Thursday, December 28, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
I'm ready, I'm ready, IIIIIIIII'm Ready!
This morning, I went to the church to get the bulletins printed and folded for this coming Sunday's service. I went early so that I could get help from the treasurer if I needed it, considering I'm not really comfortable with the "new" copy machine. I only use it about once a month when I'm copying the minutes for the council meeting. But, I had an idea. I went, had no trouble figuring out how to use the "bypass" function, and got the bulletins all printed out. I was planning on sitting there and folding the bulletins, but the treasurer told me that we have an automatic folder! I had no idea! Back in the day, Pastor used to have the confirmation kids do it. :) Hehe. But the only problem was that the treasurer didn't know how to make it work. I went into the storage room where it is stored (I always wondered what that thing was!) and I looked it over, put the paper at the top, and found the switch. That's how it works. It's set to the right folds and everything. That machine is about the neatest thing I've used in a while. I'm very easily amused. :) So that whole business only took me about 15-20 minutes, although I got into some conversation with some ladies who were there. But, all is well. I'm ready for Sunday. I'm excited!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Smiles
I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas. I did, although my family isn't done celebrating yet. We're having our family get together on Thursday because one of my brothers works at a prison. Prisons don't close for the holidays, and Thursday is one of his days off. So, the family will be coming here to celebrate. I'm excited.
Today was not completely left to the ordinary, though. Sis and BiL had me, younger sis (YS) and YS's boyfriend (YSB) over this early afternoon so we could do our gift exchange. In my family, for the past several years, we've drawn names and only had to buy for our person, Mom, Grandma, and the kids still in high school or younger. But, we sisters like to have a private gift exchange just because we're all really close. I got a lot of great stuff that will come in handy when I move to my dorm room. I went in with YS and got Sis and BiL a digital camcorder so they can videotape Howard as he grows. I'm excited about that. Sis and I went in together and got YS a massage table because she is going to school to become a massage therapist and hasn't been able to find the money to purchase the table yet. I'm excited about that gift, too.
Then tonight, Mom came over to Sis and BiL's house and Mom, Sis, BiL, Howard, and I trekked across town to BiL's sister's house where we had Christmas dinner. That family is so welcoming that I am just continually amazed by them. I was sitting on one of the couches watching a movie on T.V. with them when BiL's sister came up to me and asked if I'd like to share the prayer. (Remember, I shared the Thanksgiving prayer last month?) So, I said, "Sure, I can do that." So, I got up, walked into the kitchen and asked if everyone was ready. They were, and so I said the prayer. Sis always expresses her surprise when we're alone at my ability to say "good" prayers off the cuff. She says, "I guess you probably are going into the right field." This always makes me laugh. Anyway, that's about all I have to say now. Down below is basically what I said this evening (remembering, again, that these prayers are not rehearsed prior to the delivery of them, and so there is NO way I could remember them verbatim). Have a good rest of your Christmas season, and stay safe if you're on the road.
Christmas Prayer 12-25-06
Holy God, we give You thanks this day for the many gifts we have received.
We pray especially in thanksgiving for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ.
While we know we can never repay You for Your boundless generosity,
we pray that our lives might reflect thanks and praise
knowing that every good gift we receive is from Your hand.
Help us to live lives of gratitude and service,
through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Today was not completely left to the ordinary, though. Sis and BiL had me, younger sis (YS) and YS's boyfriend (YSB) over this early afternoon so we could do our gift exchange. In my family, for the past several years, we've drawn names and only had to buy for our person, Mom, Grandma, and the kids still in high school or younger. But, we sisters like to have a private gift exchange just because we're all really close. I got a lot of great stuff that will come in handy when I move to my dorm room. I went in with YS and got Sis and BiL a digital camcorder so they can videotape Howard as he grows. I'm excited about that. Sis and I went in together and got YS a massage table because she is going to school to become a massage therapist and hasn't been able to find the money to purchase the table yet. I'm excited about that gift, too.
Then tonight, Mom came over to Sis and BiL's house and Mom, Sis, BiL, Howard, and I trekked across town to BiL's sister's house where we had Christmas dinner. That family is so welcoming that I am just continually amazed by them. I was sitting on one of the couches watching a movie on T.V. with them when BiL's sister came up to me and asked if I'd like to share the prayer. (Remember, I shared the Thanksgiving prayer last month?) So, I said, "Sure, I can do that." So, I got up, walked into the kitchen and asked if everyone was ready. They were, and so I said the prayer. Sis always expresses her surprise when we're alone at my ability to say "good" prayers off the cuff. She says, "I guess you probably are going into the right field." This always makes me laugh. Anyway, that's about all I have to say now. Down below is basically what I said this evening (remembering, again, that these prayers are not rehearsed prior to the delivery of them, and so there is NO way I could remember them verbatim). Have a good rest of your Christmas season, and stay safe if you're on the road.
Christmas Prayer 12-25-06
Holy God, we give You thanks this day for the many gifts we have received.
We pray especially in thanksgiving for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ.
While we know we can never repay You for Your boundless generosity,
we pray that our lives might reflect thanks and praise
knowing that every good gift we receive is from Your hand.
Help us to live lives of gratitude and service,
through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, everyone! I know it's not officially Christmas for another few hours, but I plan on going to bed here shortly. I'm tired. This morning, I got to be the assisting minister again, and it went well. I'm getting better at it, I think. Then tonight, at our annual candle light Christmas Eve worship, I got to be the lay leader again. It went well again tonight. I even got compliments. But, Christmas Eve worship is really awesome. I think that Pastor does a really good job of planning and executing the worship service.
Now, I'm finishing up my preparations for next Sunday. I printed up the bulletin, and now I have to go on Tuesday to copy it a whole bunch of times. It's my first time doing that part of preparing, but I gotta learn sometime.
Oh, yeah, and a funny little story... This morning in the sermon, Pastor spoke about how next Sunday is going to be the last time I lead worship before going off to study at Seminary. So then, after worship, we walked to the back while finishing the closing hymn so that we could shake hands. Actually, he had to leave to go to OC (other church) and I stayed to shake hands. But, two of the ushers said, "We're going to MISS you!" And I laughed because one is a mid-teenage boy, and I don't really know how old the other one is. He's probably a teenager too, but I don't know how old. And then they each gave me a hug and I laughed, because I figured they wouldn't care one way or the other. And the one whose age I don't know is fairly new to our congregation because he and his mom just moved here from Arizona or something. His grandparents are longtime members, though. So, it was just nice to hear that people don't hate when I help lead worship. :)
And, one last bit of news... Tonight, after the worship service, Pastor and I went back to the makeshift sacristy (the real one is really cold this time of year, so we use the storage room) to take our albs off. He asked me about a definite move date and I told him probably January 14th, after worship, if that's allowed. He said, "If you don't mind, I'd like to have that alb there cleaned up so that I can give it to you. It seems to fit you well." So, I thought that was SO nice. It was Pastor's first alb, and he has other ones now and doesn't need this one. I thought that was cool. Pastor's a cool guy and I'm sure glad that he is our pastor. If we had a minister who didn't care, I doubt I would be where I am today. Thanks be to God for raising up dedicated, encouraging, and faithful leaders for the Church!
Now, I'm finishing up my preparations for next Sunday. I printed up the bulletin, and now I have to go on Tuesday to copy it a whole bunch of times. It's my first time doing that part of preparing, but I gotta learn sometime.
Oh, yeah, and a funny little story... This morning in the sermon, Pastor spoke about how next Sunday is going to be the last time I lead worship before going off to study at Seminary. So then, after worship, we walked to the back while finishing the closing hymn so that we could shake hands. Actually, he had to leave to go to OC (other church) and I stayed to shake hands. But, two of the ushers said, "We're going to MISS you!" And I laughed because one is a mid-teenage boy, and I don't really know how old the other one is. He's probably a teenager too, but I don't know how old. And then they each gave me a hug and I laughed, because I figured they wouldn't care one way or the other. And the one whose age I don't know is fairly new to our congregation because he and his mom just moved here from Arizona or something. His grandparents are longtime members, though. So, it was just nice to hear that people don't hate when I help lead worship. :)
And, one last bit of news... Tonight, after the worship service, Pastor and I went back to the makeshift sacristy (the real one is really cold this time of year, so we use the storage room) to take our albs off. He asked me about a definite move date and I told him probably January 14th, after worship, if that's allowed. He said, "If you don't mind, I'd like to have that alb there cleaned up so that I can give it to you. It seems to fit you well." So, I thought that was SO nice. It was Pastor's first alb, and he has other ones now and doesn't need this one. I thought that was cool. Pastor's a cool guy and I'm sure glad that he is our pastor. If we had a minister who didn't care, I doubt I would be where I am today. Thanks be to God for raising up dedicated, encouraging, and faithful leaders for the Church!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
I guess we're bad, bad people for celebrating Christmas
I was working on my message for next Sunday and was trying to find some information on a hymn. In my searches on the Internet, I stumbled across a website that says "Christmas is spiritual adultery... God is highly offended at your (Christmas celebraters) whorish ways." Yikes... Who knew that praising and thanking God for the wonderful and irreplaceable gift of Jesus Christ was "whorish?" I guess you can call me Sluticia, then, because Christmas is special to me.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Worship Planning
I believe I mentioned in an earlier post that Pastor and his family are going out of town after Christmas Eve worship, and thus I get to lead worship on the 31st. I'm excited. I like leading worship. The interesting thing this time is that I am planning the whole service. I think I might be in slightly over my head. He gave me a guide I could use, so I might just take that route. We'll just have to see. At least it's going to be the season of Christmas with all the Christmas songs and everything, though, so that's good.
After worship planning, I came home and piddled around the house a little bit. I had to visit the doctor today. I try to avoid the doctor like no other, because I'm generally a pretty healthy person, despite some health problems that will be with me until I die. But, I do take daily medicine, so I "need" to see a doctor a few times a year and have some blood tests and what not. I went to the doctor and they needed several vials of blood from me, but for some reason, my veins weren't giving it up today. That is weird, because I'm a bleeder. I have three bruises now; one on the inside of my elbow, and one on each hand. I guess it's a good thing needles don't bother me... Hehe. Anyway, I need to go now to try to figure out what I'm doing for next Sunday. That will be sermon number 19. I'm excited! See ya.
After worship planning, I came home and piddled around the house a little bit. I had to visit the doctor today. I try to avoid the doctor like no other, because I'm generally a pretty healthy person, despite some health problems that will be with me until I die. But, I do take daily medicine, so I "need" to see a doctor a few times a year and have some blood tests and what not. I went to the doctor and they needed several vials of blood from me, but for some reason, my veins weren't giving it up today. That is weird, because I'm a bleeder. I have three bruises now; one on the inside of my elbow, and one on each hand. I guess it's a good thing needles don't bother me... Hehe. Anyway, I need to go now to try to figure out what I'm doing for next Sunday. That will be sermon number 19. I'm excited! See ya.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Oh yeah!
Hehe... This past Sunday, some gal pals from high school and I got together for our annual Christmas celebration. In years past, we have gotten together on New Year's Day, but as we grow, our schedules make it so that we have to get together at different times because our schedules are different.
For our celebration, we buy one gift, and then when we get there, we devise a system of finding who gets what gift. This year, the gift I received was this set from Starbucks. It's got three layers. In each layer is a bag of flavored coffee beans, and then some form of chocolate that compliments the flavor of coffee. While I'm not that big of a coffee drinker, I'm still very excited because I can lure people into my dorm room with gourmet coffee!! I just need a coffeepot now, I suppose. But, my sister in law got me this thing for graduation that froths milk up in a matter of seconds, so that could be a good thing for me to put in the coffee. Anyway, I'm excited, and that's the main thing. Plus, Sunday was really cool. I love getting together with my friends. It's so neat to see the different paths we are all taking, and the different places we find ourselves. Some are married, some are engaged, one has what I consider to be a budding romance, and then some (by some, I mean me) are single. :) And we are all doing different things with our lives, and it's just so fun to come together and have some time and just catch up and have fun and play board games and eat Jacki's mom's cookies! Haha. And that's that. It was good.
For our celebration, we buy one gift, and then when we get there, we devise a system of finding who gets what gift. This year, the gift I received was this set from Starbucks. It's got three layers. In each layer is a bag of flavored coffee beans, and then some form of chocolate that compliments the flavor of coffee. While I'm not that big of a coffee drinker, I'm still very excited because I can lure people into my dorm room with gourmet coffee!! I just need a coffeepot now, I suppose. But, my sister in law got me this thing for graduation that froths milk up in a matter of seconds, so that could be a good thing for me to put in the coffee. Anyway, I'm excited, and that's the main thing. Plus, Sunday was really cool. I love getting together with my friends. It's so neat to see the different paths we are all taking, and the different places we find ourselves. Some are married, some are engaged, one has what I consider to be a budding romance, and then some (by some, I mean me) are single. :) And we are all doing different things with our lives, and it's just so fun to come together and have some time and just catch up and have fun and play board games and eat Jacki's mom's cookies! Haha. And that's that. It was good.
Whirlwind!
Wow, I've been kinda busy the last few days. Graduation cards and congratulations keep coming, and I'm just amazed that people are so generous and caring. It's nice. On that front, I started working on my Thank You cards, but I ran out and had to buy more. But, I bought them in Sis and BiL's town, and spent a day or two with them. I went on Monday and ended up going to their house and staying.
Monday, Sis and BiL had met for lunch on their breaks. When Sis came home after work and picking up "Howard" she asked if I could feed him because she wasn't feeling well. She wasn't sure if she was sick or if the... (Oh, sidenote... Sis is pregnant again!!) baby was making her nauseated. So, I fed Howard. BiL came home and hung out some. Poor Sis was laying in the bathroom because she was not well... I'll spare you the details. Then, an hour or two later, BiL started feeling bad too. Guess they got some bad food or something. So, they were trying to take care of Howard, but they didn't feel good. I told them to go to bed and I'd take care of him. So, they went up to bed and Howard and I played for a little while before he started to fuss. I started feeding him his bottle but he wasn't interested, so I just held him and he fell asleep with his head on my shoulder. There's not much better in the world than a baby falling asleep on you. :) In my humble opinion, anyway. Plus, he doesn't do that much anymore now that he's a big boy at 8 months... The good news is that they are both feeling better now, and Sis, Howard, and I went to town tonight. I was able to finish my Christmas shopping. I'm glad. I hate shopping.
Yesterday, I had an interview at a hospital in Iowa to get into the CPE program. I drove out there and was interviewed and it went really well, I think. They liked my answers to questions they posed, and the interviewers were both wonderful people. I am fairly confident that they will extend an invitation for me to join this unit. I'm excited. There are still some options out there, but I think CPE is the one I will go for. I learn best by doing, and CPE will offer that, most definitely.
Other than that, I'm going to meet with Pastor tomorrow at the church where we will do some worship planning for December 31st. I'm leading because Pastor and his family go on vacation the week after Christmas. I've never actually planned the worship service before, so I'm interested to see how that will work out. It'll be nice though, because we're still going to be singing Christmas songs and people sing pretty loud when we sing Christmas songs. Yay! And that's about all I have to say now, because I need to do some stuff before I go to bed, and I am getting tired. See ya later.
Monday, Sis and BiL had met for lunch on their breaks. When Sis came home after work and picking up "Howard" she asked if I could feed him because she wasn't feeling well. She wasn't sure if she was sick or if the... (Oh, sidenote... Sis is pregnant again!!) baby was making her nauseated. So, I fed Howard. BiL came home and hung out some. Poor Sis was laying in the bathroom because she was not well... I'll spare you the details. Then, an hour or two later, BiL started feeling bad too. Guess they got some bad food or something. So, they were trying to take care of Howard, but they didn't feel good. I told them to go to bed and I'd take care of him. So, they went up to bed and Howard and I played for a little while before he started to fuss. I started feeding him his bottle but he wasn't interested, so I just held him and he fell asleep with his head on my shoulder. There's not much better in the world than a baby falling asleep on you. :) In my humble opinion, anyway. Plus, he doesn't do that much anymore now that he's a big boy at 8 months... The good news is that they are both feeling better now, and Sis, Howard, and I went to town tonight. I was able to finish my Christmas shopping. I'm glad. I hate shopping.
Yesterday, I had an interview at a hospital in Iowa to get into the CPE program. I drove out there and was interviewed and it went really well, I think. They liked my answers to questions they posed, and the interviewers were both wonderful people. I am fairly confident that they will extend an invitation for me to join this unit. I'm excited. There are still some options out there, but I think CPE is the one I will go for. I learn best by doing, and CPE will offer that, most definitely.
Other than that, I'm going to meet with Pastor tomorrow at the church where we will do some worship planning for December 31st. I'm leading because Pastor and his family go on vacation the week after Christmas. I've never actually planned the worship service before, so I'm interested to see how that will work out. It'll be nice though, because we're still going to be singing Christmas songs and people sing pretty loud when we sing Christmas songs. Yay! And that's about all I have to say now, because I need to do some stuff before I go to bed, and I am getting tired. See ya later.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Bummer Rescinded
I forgot to tell you all.. A few weeks ago, I posted a blog titled "Bummer." It told you about how the dorms were full and I would have to live in an apartment. I emailed the housing director this past week and asked her if there was anything I needed to do because I hadn't heard anything back from them in a while. She emailed me and said there was nothing to do in that regard, but she was able to secure me a residence hall room! Yay! And my brother and sister-in law got me an organizer with a BUNCH of stuff I will need, so thanks, guys! (Even though they don't even know this blog exists).
Only one real downer about graduation day, though. My oldest brother (who lives 6 blocks away) didn't come to my open house. That makes me sad and disappointed with him because it seems he can find less and less time to hang out with his family. He's a lot older than the rest of us, but we're still family. You'd think he'd come at least say hi to his little sister on the day she graduated from college. Oh well. Sorry for the griping.
Only one real downer about graduation day, though. My oldest brother (who lives 6 blocks away) didn't come to my open house. That makes me sad and disappointed with him because it seems he can find less and less time to hang out with his family. He's a lot older than the rest of us, but we're still family. You'd think he'd come at least say hi to his little sister on the day she graduated from college. Oh well. Sorry for the griping.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
What a day.
Here I am, diploma (cover) in hand, with all that smart goodness having been bestowed upon me by the powers that be. Actually, though, I won't get my diploma til about March or so. I don't care, whatever. As per usual, I'm going to bore you with just about every boring detail of the day...
I was frantically cleaning my house yesterday/last night, and finally went to bed. Unfortunately, I've had a cold and so I couldn't sleep last night. So, I took some acetaminophen and finally konked out. I set 3 alarms and the first one went off, I bolted upright, shut it off, and sat there jacknifed in my bed for about 2 minutes, watching the numbers tick by. I thought, "Is it really 6:15 already?" So, I got up, got ready, grabbed my cap and gown, and drove to CollegeTown. I parked farther away than I'd thought I was, because I didn't realize that there wasn't a gap between the buildings I needed to get by. I ended up walking for about 10 minutes just to get to the entrance I needed to get to. I got there plenty early though. They started passing out our name cards, and then we went to the next stop, which is the arena in which graduation is held. We were sectioned out according to major, number on our name card (alphabetical) and all that good jazz. I was number 30 and the woman in front of me was, naturally, 29. It's weird, those around me were all Soc. majors, and yet, I didn't know half of them. But anyway, I got to talking to Ms. 29 and it turns out she is a licensed minister! I had no idea. I told her of my plans and she wished me good luck, and also helped me put on those STUPID hats they make graduates wear. It was really neat to meet her. Plus, she was really nice.
After a while, we were told to start going into the actual arena part where the spectators were sitting. We had to open our robes first so the powers that be could make sure we were not packing any alcohol or something. So, we zipped back up and processed to our chairs. After we were all seated, there was a bunch of blah blah blah-ing, and clapping, and what not. The Doctorates were awarded first, then the Masters degrees, and finally they got to the undergrads. Because Sociology is the 3rd to the last major alphabetically, we were toward the back. I couldn't really see what was going on, but surprisingly, I was not very nervous at all. The marshall came and told our row to go. So, we started walking up there. We got to the end of the bleachers where the band was (you can't see back there from the majority of the arena) and there were pro photographers taking pictures. I wasn't expecting that, either. They threw all these instructions at us and I didn't hear a word the lady said. But, I got my photo taken and went into the line again. Then, we get closer and someone was taking the name cards so those announcing could read our names and any special distinctions we had (I had none) and we could walk across the stage and get our diploma (covers). So, they started saying my name, I walked, shook hands, held the diploma, and had my photo taken again. Then, I walked down the steps. Well, you should know that my school has two people saying the names; one on each side of the platform. Sociology was my side, obviously, and the other side was a different major. So, I walked down and saw a bunch of Soc. professors. The first one was a really cool guy I had my 2nd to last semester. He gave me a hug and said to keep in touch. I said, "It's been nice knowing you." and he said, "Make sure to visit!" and then I shook another profs hand because I didn't know her. Then, I saw another prof I knew and she gave me a hug and said congratulations and I said "Thanks Dr. X!" and then I shook hands with the rest of the people.
Now... Hehe. One of the problems with the hugging is that I'm not really much of a hugger. I value my personal space and up until recently I didn't really even like people to touch me at all. But, I guess I'm changing because today, the hugs made me feel special and loved. But, the other problem with the hugging is that the profs didn't hug all the soc majors that came down. I guess I really am special. :) hehe. So the problem was that the hugging took a little while and I didn't see where the person ahead of me went. It was all happening so fast that I started to return to my seat down the wrong side aisle, (There were two; one for our side of the platform and one for the other side) so I had to step back, and then I thought, "Am I going the right way?" and then I kind of waffled back and forth for a few seconds before heading down MY aisle toward my seat. I felt like such a complete idiot! But, I returned to my seat and then everyone else did their thing and that was that. Then, there was a bunch more blah blah blah-ing and finally we got to process out. My family told me they would not be waiting for me outside; that I should just start for home so we could get the house and food all the way ready and what not. But, I stayed and talked to some friends for a few minutes and then decided to leave. Getting out of the parking lot was difficult, but a kind person saw me in my car, lipped "Are you trying to get out?" and when I nodded yes, they let me out. (Ah the benefits of not taking the robe off to drive home!)
Anyway, I got home and we got the stuff ready and waited for people. At 2:00, (the time the invitation said) people started coming. Pastor and his wife came and they each gave me a hug and handed me a bag of gifts, and my aunt and uncle from the burbs came, and a whole bunch of people. Even a few church folk came.. I was expecting a few more than the couple who came, but that's ok. People are busy. But, I felt bad because I didn't get to talk to Pastor and his wife really while they were there because they went in and were talking to others while I was meeting, greeting, and conversing with those who were coming in. About 15 or 20 minutes later, Pastor and his wife came back out and said they had to be going because they had to go stir meat for another congregant's party (He graduated at the 1:00 ceremony). They gave me a hug bye and said congrats and all that good stuff. Several family friends and relatives, and a few of my own dear friends came, too. It was a wonderful day, for which I am extremely grateful. (Although I NEVER did get "bouncing off the walls" excited; I'm slightly disappointed).
After everyone left, I started opening the cards and gifts that people so generously bestowed on me. I'm always amazed at the generosity people show. I appreciate everything, especially reading the wonderful cards that were given to me. I love cards with handwritten notes of support and encouragement. I'm a sucker for them. This little lady with whom I worked wrote me a very touching note in her card and it just made me miss her all that much more, considering I no longer work there. Pastor and his wife gave me a bag of stuff and I was curious about what was in there, but I opened it last. There was a card with a wonderful note in it, two books with notes on the first pages of each, and the thing I let out a little laugh of joy for: A MySeminary sweatshirt! Haha! I'm such a bum and I'm always bumming around in sweatshirts, and they got me one! But like I said, I am just truly touched by the generosity, love, and support I have been shown these last few weeks and I am excited to write out thank you notes to those who helped share in this special day with me. I wish there was a way to put the feelings in my heart into their hearts so they could know exactly how much they all mean to me.
Once I finished recording the gifts, I started watching some VH1 and I fell asleep with a major headache because I hadn't eaten all day because I was just not in the mood to eat. And then I woke up when Ma turned the T.V. off. I said, "I'm watching that!" lol. And now, I find myself blogging about the whole day, and just being moved (to echo the presiding feeling of the last few weeks, I will add: almost to tears) by all the emotion and love. I am so truly thankful that people care enough to take time out of their schedules, to write handwritten notes, to talk with me, and just share in life. It's amazing. Community is a wonderful thing. God has blessed me richly, and I am so very thankful.
I was frantically cleaning my house yesterday/last night, and finally went to bed. Unfortunately, I've had a cold and so I couldn't sleep last night. So, I took some acetaminophen and finally konked out. I set 3 alarms and the first one went off, I bolted upright, shut it off, and sat there jacknifed in my bed for about 2 minutes, watching the numbers tick by. I thought, "Is it really 6:15 already?" So, I got up, got ready, grabbed my cap and gown, and drove to CollegeTown. I parked farther away than I'd thought I was, because I didn't realize that there wasn't a gap between the buildings I needed to get by. I ended up walking for about 10 minutes just to get to the entrance I needed to get to. I got there plenty early though. They started passing out our name cards, and then we went to the next stop, which is the arena in which graduation is held. We were sectioned out according to major, number on our name card (alphabetical) and all that good jazz. I was number 30 and the woman in front of me was, naturally, 29. It's weird, those around me were all Soc. majors, and yet, I didn't know half of them. But anyway, I got to talking to Ms. 29 and it turns out she is a licensed minister! I had no idea. I told her of my plans and she wished me good luck, and also helped me put on those STUPID hats they make graduates wear. It was really neat to meet her. Plus, she was really nice.
After a while, we were told to start going into the actual arena part where the spectators were sitting. We had to open our robes first so the powers that be could make sure we were not packing any alcohol or something. So, we zipped back up and processed to our chairs. After we were all seated, there was a bunch of blah blah blah-ing, and clapping, and what not. The Doctorates were awarded first, then the Masters degrees, and finally they got to the undergrads. Because Sociology is the 3rd to the last major alphabetically, we were toward the back. I couldn't really see what was going on, but surprisingly, I was not very nervous at all. The marshall came and told our row to go. So, we started walking up there. We got to the end of the bleachers where the band was (you can't see back there from the majority of the arena) and there were pro photographers taking pictures. I wasn't expecting that, either. They threw all these instructions at us and I didn't hear a word the lady said. But, I got my photo taken and went into the line again. Then, we get closer and someone was taking the name cards so those announcing could read our names and any special distinctions we had (I had none) and we could walk across the stage and get our diploma (covers). So, they started saying my name, I walked, shook hands, held the diploma, and had my photo taken again. Then, I walked down the steps. Well, you should know that my school has two people saying the names; one on each side of the platform. Sociology was my side, obviously, and the other side was a different major. So, I walked down and saw a bunch of Soc. professors. The first one was a really cool guy I had my 2nd to last semester. He gave me a hug and said to keep in touch. I said, "It's been nice knowing you." and he said, "Make sure to visit!" and then I shook another profs hand because I didn't know her. Then, I saw another prof I knew and she gave me a hug and said congratulations and I said "Thanks Dr. X!" and then I shook hands with the rest of the people.
Now... Hehe. One of the problems with the hugging is that I'm not really much of a hugger. I value my personal space and up until recently I didn't really even like people to touch me at all. But, I guess I'm changing because today, the hugs made me feel special and loved. But, the other problem with the hugging is that the profs didn't hug all the soc majors that came down. I guess I really am special. :) hehe. So the problem was that the hugging took a little while and I didn't see where the person ahead of me went. It was all happening so fast that I started to return to my seat down the wrong side aisle, (There were two; one for our side of the platform and one for the other side) so I had to step back, and then I thought, "Am I going the right way?" and then I kind of waffled back and forth for a few seconds before heading down MY aisle toward my seat. I felt like such a complete idiot! But, I returned to my seat and then everyone else did their thing and that was that. Then, there was a bunch more blah blah blah-ing and finally we got to process out. My family told me they would not be waiting for me outside; that I should just start for home so we could get the house and food all the way ready and what not. But, I stayed and talked to some friends for a few minutes and then decided to leave. Getting out of the parking lot was difficult, but a kind person saw me in my car, lipped "Are you trying to get out?" and when I nodded yes, they let me out. (Ah the benefits of not taking the robe off to drive home!)
Anyway, I got home and we got the stuff ready and waited for people. At 2:00, (the time the invitation said) people started coming. Pastor and his wife came and they each gave me a hug and handed me a bag of gifts, and my aunt and uncle from the burbs came, and a whole bunch of people. Even a few church folk came.. I was expecting a few more than the couple who came, but that's ok. People are busy. But, I felt bad because I didn't get to talk to Pastor and his wife really while they were there because they went in and were talking to others while I was meeting, greeting, and conversing with those who were coming in. About 15 or 20 minutes later, Pastor and his wife came back out and said they had to be going because they had to go stir meat for another congregant's party (He graduated at the 1:00 ceremony). They gave me a hug bye and said congrats and all that good stuff. Several family friends and relatives, and a few of my own dear friends came, too. It was a wonderful day, for which I am extremely grateful. (Although I NEVER did get "bouncing off the walls" excited; I'm slightly disappointed).
After everyone left, I started opening the cards and gifts that people so generously bestowed on me. I'm always amazed at the generosity people show. I appreciate everything, especially reading the wonderful cards that were given to me. I love cards with handwritten notes of support and encouragement. I'm a sucker for them. This little lady with whom I worked wrote me a very touching note in her card and it just made me miss her all that much more, considering I no longer work there. Pastor and his wife gave me a bag of stuff and I was curious about what was in there, but I opened it last. There was a card with a wonderful note in it, two books with notes on the first pages of each, and the thing I let out a little laugh of joy for: A MySeminary sweatshirt! Haha! I'm such a bum and I'm always bumming around in sweatshirts, and they got me one! But like I said, I am just truly touched by the generosity, love, and support I have been shown these last few weeks and I am excited to write out thank you notes to those who helped share in this special day with me. I wish there was a way to put the feelings in my heart into their hearts so they could know exactly how much they all mean to me.
Once I finished recording the gifts, I started watching some VH1 and I fell asleep with a major headache because I hadn't eaten all day because I was just not in the mood to eat. And then I woke up when Ma turned the T.V. off. I said, "I'm watching that!" lol. And now, I find myself blogging about the whole day, and just being moved (to echo the presiding feeling of the last few weeks, I will add: almost to tears) by all the emotion and love. I am so truly thankful that people care enough to take time out of their schedules, to write handwritten notes, to talk with me, and just share in life. It's amazing. Community is a wonderful thing. God has blessed me richly, and I am so very thankful.
Duty Calls ;)
Well, RuthRe tagged me, and I can't let her down, so here we go....
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Egg Nog! My mom makes THE best egg nog on the face of the earth. Yeah for frothy goodness.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? So long as I'm not the one wrapping them, it's all good...
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
I'm a big fan of the big colored lights. We have always used them, and probably always will. Although, my sister and her boyfriend have a tree with gold lights and silver, purple, and blue ornaments. It all goes very well together.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No. We only ever have family over usually, and who wants to kiss them?
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Well.... I'm bad. I asked Ma to postpone decorating this year because we have too much stuff in the living room anyway. So, I didn't want the house to be ALL that much more crowded for my graduation party today. SO, we need to get crackin' now that it's all over with.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
Stuffing, when it's done right.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
You all are going to think I had the worst parents in the world, but it's a fun story... When I was probably about 5 or 6 and my little sister was 4 or 5, we celebrated Christmas at my Grandma's house. Dad gave each of us a teeny weeny little bit of champaign (I'm talking like 2 swallows for a normal person), and I had about 2 sips of it and was totally drunk. So, the best part of the story was that little Sis and I played drunken "Guess Who" (remember that game where you tried to find out which card person the other player had?) on the playroom floor at Granny's. I was very dizzy, but it was fun.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I believed in Santa for a long time because we always celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. Mom would take us around in the car to look at Christmas lights while Santa was delivering gifts. Well, we were out in the country and I guess some guy had dressed up as Santa because there he was looking into a window. I could have sworn there were reindeer on the roof, too...
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Up until recently, we opened all of our gifts on Christmas Eve. Now we do it whenever we can all get together.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
Handmade school decorations, big colored lights, glass colored globes.. The usual fare.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Dread! As a commuter for the past 4 years, I really started to despise the stuff, although every time it snows pretty, I think of a poem that I might share at some other point.
12. Can you ice skate?
Never tried.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Either my Teddy Ruxpin or my Charlie McCarthy Ventriloquist doll that I BEGGED for.
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Being with my friends and family, going to church, and feeling that wonderful warmth of knowing it's not about us.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Peanut Clusters or Fudge!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Christmas Eve worship (for the past several years) and going to Sis's house for Christmas morning breakfast/brunch.
17. What tops your tree?
A classy little angel. It's cute.
18.Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Giving, even despite my frugal tendencies. I like to give.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
O Holy Night
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yuck. No thanks; not even the fruit flavored ones.
I tag Inheritor of Heaven, Jae, and Jacki, if they are so inclined...
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Egg Nog! My mom makes THE best egg nog on the face of the earth. Yeah for frothy goodness.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? So long as I'm not the one wrapping them, it's all good...
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
I'm a big fan of the big colored lights. We have always used them, and probably always will. Although, my sister and her boyfriend have a tree with gold lights and silver, purple, and blue ornaments. It all goes very well together.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No. We only ever have family over usually, and who wants to kiss them?
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Well.... I'm bad. I asked Ma to postpone decorating this year because we have too much stuff in the living room anyway. So, I didn't want the house to be ALL that much more crowded for my graduation party today. SO, we need to get crackin' now that it's all over with.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
Stuffing, when it's done right.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
You all are going to think I had the worst parents in the world, but it's a fun story... When I was probably about 5 or 6 and my little sister was 4 or 5, we celebrated Christmas at my Grandma's house. Dad gave each of us a teeny weeny little bit of champaign (I'm talking like 2 swallows for a normal person), and I had about 2 sips of it and was totally drunk. So, the best part of the story was that little Sis and I played drunken "Guess Who" (remember that game where you tried to find out which card person the other player had?) on the playroom floor at Granny's. I was very dizzy, but it was fun.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I believed in Santa for a long time because we always celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. Mom would take us around in the car to look at Christmas lights while Santa was delivering gifts. Well, we were out in the country and I guess some guy had dressed up as Santa because there he was looking into a window. I could have sworn there were reindeer on the roof, too...
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Up until recently, we opened all of our gifts on Christmas Eve. Now we do it whenever we can all get together.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
Handmade school decorations, big colored lights, glass colored globes.. The usual fare.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Dread! As a commuter for the past 4 years, I really started to despise the stuff, although every time it snows pretty, I think of a poem that I might share at some other point.
12. Can you ice skate?
Never tried.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Either my Teddy Ruxpin or my Charlie McCarthy Ventriloquist doll that I BEGGED for.
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Being with my friends and family, going to church, and feeling that wonderful warmth of knowing it's not about us.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Peanut Clusters or Fudge!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Christmas Eve worship (for the past several years) and going to Sis's house for Christmas morning breakfast/brunch.
17. What tops your tree?
A classy little angel. It's cute.
18.Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Giving, even despite my frugal tendencies. I like to give.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
O Holy Night
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yuck. No thanks; not even the fruit flavored ones.
I tag Inheritor of Heaven, Jae, and Jacki, if they are so inclined...
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Saturday is the big day!
I'll be graduating in only 2 days! I can't believe it. The house still isn't all the way clean and I'm slightly freaking. My mom is one of those people who NEVER throws anything away, so I just feel slightly overwhelmed. I have the living room and most of the front porch (facade or foyer, if you so please) looking nice, but there is a lot left to do. I needed a break though, and thus the blogging. I haven't had class all week. My Senior Experience class met last night at a pizza place in CollegeTown. Prof P. bought the pizza; we were just responsible for beverages. I'm a big fan of water, so really, the excursion only cost me in gas! Yay! But, I needed to go anyway to sell my books back. Yeehaw. I also sold back my parking permit today for way more than I thought I'd get. But they SEND that to you, so I went and came home with the same amount of money.. Ah well. I'll probably need a few bucks when it comes in the mail. Ok, well I need to go now. Lots of stuff to do yet! Blessings in your own frenzy!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
I feel weird!
This past Sunday, I didn't go to church at my church. I feel really weird about it. I went to the ELCA church in Sis and BiL's town. Sis is a member of my church, but it's about half an hour away from their house and they don't get to worship as often as they'd like. So, I offered to go with them to the ELCA church in their town, in hopes that they'd like it and be able to go more often. So, we went. I was slightly disappointed though. They didn't have a "regular" worship service because this past Sunday, the Sunday school children put on their program. That took the place of what they usually do.
Now, don't get me wrong; I love children, and I'm glad I got to see their Christmas program. It was nice, because I haven't been able to see a Christmas program at church in a long time. The kids did a pretty good job, even though one of the little shepherds pulled his head covering askew so he could rest his head on his staff and go to sleep on the sly. :) And I realize that if the youth do not feel recognized and important now, odds are they will stop coming to worship in the future. And we don't want that because Jesus was all about inviting the little ones to Him.
On the other hand, this experience helped me realize just how much I appreciate the liturgy, the readings, the prayers, and the sermon. Some people do not like the structure of the average ELCA worship service. I once heard a criticism that it was too structured and left no room for newcomers to feel comfortable. When I was a newcomer, I think that perhaps I didn't like it either, but now I really appreciate all that goes into our worship services.
I'm also slightly disappointed that I didn't get to hear a sermon by a Lutheran pastor not my own. I absolutely LOVE my pastor and I really like his sermons, but his is the first church I've ever really attended. I used to attend Sunday school at the Christian church across from my house, but never really went to worship. Therefore, I was looking forward to hearing someone else's sermon. Oh well. The kids' message came across well, so that's good.
The best news is that Sis and BiL said they'd like to continue to go there. I'm happy. I like when people are led to attend worship regularly. I especially would like them to go more often so that when Nephew gets older, he can attend Sunday school in a regular fashion. I'm one of his Godparents; I gotta look out for the boy! And with that, I'm going to go to bed. I need to get up in the morning and work on cleaning my house. I'm graduating from college in 4!!! days!!! Wow!
Now, don't get me wrong; I love children, and I'm glad I got to see their Christmas program. It was nice, because I haven't been able to see a Christmas program at church in a long time. The kids did a pretty good job, even though one of the little shepherds pulled his head covering askew so he could rest his head on his staff and go to sleep on the sly. :) And I realize that if the youth do not feel recognized and important now, odds are they will stop coming to worship in the future. And we don't want that because Jesus was all about inviting the little ones to Him.
On the other hand, this experience helped me realize just how much I appreciate the liturgy, the readings, the prayers, and the sermon. Some people do not like the structure of the average ELCA worship service. I once heard a criticism that it was too structured and left no room for newcomers to feel comfortable. When I was a newcomer, I think that perhaps I didn't like it either, but now I really appreciate all that goes into our worship services.
I'm also slightly disappointed that I didn't get to hear a sermon by a Lutheran pastor not my own. I absolutely LOVE my pastor and I really like his sermons, but his is the first church I've ever really attended. I used to attend Sunday school at the Christian church across from my house, but never really went to worship. Therefore, I was looking forward to hearing someone else's sermon. Oh well. The kids' message came across well, so that's good.
The best news is that Sis and BiL said they'd like to continue to go there. I'm happy. I like when people are led to attend worship regularly. I especially would like them to go more often so that when Nephew gets older, he can attend Sunday school in a regular fashion. I'm one of his Godparents; I gotta look out for the boy! And with that, I'm going to go to bed. I need to get up in the morning and work on cleaning my house. I'm graduating from college in 4!!! days!!! Wow!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
A Meme (because I'm bored)
1. Where will you be when it turns 2007? Probably at Sis and BiL's house. Maybe not. Who knows? I'm just glad I don't have to be at Restaurant!
2. How did you get the idea for your Livejournal name? trishyblogblog or what is going on here? Either way, it was just randomness that came bubbling out of my brain.
3. What song are you listening to right now? The quiet hum of the furnace.
4. Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry? Not that I can recall.
5. Do you own an IPOD? No. I have a CD player. That's good enough for me.
6. What's your favorite memory from last weekend? Going on the Bethlehem Walk. Awesome time!
7. What was the first thing you thought this morning? Well, a dream I was having woke me up and it disturbed me, so I thought, "I need to get to the end of this dream." So, I went back to sleep. Too bad I didn't finish that dream though.
8. What would be your ideal job? A vocation where I can help people, but not have people assume I'm stupid (Which is so often the case when a person works in a restaurant).
9. What will you do tonight? Go to bed. But really, if you say "saturday" tonight, I will be going for my last 2 paychecks, delivering some stuff to Pastor and his wife, and hanging out with Sis and BiL.
11. What are the last two digits of your phone number? 37 or 32. One's to my home phone, one is to my cell.
12. What was the last thing you ate? A Fruit 'N Yogurt parfait. The fruit was still frozen.
13. What was last thing you drank? water. They don't call me the water nazi for nothin..
14. What was the last movie you watched? Freeway. It's funny, but there's a lot of F-bombing in it.
15. What/Who do you dislike at the moment? Hmm. The cold I think I'm getting.
16. What food do you crave right now? Nothin. The ol' F&Y parfait hit the spot.
17. What did you dream last night? I had several dreams last night. One was about my work, one was about my church, and one, I have no idea.
18. What was the last TV show you watched? I watched a little bit of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer before hitting up P-town to do a little late night shopping.
19. What is your favorite piece of jewelery? I don't wear jewelry. But, when I was baptized when I was 14, my sponsors (Godparents, if you will) got me a really pretty cross necklace. It isn't ostentatious or anything. Simple, just like me.
20. Name someone on top of your Friends who is just like poo. I don't really get this question.
21. You're playing blackjack. You're dealt a jack and a seven. Hit or stay? stay, most likely.
22. Who last text messaged you? I think Britnae. A "Happy Birthday" message.
23. Are you on any medication? Yep. It's GLANDULAR! (that's off some t.v. show I saw one time).
24. What side of the bed do you sleep on? I usually sleep dead center in my own bed. When I sleep at Sis and BiL's house, I sleep on the right side (if you're lying in it facing down).
25. What color shirt are you wearing? I'm wearing my green skydiving shirt and my red sweatshirt. It doesn't match, but at least I'm warm.
26. What is your favorite frozen treat? Moose Tracks ice cream.
27. How many piercings do you have? zero. My ears reject jewelry, despite my efforts to keep the site clean and uninfected.
28. What's your favorite store? I don't really have one. I try to avoid shopping.
29. Are you thirsty right now? Yes, I am.
30. Who's someone you haven't seen in a while and miss? Hmm... Dan, my jr. college friends who went different ways than I did, and my university chums who graduated already.
31. What did you do last night? Hung out, watched some T.V.; nothing really exciting.
32. Do you care what people think about you? Depends if I know you or not.
33. Have you ever done something to instigate trouble? When I was younger. Usually, I try to be a peacemaker, though.
35. What are your font colors on AIM. I don't have AIM.
36. Where do you live? In the same house I've lived for the past 24 years of my life. I'm about to move (probably sooner than I initially thought) and It's freaking me out (just a little).
37. Are you aggressive? Usually not, unless someone threatens those I love. Then I can be.
38. Mobile Phone Network? Verizon.
39. What are you listening to now? The furnace just kicked off, so now all I hear are the keys clicking and the computer humming.
40. What is the thing that you would most like to change about yourself? Some self-esteem issues, probably.
42. What do you smell like right now? Probably nothing. We did have corned beef and cabbage tonight, so I might smell like that.
43. What's your favorite color? neon orange
44. Do you like mustard? Yep, in moderation.
45. What do you tell yourself when times get hard? Dude, what's up with this? (Yes, I often refer to most people, including myself, as "dude." Colloquialism is our friend, remember?)
46. Would you ever sky-dive? Yes, and I have. I blogged about it here.
47. Do you sleep on your side, tummy or back? Usually my tummy. Always have, probably always will.
48. Have you ever bid for something on eBay? Nope, although my brother makes and sells these really neat wine holders on there.
49. What do you think of Cary Grant? My grandma used to be a big fan. But I have no idea who he was, except that he was a movie star.
50. Do you enjoy giving hugs? Hmm. Sometimes, if I know the person well.
51. Would you consider yourself to be fashionable? HAHAHAHA! No way! I'm the girl who hates shopping because I have to take someone with me to ask, "Does this match?" hehe. A quick story... I was at Mal-Wart several months ago because I needed to buy some dress socks. I didn't know if the socks were supposed to match the shoes or the pants. So, I asked an associate. She didn't know either, so we asked another, who told me "It's supposed to all look like one continuous thing." It didn't really help me, but I laugh about it.
52. Do you own a digital camera? No. I'm way too cheap.
53. What celebrities have you been compared to? None.
54. Who is your favorite Star Wars character? I've never really seen Star Wars.
55. Does it annoy you when someone says they'll call but don't? Yup.
56. What are you allergic to? Nothing.
57. Are you a jealous person? Occasionally.
58. Do you ever feel guilty after eating meat? Nope.
59. If you were born the opposite sex, what would your name be? Tyroneus E. Jackson III
60. What are you listening to now? the furnace.
2. How did you get the idea for your Livejournal name? trishyblogblog or what is going on here? Either way, it was just randomness that came bubbling out of my brain.
3. What song are you listening to right now? The quiet hum of the furnace.
4. Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry? Not that I can recall.
5. Do you own an IPOD? No. I have a CD player. That's good enough for me.
6. What's your favorite memory from last weekend? Going on the Bethlehem Walk. Awesome time!
7. What was the first thing you thought this morning? Well, a dream I was having woke me up and it disturbed me, so I thought, "I need to get to the end of this dream." So, I went back to sleep. Too bad I didn't finish that dream though.
8. What would be your ideal job? A vocation where I can help people, but not have people assume I'm stupid (Which is so often the case when a person works in a restaurant).
9. What will you do tonight? Go to bed. But really, if you say "saturday" tonight, I will be going for my last 2 paychecks, delivering some stuff to Pastor and his wife, and hanging out with Sis and BiL.
11. What are the last two digits of your phone number? 37 or 32. One's to my home phone, one is to my cell.
12. What was the last thing you ate? A Fruit 'N Yogurt parfait. The fruit was still frozen.
13. What was last thing you drank? water. They don't call me the water nazi for nothin..
14. What was the last movie you watched? Freeway. It's funny, but there's a lot of F-bombing in it.
15. What/Who do you dislike at the moment? Hmm. The cold I think I'm getting.
16. What food do you crave right now? Nothin. The ol' F&Y parfait hit the spot.
17. What did you dream last night? I had several dreams last night. One was about my work, one was about my church, and one, I have no idea.
18. What was the last TV show you watched? I watched a little bit of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer before hitting up P-town to do a little late night shopping.
19. What is your favorite piece of jewelery? I don't wear jewelry. But, when I was baptized when I was 14, my sponsors (Godparents, if you will) got me a really pretty cross necklace. It isn't ostentatious or anything. Simple, just like me.
20. Name someone on top of your Friends who is just like poo. I don't really get this question.
21. You're playing blackjack. You're dealt a jack and a seven. Hit or stay? stay, most likely.
22. Who last text messaged you? I think Britnae. A "Happy Birthday" message.
23. Are you on any medication? Yep. It's GLANDULAR! (that's off some t.v. show I saw one time).
24. What side of the bed do you sleep on? I usually sleep dead center in my own bed. When I sleep at Sis and BiL's house, I sleep on the right side (if you're lying in it facing down).
25. What color shirt are you wearing? I'm wearing my green skydiving shirt and my red sweatshirt. It doesn't match, but at least I'm warm.
26. What is your favorite frozen treat? Moose Tracks ice cream.
27. How many piercings do you have? zero. My ears reject jewelry, despite my efforts to keep the site clean and uninfected.
28. What's your favorite store? I don't really have one. I try to avoid shopping.
29. Are you thirsty right now? Yes, I am.
30. Who's someone you haven't seen in a while and miss? Hmm... Dan, my jr. college friends who went different ways than I did, and my university chums who graduated already.
31. What did you do last night? Hung out, watched some T.V.; nothing really exciting.
32. Do you care what people think about you? Depends if I know you or not.
33. Have you ever done something to instigate trouble? When I was younger. Usually, I try to be a peacemaker, though.
35. What are your font colors on AIM. I don't have AIM.
36. Where do you live? In the same house I've lived for the past 24 years of my life. I'm about to move (probably sooner than I initially thought) and It's freaking me out (just a little).
37. Are you aggressive? Usually not, unless someone threatens those I love. Then I can be.
38. Mobile Phone Network? Verizon.
39. What are you listening to now? The furnace just kicked off, so now all I hear are the keys clicking and the computer humming.
40. What is the thing that you would most like to change about yourself? Some self-esteem issues, probably.
42. What do you smell like right now? Probably nothing. We did have corned beef and cabbage tonight, so I might smell like that.
43. What's your favorite color? neon orange
44. Do you like mustard? Yep, in moderation.
45. What do you tell yourself when times get hard? Dude, what's up with this? (Yes, I often refer to most people, including myself, as "dude." Colloquialism is our friend, remember?)
46. Would you ever sky-dive? Yes, and I have. I blogged about it here.
47. Do you sleep on your side, tummy or back? Usually my tummy. Always have, probably always will.
48. Have you ever bid for something on eBay? Nope, although my brother makes and sells these really neat wine holders on there.
49. What do you think of Cary Grant? My grandma used to be a big fan. But I have no idea who he was, except that he was a movie star.
50. Do you enjoy giving hugs? Hmm. Sometimes, if I know the person well.
51. Would you consider yourself to be fashionable? HAHAHAHA! No way! I'm the girl who hates shopping because I have to take someone with me to ask, "Does this match?" hehe. A quick story... I was at Mal-Wart several months ago because I needed to buy some dress socks. I didn't know if the socks were supposed to match the shoes or the pants. So, I asked an associate. She didn't know either, so we asked another, who told me "It's supposed to all look like one continuous thing." It didn't really help me, but I laugh about it.
52. Do you own a digital camera? No. I'm way too cheap.
53. What celebrities have you been compared to? None.
54. Who is your favorite Star Wars character? I've never really seen Star Wars.
55. Does it annoy you when someone says they'll call but don't? Yup.
56. What are you allergic to? Nothing.
57. Are you a jealous person? Occasionally.
58. Do you ever feel guilty after eating meat? Nope.
59. If you were born the opposite sex, what would your name be? Tyroneus E. Jackson III
60. What are you listening to now? the furnace.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Hmm
Well, I'm sitting here thinking about things, and I've realized that I am scared. Very scared. And I shouldn't be. But I am. That's all for now.
Almost done
Tomorrow is the last day of real class for me at College. I can't believe it. And, I don't HAVE to take any finals because my history prof doesn't make his students take all of them, and my capstone class doesn't have a final. We are presenting our findings from all of our research tomorrow. Well, I'm not in the presenting group, but it's all of our findings. I did a bunch of editing. I can't believe it. We're almost there. I just have this unfounded fear that a member of the faculty who comes to see our presentation is going to heckle us and tell us we did a shoddy job and we're going to fail. I know that's not logical, but I'm one of those, "Can't breath till it's over" people. You know the type. I don't get mean and psychotic, but I'm slightly stressed and grateful that I have chewable Pepto in my car for occasions such as this. :) Hehe. I'm out.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Awesome Event!
Tonight, I went with one of my EX co-workers to this thing called a "Bethlehem Walk." I didn't know what to expect, but I am so glad I went! The thing was awesome! It was held at the ECW's (Ex co-worker) church in a town about 20 miles away. I drove because ECW is 17 and I'm 24 and no offense to teenage drivers, but I'm not digging that. Especially considering the snow and ice we got the other day. Anyway, so we got there and waited around till our "appointment" time because it's a very popular attraction and you have to have tickets for the thing. ECW's mom gave us her tickets because I've never been to the B.W. before. Fortunately though, a lot of people cancelled because of the weather, so we all got to go.
So, we got there and waited and finally it was time for us to begin. We all got a sheet of paper that told us that we were being commanded to go to our town of origin to register for the purpose of taxation and military obligations. We traveled together as the family "Zephaniah," and we had two guides who helped us through the walk. The command we were given had Caesar Augustus' name in another language at the bottom. Anyway, so we went through the "time machine" back to about 700 years before Christ's birth to the time of the prophet Isaiah. We went in there and he prophesied about the birth of the Messiah.
Then we continued through and we saw Mary praying in a room. The angel came and told her she would bear a child. After that, we traveled to Elizabeth's house to see Mary and Elizabeth's conversation when the baby in Liz leapt at Mary's greeting. The next room on the walk took us to Joseph's shop where he contemplated what he should do about the "mess" he and Mary were in. Another angel told him that he was to not dismiss Mary, because she had done no wrong. After we left Joseph's shop, we went outside and then to the Inn where we got some refreshments of hot soup broth, grape juice, and pieces of bread. The Innkeeper was very nice to us, despite the fact he had no lodging for us. Unfortunately, we heard the shouts of "What is that stench!" and then the Roman soldiers came into the inn and were harassing us. They looked at a bunch of our papers to make sure we were who we said we were. The paper was supposed to give us safe passage. ECW was accosted by one of them. The soldier told him that they needed a slave to shovel dung in their stables. The soldier ordered him to stand up and put his arms out. Then he said, "What are those? Chicken wings?! Sit down, you filthy Jew." The soldiers ordered the innkeeper to get rid of us. So, we had to leave, but not before Joseph and Mary came and asked for lodging. The wife of the innkeeper had the idea that the very pregnant Mary and her betrothed could stay in the manger, considering she was so close to giving birth.
The next part of our journey took us outside again. We went and saw a blacksmith's shop where there were two donkeys outside for the kids to pet. The blacksmith told us that we could go inside on the way to the marketplace because there was a good storyteller in town. So, we went in, sat down on some hay, and listened to a woman telling us a story about Gideon who defeated the Midianites. And basically, this was a sermon about how God is with us, even though we think we're the lowest of the low sometimes. It was good. "You are a mighty warrior. The Lord your God is with you!"
After the storyteller was done, we continued to the marketplace. There, we were stopped by the Roman soldiers and the Jews who had taken jobs as tax collectors. The guides did the "official" talking with the soldiers, but they were circling us. ECW and his sister were stopped by them and the soldiers interrogated them for a few minutes. They asked them to spell their name. Neither of them could, so the soldiers ripped their papers and told them to get out of their sight. After our guides paid the tax collectors, we could go into the marketplace. However, one of the soldiers accosted me, took my paper, and said, "What is the name of your clan, Jew?" And I said, "Zephaniah." He said, "Spell your name if you're speaking the truth." And I said, "Z-E-P-H" and he said, "Hurry up, I haven't got all day!" and I said, "A-N-I-A-H." And he thrust my paper back at me and said, "Very well. You may go." And one of his compatriots said, "Oh look here, we have an educated Jew!" But I was actually kind of intimidated. It's amazing but I felt like I'd actually been transported back in time, almost.
Anyway, so I got to then go into the marketplace. There were booths with crackers, candy, fragrances, fresh fish (which was really tuna on tortilla chips), bead workers, and music makers. We got to check that room out (and one of the merchants was a younger woman who often comes into Restaurant. She said "Did the tax collectors treat you badly? I said "Yes, they're mean." And then walked away.) Another merchant was grumbling to me about how the tax collector should be ashamed of himself and shouldn't even be allowed to call himself a Jew. Then a soldier told me to move it along. The marketplace was fairly large, and I was walking around.
After we were done with the marketplace, we again walked outside and over to look at the star high above us, leading us to where the Christ child was. An angel appeared and told us, "Do not fear; for behold, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And then he went away and we walked into the Inn where Mary and Joseph were holding the newborn Jesus. We sat down on the hay that was around. There were animals in the manger, too. They spoke a few lines, and then they exited. A screen came up and the song, "My Deliverer is Coming" came on with its video. And then, the guides showed us out, up the walk (where we saw the Magi going to give Jesus gifts), and back through the time machine to bring us back to the present.
This was a completely awesome night! The B.W. was just amazing. I actually felt like a Jewish person going to be counted. The Roman soldiers made it even more convincing. Wow. After we came in, we went downstairs and had hot cocoa and cookies. There were a few people who explained what goes into the production. They said it takes about 200 people to do everything: setting up, acting the different roles, building stuff, etc. And they have to take the Isaiah scene down tonight because it's in the back half of their sanctuary (I wouldn't have known that. It looked like a mountain to me!) and then reset it after worship tomorrow. The mountain on which Isaiah stood was made up of some stuff that is custom fit to fit over the backs of their pews. Seriously, the scenery was really good, the acting people did a marvelous job. They didn't even read their stuff. I was just amazed. If you EVER get the chance to go to one, GO!!!! It was awesome.
So, we got there and waited and finally it was time for us to begin. We all got a sheet of paper that told us that we were being commanded to go to our town of origin to register for the purpose of taxation and military obligations. We traveled together as the family "Zephaniah," and we had two guides who helped us through the walk. The command we were given had Caesar Augustus' name in another language at the bottom. Anyway, so we went through the "time machine" back to about 700 years before Christ's birth to the time of the prophet Isaiah. We went in there and he prophesied about the birth of the Messiah.
Then we continued through and we saw Mary praying in a room. The angel came and told her she would bear a child. After that, we traveled to Elizabeth's house to see Mary and Elizabeth's conversation when the baby in Liz leapt at Mary's greeting. The next room on the walk took us to Joseph's shop where he contemplated what he should do about the "mess" he and Mary were in. Another angel told him that he was to not dismiss Mary, because she had done no wrong. After we left Joseph's shop, we went outside and then to the Inn where we got some refreshments of hot soup broth, grape juice, and pieces of bread. The Innkeeper was very nice to us, despite the fact he had no lodging for us. Unfortunately, we heard the shouts of "What is that stench!" and then the Roman soldiers came into the inn and were harassing us. They looked at a bunch of our papers to make sure we were who we said we were. The paper was supposed to give us safe passage. ECW was accosted by one of them. The soldier told him that they needed a slave to shovel dung in their stables. The soldier ordered him to stand up and put his arms out. Then he said, "What are those? Chicken wings?! Sit down, you filthy Jew." The soldiers ordered the innkeeper to get rid of us. So, we had to leave, but not before Joseph and Mary came and asked for lodging. The wife of the innkeeper had the idea that the very pregnant Mary and her betrothed could stay in the manger, considering she was so close to giving birth.
The next part of our journey took us outside again. We went and saw a blacksmith's shop where there were two donkeys outside for the kids to pet. The blacksmith told us that we could go inside on the way to the marketplace because there was a good storyteller in town. So, we went in, sat down on some hay, and listened to a woman telling us a story about Gideon who defeated the Midianites. And basically, this was a sermon about how God is with us, even though we think we're the lowest of the low sometimes. It was good. "You are a mighty warrior. The Lord your God is with you!"
After the storyteller was done, we continued to the marketplace. There, we were stopped by the Roman soldiers and the Jews who had taken jobs as tax collectors. The guides did the "official" talking with the soldiers, but they were circling us. ECW and his sister were stopped by them and the soldiers interrogated them for a few minutes. They asked them to spell their name. Neither of them could, so the soldiers ripped their papers and told them to get out of their sight. After our guides paid the tax collectors, we could go into the marketplace. However, one of the soldiers accosted me, took my paper, and said, "What is the name of your clan, Jew?" And I said, "Zephaniah." He said, "Spell your name if you're speaking the truth." And I said, "Z-E-P-H" and he said, "Hurry up, I haven't got all day!" and I said, "A-N-I-A-H." And he thrust my paper back at me and said, "Very well. You may go." And one of his compatriots said, "Oh look here, we have an educated Jew!" But I was actually kind of intimidated. It's amazing but I felt like I'd actually been transported back in time, almost.
Anyway, so I got to then go into the marketplace. There were booths with crackers, candy, fragrances, fresh fish (which was really tuna on tortilla chips), bead workers, and music makers. We got to check that room out (and one of the merchants was a younger woman who often comes into Restaurant. She said "Did the tax collectors treat you badly? I said "Yes, they're mean." And then walked away.) Another merchant was grumbling to me about how the tax collector should be ashamed of himself and shouldn't even be allowed to call himself a Jew. Then a soldier told me to move it along. The marketplace was fairly large, and I was walking around.
After we were done with the marketplace, we again walked outside and over to look at the star high above us, leading us to where the Christ child was. An angel appeared and told us, "Do not fear; for behold, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And then he went away and we walked into the Inn where Mary and Joseph were holding the newborn Jesus. We sat down on the hay that was around. There were animals in the manger, too. They spoke a few lines, and then they exited. A screen came up and the song, "My Deliverer is Coming" came on with its video. And then, the guides showed us out, up the walk (where we saw the Magi going to give Jesus gifts), and back through the time machine to bring us back to the present.
This was a completely awesome night! The B.W. was just amazing. I actually felt like a Jewish person going to be counted. The Roman soldiers made it even more convincing. Wow. After we came in, we went downstairs and had hot cocoa and cookies. There were a few people who explained what goes into the production. They said it takes about 200 people to do everything: setting up, acting the different roles, building stuff, etc. And they have to take the Isaiah scene down tonight because it's in the back half of their sanctuary (I wouldn't have known that. It looked like a mountain to me!) and then reset it after worship tomorrow. The mountain on which Isaiah stood was made up of some stuff that is custom fit to fit over the backs of their pews. Seriously, the scenery was really good, the acting people did a marvelous job. They didn't even read their stuff. I was just amazed. If you EVER get the chance to go to one, GO!!!! It was awesome.
Friday, December 01, 2006
They like me; They really like me!!
I know you all are probably sick to death of this, but I just am amazed. Tonight, I didn't get to go to work. The weather is just too bad to venture out. The male boss called this afternoon and said that it was just going to be him and his wife doing everything tonight because no one would be in. So, I didn't go for my last day of work. Anyway, I have just been messing around all day, not really doing anything productive at all. I didn't even shovel the walk because I didn't think we'd be going anywhere and I didn't think anyone would be coming here. Boy was I wrong!
I was in the kitchen making spaghetti sauce (one of the ONLY things I can make that doesn't come out of a box) and I was coming out here (my computer is on the front porch) to get online. But, I saw some lights outside that were not moving. I thought, "Gee, I hope no one is stuck on the hill, already." It never fails; every year someone gets stuck on this tiny hill outside of our house because there is a stop sign there that messes up the momentum. But, the lights were facing the wrong way. So, I looked out and someone was standing on the porch. I turned on the light and I think I probably jumped a little because I was startled. But I opened the door and it was a Friday night regular woman. She told me that she and her husband had been to Restaurant to have dinner and to see me off, but I wasn't there, so they thought they'd stop by and give me something. My village is on the way home for them. So, she gave me a big bag and said, "Best of luck!" and then I watched her walk back out to the car. I waved at the husband, and I kicked myself for not having shoveled today.
I went in to the other room and read the card (Cards mean a lot to me) and I opened the bag. In it were two big bath towels, some hand towels, and some wash cloths! And guess what color they were! ORANGE!!! My absolute favorite color (as if you couldn't tell from my bright orange shoelaces. I just can't believe it. I knew people liked me there, but I had no idea that liked me this much. Wow. That's all I can say.
I was in the kitchen making spaghetti sauce (one of the ONLY things I can make that doesn't come out of a box) and I was coming out here (my computer is on the front porch) to get online. But, I saw some lights outside that were not moving. I thought, "Gee, I hope no one is stuck on the hill, already." It never fails; every year someone gets stuck on this tiny hill outside of our house because there is a stop sign there that messes up the momentum. But, the lights were facing the wrong way. So, I looked out and someone was standing on the porch. I turned on the light and I think I probably jumped a little because I was startled. But I opened the door and it was a Friday night regular woman. She told me that she and her husband had been to Restaurant to have dinner and to see me off, but I wasn't there, so they thought they'd stop by and give me something. My village is on the way home for them. So, she gave me a big bag and said, "Best of luck!" and then I watched her walk back out to the car. I waved at the husband, and I kicked myself for not having shoveled today.
I went in to the other room and read the card (Cards mean a lot to me) and I opened the bag. In it were two big bath towels, some hand towels, and some wash cloths! And guess what color they were! ORANGE!!! My absolute favorite color (as if you couldn't tell from my bright orange shoelaces. I just can't believe it. I knew people liked me there, but I had no idea that liked me this much. Wow. That's all I can say.
Holy Cow!
My University is closed today! Wow. I didn't think they EVER closed, considering that about half the population lives in the dorms or student apartments. Wow.
In other news, I'm simply agog* to get to my last day of work tonight. I hope they don't call me off.
*Agog is Yourdictionary.com's word of the day from November 27th. It means "intensely eager." You learn something new every day!
In other news, I'm simply agog* to get to my last day of work tonight. I hope they don't call me off.
*Agog is Yourdictionary.com's word of the day from November 27th. It means "intensely eager." You learn something new every day!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wintry Mix
It's snowing/sleeting/ice-pelleting outside. The weatherman has predicted 7-10 inches by tomorrow. Ugh. Sorry, but considering the fact I've been a commuter for the past 4 years, I hate snow, ice, and all things that make driving hazardous. At least I don't have to go to school tomorrow. WooHoo for only having Tuesday/Thursday classes!
In other news, tomorrow is my last day of work. I hope we're not dead slow on account of the weather. In all actuality, we probably will be. I will be unemployed for the first time in 9 1/2 years. One of my co-workers gave me a "Good Bye" card tonight with a hand-written note inside. For my reaction, see my previous post. :) That's all I've got to say about that.
In other news, tomorrow is my last day of work. I hope we're not dead slow on account of the weather. In all actuality, we probably will be. I will be unemployed for the first time in 9 1/2 years. One of my co-workers gave me a "Good Bye" card tonight with a hand-written note inside. For my reaction, see my previous post. :) That's all I've got to say about that.
You'd almost think I was the crying sort...
Tonight (well, last night if you want to get technical) I was waitressing at Restaurant. We were busy! People came in all at once, and we were somewhat short on help. But, we managed. The customers were really nice and patient, considering the cook was sort of slow on moving the food out tonight. But, he isn't usually the cook, so he did alright in my book. Anyway, two of my Tuesday night regulars were in on Tuesday, and I told them that I will be done at Restaurant on Friday. So, tonight, near the end, I was figuring up tickets (we don't have that computer thing that does them; it's done by hand) and when I was done, I put my book into my apron pocket. I turned around, and there was the Tuesday night regular man. He said, "Hey Trish! This is for you for your upcoming graduation." He handed me a card with "Trish" on it. I said, "Thank you! I really appreciate that!" And he said, "Congratulations, and good luck!" And then he turned around and left. Once we were all done with work and clean up and everything, I opened the card. It's such a nice card from him and his wife. They even wrote a note in there. It warms my heart to know that people I've come to know from there care enough about me to go out of their way to wish me the best of luck. I know I just blogged about being touched, but here I am, yet again, moved (almost to tears) by the fondness and appreciation people have shown me. A simple card means so much to me. I guess it just goes to show that it doesn't take a large, showy action to show love to those around us. We can be the hands and feet of our Lord by doing a simple action or offering a few encouraging words. I'm amazed. I'm blessed. I'm loved. I'm thankful.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Ok, so I'm a liar.
I decided to do a little blogsurfing before heading to bed. And then I remembered that I didn't talk about how worship went this morning. Duh! Well, worship went fine. I turned on the sound system as soon as I got to church and it didn't feedback my ears out, so I thought it was fine. But then one of the ushers was checking it and the sound wasn't going through it. He didn't know what to do, but luckily I did! We just put a recharged battery in it (I knew where they were from previous experience with that issue) and it was A-Ok. So, worship went well. The Sunday school kids sang. I always love that. I didn't totally botch anything, so that was good. And I got good comments at both churches. So, I finally decided that I will post a sermon. Here it is:
Church Message 18
“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
couldn’t put Humpty together again.”
When I was a little kid, I liked this nursery rhyme, although I didn’t like the fact that poor Humpty Dumpty was broken forever. I mean, really. Not even all of the king’s horses and all the king’s men could put him back together again? That’s got to be a mistake. The king should be able to train his people so that they could put the poor character back together. He’s the king, after all, isn’t he!? But alas, poor Humpty Dumpty was never the same after his fall. And then I wonder, “Why was Humpty sitting on such a high wall anyway? Was he a daredevil? Was he haughtily trying to prove to those around him that he was important because he could be physically higher than they were?” I’m reminded of the characters in “The King and I” where the king demanded that Anna always be lower than he was. I imagine Humpty Dumpty must have been at least remotely important, or why else would the king trouble himself with sending out his horses and men to try to fix him? If Humpty was just some no good vagrant on the streets, Humpty probably would have just been disregarded from the outset. But instead, the king sent ALL of his horses and ALL of his men to try to remedy the situation, unfortunately to no avail. Bummer for Humpty.
As I look back on this nursery rhyme, I wonder if perhaps Humpty was able to live out his life in the shattered pieces and mess that he must have existed as once the king’s horses and men gave up on him. Maybe he could at least live with a relative or friend who could take care of him. A shelter or a mission could take him in, don’t you think? Humpty could find his livelihood doing something else besides sitting on high walls. Maybe he could get a nice desk job somewhere where the biggest threat to his safety was a paper cut on his already broken and battered self. Or maybe he could be a motivational speaker to those who were feeling like their lives had turned for the worse and were unredeemable.
Then I think that maybe Humpty was not popular at all. Maybe he was sitting high on the wall on a dare, in order to gain popularity. Perhaps he was a little too clumsy and awkward to have risked the stunt, considering what happened to him. I don’t know the answers to these questions, but the ending in the nursery rhyme leaves too many questions about Humpty Dumpty’s future.
Today’s Gospel lesson also involves a lot of questions. Pilate asked Jesus questions. Jesus answered Pilate not with actual answers, necessarily, but with more questions. Pilate then asked even more questions. Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom was not from this world. I imagine that would be a difficult concept for Pilate to grasp, considering that worldly kingdoms were all he knew. Pilate served under the Roman king Caesar. It was through Caesar that Pilate had any power at all. Pilate must have been taken aback by the unexpected reply that Jesus gave about where His kingdom existed.
But the unexpected abounds in today’s Gospel lesson. Jesus, the heralded king of the Jews was on trial. In today’s world, most world leaders are granted immunity. This was not so for Jesus because immunity would have ruined His plan of salvation. Another unexpected occurrence happened when Jesus turned the tables on Pilate. Jesus asked Pilate many questions instead of answering the ones posed to him. When I think of defendants who question the judge, I think of one phrase: “Contempt of court.”
But Jesus’ whole life was lived in an amazingly unexpected way. We are about to embark on our Advent journey where we will once again hear the stories of how He was unexpectedly conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit to a virgin. We can also remember hearing about how Jesus, the Word made flesh, came and lived among us, and was rejected by many, even though not one thing came into being without Him. We recall miracle stories where the dead are brought back to life, the deaf are made to hear, and the blind are given sight; all unexpected things. And even in today’s Gospel lesson we can see the unexpected ways in which Jesus lived His life, betrayed by His own people, and yet willing and ready to die for them to allow for their salvation.
It is rather ironic that in today’s lesson, Pilate is asking Jesus for truth. It is ironic because the Truth was standing right there in front of Him in the person of Jesus Christ. But, Pilate instead chose to go against truth and believe the lies and fabrications with which the Jewish authorities had charged Jesus. But again, Jesus was not surprised. Jesus tells us that He came to testify to the truth, and that those who belong to the truth listen to His voice. Pilate didn’t listen to the voice of Truth. Instead, he sought to pacify the crowds of Pharisees and Scribes and have Jesus crucified. But, the great thing is, Jesus once again blew away all expectations that the people had of him on that first Easter morning when He rose defiantly against the powers of sin and death.
Today is Christ the King Sunday; a day that we celebrate Jesus as the triumphant King of creation. He set His face toward Jerusalem, full well knowing that He would be arrested, put to trial, and executed once He went there. But, Jesus went anyway. Why? Because He realized our sinful brokenness. Because all the king’s horses and all the king’s men are unable to do what He alone can do: bring us to the Father. Like Humpty Dumpty, we are all broken and perhaps a little clumsy. In the song “Clumsy” by Chris Rice, he sings, “I get so clumsy, and I get so foolish. I can get so stupid, and then I feel so useless. But you’re saying you love me, and you’re still gonna hold me, and that you wanna be near me cause you’re making me holy.” Instead of sending all of His horses and men, the King came to do the job right for all who trust in Him. Because we’re all important and we all have value in His eyes, despite our shortcomings and failures. Yes, Jesus did many unexpected things in His lifetime because he’s the king and because the King is the only one who is truly able to pick us up, brush us off, and put us back together again in order to make us complete and whole.
The END
So, that's it. See ya, cuz now my shoulder and arm really hurt bad!
Church Message 18
“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
couldn’t put Humpty together again.”
When I was a little kid, I liked this nursery rhyme, although I didn’t like the fact that poor Humpty Dumpty was broken forever. I mean, really. Not even all of the king’s horses and all the king’s men could put him back together again? That’s got to be a mistake. The king should be able to train his people so that they could put the poor character back together. He’s the king, after all, isn’t he!? But alas, poor Humpty Dumpty was never the same after his fall. And then I wonder, “Why was Humpty sitting on such a high wall anyway? Was he a daredevil? Was he haughtily trying to prove to those around him that he was important because he could be physically higher than they were?” I’m reminded of the characters in “The King and I” where the king demanded that Anna always be lower than he was. I imagine Humpty Dumpty must have been at least remotely important, or why else would the king trouble himself with sending out his horses and men to try to fix him? If Humpty was just some no good vagrant on the streets, Humpty probably would have just been disregarded from the outset. But instead, the king sent ALL of his horses and ALL of his men to try to remedy the situation, unfortunately to no avail. Bummer for Humpty.
As I look back on this nursery rhyme, I wonder if perhaps Humpty was able to live out his life in the shattered pieces and mess that he must have existed as once the king’s horses and men gave up on him. Maybe he could at least live with a relative or friend who could take care of him. A shelter or a mission could take him in, don’t you think? Humpty could find his livelihood doing something else besides sitting on high walls. Maybe he could get a nice desk job somewhere where the biggest threat to his safety was a paper cut on his already broken and battered self. Or maybe he could be a motivational speaker to those who were feeling like their lives had turned for the worse and were unredeemable.
Then I think that maybe Humpty was not popular at all. Maybe he was sitting high on the wall on a dare, in order to gain popularity. Perhaps he was a little too clumsy and awkward to have risked the stunt, considering what happened to him. I don’t know the answers to these questions, but the ending in the nursery rhyme leaves too many questions about Humpty Dumpty’s future.
Today’s Gospel lesson also involves a lot of questions. Pilate asked Jesus questions. Jesus answered Pilate not with actual answers, necessarily, but with more questions. Pilate then asked even more questions. Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom was not from this world. I imagine that would be a difficult concept for Pilate to grasp, considering that worldly kingdoms were all he knew. Pilate served under the Roman king Caesar. It was through Caesar that Pilate had any power at all. Pilate must have been taken aback by the unexpected reply that Jesus gave about where His kingdom existed.
But the unexpected abounds in today’s Gospel lesson. Jesus, the heralded king of the Jews was on trial. In today’s world, most world leaders are granted immunity. This was not so for Jesus because immunity would have ruined His plan of salvation. Another unexpected occurrence happened when Jesus turned the tables on Pilate. Jesus asked Pilate many questions instead of answering the ones posed to him. When I think of defendants who question the judge, I think of one phrase: “Contempt of court.”
But Jesus’ whole life was lived in an amazingly unexpected way. We are about to embark on our Advent journey where we will once again hear the stories of how He was unexpectedly conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit to a virgin. We can also remember hearing about how Jesus, the Word made flesh, came and lived among us, and was rejected by many, even though not one thing came into being without Him. We recall miracle stories where the dead are brought back to life, the deaf are made to hear, and the blind are given sight; all unexpected things. And even in today’s Gospel lesson we can see the unexpected ways in which Jesus lived His life, betrayed by His own people, and yet willing and ready to die for them to allow for their salvation.
It is rather ironic that in today’s lesson, Pilate is asking Jesus for truth. It is ironic because the Truth was standing right there in front of Him in the person of Jesus Christ. But, Pilate instead chose to go against truth and believe the lies and fabrications with which the Jewish authorities had charged Jesus. But again, Jesus was not surprised. Jesus tells us that He came to testify to the truth, and that those who belong to the truth listen to His voice. Pilate didn’t listen to the voice of Truth. Instead, he sought to pacify the crowds of Pharisees and Scribes and have Jesus crucified. But, the great thing is, Jesus once again blew away all expectations that the people had of him on that first Easter morning when He rose defiantly against the powers of sin and death.
Today is Christ the King Sunday; a day that we celebrate Jesus as the triumphant King of creation. He set His face toward Jerusalem, full well knowing that He would be arrested, put to trial, and executed once He went there. But, Jesus went anyway. Why? Because He realized our sinful brokenness. Because all the king’s horses and all the king’s men are unable to do what He alone can do: bring us to the Father. Like Humpty Dumpty, we are all broken and perhaps a little clumsy. In the song “Clumsy” by Chris Rice, he sings, “I get so clumsy, and I get so foolish. I can get so stupid, and then I feel so useless. But you’re saying you love me, and you’re still gonna hold me, and that you wanna be near me cause you’re making me holy.” Instead of sending all of His horses and men, the King came to do the job right for all who trust in Him. Because we’re all important and we all have value in His eyes, despite our shortcomings and failures. Yes, Jesus did many unexpected things in His lifetime because he’s the king and because the King is the only one who is truly able to pick us up, brush us off, and put us back together again in order to make us complete and whole.
The END
So, that's it. See ya, cuz now my shoulder and arm really hurt bad!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Ouch.
Recently, I have been undertaking the task of cleaning up the house in preparation of my graduation open house. Let me tell you, this is not an easy task. Ma used to be anal retentive about keeping a clean house, but that's not true anymore. She used to make us clean at least once a week, but that's DEFINITELY not true anymore. Anyway, Ma has several magazine subscriptions. The bad thing is, she doesn't throw the mags away once she's read them. So, our coffee table had about 6,534 magazines on it. I was cleaning the other night after work, and I threw them all away. And tomorrow is garbage day, so I was taking the trash out. I tried picking up the bag with all the magazines in it and the bag started ripping so I had to hold it from underneath, and walk all hunched over. I think I hurt myself! Yowza. Maybe it's just stress though. Bad day at work... 4 working days left; God help me through them!
Anyway, tomorrow is Ma's last chemo appointment. Then they'll give her a little break and scope her out again to see if the cancer is gone. Hopefully it will be. Because if it's not, I'm fairly certain they'll have to remove her bladder. Which would suck. But anyway, I'm going to go to bed because I'm tired and slightly crabby. Talk to ya'll later.
Anyway, tomorrow is Ma's last chemo appointment. Then they'll give her a little break and scope her out again to see if the cancer is gone. Hopefully it will be. Because if it's not, I'm fairly certain they'll have to remove her bladder. Which would suck. But anyway, I'm going to go to bed because I'm tired and slightly crabby. Talk to ya'll later.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
I'm touched.
Well, here I sit in Illinois with 1 hour and 40 minutes left for Thanksgiving as I begin this post. Today was a great day. I spent it at Sis and BiL's house. They hosted a combined "his family, her family" dinner and it was really great. I liked it having it this way. A few years ago when Ma had a boyfriend, she would go to his family get together, both of my brothers had their own "other" family things to do, my older sis usually planned to do Thanksgiving with her boyfriend/fiance of the time (now husband), and my younger sister's boyfriend was a psycho who wouldn't let her associate with her sibs very often. So, that left me. At home. All alone. And sad because it sucks to be alone on holidays. So, Sis and her bf (now husband) would invite me to his family things. They said, "What's one more? Plus, everyone likes you." So, I only had to do one or two holidays alone before BiL's family "adopted" me. And so, now that we've all come back together for Thanksgiving, it's nice to have an even bigger event with multiple families.
Anyway, dinner was ready, the turkey and ham were carved, and we were ready to start dishing up the food when all of a sudden I hear, "Trish! Trish!" I looked up and it was BiL. He said, "Come here." So I went over to where he was and he said, "Why don't you say a prayer?" And I said, "Me? I've never done the family prayer before." (We have always done, "Come Lord Jesus...") He said, "Well, this is going to be your line of work, so I'd appreciate it." So, BiL got everyone's attention and said, "Ok, listen up!" Everyone got quiet and I said, "Let's have a prayer." And then we bowed our heads and I said a prayer of thanksgiving. And at the end, we all said "Amen" and I looked up and a few of the guys were wiping tears from their eyes. And I was and still am touched because the men involved are not the crying type. Far from it, really. But I hope the prayer was able to help us all see how much we have to be thankful for. Below is basically what I said (Considering the fact I was not expecting to have to give a prayer, and that it came off the top of my head and from the bottom of my heart).
Prayer of Thanksgiving 11-23-06
Heavenly Father, we give you thanks today for the food that is about to nourish our bodies, and for the fellowship to refresh our souls.
We give you thanks especially for the two families who have come together today to share in a meal and in laughter.
We also give thanks for the many generations represented here today, that help us see that we are all connected.
Bless our time together as a family with friendship, fellowship, and laughter. For all these things, we give you thanks. For this we pray through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Anyway, dinner was ready, the turkey and ham were carved, and we were ready to start dishing up the food when all of a sudden I hear, "Trish! Trish!" I looked up and it was BiL. He said, "Come here." So I went over to where he was and he said, "Why don't you say a prayer?" And I said, "Me? I've never done the family prayer before." (We have always done, "Come Lord Jesus...") He said, "Well, this is going to be your line of work, so I'd appreciate it." So, BiL got everyone's attention and said, "Ok, listen up!" Everyone got quiet and I said, "Let's have a prayer." And then we bowed our heads and I said a prayer of thanksgiving. And at the end, we all said "Amen" and I looked up and a few of the guys were wiping tears from their eyes. And I was and still am touched because the men involved are not the crying type. Far from it, really. But I hope the prayer was able to help us all see how much we have to be thankful for. Below is basically what I said (Considering the fact I was not expecting to have to give a prayer, and that it came off the top of my head and from the bottom of my heart).
Prayer of Thanksgiving 11-23-06
Heavenly Father, we give you thanks today for the food that is about to nourish our bodies, and for the fellowship to refresh our souls.
We give you thanks especially for the two families who have come together today to share in a meal and in laughter.
We also give thanks for the many generations represented here today, that help us see that we are all connected.
Bless our time together as a family with friendship, fellowship, and laughter. For all these things, we give you thanks. For this we pray through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Announcement!
I've blogged before about my neurotic frugal tendencies. Well, here's another story about them.
I'm graduating on December 16th, and School makes you buy your graduation gown, tassel, and cap from them. So, I did that, but I REFUSED to spend 40 bucks on announcements. A friend of mine collaborated with me and we (meaning she) did 99% of the work and printed a bunch of announcements up for me. All I had to do was figure out the verse I wanted on there and give her the details.
Be strong and courageous
Do not be terrified;
Do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go
Joshua 1:9
Then, there's information about the open house we're planning to have and the school's seal is at the top. I am VERY happy about the way they turned out. G, you're the best! Thanks!
I'm graduating on December 16th, and School makes you buy your graduation gown, tassel, and cap from them. So, I did that, but I REFUSED to spend 40 bucks on announcements. A friend of mine collaborated with me and we (meaning she) did 99% of the work and printed a bunch of announcements up for me. All I had to do was figure out the verse I wanted on there and give her the details.
Be strong and courageous
Do not be terrified;
Do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go
Joshua 1:9
Then, there's information about the open house we're planning to have and the school's seal is at the top. I am VERY happy about the way they turned out. G, you're the best! Thanks!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Something I haven't done in a little while
This coming Sunday, Pastor, his wife, and one of his sons are going to be out of state to visit the other son. That means that I get to lead worship! Now, Pastor has been having me help him for the past few weeks, but I don't think i do a very good job. The whole having two people lead worship thing is something we've not done regularly during my years there, and so it's a new experience. I'm trying to get better at it; I just hope Pastor stays patient with me. But, since he's gone this Sunday, I am doing it by myself at my church, and with someone else at the other church he pastors. That's easy though, because all I have to do at OC (other church) is read the Gospel lesson and preach the message. At my church, I get to do it all, except for read the lessons and the prayers of the people. I'm excited. I just got done writing church message 18. I sent it off to Pastor, so hopefully he will get a chance to read it and say yay or nay. I actually feel pretty good about this message. I hope it gets the yay. If it does, it might be the first of my sermons I ever post on here. I'm a wimp though, so we'll have to see. Anyway, just thought I'd post a little, so here it is. Have a good one, and a Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 20, 2006
I broke one of my own rules!
I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I'm a VERY thrifty person. I try to adhere to a strict "One CD a year" policy. I bought a CD back in January. I have thoroughly enjoyed that CD, but I went out and bought another CD Saturday. I bought "Short Term Memories" from Chris Rice. Basically, I bought it for the song, "Go Light Your World." I have a few other songs from various "free download offers" I've received in the past couple years, but I really wanted this CD. I thought about it a lot and went out and got it. Let me tell you, there is one song on there that I think should be my anthem! The song "Clumsy" rocks my socks.
I get so clumsy,
I get so foolish.
I get so stupid,
and then I feel so useless.
But you're sayin you love me,
and you're still gonna hold me
and you wanna be near me
cause you're making me holy."
Wow. That's all I have to say. I recommend the CD. That is all.
I get so clumsy,
I get so foolish.
I get so stupid,
and then I feel so useless.
But you're sayin you love me,
and you're still gonna hold me
and you wanna be near me
cause you're making me holy."
Wow. That's all I have to say. I recommend the CD. That is all.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
A little song by me (Just be glad you can't hear me singing it)
Verse 1:
I go to school at Illinois State
And I like to Pro-cras-tin-ate
All my papers are gonna be late
and my group'll throw me in the river to be fish bait
Chorus:
Ooohhh, procrastinate, procrastinate
Oooohhh, late, late, late
Ooohhh, procrastinate, late, fish bait
Verse 2:
I should be writing a paper due this week
But instead I'm writing a song that reeks
Cuz I'm really a great big geek
An easy semester is what I seek
Chorus:
Oooohhh, this week, this week
Oooohhhh, song that reeks
Oooohhh, this week and my song reeks
Verse 3:
It's time to return to my stuff
I need to get off my lazy duff
I can add lots of adjective for fluff
To make my paper long ENOUGH!!
Chorus:
Ooooh, stuff, stuff, stuff
OOOhhhhh, lazy duff, lazy duff
Ooohhh, adjectives for fluff.
The End. Anybody out there gifted with putting lyrics to music? I think we have a top ten hit.
I go to school at Illinois State
And I like to Pro-cras-tin-ate
All my papers are gonna be late
and my group'll throw me in the river to be fish bait
Chorus:
Ooohhh, procrastinate, procrastinate
Oooohhh, late, late, late
Ooohhh, procrastinate, late, fish bait
Verse 2:
I should be writing a paper due this week
But instead I'm writing a song that reeks
Cuz I'm really a great big geek
An easy semester is what I seek
Chorus:
Oooohhh, this week, this week
Oooohhhh, song that reeks
Oooohhh, this week and my song reeks
Verse 3:
It's time to return to my stuff
I need to get off my lazy duff
I can add lots of adjective for fluff
To make my paper long ENOUGH!!
Chorus:
Ooooh, stuff, stuff, stuff
OOOhhhhh, lazy duff, lazy duff
Ooohhh, adjectives for fluff.
The End. Anybody out there gifted with putting lyrics to music? I think we have a top ten hit.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Wow...
Earlier this week, I was writing the prayers of the people when I noticed that the Gospel lesson is Mark 12:38-44. What is the big deal about that particular Gospel lesson, you say? Well, this is the lesson on which my first EVER sermon was based. Realizing that, I preached my own sermon for the first time fully 3 years ago. I preached my first sermon on November 2, 2003. Wow. Time flies when you're having fun. Later this month, I will be preaching my 18th sermon ever. I sure hope I'm improving.... :) Later.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Birthday Gospel
Ok, so I decided to not go to bed right away. Instead, I decided to do this. I've seen it done before, so I thought, "Why not?" Anyway, it is called the Birthday Gospel. Since my birthday is... today (11-10), I looked up chapter 11, verse 10 in each of the Gospels. And here they are:
Matthew 11:10-"This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'"
Mark 11:10-"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
Luke 11:10-"For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
John 11:10-"But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them."
Yup, so that's the birthday Gospel for November 10th; my birthday and Martin Luther's birthday. Yeehaw.
Matthew 11:10-"This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'"
Mark 11:10-"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
Luke 11:10-"For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
John 11:10-"But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them."
Yup, so that's the birthday Gospel for November 10th; my birthday and Martin Luther's birthday. Yeehaw.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
An example of my profound dorkiness!
The other day, I was the hostess at Restaurant. I heard the door open and close, and so I went to the hostess stand near the door. Waiting for me were five regulars. These ladies come in very regularly; almost every Thursday. I feel as if I've gotten to know them to a certain extent. I feel pretty comfortable with them, but I realized maybe I'm a little too comfortable. I saw that it was them and I said, "Hey, 'sup?" And the "ringleader" lady looked at me and said, "'Sup?" in a joking way (she's middle-aged, so you get the drift). I didn't mean to sound like such a teenager (considering I'm not one), but it just came out. So, trying to make up for my little moment of complete and utter lack of formality, I said, "Colloquialism is our friend." And then the ladies just stopped talking, looking at each other, and everything and looked at me with a look like, "What did she just say!?" Ha. So, I realize that I'm a huge dork. I wear this title with pride. Anyway, I'm off. I have an exciting day of statistical analysis waiting for me tomorrow. Thankfully, even though Ma's car isn't ready, I don't have to drive her to work. They have tomorrow off. yay! I like sleep!
Bummer.
Wow. Since I've been accepted to Seminary, I've received some forms, some pamphlets, and have been working on all sorts of paperwork. I sent my application to a hospital so that I might be accepted to enroll in the extended winter unit of CPE. I talked to the dean of students at Seminary a little while ago and he seems to think I have a chance of being accepted into the program. That would be great because I haven't taken any Greek classes yet, and thus, I won't be able to take a lot of classes. So, it would be great to get into CPE to get that "out of the way" so to speak. I also would like to take a few classes this semester. The dean said that I could take a pastoral care class and maybe a Bonhoeffer class to satisfy my "ethics" requirement. So, we'll just have to see what happens.
Anyway, I received some information from the director of housing and financial aid. I emailed her and asked her a few questions. I found out that the dorms are full for the upcoming semester. That is why the title of this post is "bummer." I've never had the dorm experience, and truthfully, I'm looking forward to it. But instead, I will have to live in an apartment. She told me there is a one bedroom apt. left, so I need to hurry up and send out my application so I can get that. Hopefully, I will be able to move into a dorm after the spring semester. I really want to do that. But anyway, we'll just have to see. Anyway, I have to go to bed now. It's late and I have to drive my mom to work tomorrow because her car is in the shop. Have fun.
Anyway, I received some information from the director of housing and financial aid. I emailed her and asked her a few questions. I found out that the dorms are full for the upcoming semester. That is why the title of this post is "bummer." I've never had the dorm experience, and truthfully, I'm looking forward to it. But instead, I will have to live in an apartment. She told me there is a one bedroom apt. left, so I need to hurry up and send out my application so I can get that. Hopefully, I will be able to move into a dorm after the spring semester. I really want to do that. But anyway, we'll just have to see. Anyway, I have to go to bed now. It's late and I have to drive my mom to work tomorrow because her car is in the shop. Have fun.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Weird...
I was looking at how many visitors I had today. I noticed that I got not one, but two hits by people looking at heart related issues. That is kind of weird to me. Oh well.
Tonight is our council meeting. I have to do devotions tonight, and I don't think I'm happy with the devotion I came up with. So, I'm off to find something "better." Later, Gators.
Tonight is our council meeting. I have to do devotions tonight, and I don't think I'm happy with the devotion I came up with. So, I'm off to find something "better." Later, Gators.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Giving my blog posts titles has never been my forte
So, here I sit, at almost 2 o'clock in the morning. I've been doing laundry, checking my email, and bumming around. I was thinking, "Trish, you know you really do not have a bad life at all. Sometimes bad things happen and it's okay to feel sad about them, but really, you have a lot of things to feel good about." And so, I just wanted to share that with you. Even though I've been upset lately, I am not hopeless. I'm not without joy. I'm not without faith in my God who holds me dearly because I am a beloved daughter. So, despite the negative things that come my way, I am going to try my hardest to look at things in a positive way. I'm going to be optimistic (I have to! My psychological profile says I see the glass as half full; although not in those exact words) and trust that all will work out in the end. So, as I am blessed, I pray blessings upon all you, dear readers. Have a good day.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
The Envelope, Please...
I got the mail today, and with it came a letter from Seminary. What does it say? Well, let's see. Oh wait, I have to go get ready for work. My bad. Tell ya later.
:)
Just messin'. I'm in. Woo doggies. More later, because I really do have to go get ready.
:)
Just messin'. I'm in. Woo doggies. More later, because I really do have to go get ready.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Oh yeah...
I wanted to thank those of you who have been praying for my mom. I also ask that you might continue to do so, considering the doctor's report we got yesterday. They don't know what stage the cancer is in because that would require removing her bladder. They did grade it according to its aggressiveness, however. It's a Grade 4 out of 4 possible grades. That's not a good thing. Hopefully, it was caught early enough that the intravesical chemotherapy will work. The other treatments would involve removing the bladder, and who wants that? The good thing about the chemotherapy is that it isn't like regular chemo that is administered through an IV. This chemo won't make her lose her hair like the chemo she took when she had breast cancer did. She shouldn't get sick or feel tired due to the treatments. So, hopefully, the chemo will work. So, again, thanks to those of you who have lifted her up in prayer, and I ask that you would continue to do so. Muchos Gracias.
Dreams, again...
I confess; I have bizarre dreams quite frequently. I blogged about some dreams I was having a semester or so ago, and now I'm going to blog about my most recent dream. Let me preface this by saying that I've not been sleeping well lately; in part, I believe, due to all that has been going on, what with that man dying at Restaurant, and Ma being diagnosed with bladder cancer. So, when I'm not sleeping well, I tend to have lots of weird dreams. Sometimes they're good; sometimes they're not so good. So, this is the dream I had last night:
I was at the seminary of my choice, because in the dream, I was accepted. I went and the semester was fairly new. I was going around trying to make friends, but no one thought I was cool enough. People were actually snubbing me. I went walking with the young lady who gave me, Sis, BiL, and Howard our tour recently, and even she didn't like me. So, finally, T over at Praying on the Prairie came. She thought I was cool, and so we started throwing things in the kitchen. Then, some other people started to like me because she liked me and thought I was worth hanging out with. So, then I woke up, slightly freaked out.
I think I've had "No one likes me at Seminary" dreams before, but the details are fuzzy. And the weird thing is, I know that this is not what it will be like. Usually people like me and have a good time hanging out with me. I'm kind of a funny/goofy/open-minded woman. I am fairly outgoing and gregarious, and I am fairly decent at carrying on a conversation, as well. So, I know that people are not going to hate me. I don't know what the deal is. It's the subconscious. What can ya do?
I was at the seminary of my choice, because in the dream, I was accepted. I went and the semester was fairly new. I was going around trying to make friends, but no one thought I was cool enough. People were actually snubbing me. I went walking with the young lady who gave me, Sis, BiL, and Howard our tour recently, and even she didn't like me. So, finally, T over at Praying on the Prairie came. She thought I was cool, and so we started throwing things in the kitchen. Then, some other people started to like me because she liked me and thought I was worth hanging out with. So, then I woke up, slightly freaked out.
I think I've had "No one likes me at Seminary" dreams before, but the details are fuzzy. And the weird thing is, I know that this is not what it will be like. Usually people like me and have a good time hanging out with me. I'm kind of a funny/goofy/open-minded woman. I am fairly outgoing and gregarious, and I am fairly decent at carrying on a conversation, as well. So, I know that people are not going to hate me. I don't know what the deal is. It's the subconscious. What can ya do?
Thursday, October 26, 2006
9 years.
On this date in 1997, I was baptized. That's right, I was almost 15 when I finally took the plunge (not literally; we're Lutherans!). If I could bake, I'd make myself a cake; but I am horrid at anything regarding the stove or oven. So, maybe instead I'll just go buy some chocolate. See ya.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Jesus Calls Us; O'er the Tumult
This is the title to one of my favorite hymns. I like the tune, I like the words, I like the general message. It speaks of how Jesus calls out to us over the world's loud clanging noise. To me, this hymn says that Jesus knows that we're busy, that we have all sorts of things that go wrong in our lives, and that we are apt to wander and worry. Yet, Jesus claims us in this hymn. In several of the verses, we are called as Christians to love and follow Jesus. "Christian, follow me." or "Christian, love me more." The hymn demonstrates the Biblical principal that Jesus calls and claims us as His own. He doesn't just say, "Hey you, get over here and do the Truffle Shuffle for me." Jesus says, "Come here, sisters and brothers. Let me walk with you in your joys and sorrows. You don't need to go it alone because I want to be your companion." This is especially poignant right now, because my mother has just been diagnosed with bladder cancer. Much is still up in the air because some characteristics of the tumors the doctor removed are puzzling to them, and so they were sent to the Mayo Clinic to see what they think about it. Once that report is received, we will know how to proceed. Hopefully, this bladder cancer is the "regular garden type variety" the doctor treats all the time. That wouldn't be so bad. But, I'm just unsure what to think right now because the dr. didn't say, "Hey, you're gonna die," or "You're gonna be fine." He just said, "This is what is wrong, and hopefully this is what we'll be able to do to fix it." I don't know if her prognosis is good or bad. I don't even think the doctor knows at this point. We have to wait for the results from Mayos. We will find out on Monday. As I venture down this new path with Ma, I just find it reassuring to know that Jesus is calling her, and me, and all of us in his mercy.
Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult
of our life's wild, restless sea,
Day by day his clear voice sounding,
saying "Christian, follow me."
In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
"Christian, love me more than these."
Jesus calls us! In your mercy,
Savior make us hear your call,
Give our hearts to your obedience,
Serve and love you best of all.
Text by Cecil F. Alexander
Tune by William H. Jude
Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult
of our life's wild, restless sea,
Day by day his clear voice sounding,
saying "Christian, follow me."
In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
"Christian, love me more than these."
Jesus calls us! In your mercy,
Savior make us hear your call,
Give our hearts to your obedience,
Serve and love you best of all.
Text by Cecil F. Alexander
Tune by William H. Jude
Friday, October 20, 2006
Random Thoughts
Actually, maybe they're not so random. But that's really kind of beside the point. I haven't posted much this week because, frankly, it's been a bad week. Yesterday, things were coming to a head emotionally for me with all that's been going on, and I was feeling frustrated, helpless, inferior, and all sorts of other emotions. I was sitting here praying and I said, "God, I really need some encouragement right now. Will you please give me some?" And all of a sudden, this verse popped into my head. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) I thought, "Gee, that's all well and good, but can't it be something more specific to my problems; something a little more encouraging to my specific plight?" And then this thought popped into my head that said, "What's more encouraging than knowing that the God of heaven and earth, of all that is, was, and ever will be, is in control? That God loves me so much that I don't have to be in control?" And ever since then, I've felt much better. Maybe that sounds trite, but to me, it's God working in me and answering prayer. And with faith and hope, I can know that God is God and has a plan. And that's a good thing.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Saturday, October 14, 2006
And not really a good story, at that.
*big sigh* I'm not sure you all want to read about this, so if you're especially sensitive or not in the mood for a real bummer, please stop reading now.
Friday night, I was at Restaurant. The night was going along fine, although at around 5:30 or 6:00 I started feeling really light-headed and kinda queasy. But, I couldn't just say, "Hey Boss, I don't feel well, so I'm going to go home, ok?" I just stayed. I didn't really feel "sick" per se, I just didn't feel quite right. But anyway, I kept trucking along.
We weren't especially busy Friday, although we had a party of 12 that I waited on. I also waited on a bunch of twos and a few fours and what not. Well, I had my party of 12 all watered, coffeed, and soda-popped. They also had their food. I then had a couple to wait on. At Restaurant, the tables are set up in rows. On the left hand side of the room are tables L1-L5. Then there is row M1-M4 in the middle, and R1-R3 on the right hand side. So, I was waiting on a couple at L2. I had given them their drinks and they ordered and I had just taken their menus when I heard a loud crash at L1 (approximately 10 feet away from me). I looked at this man who looked like he was having a seizure. A few people started murmuring and I threw the menus back down on L2 and dropped my order book into my apron. I ran over to the wife of this man and I said, "Do you need us to call an ambulance?" (Thinking maybe he was epileptic and would snap out of it in a moment and not want the added 'embarrassment' of having had to call the bus). The wife said, "Yes, I think maybe you should." So, I ran into the bar room and said, "Boss, call 911 right now. There's a man in there who needs an ambulance!" I would have called myself, but the phone in the kitchen hasn't been charging and wasn't working at all. So, Boss calls 911 and I run back into the dining room. The man is upright in his chair and his eyes are open, but he is not responding. All of a sudden, someone says, "Does anyone know CPR?!" I say, "I do." So, it seems that all eyes are on me. I think back to my First Aid days and I say, "We need to get him straight on the floor with his head tilted back to establish an airway!" So, the man who was closest grabbed onto this guy and we get him on the floor. By that time, the wife is crying and some other patrons are trying to console her. So, this guy is on the floor and I say, "Tilt his head and listen, look and feel if he's breathing. The guy who lifted him to the floor did that while I put my fingers on his neck to see if he had a pulse. The guy said, "Yeah, I can hear breathing, but it's really shallow. Another woman said, "I feel a pulse" (in his wrist) and I felt a pulse in his neck. Someone says, "Do you need to do CPR?!" And I say, "No. He has a pulse and he's breathing. If we do CPR, we'll hurt him. You can't do CPR so long as they have a pulse. So, by that time, a whole bunch of people are kinda standing around looking at what's going on. Someone from the kitchen brought me a cool washcloth and I (not wanting to put my fingers into an unresponsive man's mouth) try to get the little pieces of food off of his slightly protruding tongue. He didn't have big pieces of food in his mouth, so I don't worry too much about choking, but I wipe him off a little bit in case I was going to have to start rescue breathing. I had realized that he was in fact, probably not having a seizure, but more likely a stroke or heart attack.
So, this man is laying on the floor. I'm kneeling next to him, checking his pulse in his neck, another woman is monitoring his pulse in his wrist, and the man who was helping us kept his face down to make sure the guy was still breathing. Every couple of minutes he would breathe in deep, but then he'd go shallow again. I turn to the wife and say, "Does he take nitro?" She says, "No." Then I hear a woman who had been at the table right next to theirs say, "I have nitro!" I say, "We can't use it if it's not prescribed to him." So we're all there monitoring him. Then, I look up and see this cop standing there, so I move away, thinking he would want to take charge. About the time the cop showed up, people said, "Here are the EMTs" SO I definitely hauled it away from there. I know enough not to try to be a hero and get in the way of EMTS. Unfortunately, the EMTs hadn't actually come IN to the restaurant yet. They had just arrived out front. But they were in very expeditiously. When I left that man, he had a pulse and a heartbeat; although both were weak. And I went into the kitchen to get out of the way. I turn in the order I took right before all this begins. I tell the cook that the food on the counter can't go out right now because it's too the table right next to where the EMTs are about to start working. I look out the kitchen door into the dining room and I see them doing CPR on the guy and then I go out and kind of make sure my customers are doing ok. I didn't know what else to do at that point. Oh yeah, for sanitation's sake, you'll be happy to know as soon as I stepped away from the man, I did go wash my hands thoroughly. About that time, I heard them say, "NO one come near the cot right now." And they shocked him. And they loaded him onto the stretcher and I could see them doing CPR some more and the one EMT telling the wife that they would do everything they could for him.
In the meantime of all this happening, people are using cell phones like crazy trying to find this couple's daughter and son in law. Being from Podunk, I know Daughter and SiL, although I don't know the couple. The wife is sitting there crying and all her consolers have kind of left and I go up to her and say, "Ma'am, do you need anything at all?" and she says, "No, dear. Thank you for your kindness." Then I hear, "D and SiL are going to meet them in HospitalTown." HospitalTown is about 20 minutes away from Podunk, by the way. So the EMTs left and we got everything cleaned up and people were basically stunned and I'm fairly certain upset about what had happened. And I was praying like crazy for that man, and wondering how we would find out if he made it or not.
After they took him, I floated around to the tables to try to calm my nerves (I was physically shaking by that time) when I went back and saw this group who comes in fairly regularly. I said, "How are you all doing back here? Need more tea or water or anything?" And they said, "We're fine. How are you? We saw you jump to action over there." I replied that I was fine, and then I went about doing other things. At the end of the night, I went to Sis's house, as per usual on Fridays because I try to spend weekends there. Needless to say, I didn't sleep real well.
Saturday morning rolls around and I wake up before my alarm goes off. I was having bad dreams, I think. I hear an ambulance go by a few streets down. All of a sudden, Nise comes into "my" room and says, "Trish, you need to get up. We need to go to the hospital." I bolt upright in bed and say, "WHY!?" (thinking the ambulance took someone I know and love) She said, "Mom had to go to the ER. She's having some bleeding." So, we got up, got ready, and left. On the way out of town, we saw Daughter and SiL's van at the funeral home. I guess the man didn't make it. Damn, I feel useless.
You all might be surprised to know that this is not the first time I've attempted to help someone in cardiac duress. When I was 12, I was riding in the car with my younger sister, our friend, and our dad. We had been running some errands when we had a flat tire. Dad got out to fix it and decided that before we went to "town" he needed to clean up. On the way home, he had a heart attack. Because I was in the front seat, I had to get the car stopped before we hit oncoming traffic. I put us in the ditch and Sis and Friend got out. I stayed and tried to give CPR. I didn't know CPR back then though. Dad died that day.
Ever since then, I've had periods where I feel tremendously guilty about not being able to help. I always vowed that if anyone ever had a heart attack in my presence again, I'd do my best to help them. Well, again, it didn't work. And I feel guilty, again. I want to talk to the daughter and tell her that I'm sorry that I couldn't help her dad, but I don't think I could handle it if she was mad at me for not doing more. Deep down, I know that we did all we could to help, but it's still a sore spot for me.
I'm just sad about the whole thing.
Friday night, I was at Restaurant. The night was going along fine, although at around 5:30 or 6:00 I started feeling really light-headed and kinda queasy. But, I couldn't just say, "Hey Boss, I don't feel well, so I'm going to go home, ok?" I just stayed. I didn't really feel "sick" per se, I just didn't feel quite right. But anyway, I kept trucking along.
We weren't especially busy Friday, although we had a party of 12 that I waited on. I also waited on a bunch of twos and a few fours and what not. Well, I had my party of 12 all watered, coffeed, and soda-popped. They also had their food. I then had a couple to wait on. At Restaurant, the tables are set up in rows. On the left hand side of the room are tables L1-L5. Then there is row M1-M4 in the middle, and R1-R3 on the right hand side. So, I was waiting on a couple at L2. I had given them their drinks and they ordered and I had just taken their menus when I heard a loud crash at L1 (approximately 10 feet away from me). I looked at this man who looked like he was having a seizure. A few people started murmuring and I threw the menus back down on L2 and dropped my order book into my apron. I ran over to the wife of this man and I said, "Do you need us to call an ambulance?" (Thinking maybe he was epileptic and would snap out of it in a moment and not want the added 'embarrassment' of having had to call the bus). The wife said, "Yes, I think maybe you should." So, I ran into the bar room and said, "Boss, call 911 right now. There's a man in there who needs an ambulance!" I would have called myself, but the phone in the kitchen hasn't been charging and wasn't working at all. So, Boss calls 911 and I run back into the dining room. The man is upright in his chair and his eyes are open, but he is not responding. All of a sudden, someone says, "Does anyone know CPR?!" I say, "I do." So, it seems that all eyes are on me. I think back to my First Aid days and I say, "We need to get him straight on the floor with his head tilted back to establish an airway!" So, the man who was closest grabbed onto this guy and we get him on the floor. By that time, the wife is crying and some other patrons are trying to console her. So, this guy is on the floor and I say, "Tilt his head and listen, look and feel if he's breathing. The guy who lifted him to the floor did that while I put my fingers on his neck to see if he had a pulse. The guy said, "Yeah, I can hear breathing, but it's really shallow. Another woman said, "I feel a pulse" (in his wrist) and I felt a pulse in his neck. Someone says, "Do you need to do CPR?!" And I say, "No. He has a pulse and he's breathing. If we do CPR, we'll hurt him. You can't do CPR so long as they have a pulse. So, by that time, a whole bunch of people are kinda standing around looking at what's going on. Someone from the kitchen brought me a cool washcloth and I (not wanting to put my fingers into an unresponsive man's mouth) try to get the little pieces of food off of his slightly protruding tongue. He didn't have big pieces of food in his mouth, so I don't worry too much about choking, but I wipe him off a little bit in case I was going to have to start rescue breathing. I had realized that he was in fact, probably not having a seizure, but more likely a stroke or heart attack.
So, this man is laying on the floor. I'm kneeling next to him, checking his pulse in his neck, another woman is monitoring his pulse in his wrist, and the man who was helping us kept his face down to make sure the guy was still breathing. Every couple of minutes he would breathe in deep, but then he'd go shallow again. I turn to the wife and say, "Does he take nitro?" She says, "No." Then I hear a woman who had been at the table right next to theirs say, "I have nitro!" I say, "We can't use it if it's not prescribed to him." So we're all there monitoring him. Then, I look up and see this cop standing there, so I move away, thinking he would want to take charge. About the time the cop showed up, people said, "Here are the EMTs" SO I definitely hauled it away from there. I know enough not to try to be a hero and get in the way of EMTS. Unfortunately, the EMTs hadn't actually come IN to the restaurant yet. They had just arrived out front. But they were in very expeditiously. When I left that man, he had a pulse and a heartbeat; although both were weak. And I went into the kitchen to get out of the way. I turn in the order I took right before all this begins. I tell the cook that the food on the counter can't go out right now because it's too the table right next to where the EMTs are about to start working. I look out the kitchen door into the dining room and I see them doing CPR on the guy and then I go out and kind of make sure my customers are doing ok. I didn't know what else to do at that point. Oh yeah, for sanitation's sake, you'll be happy to know as soon as I stepped away from the man, I did go wash my hands thoroughly. About that time, I heard them say, "NO one come near the cot right now." And they shocked him. And they loaded him onto the stretcher and I could see them doing CPR some more and the one EMT telling the wife that they would do everything they could for him.
In the meantime of all this happening, people are using cell phones like crazy trying to find this couple's daughter and son in law. Being from Podunk, I know Daughter and SiL, although I don't know the couple. The wife is sitting there crying and all her consolers have kind of left and I go up to her and say, "Ma'am, do you need anything at all?" and she says, "No, dear. Thank you for your kindness." Then I hear, "D and SiL are going to meet them in HospitalTown." HospitalTown is about 20 minutes away from Podunk, by the way. So the EMTs left and we got everything cleaned up and people were basically stunned and I'm fairly certain upset about what had happened. And I was praying like crazy for that man, and wondering how we would find out if he made it or not.
After they took him, I floated around to the tables to try to calm my nerves (I was physically shaking by that time) when I went back and saw this group who comes in fairly regularly. I said, "How are you all doing back here? Need more tea or water or anything?" And they said, "We're fine. How are you? We saw you jump to action over there." I replied that I was fine, and then I went about doing other things. At the end of the night, I went to Sis's house, as per usual on Fridays because I try to spend weekends there. Needless to say, I didn't sleep real well.
Saturday morning rolls around and I wake up before my alarm goes off. I was having bad dreams, I think. I hear an ambulance go by a few streets down. All of a sudden, Nise comes into "my" room and says, "Trish, you need to get up. We need to go to the hospital." I bolt upright in bed and say, "WHY!?" (thinking the ambulance took someone I know and love) She said, "Mom had to go to the ER. She's having some bleeding." So, we got up, got ready, and left. On the way out of town, we saw Daughter and SiL's van at the funeral home. I guess the man didn't make it. Damn, I feel useless.
You all might be surprised to know that this is not the first time I've attempted to help someone in cardiac duress. When I was 12, I was riding in the car with my younger sister, our friend, and our dad. We had been running some errands when we had a flat tire. Dad got out to fix it and decided that before we went to "town" he needed to clean up. On the way home, he had a heart attack. Because I was in the front seat, I had to get the car stopped before we hit oncoming traffic. I put us in the ditch and Sis and Friend got out. I stayed and tried to give CPR. I didn't know CPR back then though. Dad died that day.
Ever since then, I've had periods where I feel tremendously guilty about not being able to help. I always vowed that if anyone ever had a heart attack in my presence again, I'd do my best to help them. Well, again, it didn't work. And I feel guilty, again. I want to talk to the daughter and tell her that I'm sorry that I couldn't help her dad, but I don't think I could handle it if she was mad at me for not doing more. Deep down, I know that we did all we could to help, but it's still a sore spot for me.
I'm just sad about the whole thing.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
I am no cook...
Y'know... Out of all the boxed pot pies in the world, I think turkey is my favorite... That being said; beef is my least favorite of them. But, if I had my choice, I'd choose Sis's homemade pot pie, hands down. She's a good cook. Banquet has nothin' on her!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Ay Carumba...
I can't believe it; bowling is almost over. I only have this week to try and bowl my 200 game. Frankly, I don't think I'm going to make it. I came close one day, and have floundered ever since. Oh well. I'm going to get an "A" in the class, and that's the main thing, I guess.
I got a B+ on my first history test. That is somewhat disappointing to me because I want to get an A in order to potentially graduate with some sort of honors. I am hundredths of a point away from graduating Cum Laude. I don't know if I'm going to make that, either... Oh well. There are worse things in life than not getting that stamp on your diploma.
My Capstone Class is FREAKING ME OUT! Yikes. There is a lot of stuff to do and it seems not nearly enough time in which to do it. I'm scared. But you know, December 16 will be here before we know it. I can't wait.
Really, I can't wait till December 1. I am SO INCREDIBLY ready to be done with Restaurant. Ugh. The drama there just... sucks. Yup. That about sums it up.
In other news, my newest nephew is so darn cute I could just eat him up. I was over there yesterday and I picked him up and held him out from me and he just started laughing. Then I put him above my head and said, "Look how high up you are!" and he laughed some more. I love that child so much I could puke. And with that, I'm off. I think I'm going to hit the hay.
Oh yeah, one last thing... No word from Seminary yet. My future still hangs in the balance! I'll let you know when I know. I'm sure you're all dying to hear.
I got a B+ on my first history test. That is somewhat disappointing to me because I want to get an A in order to potentially graduate with some sort of honors. I am hundredths of a point away from graduating Cum Laude. I don't know if I'm going to make that, either... Oh well. There are worse things in life than not getting that stamp on your diploma.
My Capstone Class is FREAKING ME OUT! Yikes. There is a lot of stuff to do and it seems not nearly enough time in which to do it. I'm scared. But you know, December 16 will be here before we know it. I can't wait.
Really, I can't wait till December 1. I am SO INCREDIBLY ready to be done with Restaurant. Ugh. The drama there just... sucks. Yup. That about sums it up.
In other news, my newest nephew is so darn cute I could just eat him up. I was over there yesterday and I picked him up and held him out from me and he just started laughing. Then I put him above my head and said, "Look how high up you are!" and he laughed some more. I love that child so much I could puke. And with that, I'm off. I think I'm going to hit the hay.
Oh yeah, one last thing... No word from Seminary yet. My future still hangs in the balance! I'll let you know when I know. I'm sure you're all dying to hear.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Things on my mind...
I confess; I listen to Christian Contemporary Music. Some of it I like, some of it, I could really do without. But anyway, there are a few CCM radio stations that I am near enough to hear, and so my presets include the stations. Well, I'm sure as many of you know, October is Clergy Appreciation Month. Therefore, the stations air little blips telling us how we can make our appreciation for our pastors known. I've noticed something that bothers me though... On these commercials, the announcer says something along the lines of, "Here are some ways you can make your Pastor and his wife feel appreciated..." Or, "Your pastor. He's there with you..." Not once have I heard a statement that recognizes that women are pastors, too. And I thought, "Y'know... Maybe they're just saying 'him' as a generalization." But then I thought that they might later be more inclusive. But they're not. And it just kind of bugs me that even radio stations have become so right-wingish. I mean, really. There are many women out there who are very effective pastors. Just look at all the wonderful pastors at RevGalBlogPals and really, all over the Internet. It just bothers me that here we are in the year 2006, and some people can't get over the fact that God can and does call women into ministry. I know... It's just a radio blip. But still...
Another thing has been on my mind as well... In my senior experience class, there are some people who have been rather nit-picky about our professor. One of them went to her today and made "our" complaints known. This also bothers me because I don't have complaints about the professor. I don't like the class, but that's just because it makes me incredibly nervous. It's really the only thing that could cause me to not graduate. My other 2 classes aren't difficult at all. But, more importantly than this class making me nauseated, I think is the fact that some of the students present themselves as our spokespeople. And the one came into the room today and was talking to her friend and the friend said, "If you two are friends now, we can't be friends." That in itself bothered me, but then, the professor talked with us about "our" concerns for about half an hour and the second girl was acting all nicey-nice to the prof. It's just fake and I don't really like it. The half hour talk just drove home to me the point of just how unsettled conflict makes me feel. Conflict drains me. It is something I need to work on. Not all congregations can be as wonderful as the one to which I belong, and I don't want to go around feeling drained all the time. That just came up because the seminary application asked for the applicant to write an essay in which they discuss the things that energize/drain them... But, I could not think of anything at that time, so I just submitted my candidacy essay (which they said it perfectly fine on the application. I'm not a complete slacker). Anyway, those were just a few things I wanted to discuss. OH yeah, and I had PIZZA tonight for dinner! It was good. But now I have to go to bed because I have to drive my mother to the hospital tomorrow to have a procedure done. Bright and early. Yay... Not.
Another thing has been on my mind as well... In my senior experience class, there are some people who have been rather nit-picky about our professor. One of them went to her today and made "our" complaints known. This also bothers me because I don't have complaints about the professor. I don't like the class, but that's just because it makes me incredibly nervous. It's really the only thing that could cause me to not graduate. My other 2 classes aren't difficult at all. But, more importantly than this class making me nauseated, I think is the fact that some of the students present themselves as our spokespeople. And the one came into the room today and was talking to her friend and the friend said, "If you two are friends now, we can't be friends." That in itself bothered me, but then, the professor talked with us about "our" concerns for about half an hour and the second girl was acting all nicey-nice to the prof. It's just fake and I don't really like it. The half hour talk just drove home to me the point of just how unsettled conflict makes me feel. Conflict drains me. It is something I need to work on. Not all congregations can be as wonderful as the one to which I belong, and I don't want to go around feeling drained all the time. That just came up because the seminary application asked for the applicant to write an essay in which they discuss the things that energize/drain them... But, I could not think of anything at that time, so I just submitted my candidacy essay (which they said it perfectly fine on the application. I'm not a complete slacker). Anyway, those were just a few things I wanted to discuss. OH yeah, and I had PIZZA tonight for dinner! It was good. But now I have to go to bed because I have to drive my mother to the hospital tomorrow to have a procedure done. Bright and early. Yay... Not.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
It's a Small World After All
Today, I was walking to bowling here at School. On my trek, I like to go through the student union because it takes less time than walking around through the parking lot. Anyway, I was walking along and minding my own business when I looked up and saw a man who looked oddly familiar. I waved at him and then I realized that I had waited on him, his wife, and his uncle at Restaraunt the night before! I got a little closer, and he stopped, I stopped, and I noticed his wife was there and she also stopped! haha. They had this look of incredulity on their faces when the wife said, "I didn't know you went to school here!" And I said, "Yep, I'm in my last semester" And then our conversation continued on a little bit and we all introduced ourselves to each other (Not something people really do in restaurants with the waitstaff, y'know). And the wife told me she works here, and that if I need anything, I could come to HerHall for help. I was flabbergasted. It was so nice because sometimes I just think of myself as another face that people don't remember outside of the context in which they usually see me. But, these people recognized me from fifty feet away, while I was in completely different clothes, a different setting, and all that good stuff. Granted, these people are incredibly nice to wait on because they are friendly and polite, I still wouldn't have expected them to remember me outside of Restaurant. It was just a nice start to my school day. It makes me feel good. Don't ask me why; it just does.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Pet Cemetery...
Actually, it's not pets... It's critters. Yup, let me explain. Here in Podunk, Illinois, I live with my mother. We have a one and a half story house (it's got 2 floors, but since the upstairs have ceilings that slant, it's called a one and a half story) and a fairly large yard. It takes me a few hours to mow it, although it only took my sister 45 minutes. What can I say, I'm a wuss. But anyway, today, I felt the need to mow because I've been slacking on my yard work recently. Partly because I don't have as much time as I'd like, and partly because it's been raining. So, I came home from school today, got the mail, and walked up on the deck (A Christmas present to Ma from all us kids a few years ago) and went inside. I changed into my yardwork clothes, and walked outside to put my yardwork shoes on. Well, I walked outside and I looked to the left. The deck is the entire front of our house, by the way. So, I looked left and I just about started screaming because I saw a racoon! But, I soon realized that the racoon was D-E-D, dead as a doornail. How a dead racoon ended up on the deck, I have no idea, but it's there. So, I was grossed out and slightly freaked because when I first saw it I thought it was alive and was going to attack me. But, it's not alive. The problem? I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO DO WITH A DEAD RACOON! Ma called my older brother who said he would come take care of it. But, he's not been by yet. So, everytime I walk out of the house, I say, "Dead racoon; there's a DEAD racoon on the porch!" Just for fun. So, anyway I put my yardwork shoes on and got to the mowing. I was mowing around the tree on the north side of the yard and I noticed ANOTHER dead animal. This one was a little squirrel though. That was gross too. Although, that one looked kind of cartoonish because it's eyes were weird and it made me think of those cartoons that when something dies, there are little "x" marks where the eyes should be. So, I just mowed around the squirrel. I don't know where these animals are coming from. It's gross, but I don't know what to do about it. So, I thought you all might want to hear all about the gory details of dead critters on my porch and in my yard. Fun stuff, eh? Hehe. Later.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
All that is left for me to do is wait...
I just got word that my final reference for my application to seminary has completed the form and will be sending it out tomorrow. Since I applied online to the seminary I wish to attend yesterday, I now just have to wait to hear if they will accept me or not. It is my fervent prayer that they will accept me for January, but I'm trying to imagine all possible outcomes. For me, things are less heartbreaking if I have at least imagined all possible scenarios. Tonight I was vaccuuming at work and I tried to imagine how I would feel if they told me "no" or "not yet" and the thought of not getting to go makes me kind of sad. Therefore, I really hope they say "Yes!" Anyway, since the Candidacy Committee didn't give me a big fat "no" I have to believe that the Churchwide discernment has led me thus far for a purpose. :) So anyway, that's pretty much all I have to say tonight. That, and 44 working days left till I quit RESTAURANT!!!!!!!!!!! (I'm slightly excited; can you tell?)
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
I did it!
Ok, so actually, I did two things! Here they are...
Yesterday, after work, I was sitting around with the boss at the bar. I always sit out there for at least a few minutes with him because we chat a little bit and then I leave. I've been a complete chicken with telling him when I'm leaving, but last night, during a commercial (I wanted to make sure I had his undivided attention) I told him that December 1 would be my last day. I said, "Boss, December One. That is going to be my last day here. It's a Friday." He said, "Ok. We're really going to miss you." And I didn't say anything to that. Then I said, "OK, bye now." Not really, but you're not interested in the other chit chat we had... I'm thrilled. 45 working days left! Yeehaw!
The other thing I did is a little more exciting to me... I submitted my application to Seminary. I did it online because they waive the application fee if you do it online. I snail-mailed by autobiographical essay to them. 3 out of 4 of my references have submitted their forms, and I just sent my other clergy reference the forms today. OH yeah, let me tell you about that...
Remember how I was discouraged because I don't know many pastors and so I had to call someone to ask if he would be my other rostered leader reference? Well, he said he would be, so long as we had a meeting and got to know each other a little better. That was supposed to take place on October 7. But, my pastor had a new suggestion (He suggested the guy in the first place) that I have the Assistant to the Bishop (A to the B from here on out) for Candidacy Affairs be my other reference. So, I called her and she agreed because she already knows me. So, I talked to the other person and told him that I was very grateful for his willingness, but I realized that I did know another pastor. He thought that would be better too, because the A to the B knows me in a more natural way. So, I sent the A to the B for Cand. Affairs the forms today, and I trust she will fill them out and send them off expeditiously.
So, because that was straightened out, I asked Pastor if it would be a good time to apply, and he said yes. So, I came home from school today, ironed my pants for work, and then applied! I'm excited. Hopefully they accept me. I really want to go!
On a completely unrelated note... A little child made my day on Sunday. The kids sang during worship, so Ma and I had to sit a pew back from where we normally sit. The Sunday School kids came in and sat in the first 4 pews while waiting to get up and sing. So, anyway, once they were done, they all went to their parents. Well, one parent who was sitting directly behind me didn't have room for both of her kids in the pew, so she asked the girl to sit in my pew by me. She did. I noticed she was drawing a little something and it looked cool, so I said, "That looks really cool!" and she said, "Thanks." So, I didn't think much else of it. After worship though, as we were all ushered out to shake hands with Pastor, I talked to him for a brief moment about the reference form that I put on his desk. Then I kept going so as to not hold up the line. All of a sudden I heard the little voice say, "I drew this for you!" I looked down and the little girl handed me a picture that she drew on the back of a communion card. It says, "God, Jesses" (meaning Jesus, obviously) and then it has a picture of a cross, and of God (with a beard) and Jesus (with a smile). The words on it said, "God Loves YOU" I thought it was so cool. I said, "Thank you! I really like this!" And I meant it. I have it here on my desk because I think it is special that a little girl is so willing to tell others that God loves them. I drew her a little picture in return that I plan to give her on Sunday. I hope it offers her encouragement, because I just think that it is so cool that she was willing to tell me, whom she had never met or talked to before, that God loves me. Anyway, that's it. See ya.
Yesterday, after work, I was sitting around with the boss at the bar. I always sit out there for at least a few minutes with him because we chat a little bit and then I leave. I've been a complete chicken with telling him when I'm leaving, but last night, during a commercial (I wanted to make sure I had his undivided attention) I told him that December 1 would be my last day. I said, "Boss, December One. That is going to be my last day here. It's a Friday." He said, "Ok. We're really going to miss you." And I didn't say anything to that. Then I said, "OK, bye now." Not really, but you're not interested in the other chit chat we had... I'm thrilled. 45 working days left! Yeehaw!
The other thing I did is a little more exciting to me... I submitted my application to Seminary. I did it online because they waive the application fee if you do it online. I snail-mailed by autobiographical essay to them. 3 out of 4 of my references have submitted their forms, and I just sent my other clergy reference the forms today. OH yeah, let me tell you about that...
Remember how I was discouraged because I don't know many pastors and so I had to call someone to ask if he would be my other rostered leader reference? Well, he said he would be, so long as we had a meeting and got to know each other a little better. That was supposed to take place on October 7. But, my pastor had a new suggestion (He suggested the guy in the first place) that I have the Assistant to the Bishop (A to the B from here on out) for Candidacy Affairs be my other reference. So, I called her and she agreed because she already knows me. So, I talked to the other person and told him that I was very grateful for his willingness, but I realized that I did know another pastor. He thought that would be better too, because the A to the B knows me in a more natural way. So, I sent the A to the B for Cand. Affairs the forms today, and I trust she will fill them out and send them off expeditiously.
So, because that was straightened out, I asked Pastor if it would be a good time to apply, and he said yes. So, I came home from school today, ironed my pants for work, and then applied! I'm excited. Hopefully they accept me. I really want to go!
On a completely unrelated note... A little child made my day on Sunday. The kids sang during worship, so Ma and I had to sit a pew back from where we normally sit. The Sunday School kids came in and sat in the first 4 pews while waiting to get up and sing. So, anyway, once they were done, they all went to their parents. Well, one parent who was sitting directly behind me didn't have room for both of her kids in the pew, so she asked the girl to sit in my pew by me. She did. I noticed she was drawing a little something and it looked cool, so I said, "That looks really cool!" and she said, "Thanks." So, I didn't think much else of it. After worship though, as we were all ushered out to shake hands with Pastor, I talked to him for a brief moment about the reference form that I put on his desk. Then I kept going so as to not hold up the line. All of a sudden I heard the little voice say, "I drew this for you!" I looked down and the little girl handed me a picture that she drew on the back of a communion card. It says, "God, Jesses" (meaning Jesus, obviously) and then it has a picture of a cross, and of God (with a beard) and Jesus (with a smile). The words on it said, "God Loves YOU" I thought it was so cool. I said, "Thank you! I really like this!" And I meant it. I have it here on my desk because I think it is special that a little girl is so willing to tell others that God loves them. I drew her a little picture in return that I plan to give her on Sunday. I hope it offers her encouragement, because I just think that it is so cool that she was willing to tell me, whom she had never met or talked to before, that God loves me. Anyway, that's it. See ya.
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