Hand-Me-DownTechnological Guru

Hmmmmmm... I have painted part of my bedroom Cornmeal yellow and I firmly believe it will help to keep me out of the seasonal assface disorder place I retreat to in the winter in my mind, or at least partially keep me out until I can paint the entire room. Pictures to come- of course, just like my pictures from mytrip this summer...I'm a little behind in things. Thank you for your patience- all 5 of you who read this blog.

I have reorganized my hand-me-down-from-mom-and-dad-desk arrangement to get my gynormous hand-me-down-from-work-monitor off of my desk onto this thrift-store-find-high table behind my desk, angled in the painted corner of my room. It's an OK table- nothing much to look at but I not generally into perfect expensive things for my home. It's just stuff and I can make it pretty. The table matches a hand-me-down-bookshelf I got from my Auntie Donna. The handle is off center and there is this awesome yellow and green retro kids Contact paper in it's single drawer. Someone hand made this and I love that about it.

I angled the desk in front of it and now have a pleaseantly large work space. I have only one concern. I have one extra cord. It plugs into my hand-me-down-from-work computer. I know it does, four of these things go in the back and another goes in the front. What little hand-me-down-gadget it goes to is beyond me. My great idea is to keep trying to do things until I finally get to the thing I can't do. It's not for my camera. It's not for my hand-me-down-ex-boyfriend-iPod-Shuffle. I don't think it's for the hand-me-down-from-my-boss-Axim-Pocket-PC-Dell-thing that is conecting fine. I know my hand-me-down-from-my-brother-printer is plugged in. Printing Started! That's not it. Hmmmm. I am so lost.

My kind of town Chicago is

crossdressing unibrow Bert

...a few shots of Sydney with her new friends from the gas station. Yes a coffee koozy (I don't really know what you call that extra paper wrapper thingee) is something Bert can wear as a dress and he does look quite stylish in it. Do you think that 2 years old is a little too young to explain why men wear dresses?

Ernie is obviously envious of Bert- he's taller, the ladies love the unibrows, and he doesn't come off as so overly anxious for a date, not the excited puppy type, a bit of smooth operator in him! Bert is very delightful when you consider all his attributes. He isn't high maintenance. He considers why turtlenecks are important and functional. He doesn't need lots of tub time with rubber ducky. I can see why Syd is so very fond of him.

Poly-monotheistic

Is this what the world is professing when they say that all roads lead to god? That all the gods/idols/religons lead to the same place is to say that all gods are equal and you believe in them, but they all lead to the same god. So can we say poly-montheistic? Is there another term for that somewhere out there? Any one?

And on a lighter note in faith...I have been getting into the One Year bible again and there have been some really cool thoughts. I also have been reading a book I checked out from church by Oswald Chambers called Biblical Psychology. I feel like my thoughts have been taken out of my brain and put into a blender and put back in my head, but is a clearer order, a better recipie if you will.

Obviously long post s aren't easily read, and perhaps with my non-exquisite writing fury sometimes incomprehensible, I digress.

Work, meaningful and motivated

I still haven't found what I'm looking for...

Studying has let me know/learn one thing for sure. I am not sure that I want to go into this field. I am frustrated by the idea that I will have to spend a billion dollars for an education in an ever changing field. It is funny that this come out of me in this week because we are studying motivation in terms of meeting needs like hunger, sex, and working. I have no clear vision of the end and that hinders my motivation.

I am not hungry in fact I am spoiled. I had two splurges this weeked (which need to stop)- but nonetheless I enjoyed them. One cannot liquidate her 401K and mutual funds for a slice of chicken pizza and a shandy!

As for sex- the good Lord could speed up getting me a hubby and that would be good. Then again he must not be rushed into immaturity so, I wait and wait, and seven years has passed. Who said I wasn't patient!?!?!?

And work...will I ever know what I want to do when I grow up? Can't it just be that I have something that comes natuarally to me as a vocation and then do it and it would be simple? Do I need to study forever? Could I just stop and enjoy the journey where I am at right now? I still feel so stressed. I was reeling after I got my work in my kitchen done Saturday.

To quote White Christmas (which I will have to watch soon because we are on snowfall number two, and I watch it every year when snowfall hits, then dream of Christmases past and Christmases future)...

"When I'm worried and I can't sleep- I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep counting my Blessings."

I have a home. I have food. I have a freshly re-organized kithcen which I finished on Saturday. I have more than enough friends and family. I have entertainment. I have God who sent Christ for me. I have the two weirdest cats created. I have a cute car. I have most of my health.

"Waht a girl wants, Waht a girl needs, What ever make her happy or sets her free. I'm thanking you for knowing exactly." yeah that might be a misquote- and I'm OK with that.

Christian Cafe .com

OK- so I have found a hottie and he lives in Canada. HE is old enough to be my dad, maybe, he has horrible grammer and sound like he stepped out if Strange brew the movie.

Here is an excerpt- note to any man- this is not the way to go about talking to women:

"Hi there.Everything about you interests me.I would like to get to know you better.You can get a hold of me at (I'm protectng his identity)dat net or 403 xxx 0809 in alberta ,canada Have a great day from - xxx"

OK- so I am to get this email- with no previous knowledge of this man and call him up? Is he serious? Is any woman naieve enough to do this? WOW !!!

There are tons of really fun people on there, and I am very much so enjoying myself. IF I have any friends (obviously questionable- or the length of that last post was a bit long) then let me know and I can shoot you an email to get me more free days, and a free trial for you- for at least 7 days, 10 with picture.

Jamie got me hooked! IT is so much better than eHarmony. Who knows what will happen- but like I told JAmie- even I feel flirty!

Ever feel like...Isreal?

Ezekiel 16- AMP 7I caused you [Israel] to multiply as the bud which grows in the field, and you increased and became tall and you came to full maidenhood and beauty; your breasts were formed and your hair had grown, yet you were naked and bare...
Yes, I plighted My troth to you and entered into a covenant with you, says the Lord, and you became Mine.
9Then I washed you with water; yes, I thoroughly washed away your [clinging] blood from you and I anointed you with oil.
10I clothed you ...; and I girded you .... 11I decked you .... 12And I put a ring on your nostril and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown upon your head!
...And you were exceedingly beautiful and you prospered into royal estate.
14And your renown went forth among the nations for your beauty, for it was perfect through My majesty and splendor which I had put upon you, says the Lord God.
15But you trusted in and relied on your own beauty and were unfaithful to God and played the harlot [in idolatry] because of your renown, and you poured out your fornications upon anyone who passed by [as you worshiped the idols of every nation which prevailed over you] and your beauty was his.
16And you took some of your garments and made for yourself gaily decorated high places or shrines and played the harlot on them--things which should not come and that which should not take place.
17You did also take your fair jewels and beautiful vessels of My gold and My silver which I had given you and made for yourself images of men, and you played the harlot with them;
18And you took your embroidered garments and covered them and set My oil and My incense before them.
19My bread also which I gave you--fine flour and oil and honey with which I fed you--you have even set it before the idols for a sweet odor. Thus it was, says the Lord God.
22And in all your abominations and idolatrous whoredoms you have not [earnestly] remembered the days of your youth when you were naked and bare, rolling about in your natal blood.
24You have built also for yourself a vaulted chamber (brothel) and have made a high place [of idol worship] in every street.
25At every crossway you built your high place [for idol worship] and have made your beauty an abomination [abhorrent, loathsome, extremely disgusting, and detestable]; and you have made your body available to every passerby and multiplied your [idolatry and spiritual] harlotry.
32Rather, you were as an adulterous wife who receives strangers instead of her husband!

I feel like I have been so very indifferent to God. I may have not committed a list of outward sins like those passage above (killing my children or paying people to sleep with me), but my spirirt and inclination is derived from the same place of motivation. What have I done with what He gave me? How much have I put myself before Him to be noticed?

I really enjoy where I am going to chuch. I don't feel like I have to do, do ,do or else be looked down upon. I feel like I am becoming in tune with the "woman that art loosed" lady I found at my previous church. I cried on Sunday, not a sobbing cry but the gentle tears of release and breathing again. It was a beautiful service about grieving and rememebring those past. I feel like I have much to grieve, mostly my own misgivings and needs to be in control and to feel comfortable. I have much to put back down at the foot of the cross of Christ Jesus. Do I have to cut off my arms because I keep picking up the "sandbags of control" and loading them onto my back?

There isn't much comfortable to me yet about this new church. Perhaps it is because I have been doing the same thing for 7 years now. There are these really dry crackers thingees for communion. I don't know all the songs by heart. There is enough variation in the services on the weekend that it isn't always predicatable. Their web site is so advanced I even messed something up on there trying to register for a "find out more miss newcomer" class. I am known by few. It is so big I don't see the few I know every week. I don't feel like I am not being watched at every step I make. No one knows me. It is lonely but I do not feel alone. The thing that makes me breathe so easy is that the Holy Spirit is there and I know it will all become normalized eventually. It is so wonderful to have the Counselor so near in the corporate sense that it gives me hope I will again hear in the personal sense and follow and obey, and once again rest and be filled. He is faithful and just. It's the second part that I struggle with because I have been the spoiled child.

I found what I will carve on a pumpkin this year!

http://www.happywomanmagazine.com/DIY/celinedionpumpkin.htm

Does anyone have a pumpkin for me to carve? Will my heart go on? Will I be all by myself? Will I hit my chest as I sing for theatrical effect?

welaughed alot

OK - I am not so fancy as to know how to put a video on my blog, and I am fine with that. Needless to say I must send you off to Chabad.org to something that made my day, as I reflected on how I whined a lot about my lack of preparedness on my assignments.

You can view it by visitingwww.chabad.org/go.asp?page=LaunchVideo&aid=411807

P.S. I hate that my professor sent back a retarded thoughtless response, but I won't whine. I'll just get and A minus or B 'er somehting!

One of the most awesome realtors ever sent this to Keith at work...

I want to cry

This weeks homework kicked my butt. We have all our assignements due at 11:59 on Sunday nights. Needless to say this usually means that I am studying all weekend. One of these online assignments took me 12 hours to accomplish one week. An entire waking Saturday! That is not to mention reading the chapter, just a "web excursion".

As of right this moment I really dislike online learning. I just missed the drop box on my Web assignment. I got my measly discussion assignment posted before the board dissapeared (I am not pleased with my answers, but I answered). We had to read 2 chapters this week (our professors reasoning is that we don't have assignments this next week, so somehow we will have massive comprehension and speed reading abilities?????). Last week I busted through the chapter in 2 days with pretty good comprehension then got to the homework AND a test. This week I was working on the first reading until Friday ( 5 of 7 days)and then the other chapter all weekend which means I didn't get to my homework Saturday like I usually like to do. Yes I could have had less fun, and not gone anywhere. And I also could have vomited because it did not seem like anything I was doing was making learning stick. You can only read for so many hours straight outloud to you and the cats!

I hate feeling stupid. I wish I could type faster (my mom stills notes that she told me to take typing in high school- waste of a credit in my opinion then). I wish I could read quicker and not have to read the majority of this text out loud.

I also sent my assignment which is incomplete to my professor and begged for a little credit through two of schools email services hoping that one would make it to him time stamped by 12:05. I did not want to have to apply the extra credit we will be doing soon to something this ridicuous! I miss the classroom setting and good old learning by hearing. I am now officially crying because I did not take good care of my schoolwork, so I will go into a reactive series of not going anywhere again. I will stay home until my school work is done.

my room with a view

Lord help me to keep a simple pace this weekend. Could every moment feel like this one that I captured off my deck this week? A chance to breathe in deeply and hold it long enough to a still picture.

I am overbooked. I want to do so much and yet I still have most of a chapter left to read in my text and two assignments due by midnight on Sunday.

I am excited because the day will start out with Jamie and Kathy and Lucy. Girls time to celebrate Kathy. Then I get to take my brother and niece and nephew to Foci Glass in Minneapolis. They are having an open house and I think that Raef will love it. We get to see the Grabanski family too- hurrah!

Then there are so many other things that I want to do but I should hit the books. I need good grades- why pursue this half heartedly? What a waste of grant money!

I will not bemoan this need to study. I find it exciting that I have chosen a route and set the goal of completing my AA. And I will have a PhD in about an eon, but I will get one. I will not stagnate like a pool of water stuck in a tire swing breeding mosquitoes.

What are these?

I am biased and curious and I am sure that these are two things which will never change about me. As for the rest of the planet they will continually be biased. Who knows if they are curious. I am convinced most people aren't. Why would they watch TV so much if they were?

Does anyone know what the name of this plant is? It is so fabulous in the fall. Red, orange, a bit of yellowish green, purple...it turns so many shades. It has these brown things that look like seed pods sticking up from it sometimes. I love them. The south metro was plastered with them and they made my day. I am surprised I did not cause a car wreck because I staring at them in all their varied splendor.

it's gone daddy gone

I took this picture something like two weeks ago and now it is so far gone. Today Jamielee and I went to Stillwater. She did not believe that she had ever been there. It was a bit dreary but that could not overcome the sumptuous beauty that surrounds you up there. The trees were in full splendor in my opinion.

The whole day was good. Jamie kept verbalizing it and it was true. My day started trying to stretch out my femininity fun-ness and recover from the one beer I had the night prior (lightweight). I tried to study a bunch but did not get up early enough. Off to church I go.

I picked up Jamie and we were on time to church AND I didn't make any major wrong turns. Church was communion today and it was really lovely, different, but lovely. I believe I got confirmation that I am to call that church home. I am in need of becoming involved in a church family again. I long for that.

After church I thought that we'd be joining friends for a trip to the orchard/winery, but they had gone the day before. So much for my listening skills! We put in Sarah Vaughn and drove to Stillwater. We got some Mickey D's and monopoly pieces for lunch and the ride ( I don't usually eat there but I am a sucker for that game!). We arrived and it wasn't too busy at the orchard, a bit nippy, but OK. I got apples for a pie I am making for Tuesday for work. Part of my Christmas shopping is done too!

Then we went into Stillwater in search of a loo and there was an art festival going on! We had no idea. It turned out to be a really wonderful day. I love that I spent it with Jamie because we have known each other for so long we can make each other laugh until it hurts. That is a true friend- joviality through the PMS!

I got a decent grade on the test I took for school today. I did my home work. I cleaned out my spam filter. A very productive day as well. I am contented.

you're not cool when...

Cities 97 sampler is coming out. Here is what I know...

Amos Lee- Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight- WHO?
The Fray - Over My Head (Cable Car)- WHO?
Katie Melua - Just Like Heaven- WHO?
Dave Matthews Band - Dreamgirl- I know Dave Matthews from the album with Crach on it, a little bit...
Mat Kearney - Nothing Left to Lose- WHO?
Bonnie Raitt - I Will Not Be Broken - She rocks- I have no clue what this song is
Shawn Mullins - Beautiful Wreck- I have heard of him
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars- WHO?
KT Tunstall - Black Horse & The Cherry Tree- I actually know the artist and the song- WOW!
Death Cab for Cutie - Soul Meets Body- WHO?
Sia - Breathe Me - WHO?
Dan Wilson - Baby Doll - is he related to Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys?
Goo Goo Dolls - Better Days- I know the Dollsm not the song
Sonya Kitchell - Let Me Go- WHO?
James Blunt - High- I'ver heard the name
Guster - One Man Wrecking Machine- WAH?
The Honeydogs - I Miss You- I know there are dogs and honey...
Train - Cab- Sounds like I may possibly have heard a song by them 3 years ago 'er something

Have I become a Country Junkie or WHAT! I am so not cool. That's OKay- my God loves me anyway. (barf lyric) No that is not what I have been listening to...

Thought I would copy Jamie

Opening song: I don't get this one- call me dull...perhaps it's the snooze alarm of the song"Sleep"- it's by some Riley guy
Waking up: “Lord's Prayer” Charlotte Church- sung in the shower of course
First date: "Perhaps" Cake (not ben folds- sorry Jamie)
First kiss: “Then he kissed me" The Crystals
Falling in love: "Friday I'm in love" The Cure or “Miss Chatelaine" kd lang
Seeing an old love: “Boy from Impanema" various artists, pick one
Heartbreak: “I Greive” Peter Gabriel - I'm extending this to include all loss
Driving fast: “Honkeytonk Man” Dwight Yokum
Getting ready to go out: “Dominator” Human Resource ( I should get that song- it rocks!)
Partying with friends: “Shackles" Mary Mary
Dancing at a club: I have to pick one! ...anything Michael Jackson
Flirting: "..."see Flirting with someone...I am not sure how to Flirt with myself...
Feeling sexy: “Man! I feel like a woman!" Shania Twain
Walking alone in the rain: " I Can't Stand The Rain" Angeline Ball- Commitments Soundtrack
Going Home: “..."see travel- I would need to leave home, to come home :)
Missing someone: “Missing you" Mary J. Blige
Playing in the ocean: “..." I did this once but don't remember it- sorry maybe "Splish Splash I was taking a bath?"
Summer vacation: “..."see travel- I don't usually take vacation...
Fighting with someone: “..."see travel- I don't usually flirt in the United States
Acting goofy with friends: "Boogie on Reggae woman" Stevie Wonder or "The Hairbrush Song" Veggietales
Traveling: “Crazy" Gnarles Barkely- it was all over London this summer
Thinking back: “Twilight" Shaun Groves
Feeling depressed: “In My Room" The Beach Boys
Christmas time: “Silent Night” sung in German, by my mother- a little off key
Falling asleep: “Dream" Betty Johnson- sung by various artists
Closing song: “That's All" sung by Michael Buble

here's a couple more...

Syd called 911. She also tried to follow her brother up this part of the park but I had to draw the line. You only get so many teeth in life!

Mom for a weekend

Last weekend was spent with my neice and nephew while their parents went out of town. My first experience of this length- Friday to Sunday- we had a great time. We went to the park and an Art Fair (where there weren't any rides- mean Auntie Kim!) We painted rocks and made birds on a stick out of clay though. No art was broken because I held Syd. I am thinking that going there with the kids does not help you talk to hot art guys!

We played out side a ton. Went to my house and fed the "kitties". They both climbed the rock wall at the park- don't tell their mom I coached the two year old on how to- I think the same age as I started with her brother- She has no fear and likes to run with the big kids.

The most exciting thing for the kids was when mom and dad came home and we went to get them at the airport- I am no replacement. I made Raef nervous when I slept over becauseI, " was not his mommy". Kids are so honest!

I heart my psychology class

Cat mouth ulcers

Ok- so there are a few cat lovers who pop in here from time to time. My little guy Pablo has a mouth problem where he gets ulcers on edge of his mouth. He was good for a long time and now has one again, so I decided to do a little internet research into what causes this. I don't have a solution yet. I am trying a new food along with their old food because they (him and his sister Lucy) are almost 2 now and I would be bored after eating the same basic food for 2 years. This could be the cause.

The best site that I found was from a doctor who invited people to comment. He has an email from a nurse to which his response is very funny to me (jerk) : http://www.2ndchance.info/ulcers.htm

RODEO! YAAAAAAA-HOOOOOOO!

OK- so at the Dakota County Fair were the following things to do after my sister left with the kids. EAT and watch bull riding.


I gave Christian my word I would post this picture of the crap sampler platter we shared...Deep fried mac and cheese, brocolli, cauliflower, egg roll, garlic mashed potato balls, and other nonrecognizable consumables. YUMMY! Little did I know that I had fed my nephew far too much until Kevin came to work the next day and let me know the joys of cleaning up vomit at 2:30 in the morning. Technicolor yawn was apparently the closest descriptor- Sorry Kevin- I wouldn't have given him that SA egg sandwich if I would have know it would put him over the top.

On a BRIGHTER note...Check out the chaps on that cowboy- Mega Manly Men sparkling as their bodies are flung off huge furious bulls!!!- Did I mention that Jamie, Tasha, Andrea and I are going to the rodeo- I am so excited! YUMMY!

Forced Family Fun Day

Water Park of America. No Pool. Explain me that!

Lazy River, Four Person innertube ride through a gynormous and fast tube, many slides, a wave pool where you can body surf, kids stuff galore, a basketball game.

No Pool. I am not sure if you can actually swim there...

Arbor-Torium

OK- so this was the full day off and Dakota County Fair was a half day. Auntie Kristin and Christian and myself went. Christian was free because he's 12, Kristin and I shared a Happenings book coupon and it was $7.00 for the three of us to get in!

I whole heartedly recommend going to the arboretum if you have not, especially if you want to explore what types of shrubs and flowers to plant at home. Very educational, beautiful, and splendidly pollen-riffic.

Keith Aged!

My "boss" had his birthday on the 15th. He aged- just like every other day. We put on the team spirit and decorated a bit.

Here is his blog...
www.keithtrautman.blogspot.com

Yeah- he is a good boss. Didn't even get mad, but took vidoe for his wife to see. Then he packed up the balloons to take home to dump on his children.

Dakota County Fair

I took the day without pay off so I could see Christian before he left and of course Raef and Sydney too. Christian realized how much fun the tilt-a-whirl is because you can contol it, Raef was on full fledged hyper mode- zipping too and fro, Christian broke it down a little by the Music Fest ride, and all Miss Sydney needs is a little pink stuffed dolphin to make her day- you must appreciate her simplicity :)

Sparrows

Two baby sparrows were out near my garage but they have grown and flown. They built their nest on a light fixture.
So adorable...parents- not so much- I got dive bombed everytime I went for my car!

WOW!

OK- so I am overwhelmed at my own ineptitude. I started school last Wednesday and boy it has been a decade since I have had to buckle down this hard. I have even made definition flash cards of every word in my first assignment.

I am in friggin remedial Psychology and I feel like I have brain damage. I used to just get by without any tough studying and be a B student. Even with my AP classes I would average a B average. Now- I feel like I am learning how to study all over again.

On top of it I am not accustomed to learning over the internet. I am thinking taht I am greatly missing the tons of knowledge that I recieve from listening to a professor lecture. Thank God for teachers!

I hope it gets easier - my sister says it will. The first few chapters aren't always juicy and fun. I cannot wait until I am over the hump of feeling like I don't know how to learn. I know I have it in me and I will prevail. I need an A in everythign from here on out because I want to raise my GPA.

If I can learn to process mortgages I know I can do anything that I put my mind too.

a visual story

For explanation see my other post- I am having some difficulties uploading pictures...

Not for the sque-mouse; Pablo wild at heart

So- don't finish this if you get a little bit sick by bizarre things. There you are warned!

I love my cats Pablo and Lucy. They love to spend time on the deck thinking that they can catch birds, eating insects and messing around the delusional tree frogs who come up there. Pablo was out by himself tonight. I heard a ruckus on the deck and went to turn the light on and let him in. He rushed by me and I had the sneaking suspicion that he had something special in store for mom :)

He scoots by me and he has a treat in his mouth. I was hoping it was dead- but oh no- it was fully alive and brought inside my house. Thank you Pablo- mommy loves you too- but please take your "toys" outside.

Welcome Mr. Field, the mouse. Why he came up on the deck to visit I do not know- but I am pretty sure he will not do so again. Into the dining room comes our house guest in the gently clenched jaw of Pablo. He drops it but knowing the game, I knew the mouse was fully alive. Little did I know it would be an alien to boot.

While Pablo paused too long Mr. Field ran from my dining room into my kitchen. I am doing fine with this. I fed frozen mice to snakes in Science class and I like albino rats, and would keep one for a pet- if I could know it would be alive when I get home from work every day. Into the cucina we go. I am not cool with the mice running amuck and Pablo wanted to play and not eat the mouse. So I grabbed a nearby vase and trapped the mouse underneath.

Pablo went bonkers! He desperately wanted to get his paws on Mr. Field but mom was not having it. Mr Field was having what looked like the biggest bowl movement I have ever seen proportionate to the size of his body- Way to go Mr. Field! Yuck- it is kinda smelly. I reached for a near by paper to slip under the vase so I could get Mr. Field and his gigantic turd out of my house.

We get out on the deck and I let Pablo have at the vase and eventually he lets Mr. Field out who ran and catapulted himself over the edge of the deck. Perhaps he has lived on to tell his story- we really can't know. He also could be Mr. House maouse- but I don't like calling him that- yuck.

Meanwhile the turd is alive and writhing. Yes- alive. I have no idea what can inhabit the bowels of a tiny mouse. It seemed larval in it's movements and was brown, and it looked like it had a hard shell with many fragments- kinda like an armadillo. I couldn't get a good picture of it- but you can see it in one of these pictures pretty clearly. I have trapped the alien under the vase on the deck and hope that it is there in the morning- even though it grosses me out beyond belief I will investigate.

How the BLEEEEP can something live inside your belly which is bigger than your head AND has no intention of leaving your body unless you are scared Larve-less by an animal 100 times your size? I cannot find anything on this on the internet. Does anyone know what this could be? Wow!

Word of my day

pith·y ( P ) (pth)adj. pith·i·er, pith·i·est
Precisely meaningful; forceful and brief: a pithy comment.
Consisting of or resembling pith.

pithi·ly adv. pithi·ness n

pithy
adj : concise and full of meaning; "welcomed her pithy comments"; "the peculiarly sardonic and sententious style in which Don Luis composed his epigrams"- Hervey Allen [syn: sententious] adv : in a pithy sententious manner; "she expressed herself pithily" [syn: sententiously]

Nicklecreek

I didn't like their first album. The second is excellent and this one rocks my world and happens to be stuck in my CD player in my car. (Yes the year is 2006 and I finaly have a CD player built into my car). bliss baby!

Swirling

Do you ever feel like the whole world is swirling and changing all around you? Business moves so fast and globally. The people who believe in American made prodcuts can't afford them anymore. Ford makes 9% less cars...

I am sad because my nephew went home on Tuesday. It has been two months since my trip and I have not appreciated things like I should. I have a ton of pictures which I will have to upload.

Benji won! That makes me happy http://www.benji-schwimmer.com/. Yahoo Benji!

Friday night going no where all the lights are changing grey to blue...

Firstborn

I am reading Collosians. Here is the excert that stopped me.

1: 13-18 [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.
[Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation.
For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.
And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together).
He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent].

I have not thought much about being a firstbron. I am not a firstborn, but three of four. My siblings are very integral in my life. I cannot imagine a system where ,my brother would be the one who would recieve my parents inheritance (which there is none to be had- but if there was).

Jesus was Firstborn. Such an important position that Sarah give Abraham Hagar so he can keep the inheritance in the family. Cain and Able exchanged the birthright and blessing. Jesus gives his iheritance to us. I don't think about this because it is so foreign to me. Any thouhgts?

Ergun Caner and Nido Qubein- two presidents

So- I finally have my hand me down iPod Shuffle up and running as of Saturday (my hand me down Palm Pilot was first in line). I have the learned the beauty of free podcasts. Yesterday I was cleaning and doing laundry. Today I am going to finish painting my bathroom and will clean out my garage.

My brain has been broadened by this mans speaking which I found free on iTunes. HE says amusing things like, "Most peoples inner child needs spanking" "My favorite definiton of metrosexuality is this...If the last thing you waxed wasn't your truck..." all this in the midst of a series about Islam. http://www.erguncaner.com/new/

I don't know much about anything middle eastern and he is Turkish and a former Muslim. We are so blessed to be in a country where we have the freedoms we have- that message was clear from Ergun and also from Nido Qubein whom I saw speak Thursday. http://www.nidoqubein.com/


I went to see Nido speak Thursday with an organization I belong to this year called Peak Performers Network. It brings in speakers who have been sucessful in not only business and life. I find it really refreshing because I can hear things through the filter of my faith and keep the good stuff for encouragement. I am very impressed with Nido (who is a Lebanese imigrant) and his ability to think outside the box and refuse to let his circumstances dictate the outcome of his life.

I was so excited about what Nido shared with us about his university I wanted to go there to study. He is president of High Point University in Winston-Salem NC and Ergun is the president of Liberty Theological Seminary at Liberty University in Lynchburg NC. Do I adore Mr. Falwell?- possibly not so much. I was so impressed by Ergun's candor and knowledge I would to study under him as well. Inver Hills is paling a bit but I am still excited for my class to start soon which I am taking online- budget AA here I come!

Someone new...

Welcome Lucy- I am all aflutter!

Fear

I realized today that I fear relaxation and down time. I keep putting things off at work that I could do. I save projects like rearranging and cleaning up the copy room (so Kevin my brother doesn't have to). Or another one would be this hallway we have with a bunch of shelves which is completely disorganized. I fear being cought up. I don't do it here. I can't get it at home. I procrastinate and I don't know why. Does anyone understand this? What is wrong with me?

Miranda

Welcome Jumpstart! Rachel and I have coerced our co-worker, and we say co-worker we mean co-worker in a very tight sense, into having a blog.

Jumpstart has been sharing a room with Rachel and myself since March. With me for a couple of years now. We have 4 desks and 3 people in one office with no door. We also play the roles of receptionist every time someone enters. "We" have made the mistake of saying the wrong things (like the "S" word) while a kid watches TV in the lobby- which is connected to our office.

We get to be on the phone with mortgage underwriters "negotiating" and people hear our conversations. We also get to be by both of our bosses who happen to be the loudest of speakers.

The fun thing is that we have begun to share a brain. If one of us does not know how a lender wants something one of the other two of us will. If one of us has not run an online underwriting engine then one of the other two of us has. When one of us is on vacation (this may not apply to me because I am the "boss" and therefore a slacker) it is like a part of your brain is missing. This industry changes so quickly that it is hard to keep up with every change for every lender that we work with.

The majority of the time I like to come to work simply because I get to work with Jumpstart and Rachel. We laugh and we cry- that is mortgage processing. It is not an easy job and you only start to feel comfortable after about one year in this business and then you feel confident after a year and a half or two. I will never say that I am bored working on files because there are so many twists and turns. Draa drama drama...

PS- many people think she looks like Miranda on Sex and the City- but she is far more beautiful!

Cheap Total

Diane has returned from Slovakia and I got the honor of being with her last evening. We celebrated by chatting up a storm and eating Chipotle. Hurrah for gynormous American portions!

Plungers

I havn't posted what I am grateful for lately- Today it is plungers- no I did not need to use one. I did however have this thought because the first stall at my office building has two standing in it- odd- ,"What the crap did people do with a jammed toilet prior to plungers?" GROSS!


Another thing I am happy for is beer. Stella Artois is winning my favorite as of late. Mix it with Lemonade and you have a Shandy- my new favorite summertime drink.

Is this really a lady's blog? Plungers and BEER?

So I think he can dance

OK- so because my boyfriend got kicked off I will now hoot and howl for Benji- he started a non-profit organization to help orphans- you gotta like that.....ohh ......yah..... and HE CAN DANCE!

The List and The Alarm

OK- so I started to write this on my work computer- I will try to remember what was going through my dome. This is going to be long.

I read this book called "The List".
"http://www.thelistformarriage.com/">

I mentioned it a few posts back- here is my nutshell version of the 7 steps. I want what these ladies are talking about- I really say that any single lady over should 20 read the book- I found it at the Library. I want marriage. I just went to London and the second day I was there I woke up puking. I was all alone and just wished someone was there- I long for the companionship and closeness of a husband. Of course I made it through the technicolor yawning, it just would have been nice to have some support. I happily accept singleness and I will keep traveling the world (even if I keep puking), mothering my cats, beautify my home, love my girlfriends, perhaps one day I will adopt a kid- who knows!

1) The man sees the lady(she must be a lady and take care of herself- a whole other post) - The Alarm goes off and he must be with her. He approaches her and pursues. He gets her number or asks her out right there in specfic terms and a specific time. Zowie Wowie.
2) Then he gets the date quickly- no waiting a week to call crap. Takes her out ASAP and makes it fun. Keeps asking for dates in quick repetition and they eventually become inseperable. He keeps the dates fun and pays.
3) Read the book for details of the 7 steps but marriage naturally comes up in conversation within 30 days. There are many helpful guidelines.

Here is what makes me excited beyond belief about the book.

a) If every guy minded his own while he waited for the Alarm to go off- far fewer hearts would be broken. The guy would gaurd the girls heart by not manipulating for her time and emotions to saitsfy his lonliness. He could plan and live his life (all while saving for an engagement ring- I bought my first and only engagement ring- I am now a stickler on this- the guy buys. The ring was stolen- that is another story)
b) Women would be free to be themselves. There would be no pretense, less worry about what if I say or do the wrong thing. The List man will love you - quirks and all. If you aren't concerned with having to be perfect all the time- you can be less stressed. A carefree woman is the most beautiful thing in the world. The confident women knows who she is and is free to be it (of course who she is in Christ).
c) If he pursues you like they outline, you know The List guy wants you. There would be far less jealousy for male/female friendships of your beau- you know he wants you. (I still really don't know male/female relationships are possible) A woman would not worry about where he has been and what he's been doing because he explains where he is going and how dreadful it is that he cannot be with her. The man grant her relief from all the punks who cheat out there.
d) If am man cannot pay for dates including tip and tax- he should not be dating. How are you going to pay for anything else in life? A ring, eventually having your wife stay home if that is desired, even a wedding and honeymoon. If a guy cannot live beneath his means to save there could be a real problem. If you can't afford to date you should be focusing on things other than women- we are expensive!
e) if everyone stopped wasting time, mental energy, and money on people who don't make them soar, all that could be used to better the world. If I applied all I have wasted on wrong relatinoships in my life I could feed many people. Am I going to dwell and regret- ABSOLUTLEY NOT! I will choose to change how I live right now- that is all I can do.
f) The book is secular. I think God is in charge of that Alarm. When He sets it off it's go time. How great would it be to just know God wills this and that is how he tells you (yes- I know this opens the whole box of worms with predesiniation, if you miss the first alarm is there another? blah blah blah) How great would it be if we followed all the inner inklings to go talk to people. I have followed and not follwed the Holy Spirits prompts. There are people who go to my church ( I can think of 2 off the top of my head) who I talked to, and made them feel welcome. I was supposed to talk to them and I know it because they confirmed it later.
g) If I do not manipulate the situation. I will know he wants me.
h) If I do not make my feelings know (which in theory I would have far fewer "crushes" and therefore less feelings) I let the guy have all the thrill of the hunt. He gets to act on something in him which he didn't choose. Spooky and fun. I would not make a fool of myself. I could be confident that I did not sway him, but that he really wants to be with me and me alone.
i) I don't have to think that I have to go to Funciton X because what's his butt will be there and maybe he'll notice me. (hold on I am nautious with myself) Yes ladies have to take care of temselves and be out of their houses to get asked out, but we needn't plot and conive.

I have started asking couples about how they met and when they knew. Many of the happliy married ones had Alarm situation with List Men. I want what they have and it is possible. Sure other ways work and people get married all the time, BUT I don't want to sit and worry. God says don't worry and I trust that he will protect me from weirdos who are serial killers who want to marry me. I don't want some guy to waste my life away while I wait for him to decide with his mind that he finally wants me enough to marry me- AUGH! That thought exhausts me. My last realtionship was 7ish months and in the end I was controlling. It isn't his fault I meddled too much in the beginging to get his attention, or that I settled for things because I believe in change. He was so patient with me and gave me great gifts! He picked me up and paid for dates. HE did many list things right- I messed up my part.

How much do we (mostly I mean me by this comment) over analyze dating? How many friggin books are written about rules nad charts and guidelines? (I think I own at least 10) How much stress and confusion has this put on things? I am done. I will relearn how to talk to guys so I can meet a List Man. I will remove my vile desperation from my dating situation and just be free and me. I feel lighter already :)

Dmirty

Not enough people voted for my boyfriend on Wednesday night- I am mad at you America! Don't you know a really really good looking dancer when you see one. Not to mention he was talented. Augh- what am I going to do with you America- This is worse than Vonzel being kicked off of American Idol last yesr before Bo. As if Bo knows!

P.S.- I did not vote because I thought it was obvious that Ryan was going home. Dang me.

The One: Making a music star

Ok- so this is not my personality but I tried out for a reality TV show. I don't remember what day it was, but one day in May I headed down into Minneapolis to the Lumber Exchange building (I think- it is that the one across from the 90's) and stood in line to try out. I was lost and called Jamie and Rachel at work because ABC's website did not say which building- just an address. I took a half day off work to get lost downtown?!?!? No Way Jose!

All you had to do was prepare a song you wanted to sing and also another from the list the posted online. The line wasn't bad for waiting- you had to fill out a form to sign your life away- really your whole life!- emotional damages- mental damages- physical damages- you name it. They wanted to know way too much. Have you suffered any traumas in you life? (yeah- like I am going to disclose something like date rape so you can rip my heart out on national TV and make me an emotional basketcase!)

What about your work, your family, you hobbies...What style of singer are you? I assumed Rock. I sat outside and put on my make up- they taped us as we were there on the sidewalk waiting. I ended up talking with the people around me after I listened to 4 Non Blondes - "What's Up?" on my CD player. I picked that song because I like it and it is good a capella. I also picked from their list, Toni Braxton's "Unbreak My Heart", because I already knew it.

They took us into the club in the basement in two groups of three, six at a time. You walked to a table met a guy who asked lots of questions, decent hand shake- great eye contact. Interviewer was trying to pry out of a Contestant #1, a girl that I tried out with, if she was easy/slutty beacuse she heard about the try outs through the club- she sang a show tune. Interviewer tried to find out if the guy I tried out with, Contestant #2 was "really religious"- he sang a pop rock song. I was being asked questions about if I am really "Type A" and would do anything to win because I am a competitivemore than taht before I make a move- I don't think it was the answer Mr. Interviewer wanted.

After round one of questions you sang for 30 seconds or until the guy cut you off. Then MORE questions. Our group of 3 was leaving and the Contestant #2 got called back to the table. He was a really nice guy and had been in line with his wife and little girl. Our interviewer said "Hey you didn't fill out this form all the way" so he went back to do it- I think that our interviewer took that opportunity to dig for more ammo.

That night Jamie took me for big girl drinks and waited with me. She was proud of me getting out of my comfort zone. Between 7 and 9 they were doing call backs but I assumed I would not get called back. I did not.

Kevin had warned me that it was like Big Brother- (which I have never seen) crossed with American Idol- which I enjoy. He figured out where I going when I asked for the afternoon off (I gave work 3 hours notice and my bosses hate that- but they let me go because I was caught up on my files). Now that I see the previews I thank God again that I was not chosen- YIKES! Drama Drama Drama Augh!

Premiers tonight on ABC 8 central. I don't regret trying out at all- it was fun and not at all nerve wracking :)

Book Reviews

I post this after the last post, with a grown heart and a new appreciation for men- anywho here are 2.5 books I pretty much wholeheartedly recommend.

1)The Art of Rejection by Haley DiMarco and Michael DiMarco

2)The Art of the First Date (same Authors)

AND 3)The List- 7 ways to tell if he's going to marry you by Mary Corbett and Sheila Corbett Kihne

I am not done with the third one, in fact I am only through 3 chapters but I know I agree... and I would happily lend out the first two. I am a now firm believer that the woman should not chase the man. I nugged along my last relationship more than I should have. I made an absolutely foolish idiot of myself telling another guy from church I liked him a year a few years back. Now I am going to sit back and let the guy who figures out how friggin amazing God made me to bring it on. I can't wait until God sets off the Alarm in the man of my dreams mind. Exciting!

My ex

OK- so it would not be OK to post a picture of my ex-boyfriend here. Anyone who knows me knows who he is. I must mention him because I got the honor of seeing him on Friday unexpectedly for a very brief moment. He was very kind and complementary and for that I must give him props. I was not the best girlfriend in the world and have learned many things about myself from our past relationship. Although I do not believe he is my forever man I really respect him. When I am around him he makes me want to take good care of myself. I have never felt that before from any man. It is refreshing.

This is a picture of one of the dozen roses that he gave me this last January prior to our breaking up. I just wanted to show that they were the biggest most ornate flowers I have ever recieved. They arrived at my work after I had been an ass. Who evers forever man he is- he will make her happy. God bless him!

I am now purging my computer of these pictures. You don't bring me flowers...You don't sing me love songs...

My mom

Things I appreciate and overlook continued- I would have to vote my mom. She is pictured a few posts back holding my neice. I love that she can tell me about going and doing volunteer work and that it brings here to tears. She has always held our family together. We went to community theater today- it was OK. IT was more important that she support the people from her work who are in it.

I miss doing theatre. I have done theater in that space because my high schools theater facilities kinda sucked compared to this place, and they let us use it for a few shows a year. My high school did Guys and Dolls in that space and I did technical theatre on the show- I got to help run flys (which is so cool). So whilst bringing down the sewer scene I hit one of the lead actors (who would turn out to be my class speaker, but I beat him out for the theater student of the year award) on the head with the scene. IT wasn't hard and he wasn't hurt and the show went on. Aaah memories like the corners of my mind...

FLY

Super Duper Fly- I am not a house keeping queen. (Ugh! Cat boxes- the things you do for the ones you love.) The thing I am grateful for today is Flylady.net . IT helps those of us who are motivation challanged or too perfectionistic get help! I am learning things like MAKE YOUR BED EVERYDAY- my mom would be proud!

Fireworks

07/02/2006- I cannot believe I have not looked into what my camera has to offer BUT I have a fireworks setting. I got to go to the Taste of Minnesota with my brother, his wife, and his son Christian. I am not usually a big fireworks person, but these were cool to try because I learned how to use a new setting on my camera! Yeah- I need to take those free classes that came with it.

Colored Walls

07/03/2006 I painted my dining room and it is Kingston Aqua. I finally feel like it has begun to be my home. I think this is a realy clean and happy color. I had to use restraint and keep the "visual dandruff" as Christopher Lowell calls it to a minimum! I can't wait to pare down and minimize. I hope you won't mind- I did not include my super fancy free dining table and chairs in the picture;)

Toilet

06/21/2006 How do I love American Toilets? Let me count the ways- London toilets are NOT the same!

Sydney

06/25/2006 OK- so here are a few of the too cute neice that I cannot resist to share.

It makes me happy

06/30/2006 Yeah the Saturn died on the 2nd of last month- so much for not having any car payments. I love my new little cute car

Work flowers

It is so hard to sit inside when the weather is perfect! Outside of my work building are these fabulous hydrangea bushes. I thought that they were cut too far back and would not grow- but look at them! Hmmm could we make a comparison with this and spiritual life- BEEN DONE!