So often it is hard for me to remember how blessed I am when life is tough. It is so easy for me to get bogged down and oppressed by school work, personal and social expectations and questions about life in general. So I want to take a moment here to share some of the great surprises that have helped me see beyond my stress and hold on to the generous blessings and faithful promises of God.
Friday Night: "The Men Who Stare at Goats" and lots of laughs with friends
Saturday: Apple Orchard outing with Libby and Beth... we saw goats there too
Sunday: Good worship at Church and the help of friends through Hebrew Study group
Tuesday: A Very LONG day of meetings and work topped off by a generous and delicious benefit dinner... a trip to BeanTown where I received a new painting from Steve and many beautiful greetings and smiles from friends... I returned home to a card from my sister Justice which touched my heart AND then stayed up to get more work done...
Wednesday: I was so tired I went to bed early... and slept for 12 hours (I can't remember the last time this happened).
Thursday: surprise lunch with an old neighbor and mom... Passed my interview at Presbytery and have moved forward to Candidacy for ordination... delicious dinner of blackened salmon over cilantro fettucini with Mom and Dad... a good joke with Grandpa... lots of laughs with friends while watching TV!
And today at LoveBirds Cafe: Christmas music and two gentlemen who asked "what are you working so hard on?"... "Hebrew." then as they walked out one of them said to me in Hebrew: "May your name be inscribed in the book of life."
I hope to hold on to these things as the quarter comes to an end... keeping my head above water... looking forward to Thanksgiving and Matt and Michelle's wedding...
PFEW! It's amazing how much can happen in a few days :)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Grandfather's Wisdom
I have been living with my 92 yr old grandfather for about 8 weeks now and learning more and more about our family and his life each day. We have dinner together and spend time watching TV together on a regular basis. He's had a long and full life and is wonderful company... though I don't quite know what to do with some of the things he says.
Occasionally I'll get to see a tender side of him where he says nice things to me and offers to make me more comfortable and feed me about a dozen times a day. He usually asks "is there enough heat up there for you?" Referring to the guest house where I am staying--even when it's 100 degrees outside. I always enjoy when he talks about Margaret, my Grandmother, who passed away about 14 years ago. One of our most precious moments was when I was waiting with him outside a restaurant and he said "it's nice holding your hand." It's nice holding your hand too, Grandpa.
He lacks most of his short term memory but is still really quick to respond and has a pretty keen sense of humor; though off color at times (even though he knows better). Most of the time he'll ask how my parents and sister are just to check in with the world. And I regularly get asked "So how many boyfriends do you have." (Sometimes a few times in the same day). Most of the time I joke and tell him "oh you know, a half a dozen or so--one for each day of the week..." or "guys are trouble..." or the like. He has some responses to my "predicament" that just make me laugh and I thought I'd share them with you...
"set traps"
"put a sign out in the yard... or somewhere in town" saying "single female"
"Bait them..." to which I responded "nobody's biting" and he said "they're over-fed."
"Well tell them!"
"They don't know what they're missing"
and the like...
I hardly know what to do with him and his suggestions most of the time. Though I have to give him some credit because he was happily married for over 50 years to my grandmother and has shown me one of the most beautiful examples of devotion and commitment while my grandmother was hospitalized for four or five years. He visited her every day to feed her lunch, tell her about the family and make sure she knows she was still special. So even though he seems to make the whole "search" so simple and lighthearted, he is a large part of the reason I'm a little picky--sorry guys ;)
Occasionally I'll get to see a tender side of him where he says nice things to me and offers to make me more comfortable and feed me about a dozen times a day. He usually asks "is there enough heat up there for you?" Referring to the guest house where I am staying--even when it's 100 degrees outside. I always enjoy when he talks about Margaret, my Grandmother, who passed away about 14 years ago. One of our most precious moments was when I was waiting with him outside a restaurant and he said "it's nice holding your hand." It's nice holding your hand too, Grandpa.
He lacks most of his short term memory but is still really quick to respond and has a pretty keen sense of humor; though off color at times (even though he knows better). Most of the time he'll ask how my parents and sister are just to check in with the world. And I regularly get asked "So how many boyfriends do you have." (Sometimes a few times in the same day). Most of the time I joke and tell him "oh you know, a half a dozen or so--one for each day of the week..." or "guys are trouble..." or the like. He has some responses to my "predicament" that just make me laugh and I thought I'd share them with you...
"set traps"
"put a sign out in the yard... or somewhere in town" saying "single female"
"Bait them..." to which I responded "nobody's biting" and he said "they're over-fed."
"Well tell them!"
"They don't know what they're missing"
and the like...
I hardly know what to do with him and his suggestions most of the time. Though I have to give him some credit because he was happily married for over 50 years to my grandmother and has shown me one of the most beautiful examples of devotion and commitment while my grandmother was hospitalized for four or five years. He visited her every day to feed her lunch, tell her about the family and make sure she knows she was still special. So even though he seems to make the whole "search" so simple and lighthearted, he is a large part of the reason I'm a little picky--sorry guys ;)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Vacation in Evergreen, CO
Just a few thoughts from my stay in Evergreen
Nestled under sheets, wool blankets, and hand made quilts I lay awake
Listening to the river rush beside this old cabin
The river sounds like rain to me, my ears are too accustomed to the highway hum
Paper thin antique curtains of lace blow with the wind
It is cold outside, but I leave the window open to hear the river roll over the rocks
Lazy mornings begin with a smile, some hot coffee and fresh fruit
No one knows the time for the day awaits our curiosity
A walk around the lake, a stroll through town
Just past the high school we greet the mountainside with tennish shoes and water bottles
To be accompanied by thunder and lightning that rumble from behind the mountain top
We can pile into the MiniVan, Nina we call her endearingly
She takes us into town, down the highway and toward buildings taller than the trees
Meeting and greeting old and new friends soften the blunt edges and heat of the paved city
Nothing brings these big kids together more than baseball, go Rockies
It makes no difference to me who is on the field I come for the company
Late nights and later mornings, comfort food and slippers
Glad eyes, kind smiles and the smell of fresh rain on the pines
Mom always said warm hands make a warm heart; she always knows best
Some time away is good to reconnect with all that is living
It is nice to know these trees and friends will be with us to the end
Nestled under sheets, wool blankets, and hand made quilts I lay awake
Listening to the river rush beside this old cabin
The river sounds like rain to me, my ears are too accustomed to the highway hum
Paper thin antique curtains of lace blow with the wind
It is cold outside, but I leave the window open to hear the river roll over the rocks
Lazy mornings begin with a smile, some hot coffee and fresh fruit
No one knows the time for the day awaits our curiosity
A walk around the lake, a stroll through town
Just past the high school we greet the mountainside with tennish shoes and water bottles
To be accompanied by thunder and lightning that rumble from behind the mountain top
We can pile into the MiniVan, Nina we call her endearingly
She takes us into town, down the highway and toward buildings taller than the trees
Meeting and greeting old and new friends soften the blunt edges and heat of the paved city
Nothing brings these big kids together more than baseball, go Rockies
It makes no difference to me who is on the field I come for the company
Late nights and later mornings, comfort food and slippers
Glad eyes, kind smiles and the smell of fresh rain on the pines
Mom always said warm hands make a warm heart; she always knows best
Some time away is good to reconnect with all that is living
It is nice to know these trees and friends will be with us to the end
Sunday, July 26, 2009
"Farmers Market's Got Talent--LA"
Today we went to the LA farmers market where we had delicious crepes, walked around in the 90 degree heat and saw too many things that I wanted to eat and buy! (I bought a new purse).
It was much like disneyland... asphalt and brick paved main street with shop's one on top of another, booths, botiques, and a unicycle riding clown...
This is where we stopped after lunch to watch the cute little kids and the 3:00 Clown Show. She had a few kids come up to sing songs and share their talents. The first little girl sang "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." The second girl sang the "Alphabet Song." And then a cute little boy in a green shirt came up and evangelized to a group of 60 or so parents and kids singing "Jesus Loves Me." The clown didn't really know what to do with herself, and after he was done replied "I had no idea it had so many verses!" (the little boy sang verse one and the chorus). She then asked if there was anyone else who wanted to sing a song, or if any other religious groups wanted to be represented by their 4 year old evangelists. It was fantastic.
Sometimes there's nothing you can do about it. You can try to censor Jesus out of everything but who is going to tell a 4 year old boy that he can't sing "Jesus Loves Me." I didn't think so. It's true little boy, Jesus loves you, and me and everyone else who heard your song. Thank you :)
It was much like disneyland... asphalt and brick paved main street with shop's one on top of another, booths, botiques, and a unicycle riding clown...
This is where we stopped after lunch to watch the cute little kids and the 3:00 Clown Show. She had a few kids come up to sing songs and share their talents. The first little girl sang "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." The second girl sang the "Alphabet Song." And then a cute little boy in a green shirt came up and evangelized to a group of 60 or so parents and kids singing "Jesus Loves Me." The clown didn't really know what to do with herself, and after he was done replied "I had no idea it had so many verses!" (the little boy sang verse one and the chorus). She then asked if there was anyone else who wanted to sing a song, or if any other religious groups wanted to be represented by their 4 year old evangelists. It was fantastic.
Sometimes there's nothing you can do about it. You can try to censor Jesus out of everything but who is going to tell a 4 year old boy that he can't sing "Jesus Loves Me." I didn't think so. It's true little boy, Jesus loves you, and me and everyone else who heard your song. Thank you :)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
People Watching
So over the past few days I have encountered some very entertaining people-watching experiences.
People-watching does happen to be one of my favorite things to do, it makes me laugh and keeps me humble!
Wednesday: In class while the professor was responding to a "group presentation" question one of the presenters got bored and started playing "minesweeper" on his computer, while it was still connected to the projector... half the class was trying not to laugh b/c he kept playing and playing... did I mention this class is Presbyterian Polity?
Thursday: Brazilian Carnival dancers with jeweled bikini--but less than bikini--outfits and huge headdresses... For some reason I wish I had just a touch of their self-assuredness.
Friday: 8year old dance-a-holic. We were at the Levitt Pavilion outdoor watching a Celtic-Salsa band play. Let me tell you Salsa music will never sound the same unless there are bagpipes and a banjo. Don't knock it 'till you've tried it. Our dancer friend loved to jump and twirl and definiteley knew when to pose for the audience to applaud!! Amazing :)
Saturday (Today): Afternoon Library Nappers... this is a good one. Slumped over in our blue-boxy-pleather sofa-chairs, sometimes with a book perched on a knee or across their chest. All in all this is a good one because they are 1) in an air conditioned room when it is 95 outside 2) perfectly peaceful b/c the library is quiet 3) could care less b/c everyone else wishes they could sleep like that or sleep at all instead of reading or doing homework on a SATURDAY!!
Not a bad week, I say.
Some people do photo-blogs... I think this might be a good theme for me: Adventures in people-watching.
we'll see if anything exciting happens in the next few days :)
People-watching does happen to be one of my favorite things to do, it makes me laugh and keeps me humble!
Wednesday: In class while the professor was responding to a "group presentation" question one of the presenters got bored and started playing "minesweeper" on his computer, while it was still connected to the projector... half the class was trying not to laugh b/c he kept playing and playing... did I mention this class is Presbyterian Polity?
Thursday: Brazilian Carnival dancers with jeweled bikini--but less than bikini--outfits and huge headdresses... For some reason I wish I had just a touch of their self-assuredness.
Friday: 8year old dance-a-holic. We were at the Levitt Pavilion outdoor watching a Celtic-Salsa band play. Let me tell you Salsa music will never sound the same unless there are bagpipes and a banjo. Don't knock it 'till you've tried it. Our dancer friend loved to jump and twirl and definiteley knew when to pose for the audience to applaud!! Amazing :)
Saturday (Today): Afternoon Library Nappers... this is a good one. Slumped over in our blue-boxy-pleather sofa-chairs, sometimes with a book perched on a knee or across their chest. All in all this is a good one because they are 1) in an air conditioned room when it is 95 outside 2) perfectly peaceful b/c the library is quiet 3) could care less b/c everyone else wishes they could sleep like that or sleep at all instead of reading or doing homework on a SATURDAY!!
Not a bad week, I say.
Some people do photo-blogs... I think this might be a good theme for me: Adventures in people-watching.
we'll see if anything exciting happens in the next few days :)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Final's Study Song... Poh's Exercise song
Up, Down, and
Touch the Ground
Up, down, up,
When I up, down, touch the ground
It puts me in the mood
Up, down, touch the ground
In the mood for food
I am stout round, and I have found
Speaking poundage wise
I improve my appetite
When I exercise
I am short, fat and proud of that
And so with all my might
I up, down, and up and down
To my appetite's delight!
Touch the Ground
Up, down, up,
When I up, down, touch the ground
It puts me in the mood
Up, down, touch the ground
In the mood for food
I am stout round, and I have found
Speaking poundage wise
I improve my appetite
When I exercise
I am short, fat and proud of that
And so with all my might
I up, down, and up and down
To my appetite's delight!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Roller Skating
So this Friday we went to the Roller Skating Rink for my friend Tammy’s birthday. We all squeezed into my corolla and headed down to Glendale to take a trip back in time, I didn’t know at this time how far back we would go. This place was great because you can only rent roller skates, no rollerblades. I was a little scared because it had been long enough since I had trusted myself to balance on wheels, and even longer since those wheels had a rubber toe-stopper (“toe pick” anybody?).
When they let us through the iron locked doors (sketchy) and we picked up our skates we thought this isn’t half bad, it looks a lot better inside than we anticipated. There were a number of elementary through high school aged kids and a few more mature patrons. There was one little boy who caught our eye at about 4’11” he glided around the rink with great ease. He was wearing blue jeans and a blue shirt and had a cute little fro. He must have only been 10 years old but that boy had some moves and when “Smooth Criminal” came through the PA we all turned to watch him, and a few other “advanced” skaters.
About midway through the night, after we shared a pretzel, nachos and a diet coke it was time to use the ladies room. I inched my way over, being very careful not to fall, for falling in this room would be even more awkward. I scooted into the little girls room and saw three blue stalls ahead of me, I saw a little girl come out of the stall on the left and decided to avoid kiddie-dribble I maneuvered my way to stall number two. I turned around and went to lean down but thought “wow, these skates really make the distancing totally different” after my shorts were down and I was positioned in the careful hovering position I realized, “wait is this a normal sized toilet? Are my skates really making me THAT much taller?” It was basically too late to abort-mission so I did my business, meanwhile seeing the bottom of the skates of the stall next to me swinging in the air above the ground, which just affirmed, “I’m using the KIDDIE TOILET!” I wanted to laugh out loud of the idiocracy of it all but decided to just smirk and save the story for my girlfriends.
So yes, friends, I used the kiddie toilet, in roller-skates on Friday night. It wasn’t planned, but it was an adventure. Brought me back to the good ol’ days.
When they let us through the iron locked doors (sketchy) and we picked up our skates we thought this isn’t half bad, it looks a lot better inside than we anticipated. There were a number of elementary through high school aged kids and a few more mature patrons. There was one little boy who caught our eye at about 4’11” he glided around the rink with great ease. He was wearing blue jeans and a blue shirt and had a cute little fro. He must have only been 10 years old but that boy had some moves and when “Smooth Criminal” came through the PA we all turned to watch him, and a few other “advanced” skaters.
About midway through the night, after we shared a pretzel, nachos and a diet coke it was time to use the ladies room. I inched my way over, being very careful not to fall, for falling in this room would be even more awkward. I scooted into the little girls room and saw three blue stalls ahead of me, I saw a little girl come out of the stall on the left and decided to avoid kiddie-dribble I maneuvered my way to stall number two. I turned around and went to lean down but thought “wow, these skates really make the distancing totally different” after my shorts were down and I was positioned in the careful hovering position I realized, “wait is this a normal sized toilet? Are my skates really making me THAT much taller?” It was basically too late to abort-mission so I did my business, meanwhile seeing the bottom of the skates of the stall next to me swinging in the air above the ground, which just affirmed, “I’m using the KIDDIE TOILET!” I wanted to laugh out loud of the idiocracy of it all but decided to just smirk and save the story for my girlfriends.
So yes, friends, I used the kiddie toilet, in roller-skates on Friday night. It wasn’t planned, but it was an adventure. Brought me back to the good ol’ days.
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