reading...
"Summer," he said to me once, "drop some of them bricks you keep hauling around with you. Life just ain't that heavy."
--Missing May by Cynthia Rylant
May 25, 2006
Finish the sentences...
1. The last person I kissed was: Rob (who else would you expect?).
2. Never in my life have I: been west of the Mississippi.
3. The one person who can drive me nuts, but then can always manage to make me laugh: I guess I'm supposed to say Rob, but he doesn't really drive me nuts too often... except for when he tickles me... I guess that counts. He sure can make me laugh though!
4. The high school I went to was: Trinity Christian Academy... good ol' TCA.
5. When I'm nervous: I make myself get over it.
6. The last time I cried was: about two weeks ago, I guess.
7. If I were to get married right now my bridesmaids/groomsmen would be: Allison and Kent.
9. My hair: is short and very dark brown. It's usually pretty cool (I think) but it's in need of being cut right now.
10. When I was 5: I was like the cutest kid on the planet... obviously.
11. Last Christmas: was the first one that Rob and I got to spend together... the first of many to come!
12. When I turn my head right, I see: the postage machine.
13. I should be: working, I guess, but there's not much to be done right now.
14. When I Look Down I See: the brown wood and black leather surface of my desk.
15. The craziest recent event was: hearing that Rob's train was super late last night.
16. If I were a character on Friends I'd be: Monica. Without a doubt.
17. By this time next year: I'll be 57 days away from my one-year anneversary.
18. I love: God. And Rob. And my family. And Rob's family. And my friends. And my coworkers (the girls anyway!). And St. Augustine. And my life in general!
19. I have a hard time understanding: how Rob can store so many random trivia facts in his brain!
20. One time at a family gathering: Joe shot a water mocossan in the pond. Yeah, we're a little bit hick-ish.
21. You know I like you if: I laugh at your jokes on a regular basis.
22. If I won an award, the first person (people) I'd thank would be: whoever it was who helped me accomplish whatever the award was for. (I'm certian I wouldn't have earned it completely on my own!)
23. Take my advice: don't stress out over stuff. Worrying doesn't ever help a situation get any better. Trust in God's faithfulness instead.
24. My ideal breakfast is: anything typical of a breakfast menu... omlets, or pancakes (specifically blueberry, or banana-chocolate chip), or French toast, or scrambled eggs and grits (yes, I was raised in the South), or FRUIT SMOOTHIES!!! MMMMM!
25. If you visit the place I grew up: you might be sorely disappointed... it's not that exciting.
26. Soon I plan on visiting: Savannah. Honeymoon... Heck yeah.
27. If you spend the night at my house: if it was tonight, you'd be fighting for space... there's a bunch of people at the Oviedo house. If it was after tomorrow, you'd be at my new place, which is freakin' awesome... but you might be sleeping on the floor (which I guess would be the case at the Oviedo house, too) surrounded by cardboard boxes and possibly smelling fresh paint!
28. I'd stop my wedding if: someone died. That's about what it would take though! We won't be stopping for anything short of that!
29. The world could do without: cigarettes.
30. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: have all my skin peeled off slowly.
31. The most recent thing I bought myself is: a matress, which technically is for me and Rob.
32. The most recent thing someone bought for me is: a Bible with the books of the Apocrypha. Rob bought it for me since I was poor from having bought our matress.
33. My favorite band/musician is: David Crowder Band.
34. My favorite brunette is: am I allowed to say me?
35. My favorite redhead is: Greg.
36. My family is: pretty great and slightly crazy.
37. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds are: turtles.
38. I shouldn't have: ???
39. Once, at a gay bar: I wish I had a great story to tell here, but I don't.
40. Last night: I packed some boxes, ate dinner, and went to bed rediculously early. But I probably won't sleep much this weekend, so it's okay.
41. There's this guy I know who: looks like a young Jay Lenno.
42: I don't know: much about sports. Or pop-culture. Or history. Or politics.
43. A better name for me would be: ...I don't know... and I'm scared to ask for anyone else's opinion on that!
44. When I go back to school I'll: be the teacher and not the student!
45. My birthday is on: a Saturday this year.
46. What I really want for Valentines day: is something that is not cliche.
47. I'm wearing: black and white.
48. Tomorrow I am: getting the keys to my house!!! Heck yeah!
49. The last thing I ate was: a cracker with seafood spread. Sounds like an interesting morning, huh?
50. I really want to learn: Latin. And Japanese. And how to play an upright bass. And how to be a great wife.
1. The last person I kissed was: Rob (who else would you expect?).
2. Never in my life have I: been west of the Mississippi.
3. The one person who can drive me nuts, but then can always manage to make me laugh: I guess I'm supposed to say Rob, but he doesn't really drive me nuts too often... except for when he tickles me... I guess that counts. He sure can make me laugh though!
4. The high school I went to was: Trinity Christian Academy... good ol' TCA.
5. When I'm nervous: I make myself get over it.
6. The last time I cried was: about two weeks ago, I guess.
7. If I were to get married right now my bridesmaids/groomsmen would be: Allison and Kent.
9. My hair: is short and very dark brown. It's usually pretty cool (I think) but it's in need of being cut right now.
10. When I was 5: I was like the cutest kid on the planet... obviously.
11. Last Christmas: was the first one that Rob and I got to spend together... the first of many to come!
12. When I turn my head right, I see: the postage machine.
13. I should be: working, I guess, but there's not much to be done right now.
14. When I Look Down I See: the brown wood and black leather surface of my desk.
15. The craziest recent event was: hearing that Rob's train was super late last night.
16. If I were a character on Friends I'd be: Monica. Without a doubt.
17. By this time next year: I'll be 57 days away from my one-year anneversary.
18. I love: God. And Rob. And my family. And Rob's family. And my friends. And my coworkers (the girls anyway!). And St. Augustine. And my life in general!
19. I have a hard time understanding: how Rob can store so many random trivia facts in his brain!
20. One time at a family gathering: Joe shot a water mocossan in the pond. Yeah, we're a little bit hick-ish.
21. You know I like you if: I laugh at your jokes on a regular basis.
22. If I won an award, the first person (people) I'd thank would be: whoever it was who helped me accomplish whatever the award was for. (I'm certian I wouldn't have earned it completely on my own!)
23. Take my advice: don't stress out over stuff. Worrying doesn't ever help a situation get any better. Trust in God's faithfulness instead.
24. My ideal breakfast is: anything typical of a breakfast menu... omlets, or pancakes (specifically blueberry, or banana-chocolate chip), or French toast, or scrambled eggs and grits (yes, I was raised in the South), or FRUIT SMOOTHIES!!! MMMMM!
25. If you visit the place I grew up: you might be sorely disappointed... it's not that exciting.
26. Soon I plan on visiting: Savannah. Honeymoon... Heck yeah.
27. If you spend the night at my house: if it was tonight, you'd be fighting for space... there's a bunch of people at the Oviedo house. If it was after tomorrow, you'd be at my new place, which is freakin' awesome... but you might be sleeping on the floor (which I guess would be the case at the Oviedo house, too) surrounded by cardboard boxes and possibly smelling fresh paint!
28. I'd stop my wedding if: someone died. That's about what it would take though! We won't be stopping for anything short of that!
29. The world could do without: cigarettes.
30. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: have all my skin peeled off slowly.
31. The most recent thing I bought myself is: a matress, which technically is for me and Rob.
32. The most recent thing someone bought for me is: a Bible with the books of the Apocrypha. Rob bought it for me since I was poor from having bought our matress.
33. My favorite band/musician is: David Crowder Band.
34. My favorite brunette is: am I allowed to say me?
35. My favorite redhead is: Greg.
36. My family is: pretty great and slightly crazy.
37. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds are: turtles.
38. I shouldn't have: ???
39. Once, at a gay bar: I wish I had a great story to tell here, but I don't.
40. Last night: I packed some boxes, ate dinner, and went to bed rediculously early. But I probably won't sleep much this weekend, so it's okay.
41. There's this guy I know who: looks like a young Jay Lenno.
42: I don't know: much about sports. Or pop-culture. Or history. Or politics.
43. A better name for me would be: ...I don't know... and I'm scared to ask for anyone else's opinion on that!
44. When I go back to school I'll: be the teacher and not the student!
45. My birthday is on: a Saturday this year.
46. What I really want for Valentines day: is something that is not cliche.
47. I'm wearing: black and white.
48. Tomorrow I am: getting the keys to my house!!! Heck yeah!
49. The last thing I ate was: a cracker with seafood spread. Sounds like an interesting morning, huh?
50. I really want to learn: Latin. And Japanese. And how to play an upright bass. And how to be a great wife.
May 24, 2006
against my religion...
So, for as non-protestant of me as this sounds, I've started reading through the books of the Apocripha. I love the additions to Esther. Those chapters give a lot of insight to the personal side of the story, rather than just the bare-bone facts. I've also read most of the way through Tobit (I have three more chapters to go). It's an interesting story. Parts of it are funny, like the guy getting blinded by bird poop, and the fact that it notes when the family dog went along with them on their journey. There's also a really clear picture of someone who uses their monetary possessions to benefit God's work and the welfare of others, rather than using his money for selfish purposes. Then, there's a really great wedding story about two people who God intended for one another "since before the foundations of the world." Tobit and the additions to Esther are the only books I've read so far, but I'm really looking forward to reading the rest. I'm interested to develop my own personal opinions on these books which aren't included in my Bible without just being told "these are good" or "these are bad." I'm a big believer in finding the spiritual value in everything, so unless something clashes really badly with me, I have a feeling I will enjoy most of what I read.
That's all for now.
So, for as non-protestant of me as this sounds, I've started reading through the books of the Apocripha. I love the additions to Esther. Those chapters give a lot of insight to the personal side of the story, rather than just the bare-bone facts. I've also read most of the way through Tobit (I have three more chapters to go). It's an interesting story. Parts of it are funny, like the guy getting blinded by bird poop, and the fact that it notes when the family dog went along with them on their journey. There's also a really clear picture of someone who uses their monetary possessions to benefit God's work and the welfare of others, rather than using his money for selfish purposes. Then, there's a really great wedding story about two people who God intended for one another "since before the foundations of the world." Tobit and the additions to Esther are the only books I've read so far, but I'm really looking forward to reading the rest. I'm interested to develop my own personal opinions on these books which aren't included in my Bible without just being told "these are good" or "these are bad." I'm a big believer in finding the spiritual value in everything, so unless something clashes really badly with me, I have a feeling I will enjoy most of what I read.
That's all for now.
May 23, 2006
isn't it pretty...
This is the Nikon D50. I wish I had it. It's not that I'm absolutely dying to have it or anything... I think it's just that I'm sitting here a little bored at work. I've already looked at all the home-decor crap that I can think of this morning, and I've read 53 pages of my book, so now I'm poking around on my proverbial wish list. I was actually looking at it because I couldn't remember how much it cost. Somehow it seems much more affordable now than the last time I looked at it. I guess perspectives change based on employment status! Things always seem much farther out of range when you don't have a steady income! It's still not like I'm goint to go out and buy one tomorrow or anything, but it might be a goal to save toward in the near future.
Speaking of home-decor crap (I say "crap," but I really enjoy it), I picked up a set of sheets from Target yesterday with one of the gift cards Rob and I received at our engagement party, and I also got the paint for our bedroom. I'm pretty excited about seeing it all come together this weekend. Granted, it won't be all together, as I'll have a living room void of furniture for a while, but at least the bedroom will look official soon. As selfish as it sounds, Rob and I are really looking forward to loading up on some good stuff in the upcoming weeks. I move this Saturday; the following Saturday is a wedding shower with my family; the following is one with ladies from church in Jacksonville. It's only once in your life that people so freely give you all the stuff you want and need... I figure we should enjoy it while it lasts! In all seriousness though, our families have already been so generous. We could not be more thankful.
4 days till move in. 59 days till marriage. Can't wait.
This is the Nikon D50. I wish I had it. It's not that I'm absolutely dying to have it or anything... I think it's just that I'm sitting here a little bored at work. I've already looked at all the home-decor crap that I can think of this morning, and I've read 53 pages of my book, so now I'm poking around on my proverbial wish list. I was actually looking at it because I couldn't remember how much it cost. Somehow it seems much more affordable now than the last time I looked at it. I guess perspectives change based on employment status! Things always seem much farther out of range when you don't have a steady income! It's still not like I'm goint to go out and buy one tomorrow or anything, but it might be a goal to save toward in the near future.
Speaking of home-decor crap (I say "crap," but I really enjoy it), I picked up a set of sheets from Target yesterday with one of the gift cards Rob and I received at our engagement party, and I also got the paint for our bedroom. I'm pretty excited about seeing it all come together this weekend. Granted, it won't be all together, as I'll have a living room void of furniture for a while, but at least the bedroom will look official soon. As selfish as it sounds, Rob and I are really looking forward to loading up on some good stuff in the upcoming weeks. I move this Saturday; the following Saturday is a wedding shower with my family; the following is one with ladies from church in Jacksonville. It's only once in your life that people so freely give you all the stuff you want and need... I figure we should enjoy it while it lasts! In all seriousness though, our families have already been so generous. We could not be more thankful.
4 days till move in. 59 days till marriage. Can't wait.
May 22, 2006
thoughts on love...
Most people, if asked, would probably agree that love is wonderful. But if asked to define it, I'm not so sure that the average person would have a really clear idea of what they think love is. Here's what I think, and please be aware that there is probably much more I could say as to my opinion of love, but this is the abbreviated version. First of all, love isn't just a feeling. Sure, it might start that way, with mere attraction or a crush or whatever you want to call it, but for it to be considered "love" in my opinion, it must move pretty significantly far beyond that. Love is a deep care for another person, but not a type of caring that can be swayed by feelings or emotions. This is a choice. You choose to care about the other person. You choose to care, even if you don't "feel" like caring sometimes. You make the decision (in the case of marriage) to care for them for the rest of your life. If you follow the idea of love that God laid out in 1 Corinthians 13, you also decide that the other person is more important than yourself, and their benefit is more important than your own. You decide that you will do everything it takes to benefit them above yourself. You decide to commit yourself to them unconditionally. If you truely make this kind of decision, I don't believe you can ever then not love that person. I guess all of this comes from me working in a law office where I daily hear about people's divorce cases, and how two people who used to be "in love" now hate each other with a passion. I just can't comprehend that. It doesn't make any sense to me. It blows my mind to think that people can make such a dramatic shift. If I can be so bold, though, I would venture to say that most of these people confused an emotional attraction for love. I have a hard time believing that people who have made an every-fiber-of-your-being commitment to one another would so easily reverse their decision to the polar opposite. This goes along with the idea of pre-nuptual agreements. People who do those, in my opinion, already have the idea in mind that they are not going to stay with the person they are marrying. It can't be real completely-committed love if you know that you aren't going to stick with it. Okay, so now I'm rambling. I don't know how many people would agree with me on this stuff, but those are my thoughts today. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think. Feel free to disagree if you want. Peace.
Most people, if asked, would probably agree that love is wonderful. But if asked to define it, I'm not so sure that the average person would have a really clear idea of what they think love is. Here's what I think, and please be aware that there is probably much more I could say as to my opinion of love, but this is the abbreviated version. First of all, love isn't just a feeling. Sure, it might start that way, with mere attraction or a crush or whatever you want to call it, but for it to be considered "love" in my opinion, it must move pretty significantly far beyond that. Love is a deep care for another person, but not a type of caring that can be swayed by feelings or emotions. This is a choice. You choose to care about the other person. You choose to care, even if you don't "feel" like caring sometimes. You make the decision (in the case of marriage) to care for them for the rest of your life. If you follow the idea of love that God laid out in 1 Corinthians 13, you also decide that the other person is more important than yourself, and their benefit is more important than your own. You decide that you will do everything it takes to benefit them above yourself. You decide to commit yourself to them unconditionally. If you truely make this kind of decision, I don't believe you can ever then not love that person. I guess all of this comes from me working in a law office where I daily hear about people's divorce cases, and how two people who used to be "in love" now hate each other with a passion. I just can't comprehend that. It doesn't make any sense to me. It blows my mind to think that people can make such a dramatic shift. If I can be so bold, though, I would venture to say that most of these people confused an emotional attraction for love. I have a hard time believing that people who have made an every-fiber-of-your-being commitment to one another would so easily reverse their decision to the polar opposite. This goes along with the idea of pre-nuptual agreements. People who do those, in my opinion, already have the idea in mind that they are not going to stay with the person they are marrying. It can't be real completely-committed love if you know that you aren't going to stick with it. Okay, so now I'm rambling. I don't know how many people would agree with me on this stuff, but those are my thoughts today. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think. Feel free to disagree if you want. Peace.
