morning...
sun bright and sky sapphire blue. clouds hug eastern horizon for warmth like I hug morning blankets, deciding whether to face the day or merely lounge. golden rays urge puffs of white to come out from hiding. “time to get up,” says sun to clouds, says sun to me. the earth awakes. the earth is reborn. the day begins.
Jun 2, 2006
happy friday...
I would love to say that this is about to be a post chock-full of insightful writings and things of great interest, but unfortunately, that is just not the case. I feel like writing, although I have nothing really to say, so I'll just give the general update of what's going on in my life. Monday was a holiday, so this was a short work week, which was really nice. Today marks the end of my first week in the condo, which is absolutely glorious. Being there, however, reminds me of how "anti-social" I am. Not "anti-social" meaning that I hate people or anything; it's just that I seem to thrive or refule when I'm able to be on my own. I guess that's only the case when I have things to keep me busy though (unpacking, organizing, etc.), because when I'm alone and have nothing to do I get lonely pretty easily. I think I most enjoy mornings to myself. I like having the whole place to myself in the mornings so I can turn on lights and make noise as I please withouth having to be concerned if I'm waking anyone up. And I have to admit, I like the freedom of walking around half-dressed when I feel like it. Although I haven't met him, I think Donald Miller and I have similar personalities. In Blue Like Jazz he writes that he lives in community because he knows it's healthy for him. He would be perfectly fine being alone all the time, but he knows it's healty to be around people sometimes, so he makes a conscious choice to do so. That's me. I could probably be perfectly content without human contact for extended periods of time (execpt Rob), but that's probably not the healthiest thing for me, so I sometimes force myself to partake in social activities. Yesterday, however, was one of those days where it was better for me to have some alone time. I was sort of feeling it all day, and when a severe sinus headache was thrown into the mix, I knew it was best for me to stay home last night. So I skipped out on Fusion and organized the spare room instead (I have a lot of stuff).
Today is finally Friday, and while it was a short work week, it has been a busy one, so today's arrival is much enjoyed. I am looking forward to a relaxed evening to start off the weekend. Tomorrow I am very excited that I will be able to sleep in. There's no painting to do, no unpacking, no putting together of furniture, nothing. Last weekend I was up at 6:30 twice and 7:15 once, putting my new home together. I enjoyed it, but I am also planning to enjoy a lazier morning tomorrow. When I do finally wake up, I will probably take a long bath, as that is an option afforded to me at my new place. Rob's mom, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew will be coming into town around lunch time, so we will have lunch, let them check out the condo, and then caravan up to Jacksonville for a wedding shower at my parents' house, for which I am super excited (free stuff!). We will then make the trip back to St. Augustine where I'm sure Rob and I will have fun unloading all our new goodies. Ms. Barbi will stay at the condo with me, and Megan, Truman, and Scott will stay with friends Jacob and Erin. And then Sunday resumes the usual weekend activities: church, Bible study, lunch, frisbee, meeting.
That's all my news for now. Have a fantastic weekend!
I would love to say that this is about to be a post chock-full of insightful writings and things of great interest, but unfortunately, that is just not the case. I feel like writing, although I have nothing really to say, so I'll just give the general update of what's going on in my life. Monday was a holiday, so this was a short work week, which was really nice. Today marks the end of my first week in the condo, which is absolutely glorious. Being there, however, reminds me of how "anti-social" I am. Not "anti-social" meaning that I hate people or anything; it's just that I seem to thrive or refule when I'm able to be on my own. I guess that's only the case when I have things to keep me busy though (unpacking, organizing, etc.), because when I'm alone and have nothing to do I get lonely pretty easily. I think I most enjoy mornings to myself. I like having the whole place to myself in the mornings so I can turn on lights and make noise as I please withouth having to be concerned if I'm waking anyone up. And I have to admit, I like the freedom of walking around half-dressed when I feel like it. Although I haven't met him, I think Donald Miller and I have similar personalities. In Blue Like Jazz he writes that he lives in community because he knows it's healthy for him. He would be perfectly fine being alone all the time, but he knows it's healty to be around people sometimes, so he makes a conscious choice to do so. That's me. I could probably be perfectly content without human contact for extended periods of time (execpt Rob), but that's probably not the healthiest thing for me, so I sometimes force myself to partake in social activities. Yesterday, however, was one of those days where it was better for me to have some alone time. I was sort of feeling it all day, and when a severe sinus headache was thrown into the mix, I knew it was best for me to stay home last night. So I skipped out on Fusion and organized the spare room instead (I have a lot of stuff).
Today is finally Friday, and while it was a short work week, it has been a busy one, so today's arrival is much enjoyed. I am looking forward to a relaxed evening to start off the weekend. Tomorrow I am very excited that I will be able to sleep in. There's no painting to do, no unpacking, no putting together of furniture, nothing. Last weekend I was up at 6:30 twice and 7:15 once, putting my new home together. I enjoyed it, but I am also planning to enjoy a lazier morning tomorrow. When I do finally wake up, I will probably take a long bath, as that is an option afforded to me at my new place. Rob's mom, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew will be coming into town around lunch time, so we will have lunch, let them check out the condo, and then caravan up to Jacksonville for a wedding shower at my parents' house, for which I am super excited (free stuff!). We will then make the trip back to St. Augustine where I'm sure Rob and I will have fun unloading all our new goodies. Ms. Barbi will stay at the condo with me, and Megan, Truman, and Scott will stay with friends Jacob and Erin. And then Sunday resumes the usual weekend activities: church, Bible study, lunch, frisbee, meeting.
That's all my news for now. Have a fantastic weekend!
May 31, 2006
a hero...
What does it take to be considered a hero? That's the question that was in my mind as I watched and read several news articles on cnn.com today. One article was concerning a former Marine who defended himself against a group of robbers who attacked him on the street. Someone was quoted in the article refering to him as a hero. He wasn't a hero! He kept himself from being killed! There's a big difference to me. "Hero" gives me the idea of someone doing something very risky for the benefit of someone else. I don't think a natural defense mechanism counts as heroic. Even better was the article about that race horse with the broken leg... Barbaro. They called the jockey a hero for slowing down, which supposedly "saved the horse's life." Okay, so even if it did save the horse's life because the guy slowed down, it's a horse! Don't get me wrong, I love animals and everything, but I still think it's pushing it to call the saving of an animal life "heroic." Then there was the story about the fire fighter who rescued a cat from the roof of a three-story home that was on fire. The word "hero" was not specifically used in this article, but you know someone was thinking it. Saving a cat. How cliche. At least there was a fire involved and the people were taken care of first. The headline story for CNN today was about military groups in Congo brutally raping women. A hero would be someone who went into this situation determined to make a difference for the protection of these women, no matter the personal sacrifice it would take. Someone willing to risk their life to defend those who are helpless, to fight this injustice. (*Marilyn's voice in my head*) That's a hero. Not a cat-rescuer, or a horse racer, or even someone who defended themself.
Okay, sorry to sound so accusing and pesimistic about the news today, but that was my prevailing thought as I was reading today. What are your thoughts on heros?
What does it take to be considered a hero? That's the question that was in my mind as I watched and read several news articles on cnn.com today. One article was concerning a former Marine who defended himself against a group of robbers who attacked him on the street. Someone was quoted in the article refering to him as a hero. He wasn't a hero! He kept himself from being killed! There's a big difference to me. "Hero" gives me the idea of someone doing something very risky for the benefit of someone else. I don't think a natural defense mechanism counts as heroic. Even better was the article about that race horse with the broken leg... Barbaro. They called the jockey a hero for slowing down, which supposedly "saved the horse's life." Okay, so even if it did save the horse's life because the guy slowed down, it's a horse! Don't get me wrong, I love animals and everything, but I still think it's pushing it to call the saving of an animal life "heroic." Then there was the story about the fire fighter who rescued a cat from the roof of a three-story home that was on fire. The word "hero" was not specifically used in this article, but you know someone was thinking it. Saving a cat. How cliche. At least there was a fire involved and the people were taken care of first. The headline story for CNN today was about military groups in Congo brutally raping women. A hero would be someone who went into this situation determined to make a difference for the protection of these women, no matter the personal sacrifice it would take. Someone willing to risk their life to defend those who are helpless, to fight this injustice. (*Marilyn's voice in my head*) That's a hero. Not a cat-rescuer, or a horse racer, or even someone who defended themself.
Okay, sorry to sound so accusing and pesimistic about the news today, but that was my prevailing thought as I was reading today. What are your thoughts on heros?
May 30, 2006
home sweet home...
So I'm all moved in to the new place, and it is glorious! I worked my butt off all weekend, moving stuff and unpacking and putting furniture together and painting, but it's so worth it. I love love love the condo, and I've enjoyed having the weekend to myself and being able to spread out and organize my stuff the way I want. Rob will be home today, so he'll finally get to see the place with furniture in it. (Well, the bedroom has furniture. The living room is still pretty barren.) I miss him like crazy! A week is a long time not to see each other!
This is the view from our place. Pretty cool, huh? You should see the sunrise here. It's amazing!
Our bedroom was my "project" this weekend. It started off a lavander-purple, and we were given permission to paint it, so I took advantage of the opportunity. I'm really excited about how it turned out. The picture doesn't really do it justice.
So if you're ever in St. Augustine, call me and you can come hang out at what I believe to be the coolest condo in the city. Maybe I'm a little bias.
So I'm all moved in to the new place, and it is glorious! I worked my butt off all weekend, moving stuff and unpacking and putting furniture together and painting, but it's so worth it. I love love love the condo, and I've enjoyed having the weekend to myself and being able to spread out and organize my stuff the way I want. Rob will be home today, so he'll finally get to see the place with furniture in it. (Well, the bedroom has furniture. The living room is still pretty barren.) I miss him like crazy! A week is a long time not to see each other!
This is the view from our place. Pretty cool, huh? You should see the sunrise here. It's amazing!
Our bedroom was my "project" this weekend. It started off a lavander-purple, and we were given permission to paint it, so I took advantage of the opportunity. I'm really excited about how it turned out. The picture doesn't really do it justice.
So if you're ever in St. Augustine, call me and you can come hang out at what I believe to be the coolest condo in the city. Maybe I'm a little bias.
May 26, 2006
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.
May 19, 2006
temporary satisfaction...
As I am looking forward to moving in about a week, I am constantly daydreaming about arranging furniture; painting; unpacking into a new, clean, empty house; organizing... (Hi, my name is Megan, but you can call me Monica. You know, like the anally-organized sister of Ross and wife of Chandler.) Anyway, since I still have about a week before I get to do any of that, I satisfied my organizing and cleaning urdge this morning by rearranging the stuff on my desk at work. This will make me sound really lazy, but I shifted my printer from the left side of my desk to the right because the power switch is on the far left of the printer, so this way I won't have to get up to reach it. But in my defense, I have to switch it frequently because of my printer's uncooperative temper. And now I can access the envelop feed slot without having to move my phone. I'm sure you care. After rearranging everything, I proceeded to --get this-- clean my phone and keyboard with disinfectant wipes. I'm sort of paranoid about germs on phones, and my keyboard was obnoxiously dirty. It kind of weirds me out. I'm not sure what the previous employee did to it, but it's possibly the dirtiest keyboard I've ever seen. Anyway, now I'm organized and germ-free. And I currently have a small plant decorating the corner of my desk, as well. I'm not sure if it's staying there, or if my desk is just a holding place while its real home is occupied, but I kind of like it. Anyway, all this randomness because the office is busy this morning, which, oddly enough, prevents me from being able to do much of my "real" work. Anyway, that's all for now. Later.
As I am looking forward to moving in about a week, I am constantly daydreaming about arranging furniture; painting; unpacking into a new, clean, empty house; organizing... (Hi, my name is Megan, but you can call me Monica. You know, like the anally-organized sister of Ross and wife of Chandler.) Anyway, since I still have about a week before I get to do any of that, I satisfied my organizing and cleaning urdge this morning by rearranging the stuff on my desk at work. This will make me sound really lazy, but I shifted my printer from the left side of my desk to the right because the power switch is on the far left of the printer, so this way I won't have to get up to reach it. But in my defense, I have to switch it frequently because of my printer's uncooperative temper. And now I can access the envelop feed slot without having to move my phone. I'm sure you care. After rearranging everything, I proceeded to --get this-- clean my phone and keyboard with disinfectant wipes. I'm sort of paranoid about germs on phones, and my keyboard was obnoxiously dirty. It kind of weirds me out. I'm not sure what the previous employee did to it, but it's possibly the dirtiest keyboard I've ever seen. Anyway, now I'm organized and germ-free. And I currently have a small plant decorating the corner of my desk, as well. I'm not sure if it's staying there, or if my desk is just a holding place while its real home is occupied, but I kind of like it. Anyway, all this randomness because the office is busy this morning, which, oddly enough, prevents me from being able to do much of my "real" work. Anyway, that's all for now. Later.
first reactions...
Type your FIRST REACTION when you hear these 35 words (don't spend time thinking - just your gut reaction please)
1. Cigarette: gross
2. Sex: in 63 days!
3. Relationships: mine's amazing!
4. Your Last Ex: disappointing
5. Power Rangers: Zachary (my nephew)
6. Marijuana: "whoooaah... duuuude"
7. Crack: bad
8. Food: wish I had some now
9. President: my opinions sway
10. War: "huh... what is it good for? absolutely nuthin!" and Leslea dancing with votive candles!... over and over and over!
11. Cars: civic. blue.
12. Gas Prices: unfair
13. Halloween: dorms. FSDB kids.
14. Bon Jovi: ?
15. Religion: we've distorted it.
16. My Space: addictive.
17. Worst Fear: rape
18. Marriage: desperately looking forward to it!
19. Fashion: I do my own thing
20. Brunettes: me
21. Redheads: cool
22. Blondes: allison
23. Work: ready for a new job
24. Love: wonderful
25. One Night Stands: sad
26. Pet Peeve: messy people
27. Pixie Stix: crack for kids
28. Kit Kats: yumm! fun and tasty!
29. Porta Potties: haha... I saw a truck at the gas station the other day with like 15 of them on a trailer!
30. High School: glad you only do that once!
31. Pajamas: bottoms optional lately
32. Wood: sawdust... "The Shop"... Canton, GA... wax... stain...
33. Surfers: St. Augustine staple
34. Pictures: i love them
Type your FIRST REACTION when you hear these 35 words (don't spend time thinking - just your gut reaction please)
1. Cigarette: gross
2. Sex: in 63 days!
3. Relationships: mine's amazing!
4. Your Last Ex: disappointing
5. Power Rangers: Zachary (my nephew)
6. Marijuana: "whoooaah... duuuude"
7. Crack: bad
8. Food: wish I had some now
9. President: my opinions sway
10. War: "huh... what is it good for? absolutely nuthin!" and Leslea dancing with votive candles!... over and over and over!
11. Cars: civic. blue.
12. Gas Prices: unfair
13. Halloween: dorms. FSDB kids.
14. Bon Jovi: ?
15. Religion: we've distorted it.
16. My Space: addictive.
17. Worst Fear: rape
18. Marriage: desperately looking forward to it!
19. Fashion: I do my own thing
20. Brunettes: me
21. Redheads: cool
22. Blondes: allison
23. Work: ready for a new job
24. Love: wonderful
25. One Night Stands: sad
26. Pet Peeve: messy people
27. Pixie Stix: crack for kids
28. Kit Kats: yumm! fun and tasty!
29. Porta Potties: haha... I saw a truck at the gas station the other day with like 15 of them on a trailer!
30. High School: glad you only do that once!
31. Pajamas: bottoms optional lately
32. Wood: sawdust... "The Shop"... Canton, GA... wax... stain...
33. Surfers: St. Augustine staple
34. Pictures: i love them
May 16, 2006
exectutive...
So I've made the executive decision not to sort any more files today. At least for now. I usually get bored around 4:15 and start sorting again. Anyway, I've got a lot on my mind today that I could vent about, but I'm debating how much of it I should say or whether I should keep most of it to myself for now. I guess what would be best for me to say is that God is clearly preparing Rob and myself for something new in the near future. I don't think either of us have a clear picture of what that is yet, but all sorts of issues are tying in together lately to the point that it cannot be coincidence. I don't believe in those, in case you haven't heard me say that before. Anyway, I'll save the ranting for later. For now, pray for God's guidance in our lives, as well as many lives around us. I should probably leave it at that.
So I've made the executive decision not to sort any more files today. At least for now. I usually get bored around 4:15 and start sorting again. Anyway, I've got a lot on my mind today that I could vent about, but I'm debating how much of it I should say or whether I should keep most of it to myself for now. I guess what would be best for me to say is that God is clearly preparing Rob and myself for something new in the near future. I don't think either of us have a clear picture of what that is yet, but all sorts of issues are tying in together lately to the point that it cannot be coincidence. I don't believe in those, in case you haven't heard me say that before. Anyway, I'll save the ranting for later. For now, pray for God's guidance in our lives, as well as many lives around us. I should probably leave it at that.
interesting...
It's been an interesting day from the get-go. First of all, Krissy was up this morning with the three of us regular early-morning risers, which is completely out of the ordinary. She has two interviews in Jacksonville today, for which I am very excited for her. Krissy told me this morning, "There are some people that make me a happy morning person, and I think you're one of those people!" That humored me. I'm not sure why she thinks this is true... I barely speak to people in the mornings. I'm not grumpy, but I wouldn't classify myself as "happy" in the mornings either. I'm just sort of neutral, I guess. I get up and I get going because I know I have to. That's all. (Which I guess sums up a lot of things in my life... it's not that I'm happy or upset about them, I just do what I have to do and that's it.) I had my quet time before I left the house, and like yesterday, it was really good. I love that. I feel like there's a lot of times that I just get in the habit of doing my quiet time because I feel like I should, yet I don't necessarily feel like I'm getting much out of it. I love times that it's really meaningful, which it has been so far this week. Before arriving at work this morning, I swung by the Gate station to pick up a Chai Latte, and on the way in I saw Mason (my church's youth pastor) which was random. He asked me if I was stopping in for my morning pick-me-up and I nodded. As I was checking out with the cashier, I noticed the woman in front of me buying a bottle of wine... keep in mind that this is at 8:00am! I thought that was a little odd. It was wine and cigarettes, actually. But the cigarettes are slightly more understandable at 8am. Anyway. Then all morning at work was like a mad-house. One of the real-estate closings this morning, aside from the four adults, contained three children under the age of what I assume was about 3 1/2 (all from the same family), as well as a parakeet! Meanwhile, we had two other meetings going on, which exceeded our number of available meeting rooms; the phone was ringing off the hook; I was trying to copy files at our only copy machine, which happens also to be our fax machine, as well as a printer that is available to all of the computers in the office, so needless to say I was interrupted multiple times. My printer is tempermental and has chosen not to cooperate today. I got a super-serious email today that I had to take time to reply to. I just got off the phone with a man who won't take no for an answer. A guy (the second one this month, actually) from Tire Kingdom just stopped by our office to try to sell us their car care crap for an entire year, and lucky me, I'm the receptionist, so I'm the one who gets to deal with these people. Anyway, all that to say it's been an eventful day. I left the office for lunch for the sake of my sanity, so Rob and I enjoyed an hour of peace at TGIFriday's. And clearly now I'm back at work, dealing with irate phone calls and tire salesmen. Other than that, however, it has slown down a lot. As for now, I need to get back to work, so I'll end this post here. Hope everyone has an awesome afternoon. Peace.
It's been an interesting day from the get-go. First of all, Krissy was up this morning with the three of us regular early-morning risers, which is completely out of the ordinary. She has two interviews in Jacksonville today, for which I am very excited for her. Krissy told me this morning, "There are some people that make me a happy morning person, and I think you're one of those people!" That humored me. I'm not sure why she thinks this is true... I barely speak to people in the mornings. I'm not grumpy, but I wouldn't classify myself as "happy" in the mornings either. I'm just sort of neutral, I guess. I get up and I get going because I know I have to. That's all. (Which I guess sums up a lot of things in my life... it's not that I'm happy or upset about them, I just do what I have to do and that's it.) I had my quet time before I left the house, and like yesterday, it was really good. I love that. I feel like there's a lot of times that I just get in the habit of doing my quiet time because I feel like I should, yet I don't necessarily feel like I'm getting much out of it. I love times that it's really meaningful, which it has been so far this week. Before arriving at work this morning, I swung by the Gate station to pick up a Chai Latte, and on the way in I saw Mason (my church's youth pastor) which was random. He asked me if I was stopping in for my morning pick-me-up and I nodded. As I was checking out with the cashier, I noticed the woman in front of me buying a bottle of wine... keep in mind that this is at 8:00am! I thought that was a little odd. It was wine and cigarettes, actually. But the cigarettes are slightly more understandable at 8am. Anyway. Then all morning at work was like a mad-house. One of the real-estate closings this morning, aside from the four adults, contained three children under the age of what I assume was about 3 1/2 (all from the same family), as well as a parakeet! Meanwhile, we had two other meetings going on, which exceeded our number of available meeting rooms; the phone was ringing off the hook; I was trying to copy files at our only copy machine, which happens also to be our fax machine, as well as a printer that is available to all of the computers in the office, so needless to say I was interrupted multiple times. My printer is tempermental and has chosen not to cooperate today. I got a super-serious email today that I had to take time to reply to. I just got off the phone with a man who won't take no for an answer. A guy (the second one this month, actually) from Tire Kingdom just stopped by our office to try to sell us their car care crap for an entire year, and lucky me, I'm the receptionist, so I'm the one who gets to deal with these people. Anyway, all that to say it's been an eventful day. I left the office for lunch for the sake of my sanity, so Rob and I enjoyed an hour of peace at TGIFriday's. And clearly now I'm back at work, dealing with irate phone calls and tire salesmen. Other than that, however, it has slown down a lot. As for now, I need to get back to work, so I'll end this post here. Hope everyone has an awesome afternoon. Peace.
May 15, 2006
real stuff...
So I was reading Holly's latest blog entry this morning, and I got to thinking how seldom it is these days that I post anything of any real quality that has anything to do with real issues. For people who these days I only communicate with through MySpace or my blog, they know very little of my life. So I figured it was high time to talk about some real stuff.
My quiet time this morning, which I actually did today, was in the first 6 verses of John 15. It's the part about Jesus being the vine and us being the branches. I've read it a million times, but today it was different. (I love days like that!) How 'bout this verse that's thrown in the middle of this passage that I've never noticed before: "3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you." Where did that come from??!! Why haven't I seen that before?! I love it though. Christ has already made us clean. It's not something we're working toward. We (as Christians) have already been justified to God through Christ. He has spoken His word over us, therefore it has become Truth. We are clean because He has declared us so.
The other key issue I pulled from this passage today is that our life HAS TO BE derived from Christ. It's not an option. We're Christians, so we ARE the branches He describes here. The branches CANNOT continue living apart from the Vine. This passage reemphasized the same thing that God was speaking to me last Thursday at Fusion, as well as a few Mondays ago at Bible Study. The idea being that I must hunger and thirst after Christ. Not that I just want Him; I need to need Him. He needs to be my very existence. He needs to be my life blood, my air. So often I think I live as though Christ is just a convenience or a benefit that I am afforded, rather than living like my very existence depends upn Him.
So those are my thoughts. This is what I'm working on in my life right now.
So I was reading Holly's latest blog entry this morning, and I got to thinking how seldom it is these days that I post anything of any real quality that has anything to do with real issues. For people who these days I only communicate with through MySpace or my blog, they know very little of my life. So I figured it was high time to talk about some real stuff.
My quiet time this morning, which I actually did today, was in the first 6 verses of John 15. It's the part about Jesus being the vine and us being the branches. I've read it a million times, but today it was different. (I love days like that!) How 'bout this verse that's thrown in the middle of this passage that I've never noticed before: "3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you." Where did that come from??!! Why haven't I seen that before?! I love it though. Christ has already made us clean. It's not something we're working toward. We (as Christians) have already been justified to God through Christ. He has spoken His word over us, therefore it has become Truth. We are clean because He has declared us so.
The other key issue I pulled from this passage today is that our life HAS TO BE derived from Christ. It's not an option. We're Christians, so we ARE the branches He describes here. The branches CANNOT continue living apart from the Vine. This passage reemphasized the same thing that God was speaking to me last Thursday at Fusion, as well as a few Mondays ago at Bible Study. The idea being that I must hunger and thirst after Christ. Not that I just want Him; I need to need Him. He needs to be my very existence. He needs to be my life blood, my air. So often I think I live as though Christ is just a convenience or a benefit that I am afforded, rather than living like my very existence depends upn Him.
So those are my thoughts. This is what I'm working on in my life right now.
info...
Okay, I know these are cheesy, but some days I just enjoy filling them out, so here's not one, but two surveys with which I have killed my time at work this morning.
Been Drunk: no, but got pretty sick from combining different kinds of drinks once
Smoked Pot: no
Kissed A Member Of The Opposite Sex: yes
Kissed A Member Of The Same Sex: no… other than cheeks
Crashed A Friend's Car: no
Been To Japan: no, but would love to
Been In A Taxi: yes- in NYC!
Been In Love: absolutely!
Been Dumped: yeah, I guess
Done Cocaine: no
Shoplifted: haha… I stole a sidewalk chalk when I was a kid!
Been Fired: um… not exactly
Been In A Fist Fight: no
Snuck Out Of My Parent's House: not for real
Been Tied Up: do we mean literally? Then no.
regretted Having Sex With Someone: no because I haven’t had it to regret it
Been Arrested: no
Made Out With A Stranger: no
Stolen Something From My Job: no (the pens are free)
Celebrated New Years In Time Square: proudly, YES!
Gone On A Blind Date: no
Lied To A Friend: maybe… can’t think of a specific time
Had A Crush On A Teacher: not that I recall
Celebrated Mardi-Gras In New Orleans: no, but I’ve been to New Orleans
Been To Europe: YES! I love it there!
Skipped School: not in high school… skipped a few classes in college
Slept With A Co-Worker: no
Cut Myself On Purpose: no
Been Married: no, but getting married!
Been Divorced: no
Posed Nude: no
Killed Anyone: no… and if anyone had, would they answer yes on a random internet survey?
Thrown Up In A Bar: no
Purposely Set A Part Of Myself On Fire: um, no, definitely not
Eaten Sushi: yes
Been Snowboarding: no because it rained that day :(
Flashed Anyone: no
Met Anyone From Online: no
Had Sex: no. and shouldn’t they have asked this before all the other sex-related questions?
1. EVER BEEN GIVEN AN ENGAGEMENT RING? Yes!
2. LONGEST FRIENDSHIP? Allison (since we were babies!)
3. LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? A Copeland T-shirt from Rob
4. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU DROPPED YOUR CELL? Usually my response would be “not many” but I’ve dropped it at least three times in the past week, which is odd
5. WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU WORKED OUT? Hahaha. I guess Ultimate Frisbee counts… there’s lots of running involved… so a week ago yesterday.
6. THING YOU SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON? Food, I guess.
7. LAST FOOD YOU ATE? cookies
*what happened to 8?*
9. ONE FAVORITE SONG? “The Fox” by Nickel Creek
10. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? In a house with 4 other girls… but not for long!
11. HIGH SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED: Trinity Christian Academy
12. CELL PHONE SERVICE PROVIDER: T-Mobile
13. FAVORITE MALL STORE: Old Navy
14. LONGEST JOB EVER HAD: Umm… Bryn Alan Photography. Or maybe Turnberry James Custom Cabinetry.
15. DO YOU OWN A PAIR OF DICE?: no
16. DO YOU PRANK CALL PEOPLE?: no
17. LAST WEDDING ATTENDED?: yesterday… Nate and Lauren Robinson
18. FIRST FRIEND YOU'D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY: other than Rob, Allison.
19. LAST TIME YOU ATTENDED CHURCH: yesterday
*what happened to 20?*
21. BIGGEST LIE YOU HAVE HEARD? dunno
*what happened to 22?*
23. WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? Flavors Eatery!
24. CAN YOU COOK? yeah
25. WHAT CAR DO YOU DRIVE? Civic
26. BEST KISSER? What is this question asking? Do they want a name? Or are they asking “Are you the best kisser?” And if so, compared to whom?
27. LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: Saturday. I was being a baby.
28. MOST DISLIKED FOOD?: Cucumbers or celery.
29. THING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF?: umm… my wicked-cool sense of style! Haha.
30. THING YOU DISLIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: I’m socially awkward.
*what happened to 31?*
32. LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB? Umm… I guess 9 hours… which is every day now. The furniture job might have been longer at times.
33. Favorite MOVIE? I don’t really have favorites so much. I guess Notting Hill.
34. CAN YOU SING?: I like to. I guess I’m okay.
35. LAST CONCERT? Switchfoot
36. LAST TIME CLEANING YOUR ROOM? I try to keep it relatively clean rather than having to specifically clean it.
37. LAST MOVIE RENTED?: Rob and I rented “Everything is Illuminated”
38. THING YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?: keys, unless Rob and I are walking downtown
39. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? Favorite trip was to London, so I guess that’s it.
40. DO YOU LIKE CHINESE FOOD? LOVE IT!
*what happened to 41*
42. IS YOUR ROOM CLEAN?: my half is!
43. LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER?: desktop at work (this one) but laptop at home
44. FAVORITE COMEDIAN?: Seinfeld?
45. DO YOU SMOKE?: no
46. SLEEP WITH OR WITHOUT CLOTHES? some clothes
47. WHO SLEEPS WITH YOU EVERY NIGHT? Just me. Krissy’s in the room, but not the same bed!
48. LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS WORK? Not likely.
49. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE?: none!
50. PANCAKES OR FRENCH TOAST? Both! Yum!
51. DO YOU LIKE COFFEE? No, absolutely not. No lattes, no cappuccinos, no frappiccinos, nothing.
52. HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS? scrambled
53. DO YOU BELIEVE IN ASTROLOGY?: I could talk about how this question is phrased poorly, but instead I’ll just go with a simple “no.”
54. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?: Rob… oh, but that’s only if you mean a personal call… I answer phones at work.
55. LAST PERSON ON YOUR MISSED CALL LIST?: Rob
56. WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECIEVED?: “I hate my job”
57. MCDONALDS OR BURGER KING? BK
58. NUMBER OF PILLOWS?: two… one for my head and one for draping half my body over
59. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?: green button-down dress shirt with gold-ish stripes; light brown dress pants; my “fancy” brown shoes.
60. PICK ANY LYRIC OR SONG: "Here’s my life”
61. WHAT KIND OF JELLY DO YOU LIKE ON YOUR PB & J? grape
62. CAN YOU PLAY POOL?: no
63. DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SWIM?: yes
64. FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Honestly, vanilla
65. DO YOU LIKE MAPS?: umm… yes?
66. TELL ME A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?: I have 67 days till I get married!
*what happened to 67?* (how weird that my answer to the above was 67...)
68. EVER ATTEND A THEME PARTY?: umm… a Halloween costume party… but not really a theme party. Oh wait! Yes I have! We had an 80's dance party for Jess!
69. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? fall
70. LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED AT SOMETHING STUPID? What classifies as stupid? Last night I had a good laugh with Rob concerning his late-night logic and the fact that he speaks out his dream conversations when I wake him up.
71. WHAT TIME DID YOU WAKE UP THIS MORNING? About 6:15
72. BEST THING ABOUT WINTER? Everyone looks good in winter clothes!
73. LAST TIME A COP GAVE YOU A TICKET? Never. Aside from parking tickets on my street.
*what happened to 74?*
75. NAME OF YOUR FIRST PET? Sweetpea
76. DO YOU THINK PIRATES ARE COOL OR OVERRATED? Well, considering I’m around JP all the time, I’m going to go with overrated.
77. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND? Potentially and hopefully moving! And doing a retreat type thing for Leadership.
79. WHAT IS THE THIRD LETTER OF YOUR NAME?: g
80. HOW OLD ARE YOUR PETS?: My pets live at my parents’ house, but Toby (the Yorkie) is seven I think, and Miss Kitty is 16! Holy Cow! Oh, and Daisy (the White Dove) is at least 11! Wow! I hadn’t thought about that!
81. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BACKPACK? black
82. ARE YOU SICK?: not currently
*what happened to 83?*
84. IS THE BATHROOM OPEN?: umm… yes?
*what happened to 85-86?*
87. ARE YOU SMILING?: not particularly
88.Do you have on eyeliner? Not today
89. DO YOU MISS SOMEONE RIGHT NOW? Not particularly. I always miss Rob though.
90. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Back to London; Japan; Boston; back to Chicago
91.DO YOU HAVE A LIVE JOURNAL? Blogspot.
92. ARE YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL?: haha… no
93. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?: yes and no… I’m passionately in love… it depends on whether or not you count that as a crush.
94. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NICKNAME FOR YOURSELF?: does Meg count?
95. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHING SUIT?: green / green plaid / blue and colored stripes
*what happened to 96?*
97. DID YOU GO ON VACATION LAST MONTH? No. Do normal people go on monthly vacations or something? My next real vacation will be my honeymoon in July.
98. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A CRUISE?: no
99. DO YOU HAVE A SISTER?: no, but two sisters-in-law by way of them marrying my brothers, and a soon-to-be sister-in-law by me marrying her brother.
100. ARE YOU UPSTAIRS?: no (what a way to end.)
Okay, I know these are cheesy, but some days I just enjoy filling them out, so here's not one, but two surveys with which I have killed my time at work this morning.
Been Drunk: no, but got pretty sick from combining different kinds of drinks once
Smoked Pot: no
Kissed A Member Of The Opposite Sex: yes
Kissed A Member Of The Same Sex: no… other than cheeks
Crashed A Friend's Car: no
Been To Japan: no, but would love to
Been In A Taxi: yes- in NYC!
Been In Love: absolutely!
Been Dumped: yeah, I guess
Done Cocaine: no
Shoplifted: haha… I stole a sidewalk chalk when I was a kid!
Been Fired: um… not exactly
Been In A Fist Fight: no
Snuck Out Of My Parent's House: not for real
Been Tied Up: do we mean literally? Then no.
regretted Having Sex With Someone: no because I haven’t had it to regret it
Been Arrested: no
Made Out With A Stranger: no
Stolen Something From My Job: no (the pens are free)
Celebrated New Years In Time Square: proudly, YES!
Gone On A Blind Date: no
Lied To A Friend: maybe… can’t think of a specific time
Had A Crush On A Teacher: not that I recall
Celebrated Mardi-Gras In New Orleans: no, but I’ve been to New Orleans
Been To Europe: YES! I love it there!
Skipped School: not in high school… skipped a few classes in college
Slept With A Co-Worker: no
Cut Myself On Purpose: no
Been Married: no, but getting married!
Been Divorced: no
Posed Nude: no
Killed Anyone: no… and if anyone had, would they answer yes on a random internet survey?
Thrown Up In A Bar: no
Purposely Set A Part Of Myself On Fire: um, no, definitely not
Eaten Sushi: yes
Been Snowboarding: no because it rained that day :(
Flashed Anyone: no
Met Anyone From Online: no
Had Sex: no. and shouldn’t they have asked this before all the other sex-related questions?
1. EVER BEEN GIVEN AN ENGAGEMENT RING? Yes!
2. LONGEST FRIENDSHIP? Allison (since we were babies!)
3. LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? A Copeland T-shirt from Rob
4. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU DROPPED YOUR CELL? Usually my response would be “not many” but I’ve dropped it at least three times in the past week, which is odd
5. WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU WORKED OUT? Hahaha. I guess Ultimate Frisbee counts… there’s lots of running involved… so a week ago yesterday.
6. THING YOU SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON? Food, I guess.
7. LAST FOOD YOU ATE? cookies
*what happened to 8?*
9. ONE FAVORITE SONG? “The Fox” by Nickel Creek
10. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? In a house with 4 other girls… but not for long!
11. HIGH SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED: Trinity Christian Academy
12. CELL PHONE SERVICE PROVIDER: T-Mobile
13. FAVORITE MALL STORE: Old Navy
14. LONGEST JOB EVER HAD: Umm… Bryn Alan Photography. Or maybe Turnberry James Custom Cabinetry.
15. DO YOU OWN A PAIR OF DICE?: no
16. DO YOU PRANK CALL PEOPLE?: no
17. LAST WEDDING ATTENDED?: yesterday… Nate and Lauren Robinson
18. FIRST FRIEND YOU'D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY: other than Rob, Allison.
19. LAST TIME YOU ATTENDED CHURCH: yesterday
*what happened to 20?*
21. BIGGEST LIE YOU HAVE HEARD? dunno
*what happened to 22?*
23. WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? Flavors Eatery!
24. CAN YOU COOK? yeah
25. WHAT CAR DO YOU DRIVE? Civic
26. BEST KISSER? What is this question asking? Do they want a name? Or are they asking “Are you the best kisser?” And if so, compared to whom?
27. LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: Saturday. I was being a baby.
28. MOST DISLIKED FOOD?: Cucumbers or celery.
29. THING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF?: umm… my wicked-cool sense of style! Haha.
30. THING YOU DISLIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: I’m socially awkward.
*what happened to 31?*
32. LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB? Umm… I guess 9 hours… which is every day now. The furniture job might have been longer at times.
33. Favorite MOVIE? I don’t really have favorites so much. I guess Notting Hill.
34. CAN YOU SING?: I like to. I guess I’m okay.
35. LAST CONCERT? Switchfoot
36. LAST TIME CLEANING YOUR ROOM? I try to keep it relatively clean rather than having to specifically clean it.
37. LAST MOVIE RENTED?: Rob and I rented “Everything is Illuminated”
38. THING YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?: keys, unless Rob and I are walking downtown
39. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? Favorite trip was to London, so I guess that’s it.
40. DO YOU LIKE CHINESE FOOD? LOVE IT!
*what happened to 41*
42. IS YOUR ROOM CLEAN?: my half is!
43. LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER?: desktop at work (this one) but laptop at home
44. FAVORITE COMEDIAN?: Seinfeld?
45. DO YOU SMOKE?: no
46. SLEEP WITH OR WITHOUT CLOTHES? some clothes
47. WHO SLEEPS WITH YOU EVERY NIGHT? Just me. Krissy’s in the room, but not the same bed!
48. LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS WORK? Not likely.
49. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE?: none!
50. PANCAKES OR FRENCH TOAST? Both! Yum!
51. DO YOU LIKE COFFEE? No, absolutely not. No lattes, no cappuccinos, no frappiccinos, nothing.
52. HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS? scrambled
53. DO YOU BELIEVE IN ASTROLOGY?: I could talk about how this question is phrased poorly, but instead I’ll just go with a simple “no.”
54. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?: Rob… oh, but that’s only if you mean a personal call… I answer phones at work.
55. LAST PERSON ON YOUR MISSED CALL LIST?: Rob
56. WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECIEVED?: “I hate my job”
57. MCDONALDS OR BURGER KING? BK
58. NUMBER OF PILLOWS?: two… one for my head and one for draping half my body over
59. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?: green button-down dress shirt with gold-ish stripes; light brown dress pants; my “fancy” brown shoes.
60. PICK ANY LYRIC OR SONG: "Here’s my life”
61. WHAT KIND OF JELLY DO YOU LIKE ON YOUR PB & J? grape
62. CAN YOU PLAY POOL?: no
63. DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SWIM?: yes
64. FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Honestly, vanilla
65. DO YOU LIKE MAPS?: umm… yes?
66. TELL ME A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?: I have 67 days till I get married!
*what happened to 67?* (how weird that my answer to the above was 67...)
68. EVER ATTEND A THEME PARTY?: umm… a Halloween costume party… but not really a theme party. Oh wait! Yes I have! We had an 80's dance party for Jess!
69. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? fall
70. LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED AT SOMETHING STUPID? What classifies as stupid? Last night I had a good laugh with Rob concerning his late-night logic and the fact that he speaks out his dream conversations when I wake him up.
71. WHAT TIME DID YOU WAKE UP THIS MORNING? About 6:15
72. BEST THING ABOUT WINTER? Everyone looks good in winter clothes!
73. LAST TIME A COP GAVE YOU A TICKET? Never. Aside from parking tickets on my street.
*what happened to 74?*
75. NAME OF YOUR FIRST PET? Sweetpea
76. DO YOU THINK PIRATES ARE COOL OR OVERRATED? Well, considering I’m around JP all the time, I’m going to go with overrated.
77. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND? Potentially and hopefully moving! And doing a retreat type thing for Leadership.
79. WHAT IS THE THIRD LETTER OF YOUR NAME?: g
80. HOW OLD ARE YOUR PETS?: My pets live at my parents’ house, but Toby (the Yorkie) is seven I think, and Miss Kitty is 16! Holy Cow! Oh, and Daisy (the White Dove) is at least 11! Wow! I hadn’t thought about that!
81. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BACKPACK? black
82. ARE YOU SICK?: not currently
*what happened to 83?*
84. IS THE BATHROOM OPEN?: umm… yes?
*what happened to 85-86?*
87. ARE YOU SMILING?: not particularly
88.Do you have on eyeliner? Not today
89. DO YOU MISS SOMEONE RIGHT NOW? Not particularly. I always miss Rob though.
90. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Back to London; Japan; Boston; back to Chicago
91.DO YOU HAVE A LIVE JOURNAL? Blogspot.
92. ARE YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL?: haha… no
93. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?: yes and no… I’m passionately in love… it depends on whether or not you count that as a crush.
94. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NICKNAME FOR YOURSELF?: does Meg count?
95. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHING SUIT?: green / green plaid / blue and colored stripes
*what happened to 96?*
97. DID YOU GO ON VACATION LAST MONTH? No. Do normal people go on monthly vacations or something? My next real vacation will be my honeymoon in July.
98. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A CRUISE?: no
99. DO YOU HAVE A SISTER?: no, but two sisters-in-law by way of them marrying my brothers, and a soon-to-be sister-in-law by me marrying her brother.
100. ARE YOU UPSTAIRS?: no (what a way to end.)
May 10, 2006
yay...
WE HAVE A HOUSE!!! YAY! So yeah, the condo we saw last night was just as fantastic as I thought it would be. The husband and wife who are renting it out (who are super nice) signed our application, so it's official now! We write a check and sign the lease on Thursday, and then I'll move in as soon as they're done with a few last minute maintanence things. We're sooo excited!
WE HAVE A HOUSE!!! YAY! So yeah, the condo we saw last night was just as fantastic as I thought it would be. The husband and wife who are renting it out (who are super nice) signed our application, so it's official now! We write a check and sign the lease on Thursday, and then I'll move in as soon as they're done with a few last minute maintanence things. We're sooo excited!
May 9, 2006
mint hot coco...
It's cool how God works. I've had the same conversation with several friends lately talking about how we wish God would just tell us what we're supposed to do or what's going to happen, and how we think that would make things a lot easier, but the reality is that God has a better plan than just telling us everything all at once. I mean, where's the fun in knowing what all your Christmas presents are before you open them? So Rob and I have been searching out different options of places to live over the past week, and on Thursday we went to look at a place that we were fairly confident was "the one." It's a condo in the Conquistador condos in the Shores. We had looked at one in "phase 1" that was much smaller, and when we saw this one, in "phase2," we immediately loved it. (Its only downside was the awful teal countertops in the kitchen.) I sent in the application information so the lady could check out our references and everything, and I'm fairly certain that we would have gotten it, were it not for the fact that she decided to rent it to her business partner's niece, or something, who is coming to college here. I found this out yesterday at 4:00, and I was really quite disappointed. And then I was kind of stressed because I was like "Great. Now we don't have anywhere to live. We have to start the search over again." I spent the last hour of my work day finding more rental listings online and making phone calls. I left work and drove by one place that I had been told about. On my drive I was praying: "Okay God, I'm giving this to You. I know You have something for us. I don't know what it is, but I know You have something. It's up to You, not up to me." So I looked at the one place, which was nothing special, and I drove home. All the way home and for a while after arriving there, I continued to make phone calls, mostly leaving voice mails for people. Finally, I came across a number and listing that I had written down last week. I don't recall if I had left a voice mail for this one, or if I somehow skipped it and never called, but anyway, I called it yesterday. It turns out that it is a condo in the same complex and same phase as the one we liked, which makes it cool already... but wait, there's more. The people who own this one are a husband and wife who lived in the condo themselves, but they found a house, so they are now renting out their condo. The cool part is that they do custom cabinetry, so they have replaced all the cabinets, put in marble countertops, and also put in hardwood floors and redone all the baseboards. (Please recall that the only downside of the other one was the countertops. Hmmmm.) So due to the upgrades, the rent is a little higher but still within our budget. And it'll be worth it, too. We plan on staying wherever we go for at least two years, so it would be nice for the place to be as nice as possible for a reasonable price. Anway, we should find out today if we get in there, but I feel really confident about it. And even if for some crazy reason this one falls through too, God has reminded me in the last 24 hours that His plans are bigger than mine, and I just need to trust Him. He's so good to me.
It's cool how God works. I've had the same conversation with several friends lately talking about how we wish God would just tell us what we're supposed to do or what's going to happen, and how we think that would make things a lot easier, but the reality is that God has a better plan than just telling us everything all at once. I mean, where's the fun in knowing what all your Christmas presents are before you open them? So Rob and I have been searching out different options of places to live over the past week, and on Thursday we went to look at a place that we were fairly confident was "the one." It's a condo in the Conquistador condos in the Shores. We had looked at one in "phase 1" that was much smaller, and when we saw this one, in "phase2," we immediately loved it. (Its only downside was the awful teal countertops in the kitchen.) I sent in the application information so the lady could check out our references and everything, and I'm fairly certain that we would have gotten it, were it not for the fact that she decided to rent it to her business partner's niece, or something, who is coming to college here. I found this out yesterday at 4:00, and I was really quite disappointed. And then I was kind of stressed because I was like "Great. Now we don't have anywhere to live. We have to start the search over again." I spent the last hour of my work day finding more rental listings online and making phone calls. I left work and drove by one place that I had been told about. On my drive I was praying: "Okay God, I'm giving this to You. I know You have something for us. I don't know what it is, but I know You have something. It's up to You, not up to me." So I looked at the one place, which was nothing special, and I drove home. All the way home and for a while after arriving there, I continued to make phone calls, mostly leaving voice mails for people. Finally, I came across a number and listing that I had written down last week. I don't recall if I had left a voice mail for this one, or if I somehow skipped it and never called, but anyway, I called it yesterday. It turns out that it is a condo in the same complex and same phase as the one we liked, which makes it cool already... but wait, there's more. The people who own this one are a husband and wife who lived in the condo themselves, but they found a house, so they are now renting out their condo. The cool part is that they do custom cabinetry, so they have replaced all the cabinets, put in marble countertops, and also put in hardwood floors and redone all the baseboards. (Please recall that the only downside of the other one was the countertops. Hmmmm.) So due to the upgrades, the rent is a little higher but still within our budget. And it'll be worth it, too. We plan on staying wherever we go for at least two years, so it would be nice for the place to be as nice as possible for a reasonable price. Anway, we should find out today if we get in there, but I feel really confident about it. And even if for some crazy reason this one falls through too, God has reminded me in the last 24 hours that His plans are bigger than mine, and I just need to trust Him. He's so good to me.
May 8, 2006
my abc's...
A) Is for age: 22
B) Is for beer of choice: Sam Adams Cherry Wheat (one of the few I really enjoy)
C) Is for career: hopefully teaching
D) Is for your dog's name: Toby (but he lives at my parents' house)
E) Is for essential item you use/wear everyday: cell phone/keys&car/my calendar!
F) Is for favorite song at the moment: don't know... but favorite lyric at the moment is "use me up, and throw me away..."
G) Is for favorite games: balderdash
H) Is for Hometown: Jacksonville. I live in St. Augustine
I) Is for instruments you play: clarinet (I know... you're pretty jealous, aren't you)
J) Is for favorite flavor of juice: currently cranberry-blueberry
K) Is for kids: someday... 1-2
L) Is for the last girl you hugged? umm... Nena?
M) Is for marriage: IN 74 DAYS!!! YAY!!!
N) Is for name of your crush: Rob... I am marrying him, after all
O) Is for any overnight hospital stays: none
P) Is for phobias: umm... I don't like roaches at all... but it's not quite a phobia
Q) Is for quote: "Use your talents; they for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?"
R) Is for biggest regret: I don't think I really have any. I regret times I've spoken without thinking first and consequently hurt people.
S) Is for your status: counting down the days till marriage! (did I mention it's 74)
T) Is for the time you wake up: the alarm went off at 6:00... I woke up some time around 6:30
U) Is for your fav. underwear: I have lots of favs... it really depends on my mood... but I'm not likely to describe them here anyway
V) Is for the vegetable you love: broccoli! and I like asparagus too
W) Is for your worst habit: lack of sensitivity/compassion
X) Is for x-rays you've had: only my teeth I think
Y) Is for yummy food you make: chicken enchiladas... mmmmm!
Z) Is for your zodiac sign: Virgo
A) Is for age: 22
B) Is for beer of choice: Sam Adams Cherry Wheat (one of the few I really enjoy)
C) Is for career: hopefully teaching
D) Is for your dog's name: Toby (but he lives at my parents' house)
E) Is for essential item you use/wear everyday: cell phone/keys&car/my calendar!
F) Is for favorite song at the moment: don't know... but favorite lyric at the moment is "use me up, and throw me away..."
G) Is for favorite games: balderdash
H) Is for Hometown: Jacksonville. I live in St. Augustine
I) Is for instruments you play: clarinet (I know... you're pretty jealous, aren't you)
J) Is for favorite flavor of juice: currently cranberry-blueberry
K) Is for kids: someday... 1-2
L) Is for the last girl you hugged? umm... Nena?
M) Is for marriage: IN 74 DAYS!!! YAY!!!
N) Is for name of your crush: Rob... I am marrying him, after all
O) Is for any overnight hospital stays: none
P) Is for phobias: umm... I don't like roaches at all... but it's not quite a phobia
Q) Is for quote: "Use your talents; they for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?"
R) Is for biggest regret: I don't think I really have any. I regret times I've spoken without thinking first and consequently hurt people.
S) Is for your status: counting down the days till marriage! (did I mention it's 74)
T) Is for the time you wake up: the alarm went off at 6:00... I woke up some time around 6:30
U) Is for your fav. underwear: I have lots of favs... it really depends on my mood... but I'm not likely to describe them here anyway
V) Is for the vegetable you love: broccoli! and I like asparagus too
W) Is for your worst habit: lack of sensitivity/compassion
X) Is for x-rays you've had: only my teeth I think
Y) Is for yummy food you make: chicken enchiladas... mmmmm!
Z) Is for your zodiac sign: Virgo
May 5, 2006
i love this man...
Rob and I had our engagement photos taken on Tuesday. It was really a lot of fun. My friend Brenna got married about a year ago (maybe a year and a half now) to a guy named Perry who is a photographer. I hadn't spoken to Brenna in quite a while, but we got back in touch with each other recently, and she informed me of her husband's profession when we were talking about my upcomming wedding. So I was able to meet him, and we decided to use him for our photos. Anyway, all that background info to tell you that Tuesday was a lot of fun because it was the four of us roaming around downtown, with Brenna acting as the "hair patrol" and Perry following us like the paparazzi. This photo is probably my favorite, but there's a whole bunch more where that came from. Here's a link to our favorites.
In other news, I caved today. I gave in to the pressure. I conformed. Yes, my friends, I am now (reluctantly) a member of Myspace. The main reason for this act of conformity was that I wanted to see the pictures that Rob posted this morning, but I couldn't see them without having an account. So here's the link: www.myspace.com/meg786. I will admit I did have fun designing my page, though. It's pretty cool, I think.
More pictures will surely be posed here soon. For now, enjoy the album I linked to.
Rob and I had our engagement photos taken on Tuesday. It was really a lot of fun. My friend Brenna got married about a year ago (maybe a year and a half now) to a guy named Perry who is a photographer. I hadn't spoken to Brenna in quite a while, but we got back in touch with each other recently, and she informed me of her husband's profession when we were talking about my upcomming wedding. So I was able to meet him, and we decided to use him for our photos. Anyway, all that background info to tell you that Tuesday was a lot of fun because it was the four of us roaming around downtown, with Brenna acting as the "hair patrol" and Perry following us like the paparazzi. This photo is probably my favorite, but there's a whole bunch more where that came from. Here's a link to our favorites. In other news, I caved today. I gave in to the pressure. I conformed. Yes, my friends, I am now (reluctantly) a member of Myspace. The main reason for this act of conformity was that I wanted to see the pictures that Rob posted this morning, but I couldn't see them without having an account. So here's the link: www.myspace.com/meg786. I will admit I did have fun designing my page, though. It's pretty cool, I think.
More pictures will surely be posed here soon. For now, enjoy the album I linked to.
May 4, 2006
finding God...
Let me preface this post by saying that, for the most part, until I moved to St. Augustine for college, I listened to nothing but Christian music. I definitely believe this had its benefits for me, but I do not believe it is the only way to go. In the last several years not only has my musical taste broaded substantially, but also I have realized the value of listening to "non-Christian" music. The following is what Derek Webb had to say in an interview with Relevant Magazine:
Just a thought.
Let me preface this post by saying that, for the most part, until I moved to St. Augustine for college, I listened to nothing but Christian music. I definitely believe this had its benefits for me, but I do not believe it is the only way to go. In the last several years not only has my musical taste broaded substantially, but also I have realized the value of listening to "non-Christian" music. The following is what Derek Webb had to say in an interview with Relevant Magazine:
Don’t let your local Christian bookstore do your thinking for you and believe that everything they have there for sale is good and spiritually beneficial to you. If anything, we have proven that the Church unfortunately is identified with really poor art. The Church certainly does not have the market cornered on beauty. A lot of what we do is not very beautiful. The art we make is not very good. A lot of the songs I have heard on Christian radio are just outright misrepresentations of the character of God.
I think you have to learn to discern and look elsewhere and say, “I need to learn how to engage with a God everywhere I can find truth and beauty, regardless of the intention of the maker of that art.” I really believe that is a more biblical worldview. It also keeps us from being people who live in fear. There is no room for living in fear. There is no reason to be afraid. There is no reason to be fearful of secular music. We should learn how to chew on the meat, spit out the bones, to discern the truth and beauty, to commend that rather than to be just completely fearful and put all our security in these categories that don’t mean anything. It’s a dangerous way to live.
Just a thought.
