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I'm Feeling: like there are other things I could be doing right now
Background Noise: to-do list running through my head
There's a professor in my department (he's about 26 or so) who has told me 2 or 3 times now that I look "just like" the girl on NBC's The Office which apparently was on TV last night. So I looked her up, and this is what I found. I don't know... I just don't see it. What do you think?
I'm Feeling: compelled to do something
Background Noise: A Whole New World from the Aladdin soundtrack
When I was a kid, I used to really like the merry-go-round... I'd always try to find the horse/dragon/mythical beast that would rise highest in the air (didn't understand that they were all really basically the same) and was also the prettiest. I liked that it felt as though you were moving somewhere, but you were completely safe the entire time. Granted, I did start to lose interest in seeing the same view 10 times as we completed round after round... do you ever get the feeling that as time passes, your life gravitates back to that merry-go-round?
I'm not trying to be cynical or "Would you like some cheese with that whine?" but I've been feeling a little like that lately. Seems like I'm going places, but hey - I recognize that tree... If we're not careful, days can just slip by. Got to take the time for the things that are important - not just the things we are obligated to do(school, work, etc...). I want to love the people around me in a compelling and genuine way. I want to keep in touch with people I love that are far away right now. I want to use the gifts God gave me, so that when I come to the end of my life, He will say "Well done, good and faithful servant."
I know it's okay to be frustrated with situations and even people in my life - but it's not okay to let that interfere with the way I treat others. I'm going to try that today - if you run into me any time soon, let me know how I'm doing.
I'm Feeling: antsy (like I've been staring at a brick wall all day)
Background Noise: Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
Today has been a Very Boring Day at work. I've seen three students so far, and am expecting one more. That's it. Jane isn't in today, so there's no one across the hall to talk to, and it's Friday, which generally means a lower-key atmosphere anyway. This is okay, since there is bountiful sunshine pouring in my window (which is open) and I got to take a nice long walk at lunch today and buy funny cards to send to people I love. Yahoo!
I'm a single gal this weekend - Mark will be up at Timber Wolf Lake with a bunch of YoungLifers... so I'm going to an MSU hockey game, a cider mill, the mall, out to eat - and probably doing laundry and going grocery shopping to boot. WonderWoman - look out! It should be really fun - I just want to laugh and relax and feel like I had a weekend (so often we're so busy that I'm more tired on Sunday night than I was on Friday night... not the way it should be).
I've decided I need to make time to get back into my crafty-ness... one of the guest rooms in our house is basically filled with fabric, yarn, paint, paintbrushes, and all kinds of other notions you find at JoAnn's or Michael's. I haven't touched most of them in over a year. Very sad - that needs to be rectified. I'm still working on how to do that, but at least I've moved forward and now can say with confidence that "I am working on it." Ha. I'll let you know how it goes!
Have a lovely weekend!!
It's been a long time since I posted any of my original poems/songs...
Here is a new one, inspired by a conversation I had with some friends on Sunday night.
My Favorite Things
(to be sung/hummed to the tune of My Favorite Things, from The Sound of Music)
Dry roasted peanuts and hot apple cider,
Marshmallows cooked o'er a raging campfire,
Soft lullabies that the ocean waves bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Red leaves on the trees as we move into autumn,
The Yukon's seat warmers that heat up my bottom,
Great big loud thunderstorms and fierce lightning,
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the traffic jams, when the alarm rings,
When I'm feeling stressed...
I simply remember my favorite things,
And they help me feel my best.
Mashed potatoes and gravy piled high like a boulder,
Resting my head on a comforting shoulder,
The first glistening snowfall that each winter brings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
I'm Feeling: chilly
Background Noise: To Make You Feel My Love by Garth Brooks
Deviled Egg Day is, in my opinion, one of the yuckier "days" on my Fun Holiday calendar. I like deviled eggs as much as the next person (not sure that is saying much...), but I'm not sure they deserve an entire day. Forgive me if I pass on eating a pile of them in celebration...
I've been mouse-proofing my office the past couple days... everything that I think a mouse might want to try snacking on has been safely sealed away in plastic containers. So unless my NIMH rodents grow opposable thumbs in the next few months, they should lose interest in my office fairly quickly. I hope I hope. This morning... there was no mouse evidence at all! That's the first time in a few weeks.
I'm Feeling: a little headache-y, actually
Background Noise: inane office sounds
Well, I celebrated my 25th birthday by dressing up like Barney. (That's not me in the picture, although I'm certain the costume was that good - thanks to Katie MC's mom!). Who says I have to be an adult?
I had my first little "eek" moment yesterday - I was filling out some form, and the age category that I had to check was 25-34... dun dun DUN. I've finally been bumped up out of the early-twenties/college age group. I have to say, it was a little weird, but I kinda liked it, too. Now Mark and I are in the same age group, and (for me at least) it gets a little wearisome to always have people commenting on how young you are. This past week, news spread around work that my b-day was coming... and I had SO many people telling me what a "baby" I was, or how 25 is "still a child." Why do people say things like that?? I certainly don't pretend to be full of experience and wisdom, and I don't need anyone telling me what a grown-up I am... I just wonder if those are things that just fall out of people's mouths and then they think "why the heck did I just say that??"
I'm Feeling: very comfortable
Background Noise: You May Be Right by Billy Joel
(I'm on a Billy-kick lately... sing us a song, Piano Man!!)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Depressingly enough, I'm the only one (so far) in our office who has dressed up today. I'm wearing some scrubs (thanks, HOSA) and a white lab coat, and best of all - tennis shoes!! Now I just look silly walking around in my "costume" but I don't really care, because I'm way more relaxed than anyone else here today. Gotta have some fun at work!
Did some traveling this weekend - got to see the fam, which was nice. My big brother grilled the most delicious filets you've ever eaten, and I basically pigged out the rest of Saturday on chocolate cake a'la Mom, peanuts & candy corn, and pizza. It was good. Sometimes I wish we lived a little closer so that we could see them more often (and sometimes I think not...) It was a nice visit - I love Mom & Dad & Adam & Melissa & Meg a lot.
Last night I had dinner at Damon's with some friends - Katie, Katie, Chelsie, Aaron, Chris, Mark, Mark, Dana, Dave, James and Laura all came - it was loud and fun and full of laughing.
Tonight I get to dress up as Baby Bop and party down with a bunch of middle school and high school students - I think I'm overseeing the pumpking decorating table, which should be totally fun, and a great end to the day. My life is pretty good.
I'm Feeling: relaxed
Background Noise: cars zipping by on Farm Lane
Mildly disgusting work update: Our building, in the colder months, plays host to several field mice. They particularly like my office, and Jane's office (across the hall). Lately, when I arrive in the morning, I find mouse poop on/in my desk in some fashion. Last night, they were apparently tap dancing on my keyboard. While I'm thoroughly yucked-out at the thought of critters hanging out in my office at night, I did have to stop and wonder... if my computer had been on, what might have appeared on my screen last night, as the mice traipsed across the keyboard? Would it have spelled anything interesting? Maybe these mice are intelligent... somehow distantly related to the Secret of NIMH rodents...
I'm torn between setting traps (get rid of them!) and not wanting to come into my office in the morning and actually FIND one in the trap. Turns out I'm a little girlier than I thought about mice... it's just plain nasty. However, you'll all be glad to know that I clean my desk and wash my hands regularly, so I won't catch the bubonic plague or anything else.
On a far-less-yucky note - I had cake for breakfast today (one of the gals at work brought in a cake shaped like a witch, complete with spiders on her nose and green hair) and another gal brought in cinnamon bread - birthdays = treats! And I do like treats.
I'm Feeling: mellow
Background Noise: Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
My calendar says today is Navy Day. Not sure if that means navy the color, or Navy the Armed Forces... either way, my shirt is orange, so I guess I'm not really in the holiday spirit today.
Tonight Mark and I get to drive to Grosse Pointe to visit my friend Kelsey - there's some dessert function-y thing we got invited to. I'm excited to see her, but I always get a little bit intimidated to visit ritzy places like GP. Oh well - it should be fun.
I've been hearing a lot about the flu bug that's going around - a student called this morning to cancel his appointment because he "has been hurling all morning." While I don't necessarily appreciate the detail, I do hope that people heal quickly and get back on their feet soon!
I'm Feeling: like sneaking out of the office early today
Background Noise: I Got You Babe by Sonny & Cher
The puzzle shown above is called SuDoku - thanks to my parents for introducing me to one of the most addicting puzzles ever! The grid is 9 x 9, and the numbers 1-9 can only appear once going up/down and across, and once in each 3 x 3 grid. Some puzzles are hard, some are super easy. I'm totally hooked!!
Today was fairly relaxing for me - only a couple of students came in, although my phone has been ringing nonstop and my IM advising has been busy... but I was able to get some mundane tasks completed, and I like being able to clear those off my list.
Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law, David - he turns 19 today!!
I'm Feeling: like it's a great day to curl up with a book in front of the fireplace
Background Noise: I'll Join the Rocks by FFH
Sunday night was Mason YoungLife/Wyldlife's annual dessert fundraiser event. The gym at Mason High School was transformed by well-decorated tables, posters, tables and tables of desserts - and, of course, a couple hundred really amazing people. I helped plan parts of the event, and was in charge of the guest list (a bigger task than I originally anticipated, but it seemed to go fairly well). It went famously - we had lots of kids show up, lots of their parents, our friend Joe shared with the group about his life and his walk with the Lord, and we ate good food and laughed a lot! Plus, we raised about $33,000!!
Last night we had DIG (Deeper in God) with our Wyldlife friends - and I just love those kids. I was tired yesterday, and a little on the edgy side. But they make me relax and laugh and enjoy myself - everything is silly and smiley and hilarious. They have such genuine hearts... I know we pretend to be teaching them every week, but I learn so much from hanging out with my middle school friends. And we got to eat a delicious dinner at the Tackaberry's house, as usual. Life is pretty stinking good.
I'm Feeling: soooo badBackground Noise: No Day But Today from RENT soundtrackThis morning, on my way to work, I hit a deer! I've never hit a deer before (or anything really, I try soo hard to avoid squirrels and birds and possums and raccoons and bunnies and everything that scurries on the road when it shouldn't). But it was dark, and there is a cornfield not far outside our subdivision, and sure enough, two deer are hanging out at the side of the road. I slow down, then they run in front of my car, and I know there's not any way to NOT hit one, if not both. The first one made it across, but the second one stalled a second before running, and I hit his/her/its back legs. Don't think I killed it, but it'll probably not walk away at all (I think I was going 45 or 50 miles an hour). I'm okay, and my car is okay (a dent about the size of my hand in the hood, that's all), but I feel awful. I'm certainly relieved that I didn't him it square on (I've heard of some horrible accidents involving deer), but I have zero desire to hit a deer at all.I didn't hit anything else on the way to work (thank the Lord!). This morning, I was super tired (we had a really big weekend - really fun, but basically exhausting) and I didn't want to come in to work this morning. I'm just glad I'm not NOT at work because a deer came through my windshield on the way to work today. Yikes!
I'm Feeling: tough! (but I don't quite look like this gal yet... thank goodness!!)
Background Noise: You Created by Caedmon's Call
Our basement holds many things - air hockey table, ping pong table, foosball table, free weights, captain's chair, workout bench, an elliptical machine, and a couch. Along with numerous boxes filled with very important things that we haven't touched in over a year. Most of these things were bought with the intention of using them... and this morning, I did! (Not all of them, it's hard to play an interesting game of foosball on your own...) But I did drag my sorry butt out of bed and use the elliptical and the weights and the bench... I have such a hard time making myself do that, but I always feel fantastic when I do. You'd think that the classical conditioning thing would kick in, and I'd WANT to do something that makes me feel good... oh well. I just am glad I was able to have a little discipline today, and avoid going into hibernation mode as the days get colder.
Today after work I get to go to a Mason Middle School basketball game, and then Mark and I embark upon date night (not sure what is planned - it's his week to orchestrate the activities). But it will be fun to hang out and laugh - I'm looking forward to a nice night!
I'm Feeling: like laying on my back in the leaves
Background Noise: cars zooming by outside (my windows are WIDE open)
This morning I wanted to stay in my bed so badly when the alarm went off... then when I was making the bed, it was teasing me, whispering "climb back in, I'm warm and soft and big..." At least Saturday isn't that far away - maybe I can sleep in a little bit then. Although for me, I never want to sleep in as much when I can... I always want to sleep in when I have to be somewhere.
Not much going on tonight (I think)... I hope it stays that way. I like spontaneity, but when I'm specifically looking forward to a low-key evening, I usually don't adapt quickly to changes in the plan. I'll probably go to Mason YoungLife's club tonight with Mark, but that only lasts an hour. Maybe I'll sit down and start putting together Mark's quilt (finally). Who knows?
The picture of the rose is the first thing that came up when I googled "turquoise." Pretty, isn't it?
I'm Feeling: relaxed and smiley
Background Noise: Real Good Thing by Newsboys
I had my semi-annual dentist visit this morning... I always get a little nervous when I go, because I HATE having work done on my teeth. Cleanings don't bother me, but I'm afraid they'll find some big honking cavity, and if I never get another novacaine shot for the rest of my life, it'll be too soon. But everything checked out just fine - my hygienist (Val) was super nice and I really like my dentist. We agreed that to make my next visit more interesting, I should give up brushing altogether. I chuckled along with him, but will probably wind up brushing again before the day is out.
Today I start (along with Jane and Jennifer - colleagues of mine) an 8-week Pilates class MSU is offering... and it's free! So we'll spend part of our lunch hour toning our powerhouses, or more accurately, getting our butts kicked. But I like that. A few appointments this afternoon, and a relatively relaxed evening - sounds perfect!
The tree outside my office window has leaves that turn a gorgeous golden color. The sky is bright blue with puffy little white clouds... praise God for creating beauty!!
I'm Feeling: like going home (darn, it's only 3:30!)
Background Noise: Jukebox in my Mind by Alabama
That's me and Meg (my sister)'s cat, Bomber, when I visited her a couple weeks ago. He's a funny kitty!!
I had a great weekend - we had a WyldLife event on Saturday that rocked my socks off - we had about 40 kids, all the leaders - lots of food and fun and yelling and playing and the high school leaders did awesome! Then Katie & Aaron came back to our house and hung out til almost midnight - which was totally fun and a great quality-time for our team. Sunday was church and a soccer game and then a meeting for Together (the couple's ministry at our church). Meeting new people, making new friends - it's all good!
I applied for a grant today - MSU sends 2 advisers every year to a study abroad program for a week - to learn, to come back and help promote, etc. I'm trying to go to France next May for a week (or more!) to get some new experience and all that jazz - I'm pumped... I really want to go!
More WyldLife tonight - Mark is leading the music on his gee-tar, which is awesome. Gotta get back to the grind now - have a b-e-a-yootiful Monday!!
I'm Feeling: busy!
Background Noise: Danny Boy by Eva Cassidy
Well, I'm turning into a lazy blogger... mostly because work has been so hectic this week! Lots of appointments, the class I am teaching ended yesterday, and it's degree certification time at MSU. Whoopee!
I'm trying to decide what to be for Halloween. We have a party for YoungLife and WyldLife... it has to be original (tasteful, of course)... and funny would be good too. Any ideas?
I'm Feeling: like a post-lunch nap would be nice
Background Noise: gentle hum of my vents - which are thankfully, now blowing warm air
I had a lovely weekend (aside from the monstrous amounts of driving - which allowed me to catch up on a lot of phone calls). Friday, I drove to my parents' house in Bolingbrook and had lunch, hung out for a few hours. Then I drove down to Peoria to visit my little sister (she's 22 and working on her master's degree). We ate sushi (I ate salmon, tuna, eel, shrimp, crab - all dipped in sauces I can't pronounce and eaten with chopsticks I can barely maneuver). We also went to an apple orchard (with her cat Bomber, on a leash, which was super funny), ate cider donuts, went shopping at the outdoor mall, laughed a lot, ate a lot... it was really nice to hang out. And fun to see her living in her own space, too.
We have WyldLife tonight - last week we had record numbers - I'm leading this week, so I'm a little nervous. I just hope that things run smoothly and that the kids have fun. We're talking about God's promises tonight - I'm excited to teach about that.
Bonus - it's 56 degrees right now, which means it actually feels like fall!! I'm not crazy about winter being right around the corner, but I love sweaters and cider and red leaves and chilly breezes!
I'm Feeling: motivated
Background Noise: It's Your Love by Tim McGraw
First off - Happy Birthday Kelsey! I don't even know if you read this, but that's okay.
Second - what in the world is going on with the weather? Yesterday was 85 degrees - I wore a tank top and had the AC on. Weird. I'm not anxious for winter (AT ALL), but I really love fall and I'm looking forward to days when I'm not sweating when I walk around outside! :)
Third - I get to visit my sister this weekend! I'm totally pumped about that - she's funny and smart and makes me laugh... plus she's excited for me to visit, and it's always fun to visit people who really want you to be there.
I'm Feeling: tired & energetic (is that possible?)
Background Noise: Seasons of Love from the RENT soundtrack
This is me and Kelsey - smiling! Today is Smile Day, and I thought the picture was appropriate. I found some yucky pictures of rotten-tooth-smiles, but I could hardly look at those pictures myself without yacking, so I thought I'd spare you all.
Big weekend - breakfast at the Depot (yes, there is a lot of train memorabilia in there), lots of yardwork, we spent some time with Mark's family on Saturday, watched the football game (snif!), got groceries, worked in the nursery at church, had a WyldLife team meeting, went to a bonfire at church, made pumpkin muffins... it was fun to be able to be at home and do things - I'm tired, but I feel good about the weekend.
Busy at work today too, but I like that - got a lot to get organized and updated, and a few appointments thrown in as well. Gotta love the way life keeps on moving!
