my heart to give more space to You? I am not much of a giving person, but if I ought to give something away, push me toward it. Thanks for all You have given me.
Monday, May 14, 2012
36. Somewhere to Start and Something to Do
Most anyone that knows me could tell you I never do anything exciting (if I did, wouldn't I blog more?) Even my last fortune cookie realized this. It told me to "Do something unusual tomorrow". I mostly failed.
And as content as I generally am with being boring, on occasion, I would like to do something more than just watch TV or read a book.
However, I can never think of things to do.
(Cleaning is not fun, so let's pretend you didn't want to suggest it).
So then, I go back to doing useless things that make me wonder what use I am.
I came across this project somewhere, the goal of it being to help kids have fun picking out chores. Anyway, it sounded cool, I need to do more cleaning and who doesn't like to have more fun?
(We'll ignore the fact I'm not a kid, nor do I have any.)
And for those of you who might care, I've also seen date night ones. (Unfortunately they don't apply to me either.)
After I cut out all the pieces and painted a bunch of sticks, I realized that I don't have the majority of the rooms she had, nor do I need to clean the same things she listed.
But.
It worked out okay because I also realized that more than cleaning, I needed a way to decide on "fun" things to do.
(After all, if I would just do FlyLady's weekly home blessing and daily tasks, everything would get cleaned fine. Plus, dailyfeats is helpful in motivation.)
I had thought about trying to make papers to match hers, but because I ended up not using her papers, I wrote on the sticks.
As I was saying at the beginning of this post, if I'm not sure what to do, I usually don't do anything at all. If I have lots of things I need to get done, I procrastinate because I don't know where to start. If I have nothing to get done, I do nothing because I don't know what to start with.
So, my project became instead, somewhere to start and something to do.
I divided my sticks into four catagories, sorted like so:
(Folk Art Acrylic Paint)
Metallic Antique Copper- monthly/yearly chores (wash car, make appointments, vacuum upholstery)
Metallic Ice Blue- "fun" things that need planning ahead or are too noisy to do in the middle of the night. (text a friend, sew, go to the park, work on photo album (because it's at my parents house), play piano (I don't have a piano, but I'm regularly at places that have one.))
Champagne- "fun" things I can do any time (finish a craft, paint nails, write children's book, memorize verses, take a nap/relax (I hate naps, so we'll see how obedient I would be if I draw that))
Lastly on the putting together of this project, I had to find a container. I used the white mug while working on the project, but it didn't seem it would be large enough, and I wanted something prettier. I looked at a couple vases and such at the store, but nothing caught my eye.
Then, at some point, I remembered this pot just sitting in the cupboard under my sink. Mom let me have it a couple years ago. It isn't great for plants because it doesn't have any drainage holes, but I really like the .... (pattern, dye job, glazes? I can't pinpoint the word I want, I reserve the right to edit this later without notice). I think someone I know made it, but I can't remember who. It goes well with the placemat it is currently sitting next to (or on, in this picture).
So, the whole truth, I've been working on this blog post for about a month. (Told you I was slow.) The day I worked on this project last, these are also some of the things I worked on (I didn't pull them out randomly, I picked the sticks I'd done that day or planned to work on already.):
However, I can never think of things to do.
(Cleaning is not fun, so let's pretend you didn't want to suggest it).
So then, I go back to doing useless things that make me wonder what use I am.
My goal, therefore: To figure out something to do without making a decision and/or without attempting to come up with something to make a decision on.
I came across this project somewhere, the goal of it being to help kids have fun picking out chores. Anyway, it sounded cool, I need to do more cleaning and who doesn't like to have more fun?
(We'll ignore the fact I'm not a kid, nor do I have any.)
And for those of you who might care, I've also seen date night ones. (Unfortunately they don't apply to me either.)
After I cut out all the pieces and painted a bunch of sticks, I realized that I don't have the majority of the rooms she had, nor do I need to clean the same things she listed.
But.It worked out okay because I also realized that more than cleaning, I needed a way to decide on "fun" things to do.
(After all, if I would just do FlyLady's weekly home blessing and daily tasks, everything would get cleaned fine. Plus, dailyfeats is helpful in motivation.)
I had thought about trying to make papers to match hers, but because I ended up not using her papers, I wrote on the sticks.
As I was saying at the beginning of this post, if I'm not sure what to do, I usually don't do anything at all. If I have lots of things I need to get done, I procrastinate because I don't know where to start. If I have nothing to get done, I do nothing because I don't know what to start with.
So, my project became instead, somewhere to start and something to do.
(Folk Art Acrylic Paint)
Metallic Antique Copper- monthly/yearly chores (wash car, make appointments, vacuum upholstery)
Antique Gold- weekly chores (clip coupons, clean out fridge, clean out car)
Champagne- "fun" things I can do any time (finish a craft, paint nails, write children's book, memorize verses, take a nap/relax (I hate naps, so we'll see how obedient I would be if I draw that))
Any other ideas to write on the sticks (especially in the fun categories!) are welcome.
Lastly on the putting together of this project, I had to find a container. I used the white mug while working on the project, but it didn't seem it would be large enough, and I wanted something prettier. I looked at a couple vases and such at the store, but nothing caught my eye.
Then, at some point, I remembered this pot just sitting in the cupboard under my sink. Mom let me have it a couple years ago. It isn't great for plants because it doesn't have any drainage holes, but I really like the .... (pattern, dye job, glazes? I can't pinpoint the word I want, I reserve the right to edit this later without notice). I think someone I know made it, but I can't remember who. It goes well with the placemat it is currently sitting next to (or on, in this picture).
So, the whole truth, I've been working on this blog post for about a month. (Told you I was slow.) The day I worked on this project last, these are also some of the things I worked on (I didn't pull them out randomly, I picked the sticks I'd done that day or planned to work on already.):
I didn't really finish the craft, since there are always more ideas I can put on the sticks, in which case more sticks need to be painted, but I finished writing all the ideas I had so far, I put them in the nice container, and I started the blog post. That's close enough for me.
Nor did I actually empty my email inbox, but from 1000 down to 300 on multiple email addresses is also close enough.
As for cookies....
All mine!
(Sorry... they're long gone now.)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
35. Thanks
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.
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.
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!
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