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.