Not an Exact Quote from a Book but...

Reading a book that has made me cry at least 20 times so far and I am nearing the end. I won't spoil anything, so consider yourself safe. My Sister's Keeper. That's the book. Anna is considering the difference between what her funeral will be and her sister's funeral would be. She assumes that there would be standing room only at Kate's funeral--Family, Friends, Nurse/Dr's from the hospital, people who have helped raise money for her treatments--again, Standing Room Only. Kate has Leukemia. Anna on the other hand sees her own funeral as much less attended and this brings me to the quote. Again, it's not exact... I don't have the book in front of me (I left it at the counseling center last night and my next session isn't scheduled until Monday). "People would sing Amazing Grace. All the verses, not just the famous one."

This got me thinking not about mortality. Or even about my own funeral. (My songs would be For the Beauty of the Earth [my favorite] and It is Well with My Soul amoung others, I do want lots of music). Nope, this got me thinking about that elusive 3rd verse in the hymns that we just don't sing like we should. Can I say that I am a hymnal person? In the whole hymns versus chorus/traditional versus contemporary debate I fall more to traditional, but have no trouble praising God either way... After all worship is NOT about the worshipper, it is about the object of worship-- and I think God likes both. That is not the debate I am talking about though... I love hymns because they are so theologically rich. They are deep messages that get to the heart of doctrine--why we believe what we believe. And choruses have that too, but hymns have been weeded out. The bad one (musically and theologically) have been discarded and only the truly rich have remained. The new choruses are experiencing that weeding out process right now, but more care has to be taken in singing just any chorus--after all, music is a powerful teacher, and I for one do not want to be taught or teach poor theology. I'm rambling.

Why do I like to sing all verses and not just the famous ones? Because sometimes I read over it and I see what we are missing and I so want that particular truth to be taught.

My Bags are Packed... I'm Ready to Go...

I'm standing here outside your door, I hate to wake you up to say Goodbye.
So Kiss me and smile for me...

That's right I am going on adventure again! This promises to be one of my best adventures yet. Gambia! The Gambia to be specific. I am thrill, I am excited. There is a beauty about experiencing different people and different cultures from your own, not just in books but truly to observe and connect in their lives.

I have learned so much from others in my life. I have been changed by my contact with other cultures. Each time I come in contact with new people I learn something. And I am not just talking about contact with those across the globe, I am talking about every day contact. I think that across the globe contact shocks us into learning more quickly. It opens our eyes and forces us to pay attention to the lives of others, to be observers so that the "bull in the china shop" syndrome can be avoided. But why can't we learn as well from others that surround us on a day to day basis? Well, I have a few theories about that as well. (this would be a side note coming on). First, on a day to day basis, we aren't exposed to that many different people--coworkers remain the same, the friends that we choose are very much like us, don't even get me started on the similarities of family. Second, once we get past initial stages with people, we assume that they don't change and we have nothing new to learn from them. Third, we put learning from others as a low priority--our own self absorbed tendencies take over, we are very much prone to say others should learn from us rather than the other way around. Oh, crap! I am guilty of this.

So, combating this (especially as we are tied year after year to same job, same town, same people) is something that must be intentional. Not necessarily a trip to Africa intentional, but purposeful just the same. I want to get out. I want to see and experience new things and I want to know new people. Have I told you I love my job (I am thinking of the counseling one right now, and yes there is a point, even if there is very little segue way)... on a week to week basis, new people come into my office and it is my job to learn about them--what makes them tick, what is essentials to their lives, what is allowable for me to tweak. What I end up asking myself, is do I extend the same curtesies to my friends--making intentional efforts to know them and what is essentials to their lives. Do I love my family enough to see that they view life sometimes differently and I can still learn from them? Do I show enough respect to my coworkers that I am getting to know how to relate to them best?

Sometimes it takes culture shock to truly love the people that are home. (Yes, I know... I did not end up where I originally intended to go with this post. That being said, I rarely end up with the post I had envisioned. That is why I am a random blogger and not a writer).

Wally World

I went to Walmart last night for the first time in almost 2 years. I simply hated to break my streak. It is not that I hate Walmart (there is all that stuff about fishy business practices--i.e., hiring 2 part-time workers rather than one full-time to avoid paying benefits, etc... But they are a cusumer driven business that demands lower prices and they strive to meet that goal however they can.) This would be only one of the reason that I usually choose to shop elsewhere. I also, don't like shopping there. It is rarely a fun experience and leaves me a little stressed out everytime I simply drive through the parking lot. Too crowded. Too much stuff that is not usually what I really want in the first place. But I am preparing to take a trip to W. Africa soon and I needed to stock up on some supplies and what better place to get everything all in one place than Walmart. I was disappointed (or I should say I found exactly what I expected to find, but was hoping for better). Their (sad, I almost spelled it "there" instead of "their"--grammar police is going to get me on that one). hm. Their selection of Bug repellents--not so great (I even check all 3 locations--camping/outdoors, lawn and garden, and bug killers next to laundry detergent)... And although the selection was different in all three places they did not have the one I wanted... pump spray Off Active (sweatproof, waterproof, good Deet concentration) and the Premithen to dip my clothes into--they had some sort of aerosol spray, but not the dip and they had the Off Active in the aerosol or a pump spray of deep woods off. Finally found the sunscreen I wanted. Forgot the batteries, because apparently they are now hiding. They didn't have the type hat I wanted, but I am happy with the sunvisor I did get and a new pair of sunglasses (sadly, not rose colored glasses, but polarized with some great tinting).

The real reason I don't go to Walmart... I always end up with more stuff than my list says that I need... Bubble sticks--really long tubes filled with bubble fun! Little note pad (very pretty blue with flowers on it and elastic to hold it closed). Dog treats (as if they don't have Milkbones galore and really need peanut butter flavored dog cookies). From the clearance row... a Cocomotion machine (they have one at the group home in Adams and it is such a neat device, but totally a one trick pony for the kitchen). I almost picked up a new Beta fish as well. But decided that I would have to clean out the bowl again and I not entirely sure where the drops are for the water--so, I actually resisted an impulse buy from Walmart... Oh, Walmart the nemesis to my savings account!

WHY????

I would like to know why the Tide To Go Pen seems to work great, except when I am at work and realized that I spilled coffee on my boob. Really I would think that is the best time to prove its worth, but no... I still have a stain and now I'm cold and wet. Even better it almost highlights the stain.

My Morning...

So, early morning was great today. Even extremely productive. Woke up at 4:50, made bed, started a load of laundry, fluffed the clothes in the dryer, ran 3.25 miles on the treadmill, showered, dressed, folded the clothes and was still ready to leave for work early. I was truly impressive. A force not to be ignored! (Have I mentioned that I tend to be a morning person...) Gathered my lunch into my pretty pink lunch bag, fed the dogs, grabbed by breakfast cookie and a glass of milk and out the door I go. As an after thought, I decided to take out the trash.

This is the time to let you know that I am the queen of the one trip. Why take multiple trips out of the car when you can just load up and take one, right? Hee Hee. I may have learned my lesson. So, this is what I look like... Left arm: purse, lunch bag, craft/book bag, cookie has been stuffed into purse, glass of milk in hand. Right arm: Trash bag in hand, cardboard box tucked under arm to go out to recycling.

I get all this together and realize that I don't have my keys in hand... So, I set everything down and go to searching. They are usually on the kitchen counter or the hook by the door. This time they were neither place. So I am searching frantically all over the house. They were in my purse the entire time. Now I have my keys in my pocket, and load up again according to the list above. Get out the back door and set the trash down to shut the door behind me, pick up the trash again and go to the steps to get off my deck. That is when I catch my heel in the hem of my pants. Luckily, I didn't crash down face first into the concrete porch, no... I managed to catch myself on the railing with my left hand. Just a reminder in case you don't want to review the list, my left hand is where the glass of milk is (luckily... plastic cup). I completely cracked the plastic cup, emptying the milk in to my book bag (all over my W. Africa orientation manuel) and all over hand and arm (and the porch/deck too). Of course it took me a few moments to realize the cup was cracked as I was just grateful that my head wasn't cracked open. All the while the milk is seeping out more and more onto me and in the book bag.

So much for being early to work. I go back in the house and clean up as best as I can. I get the trash to the trash can and take off my coat (as it is covered in milk--something to deal with later tonight). I rush back out to the car just in time to realize that I have locked my keys in my house and did not put a different coat on. Now I am cold, my arm is still wet and I am so thankful that my dad installed a security key box. So... I run around to the front of the house, let myself in, grab another coat, grab my keys, notice that the dogs are looking at me like I am a crazy woman--so I give them a treat. And now I am on my way again!

Then, as if to say, despite all this you are destined for a good day... I have a Mary Siting!!!

I'm Just Doing What I was Supposed To...

I went to get my allergy shot today. I am in the building phase of the shots, which means that I come in 2x a week. Not a problem, the shot room hours are great, I can go in Monday after work and Friday before work. Easy-breezy. Today, after getting my shot the nurse looks at the screen and looks at me and says, "You are really going through your shots." She said this all impressed like I was doing something amazing. Well, no, I signed up for allergy shots, commiting myself to twice a week for the first 3 months then weekly for 1-2 years after that. My understanding is that things work better when you follow the directions.

So, here is my question... Do we really live in a world where doing the bare minimum is impressive? I have noticed that all too often we set the bar low, we keep our expectations small, and then we still aren't surprised that those expectations are not met. Even at my job, I find myself growing cynical that someone is actually going to do what they said they will do. I get off the phone with someone, they have just told me that the check is going through with no issues, then I call the Accounts Payable department of that company and they have no idea about that payment--the Purchase Order hasn't even been approved. Why am I not surprised? I would have been more surprised if the payment was going through exactly as they had said.

On a side note, totally unrelated and slightly random. My elbows are very dry today. I have put Jergens Ultra Healing Lotion on several times and they just soak it right up.

But What about the Shows I still have yet to Watch

I came home this past weekend to my DVR blinking. It really didn't phase me too much. I simply don't have much time to watch TV. It is not really on my priority list. I love to put on some music and read a book, instead.. I have great fun sticking in a DVD into the player and getting on the treadmill (okay, great fun might be an overstatement). The point is, TV is low on my list. I save it for the few and far between lazy days that I have. That is why I think DVR is the best thing since sliced bread. Someone (Carrie) will ask if I have seen the latest Big Bang. I always have to tell her no, but then usually will watch it within a day or two (fast forwarding through those pesky commercials) then call her back and laugh at what silly thing Shelton had done.

So, finally New Years Day I made some effort to figure out the problem. Hit the reset button, unplugged and plugged it back in. Called DirecTV. Was told to do the same things while their system is running some checks. Yep, the box is fried, completely out of commission. They couldn't even tell what had happened. They want me to send the box to them so they can try to figure that out to prevent it from happening to other systems. So, they are sending me a new one. This means that I will have to go through and reset all the season passes. And those shows that I had been saving for my Lazy day (which yesterday was a perfect example)? Gone. So, I will have to wait to catch Shelton in reruns. This is a sad day.

A Reminder of How Much my Dogs Mean to Me

I saw "Marley & Me" yesterday in the theaters. I had read the book, so I knew exactly what to expect. If you are planning to see or read, please, save reading this post until after you have seen the movie or read the book. I really don't want to ruin anything for you. Although it is more about me than Marley, I don't want you to say you weren't warned...

The book/movie envoked two very precious memories for me. First was after there was a loss in the couples life. She couldn't cry, not at the doctors office, not on the trip home, not even with her husband. But when she got home, Marley was there, she was able to throw her arms around him and cry. How many times have I been unable (or unwilling) to cry in front of others and then gone home to Miriam? With Miriam, she doesn't tell me to stop crying, she doesn't ask questions about what's wrong, she just knows that I am hurting and is grateful to be there with me. When I finally lift my head from her shoulder, then she is ready with a comforting lick across the face. Almost as if she is saying, see its not so bad, nothing that a slimey tongue can't fix. Miriam has calmed alot in the past couple of years. She walks slower, jumps off the bed more gently in the morning, I know her site is failing, and her hearing is beginning to slip a bit. But she is still the same soul that loves me, loves her family.

The second was a little more painful. John said to Marley, "You will let me know when its time, won't you? I don't think I can make this decision by myself." Meaning when it was time to let Marley go, to put him to sleep. The first dog I thought of was Delmar. Letting him go after he was hit by a car was the hardest thing, and I am still afraid I was not brave enough to let him go when I should have, but waited through a couple of days of pain for him. Then I thought of Blaze, the wonder dog from my childhood. I was not there or in on the decision to let him go. I was away at school. She was an amazing dog. She used to climb on top of the dog house to sit. I think about my friend Katherine, who also had to let her dog go. I think about Craig and Rhonda and them saying goodbye to Killian. Letting go of your dog is inevitable--we simply live longer than our pets. But it doesn't mean that saying goodbye is ever easy. Katherine once explained to me that it was a misnomer to call your pet your child. The dog is simply not as selfish. Rather the dog seems to think it is all about you. All the dog really wants to do is love you, protect you, and make you happy. Treat him right and you will have a truly loyal friend.

Meeting New People

There are times in life when you are about to meet someone new. You know the meeting is coming, you have been planning it for months. After all, it was a specially planned weekend trip to accomplish the meeting. For me, there are different approaches that I have to meeting new people. There is the personal side, the business side and the counselor side. And yes, they really are all different.

The Counselor side is truly my easiest. This is a role I slip into naturally. My first priority is always to put the other person at ease and to begin to establish rapport right away. If they are not comfortable, then we won't get to the heart of the matter and therapy will not take place. I love meeting new people in this setting. Usually we have set goals and issues in mind to talk about. It is purposeful conversation and searching for a topic is not a problem. The other thing that makes this extremely comfortable for me, is that self-disclosure on my part is limited. I am the one asking the questions. I am the one gathering the information and forming theories of what will work best for that client. It is all about them. If I am going to self-disclose, I will have already worked out in my head how that would be beneficial for the client.

The Business side of meeting new people is a little less comfortable, but I'm getting better and better. Give me a sales person and I can make idle chit chat with them for hours on end. The part that I am still working on is how to politely stop the conversation so that I can actually accomplish some work. Can't exactly be entering invoices and double checking that work if you have a sales person babbling on about springs and steel quality and blah, blah, blah. Of course, these are conversations that I do want to listen to, so that I know who has what in stock when it comes time to order. So I do listen, that is until they get to the let me tell you about what my kids did this past weekend... I guess I would include in this category Job Interviews, and co-worker conversations. No problems there either.

The personal meeting of new people. I am not very good at this at all. (I know in my head that I am better than I tend to feel like I am, but oh, the fits of uncomfortableness that I go through). I tend to be rather quiet and reserved on meeting new people. Once I begin to get to know someone, I open up a lot more (you know, that give and take of personal information). So, my usual M.O. when meeting new people and I have to watch this, is to slip into counselor mode, make it all about them. It puts the other person at ease fairly quickly and allows them a chance to talk about themselves. Problem--they want to know me too.

The meeting this Weekend? I met the family of a very dear friend. The stakes were high. After all, I wanted to make a good impression. Was I nervous? Ha! Of course, I was. I wasn't too worried about them liking me, most people like me without too much trouble. (I know, a little full of myself). My main worry was how to let them get to know me in such a short time when usually it can take several meetings before I am comfortable enough to start opening up. I think I did okay. After all, we were all determined to like each other, which is a very good place to start. I was able to be a little more talkative when I would have preferred to just sit back and listen. It was a good weekend. And even better it was a good meeting of new people.

Turkey Troubles I will NEVER live down...

Every year the bosses give a turkey to all the employees and retirees that come to the Christmas party. EVERY year, without fail for over 50 years, turkeys have been given. This year, since I am in the Office Manager's spot, I put in an order for the turkeys. I did careful calculations (apparently, the Office Manager 2 people ago forgot to include the retirees in the count and gets to hear about it every year--this was 10 years ago). I called the normal place. This should have been my first clue that not all would be going well. That place was out of business, the company that took over... Butt's Food.

This has turned into one of those, its no one's fault situations, but it doesn't really matter. The turkeys were to be coming in from Jackson, TN by 9:30. By 11:30 the truck was finally leaving Jackson. That is right it was leaving Jackson already 2 hours late for delivery. The truck had broken down and that had to be fixed first. So here we are, nearly 4 hours after expected delivery and the turkeys are reportedly in West Nashville. That is not going to do me any good, seeing as since all the retirees have left and day shift is about to get off. I am getting orders from 4 different people, none of whom are talking to each other about what I should do. Cancel the turkeys. Can they hold the turkeys until Monday and deliver them then? No, I don't want to have to go out and buy a turkey, see if they can get them here my 2:30... Oh dear, I have a headache. And I know, I just know that since this was my first year ordering these stupid birds, I will never hear the end of it. Even if I work here for the next 20 years... every year that I go to order turkeys... "Well, remember what happened that one year..." "Now make sure that they will be there by 9:30..." "Jill, did you learn your lesson about where not to get the turkeys from..."

Hey, the truck just pulled up... and I am so dead serious. Ha!

A Happy Thanksgiving


I am looking forward to a return to family traditions this year. Last year was a year of travel, went to the exotic location of Lexington, KY... and Thanksgiving dinner was at Shoneys on the way up. This year it is back at my aunts for turkey day dinner. Oh, I am so thankful for family. There is something fabulous about all of us squishing around her dining room table. We have kids in the family, but I am not sure that a kids table is necessary. There was a time when I was in college that the "kids" outnumbered the grown ups and we had a grown up table off to the side, and the kids still got to enjoy the big table.


Now this is not a slight to my Aunt, but it is this time of year that I really start to miss my grandparents. Grandmother and Granddaddy's house was full of memories and holiday fun. There was an enormous backyard and basement full of strange toys and fun hiding places. Grandmother would have the table set up in their formal living room. Tables placed end to end so that everyone had a place at it. The fun didn't start with dinner, it started when it was time to set the table. Dish after yummy dish was carried through the Den into the living room until this huge table was loaded with food. To be trusted with carrying that food was a huge responsibility and one that I took very seriously. Finding places to put the food, and ensuring that the mashed potatoes started on my end of the table were top priorities for me. Sometime before the actual dinner, Grandmother would pull me aside when the rolls came fresh out of the oven. Though I was always a big fan of the squishy middle, she thought the outside was the best part. So she would promptly pull out the middle and throw it out, butter up the crust, one for me and one for her. I never really had the heart to tell her that what she was throwing away would be what I wanted the most. Eventually I think my mom noticed and spoke up for me. From that moment on, we formed a fantastic partnership... I got the squishy middle and she got the crispy outside. Buttery goodness either way.

A Perfect Fall Day

I just happened to look up through my window at work and it was beautiful. The wind had picked up and the leaves were falling through the air. Lighty drifting toward the ground. I will confess the background in a bit industrial for my taste--this would have been better in the woods or a hiking trail in the mountains... As it is; a train is passing through, there is a flatbed parked in the back of the lot, and three storage trailers are VERY visible and obscure the view of the trees that I can see. But when the leaves start blowing and falling, the leaves are all that I see. Add that to the cool crisp morning, the clear blue sky with just a wisp of cloud, and *deep sigh of contentment* this is why I love fall so much.

Deeply Affected at the Frist

(Not a standard post...)

I went to the Frist Center for the Arts between church and more church yesterday. The featured exhibit was photography from the Eastman House Collection. For the most part I found the pictures to be interesting, but not deeply moving. Many were well known prints, seen in coffee table books across America. I have never been one to think that a picture is necessarily better as a print behind glass than in a book. I am showing my ignorance to those that have studied the art of photography. With sculpture, (or my personal favorite) stained glass, or even with paintings, there is a texture that can be appreciated in a live format that is just non-existent in the coffee table book (or even a print on the wall)... All this to say, I am a texture person. I love the 3D element. Perhaps this is why my artistic outlets are extremely tactile in nature... When working with stained glass, a lot of thought goes into the texture of the glass, the feel of the surface, the refractions of light. Or considering my lesser pursuits of quilting, I prefer the textural look and feel of a hand stitched quilt to that done on a machine. Or cross stitch, I rarely choose a pattern that doesn't have bead work with it.

So, that is my disclaimer. I have completely down played the photography exhibit. But there were pictures that caught my eye. There were photos that brought laughter, or pulled at my emotions in some way. All this to tell you about one photo that I could hardly take my eye off of I realize now that I want to write about it, I didn't even read the caption so I can only assume the subject matter, but I really have no idea. It was in the War room, I know this. My emotions were already extremely close to the surface, having seen some of the war pictures. And there it was, in the corner as you were about the exit the room. I was stuck and even now I can't get my mind to forget the image. I think it was in Vietnam, but again, I don't know this. They were children. The anguish and pain on their faces was so apparent, so raw. I am not even sure that I can attempt a commentary or even separate the thoughts that are jumbled inside my brain. The only thought that kept repeating and still repeats... This is war. The innocence torn. The hope extinguished. This is war.

What is the true evil? The CO detector or the Battery?

It happens every time. It is not before I go to bed that the battery starts the warning beeps. It is not after my alarm goes off in the morning that it will begin. NO, it is sometime in the middle of the night. It is when I am the most sound asleep. It is when the dogs are warm and cuddled up and (most importantly) peaceful beside me. It is when I am in the middle of an amazing dream. That is when the beeping starts. BEEP. And the first few times it happens, I am still in the middle of sleep, barely awake and unable to pinpoint what the problem is. BEEP. A little curious as to why I am awake, but have no idea what it could have been. Back to sleep. BEEP. One eye opens, easily fall back asleep, even catch a few remnants of the same dream. BEEP. Both eyes open now, but still no real worries, sleep again... BEEP. Now the dogs have begun to stir. I turn over, my arm goes over my ear and sleep... beep. (this time a little more muffled, but the arm is not completely working, besides that does not prevent the dogs from noticing). Miriam raises her head and looks at me like, aren't you going to do something about this? Seriously, that is the look she gave me. So I turn over look at the corner and wait... BEEP. But which is it, I still have no clue--the CO detector or the smoke alarm? BEEP. It is getting more persistent and more demanding now... BEEP. Okay, I am getting up. I throw the covers off. Burrrrrrrr. The windows are open and out of the covers is cold, so very cold. BEEP. Dragging the piano bench over now. Still don't know which one it is. BEEP. I think I know the who the culprit is. I remove the Smoke alarm and shove it under the sofa cushions to be dealt with later. All seems quiet. I crawl back in bed, oh how warm. Dogs get to resettle in their warm places. Ready for a little more sleep before facing the day... BEEEEEPPPPP. I chose poorly. It was not the smoke alarm, it was the CO detector. Back out into the cold, back up onto the piano bench (balance please), CO detector down, and it is now resting beside the Smoke alarm under the sofa cushions, back to bed, dogs back by my side. Sleep, Dream. ALARM CLOCK...

I'm Trying a 20 Random Thoughts Blog

1. Trains are noisy, but sure create a lovely breeze through the open window.
2. I still miss my parents when they go out of town.
3. Honey is the best thing ever invented for biscuits.
4. Fall is the best time to go camping.
5. Coffee is a crutch for the sleep deprived. A lovely crutch that I just couldn't do without...
6. I'm thirsty, but not for coffee.
7. I still like my job, even during stressful times.
8. The clock radio on my desk radomly jumps time so even though it is technically 2:37 pm, it says 6:44 no 6:49 no 6:57pm... Does that mean I get to go home?
9. Trips to new places on my horizon is getting me excited.
10. I painted my fingernails last night and still struggle with the fact that my mother didn't think red is an appropriate color for young ladies (at 32, am I old enough to wear read or will that always be off limits?)
11. Lemon flavored toothpaste is just weird, so why do I keep buying it.
12. My neice Lily is most likely the cutest little girl in the entire world (no, I am not biased).
13. Finding shapes in clouds should be practiced at least 6 to 8 times a year. The one outside my window started out heart shaped and now has morphed into a frog with big eyes.
14. There is a cost to keeping the windows open on this beautiful day, a gigantic fly just made his way into the office.
15. Will I still have a retirement account by next year?
16. The new show Fringe--loving it, though the beginning... gross.
17. I don't think I am a very good gift giver.
18. When I get into the habit, I am still technically a morning person. Does that make me crazy?
19. I am running out of random thoughts.
20. It doesn't really matter because I made it all the way to 20...

Oh and just a side note, my computer now say it is 2:53 pm and my clock radio is working on 10:09 pm.

Life is Good vs. Life is... God

As you may or may not realize, I have a Life is Good sticker on the back of my car (two of them as a matter of fact). I also have a Life is Good t-shirt, pajama pants, shorts, backpack, yoga bag... I think that you are getting the idea. I think that Jake (the little smiley guy at the top) goes right along with the optimistic, positive attitude that I like to maintain. What the company represents is also good. American ideals and all that--starting something from nothing (a t-shirt business in the back of a van when they stumbled on Jake) and now that they have made it, they are giving back (supporting festivals that give 100% of profits to kids' charities). I have been more than a little impressed with the merchandise, but I am floored by the caretaking attitude of the company.


That being said, I saw a bumper sticker the other day that was an obvious copy, a plagerism, of "Life is Good." The logo was almost exactly like that above except it said "Life is... God." This, of course, is not the only example of Christain things adopting logos of worldly things and changing it for themselves. I did a search on Google Images for Christian t shirts and on the first page along was the "HisWay" for "Subway," "He Saves" for "Hershey," and "Got Jesus?" for "Got Milk?" Can I be opinionated for a little bit? These things bother me. And let me make this very clear, I am a Christian and it still bothers me. The "Life is... God" especially bothered me and I can't exactly place my finger on why. Maybe because I would never wear a Subway shirt, but I definately would wear Life is Good appearal What it seems to boil down to is this... Can we not be original. We (Christians) are transformed by the renewing of Christ Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our hearts? Can we not come up with better ways to declare this transformation to the world that meager copies of everyday slogans. These overused slogans seem to make a joke of something I hold dear. Another example of a poor excuse for "evangelism." All the declaration, non of the actual work to develop relationships and meet needs of the person where they are. Why aren't we better at being different from the world? Why aren't we better at showing the joy that is ours? If you're happy and you know, than your face will surely show it... right?

"And we, ...are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthian 3:18, NIV

Just my deep thoughts for today.

Back to the Full Moon Ride

One of my first posts was about my friend, the avid cyclist, going on a full moon ride. I was reminded of that post yesterday while riding down West End when I was pasting a different cyclist. Before, my confusion was based on the fact that the full moon ride was done by the light of the full moon, not cyclist riding around with their rears showing. Yesterday there was no confusion. Let me explain... and I just might say something potentially negative, and a little bit judgy (but definately funny), so get ready. I don't care if they are your favorite bike shorts and you wear them every time you ride. I don't care that leopard print undies are your choice of panty. BUT... if your bike shorts are so worn out that I see the leopard print undies, it is time for a shopping trip...

I ended up laughing so hard. What a great rendition fo the full moon ride!

Not Just Office Supplies

Well, I have already confessed my love of office supplies and my inablility to go into a Staples of Office Depot without feeling slightly light headed and giddy. I am beginning to realize that it is all gadgets that make life easier that has an attraction for me. As acting Office Manager/Purchasing Agent at work now, I get to look through these catelogs that come in. We are talking industrial supply catelogs and I am fascinated. It is true that some things hold very little interest for me. Drill bits. Big flipping deal. I have seen drill bit before and I really have all the drill bits that I need, so I can pass those up with no issues at all. The pages I end up stopping at... Safety glasses. Flashlights. Anti-fatigue mats. Brooms and dust mops for goodness sake. Magnetic based trays. (Doesn't that just sound handy for a clutz like me... I knock over the try, but all the metal thingys stay in place!--the problem is that not all I work with is metal). Even the page with the industrial pedestal fans holds appeal for me. And who wouldn't want a full set of clamps and vises? And last but not least (in this particular catelog at least) is the Deburring Set.

There is a theme. Can you guess it? Hmmm... All these items that get my fancy can be used in my stained glass projects (except perhaps the flashlights--I just think flashlights are so cool. It dates back to the days of flashlight chase on the ceiling of the tent at girl scout camp, or playing ghost in the graveyard at church camp. That might be a separate blog entry). Oh dear, just what I need, another gadget obsession...

Ironies Galore

I feel like humming the song "Isn't it Ironic". A couple of weeks ago I got a speeding ticket. One of the comments that I made ot anyone who would listen was something along the lines that I don't think a road six lanes across should be 35 m.p.h. This is the funny part... Less than two weeks after I was pulled over and given my ticket... Less than three day after I did my online defensive driving course... the speed limit went up to 40. Of course, I was still speeding a little bit (45 or 46, something like that), but would I still have been pulled over going only 5 over?

It's like ra-ee-ain...

And Before My Coffee Too...

This morning I was running ahead of schedule. Not surprising since last night I took a 2 hour nap, a bath and then went back to bed. So, this morning I decided to go to McDonalds on my way to work. Mmmmm... Vanilla Iced Coffee, perfect on this a July morning to get my over tired body to work. So, I am happily sitting in the drive-thru and BAM! The lady behind me thought the line was moving faster than it actually was. That's right she hit my beautiful little car. So I climb out to access the damage. Her car is still up against my car. She backs up a little and then gets out of her car so we can see the damage. And *sigh of relief* no damage is done, except my license plate is a little bent. We were so relieved to see that both cars looked great that we hugged. That's right I hugged a complete stranger in the middle of the drive-thru line at McDonalds, got back in my car, pulled forward and placed my order. What a morning!