Do you want fries with that senior discount?

Take a close look at my receipt from Carl's Junior yesterday.

So, needless to say I had a heart to heart with the nice lady that rang up my order. Her name was Dora. Once I noticed this, I called her over to my table and asked her what about me made her think I should get the Senior Discount. She shushed me and said "don't tell...I thought you needed a break."

Well, we started talking and she wove a tale of her life (she was 65 and I REALLY wanted to know if she REALLY thought I was close to her age...). She works at Carl's Junior first of all. She was married to a man that beat her up so she got an annulment from him - then she married another guy and had a son. He went to Viet Nam and is currently MIA. So, she can't get any funds for her or her son because technically, he's not "dead."

She lives in Federal Way and her son is a manager at McDonalds and has been since 1994!

You know, my mom said in a comment recently on this blog, that there are daily affirmations of God moving in our lives and sometimes we don't realize it or notice it at all. Today, through a senior discount, I met a woman and was able to affirm her and thank her for working at Carl's and getting me my Western Bacon Cheeseburger.

My Daily Bread

So most of you know that I work at a Christian School - we charge tuition to attend our school and most people don't even blink an eye about paying 5...6...7...thousand dollars/year to send their kids here. It's a pretty good school, small classes, committed teachers..you know the drill.

There are some who can't pay. There are some who need their kids to have the stability of the same class, teacher and friends each day because their lives are falling apart at home. There are Isaac's, Helen's, Nai's, Mario's, and a host of others that I get to pray for and love. This is why I'm glad I work here-to minister to these families. Single moms & dads, kids on DSHS, etc.

One family in particular has had their share of troubles this year. Dad is an alcoholic. He has struggled with his addiction for many years and finally sought treatment in a residential facility just this past November. Mom has been the sole bread-winner of the household and Kobe & Caleb continue to come to school everyday...and nobody pays their tuition. I've talked to both mom and dad and asked them to try to come up with a payment plan. I get a lot of promises and hopes, but in the end - no payment. But we all know those boys need our school and its stability. So...we trudge through.

Due to his alcoholism, dad had to undergo double hip-replacement surgery in January. He is 34 years old. They started paying $50.00/month toward their 12,000 bill and today he brought in homemade bread and gave it to me. I was so touched that I almost couldn't hold it together. He used to come in and not ever talk, embarrased by his overwhelming debt. Today, he talked, laughed, donated some time to our upcoming auction and gave me homemade whole wheat bread.

I remember passing judgment on this man for what he was doing to his family. Today, the Lord taught me the power of a loaf of bread and the power of his healing hand on the life of Ken, Katie, Casey and Kory. Thank you for teaching me and may I have eyes to see, ears to hear and mouth to taste homemade bread!

Happy Graduation!

My dad teaches at Edmonds Community College in their DSHS Work First program. He teaches Asset Development and his students are all single parents with children. He teaches them that they are an asset and need to take care of themselves, make good choices and begin to develop monetary assets when they get out of the program. The program is in medical billing and administration and most of the girls get jobs in hospitals or doctor's offices. Their starting salaries have been anywhere from $15.00/hour to $20/hour - so quite a step up!

Last night was their graduation for this group of six women. They all have issues and kids and it's so fun to see them celebrate their success on this graduation night. It is also nice to see their families come and support them.

Margaret - homeless mother of two - received the highest grades (4.0) and won the award for perfect attendance! Pray for her as she is living in a shelter and has only a few more days to find a job and get transitioned before her time is up at the shelter.

Tammy - Mother of 5 - various fathers - all kids were there and very well behaved and kind. She lives with her mom (who has no teeth!) and is still looking for a job.

Debby - 47 years old and has adult onset ADHD. Spent the entire 45 minute graduation fixing her graduation cap - pinning and re-pinning the bobby pins.

Noy - single mother of three and heroin addict. She has been clean for a few months and has to have drug tests every three days. She has a job starting next week at Evergreen Hospital!

There was one girl who had to drop out of this cohort. She was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend and held for several days. She finally was released and is back home recovering. She can re-start the program in the summer time.

There are others - and my dad has a whole new group of students starting next week. This time he has 17 - and one single dad! My dad is truly in his element! He is proud of his students and is probably the only positive male influence in their lives-you can tell they respond to him and his quirks with love. They all hooted and hollered when he got up to speak and you can tell that they learned a lot from him - mostly about self-esteem and that they are their #1 asset!

I was proud to be there and proud of these women for making this step for their kids and themselves.

Being the daughter of a teacher was a wonderful treat. Growing up, books were very much part of my life. My mom made sure we always had books - and always good ones - and we usually got one or two for each holiday and birthday. Remembering these books is good for me and remembering the love of reading that my mom instilled in me is also something I want to instill in others. I also remember realizing that my mom also had favorite books when she was little and she shared those books with me and my sisters.

I've listed a few of my favorite books here - in hopes that maybe you'll pick one up and read it or you'll remember some favorite books of your childhood and maybe comment on them here.

Swimmy - this is such a fun little book about a little fish that swims against the crowd. It was how my folks taught me that it's ok to be different and that everyone is worth something.

Make Way for Ducklings - I loved this story of a little family of ducklings and the peril of living in the Public Garden. Can you name the ducklings? I'll get you started...Jack, Pack...

Harriet the Spy - Harriet was spunky and fun and a true "tom-boy". I was called a boy more often than I liked when I had a bowl haircut...so I identified well with Harriet. I also would love to be a spy.

Where the Red Fern Grows - A heart wrenching story about a boy and his hound dogs. I am not sure why I don't like dogs as this was one of my favorite books. Thanks to Mr. Larsen for introducing this book to me during 5th grade outdoor camp!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - the kid sister got her nickname from this book - because she looked exactly like Cindy Lou Who. This book proves that even a Grinch can have a change of heart - makes me hopeful!

Der Struwwelpeter - (pictured above) My 100 year old Granny is German and her mom came over and was a nurse in Chicago before moving to Seattle...therefore, this was introduced to me by my granny. Now, the German's don't mess around and these are 10 stories of children (also illustrated) who misbehave in some way and then get nailed - some very grotesquely. The moral is pretty clear and I was duly afraid to misbehave! My favorite one was about the little boy who WOULD NOT stop sucking his thumb...so this scary guy came in and cut off both his thumbs (with pictures!!). I was a finger sucker...so this moral was not lost on me! You really should read these - they are profound for a book from 1845!

These are just a few of my favorite books - I know you had favorites as a kid...list them here and tell us why!

Yes we Can (part two)

I was talking to my mom on the phone last night and I said that I loved that I could call her and say "vote for Barack" and she would say "Okay!". Now, my mother is college educated and very smart...she is not a sheep (my dad may be!) and is capable of making her own decisions, but it's kind of fun that she jumps on board and is willing to listen to her kids' passion.

She also has NEVER voted for a democrat in her entire life!

Way to GO MOM!!

Science Fair 2008

Today I got to be the Science Fair judge at our Kent View Elementary Science Fair. Normally, I sit in my office, looking out at nature (there were FIVE deer out today) and play with my eco-sphere, lady bug hut, or ant farm. I do work, but I don't see kids as I work in administration.

So today was a lot of fun for me. I got to see the kids that are the reason we exist! I was a judge for the grades 2-4 science fair projects. I loved, loved Japandeep's experiment with hot water and plastic bottles. What a sweet little girl she is and it was c.l.e.a.r. that she did her own project - no help from mom & dad.

I also loved Cole's birdnests. He found them on the farm he lives on (see mom's blog here: www.dianesfarm.blogspot.com)

I really liked Michael's project. He was very proud to present the balloon filling with vinegar and salt. His mom is a single parent who wants him to go to Christian School and she struggles to make her payments every month - but does it...and then helped him with his science project! Way to go!

Also, there was Nai - a new kid this year - has hella anger issues but you wouldn't know it when he presented his parachute project. He did not have one report written but when he presented it to us, it was GENIUS! He even MADE the parachutes....himself...I hope he gets honorable mention.

People think that Christian School is for the rich or the holy...but today I saw the reason that I work there and truly the real reason I hope to continue to be there and that is to make sure kids are loved and that this kind of education is open and available to ALL regardless. I know that is why I'm there.

A chubby girl's guide to hiking (always bring T.P.!)

The past two weekends the kid sister, her dog Griffey and I have gone out on nature hikes around the Puget Sound. Last weekend we hiked the Preston-Snoqualmie trail all the way to the end. There was a lovely view of the Falls and the Lodge and I couldn't help but wish I was inside, eating a 4-course country breakfast with a Chocolate Pot. If you've never been...GO!!

Anyhow, that was a three mile - two hour jaunt and the last forty minutes was all up hill. My rear-end was sore for three days. Being the novice hikers that we are, we failed to bring any water or peanuts with us.

Today, we went to Cougar Mountain and hiked Trail W1 - four miles round trip. This time we brought energy drinks and water. So about 2.5 miles in I had to stop and made the mistake of drinking my entire energy drink all at one time. I made it about another .5 of a mile and then all hell(or should I say all my bowels) broke loose! I ran into the woods, asked the kid sister if she could see me, grabbed a branch and squatted! Whew...

Needless to say I left a piece of myself behind on Cougar Mountain. I need to always remember to bring a small bit of t.p. with me on each and every nature hike. Words to the wise.

Next weekend...it's a surprise, but I get to pick the hiking spot.

I got tagged

I knew Missy Ortiz (Melissa Baldwin from beediva.blogspot.com) in college and it's been fun to "confess" who I was in love with back then - people we knew!! So, she tagged me - which to be honest, I don't really know what that means. However, according to her rules...I have to put up 7 things you may not know about me. As Melissa, I'm pretty open with people so it will be hard to come up with things that won't make my mom faint dead away and things you actually may not know. Then I have to tag people - so beware! You may be next!

Well, here goes...

Thing #1 - I love...love...love football. Not just a passing fancy. I am addicted to football so please don't schedule board meetings, work, family gatherings or anything else near a football game. I need plenty of time to get my "game face" on.

Thing #2 - I have four tattoos. I have a tramp stamp of flowers, a ladybug, the Chinese symbol for forgivness and on my upper back...my very favorite QUEEN BEE - with a little bee wearing a crown.

Thing #3 - Following Melissa's lead...I'm an Open Theist and think evolution is cool (o.k. my friend Diane just had a small heart attack). I love to dialogue with others about Jesus. HE IS why I live and HE IS who I want to serve-the other stuff is all debatable!! I have strong opinions about a lot of things, but, for me, it all comes down to Jesus and knowing him better and understanding his Kingdom commands. This has not stopped me from having several faith crises during my journey. Those are fun to talk about as well.

Thing #4 - I would love to take a road trip cross country. I dreamed about this with my middle sister and she went and got married and had babies. Now we're kind of old and involved...but I would still love the chance to visit places in this great country of ours.

Thing #5 - Once, while in China, I ate...sheep vagina. There...I said it.

Thing #6 - I probably have, in my closet right now and overflowing onto the bedroom floor, at least 70 pairs of shoes.

Thing #7 - I really like beer and do not think that has any bearing on my spirituality or love of Jesus. It does have a bearing on my waist. Sadly.

That's it. Really random and strange. I'm sure that everyone knew all that already - mabye except #5. There is more I could say...but some is just too embarassing!!


OK...here's the rules:

- List 7 random things about yourself that people may not know.
- Link the person who sent this to you, and leave a comment on their blog so that their readers can visit yours.
- Post the rules on your blog.
- Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, linking their blog. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. Sadly, I don't have 7 blog friends. Is it bad to love those I do have??

So, I'll tag Theologymom (theworldaccordingtochrista.blogspot.com) & Lori (lorifelder.blogspot.com). Sorry, my blogspot "insert link" feature is not working on my work computer...so I'm 100% ghetto and proud of it!

RLG

Babysitting Weekend - it's what us single gals do

This weekend the kid sister and I have been babysitting and currently, instead of minding our two charges...we're blogging and watching Food Network. The kids are fine. They're around here somewhere.

I love kids. I really do - even though the hard candy shell would say otherwise. I especially love these two. For some reason, they crack me up. Will is very much a boy and loves to play trains, Optimus Prime, and Pokeman. He is also very loving and loves his booty spanked (in love of course). He climbs all over you and then says "can I kiss you?" What could be better?

Then there's Lora. She is hilarious and loves to play dolls, or just sit in your lap. She has the mind of a steel trap and remembers everything you ever said to her EVER. This can be good and bad. It's hard to put her off because she'll remember it and then you're on the hook. Christa once said that due to her lack of sight, the enormous amounts of information she takes in and processes would boggle our minds. Since a lot of our sensory information is processed through vision, we can only imagine what she must do simply to make sense of her surroundings. She is so fun and funny and it's never a dull moment with her. She loved her Valentine Barbie and is now taking a bath with it while I still blog and still watch t.v.

Don't worry, the kid sister is down there. I'm glad to be part of these kids lives and maybe...just maybe...make an imprint on their hearts.

They make me get on the scale and I say NO NO NO

So, I guess if you're a drugged out singer with bad hair and bad eyeshadow you win a grammy - who knew! Anywho...

I don't want to weigh tonight. The scale has stayed exactly the same all week - which is not a good sign as the WW scale weighs heavier than my home scale. So, it's not good. I logged 240 activity minutes this week too. I cheated only on the weekend - maybe two meals. I'm at the frustrating (a.k.a. quitting point) as I'm doing the "right" stuff and it's not showing up anywhere.

That's where I'm at.

Great Purge & Weight Loss of 2008

I watched Oprah the other night and the show was about organizing your clutter. This was a novel concept until the author (Peter Walsh) on the show suggested that the clutter in my house could be contributing to why I am fat. His book is called "Does this Clutter Make my Butt Look Fat." Catchy...real catchy. You gotta love a book that features the author's full picture on the front cover.

This was an interesting concept. Therefore, if you declutter, it would stand to reason then that the weight would come off. Lo & behold, the family they featured decluttered and started the weight loss journey.

I see some of that in my own home. I have clutter. Not bad clutter but a lot of crap that needs to be either removed, stored, tossed, donated or re-purposed. I have taken inspiration from my blog friends to do this but didn't make it very far. Yet, if it's contributing to my weight gain (or making me fat) then I want to get rid of it pronto!

Pop psychology? Maybe. However, I now have two huge Rubber Maid tubs to take to the Goodwill next time I go to Seattle!

Get taxes done...check

I filed my taxes today..while at work. I was bored and turbo tax sends me my sign-on name like every two days...so I thought "what the heck...let's see how much I will owe the IRS this year."

Lo & behold...I don't owe anything! I'm actually getting money back. Now, mind you I took an ungodly amount of money from every 401(b) I've ever had just to survive this year and had to pay some equally ungodly penalties..but I'm still getting some money back...just in time to spend it in Paris! It sucks to change jobs, leaving behind the comfort and security of a high paying State job to be able to do your taxes in the middle of the day and leave at 3:30 to go work out.

On another note...

I am excited that Barack Obama is coming to Seattle tomorrow! I have friends who are going - but alas, I will be "working" or something resembling work. I've heard predictions that there may be upwards of 10,000 people at his rally. Amazing!

Then Saturday, I head out to caucus for the first time. I even talked to my mom about it and may have convinced her too, if she wasn't babysitting my 100 year old granny. I told her she'll still have a chance if she wants. I was proud of her for stepping outside of the "red" zone and into the fray. She is awesome.

It kind of looks like Barack is looking at Lady Elaine...they look good together. Possible running mate?

Super Tuesday

For many years, I could have cared less about the presidential race. I didn't even vote in the last election as I was flying home from Kauai. Mostly I have not been passionate about anyone running and I don't think the Commander in Chief really gives a rat's arse about my issues...bra..bra...bra.

That's all changed.

Today 24 states cast votes in the closest thing to a National Primary we've ever had. I am so excited that I want to sit by a t.v. from 5:00 PM until it's over. I'm not even going to WW tonight (well, going to weigh in, and come back to theologymom's house to watch).

It helps having friends who are into it too. You've heard of Oscar parties, Survivor parties, American Idol parties...well this is a Super Tuesday party! Kick the kids downstairs, grab the butter-free popcorn and let the votes be cast!

It's predicted that if Obama can win MA, MO, & California he will have enough to secure the nomination. That's a tough road. BUT, there's also a chance if he only wins two of those states. And the double digit lead by his opponent has diminished.

Stay tuned...it's going to be an exciting road!!

P.S. for some reason...blogger's spell check is not working so that is my disclaimer!

Cheater cheater bread pudding eater

For the first time since January 8th, 2008...I cheated. I really went all out and cheated. I went to the Ram with a girlfriend from work and ate fajitas and bread pudding. It was soooo good and we shared and didn't eat the whole thing. Still, according to WW - it's 13 points. So, add that to the fajitas and the rest of the stuff I ate yesterday and a whopping 10 extra points were used. I did work out...but still....

I am not sure how today will end up - so far so good however. I'll have to wait until game time to see if those Sweet Maui onion chips will call my name.

I still feel good about the whole experience. I don't feel horrible about it - I planned the cheat meal and knew what I was going to eat. I went in knowing...and had some semblance of a plan. Plus, it's still three days away from weigh in. I can always resort to two-a-days to get down a few pounds.

Call me crazy

You all can call me crazy...but I went online and looked at clothes at The Gap today. I have not been able to fit anything other than Old Navy plus size, or Lane Bryant for probably 10 years...so even looking was kind of hard.

I also may purchase a pair of carpi pants that I found. Call them "goal" pants or 10 lb pants or whatever...but something to motivate me to keep going. I just need them in my hand - with a different label - one that says "The Gap".

I was up at WW by .4 (point four) yesterday. It's probably the latte I drank right before weighing in...but it still stymies my conscious when I see the + before the number.

I didn't really even have NSV's this week. I drank tons of water, exercised my arse off and still...PLUS .4!!

It's a journey...a marathon journey and it helps that even the skinny girls there that I talk to struggle with the same issues that I do. I love it still and it so helps to have the accountability of Theology Mom.

I'll let you know about the Gap pants. I'm not sure if I'm that brave yet.

Eye to Eye

I just a very long email to my BFF. You know the kind of email where you're so mad you just keep typing and you forget to punctuate and you don't care if words are spelled wrong and you hope that they will just read it and be mad about the same thing you're mad about?? One of those kinda emails.

Whew.

Sometimes, doing what we know is right is so much more difficult especially when you add in other people who are also trying to do what's right and you just do NOT see eye to eye. For me, though, having a BFF I can shoot an email to helps. She doesn't need to talk me off a ledge or anything...just read it. Knowing she knows really helps.

I think I may be tired - exhausted. I am sure this has a lot to do with my situation of not being willing to do what I need to do. Actually there's a lot that goes into it besides mere exhaustion.

My pastor talked today about Jesus' calling his disciples. They didn't have to be the best of the best (like in Top Gun), they just had to be willing. I know that we've been called to a bigger and greater ministry, it's just sometimes it's hard and exhausting and people are protective of time and resources. I'm tired. I don't want to do it anymore. I'm jumping ship.

A blog is a great place to vent too. The blog gods don't care.

I need to remember to run with perseverance the race set before me. It's a long journey and sometimes I get shin splints or a side ache...but I gotta keep going. Even if I don't always agree with those running alongside me or those who are not as committed. The journey is worth it.

Yes We Can!!

Go Barack!! South Carolina down and Super Tuesday to come!!

Out of many we are one!

Obama/Edwards '08

WW Funnies

I really like Weight Watchers - for a lot of reasons. It's fun to hang out with my BFF every week and eat really, really good dinners. It's also fun to have someone to hang out with at the meetings.

The meetings are fun and I really like our meeting leader. She works at the UW in a building I used to work in as well. She also helps us to think about NSV's (non-scale victories). This helps keep us motivated. During our last meeting, I leaned to Theology Mom and said that one of my NSV's was being able to put my hand down my pants. We laughed at this as it's kind of funny, but does show that some of my pants are getting too big.

So, when our leader asked for any NSV's we had this week (and I really really wanted a sticker) I raised my hand and said that I could now put my hand down my pants. It was funny and the gal in front of me turned to me and said "I bet you could count some activity points for that too!"

Hilarious.

I'm down 9 lbs so far, and I love it. It's a "real" world non-diet. I'm still able to go out and eat and make choices that help get me where I want to go. Paris sounds good!

Have a good weekend and remember NSV's are IMPORTANT!

Don't worry..you'll find a man

One of the joys/downsides of working in Xtian ministry is devotions every morning. We started with Oswald Chambers book My Utmost for His Highest...but it was too "taxing" for some so we switched to a Max Lucado book. Talk about taxing. It's all in perception I suppose.

Today, in devotions, we were talking about my bosses daughter. She is a junior in college and her boyfriend called their house last night to ask her dad (my boss) if he could ask her to marry him. Bra bra bra...(blah blah blah). So, my boss has another daughter who is more interested in changing the world than in men and really has a hard time with men in general. Just has a higher expectation than most can live up to. He's told stories about this daughter and she has a personality a lot like mine (from what I can tell) and she's older than this newly engaged daughter.

I responded to this great news of the morning by saying "poor Hannah...this might be tough for her." And my boss agreed but then this other guy that works with us says "oh...she'll find a man!"

I kind of looked at him and said "and what if she doesn't? Is that o.k. too?" He was embarrassed and sheepishly said "well, she used to babysit our kids..." As if that was the holy grail of finding a husband!

This has stuck with me all day because apparently in his world - as in most - there's something wrong with those of us that have not been fortunate enough to journey this world with a significant other. There must be something wrong with me (I'm fat, I like football, I have a bad attitude) as in his eyes - it's NORMAL for everyone to find someone and then life goes on.

I am working on forgiving him for his shallowness and having blinders on what God can do through even those of us who are single.

Happy Birthday Hillary

It's my youngest sister's 28th birthday today. I have a few memories of that day, but funny enough, they don't involve her.

It was a Sunday and we all got ready to go to church and Holly and I came upstairs and I remember going to get in the car in the garage and seeing my mom sitting up in bed. Of course, my dad being the great communicator to everyone else but his young daughters, didn't tell us what was going on. It was just plan WEIRD that mom was not going to church with us.

I remember after church people coming up to me and asking if I was excited to have a new baby and I must be so happy. Little did I know that my dad, from the platform, had announced that my mom was in labor and he was leaving from church (notice the dedication...) to take her to the hospital. Thanks Dad for sharing with us.

I also remember not ever knowing Hillary was born. We went to Cal & Ruth Ketchum's house to spend the next few days and went to Papa's pizza that Sunday night. Somebody, maybe my dad, called the pizza place and told Cal that I had a sister. I do remember talking to my mom on the payphone from Papa's.

Childbirth in the 60's, 70's & 80's was a LOT different than it is now.

I am glad Hillary was born - however I found out. She keeps me young and very stylish and takes me to Paris! Thanks Hillary - I love you!!

Here ya go Anonymous!

Last night at the store I was behind a young woman who had several things in her cart. She told the checker that she only had $27.00 (cash) and if she was going to go over that, she didn't want her celery.

Well, she got to the celery and had already rung up $26.00 (it appeared as if she were making homemade chicken soup as she had chicken, stock, noodles, etc) and so couldn't afford to pay for her celery.

She paid for her order and I said "I'll get your celery for you" and she looked at me and the checker looked at me, all very confused. I said again "I'll get the celery for you." She looked at me and said "Wow, Thanks a lot!"

It was $2.18.

Is that living the words I preach? Man I sure hope it is...

The congenial Jesus

I was talking to a co-worker the other day about her son and the choices in music he was making for his I-pod. She was telling me that she needed to review some of his choices to ensure he was not listening to Snoop Dog or something (I guess) and in my wittiness I popped off and said "You know, Jesus said it's not what goes into a man that makes him unclean."

This is a very funny and quite appropriate remark, in keeping with the situation. However, she just kind of looked at me funny and said something like "I didn't know he said that."

This comment has rested with me for about a week. You didn't know that Jesus said that. It started me thinking of this crappy, so-called Christian life that we (not you, gentle blog reader...think of someone you may know) live. This life knows NOTHING of Jesus - the Savior of our souls and of the universe. The very one who ushered in the Kingdom of God on earth and we have the audacity to NOT KNOW what he says?

Friends, please, read the Gospels. Start with Matthew. Skip the birth genealogy and stuff and get straight to the Sermon on the Mount. Please..just three chapters 5, 6, & 7. That's it! Start there. Please know something that Jesus said by the time you read my blog again. He's at least worth that. Start with Matthew 7:21. That'll wake you up.

Surprisingly, I do not think you will find someone congenial to lack of knowledge in him, the poor or the disenfranchised. I don't care either if you know the Old Testement, know the Pauline letters or even Jude & Revelation. How can we not know the words of Jesus?

C'mon...drop and give me 20!

Nothing bugs me more

than when Gmail is down! I have not received one piece of email all day! It could just be my work computer is lame.

WW - Day one

I was pleased with my WW experience last night. I really liked the meeting leader and all the information was good. I didn't feel like I was being sold a bill 'o goods and I felt it was a genuine experience.

I started off today with 5 points for breakfast...I realize it's only 8:41 am so, hoping to keep the points within my realm. I'm excited and encouraged and realize that getting those stickers is my #1 goal! I love the point concept. It's yet another mind game for me that I think will really work...I simply CAN NOT go over my allotted points for the day. Simple yet strategic.

On another note, I'm disappointed in the N.H. elections. Yet, once again, I was inspired by Barak's speech. He is passionate about what he wants to do for this country and he speaks from the heart. I am inspired.

On yet one more note...my personal trainer quit today. Her last day is January 18th. I am really bummed out. I really liked her and what she taught me and feel a set back before I really even get WW off the ground! She has a lot of reasons for leaving and I told her that I didn't want anyone else to train me...so we may have an American Gladiator type battle between me and L.A. Fitness over this. I refuse to pay for another trainer. You think that will work?

The road less travelled

I had to change blog layouts. I'm not creative enough to make one myself but I couldn't stand the darkness. I needed spring! color! tequila! This color is called Tequila.

I'm starting Weight Watchers tonight with my BFF. This is not something new for me...as I've been down this road many times. But it's new in sharing. I don't share a lot but feel this is an important thing to share as I need accountability and responsibility. It will be nice to record and track eating and points and see where I stumble. My biggest stumble is eating out. I LOVE eating out with friends and family. It is what makes my life bearable and fun. So, with WW I think it's a bit more easy to eat out - but we'll see.

It's a new day, a new layout, a new covenent, a new year! Here's my mantra: I will get a date in 2008!!

Weekend Highlights

Here are a few snippets of weekend highlights:

-Friday night started it off right with dinner with Hillary and my BFF and her cute family just home from California. It was fun to sit at Claim Jumper and chat.

-Did not go the gym Friday, Saturday or Sunday..it's still a possibility today, but this quilt I'm under is just too cozy.

-Worked at Mosaic yesterday. It was nice to see that I had not lost my skills after so much time off. Also realized how much I love that place and what it "does" for the community of faith I belong to-it allows a place of service to random strangers and golfers.

-Watched the Seahawks beat the Redskins. We were at Holly's and ALL had Seahawks gear on (including my dad). It was one of the most fun days I've had in a long while. We were up and down and yelling and screaming and finally celebrated with hot dogs and burgers! What a game!!

-Went to dinner with my friends from the UW. We get together about once every 8 weeks or so and remember how thankful we are that we no longer work there under that "regime". Sorry Kyra...the five year plan has you outta there shortly!

-Participated in the 2008 Wesley Covenant service today at church.

-Laughed when while at Chili's today after church, the waiter asks me and my nephew Brent what we'd like to drink by saying "What can I get you ladies to drink?" Brent and his long and luxurious red hair, did not appreciate it. He said "Now I'm getting a high & tight." The waiter was very embarrassed and called him "bud" the entire rest of the time.

-Praying that my dad will get the job he's interviewing for tomorrow (Corporate training). It's a lot of money that they need!

-Now will head into the evening watching the Chargers and the Titans, looking at school work and wishing the quarter did not start tomorrow!

From Ben Witherington's blog

Lord forgive us for our Biblical illiteracy, and for whittling off the hard edges of Scripture because they rub us the wrong way. Forgive us for our arrogance and ignorance which is always a lethal combination. Forgive us Lord for treating our cultural preferences as if they were Biblical absolutes, and forgive us for perverting your Gospel which is Good News for the poor into empowerment for those who long to be richer, wealthier, scratching the itch of a greedy soul. Lord forgive us our sense of entitlement and for treating you as if you were the great Santa Claus in the sky whose mission in life is to fulfill all our worldly longings and desires.

~ Dr. Ben Witherington

This is from Dr. Witherington's personal blog and is part of a prayer he has posted there. I suggest reading the entire prayer as it's powerful and true. I took this snippet and quote it here because I need to remember this today and everyday.

867-5309

There's nothing that strikes fear in my heart more than a late night phone call. I lay there and play out scenarios in my head of who has died or who is in the hospital. This probably stems from my childhood days when my dad was pastor of a large church in Eugene and he would get late night calls of people sleeping and drinking and doing other lewd and lascivious acts on church property. He would have to get out of bed and go down there. We did not live close and I never understood why his name was on the list.

So, last night...I'm laying there trying to deal with this surge of bad news that awaits me on the end of this phone call. I go and see the caller i.d. on the cell phone and it's a "wrong number" or number I don't recognize and have not been able to identify using all of my collection techniques.

So, MR/MS 425-223-3745 - you are dead to me and your number is published for all the world to see! At least all six people that may read my blog.

Pass the cold turkey

I love this day - it's a chance to start over and make all kinds of resolutions that we have no real plans of keeping. Yet, it gives a chance to dream big, wish big and resolve that this year will be different than last year.

I should make a list of the things I do NOT resolve to do...i.e. eat McDonald's, start smoking, etc. I guess I just don't like setting myself up for failure. If I say I won't drink coffee anymore, that's a huge lie and the resolution will be broken by tomorrow at 8:00 am. But if I say I will only drink one coffee/day, that's a bit more reasonable.

Once a few years ago, while watching Oprah, someone made the statement that we should all require more of ourselves. This saying has stuck with me since then and I really like it. It is simple yet powerful. It says so much without promissing stuff that is unattainable.

Therefore, this year, I resolve to RMOY - require more of myself. Therefore, I should get my butt to the gym before it closes.

I figure though, if these don't work there's always Lent.

I was making rather merry

Being back at work a mere 36 hours after the big event reminds me that I am not 12 and on Xmas break. Although it's relatively quiet, there's not a lot to do, and I'm doing a lot of staring outside at the snow, I'd really rather be elsewhere.

I'm also looking online at the place we're staying...when we go to....

PARIS!

Yes, my brother-in-law cashed in his frequent flyer miles and it was enough for Hillary and I to go to Paris. We're going in March and we'll be gone for about 8 days. I can't really believe it's going to happen and I probably won't believe it until I am actually on the plane and we take off. I got my passport out last night and looked through it.

Take a look at the apartment rented for our stay: http://www.vrbo.com/160830

Yes, that's the Eiffel Tower in view. I'm not sure how I got this lucky or why my bro-in-law likes me...but I'm grateful and happy to be spending some of the Springtime in Paris.

Wise men DON'T seek him...they FIND him!

God announces the best gift known in human or spirit history only to two groups of people. Shepherds, which are the lowest of the low in Jewish society, not because they are shepherds, but typically because they can't be bat mizvahed. This is because they can't read or write, which is a requirement to proceed to Jewish manhood. So, instead of living "within the law" they are "out" law if you will. Yet, God chooses to reveal his only son to them...and them alone. Not to the High Priests, not to Herod...or to Rome even...but to shepherds. To the outlaw, to the lowly, the uneducated, smelly and poor. Jesus later identifies himself as the Good Shepherd. Interesting.

Do you get the elegance of this?? He reveals his SON - the long awaited MESSIAH...to only them! It shows how important these folks are to the Kingdom established in the manger in Bethlehem. Messiah has come and he only tells the shepherds. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

The 2nd group he reveals to is some Asian men from Babylon. Not a Jew in the bunch...some wise men in Babylon and somehow they figure out that they must go and see he who was born, King of the Jews. This ticks Herod off to no end! The story is so amazing...

God is so amazing...he changes the course of human history with the birth of his son and with who he chooses to tell. I know some shepherds in my life...who I need to be a little nicer to. I also know some wise men.

I'm thankful for tonight and for the revelation of Jesus on earth to Shepherds.

The eagle...or the peace has landed

What a day.

Our internet at work as been out for several days. Since ALL systems I use are internet reliant...I was screwed. I left at 2:30 and headed for the new & improved L.A. Fitness. It is an amazing club. All new machines, weights, racquetball, etc etc. It's kind of like I don't belong there anymore. The best part is the fans they have to cool you as you're walking, riding, or ellipticalling. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Now if they would just provide a smoothie boy to bring me a smoothie every now and then.


My time of crisis is just about over and I thank you for bearing the burden with me. It's sucked...trust me. But, thanks to the kindness of friends that is unbelievable and my new found ability to yank money from an old IRA...I will be flush by the end of the year!! I just got the call about the IRA today and it was a Christmas miracle to be sure. I can pay my mortgage and maybe even my car payment!! THANK YOU JESUS (and friends...for acting like Jesus!)

Thanks to all who prayed and continue to pray for me. What a roller coaster.

Peace...peace...God's peace...

My pastor spoke about the peace of Christmas this past Sunday and the message has stuck with me through this week. This has been a HARD week for me. I don't just mean hard in the sense of lots to do and people to please...I mean hard as in I don't know what I'm going to do kinda hard. The hard that causes one to doubt the peace that passes all understanding...the hard that requires friends and family and even blog readers to pray twice as much for you in order to bear the burden. It's the kind of hard that is easy to assume Jesus will not care about or take care of. That's where I'm at...and at this time of year? Shameful!

Yet, my wise pastor's words have stuck with me as he shared that there is a peace that can pass my feeble understanding - a peace that is like oil over the skin - soaks in and is hard to wash off. A peace that I so desperately need at this moment. An "it's gonna be alright" kind of peace. A sitting in Jesus arms kind of peace. A Bethlehem kind of peace.

Deck the Halls! The Shoppin' is done!

I have finished Christmas shopping! I went to Costco today and picked up one more little thing for my friend Theology Mom - a little something for her to take on her trip.

After searching I finally found Ellie's present and can say that I am done! I vowed to by 100% of my gifts online this year (except stocking stuffers) and with one exception...I succeeded!

I am not only done with shopping - I'm done with school for the quarter. Now I can play solitaire at work instead of doing homework!

Now if I could just finish my Christmas cards, clean my house, finish trimming my tree, hang my stockings by the chimney with care and maybe bake something...it would be a Merry Christmas!

I have the Christmas parties this weekend and they should be fun. I also get to work at Mosaic on Sunday after a hiatus. I think I might have gotten fired...but oh well.

Nice job Linus

Charlie Brown: "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about!?"

Linus: "Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about...lights please"


"and there were in the same country, shepherds, abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night, when lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the Glory of the Lord shown round about them and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, FEAR NOT, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to ALL people. For UNTO YOU is born this day in the City of David, a SAVIOR, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you, you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God and saying 'Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.'"



That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.

All.night.long

Last night Hillary and I went to my friend Rebecca's house to finish (or start!) our Christmas stamping. It was a fun evening of pizza, ice cream, little red-headed Mallory and stamping! I finally broke down and made 8 different cards and Rebecca helped me get my real Christmas cards ready for assembly. They are really cute.

Rebecca also invited another friend over. This friend is from her church and they are in Stampin' Up together. This is the kind of person who talks...non-stop...all.night.long.

Did I mention that she talked all.night.long. It wasn't the kind of interesting talk either...it was a kind of "all about me" talk that is highly annoying - yet very telling of the kind of insecurities a person has. She wanted to know why I didn't have kids. I didn't really have a good answer and it's been bugging me ever since. My normal answer is "cuz I'm not married..." but that didn't seem to fit this situation. We talked about school and she asked what my MA is in and I told her Organizational Leadership and she laughed and said "so you can organize my closets??" Ha.ha.ha. So not funny (well kinda funny)! This went on all.night.long.

I talked to Hillary about her today as we were all kind of getting annoyed with her-all except Rebecca who was sweet and nice and encouraging and then told me that Stephanie had recently been saved and was really trying to turn her life around. As we were leaving Stephanie said "thanks for including me in your Friday night plans".

She was annoying, talked too much and had way to much hair dye in her eyebrows, but I was reminded that this is EXACTLY the type of person I'm called to love - regardless. And yes...I will include you in our Friday night plans again Stephanie and I will pray for you and your children and boyfriend.

I am not a patriot

I do not think that I hate another NFL football team more than I hate the New England Patriots. They are cheaters, womanizers, gutless, arrogant and jerks. They are not losers, however. Which is probably why I hate them.

Tom Brady has one kid with one woman who he's not married to and is now seeing some scrawny model (not the mother of his son). So, he's a real gem of society. Then there's the coach...biggest cheater in the N.F.L.

And Wes Welker only got me one point on my Fantasy league. Hate should not be something we discuss this close to the holidays..but I can't help it.

Thanks for letting me rant. Seahawks fans unite! This weekend we could clinch the NFC West division (for like the 12th year in a row...). Also, the two Hasselbeck brothers will be squaring off against one another. Should be fun!!

Snow in Seattle

Today I went to Mo for a meeting and when we got done, Christa and I went to Pacific fabrics to get...well...fabric! I needed a new Christmas apron for the one day I may work in December at Mo.

She's so talented and bought fabric to make bags, aprons and other cute little bits for the holidays. Then we went to lunch. I looked outside and (mind you we're in Northgate...some 25 miles from my house) saw huge, white flakes coming down like crazy. Needless to say, I got CW home safe and then it took me only an hour to make it up to my little home.

I have a paper due and my 2nd job staring me in the face. But, I'm blogging and listening to the weather reports to see if Church will be a possibility tomorrow.

I also talked to Phil (my bro-in-law living in Kuwait) and he already reserved a Seabrook house for next Thanksgiving! I love that guy.

Back to work! Get to it!

Cleanliness is next to...

I really want to get my Christmas decorations out and put them up. However, I have this evil punishment that I submit myself to in that I can't put decorations up until my house is clean. My house will not be clean until it grows some 700 square feet or so...or until pig's fly or until Jesus comes back.

I think my house and it's lack of cleanliness correlates directly to my life. More specifically to my checkbook. So, when my checkbook is cleaned up then maybe I'll clean up my house. It's not really that bad. There are a lot of shoes and peer-reviewed articles laying around. I also have a paper due this week and am going to take Thursday off to power-write.

Friday night is a fun evening at Mosaic with the ladies of my church. My friend has the cutest Christmas cards ready for us to make and take and I'm excited for a fun evening of coffee, cards and a few friends.

Other than that..not much happening this week. Maybe, just maybe, I'll clean my house and hang a few lights. I'm getting excited for the holidays!

I love my family

Spending a few days with your family you learn to appreciate them in new ways. Here are a few things I love about my family.

Dad: You are always supportive of your family. You love each of us wholeheartedly and are always willing to give up your seat, game, book, puzzles to any of us that ask. I love you and how you love us.

Mom: You are an amazing nurturer. You take care of each of us so well. You always see the good in each of your children and grandchildren and are not quiet about it. You always make sure we are taken care of first.

Hokey: Your humor and impressions always make me crack a smile. You're always willing to challenge me when I'm sassy and you are not intimidated at anything. Plus you're fun to be with!

Holly: I love your quick wit and your ability to laugh at yourself first. You also have a mind like a steel trap - and you love me anyway! I wish you didn't remember so much, but glad you've forgiven me. Thanks for loving me and putting up with me.

Phil: You crack me up daily and your football knowledge is amazing. You do not treat me like the ugly third wheel stepsister, but always like a friend. You add joy to my entire family and I love that you love my sister (and me) and show it in tangible ways.

Hillary: You are my gal pal when Phil is gone and I so appreciate that you're willing to hang out with me. Bike riding with you today, I was filled with pride and love for you and the wife and sister and daughter you have been. Thanks for loving me and never making me feel awkward or dumb.

Brent: I'm proud of you and how you give me a full kiss on the lips and are not embarrassed of your silly old aunt. I love you.

Ellie: You are fun to be with and I loved that you made my bed everyday. You are great at taking care of me and loving me-silly old aunt.

I'm so thankful for this weekend spent with people I love. I am blessed and grateful that you all love me for me and don't require that my hair be perfect or that I have money in the bank. Thanks for loving me family. I love you!

Thanksgiving Feast

Today was a great day. I've just awoken from a triptophan induced nap and am ready for round 2.

Seabrook is great - there's not a lot too it yet so if you're used to the Oregon coast, this is a little different. I think we'll go into Ocean Shores tomorrow for some holiday shopping. I wonder if any place is open at 5:00 am??

We are getting ready to watch '300' in a bit after the USC game. What a wonderful day to set aside and be thankful. It's a lot of work and we're all tired, but I think we are all happy to be together and remember those we love who are not with us.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope it was great!

Over the river....thru the woods

Leaving for the beach today. We are spending Thanksgiving in Seabrook, WA. Normally, we don't all go away as a family so this will be interesting and hopefully fun. We're a great family when we get together but then we all go to our own homes and our own comforts and it will be an interesting mix of who stays up late, who sleeps in all day and how we relate to one another 24 hours a day. Where's my flask??

Here is a picture of the house we're staying in - I think it will be fun!

Hoping you all are thankful to be where you're at and who you're with. Maybe I'll blog tomorrow about 112 things I'm thankful for. Leaving work now is one of them!!

If you love me...do what I say

Today is a hard Sunday for me. It's our Harvest Sunday at church in which we invite our community's homeless and needy for a hearty Thanksgiving meal, cooked and served by all the congregations at SFC. It's hard because it's long, smelly, somewhat mental, loud, and demanding. However, it is the Gospel.

Some of the toughest words from Jesus to us comes from Luke's Gospel. It is Jesus talking to thousands in one of his sermon series. He asks "Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46 NASB). OUCH! I do not ever want to call him my Savior and then turn my back on what he commands me to do (feed the poor, clothe the naked, among other things.)

Today - ONE day out of my year, I will do what he asks. I will put a behavior behind my professed love. I will probably complain, I will probably not be as cheerful as necessary but Jesus doesn't ask for that. He frankly could care less if it's easy or peaceful or if we're happy about it. There is no extra verse that says "do what I say only if it is convenient and you feel good about it." That is a very American view point and I would also suggest anti-Gospel.

So now I'm going to get ready and pick up my nephew, niece and her friend and go and put a behavior behind my love. I will also remember the One who made this possible and in whom I have my salvation and be thankful that I am not on the other side of the serving table. I will also be thankful that I attend a church that allows me to put the behavior of loving into action.

Do you love Jesus? The ONLY way to know is to do, do, do (BEHAVIOR) what he says. Period. Otherwise Matthew 7:21-22 (NASB) may be your fate.

Are we different?

"You are different. You are different because now you know that God exists, and [God] alone matters. It is an overwhelming, awesome thought.... You are different in the sense that now all people belong to you and are part of you, and you belong to all people. At the same time, you belong only to God, and you belong to [God] totally. There is a distinction between you and others, and at the same time, there is no distinction at all, but a blending of all into one. The demarcation that exists is a spiritual one, born of what you have lived and what you can never explain."

- Catherine de Hueck Doherty
Soul of My Soul

I really like this quote - on so many levels. I love that God alone matters. Nothing else. He is the reason for existence...not family, friends, bills, jobs, money, nothing...HE is the reason. I also like it for the responsibility it requires. We know God exists and now are among a set-aside or peculiar people to do his work. We belong to all people, not in some weird existential way that we can't explain - but in a way of responsibility. A way that has no excuse other than loving them. Period. Good, bad, ugly.

We are a marked people - I wonder if any of us really understands that or lives that? We know God...our lives should be different. Things no longer matter...where you live, work, eat, sleep or what you own doesn't matter.

Kind of deep for a Tuesday.

Ode to the mutha

I have not blogged this weekend due to my a) not having internet access and b) taking care of Lora all weekend. The not having internet access was bad - but the charge of motherhood was even harder!

As most faithful blog readers know, I do not have any children. It is only by the grace of God that I have a great neice and nephew and hopefully will have another nephew (Plaxico Hillhouse) soon. But, the Lord, in his infinite wisdom (discussion for another day) thought that I probably would make a better aunt then mother. He is so wise.

This weekend was really fun. Friday night I took my little pal with me to Hillary's. She kept asking when Phil (Hill's husband) was going to go to his house. It was cute. Then on Saturday morning, she had a coughing fit and threw up some mucus. I'm so glad my sister was there. She was calm and kind and Lora said "I think Heidi hates me" and Hillary said "no, she hates throwup." So true!! This night was spent with Lora's feet in my back for what seemed like all night.

Saturday was spent at Lora's - after a thrilling trip to Target for a new My Little Pony beauty salon and the newest Veggie Tale DVD, we were back at Lora's for some down time. I decided at this point, it would be a good idea to give her some medicine for a different problem...needless to say 45 minutes later she was soaking in a bath getting all the cracks and crevices clean. I got it from both ends this weekend!

Saturday night I asked her where she wanted to stay and she said "At Hillary's with that man." I'm assuming she meant Phil. But, Kat and Juicy were nice enough to come over for dinner and then Kat stayed with me for the night. She held Lora until she fell asleep and put her into her own bed. Lora stayed asleep (yes in her own bed!) until 4:30 am. She kind of fake cried and I went and got her. We slept until time for church. It was great.

I have so much respect for mothers and the shear effort it takes to attend to these little, helpless people. I am such a control freak that I wanted it all right all the time and it just isn't going to happen. Christa, you're an amazing mom. Thanks for giving me a taste and letting me spend the weekend with Lola. It was tiring, frustrating, overwhelming and I really realize that it does take a village!!

Going home...taking a nap!

'Tis the Season

Yesterday my sister requested our Christmas lists. This is always fun for me as I get to put down a list of things that I want with all of the hope and anticipation that I might actually get them! This year I put a lot of books - and of course college sweatshirts - one from Ga. Tech that is really cool. It's not a very robust list as I really just want stuff I won't buy myself - which(sadley) is almost nothing!

I was struck, as I was comprising my list, by the fact that there are only three more paychecks until Christmas. This hit me rather hard because I have everyone to buy for and only a few pennies. I wished that I could sew or bake or makes something out of Styrofoam that would immediately bring joy to those I gave to, but alas, I am not creative nor that patient to even stick with it that long. I am sure it will work out - it always does and it's always a fun time to be together.

My brother-in-law is coming home on Thursday and hopefully we'll celebrate his birthday as I was able to buy him a cool t-shirt (big surprise).

Confessions of a RLG

Confession #1 - I have not been to the gym all week. The last time I set foot into L.A. Fitness was on Saturday. I am sure that I had excellent excuses all week long but I certainly can tell a difference. I will go tomorrow for sure, and then do my best to fall back into a pattern of habitual gym lurking.

Confession #2 - I am currently drinking two coffees: an egg nog latte I got this morning (for free) and a caramel machiatto that my friend Michael brought me on his way to work. They are both tasty and I don't need to eat breakfast now.

Confession #3 - I miss my mom.

Confession #4 - I have to work at Mo tonight and I kind of don't want to. There's a concert (which will be fun) but I don't feel like working hard.

Confession #5 - I still have homework to do.

Confession #6 - I called my little sister last night and quoted one of the greatest bumper stickers of all time and then hung up: "Something Wiccan this way Comes." Classic.

Confession #7 - I am doing homework while I should be working.

Confession #8 - I cancelled my trip to L.A. over the holidays (to go to school) because I needed the money.

Confession #9 - I have some of the best friends and family the world has ever known.

Sorry my confessions are not that scandalous. My life is not that exciting.

Life is short..

I have always thought it would be fun to explore the city and find new places to go and hang out which basically means eat. Seattle is so full of fun little neighborhoods and each of these holds a plethera of establishments, some good & some not so good, but all open for exploration. I remember once when my friends, Kat & Juicy took me to a little neighborhood restaurant in Magnolia - it was so fun and really good Chicken Fried Steak (why did I capitalize that?).

So, my youngest sister also has this wanderlust and we decided that we would go and explore these city nooks each Saturday. Well, we had good intentions but we have yet to start. I was hoping for this Saturday - maybe go explore West Seattle - California Street. I think the only eating criteria is that we have not ever been there before (and it has to be reasonable, price wise). I'm excited for this adventure and hope that she & I make the time to be together and get out and explore.

Any recommendations from the blogesphere?

Brick House

The ghost party was great until the hostess got sick, fell asleep and had to go home. Poor little Dutchman. Her costume was so cute and her soulbag was the best!

We were listening to some spooky Halloween songs and then we put on Disco - which is all Bee Gee's and other great songs of disco. So, Hillary and I start bustin' a move. Finally, when Brick House came on, everyone, even Bree, reported to the dance floor. It was truly fun. I am very sore today, however. I do not think I've danced like that in years and Hillary even did a break dance.

My favorite costume, besides the Dutchman, was Juicifer - he was hilarious!

Taking Ellie to High School Musical tonight. We should have fun.

Hashing Slasher

I'm going to a Halloween party this weekend hosted by a 3-year-old. She assigned everyone their costumes as well. She assigned me "Hash Slinging Slasher". WHAT? What exactly is a hash slinging slasher? Well, I've learned since then that it's some sort of fish with a spatula.

So, I kind of thought I could just get away with wearing jeans and a t-shirt...but OH NO. All of the people coming are going all out which leaves me tomorrow to find a frickin' fish costume. I'm secretly excited though and think it will be fun. I hope we all get to dance to Thriller!

Have a spooky weekend - unless you don't celebrate Halloween and if you don't celebrate, stop reading my blog and be gone with you!

Tammy Update

Today I worked all day at Mosaic. Yes, I'm qualifying for sainthood within the catholic church and this is my miracle I'm trying to confirm. Anyhow, Tammy comes in this morning with the BIGGEST black eye I've ever seen. The entire left side of her face was bloody, swollen and bruised. I went over to her and asked her if she was o.k. - and then asked what happened? She said she was in an accident over the weekend. I asked her if it was in her car-and she said "I don't want to talk about it."

So, if I ever see her derelict boyfriend again I don't think I'll be able to hold it together. We called her social worker and it was kind of like "there's nothing we can really do" response...so now I do not know what my response should be. Feed her...let her hang out...what??

Not who you might think...

Click the title link above (or here: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/select_a_candidate/poll.php?race_id=13) to take an interesting survey about the Presidential candidate you most match issues with.

Answer the questions honestly...you may be surprised at who your number one is! I was!

Reader discretion advised - Mosaic, I owe you a $1

I'm not a writer like fellow bloggers Jen & Lori...but I'm going to lay this out and hope you get what I'm trying to convey. If you don't just tell yourself "I must have had to be there..." and move on.

Last night at Mosaic Christa and I were working. Our resident schizo/homeless/mentally ill/daughter of Liz Taylor - Tammy - was there. She is usually there from when the doors open to when they close and eats all three meals there with some mochas and whip cream in between. She has a car or van or something that she parks in the Lutheran church lot where she sleeps. She doesn't smell very good and breaks out in tears often and has great stories floating in her mind that sometimes find their way out.

She was giddy last night because her male companion (friend/boyfriend/saboteur) was there and they left together at about 7:30 or so - at which time she turns to Christa and me and says "see you guys...love you!" A little while later he comes back in and asks for a cup of water. Then she comes back in and says "wow, that was fast!" I looked at Christa and just said "I hope that doesn't mean what I think it means."

Then she puts a dollar into the donation box. Her money she had earned...she put into our donation box. I lost it. I sobbed for about 10 minutes. Poor Christa - not quite sure what to do with me.

I took the dollar - I have it and will look at it and remember Tammy. She gave what she earned - however she earned it - to Mosaic. To us. To Jesus.

Free day

The power went out at work today about 10:15 or so - so we went home. I actually went down to the Kent View campus and hung out with my friend Diane and to see her mating frogs. It's very quiet as all the teachers and administrators are at an ACSI conference. It was very odd. I didn't get anything done, but it was fun.

Went to work out and now back home staring at a few hours of homework that I've slacked off on. Tomorrow, a usability study in downtown Seattle - I need the money -and then working at Mo. Pretty boring week mostly.

I'm hoping my power doesn't go out. I've lit a fire just in case.

'Tis a Glorious Church

This weekend was my church's 100th anniversary. It was full of pageantry and splendor...not really but close. The music was awesome and the speaker gets the Gospels - I even told him so after the service. I could not stop crying and it could very well be from the conviction in my evil hard heart.

I am going to share a conviction I had during today's service...which was AWESOME..can't say it enough. As I'm standing there, crying uncontrollably, the Lord proceeds to say to me "I brought you here to do a good work in you and for you...and you #*&% all over it by how you treat people?"

Now, mind you, that was not a direct quote. I doubt God says the "S" word...but I got the message loud and clear. He brought me there - through a series of events and I can't stop crying about the story He is telling since I've been there. The story of Lora and MO and he is crying out to do a good work for us and in us and I need to remember that. My heart was changed today. It won't be perfect...and I will continue to stumble and deal with my mistrust or dislike of others until HE is perfected in my heart.

Thank you for the 100 years and that I get to be a small piece of the next 100!

Football Friday

Yes friends, it's another football Friday. As we all bow our heads and get ready for non-stop football it's time for your favorite segment: Ask the Football Girl!

Dear FBG:
What exactly is the West Coast Offense?
Signed: Eastsider

Dear Eastsider,

The West Coast Offense (WCO) is really a misnomer. The explosive system originated in Cincinnati by the late Bill Walsh who brought it to the West Coast in the late 60's.

Basically, the WCO relies on passing first - then running. These passes are not your deep slot routes run by one guy all the way down the field. They are typically shorter passes (5-10 yards) and the routes can be run by a wide-receiver, tight end or running back. Therefore, instead of a single deep threat, an offense now has several shorter plays to run - and several offensive threats in the arsenal. It relies heavily on a quarterback who is accurate, but not necessarily strong.

Over the years, each team has developed their own version of Walsh's WCO, but any deviation from a typical slot receiver and two back offense may use pieces or parts of the WCO. It is fun to watch!

If you watch the Hawks this weekend, you'll see a lot of WCO - Hasselback uses his Tight Ends, RB's and short pass receivers very well in this plot. Watch for it this weekend.

Keep those questions coming! Game face on!

"What is...smarty pants?"

The answer: "Nickname for Heidi when she plays Kid Jeopardy."

I like to convince myself that I am somewhat intelligent most of the time. However, I never feel as smart as I do when I watch Kid Jeopardy! I rocked at this game tonight-it was amazing. I actually think I got all of them right; with one exception: I did not know that Queen Elizabeth's mother died in 2002.

Realizing, I was playing against 10-year-olds, I still kicked some major kid butt.

Please Pray this week

Sunday's are a tough night for me. It's really more my perception of how my friends and family view Sunday night - a real family time. A time when the week's preparations are made and just being together. I get really lonely, for some reason, on Sunday nights.

This week will be tough for my friends at SFC. Not tough in a bad way, but hard and stressful and tiring. It is the 100th anniversary celebration of the organization of this local parish. It's an exciting time as this place has been through many ups and downs and now, I feel, we're really on a journey together that can be life changing. It's an exciting time.

I'm also praying for my family. My folks especially. I'm praying also for some good opportunities for them monetarily. The Lord is so faithful, I know that for a fact. However, I also know that we need money in our checkbooks. I know he will provide a way for my parents - but praying for their needs and their blessing.

Thanks for joining me in this this week. If there is anything I can specifically pray for you - please feel free to share. This week I will pray for strength for Mark & Christa, money for my mom & dad and a good opportunity. I pray for myself as well. This desert is hard. NO NEW shoes for sure!! Pray for Phil and his safety and H&H and their return to Seattle after lounging in Florida for a week. Lucky.

Thanks for praying for me and those I love.

Ask the football girl

Yes friends, your favorite column is back...ask the football girl. I will answer any and all football questions, right here, right now. Unless there's a game on.

Let's get going!

Dear F.G.
What are the four ways a runner's progress can be stopped?
Signed, Rookie

Dear Rookie,
This is a great question - for a rookie. Just playin'. A runner's advancement down the field can be stopped in 4 ways;
1. His forward movement is stopped (by tackle)
2. He is down by rule (he has knee, leg, butt, any body part except hand or foot on the ground)
3. He steps out of bounds, and finally,
4. He fumbles the ball out of bounds.

Keep the questions coming kids. There's a lot of football to go!!

How do I get myself into these situations??

A conversation between me and my boss (the superintendent of schools)

Blair: Why are there pink M&M's in the M&M dispenser?
Heidi: October is breast cancer awareness month.
Blair: I don't know if I can work with pink M&M's in our dispenser.
Heidi: You must respect the ....
Blair: I think I know what you're about to say...
Heidi: breast!

Goodbye little Flower

After three years of watching Meerkat Manor, tonight's episode was very sad. Flower passed away. She was the matriarch of the Whisker's clan and raised several litters of pups, including Shakespeare (who died in Season 2), Mitch, Mozart & Izzy. She was an amazing leader and kept her family together despite difficult circumstances, wayward daughters and drought. Also in tonight's episode, she took in a little Zappa pup that had lost its way Normally, Flower would have killed a rival gangs pup, but in this case, she spared little Axel's life. It is a very interesting culture.

She died of a Cape Cobra snake bite. The cobra was lurking in the babysitting burrow threatening Flower's new born pups. The Meerkats use a technique called "mobbing" to try and scare the snake. However, since the snake was in their burrow, Flower had to go into the burrow, alone and try to find the snake. She went below, and was bitten in the head. Her head swelled up and she died rather quickly, laying in the front of her burrow.

Life is tough in the Kalahari.

You can get seasons one & two on Netflix or at Blockbuster and I encourage anyone to watch this excellent show. It's a great tribute to family and I think how God imagined a family to be-even in the animal kingdom.

Barack the Vote '08

Since this is my blog...I am going to go out on a limb and perhaps offend a few lurkers with what I'm about to confess.

I donated to Barack Obama's campaign this weekend. I have not donated to any political cause or campaign before (with the exception of Sojourners, which I don't consider overtly political) but I am excited that for the first time in this country, we actually have a person of color being considered for the job of President...someone who could actually win!!

As a person who loves a bit of diversity, this excites me. I really could care less if he was democrat or republican, I'm just pleased to see him doing well and hope that he has a chance. I encourage you to review his policies and ideas.

Here is his website...http://www.barackobama.com/

I think it's exciting and will certainly make the next 13 months interesting. Something to tell my niece and nephew someday!

I wanna ROCK

I took Brent to his first Rock & Roll concert last night. We saw STYX, Foreigner and Def Leppard. What a night! Those boys can play some bad ass guitar and Brent and I played some bad ass air guitar. I must say that while Brent is a huge STYX fan, I found Foreigner to be the best "show" as far as songs, talent and originality. Dennis DeYoung of course is no longer with STYX and it's very difficult to replace that voice. They did sing Renegade & Too Much Time on my Hands, which took me back to 7th grade Summer Camp at Black Butte. I was so sure Carl Hedin was in love with me; even though he was like in college.

I was sharing with my friends at work today that I took Brent and we had a great time with friends Kat & Juice. I also decided that I will never leave CW or Hillary behind again! Even MW would love to rock...I think. It was a great venue and would be so much fun with a big group. I also shared that there was not one bad word said, no degradation of women, no discussion of ridin' dirty. Just good ol ROCK & ROLL! Sometimes it's good to hear it and I sang louder than I have in a long time.

There were people of all ages there too - some couples my parents age while there were a lot of young people - who probably grew up listening to their parents listen to Def. All in all, it was a great evening!

Take me to the edge

Today is my one-year anniversary at Rainier Christian Schools. Faithful blog readers will remember my painful blogs as I was learning this system and how bored I was for many weeks - until I got to know the people and the systems and now it's a groove. Grooves are nice.

I was talking to my big boss (Mr. Superintendent) and we were talking about people who have everything in life (seemingly) handed to them and have never once had to rely on God's provision or grace. These are people like my Aunt, my baby rose cousin, and this other guy we work with. Now, mind you, this is OUR perception as I'm sure they have suffered their own small (pitiful?) trials and tribulations. Blair was saying that these people have never walked to the edge. Not to mention stepped off the edge..but never even come close to the edge. They are conservative, and I don't mean conservative Christians or in the political sense like they only vote for Bush - they are scared.

Scared Christians. They don't trust Jesus enough to get out of the boat, walk to the edge, open a coffee house, take a $14,000 pay cut, ask for healing from cancer, provide for a school district $500,000 in the hole. They have never had to rely on Jesus too much. Yet they love him just the same and they have a relationship with him.

I don't get it. I'm just glad he called me to the edge and asked me to jump. It has been a year of struggle, monetarily mostly...but I've made it thanks to friends, parents, sisters, financial aid and cashing out some retirement. It's still a struggle...but I've jumped and some of the best people I know have also jumped and it's a fun ride down!

The story of Ruby & Nellie

Author's note: Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Once there was a little gymnast named Ruby and her friend Nellie. They had a love hate relationship and although they were on the same team for gym, they had a secret rivalry throughout their competition. Ruby was also not a very nice little girl and Nellie was usually very nice to her. Nellie's aunt Fleidi, however, knew there was something fishy about Ruby and her mother Shana.

Life went on for Ruby and Nellie until one day when Nellie's gym coach, Faynadi (he is Russian) told them that Ruby could no longer come to gym because Ruby's mom had embezzled $9000 from the Booster Club.

When Nellie's aunt Fleidi picked her up today, we said a little prayer for Ruby and her mom. Her mom was arrested and will face charges of theft. Nellie is sad, and cried a little, but she is strong and she knows that Jesus will give her friend Ruby peace.

The end.

Sweet Baby Roses

Went to Granny's 100th birthday party today. There were so many people there! It was a very nice day to honor her and her 100 years. She didn't know who was there and you could tell she was in a daze.

My BFF went with me. It's so nice to have her to take to these events and of course My Little BFF went too (Lora) and she was a hit. I usually hate these kinds of events, but once I got there, it was like old times and it was nice to see everyone again. I miss those people and it is true that the kids grow so fast!

I was thankful that my mom and sisters were there and Brent was the cutest of all the boys! I was proud of our little family amongst all the other folks there. We are good girls and we all love Jesus and try to be obedient.

All the way home, Hillary and I explained our family dynamic to Christa (who listened with rapt attention!) and it was interesting to recite the lives of these people integral to who I am, whether or not we see one another once a year or once a lifetime. Some of my family members have been through some crappy times - some of their own making and some not. I appreciate that my cousin Pete remembers what car I drive or that my cousin Steve remembers my name or that my cousin Jackie grabs my rear or that Bart wants to talk about his non-profit work. I wanted to hold Ben in my lap like I used to but he's like 6 feet 4 now...so kind of hard.

I need to get a copy of my cousin Jeannie's song she wrote for Granny. I think it was the highlight as she's always been everyone's favorite. I'm sure there wasn't a dry eye in the house...but I'm the only doctoral candidate in the entire family So there Jeannie!

Granny is 100!

My grandma turned 100 today. She was born on September 20, 1907!! She is an amazing woman (much like my mother) and has seen and lived through some interesting times. She played the violin and wanted to be a Missionary Doctor. She went to the UW for a little bit in the 20's. She grew up on Queen Anne Hill in a house built by her father, my great grandfather - and had a sister (Aunty Lou who had an affair with a doctor and was "killed" on the railroad tracks in a car with him! SCANDEL!! I love her!) and two brothers - one who died at a young age of TB. Her other brother, Roland, lived in Washington D.C. and used to travel around with his eccentric wife in a motor home.

She married Ben Welch, my very handsome grandfather and they had four kids-three girls and one boy. My mom is the youngest. They lived their whole life on 13th Street in Ballard/Crown Hill and then she moved to a house by the water right before my grandpa died.

I remember them coming to visit us often but my fondest memories are of going to her house for the holidays. This was such a passion for our family that one particularly crappy year we lived in California, we packed up one December 23 in our compact car (all 5 of us!) and drove to Granny Welch's house just so we wouldn't miss her on Christmas. I really didn't want to miss her Chocolate Christmas cookies that she makes every year from a recipe from her mother.

She also loved to go to the mall. Month-end at The Bon was her favorite. Shopping was something she was very good at and I like to think I take after her in that area. Holly got the ankles...I get the shopping gene.

There is something about her...she has never commented on my weight, tattoos, spending habits, or hair color. She has loaned me more money, without question, than I can ever repay. She loves me unconditionally. She does make sure I love Jesus though - and we still talk to this day about Him and our relationship with Him.

I am proud and grateful for this legacy. The Lord puts us in families and I'm so grateful that I got mine!!

New Book Alert

There is a new book coming out on October 16 by Alice Sebold.

She wrote The Lovely Bones and Lucky. Both of these books are wonderful and highly recommended.

Maybe we should start a Mosaic book club?? We could meet on Friday nights before a concert? Just thinking...dreaming...wishing...

Ode to the Chocolate Chessman (and post-Ode comments)

Update to the Ode...

I promptly ate two (2) 100 calorie packs, went to have my cavity filled, got lots of novacaine, went to work-out with my trainer and threw up Chocolate Chessman after about 30 minutes. I am sure it's not the Chessmen's fault - I will blame it all on the novacaine. I am so glad I made it to the bathroom and they have very loud toilet flushes at L.A. Fitness!!


How I love thee?? Let me count the ways.

If you have not tried the Chocolate Chessman 100 calorie packs...let me invite you to join me in this delectable afternoon treat. Perfect for right before you go to the dentist to have a cavity filled!

Sorry CW!

I find that I usually freak out on Sundays. I want everything and everyone to be happy and enjoy their time and worship and I tend to tense up if things don't go as planned. I had to bring Brent & Ellie and they wanted to bring friends which was great, but different and unexpected. Now I'm confessing a down side to my steller personality here so please, go easy on me.

So, today we started Sunday School which was great but I found my freaky old crabby church lady personality coming out. I wanted everything to be good and right and I freaked and didn't even make Christa a drink because I didn't want it to be "LOUD", my bestest (yes, I said it!!) friend in the world... So, for this I apologize and will make hers first every Sunday.

Then we went to church and my sister was no where to be seen - either of them! It was such a great service - the singing, the readings, everything really just was excellent and I realized that I can just relax and let things happen and everyone will be fine.

We even had a good bored meeting. It was fun and I'm getting excited for the 100th anniversary - never thought I'd be excited for that...but I am. Mark promissed pagentry...I want pagentry!

Confessions of a swearing 3rd grader

I was talking tonight with my friend whose son just started kindergarten. He is doing great even though there are adjustments to be made and learning curves to survive - he tells some wonderful stories!

It reminded me of my own issues while in elementary school. There were the scary ones about being picked last for kick ball or who my boyfriend would or wouldn't be in the 2nd grade. There was one boy who liked me all throughout elementary school. His name was Raymond. I was never very nice to him, but he persevered. He got me a little necklace one Christmas. And one day..it was pouring rain when we had to walk home and Raymond, all of about 9 or 10 gave me his umbrella to walk with and he headed home in the pouring rain. Luckily my mom came to pick me up and we went to find Raymond to give him a ride.

There are some days when I remember how much he liked me and how mean I remember being to him and my heart grieves for him and I hope he is well and I bow my head to say a prayer for him. At least someone liked me and wanted to marry me...once.

I remember an incident in third grade when I was sent to the Principal's office - Mr. Hockstetter. He was small, thin and wore a lot of Grecian formula. He had little glasses too and a hook nose which made him look like a "hawk" thus befitting his name. He also smoked a lot of menthol cigarettes. I was on the playground, upside down on the bars. I had chosen to wear a skirt that day and buck convention and go upside down on the bars anyway. Well, a boy named Mike Murray (who I know my mother will remember) came up to me and grabbed the skirt and tried to pull it up/down or whichever way so he could see my undies.

I was mortified. I ran to the playground teacher and promptly told her that Mike Murray had tried to f*#k me. Yes, I said the f-word - that glorious word that has survived generations. It was really the only word that described exactly what Mike Murray was trying to do!!

I got sent to Mr. Hockstetter's office. My mom was called and she came to retrieve me in her humiliation and shame. The pastor's wife...picking up her daughter from school for saying the F word. I don't even remember getting in trouble. My mom knew Mike Murray and realized that he would probably be in jail someday and understood my plight. Thanks mom, for being cool and hating Mike Murray too!

And Raymond...wherever you are...thanks for the necklace.

Fall Reading List

I have not given a reading list lately and since school is over this week (for the quarter) I will be grabbing some books I've wanted to read. Here is a list of what they may be:

1. Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl
A little wordy and rift with cliches, it's a good mystery about a young girl and her dad after the loss of their mother/wife.

2. Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli
"I go into churches and everyone seems to feel so good about themselves..."

3. Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul by Karen Abbott.
A real life story of the Everleigh sisters and the brothel they operated in Chicago during the early 1900's. Kind of similar to Devil in the White City (GREAT BOOK!)

4. China Road: A Journey into the Future of a Rising Power by Rob Gifford.
Rob is an NPR correspondent who had an excellent series several years ago while journeying on China's route 312 - some 3000 miles stretching from Shanghai to a small town in Turkestan. Called the Old Silk Road - this book chronicles more of this amazing journey - and since I've been to Shanghai...twice, I thought it would be fun to read and I liked his stories on NPR.

5. Girl Meets God: A Memoir by Lauren Winner.
Recommended by both Jen on This Pile and my personal trainer...I thought I would give this a whirl. I did NOT like her Real Sex - as it didn't give me permission to have pre-marital sex...dangit!

6. Upside Down: A Primer for the Looking-Glass World by Eduardo Galeano
Reading this book feels like an acid trip. It has an amazing way of wrapping its ideas around your head and then leaving you to figure out how to unwrap yourself. Think of being in a maze and realizing you will come out eventually - after all you can't live in the maze. I need others to read this so we can talk about it (Bill & KL Mayhew??)

This should take you through the rainy days of fall-scary Ghost Parties and Thanksgiving turkey!

If anyone else has recommendations, please chime in!

Assistant to the Regional Manager

Yes, I am the assistant to the regional manager...that is Regional Mortgage Manager. My sister got a promotion at her illustrious job at First Tech. I am so proud of her. Jealous as well. She's always had my life...the husband, kids, carpools, great job - I don't think she's ever been arrested...pretty much had a great life. Where did I go so wrong? Anyway...

She got a big ass promo and I'm proud of her. She rocks and we're celebrating next Sunday night and I just may make Mom drink an Alabama Slammer in her honor!

Way to go Holly - you are smart and talented and way better looking. I am proud to be your sister! Can I borrow some money?

Saturday is game day

Today my dad and I went to the UW vs. Boise State football game. I thought, for a moment, that the stadium had more orange than purple, but finally the fans showed up. It was a great win for the Huskies as we have not beaten a ranked team in 11 tries! I told my dad that I sure didn't like working at UW, but I'll watch football there any day!!

However...tomorrow is the day I've been waiting for since last January. It's the start of "real" season football with the Hawks taking on the spurious Tampa Bay Bux...kind of the Raiders of the East if you will. John Gruden is a bad ass coach and they have typically had a great defense but our boys are ready. It's going to be a very good year and we have a good schedule.

And yes, faithful blog followers will have to endure the next four months as there will be at least weekly football postings. I may even start a column called "Ask the football chick" - all your football questions answered right here...right now.

Gotta go watch LSU & Va Tech..after all WE ARE THE HOKIES!

Ruff Ryders 2007

I am wholly into Fantasy Football. I don't have a lot of fantasies in my life (there's one about meeting someone while on the treadmill, and another about a closet built entirely for shoes...but I digress) but my main one right now has to be FF 2007. It will make watching all the NFL games this year so worth it because I now have a hardcore stake ($10.00) in each game my player's participate in.

Here is the breakdown:
QB's - Vince Young (Tennessee) & Matty Leinart (AZ)
RB's - L.T. (YES!!), Deuce McAlister (PHILLY), Julius Jones (DAL) & D'Angelo Williams
W.R. - Chad (bad ass) Johnson (CIN), Anquan Bolden (AZ), Braylon Edwards, Joe Juravicious

Def: Chicago Bears & Dallas Cowboys
T.E. Kellen Winslow & Vernon Davis
Kickers: (The tokens) David Akers (PHILLY) & Jason Hansen (DET)

I am so excited!

Why

Why do I do this to myself? I have 2 huge projects (drafts) due tomorrow and I have not even started. I also have to draft my Fantasy Football team on Monday, go to church, have a BBQ, etc. UGH!!

I always wait until the last minute. At least football is on to help me cope. I love how they talk (in week one!!) about Heisman candidates as well. It's so funny! I do like DeSean Jackson from Cal - he looks good. Va. Tech won today too - it's good to have football as a venue for them to come together. I got goosebumps watching the opening day ceremonies.

I will get it all done, I usually do - just have to power through. See ya on the other side.