Happy Friday. Here's a picture.
Dec 27, 2005
christmas weekend...
seriously...
seriously...
Merry Christmas, everyone! Hope the holiday was pleasant for you. Mine was nice. Rob and I have discussed several times lately how there's just not the same excitement anymore as there was when we were kids. The day comes and goes without much hoop-la. Which is fine. I sort of like the way it feels to have a less "commercialized" Christmas. Overall, we had a pleasant weekend in Jacksonville. I introduced Rob to Chamblin's Book Mine on Saturday, which was a big hit. He left with his very own copy of a Bartlett's book of quotations, which was a very exciting moment for him. He also purchased a gift for a friend of ours, as well as a copy of Mere Christianity for me, as I have been intending to read it for some time, and his copy is on loan, possibly never to be seen again. Saturday night was presents for the kids at Mom and Dad's house, followed by a trip to the Adams' residence to visit Allie. Rob and I exchanged our gifts that night, as well (I received a digital camera, hence the above picture). Sunday morning was blueberry muffins, church, presents with parents, and a big lunch. After being sent on our way with leftovers in tow, we stopped by the movie theater to watch whatever was playing. We spent the remainder of the evening back in St. Augustine at Rob's house hanging out with friends. Monday we hit the road again to Orlando to see Rob's family who were staying with their god-family. Today and tomorrow will be normal St. Augustine-only days (unless I decide to go to lunch with my mom tomorrow), but on Thursday we'll be going up to St. Simon's Island for Kathy and Todd's wedding. I actually don't mind being on the road so much, especially since I'm not working this week. I'd much rather do that than be bored all the time. Being here three days this week rather than five gives me enough time to do things I need to do but keeps me from running completely out of stuff to do, especially with none of the room mates home. Like today, for example... I needed to go buy this dress I saw at the store the other day, and I needed to buy some shoes to go with it. I got a great deal on the shoes... which makes me feel a little better about what I paid for the dress! Anyway, now I'm rambling. I'm gonna go. Later!
Dec 21, 2005
i have returned...
Well, the posts have been lacking because I spent last week in New Orleans. I went with a group from my church to do disaster relief stuff. It was intense, but a very good trip. We stayed at Metarie Baptist Church and worked with the Southern Baptist disaster relief organization.
Being in New Orleans and seeing the damage there is weird. I've lived in Florida my whole life, so I've seen my fair share of hurricane damage, but what you find in New Orleans is mostly flood damage, which is completely different. For miles and miles and miles, everything is completely deserted... homes, stores, everything. It's like a ghost town. Even cars have been abandoned everywhere. And for the most part, the damage isn't all that visible from the outside. It's just that everything had been flooded, so the insides of everything (houses, buildings, cars) are waterlogged and/or rotted out. Our first few days, we went into homes that had "minimal" flood damage, which means the water levels weren't very high and it was mostly clear water as opposed to really dirty water. But in these homes that had "minimal" damage we still ripped out all their floors, trim work, and the lower-half of their drywall. At least most of their possessions were salvaged. In the other homes we did, where the water levels had been much, much higher, everything they owned was completely destroyed. We went into those homes, often for the first time since the storm and flood, and literally threw out everything these people owned. Books, blankets, clothes, furniture, computers, televisions, appliances, kitchen utensils... everything. It was all destroyed. The furniture would literally crumble as we picked it up to carry it out of the house. And the mold. Everything was covered in mold. The smell was suffocating. (Needless to say, we worked with masks and gloves all week.) The worst of it all was when we came across containers that had been holding water for the past three months. If the containers had previously been empty, it wasn't too bad (bowls and cups on shelves, etc). But if the containers had other things in them as well, such as books in one case, three months of standing water only increased the "rotting" process, so the stench was increased. The only way to explain the smell of these containers is like a fish tank that hasn't been cleaned in a very, very long time, and the fish have possibly died in it also, and as you empty the water out and the sludge on the sides of the tank is revealed the smell hits you in the face and makes you want to puke. Worse still than these small containers were the refridgerators that had been lying on their side for three months, holding old food and flood water. The team always waited until a house was almost finished to even attempt doing anything with a fridge, but in both houses where they attempted to move one, the most putrid water and smell you have ever experienced came seeping out as soon as they moved it. These attempts were quickly abandoned.
Okay, so mostly I've rambled about how gross some of the stuff was. But realistically, the damage we saw was really sad. All week I kept dwelling on the fact that material possessions really just aren't important. The biggest thought I had was that I'm glad that we were able to do this stuff for the homeowners, because we don't have the same emotional attachment to the stuff that they would have. It would be way harder for them to throw away all their things. I don't know if that came out right, but it makes sense in my head.
*****
In other news, Rob and I have been together for a year and a month, as of yesterday. Amazing. This weekend we are spending Christmas Eve and Day with my family in Jacksonville, which should be a pretty good time. I'm nearly done with my Christmas shopping. I still have to get my mom's gift, and then I think I'm shopping a little with my mom tomorrow, after going to my dentist appointment. I'll actually make the trip to Jacksonville three times this week... today I'm riding with Kathy to pick up her wedding dress, tomorrow I have the dentist and shopping, and Rob and I will be back again on Saturday. At least it's not too much of a drive.
Anyway, now that you are up to date with random facts about my life, I'll go. Hope everyone has a great Wednesday. Later.
Well, the posts have been lacking because I spent last week in New Orleans. I went with a group from my church to do disaster relief stuff. It was intense, but a very good trip. We stayed at Metarie Baptist Church and worked with the Southern Baptist disaster relief organization.
Being in New Orleans and seeing the damage there is weird. I've lived in Florida my whole life, so I've seen my fair share of hurricane damage, but what you find in New Orleans is mostly flood damage, which is completely different. For miles and miles and miles, everything is completely deserted... homes, stores, everything. It's like a ghost town. Even cars have been abandoned everywhere. And for the most part, the damage isn't all that visible from the outside. It's just that everything had been flooded, so the insides of everything (houses, buildings, cars) are waterlogged and/or rotted out. Our first few days, we went into homes that had "minimal" flood damage, which means the water levels weren't very high and it was mostly clear water as opposed to really dirty water. But in these homes that had "minimal" damage we still ripped out all their floors, trim work, and the lower-half of their drywall. At least most of their possessions were salvaged. In the other homes we did, where the water levels had been much, much higher, everything they owned was completely destroyed. We went into those homes, often for the first time since the storm and flood, and literally threw out everything these people owned. Books, blankets, clothes, furniture, computers, televisions, appliances, kitchen utensils... everything. It was all destroyed. The furniture would literally crumble as we picked it up to carry it out of the house. And the mold. Everything was covered in mold. The smell was suffocating. (Needless to say, we worked with masks and gloves all week.) The worst of it all was when we came across containers that had been holding water for the past three months. If the containers had previously been empty, it wasn't too bad (bowls and cups on shelves, etc). But if the containers had other things in them as well, such as books in one case, three months of standing water only increased the "rotting" process, so the stench was increased. The only way to explain the smell of these containers is like a fish tank that hasn't been cleaned in a very, very long time, and the fish have possibly died in it also, and as you empty the water out and the sludge on the sides of the tank is revealed the smell hits you in the face and makes you want to puke. Worse still than these small containers were the refridgerators that had been lying on their side for three months, holding old food and flood water. The team always waited until a house was almost finished to even attempt doing anything with a fridge, but in both houses where they attempted to move one, the most putrid water and smell you have ever experienced came seeping out as soon as they moved it. These attempts were quickly abandoned.
Okay, so mostly I've rambled about how gross some of the stuff was. But realistically, the damage we saw was really sad. All week I kept dwelling on the fact that material possessions really just aren't important. The biggest thought I had was that I'm glad that we were able to do this stuff for the homeowners, because we don't have the same emotional attachment to the stuff that they would have. It would be way harder for them to throw away all their things. I don't know if that came out right, but it makes sense in my head.
*****
In other news, Rob and I have been together for a year and a month, as of yesterday. Amazing. This weekend we are spending Christmas Eve and Day with my family in Jacksonville, which should be a pretty good time. I'm nearly done with my Christmas shopping. I still have to get my mom's gift, and then I think I'm shopping a little with my mom tomorrow, after going to my dentist appointment. I'll actually make the trip to Jacksonville three times this week... today I'm riding with Kathy to pick up her wedding dress, tomorrow I have the dentist and shopping, and Rob and I will be back again on Saturday. At least it's not too much of a drive.
Anyway, now that you are up to date with random facts about my life, I'll go. Hope everyone has a great Wednesday. Later.
Dec 9, 2005
to do list revised...
I stole this from Niki. I like it. It's a list of things to do before you die. You highlight the ones you've done.
01. Bought everyone in the pub a drink
02. Swim with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain(updated: I highlighted this one for Rob... I think this means mountain climbing with ropes and caribeeners etc., but he says a mountain in Georgia counts)
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula. (at least I think I did... I know we had one in my 8th-9th grade science class... his name was Esau because he was red and hairy)
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it.
09. Hugged a tree
(I didn't make this list... I don't know what happened to 10 & 11!)12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightening storm at sea (not at sea, but from an airplane)
14. Stayed up all night long, and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Touched an iceberg
20. Slept under the stars (do tents count?)
21. Changed a baby's diaper
22. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon (well, not officially a "trip" but I've been in one)
23. Watched a meteor shower
24. Gotten drunk on champagne
25. Given more than you can afford to charity
26. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
27. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (while teaching... while trying to scold a child... wasn't quite a "giggling fit" but close enough)
28. Had a food fight
29. Bet on a winning horse.
30. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
31. Asked out a stranger
32. Had a snowball fight
33. Photocopied your bottom on the office photocopier
34. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can(updated)
35. Held a lamb (umm... Danny and Tina used to own a sheep... it smelled like urine all the time... I never held it.)
36. Enacted a favorite fantasy
38. Taken an ice cold bath
39. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
40. Seen a total eclipse
41. Ridden a roller coaster
42. Hit a home run (maybe in elementary school)
43. Fit three weeks miraculously into three days (teaching feels that way sometimes)
44. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking(Rob says in front of my room-mates does count!)
45. Adopted an accent for an entire day
46. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors ("IF I KNEW WHAT THAT WAS THEN I MIGHT" says Niki. I agree.)
47. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
48. Had two hard drives for your computer
49. Visited all 50 states
50. Loved your job for all accounts (my internship... but I wasn't paid)
51. Taken care of someone who was ill
52. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
53. Had amazing friends
54. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
55. Watched wild whales
56. Stolen a sign
57. Backpacked in Europe
58. Taken a road-trip (somehow I missed this one the first time through)
59. Gone rock climbing
60. Lied to foreign government's official in that country to avoid notice
61. Midnight walk on the beach
62. Gone sky diving
63. Visited Ireland
64. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
65. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
66. Visited Japan
67. Bench-pressed your own weight
68. Milked a cow
69. Alphabetized your CDs/DVDs
70. Pretended to be a superhero (I totally had a second-hand Wonder Woman costume when I was a kid!)
71. Sung karaoke
72. Lounged around in bed all day
73. Posed nude for pictures (no, although it would almost be worth the lie to say "yes" to see the reaction of people who read this!)
74. Gone scuba diving
75. Got it on to "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye
76. Kissed in the rain
77. Played in the mud
78. Played in the rain
79. Gone to a drive-in theater
80. Done something you should regret, but don't regret it
81. Visited the Great Wall of China
83. Dropped Windows in favor of something better ("I DON’T UNDERSTAND THIS QUESTION" says Niki... I don't either. )
84. Started a business (umm... I sold bracelets in elementary school!)
86. Toured ancient sites (Hello! I live in St.Augustine!)
87. Taken a martial arts class
88. Had a sword fight
89. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
90. Gotten married
91. Been in a movie (no, but on tv)
92. Crashed a party
93. Loved someone you shouldn't have
94. Kissed someone so passionately it made them dizzy (I would have to get his opinion!)
95. Gotten divorced
96. Eaten cold pizza (cold pizza for breakfast is the best!)
97. Gone without food for 5 days (HECK NO!)
98. Made cookies from scratch
99. Won first prize in a talent contest
100. Ridden a gondola in Venice
Okay, so I have some work to do. But I guess that just means I can't die yet. Rob will be thrilled.
I stole this from Niki. I like it. It's a list of things to do before you die. You highlight the ones you've done.
01. Bought everyone in the pub a drink
02. Swim with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain(updated: I highlighted this one for Rob... I think this means mountain climbing with ropes and caribeeners etc., but he says a mountain in Georgia counts)
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula. (at least I think I did... I know we had one in my 8th-9th grade science class... his name was Esau because he was red and hairy)
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it.
09. Hugged a tree
(I didn't make this list... I don't know what happened to 10 & 11!)12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightening storm at sea (not at sea, but from an airplane)
14. Stayed up all night long, and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Touched an iceberg
20. Slept under the stars (do tents count?)
21. Changed a baby's diaper
22. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon (well, not officially a "trip" but I've been in one)
23. Watched a meteor shower
24. Gotten drunk on champagne
25. Given more than you can afford to charity
26. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
27. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (while teaching... while trying to scold a child... wasn't quite a "giggling fit" but close enough)
28. Had a food fight
29. Bet on a winning horse.
30. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
31. Asked out a stranger
32. Had a snowball fight
33. Photocopied your bottom on the office photocopier
34. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can(updated)
35. Held a lamb (umm... Danny and Tina used to own a sheep... it smelled like urine all the time... I never held it.)
36. Enacted a favorite fantasy
38. Taken an ice cold bath
39. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
40. Seen a total eclipse
41. Ridden a roller coaster
42. Hit a home run (maybe in elementary school)
43. Fit three weeks miraculously into three days (teaching feels that way sometimes)
44. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking(Rob says in front of my room-mates does count!)
45. Adopted an accent for an entire day
46. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors ("IF I KNEW WHAT THAT WAS THEN I MIGHT" says Niki. I agree.)
47. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
48. Had two hard drives for your computer
49. Visited all 50 states
50. Loved your job for all accounts (my internship... but I wasn't paid)
51. Taken care of someone who was ill
52. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
53. Had amazing friends
54. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
55. Watched wild whales
56. Stolen a sign
57. Backpacked in Europe
58. Taken a road-trip (somehow I missed this one the first time through)
59. Gone rock climbing
60. Lied to foreign government's official in that country to avoid notice
61. Midnight walk on the beach
62. Gone sky diving
63. Visited Ireland
64. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
65. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
66. Visited Japan
67. Bench-pressed your own weight
68. Milked a cow
69. Alphabetized your CDs/DVDs
70. Pretended to be a superhero (I totally had a second-hand Wonder Woman costume when I was a kid!)
71. Sung karaoke
72. Lounged around in bed all day
73. Posed nude for pictures (no, although it would almost be worth the lie to say "yes" to see the reaction of people who read this!)
74. Gone scuba diving
75. Got it on to "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye
76. Kissed in the rain
77. Played in the mud
78. Played in the rain
79. Gone to a drive-in theater
80. Done something you should regret, but don't regret it
81. Visited the Great Wall of China
83. Dropped Windows in favor of something better ("I DON’T UNDERSTAND THIS QUESTION" says Niki... I don't either. )
84. Started a business (umm... I sold bracelets in elementary school!)
86. Toured ancient sites (Hello! I live in St.Augustine!)
87. Taken a martial arts class
88. Had a sword fight
89. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
90. Gotten married
91. Been in a movie (no, but on tv)
92. Crashed a party
93. Loved someone you shouldn't have
94. Kissed someone so passionately it made them dizzy (I would have to get his opinion!)
95. Gotten divorced
96. Eaten cold pizza (cold pizza for breakfast is the best!)
97. Gone without food for 5 days (HECK NO!)
98. Made cookies from scratch
99. Won first prize in a talent contest
100. Ridden a gondola in Venice
Okay, so I have some work to do. But I guess that just means I can't die yet. Rob will be thrilled.
Dec 7, 2005
good morning, in the pm...
I had an algebra teacher in jr.high that would say "good afternoon" any time prior to noon and "good morning" any time past noon. I think she did it just to catch people off guard. She was pretty quirky. There was no point in me telling you that... I just felt like saying "good morning" and then realized it was nearly 6:00pm.
Random thought of the day: I hope the best but fear the worst for many of the people I've known in the past. I feel like that's pesimistic of me, but I've been proven right too many times to feel any differently.
I had an algebra teacher in jr.high that would say "good afternoon" any time prior to noon and "good morning" any time past noon. I think she did it just to catch people off guard. She was pretty quirky. There was no point in me telling you that... I just felt like saying "good morning" and then realized it was nearly 6:00pm.
Random thought of the day: I hope the best but fear the worst for many of the people I've known in the past. I feel like that's pesimistic of me, but I've been proven right too many times to feel any differently.
Dec 6, 2005
all grown up...
There are various points in one's life that are somewhat defining as steps toward adulthood. Yesterday, mine was being a "big girl" and going to get a shot all by myself. Aside from when I was deathly ill over the summer, this is the only other time I've even had to go to the doctor by myself. The actual "going" isn't so bad, it's more everything leading up to going. Over the summer, it was figuring out which doctor I was allowed to go to in St.Augustine that was covered by my insurance, and then actually getting in to see him, and then finding out there was a problem with my insurance and having to make the necessary calls to figure all that stuff out, all while my tonsils were swelling to the size of ping-pong balls. Yesterday wasn't nearly as confusing. I just had to figure out the right office of the health department to go to. So I went and got my Tetanus shot (so I can go to New Orleans next week) by myself, and it wasn't that bad. But it is a Tetanus shot, which is known to make you sore, so my arm hurts a little today. It just feels like when you've pulled a muscle or something.
Speaking of New Orleans, I'm going there next week with a group from church to do some disaster relief stuff. Honestly, at first I wasn't that excited about it, but I just felt like I should go. Now I'm pretty excited about going. I went last year to Punta Gorda to do similar work, and that was a really good experience. I'm just hoping for more organization while we're there this time, which I think there's a pretty good chance of.
Anyway, that's all my news for now. Hope everyone has a great week! Grace and peace!
There are various points in one's life that are somewhat defining as steps toward adulthood. Yesterday, mine was being a "big girl" and going to get a shot all by myself. Aside from when I was deathly ill over the summer, this is the only other time I've even had to go to the doctor by myself. The actual "going" isn't so bad, it's more everything leading up to going. Over the summer, it was figuring out which doctor I was allowed to go to in St.Augustine that was covered by my insurance, and then actually getting in to see him, and then finding out there was a problem with my insurance and having to make the necessary calls to figure all that stuff out, all while my tonsils were swelling to the size of ping-pong balls. Yesterday wasn't nearly as confusing. I just had to figure out the right office of the health department to go to. So I went and got my Tetanus shot (so I can go to New Orleans next week) by myself, and it wasn't that bad. But it is a Tetanus shot, which is known to make you sore, so my arm hurts a little today. It just feels like when you've pulled a muscle or something.
Speaking of New Orleans, I'm going there next week with a group from church to do some disaster relief stuff. Honestly, at first I wasn't that excited about it, but I just felt like I should go. Now I'm pretty excited about going. I went last year to Punta Gorda to do similar work, and that was a really good experience. I'm just hoping for more organization while we're there this time, which I think there's a pretty good chance of.
Anyway, that's all my news for now. Hope everyone has a great week! Grace and peace!
Dec 1, 2005
lacking...
I haven't been in the Word like I should lately, and I can feel it more now than I ever have before. There have been plenty of times in my life when I've gone without quiet times for given periods of time, but this time seems to be having the most effect. I guess it's good in a way. Not good that I'm out of the Word, but good that I'm feeling its importance by the void that is left without it. I read yesterdsay, and, as always, God was faithful to go above and beyond what I expected. There was a certain passage, the last among many, and when I got to it, it was like being in a dark house with heavy drapes on the windows, and when you pull back the drapes the sunlight comes pouring in. The light and warmth fill the room and change the entire atmosphere. "Wow," you say, as you stand in amazement of all that you had been missing when the drapes were closed. That's how I felt yesterday. That's how I want to feel every day. Yet it's so easy just to leave my Bible sitting there closed. All it takes is a little determination. I'm working on that. Pray for me. Grace and peace.
I haven't been in the Word like I should lately, and I can feel it more now than I ever have before. There have been plenty of times in my life when I've gone without quiet times for given periods of time, but this time seems to be having the most effect. I guess it's good in a way. Not good that I'm out of the Word, but good that I'm feeling its importance by the void that is left without it. I read yesterdsay, and, as always, God was faithful to go above and beyond what I expected. There was a certain passage, the last among many, and when I got to it, it was like being in a dark house with heavy drapes on the windows, and when you pull back the drapes the sunlight comes pouring in. The light and warmth fill the room and change the entire atmosphere. "Wow," you say, as you stand in amazement of all that you had been missing when the drapes were closed. That's how I felt yesterday. That's how I want to feel every day. Yet it's so easy just to leave my Bible sitting there closed. All it takes is a little determination. I'm working on that. Pray for me. Grace and peace.
Nov 28, 2005
good times...
Thanksgiving weekend (closer to a week really) was wonderful. We hung out with the Stone family, relaxed a bunch, had early Christmas for me and Rob, and spent a day bumming around Orlando. All in all, a great time.
I spent today with the class that I'll sub for in January. It was a good day. And I'm getting paid for it! I think January will go really well. I'm quite looking forward to it.
That's all for now. Later.
Thanksgiving weekend (closer to a week really) was wonderful. We hung out with the Stone family, relaxed a bunch, had early Christmas for me and Rob, and spent a day bumming around Orlando. All in all, a great time.
I spent today with the class that I'll sub for in January. It was a good day. And I'm getting paid for it! I think January will go really well. I'm quite looking forward to it.
That's all for now. Later.
Nov 23, 2005
off again...
Well, we're off again to South Florida for the holiday weekend. It has been requested that I join the females for shopping early Friday morning... my thought is that it has the nickname "Black Friday" for a reason! I'll try to get out of it, but if I can't I'll be a good sport and go. Anyway, I don't know if I'll post any while I'm in Ft.Lauderdale, so if not, I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoys family and friends and good food. Be safe! Later!
Well, we're off again to South Florida for the holiday weekend. It has been requested that I join the females for shopping early Friday morning... my thought is that it has the nickname "Black Friday" for a reason! I'll try to get out of it, but if I can't I'll be a good sport and go. Anyway, I don't know if I'll post any while I'm in Ft.Lauderdale, so if not, I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoys family and friends and good food. Be safe! Later!
Nov 21, 2005
good weekend...
Nickle Creek is absolutely rediculously amazing. I want to be in a bluegrass band. I want an upright bass. Driving on a poorly-lit highway in the wee hours of morning in the rain, swerving to miss tipped-over barracade barrels is always good. Tolls are rediculous.
The Miami game was fun... but they lost. "Poodle on a stick" is pretty good.
Chai Frappaccino is a perfect way to start a morning. Singing with Rob is one of my favorite things to do. The entire Stone/Smith family (and various extensions thereof) is fabulous.
**Sorry for the lack of details. I need to hit the sack. If you're interested to know more, leave a question in the comments! G'night!
Nickle Creek is absolutely rediculously amazing. I want to be in a bluegrass band. I want an upright bass. Driving on a poorly-lit highway in the wee hours of morning in the rain, swerving to miss tipped-over barracade barrels is always good. Tolls are rediculous.
The Miami game was fun... but they lost. "Poodle on a stick" is pretty good.
Chai Frappaccino is a perfect way to start a morning. Singing with Rob is one of my favorite things to do. The entire Stone/Smith family (and various extensions thereof) is fabulous.
**Sorry for the lack of details. I need to hit the sack. If you're interested to know more, leave a question in the comments! G'night!
Nov 15, 2005
completed...
Yesterday was the last day of my internship. Today is the first day that my 18 second-graders are at school and I am not. It's kind of weird. Yesterday was a great day though. My kids were super sweet... some of them brought little presents for me. (We also celebrated one of the kid's birthdays yesterday, which involved Krispy Kream donughts! That alone made it a great day!) After lunch, when we came back in the room, Judy had the table set up with a huge basket of stuff for me, flowers from the class, and a platter of cupcakes that spelled out "We'll miss you Ms. Lee". There was also a book that Judy had put together of writings the kids had done. They each wrote a letter to principals who will interview me... "Principals you meet along the way" Liam told me. They all started off something like "Dear Principal, You should hire Ms. Lee because..." They were really sweet. It's awesome reading the reasons that second-graders come up with as to why I'd make a good teacher. I think my two favorites were (1) "If your eraser is bad, she'll give you a new one" and (2) "She'll let someone take you to the bathroom while you're on the playground if you need to go." Those cracked me up. The rest mostly revolved around helping with math facts and spelling and computers. The book was definitely my favorite gift. Although the EZ-grader that was in my basket-full of stuff is a pretty close second! I was also way excited that I got two Starbucks gift cards. Anyway, that's the end of my story. As of now, I am unemployed, but I should be set in a day or two for substituting. That'll be a day-to-day thing until January when I'll long-term-sub for 6 weeks. After that, I'm claiming the promise that God has a job in store for me and that I'll be hired to teach in August.
I'm looking forward to this weekend: Friday night is the Nickle Creek concert in Orlando. From there, Rob and I will drive the rest of the way to Ft.Lauderdale and spend the night at his parents'. Saturday is the Miami v. Georgia Tech game that we are going to. Sunday is mine and Rob's one-year anneversary, so we plan to spend the day at Islands of Adventure. All in all, it should be a great time.
That's all for now. Tune in next time for another episode of Meg's Life.
Yesterday was the last day of my internship. Today is the first day that my 18 second-graders are at school and I am not. It's kind of weird. Yesterday was a great day though. My kids were super sweet... some of them brought little presents for me. (We also celebrated one of the kid's birthdays yesterday, which involved Krispy Kream donughts! That alone made it a great day!) After lunch, when we came back in the room, Judy had the table set up with a huge basket of stuff for me, flowers from the class, and a platter of cupcakes that spelled out "We'll miss you Ms. Lee". There was also a book that Judy had put together of writings the kids had done. They each wrote a letter to principals who will interview me... "Principals you meet along the way" Liam told me. They all started off something like "Dear Principal, You should hire Ms. Lee because..." They were really sweet. It's awesome reading the reasons that second-graders come up with as to why I'd make a good teacher. I think my two favorites were (1) "If your eraser is bad, she'll give you a new one" and (2) "She'll let someone take you to the bathroom while you're on the playground if you need to go." Those cracked me up. The rest mostly revolved around helping with math facts and spelling and computers. The book was definitely my favorite gift. Although the EZ-grader that was in my basket-full of stuff is a pretty close second! I was also way excited that I got two Starbucks gift cards. Anyway, that's the end of my story. As of now, I am unemployed, but I should be set in a day or two for substituting. That'll be a day-to-day thing until January when I'll long-term-sub for 6 weeks. After that, I'm claiming the promise that God has a job in store for me and that I'll be hired to teach in August.
I'm looking forward to this weekend: Friday night is the Nickle Creek concert in Orlando. From there, Rob and I will drive the rest of the way to Ft.Lauderdale and spend the night at his parents'. Saturday is the Miami v. Georgia Tech game that we are going to. Sunday is mine and Rob's one-year anneversary, so we plan to spend the day at Islands of Adventure. All in all, it should be a great time.
That's all for now. Tune in next time for another episode of Meg's Life.
Nov 10, 2005
try it...
After being inspired by Rob, I made a quiz about myself for all of you to take. Marilyn recommended that I use this website, so here's the link. It should work... and the link should take you straight to my quiz. Give it a try!
meg's quiz
After being inspired by Rob, I made a quiz about myself for all of you to take. Marilyn recommended that I use this website, so here's the link. It should work... and the link should take you straight to my quiz. Give it a try!
meg's quiz
music fills the air...
This fall seems to be the time of concerts for me. Rob and I have many on our calender. We've already done Death Cab for Cutie on October 30, and Copeland on November 6. They were both really good! Death Cab was at the Hard Rock in Orlando, which is a nice large venue. We had lots of fun with Rob's friends from UCF. Copeland, which I've seen once before, was at The Social, also in Orlando. I really like The Social. Cool atmosphere. Ryan and "Bone" joined us that night. Earlier in the evening, we stopped in at Nate's engagement party (sorry, can't remember her name... I'm bad about that... and I've met her several times!). On the 18th Rob and I will see Nickle Creek, which I'm really very excited about. The Thursday night concert in Jacksonville was already sold out, so we'll be in Orlando on Friday yet again. That should be a really fun weekend... Friday is the concert, from where we will continue on to Ft.Lauderdale and spend the weekend. Sunday Rob and I will have our One Year anneversary and will hopefully be able to spend the day at Islands of Adventure. The final concert on our calender (for now) will be Allison Crause in December (is that how you spell her name?). After that, who knows. The "holiday season" will certainly be a busy one though.
That's all for now. I'm excited to say that I have tomorrow off! LONG WEEKEND!!
Later!
This fall seems to be the time of concerts for me. Rob and I have many on our calender. We've already done Death Cab for Cutie on October 30, and Copeland on November 6. They were both really good! Death Cab was at the Hard Rock in Orlando, which is a nice large venue. We had lots of fun with Rob's friends from UCF. Copeland, which I've seen once before, was at The Social, also in Orlando. I really like The Social. Cool atmosphere. Ryan and "Bone" joined us that night. Earlier in the evening, we stopped in at Nate's engagement party (sorry, can't remember her name... I'm bad about that... and I've met her several times!). On the 18th Rob and I will see Nickle Creek, which I'm really very excited about. The Thursday night concert in Jacksonville was already sold out, so we'll be in Orlando on Friday yet again. That should be a really fun weekend... Friday is the concert, from where we will continue on to Ft.Lauderdale and spend the weekend. Sunday Rob and I will have our One Year anneversary and will hopefully be able to spend the day at Islands of Adventure. The final concert on our calender (for now) will be Allison Crause in December (is that how you spell her name?). After that, who knows. The "holiday season" will certainly be a busy one though.
That's all for now. I'm excited to say that I have tomorrow off! LONG WEEKEND!!
Later!
Nov 3, 2005
awesome...
I love this verse!
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4
I love this verse!
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4
Oct 29, 2005
years later...
So it seems it has been ages since I posted anything, and --my apologies to all-- even longer since I read anyone else's posts. So here's a quick update and then a survey thing that Rob did that I enjoyed.
My internship continues to go well. I really do love second grade. At this point I only have two weeks remaining. I will be glad to have the opportunity to attempt to get a job for which I will receive pay, but I will definitely miss my class when I leave. My big plan between November 15 and graduation on December 10 is to try to work as many substituting positions as I can. That's really all there is for me to do, as I can only officially apply for teaching positions after graduation. In January, however, I have a long-term subbing position lined up already. I will sub for slightly more than a month for a guy who teaches second grade at Hartley. I'm really excited and really grateful for that opportunity. I think it will be a good way for me to "get a foot in the door" with the principal there. I met her the other day and she seems nice, and I've heard really good things about her. In this county, you have to know people or be known by people to get a job, so if I have any hope, this is it. The position in January will prevent me from going to the Passion conference in Tennessee this year, but I'm okay with that. This is more important. Besides, I think Rob and I are planning a trip together for a little later in the spring.
All else in life is basically the same as ever. All is well, church is good, I love Rob, I'm always broke... you know, the usual. Speaking of church, Anastasia really is one of the biggest blessings in my life. I have the most incredible group of friends I could ever hope for; I'm constantly fed spiritually in everything we do with church; there's a sense of accountability among us. It's just really cool. Rob and I have been in the rotation of people who teach our Sunday school Bible study lately, which has been good. I think it's good for us, too, because not only are we being stretched by teaching, the opportunity itself also gives us a specific reason to be in the Word together. We're both in the Word seperately and share with each other about it, but when we have to plan for a Bible study lesson it's nice to read the same passage and talk about it in depth. It's cool how God always uses things to bless those who "do" it and those who "receive" it. Aside from Sunday school, we've been visiting Treaty Park weekly (every Sunday afternoon) with "the group" for Ultimate Frisbee. It really is a good time. There's not a competitive or athletic bone in my body, but surprisingly, I do enjoy playing quite a bit.
Last night we went on our annual camping trip. There was some mistake with the scheduling at Anastasia State Park however, so we wound up camping out on Charlee's sister's property. When I heard that idea, I was less than enthused about it, but we went, and it was actually really good. Good, but FREEZING COLD! I slept in the back of Ryan's car with four layers of clothes on and a massive blanket and I was still cold. But all in all, it was worth it.
Okay, that's really all I have to say on my own, so I will now fill out a survey.
10 years ago: 10 Years ago I was 12. I was in 6th grade, which was my first year at Trinity Christian Academy. Personality-wise, this was probably the weirdest year of my life! I was at a new school with a new group of friends, there were lots of cute boys, and, well, I was a 6th grade girl. I had a crush on Daniel Pride and probably made a fool of myself at least every other day because of it in one way or another (not sure that anyone else really ever noticed though).
5 years ago: I was 17 and a junior in high-school. I was on student council, so the big event of the year was planning the Jr./Sr. Banquet. That was a lot of fun. I had rediculously short hair, marched in the band, had braces (but got them off that year), joined VIP (our school choir), and was transitioning out of being best friends with Jessie. Spirit week for homecoming was way fun that year. I also tried out for All-State Choir and made the all-girls SSAA group. That was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. I think I was pretty much between major crushes at the time, so no interesting notes there.
2 years ago: I was a junior at Flagler, although it was only my second year there. I dated Andrew for a very short time. I had the most diverse group of friends that I've ever had in all my life. I spent New Year's Eve in Times Square with my friends... awesome trip... we rode the train, which was a mistake; we house-hopped from night to night; we were really, officially ON OUR OWN in NYC! Transitioned groups of friends second semester. Was still living with Laci in the dorms, and Krissy and Erica were our suite-mates... the beginning of wonderful friendships.
1 year ago: I was 21, which means I drank for the first time in my life (yes, I really did wait for my 21st birthday). I was home from a summer in Canton, GA, and was finally living off-campus in a house. My interest in photography finally was awarded when I was at long-last able to take a photography class (both semesters). Rob and I had started hanging out, were clearly interested in each other, and would soon start dating (November 20th, to be exact). By the end of 2004 I had met Rob's family in South Florida, and they loved me, which was reassuring. In January I went to the Passion conference, which was amazing.
Yesterday: Was Friday. I went to work (internship) like usual. We actually had a pretty fun day because we got to do some fun activities in class that were a little out of the usual routine. I came home and took a nap before heading to our annual camping trip, which had to be relocated. I froze my butt off all night.
Snacks I enjoy: creamcicle ice cream from Veronica's store, cheese crackers, bananas, most everything else
What would I do with 100 Million Dollars? Tithe/give extra money to the church... it would be such a blessing to be in the position where I could give as much as I felt like giving without being held back by limited finances! I'd do something really special for both my grandmothers... I would say buy them new homes, but I don't think either of them really would want that, so I'd do something else really nice. I'd buy my parents a house on the water somewhere... my dad always wanted me to be a doctor or something so I could do that, so since I'm a teacher and won't ever be in that position otherwise, I'd use some of this money. I'd take my mom on a shopping spree. After the awesome wedding that Rob plans to pay for with his $100 Million, I'd take a freaking amazing honeymoon to some crazy-cool places in Europe or something. Oh, and I'd buy an upright bass!!! And after buying a sweet house for me and Rob, I'd make sure there was an amazing music room to play it in. (How far does $100 Million go? I'm sure I still have a ways...) I'd find some way to invest huge in the education system in a way that would make a direct impact on kids who need it most.
Top 5 places I would run away to?
Oh gosh... I don't know.
5. A suburb of Atlant: just a great place... near lots stuff I love
4. Tennessee: simply for the beauty of it
3. NYC: I'd like to try living there for a while
2. Chicago: I'd live in the museums!
1. London: I absolutely love that place!
5 things I would never wear:
5. men's underware (whitie-tighties... I'm not opposed to wearing boxers for sleeping in or whatever)
4. a thong... just not for me
3. a true mini-skirt
2. cowboy boots
1. a mu-mu (not sure how to spell it)
5 bad habits: (in no particular order)
5. getting too easily annoyed
4. being selfish
3. being lazy
2. not being considerate when speaking my mind
1. being a hypocrite in the little things
5 biggest joys: (again, no particular order)
5. church
4. Rob
3. St.Augustine
2. spirit-and-truth worship
1. Allison Harper Lee (my baby niece)
5 favorite toys: (currently)
5. Brett (my car)
4. Rob's digital camera
3. my poloroid camera
2. acrylic paint
1. (I can only think of four right now)
So it seems it has been ages since I posted anything, and --my apologies to all-- even longer since I read anyone else's posts. So here's a quick update and then a survey thing that Rob did that I enjoyed.
My internship continues to go well. I really do love second grade. At this point I only have two weeks remaining. I will be glad to have the opportunity to attempt to get a job for which I will receive pay, but I will definitely miss my class when I leave. My big plan between November 15 and graduation on December 10 is to try to work as many substituting positions as I can. That's really all there is for me to do, as I can only officially apply for teaching positions after graduation. In January, however, I have a long-term subbing position lined up already. I will sub for slightly more than a month for a guy who teaches second grade at Hartley. I'm really excited and really grateful for that opportunity. I think it will be a good way for me to "get a foot in the door" with the principal there. I met her the other day and she seems nice, and I've heard really good things about her. In this county, you have to know people or be known by people to get a job, so if I have any hope, this is it. The position in January will prevent me from going to the Passion conference in Tennessee this year, but I'm okay with that. This is more important. Besides, I think Rob and I are planning a trip together for a little later in the spring.
All else in life is basically the same as ever. All is well, church is good, I love Rob, I'm always broke... you know, the usual. Speaking of church, Anastasia really is one of the biggest blessings in my life. I have the most incredible group of friends I could ever hope for; I'm constantly fed spiritually in everything we do with church; there's a sense of accountability among us. It's just really cool. Rob and I have been in the rotation of people who teach our Sunday school Bible study lately, which has been good. I think it's good for us, too, because not only are we being stretched by teaching, the opportunity itself also gives us a specific reason to be in the Word together. We're both in the Word seperately and share with each other about it, but when we have to plan for a Bible study lesson it's nice to read the same passage and talk about it in depth. It's cool how God always uses things to bless those who "do" it and those who "receive" it. Aside from Sunday school, we've been visiting Treaty Park weekly (every Sunday afternoon) with "the group" for Ultimate Frisbee. It really is a good time. There's not a competitive or athletic bone in my body, but surprisingly, I do enjoy playing quite a bit.
Last night we went on our annual camping trip. There was some mistake with the scheduling at Anastasia State Park however, so we wound up camping out on Charlee's sister's property. When I heard that idea, I was less than enthused about it, but we went, and it was actually really good. Good, but FREEZING COLD! I slept in the back of Ryan's car with four layers of clothes on and a massive blanket and I was still cold. But all in all, it was worth it.
Okay, that's really all I have to say on my own, so I will now fill out a survey.
10 years ago: 10 Years ago I was 12. I was in 6th grade, which was my first year at Trinity Christian Academy. Personality-wise, this was probably the weirdest year of my life! I was at a new school with a new group of friends, there were lots of cute boys, and, well, I was a 6th grade girl. I had a crush on Daniel Pride and probably made a fool of myself at least every other day because of it in one way or another (not sure that anyone else really ever noticed though).
5 years ago: I was 17 and a junior in high-school. I was on student council, so the big event of the year was planning the Jr./Sr. Banquet. That was a lot of fun. I had rediculously short hair, marched in the band, had braces (but got them off that year), joined VIP (our school choir), and was transitioning out of being best friends with Jessie. Spirit week for homecoming was way fun that year. I also tried out for All-State Choir and made the all-girls SSAA group. That was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. I think I was pretty much between major crushes at the time, so no interesting notes there.
2 years ago: I was a junior at Flagler, although it was only my second year there. I dated Andrew for a very short time. I had the most diverse group of friends that I've ever had in all my life. I spent New Year's Eve in Times Square with my friends... awesome trip... we rode the train, which was a mistake; we house-hopped from night to night; we were really, officially ON OUR OWN in NYC! Transitioned groups of friends second semester. Was still living with Laci in the dorms, and Krissy and Erica were our suite-mates... the beginning of wonderful friendships.
1 year ago: I was 21, which means I drank for the first time in my life (yes, I really did wait for my 21st birthday). I was home from a summer in Canton, GA, and was finally living off-campus in a house. My interest in photography finally was awarded when I was at long-last able to take a photography class (both semesters). Rob and I had started hanging out, were clearly interested in each other, and would soon start dating (November 20th, to be exact). By the end of 2004 I had met Rob's family in South Florida, and they loved me, which was reassuring. In January I went to the Passion conference, which was amazing.
Yesterday: Was Friday. I went to work (internship) like usual. We actually had a pretty fun day because we got to do some fun activities in class that were a little out of the usual routine. I came home and took a nap before heading to our annual camping trip, which had to be relocated. I froze my butt off all night.
Snacks I enjoy: creamcicle ice cream from Veronica's store, cheese crackers, bananas, most everything else
What would I do with 100 Million Dollars? Tithe/give extra money to the church... it would be such a blessing to be in the position where I could give as much as I felt like giving without being held back by limited finances! I'd do something really special for both my grandmothers... I would say buy them new homes, but I don't think either of them really would want that, so I'd do something else really nice. I'd buy my parents a house on the water somewhere... my dad always wanted me to be a doctor or something so I could do that, so since I'm a teacher and won't ever be in that position otherwise, I'd use some of this money. I'd take my mom on a shopping spree. After the awesome wedding that Rob plans to pay for with his $100 Million, I'd take a freaking amazing honeymoon to some crazy-cool places in Europe or something. Oh, and I'd buy an upright bass!!! And after buying a sweet house for me and Rob, I'd make sure there was an amazing music room to play it in. (How far does $100 Million go? I'm sure I still have a ways...) I'd find some way to invest huge in the education system in a way that would make a direct impact on kids who need it most.
Top 5 places I would run away to?
Oh gosh... I don't know.
5. A suburb of Atlant: just a great place... near lots stuff I love
4. Tennessee: simply for the beauty of it
3. NYC: I'd like to try living there for a while
2. Chicago: I'd live in the museums!
1. London: I absolutely love that place!
5 things I would never wear:
5. men's underware (whitie-tighties... I'm not opposed to wearing boxers for sleeping in or whatever)
4. a thong... just not for me
3. a true mini-skirt
2. cowboy boots
1. a mu-mu (not sure how to spell it)
5 bad habits: (in no particular order)
5. getting too easily annoyed
4. being selfish
3. being lazy
2. not being considerate when speaking my mind
1. being a hypocrite in the little things
5 biggest joys: (again, no particular order)
5. church
4. Rob
3. St.Augustine
2. spirit-and-truth worship
1. Allison Harper Lee (my baby niece)
5 favorite toys: (currently)
5. Brett (my car)
4. Rob's digital camera
3. my poloroid camera
2. acrylic paint
1. (I can only think of four right now)
Oct 18, 2005
Oct 12, 2005
quick post...
I promised a "to be continued" post, so here it is. Friday night Rob and I had a nice quiet dinner of enchiladas and wine, followed by the special outing, which was to Gypsy Comedy Club. It was really a lot of fun. I like birthdays, especially when I get the opportunity to do something for someone I love.
School is going well this week. Nothing terribly exciting to report. OH, OH... except for something really awesome, which has nothing to do with what I'm doing right now, but rather what I will be doing in the future. Judi, my supervisor who does my observations, knows a guy who teaches second grade at Hartley Elementary (south St.Augustine). He and his wife are adopting a little baby soon, and he will be taking off on paternal leave for January and February and will need a substitute. Judi recommended me, and it looks like it might work out! I'm taking my sub training class next Wednesday, so from that point on I will be a St.Johns county sub, which is good anyway, but if I can do this long-term sub job it will be really great. It will not only give me a good two months of experience, but also will give me an "in" with the principal at Hartley. Full-time positions are hard to come by in St.Johns county because of the number of applicants, so any kind of experience or connections you have are to your benefit. Also, Rob made a good point when he said that if I have that job for two months, I will be able to make enough money that I can afford not to work full time for a little while after that so I can go to interviews and what-not. Long-term sub positions make a little better money too, so that would be another plus. Anyway, I'm eager to see how this all turns out. It's looking very promising! I just think it's cool how good God is, because I just prayed about the job thing with the girls on Sunday, and on Tuesday morning I found out about this. How cool is that!
Okay, so that's all for now. I have things that need to be done! Later!
I promised a "to be continued" post, so here it is. Friday night Rob and I had a nice quiet dinner of enchiladas and wine, followed by the special outing, which was to Gypsy Comedy Club. It was really a lot of fun. I like birthdays, especially when I get the opportunity to do something for someone I love.
School is going well this week. Nothing terribly exciting to report. OH, OH... except for something really awesome, which has nothing to do with what I'm doing right now, but rather what I will be doing in the future. Judi, my supervisor who does my observations, knows a guy who teaches second grade at Hartley Elementary (south St.Augustine). He and his wife are adopting a little baby soon, and he will be taking off on paternal leave for January and February and will need a substitute. Judi recommended me, and it looks like it might work out! I'm taking my sub training class next Wednesday, so from that point on I will be a St.Johns county sub, which is good anyway, but if I can do this long-term sub job it will be really great. It will not only give me a good two months of experience, but also will give me an "in" with the principal at Hartley. Full-time positions are hard to come by in St.Johns county because of the number of applicants, so any kind of experience or connections you have are to your benefit. Also, Rob made a good point when he said that if I have that job for two months, I will be able to make enough money that I can afford not to work full time for a little while after that so I can go to interviews and what-not. Long-term sub positions make a little better money too, so that would be another plus. Anyway, I'm eager to see how this all turns out. It's looking very promising! I just think it's cool how good God is, because I just prayed about the job thing with the girls on Sunday, and on Tuesday morning I found out about this. How cool is that!
Okay, so that's all for now. I have things that need to be done! Later!
Oct 7, 2005
lately the weather has been so bipolar and consequently so have i...
The title is a Relient K quote that has been my theme this week. All the rain gets me in a weird mood. Luckily, I think the rain has ended, for now at least.
Sorry for the lack of posting lately. Right now I'm in the computer lab at school watching Theresa's class while she has a meeting with Mrs.Stevens. Life is staying pretty busy. Posting is sort of last on the list of things to do.
Current News: Sunday is Rob's birthday. We're going out to celebrate tonight. I'm really excited, mostly because I get to surprise him. All I've told him is I'm making dinner, and then we're "going somewhere." It'll be a lot of fun! I'll report back after the fact to let you know what we did.
Allie's birthday is in a few weeks, as well. (Happy Birthday, Al!)
I spoke last night at Fusion. It was brief, but I said what I wanted to say, and I think it went pretty well. Rob mentioned afterward that he would have liked for me to say more, but it was really just one of those times where I didn't have anything else to say. I really think God wanted me to keep it simple last night. I'm not sure why, but I'm sure He had a purpose! (He knows what He's doing!) I used the song we sang as kids in church... "The wise man built his house upon the rock..."
... to be continued...
The title is a Relient K quote that has been my theme this week. All the rain gets me in a weird mood. Luckily, I think the rain has ended, for now at least.
Sorry for the lack of posting lately. Right now I'm in the computer lab at school watching Theresa's class while she has a meeting with Mrs.Stevens. Life is staying pretty busy. Posting is sort of last on the list of things to do.
Current News: Sunday is Rob's birthday. We're going out to celebrate tonight. I'm really excited, mostly because I get to surprise him. All I've told him is I'm making dinner, and then we're "going somewhere." It'll be a lot of fun! I'll report back after the fact to let you know what we did.
Allie's birthday is in a few weeks, as well. (Happy Birthday, Al!)
I spoke last night at Fusion. It was brief, but I said what I wanted to say, and I think it went pretty well. Rob mentioned afterward that he would have liked for me to say more, but it was really just one of those times where I didn't have anything else to say. I really think God wanted me to keep it simple last night. I'm not sure why, but I'm sure He had a purpose! (He knows what He's doing!) I used the song we sang as kids in church... "The wise man built his house upon the rock..."
... to be continued...
Sep 23, 2005
survey time!!!
10 favorites...
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Japanese
Favorite Song: Today, "The Luckiest"
Favorite Sport: eh
Favorite Season: late fall
Favorite Day Of The Week: Sunday or Friday
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: vanilla
Favorite Time Of Day: I love the time shortly after dawn but hate getting up for it.
Favorite Painting: "The Oxbow"... sadly, I no longer have my VisArt book, and I can't remember who painted it.
Favorite Place: the beach at night
9 Currents...
Current Mood: Relaxed
Current Taste: aftertaste of a stale cracker
Current Clothes: favorite jeans and R.B.Hunt Elementary T-shirt (it's Friday)
Current Desktop Picture: a macro-close-up of a white flower with water on its petals
Current Toenail Color: None
Current Time: 5:28pm
Current Surroundings: "the nook" at the house
Current Annoyance(s): personal lack of discipline
Current Thought: I love that Rob's thought was that he wants to take me to Chicago
8 Firsts...
First Best Friend: Allison Adams (still is!); also Melody Neal
First Kiss: Andrew
First Screen Name: meglee786
First Pet: Sweetpea and Cindy (they were both around when I was born)
First Piercing: ears
First Crush: either Colton from church or Josh from 1st grade... but Josh was a bigger deal!
First Music: Southern Gospel (my dad's music)
First Car: 1994 Nissan Sentra
7 Lasts...
Last Cigarette: never
Last Drink: any beverage: a Diet Coke after the kids left this afternoon; alcoholic: a sangria on my birthday last Friday
Last Car Ride: home from school, with a stop at Flagler
Last Kiss: Last night after Fusion
Last Movie Seen: can't even remember.
Last Phone Call: Rob about 10 minutes ago
Last CD Played: a mix CD from Rob from our 6 month anneversary
6 Have You Evers...
Have You Ever Dated One Of Your Best Friends: no
Have You Ever Broken the Law: Yes, but only by speeding and other minor traffic stuff
Have You Ever Been Arrested: no
Have You Ever Skinny Dipped: no
Have You Ever Been On TV: yes!
Have You Ever Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: no
5 Things...
5 Things You're Wearing: watch, neclace, rings, favorite jeans, favorite underwear (I'm wearing other stuff, too, for the record)
5 Things You've Done Today: administered the final portion of a reading curriculum skills test, administered a spelling test, read a Johnny Appleseed book, made applesauce, felt like "the real teacher" (Judy's out of town)
5 Things You Can Hear Right Now: Marilyn's blender, my typing, the fan of my computer, Marilyn popping ice cubes from the trays, the AC
5 Things You Can't Live Without: ice water, sunglasses, blue pens, air conditioning, organization
5 Things You Do When You're Bored: organize, eat, drive, read blogs, sleep
4 Places You've Been...
1. Chicago
2. New York City
3. London
4. Paris
3 People You Can Tell (most) Anything...
1. God (I'm supposed to say that)
2. Allie
3. Rob
2 Choices...
1. Black or White: Black
2. Hot or Cold: Cold
1 Wish...
to always be joyful
10 favorites...
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Japanese
Favorite Song: Today, "The Luckiest"
Favorite Sport: eh
Favorite Season: late fall
Favorite Day Of The Week: Sunday or Friday
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: vanilla
Favorite Time Of Day: I love the time shortly after dawn but hate getting up for it.
Favorite Painting: "The Oxbow"... sadly, I no longer have my VisArt book, and I can't remember who painted it.
Favorite Place: the beach at night
9 Currents...
Current Mood: Relaxed
Current Taste: aftertaste of a stale cracker
Current Clothes: favorite jeans and R.B.Hunt Elementary T-shirt (it's Friday)
Current Desktop Picture: a macro-close-up of a white flower with water on its petals
Current Toenail Color: None
Current Time: 5:28pm
Current Surroundings: "the nook" at the house
Current Annoyance(s): personal lack of discipline
Current Thought: I love that Rob's thought was that he wants to take me to Chicago
8 Firsts...
First Best Friend: Allison Adams (still is!); also Melody Neal
First Kiss: Andrew
First Screen Name: meglee786
First Pet: Sweetpea and Cindy (they were both around when I was born)
First Piercing: ears
First Crush: either Colton from church or Josh from 1st grade... but Josh was a bigger deal!
First Music: Southern Gospel (my dad's music)
First Car: 1994 Nissan Sentra
7 Lasts...
Last Cigarette: never
Last Drink: any beverage: a Diet Coke after the kids left this afternoon; alcoholic: a sangria on my birthday last Friday
Last Car Ride: home from school, with a stop at Flagler
Last Kiss: Last night after Fusion
Last Movie Seen: can't even remember.
Last Phone Call: Rob about 10 minutes ago
Last CD Played: a mix CD from Rob from our 6 month anneversary
6 Have You Evers...
Have You Ever Dated One Of Your Best Friends: no
Have You Ever Broken the Law: Yes, but only by speeding and other minor traffic stuff
Have You Ever Been Arrested: no
Have You Ever Skinny Dipped: no
Have You Ever Been On TV: yes!
Have You Ever Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: no
5 Things...
5 Things You're Wearing: watch, neclace, rings, favorite jeans, favorite underwear (I'm wearing other stuff, too, for the record)
5 Things You've Done Today: administered the final portion of a reading curriculum skills test, administered a spelling test, read a Johnny Appleseed book, made applesauce, felt like "the real teacher" (Judy's out of town)
5 Things You Can Hear Right Now: Marilyn's blender, my typing, the fan of my computer, Marilyn popping ice cubes from the trays, the AC
5 Things You Can't Live Without: ice water, sunglasses, blue pens, air conditioning, organization
5 Things You Do When You're Bored: organize, eat, drive, read blogs, sleep
4 Places You've Been...
1. Chicago
2. New York City
3. London
4. Paris
3 People You Can Tell (most) Anything...
1. God (I'm supposed to say that)
2. Allie
3. Rob
2 Choices...
1. Black or White: Black
2. Hot or Cold: Cold
1 Wish...
to always be joyful
Sep 19, 2005
scattered thoughts...
...feels like home...
"...there's something in your voice that makes my heart beat fast... hope this feeling lasts the rest of my life..."
-----
We had ladies' Bible study tonight, and at the end Kathy gave us a copy of something Mrs.Phyllis uses a lot. It's originally from this little pamphlet thing called "Not I but Christ." It lists some characteristics of certain sins that identify a "self life" or one that is focused on "me" instead of Christ. Some of the sins are a secret sense of pride, love of human praise, the stirrings of anger or impatience, self-will, carnal fear, a jealous disposition, a dishonest or deceitful disposition, unbelief, and selfishness. Each one is accompanied by a brief description. As I read through them, I was reminded, NOT for the first time, of how personal or private or even hidden most of my sins are. Many of the descriptions on this sheet used the word "secret" or referred to these sins being "a spirit of..." That's me. People look at me and see a good person. I'm definitely not saying that I never do things that affect other people... that's certainly not the case. But MOST of the things I struggle with are not things that other people can see. I'm not sure where I'm going with this. It was just on my mind tonight. I think it's just the whole idea that it doesn't matter how good people may think we are, what really matters is what is in our heart. This all reminded me of a quote from Girl Meets God, a book I read this summer. The author, Lauren, is speaking of her experience as a Jew in this passage:
I think that sums up the reality of it. No matter how good we think we are, or how good other people think we are, we are still completely detestable in comparison to the holiness of God. He is so completely perfect. We are COMPLETELY imperfect. Like Kathy said tonight, partial disobedience is total disobedience. There's no middle ground. God is perfect and we are sinners. Period. I have to remind myself of that. Sometimes I let Satan tell me that if other people don't see my sin, then I'm fine. If it's not affecting someone else, then I'm fine. That's SUCH a LIE! What is awesome though is that we, as Christians, are no longer defined as "sinners." God changed our name and now we are His. He has made us holy, which is a complete contradiction in logic to everything I just said. Such dichotomy! We, sinners, can now be seen as holy by the perfectly holy Creator. Simply amazing!
That's all I have to say about that for tonight. I'm not even sure where that all came from! I guess it's just what God was speaking to me. That's not even what our Bible study was about! Anyway, just thought I'd share.
-----
I had an observation today at school. That's where my supervisor from Flagler comes to watch me teach a lesson and evaluates how I'm doing. This was my second one. My first one I really wasn't nervous about at all, and it went pretty well. This one, for whatever reason, I was kind of nervous about. It was a "bigger" lesson, so that may have been a factor, but I was nervous, none-the-less. Anyway, I taught the lesson, and it went well, although I'm never sure if other people feel the same way, so I was still a little apprehensive about hearing what my supervisor had to say. But she spoke with me after the lesson, and everything she said was just so encouraging. She complimented specific things about the lesson, as well as general things about me as a teacher, both of which were greatly appreciated. I was really put at ease by everything she said. What was cool was that some of the things she mentioned were things that I had consciously thought about and wondered if they were going well or if I was doing good enough, and she specifically pointed them out as things that were in fact going well. When that happens, I am very encouraged. It just seems like such confirmation that this is where I should be. So needless to say, it was a good morning.
-----
There's a verse that God has frequently and consistently brought to my mind over the past three years. I won't say too much about it now, as this post is growing in length, but here it is.
"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12
This just reminds me that God knows the desires of our hearts, and He understands that our hearts are in pain when we have to wait for what we want. But the cool thing is that we get to experience such a huge blessing when the time comes for us to receive whatever it is that we are waiting for.
-----
I think I'm speaking the first Thursday of October at Fusion. We're meeting at the beach pavilion that night. My current idea for the message is based on the song we sang as kids in church... "the wise man built his house upon the rock... and the rains came tumbling down." If it all works out, it should be a lot of fun and hopefully a simple message that people will remember and learn from.
-----
So that's all for tonight. None of these thoughts are particularly connected in any way. That's how my brain was working today. Hope you enjoyed. Later.
...feels like home...
"...there's something in your voice that makes my heart beat fast... hope this feeling lasts the rest of my life..."
-----
We had ladies' Bible study tonight, and at the end Kathy gave us a copy of something Mrs.Phyllis uses a lot. It's originally from this little pamphlet thing called "Not I but Christ." It lists some characteristics of certain sins that identify a "self life" or one that is focused on "me" instead of Christ. Some of the sins are a secret sense of pride, love of human praise, the stirrings of anger or impatience, self-will, carnal fear, a jealous disposition, a dishonest or deceitful disposition, unbelief, and selfishness. Each one is accompanied by a brief description. As I read through them, I was reminded, NOT for the first time, of how personal or private or even hidden most of my sins are. Many of the descriptions on this sheet used the word "secret" or referred to these sins being "a spirit of..." That's me. People look at me and see a good person. I'm definitely not saying that I never do things that affect other people... that's certainly not the case. But MOST of the things I struggle with are not things that other people can see. I'm not sure where I'm going with this. It was just on my mind tonight. I think it's just the whole idea that it doesn't matter how good people may think we are, what really matters is what is in our heart. This all reminded me of a quote from Girl Meets God, a book I read this summer. The author, Lauren, is speaking of her experience as a Jew in this passage:
And on Yom Kippur, people pray, corporately, for God's forgiveness. Part of the Yom Kippur liturgy is a long confession, Vidui, a long list of sins committed: bribery, slandery, lust, gossip, insolence, envy, theft. Once, a Jewish man went to his rabbi and asked, "Why am I confessing all these sins? I didn't commit half of them. I haven't stolen anything or bribed anyone or told lies." The rabbi looked at the man and said, "If you understood the glory and grandeur of God, you would realize you had committed each of these sins, every day of your life.
I think that sums up the reality of it. No matter how good we think we are, or how good other people think we are, we are still completely detestable in comparison to the holiness of God. He is so completely perfect. We are COMPLETELY imperfect. Like Kathy said tonight, partial disobedience is total disobedience. There's no middle ground. God is perfect and we are sinners. Period. I have to remind myself of that. Sometimes I let Satan tell me that if other people don't see my sin, then I'm fine. If it's not affecting someone else, then I'm fine. That's SUCH a LIE! What is awesome though is that we, as Christians, are no longer defined as "sinners." God changed our name and now we are His. He has made us holy, which is a complete contradiction in logic to everything I just said. Such dichotomy! We, sinners, can now be seen as holy by the perfectly holy Creator. Simply amazing!
That's all I have to say about that for tonight. I'm not even sure where that all came from! I guess it's just what God was speaking to me. That's not even what our Bible study was about! Anyway, just thought I'd share.
-----
I had an observation today at school. That's where my supervisor from Flagler comes to watch me teach a lesson and evaluates how I'm doing. This was my second one. My first one I really wasn't nervous about at all, and it went pretty well. This one, for whatever reason, I was kind of nervous about. It was a "bigger" lesson, so that may have been a factor, but I was nervous, none-the-less. Anyway, I taught the lesson, and it went well, although I'm never sure if other people feel the same way, so I was still a little apprehensive about hearing what my supervisor had to say. But she spoke with me after the lesson, and everything she said was just so encouraging. She complimented specific things about the lesson, as well as general things about me as a teacher, both of which were greatly appreciated. I was really put at ease by everything she said. What was cool was that some of the things she mentioned were things that I had consciously thought about and wondered if they were going well or if I was doing good enough, and she specifically pointed them out as things that were in fact going well. When that happens, I am very encouraged. It just seems like such confirmation that this is where I should be. So needless to say, it was a good morning.
-----
There's a verse that God has frequently and consistently brought to my mind over the past three years. I won't say too much about it now, as this post is growing in length, but here it is.
"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12
This just reminds me that God knows the desires of our hearts, and He understands that our hearts are in pain when we have to wait for what we want. But the cool thing is that we get to experience such a huge blessing when the time comes for us to receive whatever it is that we are waiting for.
-----
I think I'm speaking the first Thursday of October at Fusion. We're meeting at the beach pavilion that night. My current idea for the message is based on the song we sang as kids in church... "the wise man built his house upon the rock... and the rains came tumbling down." If it all works out, it should be a lot of fun and hopefully a simple message that people will remember and learn from.
-----
So that's all for tonight. None of these thoughts are particularly connected in any way. That's how my brain was working today. Hope you enjoyed. Later.
Sep 17, 2005
o happy day...
I had absolutely the best birthday I can remember... save when I was like 5 or 6. My kids at school were looking forward to it as much or more than I was because they wanted to know what I was bringing for them! (When it's a kid's birthday, they can bring in cupcakes for the class, so it was automatically assumed that I would do the same. I brought ice cream sandwiches, which they were equally excited about. Like I told Rob, I think it's just the fact that it's sugar!) Anyway, first thing Friday morning, I woke to find really cool birthday cards and a "happy birthday" banner from my roomies. Then at school, when I got into my classroom after my morning duty, a few of my kids gave me cards and little presents. It was really sweet. They were home-made cards... those are the best, especially from 2nd graders. Judy, my directing teacher, bought lunch for me (because we order out on Fridays... except I'm always broke) and the second grade team all had lunch together. Judy also made brownies, and Katie, the other second grade intern, gave me a little bag of goodies, and there was a card signed by my team. It was nice. Then, after lunch, Judy gave me a book that she had gotten for me this week at our school's book fair, and all the kids had signed the inside cover. I about cried when I read it. The class sang me the "cha-cha-cha" version of Happy Birthday... it made me laugh. (For those who don't know, that's the normal version of Happy Birthday with "cha-cha-cha" thrown in between the phrases of the song. 2nd graders get a huge kick out of that minor alteration.) The class enjoyed the ice cream sandwiches at recess that afternoon.
After school, I came home to find flowers and a gift waiting for me from Rob in my room. He got me a Poloriod camera, which I am very much enjoying! (I'm going to have to stock up on extra film at some point.) Veronica gave me a home-made card with a picture of an elephant inside, which made me really happy, and she brought home some "birthday cake ice cream" too. Marilyn played dress-up with me for my date, except in the end we came back to the outfit that I had more or less picked out at the beginning. I think she was a little disappointed that she couldn't come up with something more creative for me, but the process was fun anyway. And we were all pleased with the final outfit. And she helped me accessorize, so it was all good. So Rob and I spent the rest of the evening out together, which was really enjoyable. I finally came home around 2:00am and hung my recently-taken Poloroids on the side of my bookshelf and then gathered up the piles of clothing not belonging to me (from the many attempted outfits of the night) before eventually putting myself in bed. Today I woke up and spent half the day with my parents and we just hung out around town. Later I went swimming with my roomies, and then had a "loner" evening of outlet mall and Barnes & Noble. It was great.
So there's the far-too-detailed account of my birthday weekend. Sorry for boring you. I really did have a great birthday though, so I thought I'd tell you all about it, whether or not you cared. Peace out!
I had absolutely the best birthday I can remember... save when I was like 5 or 6. My kids at school were looking forward to it as much or more than I was because they wanted to know what I was bringing for them! (When it's a kid's birthday, they can bring in cupcakes for the class, so it was automatically assumed that I would do the same. I brought ice cream sandwiches, which they were equally excited about. Like I told Rob, I think it's just the fact that it's sugar!) Anyway, first thing Friday morning, I woke to find really cool birthday cards and a "happy birthday" banner from my roomies. Then at school, when I got into my classroom after my morning duty, a few of my kids gave me cards and little presents. It was really sweet. They were home-made cards... those are the best, especially from 2nd graders. Judy, my directing teacher, bought lunch for me (because we order out on Fridays... except I'm always broke) and the second grade team all had lunch together. Judy also made brownies, and Katie, the other second grade intern, gave me a little bag of goodies, and there was a card signed by my team. It was nice. Then, after lunch, Judy gave me a book that she had gotten for me this week at our school's book fair, and all the kids had signed the inside cover. I about cried when I read it. The class sang me the "cha-cha-cha" version of Happy Birthday... it made me laugh. (For those who don't know, that's the normal version of Happy Birthday with "cha-cha-cha" thrown in between the phrases of the song. 2nd graders get a huge kick out of that minor alteration.) The class enjoyed the ice cream sandwiches at recess that afternoon.
After school, I came home to find flowers and a gift waiting for me from Rob in my room. He got me a Poloriod camera, which I am very much enjoying! (I'm going to have to stock up on extra film at some point.) Veronica gave me a home-made card with a picture of an elephant inside, which made me really happy, and she brought home some "birthday cake ice cream" too. Marilyn played dress-up with me for my date, except in the end we came back to the outfit that I had more or less picked out at the beginning. I think she was a little disappointed that she couldn't come up with something more creative for me, but the process was fun anyway. And we were all pleased with the final outfit. And she helped me accessorize, so it was all good. So Rob and I spent the rest of the evening out together, which was really enjoyable. I finally came home around 2:00am and hung my recently-taken Poloroids on the side of my bookshelf and then gathered up the piles of clothing not belonging to me (from the many attempted outfits of the night) before eventually putting myself in bed. Today I woke up and spent half the day with my parents and we just hung out around town. Later I went swimming with my roomies, and then had a "loner" evening of outlet mall and Barnes & Noble. It was great.
So there's the far-too-detailed account of my birthday weekend. Sorry for boring you. I really did have a great birthday though, so I thought I'd tell you all about it, whether or not you cared. Peace out!
Sep 10, 2005
all things new...
Well, school's going well. I absolutely love my kids. They drive me crazy sometimes, but they really are incredible. I'm honestly surprised sometimes at how much I love teaching. Before starting my internship, I would feel uneasy every now and again about whether or not I really wanted to teach. But now that I'm in it, I really do love it. It's kind of weird.
Last night Rob took me to Rock the Universe, which was a blast. We went with several other people from church, and it was really a good time. We only wathced David Crowder Band, and then we rode the few rides that were open still (namely the Mummy, which was pretty good actually), but Crowder was worth the drive. Granted that's the band that I've seen the most, and I've already seen them a couple of times this year, but they are always so good. I'm so excited about the new album coming out this month, too! They played one of the new songs last night, and if everything on the album is that good, it'll be way fun.
So Friday's the big 22 for me. Normally, I'd say "that's weird," but honestly this time it's not. I guess sometime in the past year I just sort of started feeling like rather than being 21 I was "almost 22" so actually turning 22 now isn't much of a big deal. And it's not like anything changes at 22. 25 will be the next "big" birthday. Lower car insurance, able to rent a car, etc. Anyway, all that random information for nothing, except to say that my birthday's coming up. When my kids found out, the first thing they wanted to know was "what are you bringing?!" because the kids always bring cupcakes on their birthdays. I think I'll treat them to ice cream sandwiches.
I got to see my family last Monday for Labor day. While I was really looking forward to seeing Cody, I think my favorite was being able to see my newest neice Allison. She's so perfect. And pretty. Most babies are cute, but she's just really pretty. And she's happy. I love happy babies. I'm really looking forward to watching her grow up. And I'm really impressed with Amy and David as parents. They're so cute. It's so clear that she is absolutely the center of their world. I love it.
Well, back to the Texas v. Ohio football game. I'm admittedly not a huge sports fan, but I really don't mind watching football. And I figure if I stick with watching it, I might actually learn something about the game, as I really only understand the basics. At least I realize that the yellow line doesn't really show up on the field. C'mon girls, that makes us look really bad.
That's it for the night. Hope everyone has a good week.
Well, school's going well. I absolutely love my kids. They drive me crazy sometimes, but they really are incredible. I'm honestly surprised sometimes at how much I love teaching. Before starting my internship, I would feel uneasy every now and again about whether or not I really wanted to teach. But now that I'm in it, I really do love it. It's kind of weird.
Last night Rob took me to Rock the Universe, which was a blast. We went with several other people from church, and it was really a good time. We only wathced David Crowder Band, and then we rode the few rides that were open still (namely the Mummy, which was pretty good actually), but Crowder was worth the drive. Granted that's the band that I've seen the most, and I've already seen them a couple of times this year, but they are always so good. I'm so excited about the new album coming out this month, too! They played one of the new songs last night, and if everything on the album is that good, it'll be way fun.
So Friday's the big 22 for me. Normally, I'd say "that's weird," but honestly this time it's not. I guess sometime in the past year I just sort of started feeling like rather than being 21 I was "almost 22" so actually turning 22 now isn't much of a big deal. And it's not like anything changes at 22. 25 will be the next "big" birthday. Lower car insurance, able to rent a car, etc. Anyway, all that random information for nothing, except to say that my birthday's coming up. When my kids found out, the first thing they wanted to know was "what are you bringing?!" because the kids always bring cupcakes on their birthdays. I think I'll treat them to ice cream sandwiches.
I got to see my family last Monday for Labor day. While I was really looking forward to seeing Cody, I think my favorite was being able to see my newest neice Allison. She's so perfect. And pretty. Most babies are cute, but she's just really pretty. And she's happy. I love happy babies. I'm really looking forward to watching her grow up. And I'm really impressed with Amy and David as parents. They're so cute. It's so clear that she is absolutely the center of their world. I love it.
Well, back to the Texas v. Ohio football game. I'm admittedly not a huge sports fan, but I really don't mind watching football. And I figure if I stick with watching it, I might actually learn something about the game, as I really only understand the basics. At least I realize that the yellow line doesn't really show up on the field. C'mon girls, that makes us look really bad.
That's it for the night. Hope everyone has a good week.
Sep 2, 2005
pressin' on...
Well, for the first time in a long time, I'm sitting down at my house in front of my computer, and I have nothing else that demands my attention at the present moment. It's kinda nice. After a long, busy week, Rob and I finally squeezed in a date night. We were able to do the First Friday Art Walk at long last. I'm pretty sure December was the last time I went, which is a long time to go without doing something I really quite enjoy. However, I will say that I think the art itself gets less and less impressive each time I go, but the event itself is still fun. I think I just like that I have an excuse to walk the majority of the downtown area in a given evening. And I like that so many other people are out doing the same. It's a cool sense of community somehow. I love St.Augustine. I definitely believe I'm made for it.
Rob moves into his new place tomorrow. It'll be a long day, I'm sure, but I'm really excited for him. Then Sunday he and I are teaching Sunday school. Monday, as we all know, is Labor Day, which gloriously means I have the day off, and we'll be heading up to Fernandina to see the family. I'm most excited to spend some time with my fabulous 7-year-old nephew Cody. He's awesome. He's always sure to provide some good conversation. I miss him.
So anyway, I've finished my cup of cookies-n-cream ice cream, and I really don't have anything else I feel all that compelled to talk about right now, so I think I'll go. If you're someone I haven't spoken to lately, leave me a message to say hi. Later.
Well, for the first time in a long time, I'm sitting down at my house in front of my computer, and I have nothing else that demands my attention at the present moment. It's kinda nice. After a long, busy week, Rob and I finally squeezed in a date night. We were able to do the First Friday Art Walk at long last. I'm pretty sure December was the last time I went, which is a long time to go without doing something I really quite enjoy. However, I will say that I think the art itself gets less and less impressive each time I go, but the event itself is still fun. I think I just like that I have an excuse to walk the majority of the downtown area in a given evening. And I like that so many other people are out doing the same. It's a cool sense of community somehow. I love St.Augustine. I definitely believe I'm made for it.
Rob moves into his new place tomorrow. It'll be a long day, I'm sure, but I'm really excited for him. Then Sunday he and I are teaching Sunday school. Monday, as we all know, is Labor Day, which gloriously means I have the day off, and we'll be heading up to Fernandina to see the family. I'm most excited to spend some time with my fabulous 7-year-old nephew Cody. He's awesome. He's always sure to provide some good conversation. I miss him.
So anyway, I've finished my cup of cookies-n-cream ice cream, and I really don't have anything else I feel all that compelled to talk about right now, so I think I'll go. If you're someone I haven't spoken to lately, leave me a message to say hi. Later.
Aug 27, 2005
it's been a while...
Sorry for the lack of posting recently. Life has just been too busy. I am in my... third week of teaching, I think. It's going really well. I love second grade. I've been teaching math primarily, and just helping out with everything else that goes on in the classroom.
Last weekend was the Fusion leadership retreat that has become an annual event for the month of August. We stayed in town this year, which worked out way better than I expected. I just keep being amazed by the awesome people I get to work along-side in ministry. I am so blessed.
This weekend I am in Ft.Lauderdale with Rob visiting his family for his dad's birthday. It's always a good time here. The Stone family is full of wonderful people and I really enjoy being around them.
This week Fusion is making the move to Thursday nights at 8:00, which is such a blessing. Being late at night didn't bother me when I was just in classes at Flagler, especially when I lived in the dorms, because I never had to wake up rediculously early on Thursdays. But now that I have to BE AT SCHOOL at 7:30, and now that "school" is not a two minute walk from my bedroom, it's way harder! This will be a welcomed change.
A week from Monday is Labor Day, which means the annual gathering of millions (almost) of my family members, most of whom I really don't know, or at least not all that well. I am actually looking forward to it. Family gatherings are much more interesting to me as an "adult" than they were when I was a kid.
Other events of September include Rob moving to a new apartment, Rock the Universe, and my birthday. The remaining days of August seem rather uneventful. I am looking forward to the next weekend that I have absolutely nothing to do. That, too, will be a welcomed change!
Sorry for the lack of posting recently. Life has just been too busy. I am in my... third week of teaching, I think. It's going really well. I love second grade. I've been teaching math primarily, and just helping out with everything else that goes on in the classroom.
Last weekend was the Fusion leadership retreat that has become an annual event for the month of August. We stayed in town this year, which worked out way better than I expected. I just keep being amazed by the awesome people I get to work along-side in ministry. I am so blessed.
This weekend I am in Ft.Lauderdale with Rob visiting his family for his dad's birthday. It's always a good time here. The Stone family is full of wonderful people and I really enjoy being around them.
This week Fusion is making the move to Thursday nights at 8:00, which is such a blessing. Being late at night didn't bother me when I was just in classes at Flagler, especially when I lived in the dorms, because I never had to wake up rediculously early on Thursdays. But now that I have to BE AT SCHOOL at 7:30, and now that "school" is not a two minute walk from my bedroom, it's way harder! This will be a welcomed change.
A week from Monday is Labor Day, which means the annual gathering of millions (almost) of my family members, most of whom I really don't know, or at least not all that well. I am actually looking forward to it. Family gatherings are much more interesting to me as an "adult" than they were when I was a kid.
Other events of September include Rob moving to a new apartment, Rock the Universe, and my birthday. The remaining days of August seem rather uneventful. I am looking forward to the next weekend that I have absolutely nothing to do. That, too, will be a welcomed change!
Aug 13, 2005
the saga continues...
Today was my first official "Saturday in the life of a teacher." I spent most of the morning (well, I guess it was really mid-day) planning out my lessons for next week. (I'll be teaching math this week. It'll be fun.) Realistically, planning lessons for 2nd grade math isn't that hard, but since I'm doing my internship, I have to do all this really detailed crap for my portfolio proving that I am capable of writing lesson plans and all that, so for the remaining 13 weeks it will be more complex than in real life. I guess it's better to be over-prepared though, rather than under-prepared.
Tonight and tomorrow morning the Sign Choir will be doing our song (Shackles) again for church. We did it last week at the Edge, and it was a lot of fun.
That's all the random information about this week that I can really think of for now. In my next post (whenever that may occur) I'll tell you about some stuff I'm looking forward to in the next few weeks. Until then, live well and take care! Grace and Peace!
Today was my first official "Saturday in the life of a teacher." I spent most of the morning (well, I guess it was really mid-day) planning out my lessons for next week. (I'll be teaching math this week. It'll be fun.) Realistically, planning lessons for 2nd grade math isn't that hard, but since I'm doing my internship, I have to do all this really detailed crap for my portfolio proving that I am capable of writing lesson plans and all that, so for the remaining 13 weeks it will be more complex than in real life. I guess it's better to be over-prepared though, rather than under-prepared.
Tonight and tomorrow morning the Sign Choir will be doing our song (Shackles) again for church. We did it last week at the Edge, and it was a lot of fun.
That's all the random information about this week that I can really think of for now. In my next post (whenever that may occur) I'll tell you about some stuff I'm looking forward to in the next few weeks. Until then, live well and take care! Grace and Peace!
Aug 7, 2005
ms.lee...
I have finished my first week of being a "teacher." My internship started last Monday, and the kids came to school on Friday. I'm really excited about it. I think it's going to be a really good experience for me. And my class seems to be a really good one. The kids are really cool, and we honestly have very few who seem to be "high-mantenance." Other than some drama two doors down from my class, the first day went really well.
This week was crazy busy. Not only was it my first week of internship, I also wound up having something scheduled for every evening. That was a little overwhelming. This coming week looks nearly as busy, but not quite. Hopefully things will slow down a little soon. I just fear that if I never get a break I'll burn out, and then I'll feel like I need to quit one of the things I'm doing, which really is not what I want to do. Anyway, I'm sure everything will work out soon. Until then, pray for my sanity! Actually, no, pray for me to feel rested. That's most important right now.
I'm really excited about Fusion for this next school year (I think it's going to be awesome), but at the same time I'm curiously looking ahead to what's next. I'm seeing some of my friends who are slightly "ahead" of me in their position in life (married, employed, etc.) who are transitioning out of our "college-age" ministry into other things, and I'm beginning to wonder if my transition time is fast-approaching as well. It's just that so many things change as you finish up college and move on to other parts of your life. A year ago I could not have begun to understand what this feels like, but now I'm starting to "get" it. I'm not worried about it... I know God has awesome things in store for me; I'm just curious. I'm excited to see where He's going to take me!
So that's all for now. I'm sure I won't get much time to post this week, so maybe I'll have something good to say by the next post. Enjoy your week!
I have finished my first week of being a "teacher." My internship started last Monday, and the kids came to school on Friday. I'm really excited about it. I think it's going to be a really good experience for me. And my class seems to be a really good one. The kids are really cool, and we honestly have very few who seem to be "high-mantenance." Other than some drama two doors down from my class, the first day went really well.
This week was crazy busy. Not only was it my first week of internship, I also wound up having something scheduled for every evening. That was a little overwhelming. This coming week looks nearly as busy, but not quite. Hopefully things will slow down a little soon. I just fear that if I never get a break I'll burn out, and then I'll feel like I need to quit one of the things I'm doing, which really is not what I want to do. Anyway, I'm sure everything will work out soon. Until then, pray for my sanity! Actually, no, pray for me to feel rested. That's most important right now.
I'm really excited about Fusion for this next school year (I think it's going to be awesome), but at the same time I'm curiously looking ahead to what's next. I'm seeing some of my friends who are slightly "ahead" of me in their position in life (married, employed, etc.) who are transitioning out of our "college-age" ministry into other things, and I'm beginning to wonder if my transition time is fast-approaching as well. It's just that so many things change as you finish up college and move on to other parts of your life. A year ago I could not have begun to understand what this feels like, but now I'm starting to "get" it. I'm not worried about it... I know God has awesome things in store for me; I'm just curious. I'm excited to see where He's going to take me!
So that's all for now. I'm sure I won't get much time to post this week, so maybe I'll have something good to say by the next post. Enjoy your week!
Jul 29, 2005
'ello...
I know, I know. I've been home all week and this is the first time I've posted. I'm a terrible person. It's just that every time I thought about doing it, I realized I had absolutely nothing of interest to say. So rather than waste your time reading it, I just didn't write it. I had you in mind. It was for your best interest. Having said all that, I still have little to say, but a post was requested, so alas, I write.
This week has been relaxing, which, of course, is nice. Rob did some serious cleaning in his room last weekend, and also moved my painting from there to his kitchen, so now that we could actually see the room and how blank it is, he and I concluded that it needed something. We had already discussed painting the room and have a color palate in mind, but that requires money and time, which neither of us really have, so that is postponed for a while. So in leiu of the walls getting a fresh coat of paint for now, I was commissioned to furnish wall hangings of my own design. (I like when I get to decorate for other people AND they leave the decisions about it up to me!) So my first project of the week was a "painting" (for lack of a better name for it) to go above his bed. By Marilyn's engenious suggestion, I purchased a 2'x4' piece of hardbord from Home Depot for a whopping $2.25, which is WAY better than the cost of a massive canvas from Michael's. (Hardboard is a thin piece of wood, much like the stuff wooden clipboards are made from.) Anyway, I covered the entire thing in newspaper --which happens to be in French, which I don't think Rob has noticed yet-- and then decopaged (sp?) random pictures on top of it... some from magazines, some that I took and played around with in photoshop. Then I painted over the whole thing with blue paint, leaving thin spots for the pictures to show through. I finished it by painting some scriptures on it in random places. I think it turned out pretty cool. It's one of those things, though, that I really had fun doing, therefore I like it, but I'm never sure if it's actually as cool as I think it is or if I just like it because it was fun to make. Anyway, Rob says he likes it, and it is now hanging on his wall, so that's all that really matters, I guess. Since hanging it, the opposite wall seems all the more blank, so my current project is something to hang on that wall. Currently, I have four re-used canvases that have been covered in newspaper (this time English) and I'm painting each a solid color. I plan to hang them all together, or possibly two-and-two to form two columns. I'll have to wait till they're on the wall to decide if they look good or if they're too plain. But as they're re-used, and I always have the option of adding more to them, it's no big deal if my vision for them is a bust. Nothing lost.
Other than painting this week, I took my FTCE last Saturday, and visited my baby niece Allison; I spent the day with my parents here in St.Augustine on Tuesday, which was nice; I got my license renewed (the new ones look funny) and had lunch with my mom on Thursday; and that's really about it, other than the usual. I read through the book of John in my quiet times this week. It was really good, but a lot of information to take in. I glanced ahead at next week's topic, and although I can't remember right now what it was, I was really excited about it, so maybe I'll have some insightful things to say about that next week. For now, I'm off to finish the canvases I think. Or maybe I'll eat a cookie instead, and watch a movie. We'll see.
I know, I know. I've been home all week and this is the first time I've posted. I'm a terrible person. It's just that every time I thought about doing it, I realized I had absolutely nothing of interest to say. So rather than waste your time reading it, I just didn't write it. I had you in mind. It was for your best interest. Having said all that, I still have little to say, but a post was requested, so alas, I write.
This week has been relaxing, which, of course, is nice. Rob did some serious cleaning in his room last weekend, and also moved my painting from there to his kitchen, so now that we could actually see the room and how blank it is, he and I concluded that it needed something. We had already discussed painting the room and have a color palate in mind, but that requires money and time, which neither of us really have, so that is postponed for a while. So in leiu of the walls getting a fresh coat of paint for now, I was commissioned to furnish wall hangings of my own design. (I like when I get to decorate for other people AND they leave the decisions about it up to me!) So my first project of the week was a "painting" (for lack of a better name for it) to go above his bed. By Marilyn's engenious suggestion, I purchased a 2'x4' piece of hardbord from Home Depot for a whopping $2.25, which is WAY better than the cost of a massive canvas from Michael's. (Hardboard is a thin piece of wood, much like the stuff wooden clipboards are made from.) Anyway, I covered the entire thing in newspaper --which happens to be in French, which I don't think Rob has noticed yet-- and then decopaged (sp?) random pictures on top of it... some from magazines, some that I took and played around with in photoshop. Then I painted over the whole thing with blue paint, leaving thin spots for the pictures to show through. I finished it by painting some scriptures on it in random places. I think it turned out pretty cool. It's one of those things, though, that I really had fun doing, therefore I like it, but I'm never sure if it's actually as cool as I think it is or if I just like it because it was fun to make. Anyway, Rob says he likes it, and it is now hanging on his wall, so that's all that really matters, I guess. Since hanging it, the opposite wall seems all the more blank, so my current project is something to hang on that wall. Currently, I have four re-used canvases that have been covered in newspaper (this time English) and I'm painting each a solid color. I plan to hang them all together, or possibly two-and-two to form two columns. I'll have to wait till they're on the wall to decide if they look good or if they're too plain. But as they're re-used, and I always have the option of adding more to them, it's no big deal if my vision for them is a bust. Nothing lost.
Other than painting this week, I took my FTCE last Saturday, and visited my baby niece Allison; I spent the day with my parents here in St.Augustine on Tuesday, which was nice; I got my license renewed (the new ones look funny) and had lunch with my mom on Thursday; and that's really about it, other than the usual. I read through the book of John in my quiet times this week. It was really good, but a lot of information to take in. I glanced ahead at next week's topic, and although I can't remember right now what it was, I was really excited about it, so maybe I'll have some insightful things to say about that next week. For now, I'm off to finish the canvases I think. Or maybe I'll eat a cookie instead, and watch a movie. We'll see.
Jul 22, 2005
updates on life...
I figured I'd write a quick post about what's going on in my life these days, for those who care or don't know. I have my second (of three) teacher certification exam tomorrow, which shouldn't be a big deal. Then I have next week totally off, then I start my internship on August 1, which is cool but a little scary. I'm glad I'm interning in the fall though because I get to do the teacher preplanning stuff, which should be quite helpful in a lot of ways. My good buddy Holly interned in the spring, and then even taught for real for a year, and still hasn't had a preplanning period, and she says she really misses that. My only regret, and it's a small one, is that the week of preplanning doesn't actually "count" for anything. Meaning that I do an extra week of internship in comparison to those who do it in the spring. But I think it'll be beneficial enough to make up for that. And what's a week really anyway? So that's that. As of August 1st, I'll be working a full-time job with no pay for 15 weeks. Oh boy.
Other than all that stuff, nothing's really particularly new. I have completed FOUR entire books this summer, and I'm in the middle of two different books of short stories. That's a HUGE accomplishment for me, for those who don't realize. I think what happened, other than boredom, was that I knew reading is a beneficial activity (I'm especially compelled to say this as a future educator) but when I looked at my own life I realized that I pretty much never read for my own enjoyment. The only books that I have read cover-to-cover in the past ten years have either been assigned to me for school or ones that I read for church or something. So I decided to become a reader. Not one of those die-hard crazy people, like a lady I saw the other day who had her book out in the movie theater before the movie started, but just a person who is in the habit of reading on a regular basis. So yeah. The titles of the ones I have finished are as follows: Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggars, Girl Meets God by Lauren F. Winner, and Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. I'm in the middle of The Harliquine Tea Set, and other short stories by Agatha Christie (which I had started reading a long time ago and then set aside), as well as Nine Stories by J.D.Salinger. I started Catcher in the Rye (also by J.D.Salinger) but didn't like it for the fact that he cursed every other line, and it was just flat out distracting from the story. His short stories are good, but some of them have abrupt or anticlimatic endings. Overall, not bad though. Agatha Christie has long been my favorite author, but I am starting to appreciate things about her that I never thought about before. For example, in contrast to Salinger and many other writers, she is equally as good at her short stories as she is at her long ones. Rob and I discussed the other day how most writers seem to have trouble switching from long to short stories or vice versa. Christie can do it though. So anyway, enough about that. I would highly recommend all four of the books I read to anyone. All but Cat's Cradle are memoire-ish. A.H.W.O.S.G. (as it is abbreviated at the top of every page of the book) also uses a few more choice words than I would actually prefer, but they come in sperts, so I was able to get over it. Besides, parts of it are completely hilarious. Girl Meets God and Blue Like Jazz are both Christian memoires, but in a really true-to-life sort of way that is very refreshing to read. So thanks for joining me for Meg's summer book review! Didn't expect this to be this long!
So other than that, the summer's been nice. Hot, but nice. Quiet times have been really good for me lately. I'm realizing more and more the importance of accountability and the joy of sharing with other people what I'm learning from God. Rob and Krissy have made these past two weeks really good. Speaking of, Rob and I have been together 8 months now, which is kinda crazy! We always talk about how sometimes it feels like forever, and then again it'll feel like we just met. It's cool how good relationships feel like that. Friendships seem to go that way too sometimes.
I'm on a fruit kick right now. I realize that I'll never actually eat as many vegetables as I should, so I figure I'll do as good as I can with fruit. I like fruit.
"The group" from church has started up playing Ultimate Frisbee again on Sunday afternoons. They've only gone out two weeks so far, neither of which have I joined in on. The first week was raining, and last week was unbearably hot. I might be a sport and play this week. But then again, if I do it once, I'll never be able to get out of it again. It's just not my thing. We'll see.
Rob and I have gotten to hang out with Holly and Kyle a bunch lately, which has been really fun. I'm so glad they're back. Holly spoke at Fusion this week, and it was incredible. It's cool to see how much God has done in her life.
After my test tomorrow, there's a chance Rob might get hooked up with a kiyak (sp?... that can't be right) so we might go out on the water for a while. That'll be fun.
I think I'm out of random things to tell you about, so I'm gonna go now. Have a relaxing weekend! Later!
I figured I'd write a quick post about what's going on in my life these days, for those who care or don't know. I have my second (of three) teacher certification exam tomorrow, which shouldn't be a big deal. Then I have next week totally off, then I start my internship on August 1, which is cool but a little scary. I'm glad I'm interning in the fall though because I get to do the teacher preplanning stuff, which should be quite helpful in a lot of ways. My good buddy Holly interned in the spring, and then even taught for real for a year, and still hasn't had a preplanning period, and she says she really misses that. My only regret, and it's a small one, is that the week of preplanning doesn't actually "count" for anything. Meaning that I do an extra week of internship in comparison to those who do it in the spring. But I think it'll be beneficial enough to make up for that. And what's a week really anyway? So that's that. As of August 1st, I'll be working a full-time job with no pay for 15 weeks. Oh boy.
Other than all that stuff, nothing's really particularly new. I have completed FOUR entire books this summer, and I'm in the middle of two different books of short stories. That's a HUGE accomplishment for me, for those who don't realize. I think what happened, other than boredom, was that I knew reading is a beneficial activity (I'm especially compelled to say this as a future educator) but when I looked at my own life I realized that I pretty much never read for my own enjoyment. The only books that I have read cover-to-cover in the past ten years have either been assigned to me for school or ones that I read for church or something. So I decided to become a reader. Not one of those die-hard crazy people, like a lady I saw the other day who had her book out in the movie theater before the movie started, but just a person who is in the habit of reading on a regular basis. So yeah. The titles of the ones I have finished are as follows: Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggars, Girl Meets God by Lauren F. Winner, and Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. I'm in the middle of The Harliquine Tea Set, and other short stories by Agatha Christie (which I had started reading a long time ago and then set aside), as well as Nine Stories by J.D.Salinger. I started Catcher in the Rye (also by J.D.Salinger) but didn't like it for the fact that he cursed every other line, and it was just flat out distracting from the story. His short stories are good, but some of them have abrupt or anticlimatic endings. Overall, not bad though. Agatha Christie has long been my favorite author, but I am starting to appreciate things about her that I never thought about before. For example, in contrast to Salinger and many other writers, she is equally as good at her short stories as she is at her long ones. Rob and I discussed the other day how most writers seem to have trouble switching from long to short stories or vice versa. Christie can do it though. So anyway, enough about that. I would highly recommend all four of the books I read to anyone. All but Cat's Cradle are memoire-ish. A.H.W.O.S.G. (as it is abbreviated at the top of every page of the book) also uses a few more choice words than I would actually prefer, but they come in sperts, so I was able to get over it. Besides, parts of it are completely hilarious. Girl Meets God and Blue Like Jazz are both Christian memoires, but in a really true-to-life sort of way that is very refreshing to read. So thanks for joining me for Meg's summer book review! Didn't expect this to be this long!
So other than that, the summer's been nice. Hot, but nice. Quiet times have been really good for me lately. I'm realizing more and more the importance of accountability and the joy of sharing with other people what I'm learning from God. Rob and Krissy have made these past two weeks really good. Speaking of, Rob and I have been together 8 months now, which is kinda crazy! We always talk about how sometimes it feels like forever, and then again it'll feel like we just met. It's cool how good relationships feel like that. Friendships seem to go that way too sometimes.
I'm on a fruit kick right now. I realize that I'll never actually eat as many vegetables as I should, so I figure I'll do as good as I can with fruit. I like fruit.
"The group" from church has started up playing Ultimate Frisbee again on Sunday afternoons. They've only gone out two weeks so far, neither of which have I joined in on. The first week was raining, and last week was unbearably hot. I might be a sport and play this week. But then again, if I do it once, I'll never be able to get out of it again. It's just not my thing. We'll see.
Rob and I have gotten to hang out with Holly and Kyle a bunch lately, which has been really fun. I'm so glad they're back. Holly spoke at Fusion this week, and it was incredible. It's cool to see how much God has done in her life.
After my test tomorrow, there's a chance Rob might get hooked up with a kiyak (sp?... that can't be right) so we might go out on the water for a while. That'll be fun.
I think I'm out of random things to tell you about, so I'm gonna go now. Have a relaxing weekend! Later!
Jul 19, 2005
take...
Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love,
at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King,
always, only for my King.
Take my love my God I pour at Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee,
ever, only, all for Thee.
Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love,
at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King,
always, only for my King.
Take my love my God I pour at Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee,
ever, only, all for Thee.
Jul 14, 2005
delight...
Krissy and I had a chance to talk for a while the other night about all kinds of stuff God is doing right now in our lives. It was awesome. She mentioned to me how important a particular verse has been to her lately. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." So often we miss out on what that verse is really saying. We read it as "when you are happy being with God, He will give you everything you want." It's the whole Santa Clause image of God. If you're nice instead of naughty, you'll get good presents. That is Satan twisting this verse into something it's not. The key part of the verse is not "He will give you the desires of your heart," it's "delight yourself in the Lord." DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD! Krissy and I talked about how "delight" is such a huge and serious word that has been dramatically misused in our culture. These days, "delight" sounds like a word you use when talking about frosty-treats from Dairy Queen. But in this verse, the word being used the way it was intended, "delight yourself" means something equivalent to "make your entire life about." So the way I hear the verse is "make everything in your entire life about the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." But to get even more specific, "the desires of your heart" is often misinterpreted, also. I think when you get the first part of the verse right and your entire life becomes about God, God transforms the desires that you have. "Desires" are no longer associated with what car I can get, or what name-brand clothes I can wear, or who I can get to like me; no, these desires are passions after the things of God. He's saying that when your whole life is about God, you will desire the things God desires, and then God will knock your socks off by fulfilling those things. When you desire the things God desires, you are essentially desiring the very best. So what the verse is really saying is "make everything in your entire life aobut God, and He will give you what He knows is the absolute best for you." HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!! That's way better than "if I'm good this year, I'll get some good presents"!
So all that being said, delight yourself in the Lord today. And every day.
Krissy and I had a chance to talk for a while the other night about all kinds of stuff God is doing right now in our lives. It was awesome. She mentioned to me how important a particular verse has been to her lately. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." So often we miss out on what that verse is really saying. We read it as "when you are happy being with God, He will give you everything you want." It's the whole Santa Clause image of God. If you're nice instead of naughty, you'll get good presents. That is Satan twisting this verse into something it's not. The key part of the verse is not "He will give you the desires of your heart," it's "delight yourself in the Lord." DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD! Krissy and I talked about how "delight" is such a huge and serious word that has been dramatically misused in our culture. These days, "delight" sounds like a word you use when talking about frosty-treats from Dairy Queen. But in this verse, the word being used the way it was intended, "delight yourself" means something equivalent to "make your entire life about." So the way I hear the verse is "make everything in your entire life about the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." But to get even more specific, "the desires of your heart" is often misinterpreted, also. I think when you get the first part of the verse right and your entire life becomes about God, God transforms the desires that you have. "Desires" are no longer associated with what car I can get, or what name-brand clothes I can wear, or who I can get to like me; no, these desires are passions after the things of God. He's saying that when your whole life is about God, you will desire the things God desires, and then God will knock your socks off by fulfilling those things. When you desire the things God desires, you are essentially desiring the very best. So what the verse is really saying is "make everything in your entire life aobut God, and He will give you what He knows is the absolute best for you." HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!! That's way better than "if I'm good this year, I'll get some good presents"!
So all that being said, delight yourself in the Lord today. And every day.
Jul 11, 2005
Jul 9, 2005
nothing better to do...
My plans for this morning got cancelled, so as I'm waiting on Rob to finish jamming with the guys at the Vine, I'll fill out this survey.
1. What time did you get up today? around 9:00, but napped when plans were cancelled
2. Diamonds or pearls? diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Mr. and Mrs. Smith
4. What is your favorite TV show? I guess The O.C.
5. What did you have for breakfast? Cheerios... actually "Publix Toasted Oats"
6. What is your middle name? Michelle
7. Favorite cuisine? Mexican or Italian
8. What foods do you dislike? green beans and various other vegetables
9. What is your favorite chip flavor? Cheddar
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? I keep coming back to Jack Johnson "In Between Dreams"... other than that, I listen to mixes mostly
11. What kind of car do you drive? 2004 Honda Civic, "Bret"
12. Favorite sandwich? I think it's called the Engenieer from Firehouse Subs... turkey with mushrooms
13. What characteristic do you despise? when a person can't speak without their comments being saturated with cynical sarcasm
14. Favorite item of clothing? Jeans (or a watch if accessories count!)
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? probably back to London
16. What color is your bathroom? white with light-colored wood wainscotting (sp?)
17. Favorite brand of clothing? Old Navy, anything from Target
18. Where would you retire to? I don't know... maybe Tennessee
19. What was your most memorable birthday? hmm... 16th, 21st
20. Favorite sport to watch? ha
21. Who do you least expect to send this back to you? I don't know
22. Person you expect to send it back first? I don't know
23. What fabric detergent do you use? Rob's :)
24. When is your birthday? September 16
25. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night
26. What is your shoe size? 8
27. Pets? not at my house... but a dog, cat, and bird at my parents' house... my dog is Toby, a Yorkie; my cat is Kitty, usually referred to as Miss Kitty, and she's enormous; my bird is a white dove named Daisy.
28. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? none that I can think of
29. What did you want to be when you were little? a singer (really little), then an optomitrist (in high school)
30. What are you today? still a student. soon to be a teacher... if I can get a job
31. What is your favorite candy? MilkyWay Midnight
32. What is your favorite flower? Orchids
My plans for this morning got cancelled, so as I'm waiting on Rob to finish jamming with the guys at the Vine, I'll fill out this survey.
1. What time did you get up today? around 9:00, but napped when plans were cancelled
2. Diamonds or pearls? diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Mr. and Mrs. Smith
4. What is your favorite TV show? I guess The O.C.
5. What did you have for breakfast? Cheerios... actually "Publix Toasted Oats"
6. What is your middle name? Michelle
7. Favorite cuisine? Mexican or Italian
8. What foods do you dislike? green beans and various other vegetables
9. What is your favorite chip flavor? Cheddar
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? I keep coming back to Jack Johnson "In Between Dreams"... other than that, I listen to mixes mostly
11. What kind of car do you drive? 2004 Honda Civic, "Bret"
12. Favorite sandwich? I think it's called the Engenieer from Firehouse Subs... turkey with mushrooms
13. What characteristic do you despise? when a person can't speak without their comments being saturated with cynical sarcasm
14. Favorite item of clothing? Jeans (or a watch if accessories count!)
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? probably back to London
16. What color is your bathroom? white with light-colored wood wainscotting (sp?)
17. Favorite brand of clothing? Old Navy, anything from Target
18. Where would you retire to? I don't know... maybe Tennessee
19. What was your most memorable birthday? hmm... 16th, 21st
20. Favorite sport to watch? ha
21. Who do you least expect to send this back to you? I don't know
22. Person you expect to send it back first? I don't know
23. What fabric detergent do you use? Rob's :)
24. When is your birthday? September 16
25. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night
26. What is your shoe size? 8
27. Pets? not at my house... but a dog, cat, and bird at my parents' house... my dog is Toby, a Yorkie; my cat is Kitty, usually referred to as Miss Kitty, and she's enormous; my bird is a white dove named Daisy.
28. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? none that I can think of
29. What did you want to be when you were little? a singer (really little), then an optomitrist (in high school)
30. What are you today? still a student. soon to be a teacher... if I can get a job
31. What is your favorite candy? MilkyWay Midnight
32. What is your favorite flower? Orchids
Jul 7, 2005
poetry...
(Yes, this is my third post today.)
When I first started at Flagler I took a British Literature class with Dr. Todd Lidh, who is an incredible, fun teacher. Anyway, in that class I discovered that I really enjoy the poetry of John Donne (1572-1631). Ever since then, I have meant to go buy a book of his poetry, especailly since I sold back my Norton Anthology of British Literature. I finally got around to doing that last week before the road trip. I think John Donne is cool because we learned a little about his life in connection with the poems he wrote: his earlier poems are about love and life and death, but all from a very "worldly" perspective. Some even a bit scandelous (sp?). But then he became a Christian and got to know God and became involved with the Church, and it is so evident in his writing. I like his earlier poems, but I especially like the ones after his conversion, mostly the Holy Sonnets. Anyway, for today, here's one of his earlier ones that I like.
Lovers' Infiniteness
If yet I have not all thy love,
Dear, I shall never have it all;
I cannot breathe one other sigh, to move,
Nor can entreat one other tear to fall,
And all my treasure, which should purchase thee,
Sighs, tears, and oaths, and letters I have spent.
Yet no more can be due to me,
Than at the bargain made was meant.
If then thy gift of love were partial,
That some to me, some should to others fall,
Dear, I shall never have thee all.
Or if then thou gavest me all,
All was but all, which thou hadst then;
But if in thy heart, since, there be or shall
New love created be, by other men,
Which have their stocks entire, and can in tears,
In sighs, in oaths, and letters outbid me,
This new love may beget new fears,
For, this love was not vow'd by thee.
And yet it was, thy gift being general,
The ground, thy heart, is mine; whatever shall
Grow there, dear, I should have it all.
Yet I would not have all yet,
He that hath all can have no more,
And since my love doth every day admit
New growth, thou shouldst have new rewards in store;
Thou canst not every day give me thy heart,
If thou canst give it, then thou never gavest it:
Love's riddles are, that though thy heart depart,
It stays at home, and thou with losing savest it:
But we will have a way more liberal,
Than changing hearts, to join them, so we shall
Be one, and one another's all.
(Yes, this is my third post today.)
When I first started at Flagler I took a British Literature class with Dr. Todd Lidh, who is an incredible, fun teacher. Anyway, in that class I discovered that I really enjoy the poetry of John Donne (1572-1631). Ever since then, I have meant to go buy a book of his poetry, especailly since I sold back my Norton Anthology of British Literature. I finally got around to doing that last week before the road trip. I think John Donne is cool because we learned a little about his life in connection with the poems he wrote: his earlier poems are about love and life and death, but all from a very "worldly" perspective. Some even a bit scandelous (sp?). But then he became a Christian and got to know God and became involved with the Church, and it is so evident in his writing. I like his earlier poems, but I especially like the ones after his conversion, mostly the Holy Sonnets. Anyway, for today, here's one of his earlier ones that I like.
Lovers' Infiniteness
If yet I have not all thy love,
Dear, I shall never have it all;
I cannot breathe one other sigh, to move,
Nor can entreat one other tear to fall,
And all my treasure, which should purchase thee,
Sighs, tears, and oaths, and letters I have spent.
Yet no more can be due to me,
Than at the bargain made was meant.
If then thy gift of love were partial,
That some to me, some should to others fall,
Dear, I shall never have thee all.
Or if then thou gavest me all,
All was but all, which thou hadst then;
But if in thy heart, since, there be or shall
New love created be, by other men,
Which have their stocks entire, and can in tears,
In sighs, in oaths, and letters outbid me,
This new love may beget new fears,
For, this love was not vow'd by thee.
And yet it was, thy gift being general,
The ground, thy heart, is mine; whatever shall
Grow there, dear, I should have it all.
Yet I would not have all yet,
He that hath all can have no more,
And since my love doth every day admit
New growth, thou shouldst have new rewards in store;
Thou canst not every day give me thy heart,
If thou canst give it, then thou never gavest it:
Love's riddles are, that though thy heart depart,
It stays at home, and thou with losing savest it:
But we will have a way more liberal,
Than changing hearts, to join them, so we shall
Be one, and one another's all.
first and last...
Okay, so I'm the last one to do this survey, but clearly I have nothing to do today, so here it is.
Firsts:
First best friend: Allison Adams, first and always
First car: 1994 Nissan Sentra. He was good to me.
First date: What you think is a date at one point in your life doesn't necessarily seem like a date later in life. So here are the options: Eric in 5th grade... I invited him to a dinner at my school... how cheesy. Daniel in 8th grade (he was much older than me... three years)... various places during our three-month pseudo-dating relationship. Then there's the unofficial going-on-a-date-with-your-good-friend thing where it's a date but without any romantic aspect (aside from maybe an unmentioned two-way crush)... 11th grade with Adam (also three years older) to Ichetucknee with friends Jessie and Daniel... even though not romantic, definitely the best one up until that point. FINALLY the first thing actually even resembling a real date was Junior year of college with Andrew (this time younger... that didn't work)... we went to Jonny Carinos with Greg and Laci. THE END.
First kiss: Andrew. (I got a late start. I'm glad.)
First break-up by you: long story
First break-up by them: Eric
First screen name: meglee786 (my origional aol account... i was the last person on the planet to get the internet at my house!)
First self purchased album: haha... i think it was the Lion King soundtrack! no joke!
First funeral: One of my dad's uncles I think
First pets: Sweetpea (white mutt that looked like a small greyhound), and Cindy (mom's beagle-mix)
First piercing/tattoo: ears / no tattoos, although I consider one some days... it'll never happen though
First true love: Rob Stone :)
First enemy: Nicole Goodman... teacher's pet... everyone hated her
First big trip: what's big? North Carolina when I was like 6 with my parents. Chicago in 9th grade with band. First really big trip, and first time flying: London and Paris with choir, 11th grade.
First musician you remember hearing in your house: Everybody else had cool answers to this. I think mine was probably the Gathers, or some other Southern Gospel music group.
LASTS!!
Last car ride: last night, home from Fusion
Last kiss: last night
Last Hookup: Depends on your definition of hookup... none, in the "adult" sense of the term.
Last good cry: probably a few weeks ago when I was really sick
Last library book checked out: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggars, along with a Time photography book and a random little book called Bitter with Baggage Seeks Same where the creator/author made little diaramas with toy chickens and made up a one-sentance story to go with each of them. It was pretty dang funny.
Last movie seen: I can't keep track anymore. In the theater, I think it was Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Last beverage drink: water
Last food consumed: leftover pizza and a little chocolate candy
Last crush: Robert Stone
Last phone call: I called Ann from work this morning to find out when I'm supposed to work
Last time showered: yesterday... i haven't changed out of my pjs yet today
Last shoes worn: My black and pink Airwalks last night
Last cd played: last night in my car, Jack Johnson's newest (can't think of the name right now), but woke up to Mae
Last item bought: umm... a sandwich wrap from Blimpie yesterday
Last annoyance: the state of our kitchen yesterday
Last disappointment: remembering yet another girl I graduated with who has a baby
Last time scolded: can't think of anything for scolded, but nagged by my mom on Tuesday night about school finances
Last shirt worn: wearing my Fusion conversation-starter question T-shirt
Last website visited: Megan Smith's livejournal
Okay, so I'm the last one to do this survey, but clearly I have nothing to do today, so here it is.
Firsts:
First best friend: Allison Adams, first and always
First car: 1994 Nissan Sentra. He was good to me.
First date: What you think is a date at one point in your life doesn't necessarily seem like a date later in life. So here are the options: Eric in 5th grade... I invited him to a dinner at my school... how cheesy. Daniel in 8th grade (he was much older than me... three years)... various places during our three-month pseudo-dating relationship. Then there's the unofficial going-on-a-date-with-your-good-friend thing where it's a date but without any romantic aspect (aside from maybe an unmentioned two-way crush)... 11th grade with Adam (also three years older) to Ichetucknee with friends Jessie and Daniel... even though not romantic, definitely the best one up until that point. FINALLY the first thing actually even resembling a real date was Junior year of college with Andrew (this time younger... that didn't work)... we went to Jonny Carinos with Greg and Laci. THE END.
First kiss: Andrew. (I got a late start. I'm glad.)
First break-up by you: long story
First break-up by them: Eric
First screen name: meglee786 (my origional aol account... i was the last person on the planet to get the internet at my house!)
First self purchased album: haha... i think it was the Lion King soundtrack! no joke!
First funeral: One of my dad's uncles I think
First pets: Sweetpea (white mutt that looked like a small greyhound), and Cindy (mom's beagle-mix)
First piercing/tattoo: ears / no tattoos, although I consider one some days... it'll never happen though
First true love: Rob Stone :)
First enemy: Nicole Goodman... teacher's pet... everyone hated her
First big trip: what's big? North Carolina when I was like 6 with my parents. Chicago in 9th grade with band. First really big trip, and first time flying: London and Paris with choir, 11th grade.
First musician you remember hearing in your house: Everybody else had cool answers to this. I think mine was probably the Gathers, or some other Southern Gospel music group.
LASTS!!
Last car ride: last night, home from Fusion
Last kiss: last night
Last Hookup: Depends on your definition of hookup... none, in the "adult" sense of the term.
Last good cry: probably a few weeks ago when I was really sick
Last library book checked out: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggars, along with a Time photography book and a random little book called Bitter with Baggage Seeks Same where the creator/author made little diaramas with toy chickens and made up a one-sentance story to go with each of them. It was pretty dang funny.
Last movie seen: I can't keep track anymore. In the theater, I think it was Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Last beverage drink: water
Last food consumed: leftover pizza and a little chocolate candy
Last crush: Robert Stone
Last phone call: I called Ann from work this morning to find out when I'm supposed to work
Last time showered: yesterday... i haven't changed out of my pjs yet today
Last shoes worn: My black and pink Airwalks last night
Last cd played: last night in my car, Jack Johnson's newest (can't think of the name right now), but woke up to Mae
Last item bought: umm... a sandwich wrap from Blimpie yesterday
Last annoyance: the state of our kitchen yesterday
Last disappointment: remembering yet another girl I graduated with who has a baby
Last time scolded: can't think of anything for scolded, but nagged by my mom on Tuesday night about school finances
Last shirt worn: wearing my Fusion conversation-starter question T-shirt
Last website visited: Megan Smith's livejournal
things i forgot...
Last night as I was journaling a similar entry as the last one in my real journal, I realized I left out a few details that are worth mentioning. First of all, on Saturday I shot a rifle. It was the very first time I'd ever shot a gun, and I was admittedly a little nervous about it, not knowing how easy or hard it would be to hit my target. The six of us had a target shooting challenge where the winner was promised $20. We had small paper bullseyes attached to a tree stump to aim at. We each took two practice shots, and then we got six shots each. The targets have a bullseye and then concentric circles labled 1-5 extending outward. The goal was to get all shots inside the 2 or better. While I did not win by any means, I did manage to get all my shots in the 2 to 3 range, save one stray shot that hit the lower corner of the paper. Maybe it's a little hick to say, but it was really fun.
Rob and I have started watching the first season DVDs of "One Tree Hill" so we squeezed in as many episodes as we could while we were at the cabin. It's a pretty good show as far as high school dramas go, but not as good as "The O.C." in my opinion.
One of my favorite things about Saturday was driving the mountain roads with windows down and worship music blaring. There's something special to me about being able to experience God's beautiful creation while singing praises to Him. The weather was perfect and it was just a wonderful experience.
What I miss most about the time I spent in Georgia last summer is being able to watch the fireflies at dusk every day. I was thrilled to be able to see them again this weekend. They really amaze me. I'm convinced God made them just to give us pleasure.
Well, that's about it for the trip. Since I've been back in town I've been trying to get in touch with my work (which only consists of the store owner and one other lady) to find out what days I'm supposed to work. I finally got hold of "the other lady" (Ann) this morning, and clearly there was some miscommunication because I was supposed to go in yesterday but didn't know, and she didn't know that I was out of town on Monday (although the owner knew) so the store hasn't been open since Sunday (we're closed on Tuesdays anyway). Woops. I figure (a) it's not my fault because the owner lost the calendar so we couldn't adequately plan ahead last week, and (b) it's not that big of a deal because I opened two extra days last week while the owner was out of town. So that's the minimal amount of drama that's going on in my life this week. So I'm only working on Friday I guess. Anyway. Tonight will be my soon-to-be world-famous enchiladas for me and Rob. Yummy. I'll post again when exciting things happen.
Oh... ps, I'm reading the book Girl Meets God and it's really, really good. I highly recommend it. It's about a girl who is born to a Jewish father and Southern Baptist mother, neither of whom are "practicing." When she's old enough to decide, she converts to Orthodox Judaism, but later feels God's call on her life and converts to Christianity. The book is basically an honest look at her faith struggle. It's so good. Anyone could relate to her struggle on so many levels.
Later.
Last night as I was journaling a similar entry as the last one in my real journal, I realized I left out a few details that are worth mentioning. First of all, on Saturday I shot a rifle. It was the very first time I'd ever shot a gun, and I was admittedly a little nervous about it, not knowing how easy or hard it would be to hit my target. The six of us had a target shooting challenge where the winner was promised $20. We had small paper bullseyes attached to a tree stump to aim at. We each took two practice shots, and then we got six shots each. The targets have a bullseye and then concentric circles labled 1-5 extending outward. The goal was to get all shots inside the 2 or better. While I did not win by any means, I did manage to get all my shots in the 2 to 3 range, save one stray shot that hit the lower corner of the paper. Maybe it's a little hick to say, but it was really fun.
Rob and I have started watching the first season DVDs of "One Tree Hill" so we squeezed in as many episodes as we could while we were at the cabin. It's a pretty good show as far as high school dramas go, but not as good as "The O.C." in my opinion.
One of my favorite things about Saturday was driving the mountain roads with windows down and worship music blaring. There's something special to me about being able to experience God's beautiful creation while singing praises to Him. The weather was perfect and it was just a wonderful experience.
What I miss most about the time I spent in Georgia last summer is being able to watch the fireflies at dusk every day. I was thrilled to be able to see them again this weekend. They really amaze me. I'm convinced God made them just to give us pleasure.
Well, that's about it for the trip. Since I've been back in town I've been trying to get in touch with my work (which only consists of the store owner and one other lady) to find out what days I'm supposed to work. I finally got hold of "the other lady" (Ann) this morning, and clearly there was some miscommunication because I was supposed to go in yesterday but didn't know, and she didn't know that I was out of town on Monday (although the owner knew) so the store hasn't been open since Sunday (we're closed on Tuesdays anyway). Woops. I figure (a) it's not my fault because the owner lost the calendar so we couldn't adequately plan ahead last week, and (b) it's not that big of a deal because I opened two extra days last week while the owner was out of town. So that's the minimal amount of drama that's going on in my life this week. So I'm only working on Friday I guess. Anyway. Tonight will be my soon-to-be world-famous enchiladas for me and Rob. Yummy. I'll post again when exciting things happen.
Oh... ps, I'm reading the book Girl Meets God and it's really, really good. I highly recommend it. It's about a girl who is born to a Jewish father and Southern Baptist mother, neither of whom are "practicing." When she's old enough to decide, she converts to Orthodox Judaism, but later feels God's call on her life and converts to Christianity. The book is basically an honest look at her faith struggle. It's so good. Anyone could relate to her struggle on so many levels.
Later.
Jul 6, 2005
i'm back...
Sorry for the lack of posting recently. I was out of town for a Fourth of July vacation with Rob. We went up to spend some time with his family in their cabin in Suches, Georgia. We left on Friday after we both got done with work and stayed through till Tuesday afternoon. It was a wonderful time of relaxation and fun. The cabin is up on a mountain, so the last leg of the trip there (around 2:30 am) was a winding one. I spotted several deer, but Rob was unable to catch sight of them, as he was more importantly watching the road. We were greeted by Grandma Jessie and Mrs. Barbie (Rob's mom) and headed directly for bed as soon as we walked in the door. The next morning Rob's Uncle Keith arrived prior to the two of us waking up. Saturday was spent seeing the area, and more or less just bumming around the fire and the cabin. Sunday we attended a church service at the lake, which is apparently a regular event for those who are staying on the mountain. We then headed down to the valley, Dahlonega, to get lunch at a Mexican restaurant. The afternoon was relaxing, then later that evening we went to the Woody's home (long time friends of the family) for a barbecue. It was a good time. It was cool to see a bunch of families who have been friends for an incredibly long time all together and enjoying each other's company. Probably the coolest part of the evening was towards the end when everyone gathered inside around the piano and we all sang old hymns together for hours. It's such a connecting thing to me when families sing together. It was really neat. Monday, the Fourth, we said goodbye to Grandma Jessie and Keith as they were leaving, and then the four of us went into Dahlonega for "Family Day" where they have a bunch of tent vendors and what-not set up in the town square. I think the event was smaller than it normally is, but it was still fun. And while there, Rob surprised me with a really nice Willow Tree figurine that he says reminds him of us. I really like it... it was really sweet of him. We went back up the mountain and waited for the rain that had settled in again to stop, but later in the evening we went to see the fireworks, but again had to make accomodations for the rain. The fireworks were entertaining, if nothing else, because it's at the local school and they set up all the fireworks on their outdoor basketball court and a bunch of guys run around and light them by hand, all while this countriest-of country man talked to the crowd on his karaoke-type microphone. I was certain one of the men with lighters was going to die before the night was over. Especially when they had to do an all-of-a-sudden finalie, setting off hundreds of fireworks at once to get them finished before the rain began to pour. After getting home and drying off, Rob and I played team Rummy with his parents (girls v. guys) and had a great time laughing and joking around. He and I both agreed it was probably the best time of the trip. Tuesdsay we ate lunch at the Mexican place again and then headed for home. It was a great trip. I would close this post out with a better summary statement, but I'm about to be late for my leadership meeting, so I have to go. Later.
Sorry for the lack of posting recently. I was out of town for a Fourth of July vacation with Rob. We went up to spend some time with his family in their cabin in Suches, Georgia. We left on Friday after we both got done with work and stayed through till Tuesday afternoon. It was a wonderful time of relaxation and fun. The cabin is up on a mountain, so the last leg of the trip there (around 2:30 am) was a winding one. I spotted several deer, but Rob was unable to catch sight of them, as he was more importantly watching the road. We were greeted by Grandma Jessie and Mrs. Barbie (Rob's mom) and headed directly for bed as soon as we walked in the door. The next morning Rob's Uncle Keith arrived prior to the two of us waking up. Saturday was spent seeing the area, and more or less just bumming around the fire and the cabin. Sunday we attended a church service at the lake, which is apparently a regular event for those who are staying on the mountain. We then headed down to the valley, Dahlonega, to get lunch at a Mexican restaurant. The afternoon was relaxing, then later that evening we went to the Woody's home (long time friends of the family) for a barbecue. It was a good time. It was cool to see a bunch of families who have been friends for an incredibly long time all together and enjoying each other's company. Probably the coolest part of the evening was towards the end when everyone gathered inside around the piano and we all sang old hymns together for hours. It's such a connecting thing to me when families sing together. It was really neat. Monday, the Fourth, we said goodbye to Grandma Jessie and Keith as they were leaving, and then the four of us went into Dahlonega for "Family Day" where they have a bunch of tent vendors and what-not set up in the town square. I think the event was smaller than it normally is, but it was still fun. And while there, Rob surprised me with a really nice Willow Tree figurine that he says reminds him of us. I really like it... it was really sweet of him. We went back up the mountain and waited for the rain that had settled in again to stop, but later in the evening we went to see the fireworks, but again had to make accomodations for the rain. The fireworks were entertaining, if nothing else, because it's at the local school and they set up all the fireworks on their outdoor basketball court and a bunch of guys run around and light them by hand, all while this countriest-of country man talked to the crowd on his karaoke-type microphone. I was certain one of the men with lighters was going to die before the night was over. Especially when they had to do an all-of-a-sudden finalie, setting off hundreds of fireworks at once to get them finished before the rain began to pour. After getting home and drying off, Rob and I played team Rummy with his parents (girls v. guys) and had a great time laughing and joking around. He and I both agreed it was probably the best time of the trip. Tuesdsay we ate lunch at the Mexican place again and then headed for home. It was a great trip. I would close this post out with a better summary statement, but I'm about to be late for my leadership meeting, so I have to go. Later.
Jun 27, 2005
so here's my update...
I know I haven't posted in quite some time. I don't get a chance to post on days that I work, and in the last week my days off have either been spent catching up on sleep or doing things slightly more important than posting on my blog. Anyway, just wanted to write a quick post about what we talked about in Bible study tonight. Katie wrapped up Ephesians for us (at least I think it's wrapped up... there might be one more). We talked about the armor of God, but in a different way than I have ever thought about it. The biggest thing that stuck out to me was that Christ IS our armor. We receive the armor/Christ at the point of salvation. We don't have to ask for the armor on a daily basis; the deal is we have to use it. Another thing that stuck out was that it's not our job to defeat satan... that's God's job in God's time. Our job is to defend ourselves against him. That's encouraging! So anyway, that's really all I have to say. I'll try to post again soon with random updates on what's going on in my life, but I don't feel like writing much more tonight. So until next time, grace and peace!
I know I haven't posted in quite some time. I don't get a chance to post on days that I work, and in the last week my days off have either been spent catching up on sleep or doing things slightly more important than posting on my blog. Anyway, just wanted to write a quick post about what we talked about in Bible study tonight. Katie wrapped up Ephesians for us (at least I think it's wrapped up... there might be one more). We talked about the armor of God, but in a different way than I have ever thought about it. The biggest thing that stuck out to me was that Christ IS our armor. We receive the armor/Christ at the point of salvation. We don't have to ask for the armor on a daily basis; the deal is we have to use it. Another thing that stuck out was that it's not our job to defeat satan... that's God's job in God's time. Our job is to defend ourselves against him. That's encouraging! So anyway, that's really all I have to say. I'll try to post again soon with random updates on what's going on in my life, but I don't feel like writing much more tonight. So until next time, grace and peace!
Jun 19, 2005
blueberries...
The blueberries are ripe! I picked some with my dad today when I was at my parents' house. There are few things in life that are better than ripe, fresh-from-the-bush blueberries.
Today was a good day. I especially enjoyed Pastor Ron's Father's Day sermon this morning. Back on Mother's Day he preached on Ephesians 5:22-24, which is about wives submitting to their husbands, which may seem like a risky Mother's Day topic, but he promised that the guys would "get it" on Father's day. So today was 5:25-32, talking about "husbands love your wives." It was really good. Everything he said was clear and specific and the Truth of God. As I was listening to him speak, I was thinking how cool it is that God has so blessed me with awesome examples of Godly couples living out the commands of Ephesians 5. Specifically, I was thinking of Billy and Phyllis Robshaw. (They were sitting in front of me, but I would have thought of them anyway!) It's cool to be involved so closely in ministry with them because we get to see them at all different times, even voulnerable times, yet their example has never waivered. They are a faimily that truly has a grasp on the love of God and the role that it sould play in their relationships with one another. Krissy and I were talking about this the other day. We said that you can go through life seeing families that are there for each other and provide for each other, etc., and think "oh, that's a loving family." But then you see a family that is just overflowing with love because it is the love that comes from a passion for Christ, like the Robshaws, and you think "Wow! That's what love is!" It gives you a totally new perspective on things. It's a cool system God has planned out for us in Ephesians, if we would just believe Him and follow it. People always get caught up on the "wives, submit to your husbands part," which I just don't get. Someone said once, and I have always believed, that it is the easiest and most fulfilling thing in the world to submit to the one who is loving you with the kind of love described in verses 25-32. What more could a girl want than to be loved by a man the way CHRIST HIMSELF loved the church! We couldn't possibly come up with a better plan than this one... which is why the world is so confused. They keep trying to make things work using a different plan, when this is what we are designed for. Anyway, it was a really encouraging sermon. Interestingly, we're doing that passage at Bible study tomorrow.
The blueberries are ripe! I picked some with my dad today when I was at my parents' house. There are few things in life that are better than ripe, fresh-from-the-bush blueberries.
Today was a good day. I especially enjoyed Pastor Ron's Father's Day sermon this morning. Back on Mother's Day he preached on Ephesians 5:22-24, which is about wives submitting to their husbands, which may seem like a risky Mother's Day topic, but he promised that the guys would "get it" on Father's day. So today was 5:25-32, talking about "husbands love your wives." It was really good. Everything he said was clear and specific and the Truth of God. As I was listening to him speak, I was thinking how cool it is that God has so blessed me with awesome examples of Godly couples living out the commands of Ephesians 5. Specifically, I was thinking of Billy and Phyllis Robshaw. (They were sitting in front of me, but I would have thought of them anyway!) It's cool to be involved so closely in ministry with them because we get to see them at all different times, even voulnerable times, yet their example has never waivered. They are a faimily that truly has a grasp on the love of God and the role that it sould play in their relationships with one another. Krissy and I were talking about this the other day. We said that you can go through life seeing families that are there for each other and provide for each other, etc., and think "oh, that's a loving family." But then you see a family that is just overflowing with love because it is the love that comes from a passion for Christ, like the Robshaws, and you think "Wow! That's what love is!" It gives you a totally new perspective on things. It's a cool system God has planned out for us in Ephesians, if we would just believe Him and follow it. People always get caught up on the "wives, submit to your husbands part," which I just don't get. Someone said once, and I have always believed, that it is the easiest and most fulfilling thing in the world to submit to the one who is loving you with the kind of love described in verses 25-32. What more could a girl want than to be loved by a man the way CHRIST HIMSELF loved the church! We couldn't possibly come up with a better plan than this one... which is why the world is so confused. They keep trying to make things work using a different plan, when this is what we are designed for. Anyway, it was a really encouraging sermon. Interestingly, we're doing that passage at Bible study tomorrow.
Jun 16, 2005
sick...
Yeah, I haven't written in nearly a week because I've been lying on my couch wishing someone would shoot me and put me out of my misery. I started getting a soar throat last Thursday, but as I am prone to allergy problems, I tried to wait it out for a few days while taking allergy medicine to see if I would get better. But alas, I did not. It got worse and worse, until Tuesday morning I woke up knowing that I needed to see a doctor or my throat was going to close up and I would die in my sleep (okay, maybe a little over-dramatic). So I called my mom to find out which doctors I could see in St.Augustine that would be covered by my insurance. From this initial phone call of the morning, talking was far too much of a chore. I struggled to make my words comprehensible. I was miserable already, but I proceeded to spend the majority of the day making a rediculous amount of phone calls. Mom gave me several doctors to call. I called them and either they didn't take my insurance or weren't taking new patients or whatever. I was frustrated. I called Mom back and she gave me more names. I called them. After a few more with no luck, and one that couldn't see me for possibly 48 hours, I finally found one who could get me in that afternoon. I was relieved. So I went to my appointment, and after sitting in the wating room for nearly an hour, the receptionist called me up to the desk to tell me that she had called my insurance company and that my coverage had been terminated last September. I'm supposed to be covered until I graduate. So I called my mom, who called the insurance company. Turns out it is our responsibility to inform my dad's work each semester that I am in fact still a full time student. They, in turn, are supposed to inform the insurance company. We were unaware of any of this. So I couldn't use my insurance, had to pay for the doctor's visit, and for my prescription. It was crazy. So to wrap up this long story, I'm on an antibiodic for now and waiting to see if it helps. The results from my thraot culture should be back tomorrow, so if anything is wrong, they will give me a call. So far, improvement in the way I feel has been slow. I think I'm starting to feel a little better today. It's hard to say because the pain sort of shifts from one place to another. First my tonsils, then my ears, then I just can't swallow. But for the moment, other than being rediculously congested, I feel relatively okay.
Sorry for this being a complaint post. This has been my week. I'm fairly confident I'll start getting better soon. Until then, more movies, soup, and advil.
Yeah, I haven't written in nearly a week because I've been lying on my couch wishing someone would shoot me and put me out of my misery. I started getting a soar throat last Thursday, but as I am prone to allergy problems, I tried to wait it out for a few days while taking allergy medicine to see if I would get better. But alas, I did not. It got worse and worse, until Tuesday morning I woke up knowing that I needed to see a doctor or my throat was going to close up and I would die in my sleep (okay, maybe a little over-dramatic). So I called my mom to find out which doctors I could see in St.Augustine that would be covered by my insurance. From this initial phone call of the morning, talking was far too much of a chore. I struggled to make my words comprehensible. I was miserable already, but I proceeded to spend the majority of the day making a rediculous amount of phone calls. Mom gave me several doctors to call. I called them and either they didn't take my insurance or weren't taking new patients or whatever. I was frustrated. I called Mom back and she gave me more names. I called them. After a few more with no luck, and one that couldn't see me for possibly 48 hours, I finally found one who could get me in that afternoon. I was relieved. So I went to my appointment, and after sitting in the wating room for nearly an hour, the receptionist called me up to the desk to tell me that she had called my insurance company and that my coverage had been terminated last September. I'm supposed to be covered until I graduate. So I called my mom, who called the insurance company. Turns out it is our responsibility to inform my dad's work each semester that I am in fact still a full time student. They, in turn, are supposed to inform the insurance company. We were unaware of any of this. So I couldn't use my insurance, had to pay for the doctor's visit, and for my prescription. It was crazy. So to wrap up this long story, I'm on an antibiodic for now and waiting to see if it helps. The results from my thraot culture should be back tomorrow, so if anything is wrong, they will give me a call. So far, improvement in the way I feel has been slow. I think I'm starting to feel a little better today. It's hard to say because the pain sort of shifts from one place to another. First my tonsils, then my ears, then I just can't swallow. But for the moment, other than being rediculously congested, I feel relatively okay.
Sorry for this being a complaint post. This has been my week. I'm fairly confident I'll start getting better soon. Until then, more movies, soup, and advil.
Jun 10, 2005
good stuff...
So here's a few points of cool news that I thought I'd share with you today. First, I helped Rob rearrange his place last night (it looks pretty good, if I may say so) in preperation for the good news of today, which is that Kyle and Holly are moving down today. Kyle will be staying with Rob for about a month and a half, and Holly will be staying with Kathy in her new house (I'm not sure for how long). It'll be nice to have our Holly back after a year of her being away, and Kyle will be a nice addition to our group, as well. Other cool news (indirectly, as it doesn't affect me at all) Krissy's friend, whose name I forget, stopped by the house yesterday to inform Krissy that she recently found out she's pregnant. It's cool to see the utter excitement and joy that a new-mom-to-be experiences. Lastly, I start working at an art gallery downtown on Monday. Mullet Beach gallery... as in the fish, not the hair style. I wish I had thought to go talk to the lady sooner. I had spoken with her over winter break and was going to work for her then, but our schedules didn't work out, and then Greg informed me the other day that she was still looking for someone to work for her for the summer. Until he mentioned it, the thought hadn't even crossed my mind. So I stopped in yesterday, but the owner wasn't there, so I went back today. Our conversation was basically,
I left out a few details, but that's about how quickly I got the job. That beats the heck out of this stupid interview I've been waiting for. Sure, the other job would have been more hours and better pay, but they keep putting me off again and again, so I'm not making any money sitting around waiting on them.
So that's all the news. Tonight Rob and I are making dinner for Holly and Kyle, and then there's Continuation at my house. I'm looking forward to Continuation tonight because last night as I was doing my quiet time I asked God to show me what we should focus on tonight, and the scripture I read seems really appropriate for our group and current situations. I think it's a word we could all use right now, so hopefully it is received well and God uses it. I'm confident He will. His Word never returns void.
Grace and Peace.
So here's a few points of cool news that I thought I'd share with you today. First, I helped Rob rearrange his place last night (it looks pretty good, if I may say so) in preperation for the good news of today, which is that Kyle and Holly are moving down today. Kyle will be staying with Rob for about a month and a half, and Holly will be staying with Kathy in her new house (I'm not sure for how long). It'll be nice to have our Holly back after a year of her being away, and Kyle will be a nice addition to our group, as well. Other cool news (indirectly, as it doesn't affect me at all) Krissy's friend, whose name I forget, stopped by the house yesterday to inform Krissy that she recently found out she's pregnant. It's cool to see the utter excitement and joy that a new-mom-to-be experiences. Lastly, I start working at an art gallery downtown on Monday. Mullet Beach gallery... as in the fish, not the hair style. I wish I had thought to go talk to the lady sooner. I had spoken with her over winter break and was going to work for her then, but our schedules didn't work out, and then Greg informed me the other day that she was still looking for someone to work for her for the summer. Until he mentioned it, the thought hadn't even crossed my mind. So I stopped in yesterday, but the owner wasn't there, so I went back today. Our conversation was basically,
"Hi, I'm Megan. We spoke before. Do you still need some help for the summer?"
"Yes, I could use someone 3-4 days a week. When can you start?"
"Immediately."
"Okay, see you Monday at 11:00."
I left out a few details, but that's about how quickly I got the job. That beats the heck out of this stupid interview I've been waiting for. Sure, the other job would have been more hours and better pay, but they keep putting me off again and again, so I'm not making any money sitting around waiting on them.
So that's all the news. Tonight Rob and I are making dinner for Holly and Kyle, and then there's Continuation at my house. I'm looking forward to Continuation tonight because last night as I was doing my quiet time I asked God to show me what we should focus on tonight, and the scripture I read seems really appropriate for our group and current situations. I think it's a word we could all use right now, so hopefully it is received well and God uses it. I'm confident He will. His Word never returns void.
Grace and Peace.
Jun 9, 2005
missing...
I was just sitting here in "the nook" at my house and I started realizing several things that I miss. Not in a really bad "now-I'm-depressed" sort of way, just things I miss having around or what-not. I miss Christina, with her "mom" speeches. I miss Jess, with her rolling up the rug and dancing in the living room. I miss our banner paper being on our wall for everyone to write on. I miss the hymns I sang growing up. (Growing up I would have killed for a decent praise chorus... I guess it's hard to get the best of both worlds.) I desperately miss singing in a really good choir... or any choir at all, for that matter. I miss playing in band/orchestra, which is something I never thougt I'd say when I was in it. For the last two, I think what it is that I miss most, aside from just enjoying the way 40-300 musicians sound together, is the challange of learning new music. Often difficult music. The closest I've come lately to having to think hard at all about music was sight-reading the alto line for the verses of "Jesus Paid it All" last Wednesday when I sang it in church with Rob and the band. And even then, I basically knew what it was supposed to sound like. Okay, so that turned into a bit of a tangent. Back to the list. I miss the excitement brought by the ice cream truck when I was a kid. And it was cool how nice our ice cream man was. If there was a big group of us kids buying ice cream and one kid didn't have any money, he would give him a popsicle. That's nice.
Speaking of frozen treats, I just finished one of my famous banana-strawberry smoothies. It was delicious! Very satisfying after my walk to and from downtown. It's hot out! Also, Tuesday night Rob and I went to Cold Stone after dinner and I had the Apple Pie A-la-Mode... it was incredible! I do believe it's the best combination I've had from Cold Stone. Wade, our friend from the youth group, works there and he recommended to me that I should have it made with French Vanilla instead of Sweet Cream, so I followed his advice, and it was fabulous. So if anyone decides to try it out, I would recommend the same.
Okay, I have nothing else even remotely interesting to say, so I'll stop here. Have a fabulous Thursday afternoon! Peace!
I was just sitting here in "the nook" at my house and I started realizing several things that I miss. Not in a really bad "now-I'm-depressed" sort of way, just things I miss having around or what-not. I miss Christina, with her "mom" speeches. I miss Jess, with her rolling up the rug and dancing in the living room. I miss our banner paper being on our wall for everyone to write on. I miss the hymns I sang growing up. (Growing up I would have killed for a decent praise chorus... I guess it's hard to get the best of both worlds.) I desperately miss singing in a really good choir... or any choir at all, for that matter. I miss playing in band/orchestra, which is something I never thougt I'd say when I was in it. For the last two, I think what it is that I miss most, aside from just enjoying the way 40-300 musicians sound together, is the challange of learning new music. Often difficult music. The closest I've come lately to having to think hard at all about music was sight-reading the alto line for the verses of "Jesus Paid it All" last Wednesday when I sang it in church with Rob and the band. And even then, I basically knew what it was supposed to sound like. Okay, so that turned into a bit of a tangent. Back to the list. I miss the excitement brought by the ice cream truck when I was a kid. And it was cool how nice our ice cream man was. If there was a big group of us kids buying ice cream and one kid didn't have any money, he would give him a popsicle. That's nice.
Speaking of frozen treats, I just finished one of my famous banana-strawberry smoothies. It was delicious! Very satisfying after my walk to and from downtown. It's hot out! Also, Tuesday night Rob and I went to Cold Stone after dinner and I had the Apple Pie A-la-Mode... it was incredible! I do believe it's the best combination I've had from Cold Stone. Wade, our friend from the youth group, works there and he recommended to me that I should have it made with French Vanilla instead of Sweet Cream, so I followed his advice, and it was fabulous. So if anyone decides to try it out, I would recommend the same.
Okay, I have nothing else even remotely interesting to say, so I'll stop here. Have a fabulous Thursday afternoon! Peace!
