Well, I've decided to try to kick up my physical fitness regimen. I used to really like walking around SeminaryTown with some good friends. I like hiking and bike riding and playing on my Wii Fit Plus. BUT, now that I'm in North Dakota, it's a little LESS fun walking around (though I still walk most places I go when I'm in the town where my church is). I don't have a functioning bicycle anymore (much to my chagrin), and Wii Fit Plus, while fun, is not that great a workout when you're trying to lose weight and tone up. Oh, and pretty much everything around here is flat, so there aren't a whole lot of hiking opportunities (this probably makes me the most sad because I LOVE hiking).
So, I was up late one night (big surprise) and was watching some t.v. infomercials. The one that came on was about a fitness DVD set called "Insanity." The people on t.v. said that the program comes with the DVDS, nutrition guide, and calendar that tells you which workout to do on which day. The infomercial showed all these people with fantastic results and lots of pounds lost and amazing six pack abs. I was a little skeptical, but it got me thinking.
A little while later, I saw another infomercial for Insanity. The guy who leads the work out is named Shaun T. My husband has Shaun T's "Hip Hop Abs" DVD workout. I tried doing that once, but since it is dance based, and because I am the most clumsy person you will EVER meet, I didn't like it. But, seeing the infomercial again just got me thinking EVEN MORE about it. So, I Facebooked Older Brother the Younger because he recently became a licensed fitness instructor. I asked him what he thought about these DVD workouts. He told me that they work really great if people don't get too discouraged or frustrated or injured. You have to STICK WITH THE WORKOUT, and because they're so intense, a lot of people drop it after a week or so.
THEN, I was on Facebook and two of my friends were talking about working out. I butted in on their conversation and asked if they were doing Insanity. They said they were, so I asked how it was working for them. They both said that it was going really well, even though they can't do it every day like you're supposed to, due to work or school related things. That finally clinched it for me; that there were actual people I ACTUALLY knew who had good things to say about the program. I decided to order the program, but off of Amazon, because I'm cheap.
I bought the DVD workout. It didn't come with the calendar or the nutrition guide, but I was able to download the calendar for free off the Internet, and I already have a pretty good grasp on nutrition. I was doing really well, but then I injured my leg a little and had to take a break for a couple weeks. Then, I got back into it, but was not doing it every day. But, that wasn't working for me because I need to make things a consistent habit. I just got done working out about an hour ago, after not having done it for three days, and WOW could I tell. So, I'm going to restart.
But, I HAVE noticed some physical changes. I feel really good (even though WHILE doing the workout I feel like I'm going to DIE). I'm not losing weight, per se, but the way that I look is changing. My cardiovascular health, I think, is improving, and I have more energy. I'm excited. I'm also looking forward to EVENTUALLY getting to month 2 (you do the same several workouts through month one, then in month 2, it ratchets up a bit. From what I've read, a lot of people see more drastic change in month 2). But, for now, it's basically back to Day 1. Here's hoping I can do this whole thing!
Anyway, if you're bored with your workouts and you want to sweat, sweat, SWEAT, I would recommend Insanity. I like cardio workouts, but self-directed ones are too boring for me. This is definitely NOT boring. It's a challenge, every SINGLE TIME. But, I like it!
Also, those who have followed my blog might be happy to know that I waited until AFTER I got the results of the Echocardiogram to buy Insanity. I wasn't going to risk it. Oh yeah, and I recently decided to start seeing an endocrinologist again (it had been about...10 years since I last saw one and every general practitioner I've seen since has suggested I go back to see one. I decided to finally follow their advice). During our time together, I mentioned the echo and the results and she said that could be because I am under-medicated with my thyroid meds. So, she bumped me up a little, and that is also helping me feel better. Good to know!
That's what is on my mind right now, anyway. This was a really long post. A lot of times, I don't like reading long posts, so if you've stuck with this one til now, good for you! Have a great day.
Showing posts with label Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fun. Show all posts
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Realization
I was just reading some older posts and realized I missed some more stuff...
First off: The awesome family related news I alluded to in February...YS got ENGAGED on Valentine's Day! She and her man decided to get married on April 30th at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas! All my siblings except for OB went. It was SO awesome, and I'm very glad that they took the leap. YS's husband is a very awesome guy, and I am excited that he's officially my brother in law. He treats her well, and they seem genuinely happy together.
The other big thing: I broke my wrist in March. Some friends and I went roller skating in SeminaryTown, and within 15 minutes, I had fallen. A roller rink employee was right there when I went down and she said, "Are you ok?" I was afraid of getting into trouble, (odd, I know) and so I just said, "Yeah, I'm fine!" Then I got up and started skating around again, thinking that I had just bumped it a bit. But then, the roller rink announcer said that there were no shoes or coats or sweatshirts allowed in the skate-putting-on-area, and so my friends and I all went to move our stuff to the cubby holes. I sat down and my wrist was still really hurting, and I felt like I was going to pass out. I mentioned that I was really in pain and one of my friends asked if I could move it. I could, though it was sore. So, as I got more and more light-headed, they told me to lie down. I asked, "Do they have free water here?" (I have a penchant for asking stupid water-related questions), and then one of my friends came back with a bottle. Another employee came over with a bag of ice, and looked at my wrist a little. Then, my friends said, "It's time to take Molita to the hospital!" So, we got up and were walking out when the guy who took our money came up and said, "You hardly got to skate, so here is your money back." So, we took our money, loaded into the car, and made the drive across town...
AND BOY, WHAT A DRIVE! Every bump hurt like you would not believe. It didn't really, REALLY start hurting until we got into the car, but man...Yikes. I was saying words that are not befitting for a seminary student to say. Oh, and I was laughing hysterically because I am not very good at crying. So, there I was, laughing and swearing profusely, amusing all my friends on the trip.
When we got to the Emergency Room, I was still laughing, and when I went to the window, I told them my name and that I fell down and hurt my arm. I took a seat by all my friends and we waited. When we got to the hospital, I stopped swearing, but I was still laughing and saying fake swear words (Fudgesicles, shoot, frick, and the like) because there were little ears around. Finally they called my name and my friend Sarah walked with me back there. I was having a hard time breathing well because it hurt so bad and the lady told me I needed to breathe better or my face would get numb. So, they got me a wheelchair to sit in because every time I moved, my wrist would hurt more. Sarah pushed me back to the waiting room after the receptionist took some of my info. Then, some dude came and Sarah took me back to talk insurance. At that point, I was mentally cursing whomever chose to put square tiles down in the hallways because each groove caused me serious pain.
When I was done giving insurance information to that guy, Sarah pushed me back out to the waiting room to wait with Meganne and Matt. Some other guy was waiting for his wife, too, and I think he was thoroughly amused by me. All the laughing, I think, was odd for people to see. While we were waiting, one of the seminary employees came out of the ER with stitches in her face. She'd been at a hockey game and had gotten smashed in the head with a puck! So, we are ER buddies now.
Finally, they called me to come back. And so, Matt, Meganne, Sarah, and I went back to a room. Matt and Sarah were classmates of mine, and Meganne is a music therapist, so I said they were my "Spiritual Care Team." We waited and waited and waited, and Sarah took photos of me on her phone and uploaded them to FaceBook. Before long, people were commenting and the like. Another couple of friends saw the pictures and Sarah's status update and asked if we needed anything. So, about half an hour later, they showed up, Matt went and got them out of the waiting room, and they brought bottles of water, some cookies, and a never-been-chewed doggie toy to replace the decimated water bottle I'd been squeezing for the pain. It.was.EPIC!
By that time, I'd had X-rays, and the nurse practitioner (I guess broken bones don't require a doctor) had talked to me. Medical people who were around would occasionally glance in to see what all the laughter was for, and I think that my laughing made them under appreciate the immense pain I was in (really, you wouldn't think a broken wrist would hurt that bad, but it DOES. It REALLY does)! Finally, about ten minutes before it was time to go, they came in and gave me a splint, and asked if I wanted something for the pain. I said, "YES!" The nurse asked if I wanted a pill or a shot. Meganne chimed in and said, "She wants a shot! It'll work faster and she's in A LOT of pain." It was funny, but Meganne does know about these things since she was a music therapist for Hospice (We even started to write a song about my pain and the experience of it all...She says it helps). So, the nurse came in and I got a lovely pain killing shot, and then was discharged with instructions to go to the bone doctor later that week for a cast. Matt and Meganne and Sarah and I went directly to the WalGreens and got my Vicodin, and when we got back to Seminary, Sarah put me to bed.
Having a broken wrist is not pleasant, but the experience was helped by friends who helped me when I couldn't do things for myself. I am very blessed to have such considerate people in my life. I had people to take me to the bone doctor since I wasn't allowed to drive my own drugged-up self (Thanks, Jealaine and Sarah!). I had people to do my dishes so I didn't have to stack them up for a month. I had a neighbor who would open things I couldn't, and another friend who bought me some bath supplies that would help me be able to bathe more easily.
But, I think one of the other highlights of having an awesome orange cast, was the fact that I got so many awesome people to sign it! The day I got it on, my new bishop was at the seminary to meet me and the other WND assignee and his family. So, in addition to many friends who signed it, Bishop Mark Narum also signed my cast. And then, the president of the seminary and his wife ALSO signed it (He's an ex bishop and his wife is just freaking amazing anyway). AND THEN!!!! Because the president was new, he had to be inaugurated in early April. And WHO does the inauguration of a new seminary president? THE CHURCHWIDE BISHOP!!! So, when that day rolled around, I walked up to Bishop Hanson and I lifted up my arm and I said, "Will you sign my cast?" He said, "Sure!" And I handed him my Sharpie and he signed it right in the palm, where I had conveniently left him a space. It was so funny and awesome for me. I mean, how many people can say that Bishop Mark Hanson has signed their cast? I almost wish I'd saved the thing when they took it off...Almost.
So, that is what has been happening in my life. I hope things have been good for you all, and that none of you have broken any bones lately. And if you have, my sincere sympathies are with you.
First off: The awesome family related news I alluded to in February...YS got ENGAGED on Valentine's Day! She and her man decided to get married on April 30th at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas! All my siblings except for OB went. It was SO awesome, and I'm very glad that they took the leap. YS's husband is a very awesome guy, and I am excited that he's officially my brother in law. He treats her well, and they seem genuinely happy together.
The other big thing: I broke my wrist in March. Some friends and I went roller skating in SeminaryTown, and within 15 minutes, I had fallen. A roller rink employee was right there when I went down and she said, "Are you ok?" I was afraid of getting into trouble, (odd, I know) and so I just said, "Yeah, I'm fine!" Then I got up and started skating around again, thinking that I had just bumped it a bit. But then, the roller rink announcer said that there were no shoes or coats or sweatshirts allowed in the skate-putting-on-area, and so my friends and I all went to move our stuff to the cubby holes. I sat down and my wrist was still really hurting, and I felt like I was going to pass out. I mentioned that I was really in pain and one of my friends asked if I could move it. I could, though it was sore. So, as I got more and more light-headed, they told me to lie down. I asked, "Do they have free water here?" (I have a penchant for asking stupid water-related questions), and then one of my friends came back with a bottle. Another employee came over with a bag of ice, and looked at my wrist a little. Then, my friends said, "It's time to take Molita to the hospital!" So, we got up and were walking out when the guy who took our money came up and said, "You hardly got to skate, so here is your money back." So, we took our money, loaded into the car, and made the drive across town...
AND BOY, WHAT A DRIVE! Every bump hurt like you would not believe. It didn't really, REALLY start hurting until we got into the car, but man...Yikes. I was saying words that are not befitting for a seminary student to say. Oh, and I was laughing hysterically because I am not very good at crying. So, there I was, laughing and swearing profusely, amusing all my friends on the trip.
When we got to the Emergency Room, I was still laughing, and when I went to the window, I told them my name and that I fell down and hurt my arm. I took a seat by all my friends and we waited. When we got to the hospital, I stopped swearing, but I was still laughing and saying fake swear words (Fudgesicles, shoot, frick, and the like) because there were little ears around. Finally they called my name and my friend Sarah walked with me back there. I was having a hard time breathing well because it hurt so bad and the lady told me I needed to breathe better or my face would get numb. So, they got me a wheelchair to sit in because every time I moved, my wrist would hurt more. Sarah pushed me back to the waiting room after the receptionist took some of my info. Then, some dude came and Sarah took me back to talk insurance. At that point, I was mentally cursing whomever chose to put square tiles down in the hallways because each groove caused me serious pain.
When I was done giving insurance information to that guy, Sarah pushed me back out to the waiting room to wait with Meganne and Matt. Some other guy was waiting for his wife, too, and I think he was thoroughly amused by me. All the laughing, I think, was odd for people to see. While we were waiting, one of the seminary employees came out of the ER with stitches in her face. She'd been at a hockey game and had gotten smashed in the head with a puck! So, we are ER buddies now.
Finally, they called me to come back. And so, Matt, Meganne, Sarah, and I went back to a room. Matt and Sarah were classmates of mine, and Meganne is a music therapist, so I said they were my "Spiritual Care Team." We waited and waited and waited, and Sarah took photos of me on her phone and uploaded them to FaceBook. Before long, people were commenting and the like. Another couple of friends saw the pictures and Sarah's status update and asked if we needed anything. So, about half an hour later, they showed up, Matt went and got them out of the waiting room, and they brought bottles of water, some cookies, and a never-been-chewed doggie toy to replace the decimated water bottle I'd been squeezing for the pain. It.was.EPIC!
By that time, I'd had X-rays, and the nurse practitioner (I guess broken bones don't require a doctor) had talked to me. Medical people who were around would occasionally glance in to see what all the laughter was for, and I think that my laughing made them under appreciate the immense pain I was in (really, you wouldn't think a broken wrist would hurt that bad, but it DOES. It REALLY does)! Finally, about ten minutes before it was time to go, they came in and gave me a splint, and asked if I wanted something for the pain. I said, "YES!" The nurse asked if I wanted a pill or a shot. Meganne chimed in and said, "She wants a shot! It'll work faster and she's in A LOT of pain." It was funny, but Meganne does know about these things since she was a music therapist for Hospice (We even started to write a song about my pain and the experience of it all...She says it helps). So, the nurse came in and I got a lovely pain killing shot, and then was discharged with instructions to go to the bone doctor later that week for a cast. Matt and Meganne and Sarah and I went directly to the WalGreens and got my Vicodin, and when we got back to Seminary, Sarah put me to bed.
Having a broken wrist is not pleasant, but the experience was helped by friends who helped me when I couldn't do things for myself. I am very blessed to have such considerate people in my life. I had people to take me to the bone doctor since I wasn't allowed to drive my own drugged-up self (Thanks, Jealaine and Sarah!). I had people to do my dishes so I didn't have to stack them up for a month. I had a neighbor who would open things I couldn't, and another friend who bought me some bath supplies that would help me be able to bathe more easily.
But, I think one of the other highlights of having an awesome orange cast, was the fact that I got so many awesome people to sign it! The day I got it on, my new bishop was at the seminary to meet me and the other WND assignee and his family. So, in addition to many friends who signed it, Bishop Mark Narum also signed my cast. And then, the president of the seminary and his wife ALSO signed it (He's an ex bishop and his wife is just freaking amazing anyway). AND THEN!!!! Because the president was new, he had to be inaugurated in early April. And WHO does the inauguration of a new seminary president? THE CHURCHWIDE BISHOP!!! So, when that day rolled around, I walked up to Bishop Hanson and I lifted up my arm and I said, "Will you sign my cast?" He said, "Sure!" And I handed him my Sharpie and he signed it right in the palm, where I had conveniently left him a space. It was so funny and awesome for me. I mean, how many people can say that Bishop Mark Hanson has signed their cast? I almost wish I'd saved the thing when they took it off...Almost.
So, that is what has been happening in my life. I hope things have been good for you all, and that none of you have broken any bones lately. And if you have, my sincere sympathies are with you.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Finally-The Wedding!
Well, I have become quite sub-par at updating this blog. I'm contemplating whether or not I want to continue writing it or not. Maybe a shift in purpose for it is in order... I don't know.
Anyway, the wedding...
Saturday morning, J and I got up and showered and what not, and then drove to the church together. We didn't really see the need to do the whole "not see each other the whole day of the wedding" thing. We didn't want to see each other after we started getting ready, but had no problems seeing each other that morning and driving over together. It was actually kind of cool.
So, we got to the Church and went our separate ways; him to his Sunday school room, and me to mine. We did talk about lunch at one point in the car though, and he decided he'd go to Subway and get some sandwiches. I was wearing my Lucky Charms shirt, which several people thought was amusing to wear on our wedding day.
When I got to the church, I didn't have to wait long for Diane, the Mary Kay lady to come. I am absolutely inept at makeup, and Diane, being very talented, was willing to help me out. YS used to sell MK, and Diane was the person who got her into it. Diane had done a test run a while back to figure out colors that would look good, so all she had to do the day of the wedding was slap the stuff on my face. She did an absolutely WONDERFUL job, in my opinion, and I especially appreciated that she didn't treat me like a moron for being so ignorant about makeup (since I don't wear it on any sort of regular basis).
The photographer and his wife (they're a team) got there around the same time as Diane. Bob did a lot of photography for the guys and his wife, Pat, did a lot of our photographs. They're both delightful people with a ready smile, and a nice sparkle in their eyes. I was incredibly happy with the service they provided.
So, YS, Sis, and SiL came to the church and we all were getting ready. SiL tried putting some bronzer or something on my arms and stuff to hide the ridiculous tan lines I had, and I was okay with it, regardless of what it looked like. Sis also "did" my hair, which didn't involve much because I have really short hair. Pat took all sorts of photos of us getting ready, and Bob took photos of the guys. Also, J's dad was there taking some "candid" pics of us, too, which was also delightful. He took some really good pictures.
After a while, J brought some lunch and his dad (I think) brought it over to us. I was a little bit nervous (Not because I thought I was making some huge mistake or anything, but because I'm not huge on being the center of attention when I'm out of my element. Dresses and makeup are DEFINITELY out of my element). Because of this nervousness, I was only able to eat about 3 bites of my sandwich, which made me even more nervous, because I didn't want to faint! Lol. At some point, Pastor M came in and we got a couple of pictures taken together. She's really cool and I am SO THANKFUL that she was a part of the day.
So, we finished getting ready, taking lots and lots of photos before the ceremony, and hanging out. Oh, and I forgot to mention... The florist we used was the hometown florist. I hadn't actually told her what kinds of flowers we wanted, because we didn't really care. I just told her what our colors were, and I think I may have mentioned that my favorite color is orange. When we got there on Saturday morning, I looked into the sanctuary and was definitely NOT!! disappointed in the slightest! K did a BEAUTIFUL job at putting together our flowers. I was mucho excited.
After a while, it was time to get that show on the road! Interim had come back to kind of get us all ready to go, and we all walked out and the bridesmaids and groomsmen lined up. The music started playing and they started walking in. Oh, and we had a procession, so Pastor M and Interim started the procession with the cross and the big Bible. They walked in to "Lift High the Cross." After all the bridal party went in (no ring bearer or flower girl...J and I just said "no" from the get-go), I walked out to join J because we had decided to walk in together. My dad has been gone for several years, and J and I had talked and decided it'd be cool if the both of us got to walk in. And so we thought, "Heck, why not walk in together!" So, all the people in the sanctuary were looking back, and as "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" started to play, we started to walk in. I had a huge smile on my face the whole time, to say the least.
We got to the chancel, went up the couple steps, and took our place in front of the pastors. The service started and went pretty well. However, when it came time to exchange vows, I started sweating a little! Not because I didn't want to say it (again, that was DEFINITELY not the case), but because J went first, and then my turn came where Interim gave me about twelve words to say at once. For J, he took it nice and slow, but Interim forgot to give me a pause! I freaked out for a nanosecond, but then thought, "I can do this!" So, I did! A friend after the service said, "We were wondering about all those words he gave you at once!"
Pastor M gave a FANTASTIC sermon that spoke to the reality of our lives, but that also shared the Gospel. She acknowledged that we grieved the absense of our parents (Ma was not able to be there because of her cognitive state. It would have been way too much for her). J's mom and my father are also deceased, so that was a void. But, Pastor M talked about many wonderful things regarding married life and the love of Christ. J and I would have loved to have a copy of it.
J and I, being the "religious" type, also decided we wanted communion at our wedding. Interim was supposed to do the words of institution, and then J and I would serve the congregation. However, Interim said, "Sister M will now say the words that make this the body and blood of our Lord!" and J and I just thought, "OH NO!!!!" Why, "Oh no?" Well for two reasons, really. 1. What we SAY OR DO does not do some magic that changes the elements into the body and blood. It is GOD'S action ALWAYS that comes to us, and 2. Pastor M. is not familiar with the setting that my home church uses and did not BECOME familiar with it because that was one of the things that we gave the interim to do. Oy. But thankfully, Interim realized his mistake and then did it.
We served communion to the people who came forward; family, family friends, friends from childhood, friends from seminary. It was so cool for us to share in that on our wedding day. And, Oldest Brother CAME to the wedding! I was excited.
As the wedding ended, we walked out so that we could walk back in after the rest of the bridal party exited. On our way out, I looked to my right and saw a whole group of my seminary friends with a giant orange feather boa wrapped all around them! I got a huge smile on my face and nodded happily. Hehe. It was freaking awesome! AND, some of my friends actually wore orange. One of my good friends dressed her little guy in an orange shirt. Older brother the younger also wore an orange shirt, and another good seminary friend (a man) wore an orange shirt. These "small" actions just made me feel even more special because they did these things in an intentional manner to make the day even better for me. I'm a big fan of color (thus my happiness that the paraments on the altar were red for Pentecost Sunday the next day), and was glad to see such vibrance as we exited the sanctuary. I have great friends!
When the whole bridal party came out, J and I went back in and we ushered people out. We gave and received many, many hugs and well wishes. We saw again, exactly who was there to celebrate with us (though during the service, the pastors had us turn around a couple of times to look at who was there, and we also saw at Communion). It was great!
One of the ladies we invited (a recent widow) said, "This was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to. Thanks for inviting me." I was humbled to hear that. She's a special lady, and I'm just glad that she could find some joy in the day, though I'm pretty sure that she also felt some grief, considering her relatively new situation.
We then walked outside. One of my absolute best friends and one of J's absolute best friends served as ushers for us, and they passed out the bubbles that we had bought. Neither J or I wanted bird seeds because I have a tendency to get things in my eyes. So, we walked outside and people blew all these bubbles at us. Someone (I think J's dad) took a great picture of us where the bubbles were all around us (mostly me, but some were around J, too, I think). We actually ended up using that picture on our Thank You notes.
After we visited outside (the weather was gorgeous!), the guests all headed toward my home town to the reception hall, while our families, bridal party, J and I stayed to finish taking pictures. That took a little while, and then we finally got to head north. As we were driving toward the edge of town, the clouds opened up and downpoured on us! Thankfully, though, the sky was partly cloudy/mostly sunny by the time we drove the five miles to the hall. It was gorgeous. We ate good food, talked to friends and family, and then started the toasts.
THE TOASTS! Ha. Sis was my matron of honor and YS was my maid of honor (how do you pick between your two favorite sisters? Note, they're my ONLY two sisters. LOL), and they had been wigging out about having to get up and make a speech. But when they got up there, they did a MARVELOUS job. They told a little story about me when I was a little kid about how Sis shoved me out of our house naked and then took a picture of it. Then, they talked a bit about our various adventures as sisters and how they were glad J would now get to be a part of our goofy randomness. And then they said, "She could have been a stripper (they harkened back to the naked picture), but she ended up going into the ministry, which is good for you! So may your marriage always be filled with love, laughter, and wasabi surprise!" (or something like that).
What's Wasabi Surprise, you ask? Well, earlier in the week, Sis, YS, J, and I went to a sushi place in Peoria and while eating, at one point, I stopped, and got red faced and teary eyed and went, "WHAT WAS THAT?!" It turns out, the sushi chefs put some wasabi in between the fish and the rice bed. Since I always dip my sushi in a soy sauce/wasabi mix, the extra was a bit excess (although still delicious!). We all got a good kick out of it. I was so impressed with the speech they gave. It was well thought out, not embarassing, and very heartfelt. Muchos gracias, sistas!
J's best man did a pretty nice job too, but since my sisters and I have a special bond, I just have to give them mad props for theirs. :)
Then, J and I got up. We thanked the people for coming, which I thought was the purpose of our getting up. However, all of a sudden, J said some things and I realized I was in for a surprise! He had worked with another good friend of ours and had worked out a way to surprise me by singing one of my favorite songs! J burst out into singing Michael Buble's version of "Moondance." He changed a few slight adjectives and added some personal touch to the song. J has a great singing voice and I was surprised. He did a great job, and I am so fortunate to be married to such a caring guy! The little schpiel I gave afterward wasn't nearly as cool as that, but I hope I was able to convey my gratitude to the people for coming, as well as my thanksgiving for being so blessed by love. It was great.
And afterwards, we danced and talked, and the night progressed. J's brother, at one point, ended up giving a long, drawn out, drunken speech trying to embarass J. And thankfully, the DJ and one of J's groomsmen cut him off in a relatively tactful way. Haha.
So, the night eventually ended, and we went and relaxed and giggled at the fact that we were now married! And the day is wonderful to think back on and remember. Those of you who were there, thank you! And those who weren't, know that I would have invited EVERYONE if we could have. Time/budget/space constraints aren't the greatest things in the world, but if I know you, chances are, I am appreciative for who you are in my life. Thanks for being friends.
Here ends the tale of my wedding day...Well, the public part, anyway. :P
Anyway, the wedding...
Saturday morning, J and I got up and showered and what not, and then drove to the church together. We didn't really see the need to do the whole "not see each other the whole day of the wedding" thing. We didn't want to see each other after we started getting ready, but had no problems seeing each other that morning and driving over together. It was actually kind of cool.
So, we got to the Church and went our separate ways; him to his Sunday school room, and me to mine. We did talk about lunch at one point in the car though, and he decided he'd go to Subway and get some sandwiches. I was wearing my Lucky Charms shirt, which several people thought was amusing to wear on our wedding day.
When I got to the church, I didn't have to wait long for Diane, the Mary Kay lady to come. I am absolutely inept at makeup, and Diane, being very talented, was willing to help me out. YS used to sell MK, and Diane was the person who got her into it. Diane had done a test run a while back to figure out colors that would look good, so all she had to do the day of the wedding was slap the stuff on my face. She did an absolutely WONDERFUL job, in my opinion, and I especially appreciated that she didn't treat me like a moron for being so ignorant about makeup (since I don't wear it on any sort of regular basis).
The photographer and his wife (they're a team) got there around the same time as Diane. Bob did a lot of photography for the guys and his wife, Pat, did a lot of our photographs. They're both delightful people with a ready smile, and a nice sparkle in their eyes. I was incredibly happy with the service they provided.
So, YS, Sis, and SiL came to the church and we all were getting ready. SiL tried putting some bronzer or something on my arms and stuff to hide the ridiculous tan lines I had, and I was okay with it, regardless of what it looked like. Sis also "did" my hair, which didn't involve much because I have really short hair. Pat took all sorts of photos of us getting ready, and Bob took photos of the guys. Also, J's dad was there taking some "candid" pics of us, too, which was also delightful. He took some really good pictures.
After a while, J brought some lunch and his dad (I think) brought it over to us. I was a little bit nervous (Not because I thought I was making some huge mistake or anything, but because I'm not huge on being the center of attention when I'm out of my element. Dresses and makeup are DEFINITELY out of my element). Because of this nervousness, I was only able to eat about 3 bites of my sandwich, which made me even more nervous, because I didn't want to faint! Lol. At some point, Pastor M came in and we got a couple of pictures taken together. She's really cool and I am SO THANKFUL that she was a part of the day.
So, we finished getting ready, taking lots and lots of photos before the ceremony, and hanging out. Oh, and I forgot to mention... The florist we used was the hometown florist. I hadn't actually told her what kinds of flowers we wanted, because we didn't really care. I just told her what our colors were, and I think I may have mentioned that my favorite color is orange. When we got there on Saturday morning, I looked into the sanctuary and was definitely NOT!! disappointed in the slightest! K did a BEAUTIFUL job at putting together our flowers. I was mucho excited.
After a while, it was time to get that show on the road! Interim had come back to kind of get us all ready to go, and we all walked out and the bridesmaids and groomsmen lined up. The music started playing and they started walking in. Oh, and we had a procession, so Pastor M and Interim started the procession with the cross and the big Bible. They walked in to "Lift High the Cross." After all the bridal party went in (no ring bearer or flower girl...J and I just said "no" from the get-go), I walked out to join J because we had decided to walk in together. My dad has been gone for several years, and J and I had talked and decided it'd be cool if the both of us got to walk in. And so we thought, "Heck, why not walk in together!" So, all the people in the sanctuary were looking back, and as "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" started to play, we started to walk in. I had a huge smile on my face the whole time, to say the least.
We got to the chancel, went up the couple steps, and took our place in front of the pastors. The service started and went pretty well. However, when it came time to exchange vows, I started sweating a little! Not because I didn't want to say it (again, that was DEFINITELY not the case), but because J went first, and then my turn came where Interim gave me about twelve words to say at once. For J, he took it nice and slow, but Interim forgot to give me a pause! I freaked out for a nanosecond, but then thought, "I can do this!" So, I did! A friend after the service said, "We were wondering about all those words he gave you at once!"
Pastor M gave a FANTASTIC sermon that spoke to the reality of our lives, but that also shared the Gospel. She acknowledged that we grieved the absense of our parents (Ma was not able to be there because of her cognitive state. It would have been way too much for her). J's mom and my father are also deceased, so that was a void. But, Pastor M talked about many wonderful things regarding married life and the love of Christ. J and I would have loved to have a copy of it.
J and I, being the "religious" type, also decided we wanted communion at our wedding. Interim was supposed to do the words of institution, and then J and I would serve the congregation. However, Interim said, "Sister M will now say the words that make this the body and blood of our Lord!" and J and I just thought, "OH NO!!!!" Why, "Oh no?" Well for two reasons, really. 1. What we SAY OR DO does not do some magic that changes the elements into the body and blood. It is GOD'S action ALWAYS that comes to us, and 2. Pastor M. is not familiar with the setting that my home church uses and did not BECOME familiar with it because that was one of the things that we gave the interim to do. Oy. But thankfully, Interim realized his mistake and then did it.
We served communion to the people who came forward; family, family friends, friends from childhood, friends from seminary. It was so cool for us to share in that on our wedding day. And, Oldest Brother CAME to the wedding! I was excited.
As the wedding ended, we walked out so that we could walk back in after the rest of the bridal party exited. On our way out, I looked to my right and saw a whole group of my seminary friends with a giant orange feather boa wrapped all around them! I got a huge smile on my face and nodded happily. Hehe. It was freaking awesome! AND, some of my friends actually wore orange. One of my good friends dressed her little guy in an orange shirt. Older brother the younger also wore an orange shirt, and another good seminary friend (a man) wore an orange shirt. These "small" actions just made me feel even more special because they did these things in an intentional manner to make the day even better for me. I'm a big fan of color (thus my happiness that the paraments on the altar were red for Pentecost Sunday the next day), and was glad to see such vibrance as we exited the sanctuary. I have great friends!
When the whole bridal party came out, J and I went back in and we ushered people out. We gave and received many, many hugs and well wishes. We saw again, exactly who was there to celebrate with us (though during the service, the pastors had us turn around a couple of times to look at who was there, and we also saw at Communion). It was great!
One of the ladies we invited (a recent widow) said, "This was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to. Thanks for inviting me." I was humbled to hear that. She's a special lady, and I'm just glad that she could find some joy in the day, though I'm pretty sure that she also felt some grief, considering her relatively new situation.
We then walked outside. One of my absolute best friends and one of J's absolute best friends served as ushers for us, and they passed out the bubbles that we had bought. Neither J or I wanted bird seeds because I have a tendency to get things in my eyes. So, we walked outside and people blew all these bubbles at us. Someone (I think J's dad) took a great picture of us where the bubbles were all around us (mostly me, but some were around J, too, I think). We actually ended up using that picture on our Thank You notes.
After we visited outside (the weather was gorgeous!), the guests all headed toward my home town to the reception hall, while our families, bridal party, J and I stayed to finish taking pictures. That took a little while, and then we finally got to head north. As we were driving toward the edge of town, the clouds opened up and downpoured on us! Thankfully, though, the sky was partly cloudy/mostly sunny by the time we drove the five miles to the hall. It was gorgeous. We ate good food, talked to friends and family, and then started the toasts.
THE TOASTS! Ha. Sis was my matron of honor and YS was my maid of honor (how do you pick between your two favorite sisters? Note, they're my ONLY two sisters. LOL), and they had been wigging out about having to get up and make a speech. But when they got up there, they did a MARVELOUS job. They told a little story about me when I was a little kid about how Sis shoved me out of our house naked and then took a picture of it. Then, they talked a bit about our various adventures as sisters and how they were glad J would now get to be a part of our goofy randomness. And then they said, "She could have been a stripper (they harkened back to the naked picture), but she ended up going into the ministry, which is good for you! So may your marriage always be filled with love, laughter, and wasabi surprise!" (or something like that).
What's Wasabi Surprise, you ask? Well, earlier in the week, Sis, YS, J, and I went to a sushi place in Peoria and while eating, at one point, I stopped, and got red faced and teary eyed and went, "WHAT WAS THAT?!" It turns out, the sushi chefs put some wasabi in between the fish and the rice bed. Since I always dip my sushi in a soy sauce/wasabi mix, the extra was a bit excess (although still delicious!). We all got a good kick out of it. I was so impressed with the speech they gave. It was well thought out, not embarassing, and very heartfelt. Muchos gracias, sistas!
J's best man did a pretty nice job too, but since my sisters and I have a special bond, I just have to give them mad props for theirs. :)
Then, J and I got up. We thanked the people for coming, which I thought was the purpose of our getting up. However, all of a sudden, J said some things and I realized I was in for a surprise! He had worked with another good friend of ours and had worked out a way to surprise me by singing one of my favorite songs! J burst out into singing Michael Buble's version of "Moondance." He changed a few slight adjectives and added some personal touch to the song. J has a great singing voice and I was surprised. He did a great job, and I am so fortunate to be married to such a caring guy! The little schpiel I gave afterward wasn't nearly as cool as that, but I hope I was able to convey my gratitude to the people for coming, as well as my thanksgiving for being so blessed by love. It was great.
And afterwards, we danced and talked, and the night progressed. J's brother, at one point, ended up giving a long, drawn out, drunken speech trying to embarass J. And thankfully, the DJ and one of J's groomsmen cut him off in a relatively tactful way. Haha.
So, the night eventually ended, and we went and relaxed and giggled at the fact that we were now married! And the day is wonderful to think back on and remember. Those of you who were there, thank you! And those who weren't, know that I would have invited EVERYONE if we could have. Time/budget/space constraints aren't the greatest things in the world, but if I know you, chances are, I am appreciative for who you are in my life. Thanks for being friends.
Here ends the tale of my wedding day...Well, the public part, anyway. :P
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fun Times
Well, here we are, 4 or so weeks into the semester (depending on whether or not you count prologue wee). J has been living in his new community for what seems like FOREVER. I miss him a lot, but we talk every day in some way or another. Last night, we had a virtual date. We had a video call on MSN messenger, and we played the games that they offer. We even put a puzzle together, and it was so much fun (even though I suck at puzzles). I had a great time. It's amazing to think of my life and how much I love him, and how only 10 short months can change a person. I was planning on staying single forever, but that didn't happen. J and I started hanging out near the end of the fall semester of my junior year. Then, on Valentine's day, we said we liked each other, and on March 13, we made our relationship "official." And now, we're engaged. It's amazing.
Back before J, I thought that I was going to be single forever. I told people that I was going to be single forever. But now I am blessed with the love of a good man, and I'm gushing. In my former days, I would be about puking by now. Lol. All this is just exciting. I can't believe it. I still get giddy when I remember J asking me to marry him. :) :) :)
I guess the point of this post is to say that it is good to be open to new experiences. I'm so thankful I was wrong. :) Enough gushing for now. See y'all.
Back before J, I thought that I was going to be single forever. I told people that I was going to be single forever. But now I am blessed with the love of a good man, and I'm gushing. In my former days, I would be about puking by now. Lol. All this is just exciting. I can't believe it. I still get giddy when I remember J asking me to marry him. :) :) :)
I guess the point of this post is to say that it is good to be open to new experiences. I'm so thankful I was wrong. :) Enough gushing for now. See y'all.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Plans
Well, the boys are upstairs napping, and I am thinking about what I am doing or preparing to do.
J's ordination is coming up within the next few weeks, so I'm planning on going to that and showing my support. Yay! Good work, what with getting all the way through and jumping through all the hurdles and everything. I'm proud!
I'm also planning on going to the seminary this coming Friday to have a mini-date with him before I hit the road for about 12 or 13 hours to go to a wedding in a state I've never been to before. I'm looking forward to seeing the state where the wedding is because it's also the state to which J has been called. I'm also looking forward to the wedding because it will unite a very good seminary friend and her fiance in holy matrimony! Congratulations!
On the trip, I'm also excited to see at least one other seminary friend. It seems like forever since I've seen her, but it's only been a couple of months. She's been doing Clinical Pastoral Education, and I've been at the castle or in Illinois watching the boys. I'm glad that my friend is done with CPE and has a bit of down time before the semester begins. I'm proud of her for getting through! YAY!
And as I plan for the future, I think about where I was last year at this time.
At this time last year, I was up to my eyeballs in the Summer Greek program at seminary. I was struggling with declensions and verbs and nouns and all that good stuff. I was meeting the people who are not a part of my class, and for whom I am incredibly grateful to have in my life.
At this time last year, I was also having to contend with Ma's quick cognitive decline. Today actually marks the one year anniversary of her living in a nursing home. We thought it would be July 27, but it ended up being the 30th because they needed to prepare her paperwork and make the place available for her. So, today marks the day that she entered the home to live. However, she was moved not long afterwords to a locked dementia unit because she escaped from the first home 32 times in one night. I blogged about that experience when it happened. If you're interested, search, "32 times." I'm too lazy to link to it right now.
The point of this post, I guess, is to say that life always changes. Bad and good things happen, and we keep trucking on. It's not necessary to deny these feelings that we experience through living, and it's not even necessary to deem them "good" or "bad." It's just easier sometimes to label things. With faith, love, and grace, I have also gone on to have hope, even when things seem to bite the big one. Here's hoping you also find hope in and through your own life experiences. Peace Out.
J's ordination is coming up within the next few weeks, so I'm planning on going to that and showing my support. Yay! Good work, what with getting all the way through and jumping through all the hurdles and everything. I'm proud!
I'm also planning on going to the seminary this coming Friday to have a mini-date with him before I hit the road for about 12 or 13 hours to go to a wedding in a state I've never been to before. I'm looking forward to seeing the state where the wedding is because it's also the state to which J has been called. I'm also looking forward to the wedding because it will unite a very good seminary friend and her fiance in holy matrimony! Congratulations!
On the trip, I'm also excited to see at least one other seminary friend. It seems like forever since I've seen her, but it's only been a couple of months. She's been doing Clinical Pastoral Education, and I've been at the castle or in Illinois watching the boys. I'm glad that my friend is done with CPE and has a bit of down time before the semester begins. I'm proud of her for getting through! YAY!
And as I plan for the future, I think about where I was last year at this time.
At this time last year, I was up to my eyeballs in the Summer Greek program at seminary. I was struggling with declensions and verbs and nouns and all that good stuff. I was meeting the people who are not a part of my class, and for whom I am incredibly grateful to have in my life.
At this time last year, I was also having to contend with Ma's quick cognitive decline. Today actually marks the one year anniversary of her living in a nursing home. We thought it would be July 27, but it ended up being the 30th because they needed to prepare her paperwork and make the place available for her. So, today marks the day that she entered the home to live. However, she was moved not long afterwords to a locked dementia unit because she escaped from the first home 32 times in one night. I blogged about that experience when it happened. If you're interested, search, "32 times." I'm too lazy to link to it right now.
The point of this post, I guess, is to say that life always changes. Bad and good things happen, and we keep trucking on. It's not necessary to deny these feelings that we experience through living, and it's not even necessary to deem them "good" or "bad." It's just easier sometimes to label things. With faith, love, and grace, I have also gone on to have hope, even when things seem to bite the big one. Here's hoping you also find hope in and through your own life experiences. Peace Out.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Fun Stuff
Well, tonight, a group of us from the Seminary went to the midnight showing of the new Indiana Jones movie. I have only seen one of the IJ movies, and it's been a LONG time. But, the new one was pretty good.
J and I went and bought tickets for ourselves and for two of our friends. They weren't sure if their spouses would be coming, so I only bought 4 tickets. We planned to meet at the theater around 11:15 because the theater was hosting a kickoff party with video games and drink specials and what not (this theater serves wine and beer and other adult beverages). When we went into the theater, a very popular X-box game was being projected up onto the big screen. Two other screens were down in the front row for different games. It was quite entertaining, although the people playing on the big screen were not doing what you're "supposed" to do in the game, and were just messing around.
When the theater people took the games down in order to prepare for the movie, an employee came in and was giving away raffle prizes. I assumed they would be giving them away according to the numbers on our movie tickets (which were not taken by movie attendants because they are mini-poster like things). I believe there were 4 or 5 prizes given away. The last number called was 54 and I was like, "That's one of the numbers I bought!" So, one of my good friends stood up and got a prize! It was exciting because it makes me feel like a winner. I don't win stuff very often, and I technically DIDN'T win the Indiana Jones hat, but because I bought the ticket (although my friend paid me back), I felt like I did win. AND, I'm not the one acquiring more "stuff," which is important to me because I'm somewhat of a minimalist. Anyway, I was excited, so congratulations, Friend!
The movie was pretty good. It's fairly ridiculous, you know, the whole plot line and stuff, but it was exciting. It also parallels the biblical story in a few places which I thought was amusing. J and I agree that there is not anything new to be come up with anymore. Very few things are completely original. Not that that's necessarily a BAD thing; just an observation.
Anyway, so it's now pretty late, and although I have nothing to do tomorrow morning, I don't like sleeping the day away. It makes me feel weird. So, anyway, I recommend going to see the new Indiana Jones movie. That makes 4 movies in the past week or so that I have liked which I didn't think I would: Episodes IV, V, and VI of Star Wars, and now the new Indiana Jones movie. Cool. Anyway, y'all have a good night.
J and I went and bought tickets for ourselves and for two of our friends. They weren't sure if their spouses would be coming, so I only bought 4 tickets. We planned to meet at the theater around 11:15 because the theater was hosting a kickoff party with video games and drink specials and what not (this theater serves wine and beer and other adult beverages). When we went into the theater, a very popular X-box game was being projected up onto the big screen. Two other screens were down in the front row for different games. It was quite entertaining, although the people playing on the big screen were not doing what you're "supposed" to do in the game, and were just messing around.
When the theater people took the games down in order to prepare for the movie, an employee came in and was giving away raffle prizes. I assumed they would be giving them away according to the numbers on our movie tickets (which were not taken by movie attendants because they are mini-poster like things). I believe there were 4 or 5 prizes given away. The last number called was 54 and I was like, "That's one of the numbers I bought!" So, one of my good friends stood up and got a prize! It was exciting because it makes me feel like a winner. I don't win stuff very often, and I technically DIDN'T win the Indiana Jones hat, but because I bought the ticket (although my friend paid me back), I felt like I did win. AND, I'm not the one acquiring more "stuff," which is important to me because I'm somewhat of a minimalist. Anyway, I was excited, so congratulations, Friend!
The movie was pretty good. It's fairly ridiculous, you know, the whole plot line and stuff, but it was exciting. It also parallels the biblical story in a few places which I thought was amusing. J and I agree that there is not anything new to be come up with anymore. Very few things are completely original. Not that that's necessarily a BAD thing; just an observation.
Anyway, so it's now pretty late, and although I have nothing to do tomorrow morning, I don't like sleeping the day away. It makes me feel weird. So, anyway, I recommend going to see the new Indiana Jones movie. That makes 4 movies in the past week or so that I have liked which I didn't think I would: Episodes IV, V, and VI of Star Wars, and now the new Indiana Jones movie. Cool. Anyway, y'all have a good night.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Some Thoughts
I was reading an article today in Christianity Today (the online version). The article is entitled, "A Little Office Humor Goes a Long Way." It speaks about how laughter is a gift from God, even though the Bible never explicitly says that Jesus laughed.
I for one, think that the mere fact that Jesus was a full human being means that, of course he laughed!
I think I've mentioned before that wherever I go, people tend to comment on my sense of humor, or my laugh, or the "impish michievousness right under my surface." The word, "impish" has actually been used multiple times to describe me. In a good way.
Anyway, I have been thinking about how laughter and a sense of humor is a spiritual gift. Sometimes I feel like I don't have enough "spiritual gifts," and I sell my sense of humor short. After all, what good does laughing REALLY do?
I think it does a world of good! When I am having a bad day or am feeling sad, a good laugh seems to reset me. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (emphasis mine). Laughter can be a good signature that one is joyful. And to go hand in hand with this verse, I think that a sense of humor can show these other fruits of the Spirit. When a friend can make me laugh, that shows kindness to me. I feel like I have received a gift from their generosity of being able to use their wit and charm to make me laugh. Also, I am far more apt to laugh at something said by someone I like or love than I am to laugh through jokes or some random person's comments. And I feel at peace when I am laughing. I forget the stresses and tribulations of life, if only for a few minutes.
So, that being said, I think I am really beginning to believe that my sense of humor is indeed a good and "valid" spiritual gift. It is a hope of mine that my sense of humor and my laughter blesses the lives of others in some way. In reflecting on this, I remember a time last semester, I think, when we were sitting in class and it was getting too intense or we were all getting really bored or something (I don't remember the specifics of the situation), and I made some silly comment and the whole class started laughing. I was slightly afraid it was timed improperly, but later, friends said that we needed that right then.
Laughter is a good thing. Frederick Buechner once said that there is "laughter of faith." What I think he was talking about is that even in the midst of the "stuff" of life, we can laugh because of the hope we have in Jesus. We can trust in faith that the promises of God in Christ are not willy-nilly, but are firmly bonded in the steadfast character of God, the awesome one.
Be blessed, my friends. And laugh. See you.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/workplace/articles/leadership/alittleofficehumor.html
I for one, think that the mere fact that Jesus was a full human being means that, of course he laughed!
I think I've mentioned before that wherever I go, people tend to comment on my sense of humor, or my laugh, or the "impish michievousness right under my surface." The word, "impish" has actually been used multiple times to describe me. In a good way.
Anyway, I have been thinking about how laughter and a sense of humor is a spiritual gift. Sometimes I feel like I don't have enough "spiritual gifts," and I sell my sense of humor short. After all, what good does laughing REALLY do?
I think it does a world of good! When I am having a bad day or am feeling sad, a good laugh seems to reset me. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (emphasis mine). Laughter can be a good signature that one is joyful. And to go hand in hand with this verse, I think that a sense of humor can show these other fruits of the Spirit. When a friend can make me laugh, that shows kindness to me. I feel like I have received a gift from their generosity of being able to use their wit and charm to make me laugh. Also, I am far more apt to laugh at something said by someone I like or love than I am to laugh through jokes or some random person's comments. And I feel at peace when I am laughing. I forget the stresses and tribulations of life, if only for a few minutes.
So, that being said, I think I am really beginning to believe that my sense of humor is indeed a good and "valid" spiritual gift. It is a hope of mine that my sense of humor and my laughter blesses the lives of others in some way. In reflecting on this, I remember a time last semester, I think, when we were sitting in class and it was getting too intense or we were all getting really bored or something (I don't remember the specifics of the situation), and I made some silly comment and the whole class started laughing. I was slightly afraid it was timed improperly, but later, friends said that we needed that right then.
Laughter is a good thing. Frederick Buechner once said that there is "laughter of faith." What I think he was talking about is that even in the midst of the "stuff" of life, we can laugh because of the hope we have in Jesus. We can trust in faith that the promises of God in Christ are not willy-nilly, but are firmly bonded in the steadfast character of God, the awesome one.
Be blessed, my friends. And laugh. See you.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/workplace/articles/leadership/alittleofficehumor.html
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Random
Well, it's 1:00 a.m. and I'm still up. I took a ridiculously long nap today, and so... here I am unable to sleep. Ah well. It was worth it. I was tired.
I think I am going to try to go to bed soon, though. I have a 7:30 a.m. class, and I'm also helping with communion tomorrow because it's Ascension Day! Yay Jesus!
Last but not least, I have Facebook, and I love the application, "Pieces of Flair." It's where you get a corkboard on your profile and you can add "buttons" to your board, either by yourself, or people can send them to you. There are a whole lot of REALLY funny ones. One that I was laughing at tonight (although I wouldn't put it on my board) is, "Ask Me About My Explosive Diarrhea." I'm a huge dork, but I don't care. Peace out, y'all.
I think I am going to try to go to bed soon, though. I have a 7:30 a.m. class, and I'm also helping with communion tomorrow because it's Ascension Day! Yay Jesus!
Last but not least, I have Facebook, and I love the application, "Pieces of Flair." It's where you get a corkboard on your profile and you can add "buttons" to your board, either by yourself, or people can send them to you. There are a whole lot of REALLY funny ones. One that I was laughing at tonight (although I wouldn't put it on my board) is, "Ask Me About My Explosive Diarrhea." I'm a huge dork, but I don't care. Peace out, y'all.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Twitterpated.
Today was a glorious day! The temperature was in the 40's today! A whole bunch of snow melted, and people took the opportunity to be outside, even if only to walk the dogs, walk to the food pantry, or break up some of the ice in which we have been encased for eternity. Even though we're expected to get more snow tonight, this day has been a nice respite in the very harsh winter we've been having, and it gives me hope that Spring is not too far off.
This afternoon, my friend "J" invited me over to read at his place. I went, and I'm impressed because when I'm "studying" with other people, I am more apt to stay on task. I got some stuff read, and I'm thrilled. J is a cool guy and it is so nice to have his company. I'm actually INCREDIBLY blessed because I have numerous and varied friends here. Each are special in their own unique ways. It's exciting.
Oh, and this weekend Seminary had its formal dance that is put on by the "spouses" group. They get a jazz band to come play. Everyone dresses up in their old bridesmaid, cocktail, or prom dresses (or their Sunday best) and goes to drink wine, conversate, and dance. Because I was out on Saturday til about 10:00, I only went to about the last hour of it. But, I had a good time all around that night. It was fun to see everyone all dressed in their best, as well as hear a good jazz band playing. I've been having a lot of fun this semester, and I'm even doing much of my reading. Although I'm behind in Systematics. Yikes. I'll get there.
Anyway, that's some of what has been going on in the world of Trish. Things are going well, for the most part, and it's exciting. I hope you all are excited about your lives as well.
This afternoon, my friend "J" invited me over to read at his place. I went, and I'm impressed because when I'm "studying" with other people, I am more apt to stay on task. I got some stuff read, and I'm thrilled. J is a cool guy and it is so nice to have his company. I'm actually INCREDIBLY blessed because I have numerous and varied friends here. Each are special in their own unique ways. It's exciting.
Oh, and this weekend Seminary had its formal dance that is put on by the "spouses" group. They get a jazz band to come play. Everyone dresses up in their old bridesmaid, cocktail, or prom dresses (or their Sunday best) and goes to drink wine, conversate, and dance. Because I was out on Saturday til about 10:00, I only went to about the last hour of it. But, I had a good time all around that night. It was fun to see everyone all dressed in their best, as well as hear a good jazz band playing. I've been having a lot of fun this semester, and I'm even doing much of my reading. Although I'm behind in Systematics. Yikes. I'll get there.
Anyway, that's some of what has been going on in the world of Trish. Things are going well, for the most part, and it's exciting. I hope you all are excited about your lives as well.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A little snippet
YS called me yesterday. We talked for a little while, and she asked if she could borrow a couple of bucks. Her car is having the tie rod replaced, and that is expensive. Because I love my little sister dearly, and I want her to always be safe, and if that safety requires her to have to ask me for a loan, I don't want her to EVER hesitate, I said I would most certainly send her the money. And so, last night I wrote her a check.
But the WHOLE point of this post is for me to tell you that I laughed my butt off because my sisters and I are all pretty close, and so we joke around a lot, including on checks. In the "memo" field of the check I wrote to YS, I put, "Rehab-Clean yourself up!"
Then, I promptly sealed it in an envelope and sent it on its merry little way.
But the WHOLE point of this post is for me to tell you that I laughed my butt off because my sisters and I are all pretty close, and so we joke around a lot, including on checks. In the "memo" field of the check I wrote to YS, I put, "Rehab-Clean yourself up!"
Then, I promptly sealed it in an envelope and sent it on its merry little way.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Weeee!
School is cancelled tomorrow! SNOW DAY! I can't believe it!
My undergraduate school cancelled one time when I was a student there, but it didn't affect me because I didn't go to class everyday by that time. This snow day actually gets me out of a 7:30 small group and a morning class! Weehaw! The only bummer is that tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, and so I should probably find a place out in the community to do that worship tomorrow.
Tonight, we had a Mardi Gras worship service, which was AWESOME. Some talented students played their instruments (clarinet, trombone, trumpet, piano, and sax) and we got the hymns out of the "African American" ELCA worship book. It was lively and fun. After worship, there was a potluck. I can't cook, and so didn't bring anything. But there was plenty of food. I had a good time, and next time I will take pinwheels or something that requires little skill. If it hadn't snowed all day today, I might have gone to the store to get the stuff. But, I hate driving in snow.
Anyway, so, it was a good night, and I am ready for bed now. I think I may finish reading a "for fun" book, though, even though it's not a "fun" book. It's about a guy who suffered a massive stroke in his brain stem and can only communicate by blinking his left eye. But, it's an interesting read, so I wanna finish up. But, I went downstairs earlier and excitedly told some people that there is no school tomorrow. The rest of the night is mine, now though. Stay warm, stay safe.
My undergraduate school cancelled one time when I was a student there, but it didn't affect me because I didn't go to class everyday by that time. This snow day actually gets me out of a 7:30 small group and a morning class! Weehaw! The only bummer is that tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, and so I should probably find a place out in the community to do that worship tomorrow.
Tonight, we had a Mardi Gras worship service, which was AWESOME. Some talented students played their instruments (clarinet, trombone, trumpet, piano, and sax) and we got the hymns out of the "African American" ELCA worship book. It was lively and fun. After worship, there was a potluck. I can't cook, and so didn't bring anything. But there was plenty of food. I had a good time, and next time I will take pinwheels or something that requires little skill. If it hadn't snowed all day today, I might have gone to the store to get the stuff. But, I hate driving in snow.
Anyway, so, it was a good night, and I am ready for bed now. I think I may finish reading a "for fun" book, though, even though it's not a "fun" book. It's about a guy who suffered a massive stroke in his brain stem and can only communicate by blinking his left eye. But, it's an interesting read, so I wanna finish up. But, I went downstairs earlier and excitedly told some people that there is no school tomorrow. The rest of the night is mine, now though. Stay warm, stay safe.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I already have one, so I'm not a poser.
Tonight, "J" and I went to dinner and to see "The Bucket List." It was an all around good time.
We ate at Perkins, because we both have an appreciation for places such as those. After dinner, we went to the movie theater and bought the tickets and went in. There were lots of older folks in there. It got us both to thinking... But, the movie: Good premise, originality, funniness, seriousness, and thought-provokingness all rolled into one. I laughed because I told J my hunch about the special coffee in the movie, and it turned out that I was RIGHT! Ha! My stupid random knowledge helps me look smart sometimes!
So, anyway, that was my night, and now I'm dreadfully tired. Goodnight.
We ate at Perkins, because we both have an appreciation for places such as those. After dinner, we went to the movie theater and bought the tickets and went in. There were lots of older folks in there. It got us both to thinking... But, the movie: Good premise, originality, funniness, seriousness, and thought-provokingness all rolled into one. I laughed because I told J my hunch about the special coffee in the movie, and it turned out that I was RIGHT! Ha! My stupid random knowledge helps me look smart sometimes!
So, anyway, that was my night, and now I'm dreadfully tired. Goodnight.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A non-Israel Story
Tonight was pretty darn cool.
Some of the people in the dorm got together and made dinner for whoever wanted to come. They made rolls/biscuits, spaghetti and sauce, cookies, and brownies. Another person brought crackers and some really awesome cheese. I contributed salt and pepper, and I dried a bunch of dishes. Plus, I'm funny; who doesn't want me around? ha.
After dinner and dishes, I went with "J" to keep him company as he worked on some stuff around campus. It was cool. I got to see parts of the seminary I don't get to see, and it was good company.
I had to be back at my room at 8:00 though, because another friend wanted to take some of my pictures that she didn't get when we were in Israel and Palestine. So, she came and copied some while I sorted through all my souvenirs from the Holy Land and tried to remember what was for whom. I think I'm pretty much set for who is getting what. Now, I just gotta give it to them. :)
After a while, another friend came up, and we were being goofy and she was looking at what kind of food I have in my room, just for kicks and giggles. She asked why I have eggs in two places in my fridge and I told her that the three in the door are REALLY old. So, she dared me to break one open into the toilet. I couldn't resist, so I took it into the bathroom, cracked it, and waited for the yolk and white stuff to come out. But... It didn't! They're THAT old! Hehe. So, I accidentally dropped half of the egg into the toilet. We were laughing, and I was thinking, "I AM NOT putting my hand in there to get that out!" So, I flushed it. Then, my pal came and we wanted to see if a whole egg would flush. It will. So then, she took my last Old Rotten Egg, and threw it down into the bowl that was not full of water. It cracked a bunch, and then we flushed it, too.
Well... Toilets aren't really made for flushing whole eggs, so my poor commode was having some difficulties. It wasn't overflowing, but it was just acting weird. So, I went and got the friend, who by this time had gone back to do something else. I needed moral support. We got the community plunger (GROSS) and I plunged my toilet. It went back to normal within 30 seconds. I learned my lesson. Don't flush raw eggs. Or any eggs, for that matter. Weird. I know. Haha.
I just thought I would share this story because I was laughing so hard I was SCREAMING! Seriously. So, that's the story on that. Peace out.
Some of the people in the dorm got together and made dinner for whoever wanted to come. They made rolls/biscuits, spaghetti and sauce, cookies, and brownies. Another person brought crackers and some really awesome cheese. I contributed salt and pepper, and I dried a bunch of dishes. Plus, I'm funny; who doesn't want me around? ha.
After dinner and dishes, I went with "J" to keep him company as he worked on some stuff around campus. It was cool. I got to see parts of the seminary I don't get to see, and it was good company.
I had to be back at my room at 8:00 though, because another friend wanted to take some of my pictures that she didn't get when we were in Israel and Palestine. So, she came and copied some while I sorted through all my souvenirs from the Holy Land and tried to remember what was for whom. I think I'm pretty much set for who is getting what. Now, I just gotta give it to them. :)
After a while, another friend came up, and we were being goofy and she was looking at what kind of food I have in my room, just for kicks and giggles. She asked why I have eggs in two places in my fridge and I told her that the three in the door are REALLY old. So, she dared me to break one open into the toilet. I couldn't resist, so I took it into the bathroom, cracked it, and waited for the yolk and white stuff to come out. But... It didn't! They're THAT old! Hehe. So, I accidentally dropped half of the egg into the toilet. We were laughing, and I was thinking, "I AM NOT putting my hand in there to get that out!" So, I flushed it. Then, my pal came and we wanted to see if a whole egg would flush. It will. So then, she took my last Old Rotten Egg, and threw it down into the bowl that was not full of water. It cracked a bunch, and then we flushed it, too.
Well... Toilets aren't really made for flushing whole eggs, so my poor commode was having some difficulties. It wasn't overflowing, but it was just acting weird. So, I went and got the friend, who by this time had gone back to do something else. I needed moral support. We got the community plunger (GROSS) and I plunged my toilet. It went back to normal within 30 seconds. I learned my lesson. Don't flush raw eggs. Or any eggs, for that matter. Weird. I know. Haha.
I just thought I would share this story because I was laughing so hard I was SCREAMING! Seriously. So, that's the story on that. Peace out.
Monday, December 31, 2007
3 hours, 52 minutes and counting!
So, here we are with a few hours left in 2007. There is a party going on down in the refectory that started at 6:00, but 6:00 is too early. I'm going for the fashionably late thing, and I'm going to go at 9:00 or so. Ok, I'm lying; I'm waiting because SCRUBS is on! Ha. I think I'm going to make popcorn as my snack to share, because that's what I have and everyone loves popcorn.
Anyway, 2007... Some highlights:
1.I moved to seminary and started CPE. CPE was a great experience for me and I met a lot of great people. I miss them, but sometimes some of us still talk. Good times.
2.Sunscreen was born!!! Yay! He's adorable! I love that child like crazy. He's seven months old now and he's so adorable.
3.I made LOTS of AWESOME friends! It's amazing that there are so many awesome people in one place.
4.I passed Greek! Woohoo!
There were several more great things, but those were the highlights. Thanks for reading, my dear and loyal readers. I wish you the best of celebrations, and be safe.
Oh, and this post sets me over the number of last year's posts! Got it in under the wire!
Anyway, 2007... Some highlights:
1.I moved to seminary and started CPE. CPE was a great experience for me and I met a lot of great people. I miss them, but sometimes some of us still talk. Good times.
2.Sunscreen was born!!! Yay! He's adorable! I love that child like crazy. He's seven months old now and he's so adorable.
3.I made LOTS of AWESOME friends! It's amazing that there are so many awesome people in one place.
4.I passed Greek! Woohoo!
There were several more great things, but those were the highlights. Thanks for reading, my dear and loyal readers. I wish you the best of celebrations, and be safe.
Oh, and this post sets me over the number of last year's posts! Got it in under the wire!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Cool little song
Back in November, for the seminary's "Considering Your Call" weekend, a "coffeehouse" was held. Coffeehouse is a time where talented people from our seminary community showcase their talent. And let me tell you all something: This community has some AWESOME talent. One of my friends sang the song, "I don't want to live on the moon," from Sesame Street. She used to work at a pre-school, and so she learned the lyrics and the guitar chords and what not. I don't remember having heard this song from my Sesame Street Days, but it was worth finding. For your viewing pleasure, here is one of the many videos from YouTube.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Watch out below!
Ok, first thing is first... I'm done with this semester. I'm fairly confident that I passed everything. The only thing I'm even slightly worried about is Exegetical Readings in the Greek New Testament, but I think I passed. I hope, anyway.
We had our history test today. Everyone was worried about that one. We studied SO hard, and came together to share knowledge. It was wonderful. Many of us walked away feeling much more confident about this test than the last. WooHoo.
Tonight, a friend invited me down to his place at some of the campus apartments. We watched my skydiving video, the movie, "Saved," and then we went to the park in town to look at the Christmas lights and support a good cause. It was an all around good night, except for the stuff leading up to hanging out...
I had to go run an errand, and as I was going out to my car, I saw a Seminary Volunteer having some difficulties getting out of her parking space, due to all the snow and ice. I shoveled some tracks for her and then another seminary friend came and we pushed her out. That was cool; I was glad to help. That's not the bad thing leading up to the hanging out.
Then, I was scraping the half inch of ice off my car so I could drive it, and I scraped up one of my fingers. Not too bad, though. And, the same seminary friend who helped me push the volunteer's car out helped me chip off the ice. So, that's not the bad thing, either.
When I got back from running my errand, I piddled around my room for a bit and was heading out to go to the apartments. I planned on walking because it's only a short walk. Another classmate was trying to get out, but the car was having difficulties. But, he managed to get out and make it out of the parking lot. I was proud because he is one of our international students who is not used to snow.
So, when I got down to the apartments, my friend said that he couldn't get his car to move at all. I helped him shovel a bunch of snow from around his car. He laid some salt and kitty litter and then another friend came and helped us push his car out. The friend I was going to hang out with, "J," parked it someplace where he wouldn't get stuck. We were heading toward the apartments, J holding the three buckets of stuff, and me carrying the shovel when all of a sudden I slipped and fell down really hard. J came over quickly and was like, "OH my! Are you ok?" I was just sitting there and I realized I needed to answer, but it knocked the wind straight outta me. I managed to whisper, "I'll be alright. I just need to stay here a second." So, I laid down. J came and took the shovel away because I was lying on it. I just kept repeating, "I'm okay, just give me a minute." Then we were laughing and I made a joke about how my breathing made me sound like I was giving birth. After a couple of minutes, I got up and we hung out. That was fun, although I had a monstrous headache and ended up cutting the night somewhat short. But, alas, what are you going to do? Anyway, my head is still hurting, so I'm going to go now. Stay safe in this winter weather!
We had our history test today. Everyone was worried about that one. We studied SO hard, and came together to share knowledge. It was wonderful. Many of us walked away feeling much more confident about this test than the last. WooHoo.
Tonight, a friend invited me down to his place at some of the campus apartments. We watched my skydiving video, the movie, "Saved," and then we went to the park in town to look at the Christmas lights and support a good cause. It was an all around good night, except for the stuff leading up to hanging out...
I had to go run an errand, and as I was going out to my car, I saw a Seminary Volunteer having some difficulties getting out of her parking space, due to all the snow and ice. I shoveled some tracks for her and then another seminary friend came and we pushed her out. That was cool; I was glad to help. That's not the bad thing leading up to the hanging out.
Then, I was scraping the half inch of ice off my car so I could drive it, and I scraped up one of my fingers. Not too bad, though. And, the same seminary friend who helped me push the volunteer's car out helped me chip off the ice. So, that's not the bad thing, either.
When I got back from running my errand, I piddled around my room for a bit and was heading out to go to the apartments. I planned on walking because it's only a short walk. Another classmate was trying to get out, but the car was having difficulties. But, he managed to get out and make it out of the parking lot. I was proud because he is one of our international students who is not used to snow.
So, when I got down to the apartments, my friend said that he couldn't get his car to move at all. I helped him shovel a bunch of snow from around his car. He laid some salt and kitty litter and then another friend came and helped us push his car out. The friend I was going to hang out with, "J," parked it someplace where he wouldn't get stuck. We were heading toward the apartments, J holding the three buckets of stuff, and me carrying the shovel when all of a sudden I slipped and fell down really hard. J came over quickly and was like, "OH my! Are you ok?" I was just sitting there and I realized I needed to answer, but it knocked the wind straight outta me. I managed to whisper, "I'll be alright. I just need to stay here a second." So, I laid down. J came and took the shovel away because I was lying on it. I just kept repeating, "I'm okay, just give me a minute." Then we were laughing and I made a joke about how my breathing made me sound like I was giving birth. After a couple of minutes, I got up and we hung out. That was fun, although I had a monstrous headache and ended up cutting the night somewhat short. But, alas, what are you going to do? Anyway, my head is still hurting, so I'm going to go now. Stay safe in this winter weather!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
I'm popular tonight.
I must be a popular woman. I was sitting at my desk tonight and my room phone rang. It was a middler with whom I have had a conversation or two. She is from my synod, and she said that the Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy Affairs is going to be here tomorrow. Furthermore, the A to the B wants to take us to dinner, what with us being members of her synod and all. The plan was for the A to the B to take Middler, me, and the international student our synod is "sponsoring." Cool beans, yo.
Anyway, a few minutes after the phone call, I heard a knock at my door. It was a friend from down the hall. She came in and we talked for a while when the phone rang again! It was International Student saying she wouldn't be able to go tomorrow night because she is working. Bummer.
So, I got off the phone and was talking more with my pal, when ANOTHER knock to my door came. It was my good friend; the one who has taken multiple units of CPE. I have her ice cream in my room because I have a freezer. So, she came in and all three of us had a chat for a while. Then, CPE friend left and my other friend and I chatted a while longer.
So, I got multiple visitors and phone calls tonight. I'm in high demand! Ha. Anyway, I was sidetracked from my Greek paper for a while, but that's totally okay. I needed the break! Ha.
In other news, I rearranged my room! I have zero artistic vision when it comes to arranging rooms, so my friend AO came up with the plan and I did much of the work (AO got a call that she had to take, and I figured I could keep working). I was able to move my stuff because I have a system where I take broken down pop or cereal boxes and put them under the heavy stuff. The slick colored side of the boxes lets even really heavy furniture slide easily across the carpet. I moved my full bookshelf, refrigerator, and futon. Yay! It's how I've been moving furniture by myself for years. Try it sometime; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
And with that, I need to go do a few more things and maybe do a little more Greek work tonight. Have a wonderful evening.
Anyway, a few minutes after the phone call, I heard a knock at my door. It was a friend from down the hall. She came in and we talked for a while when the phone rang again! It was International Student saying she wouldn't be able to go tomorrow night because she is working. Bummer.
So, I got off the phone and was talking more with my pal, when ANOTHER knock to my door came. It was my good friend; the one who has taken multiple units of CPE. I have her ice cream in my room because I have a freezer. So, she came in and all three of us had a chat for a while. Then, CPE friend left and my other friend and I chatted a while longer.
So, I got multiple visitors and phone calls tonight. I'm in high demand! Ha. Anyway, I was sidetracked from my Greek paper for a while, but that's totally okay. I needed the break! Ha.
In other news, I rearranged my room! I have zero artistic vision when it comes to arranging rooms, so my friend AO came up with the plan and I did much of the work (AO got a call that she had to take, and I figured I could keep working). I was able to move my stuff because I have a system where I take broken down pop or cereal boxes and put them under the heavy stuff. The slick colored side of the boxes lets even really heavy furniture slide easily across the carpet. I moved my full bookshelf, refrigerator, and futon. Yay! It's how I've been moving furniture by myself for years. Try it sometime; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
And with that, I need to go do a few more things and maybe do a little more Greek work tonight. Have a wonderful evening.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Today has been AWESOME!
I am so blessed, it's ridiculous. Wow. Today was my 25th birthday, and it was the BEST birthday I have had in probably at least 9 years. Usually, something bad happens to me on my birthday, but this year, it was ALL good! Wow.
It all started on Friday night. My good friend AO and I were planning a pre-birthday bash in her room. I bought margarita stuff and we invited a bunch of people. Several people came and I made margaritas in my Magic Bullet and it was good fun.
This morning, Sis called me to wish me a happy birthday. We talked for a little while, and I got to talk to Howard for a second, although he just listened to me babbling. It was fun.
A good friend from seminary Facebooked me the other day, and so she took me to lunch. We went to a Chinese place here in town. It was good food and good company. I had a good time with her.
When I got back, I was talking to a good childhood friend online when Older Brother the younger called to wish me a happy birthday. Then I talked with my childhood friend some more. While we were talking, someone knocked on my door and it was two good friends. My friends AO and SH were at the door and SH gave me a fun piece of paper that has a picture of our statue of Martin Luther and a picture of me and it says, "November 10, 2007, Celebrating the Birth of Legends!" And! She gave me a cake type thing. I had told her the previous day all about how when I was a kid, my parents would let the birthday person pick out the dinner and all the family would come over and we'd have dinner and cake and open presents. I told SH what kind of cake Ma used to make, and she found something that is VERY similar. It was so touching that she would go out and find something like that. Thanks a lot, homegirl. You ARE the bomb! AO gave me a birthday card that, when opened, "sings" the tune to Law and Order because we watch SVU every Tuesday night.
Later, I went down to AO's room and we watched "Elf" with Will Ferrell. It was SO funny. I was scream laughing at it because it was so amusing.
I went back to my room for a little while, and then we went down to the Refectory because this is prospective student weekend and we have a coffeehouse where talented students/faculty/family members can get up and do acts. The people here are SO amazingly talented that it's just astounding. There were musical things and funny things, and poems. Awesome. Another good friend, ST was co-MCing the event and when we were about to break for intermission, she said something along the lines of, "Today is my friend Trishmolita's birthday, so I need your help to sing to her! Trishmolita, stand up outta your chair and stand up on it! And 'Jennifer's' birthday is soon, too, so she needs to get up on her chair as well!" So, we got up on our chairs and the WHOLE refectory (faculty, students, staff, and prospective students) sang "Jennifer" and me a rousing rendition of "happy Birthday!" I turned 13 shades of red, but it was fun. Thanks ST! You are AWESOME!
So, the coffeehouse was amazing, even after I was about to explode little pieces of Trish all over the walls. My Summer Greek professor came up to me and wished me a happy birthday. He's a fun guy. Hehe. After that was over, we did Holden Evening Prayer in the chapel. AO and I got a giggling about one of the kids sitting in front of us and we almost had to leave the chapel. Thank goodness we were able to not bust out laughing. After chapel, we were all sharing the peace and a bunch of friends and fellow students were wishing me happy birthday, and a few prospective students did, and then the president of this fine institution wished me a happy birthday. Then, AO and I invited a bunch of people up to her room for some more birthday celebrations. Several people were up and it was good fun.
Then, when I got back to my room, YS had called me and she sang "Happy Birthday" to me on my voicemail. It was cool. So, 3 of my 4 siblings called me to wish me a happy birthday. My friends remembered my birthday and really made it SUCH a special day for me. I got several birthday cards from one of my aunts, from my adoptive family (Sis's neighbors), from Howard and Sunscreen's babysitter, from the friend who took me to lunch, from AO, and I got the "Legends" thing from SH. ST orchestrated the singing, and SO MANY PEOPLE wished me a happy birthday. And about 13 or so people Facebooked happy birthday messages to me. I don't think I've ever felt this special in my whole life. I'm so thankful for the many blessings in my life. This is great community and I'm so thankful. Thanks be to my many great and wonderful friends, and thanks be to God.
It all started on Friday night. My good friend AO and I were planning a pre-birthday bash in her room. I bought margarita stuff and we invited a bunch of people. Several people came and I made margaritas in my Magic Bullet and it was good fun.
This morning, Sis called me to wish me a happy birthday. We talked for a little while, and I got to talk to Howard for a second, although he just listened to me babbling. It was fun.
A good friend from seminary Facebooked me the other day, and so she took me to lunch. We went to a Chinese place here in town. It was good food and good company. I had a good time with her.
When I got back, I was talking to a good childhood friend online when Older Brother the younger called to wish me a happy birthday. Then I talked with my childhood friend some more. While we were talking, someone knocked on my door and it was two good friends. My friends AO and SH were at the door and SH gave me a fun piece of paper that has a picture of our statue of Martin Luther and a picture of me and it says, "November 10, 2007, Celebrating the Birth of Legends!" And! She gave me a cake type thing. I had told her the previous day all about how when I was a kid, my parents would let the birthday person pick out the dinner and all the family would come over and we'd have dinner and cake and open presents. I told SH what kind of cake Ma used to make, and she found something that is VERY similar. It was so touching that she would go out and find something like that. Thanks a lot, homegirl. You ARE the bomb! AO gave me a birthday card that, when opened, "sings" the tune to Law and Order because we watch SVU every Tuesday night.
Later, I went down to AO's room and we watched "Elf" with Will Ferrell. It was SO funny. I was scream laughing at it because it was so amusing.
I went back to my room for a little while, and then we went down to the Refectory because this is prospective student weekend and we have a coffeehouse where talented students/faculty/family members can get up and do acts. The people here are SO amazingly talented that it's just astounding. There were musical things and funny things, and poems. Awesome. Another good friend, ST was co-MCing the event and when we were about to break for intermission, she said something along the lines of, "Today is my friend Trishmolita's birthday, so I need your help to sing to her! Trishmolita, stand up outta your chair and stand up on it! And 'Jennifer's' birthday is soon, too, so she needs to get up on her chair as well!" So, we got up on our chairs and the WHOLE refectory (faculty, students, staff, and prospective students) sang "Jennifer" and me a rousing rendition of "happy Birthday!" I turned 13 shades of red, but it was fun. Thanks ST! You are AWESOME!
So, the coffeehouse was amazing, even after I was about to explode little pieces of Trish all over the walls. My Summer Greek professor came up to me and wished me a happy birthday. He's a fun guy. Hehe. After that was over, we did Holden Evening Prayer in the chapel. AO and I got a giggling about one of the kids sitting in front of us and we almost had to leave the chapel. Thank goodness we were able to not bust out laughing. After chapel, we were all sharing the peace and a bunch of friends and fellow students were wishing me happy birthday, and a few prospective students did, and then the president of this fine institution wished me a happy birthday. Then, AO and I invited a bunch of people up to her room for some more birthday celebrations. Several people were up and it was good fun.
Then, when I got back to my room, YS had called me and she sang "Happy Birthday" to me on my voicemail. It was cool. So, 3 of my 4 siblings called me to wish me a happy birthday. My friends remembered my birthday and really made it SUCH a special day for me. I got several birthday cards from one of my aunts, from my adoptive family (Sis's neighbors), from Howard and Sunscreen's babysitter, from the friend who took me to lunch, from AO, and I got the "Legends" thing from SH. ST orchestrated the singing, and SO MANY PEOPLE wished me a happy birthday. And about 13 or so people Facebooked happy birthday messages to me. I don't think I've ever felt this special in my whole life. I'm so thankful for the many blessings in my life. This is great community and I'm so thankful. Thanks be to my many great and wonderful friends, and thanks be to God.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Vascular Instability
Here at the Castle, we have announcements and fellowship time after chapel. It's pretty cool. From 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., there are no classes, but everyone can go to chapel and then sit around and chill. Once a week, the announcer asks if anyone has had a birthday or will be having a birthday this week. Today, I was outed by one of my friends because my birthday is coming up. So, one of the professors and I went up to where the announcement "podium" is, and the whole group of people sang happy birthday to us, AND we got to wear party hats, which are also dunce caps because today is dunce day or something. The whole time they were singing, I could feel my face getting redder and redder. It was funny, but then another professor came up and took a picture of us, including my bright red face. It was all in good fun though. The announcer said to me later, "Thanks for being a good sport." Ha.
I'm a blusher, no doubt. I blush ALL the time. I always joke and say, "I'm about ready to explode little pieces of Trish all over the walls!" Hehe. But, anyway, it was fun, and hey, your birthday only comes around once a year, so why not risk a little bit of embarrassment?
Oh! And I have been laughing my head off for a while. For one of my classes, we have to write short papers for our small groups. But, my small group leader has us post them online. The weeks we don't have to post about the readings, we are supposed to comment on those who did have to post. We read "Shadow of the Galilean" and I didn't have to post this week. But, I realized I hadn't commented on anyone's post for this week, and small group was today. So, I got online and posted a reply to one of my classmates who liked how the book isn't written in an "omniscient voice." I also liked that fact. I'm going to put what I wrote, because I think it's hilarious. Here it is:
"I enjoyed reading your post, Friend'sName. I, too, liked the narrative style this book employed. The fact that it was not written from "an omniscient voice" was important because, later Theissen talked about how people today "see" Jesus. We have never personally seen Jesus in the flesh; we simply learn about him and gather up information. Also, according to the beliefs of many people, faith is given as a gift, or as a response to the love of Christ. I, for one was captivated in seeing how people IN Jesus' day might have been thinking about him and his mission and ministry. It's kind of like when you're watching a scary movie and the killer is right behind someone and you scream at the T.V. "LOOK BEHIND YOU!" But if the event were happening in real life, and you were the person in the scene, you'd probably have NO idea to look behind you. Similarly, this book portrayed Jesus, not from a panoramic view, but in a manner that shows that people had no idea what exactly this Jesus guy was all about. No one was there to yell, "LOOK BEHIND YOU!" They had to figure it out for themselves."
I am such a dork. When I was writing that last night, I stopped and read it after I was done and busted out laughing. But, I decided to go ahead and post it anyway. Comedic relief.
And, I was talking to a friend on MSN messenger last night and I was making myself laugh even more about other things. Sometimes, I just need to laugh so much that I find humor in the stupidest things. It's fun. Anyway, have a good day, and a happy dunce day! BTW, dunces were thought to help funnel information into the brains of people better; thus the reason they were worn by the "bad" kid. Ha.
I'm a blusher, no doubt. I blush ALL the time. I always joke and say, "I'm about ready to explode little pieces of Trish all over the walls!" Hehe. But, anyway, it was fun, and hey, your birthday only comes around once a year, so why not risk a little bit of embarrassment?
Oh! And I have been laughing my head off for a while. For one of my classes, we have to write short papers for our small groups. But, my small group leader has us post them online. The weeks we don't have to post about the readings, we are supposed to comment on those who did have to post. We read "Shadow of the Galilean" and I didn't have to post this week. But, I realized I hadn't commented on anyone's post for this week, and small group was today. So, I got online and posted a reply to one of my classmates who liked how the book isn't written in an "omniscient voice." I also liked that fact. I'm going to put what I wrote, because I think it's hilarious. Here it is:
"I enjoyed reading your post, Friend'sName. I, too, liked the narrative style this book employed. The fact that it was not written from "an omniscient voice" was important because, later Theissen talked about how people today "see" Jesus. We have never personally seen Jesus in the flesh; we simply learn about him and gather up information. Also, according to the beliefs of many people, faith is given as a gift, or as a response to the love of Christ. I, for one was captivated in seeing how people IN Jesus' day might have been thinking about him and his mission and ministry. It's kind of like when you're watching a scary movie and the killer is right behind someone and you scream at the T.V. "LOOK BEHIND YOU!" But if the event were happening in real life, and you were the person in the scene, you'd probably have NO idea to look behind you. Similarly, this book portrayed Jesus, not from a panoramic view, but in a manner that shows that people had no idea what exactly this Jesus guy was all about. No one was there to yell, "LOOK BEHIND YOU!" They had to figure it out for themselves."
I am such a dork. When I was writing that last night, I stopped and read it after I was done and busted out laughing. But, I decided to go ahead and post it anyway. Comedic relief.
And, I was talking to a friend on MSN messenger last night and I was making myself laugh even more about other things. Sometimes, I just need to laugh so much that I find humor in the stupidest things. It's fun. Anyway, have a good day, and a happy dunce day! BTW, dunces were thought to help funnel information into the brains of people better; thus the reason they were worn by the "bad" kid. Ha.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!
Today is Halloween! AND I'M NOT AT WORK!!!!!
This is one of the only times in the past SEVERAL years where I have not had to work on Halloween. I'm thrilled. And what's better is that Seminary has invited the children on campus to come trick-or-treating, EVEN to the dorm rooms! We all received paper pumpkins in our mailboxes to put on our doors if we have goodies for the children. You had BETTER believe I posted mine up. I really like seeing the fun that the kids have dressing up. Heck, I like seeing the fun that the parents have. Some of them have even dressed up along with their kids. It's fun.
My first trick-or-treater was a 2 1/2 year old daughter of a classmate. She and Mama were both ladybugs. It was adorable.
I hear some more coming as I type this. I think I'm more excited than the kids!
Today is ALSO REFORMATION DAY! Yeehaw! It's an all around good day. So, Happy Reforming and Happy Eating Lots of Candy! Wee!
This is one of the only times in the past SEVERAL years where I have not had to work on Halloween. I'm thrilled. And what's better is that Seminary has invited the children on campus to come trick-or-treating, EVEN to the dorm rooms! We all received paper pumpkins in our mailboxes to put on our doors if we have goodies for the children. You had BETTER believe I posted mine up. I really like seeing the fun that the kids have dressing up. Heck, I like seeing the fun that the parents have. Some of them have even dressed up along with their kids. It's fun.
My first trick-or-treater was a 2 1/2 year old daughter of a classmate. She and Mama were both ladybugs. It was adorable.
I hear some more coming as I type this. I think I'm more excited than the kids!
Today is ALSO REFORMATION DAY! Yeehaw! It's an all around good day. So, Happy Reforming and Happy Eating Lots of Candy! Wee!
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