Tonight, the minute class was over (at 8:30) I rushed to the Taco Bell drive-through. My stomach had been growling for hours and I was famished to the point of dizziness. All I wanted was my Mexican Pizza and a big Diet Coke (because tonight is a late night for homework... I need the caffeine!). I was on the phone with Sister Lindsay as I barked my order to the lady in the intercom. Then I pulled up to the window, threw her my money, got my Diet Coke...
And drove away.
Without my food.
I realized it right after I left. So I threw my car into park, jumped out, pranced back up to the drive-through window in my high heels and Jackie-O black dress (never got to change after work), and tried to get my food. There was already a new car at the window, and I'm sure he thought I was crazy and about to rob him or the restaurant. But no, all I wanted was that Mexican Pizza.
We quickly became friends as I tried to explain why I was standing outside his car, wedged between him and the window, in the dark, in my high heels. He was nice, but kept looking at me like I was scaring him a little. After the Taco Bell lady handed him his food, he tried to drive off without running me over, but I had blocked the driveway with my SUV. There was no escaping. Finally I got my Mexican Pizza, pranced back to my car, hopped in, and drove off into the night.
I bet that guy thinks I'm a complete nut. But I'm not... just easily distracted!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Y is for Yoga
I tried out the yoga class at my new gym tonight. I love my gym because it takes about 90 seconds to get from my driveway to the front door of the gym. So much nicer than my old 15-20 minute hike. Never mind that the folks who work at this gym aren't very friendly... I think it's every gym's policy to be snotty to customers when they walk through the door. It's part of their business plan... if they make me feel like a big loser when I arrive, then I'll be more motivated to bust my tushy on the treadmill so that someday, I can be cool like those gym workers. I bet they cover that in orientation, right after they go over the benefit plans.
But back to yoga... I love yoga because it's one of the only times that I ever stop thinking. You can't think while you do yoga, because otherwise you'd lose your balance and hit your head on the floor. And not to brag, but I consider myself to be something of a yoga expert. I may not be a fast runner, a strong weight-lifter, a coordinated dancer, or come to think of it, have any other athletic talents, but I can twist my body like a pretzel and balance in precarious positions better than most. And I can do that while thinking about nothing. I think it's all of those years of cheerleading and gymnastics classes that are finally paying off. Because cheerleaders also like to think about nothing. Except their reasons for doing so are a bit different.
But now it's time to think again... I've got a school paper calling my name. It's a bit hard to hear over the sound of me munching on a piece of Starbucks coffee cake, but it's a faint, muffled hint of a sound in the distance. I should go tackle this thing (the homework, not the coffee cake) and show it who's boss.
But back to yoga... I love yoga because it's one of the only times that I ever stop thinking. You can't think while you do yoga, because otherwise you'd lose your balance and hit your head on the floor. And not to brag, but I consider myself to be something of a yoga expert. I may not be a fast runner, a strong weight-lifter, a coordinated dancer, or come to think of it, have any other athletic talents, but I can twist my body like a pretzel and balance in precarious positions better than most. And I can do that while thinking about nothing. I think it's all of those years of cheerleading and gymnastics classes that are finally paying off. Because cheerleaders also like to think about nothing. Except their reasons for doing so are a bit different.
But now it's time to think again... I've got a school paper calling my name. It's a bit hard to hear over the sound of me munching on a piece of Starbucks coffee cake, but it's a faint, muffled hint of a sound in the distance. I should go tackle this thing (the homework, not the coffee cake) and show it who's boss.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Chasm
"You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps." --Chinese proverb
If my homework were a chasm, it would take a hop, a skip, a jump, and an airplane to cross. I have been buried all week, and stressed to the point where it's almost hard to breathe. Today I hit my wall and ended up on my couch, watching all of the shows saved on my precious Tivo (including The Office, two episodes of Ugly Betty, and the presidential debate, which I have now slept through not once but TWICE). Sometimes you just have to do nothing to save your sanity. I feel much more sane now, and after a much-needed dinner with my family, I think I'll be back to the old Bethe again.
If my homework were a chasm, it would take a hop, a skip, a jump, and an airplane to cross. I have been buried all week, and stressed to the point where it's almost hard to breathe. Today I hit my wall and ended up on my couch, watching all of the shows saved on my precious Tivo (including The Office, two episodes of Ugly Betty, and the presidential debate, which I have now slept through not once but TWICE). Sometimes you just have to do nothing to save your sanity. I feel much more sane now, and after a much-needed dinner with my family, I think I'll be back to the old Bethe again.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Poor little old me
It's Saturday morning, the sun is shining, the birds are singing...
And I'm up at work, in an office with no windows, writing a research paper for school.
Blah.
I was here until 9:00 last night. On a Friday. When all my friends were out playing. This morning, after an abbreviated run, I was back up here by 9:30, and I'll probably be here all day. Probably tomorrow too.
Blah.
Back to work...
And I'm up at work, in an office with no windows, writing a research paper for school.
Blah.
I was here until 9:00 last night. On a Friday. When all my friends were out playing. This morning, after an abbreviated run, I was back up here by 9:30, and I'll probably be here all day. Probably tomorrow too.
Blah.
Back to work...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Surveyed
I took this survey during the commercials for The Office (because who wants to watch commercials???):
What were you doing at ten last night?
Sitting at my kitchen table doing research for a paper… so exciting. But before that, I did Sister Pedicure Night and then we went to church, so overall it was a pretty nice night!
Are you good at giving directions?
I am directionally challenged. It’s a real disability, I should be eligible for a scholarship.
Last time you cried really hard?
Last Christmas I watched PS, I Love You, and I cried some big, ugly tears. That movie is worse than The Notebook.
What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter?
Peanut butter cookies?
When did you get in your last argument?
I’m not confrontational. Sometimes I want to yell at someone, but I hold it back and just smile sweetly. Or stew.
Do you prefer hot or cold weather?
I love cold nights when I can curl up with my electric blanket and flannel sheets. I also have a "thing" for cute coats and fires in my fire place.
Could you go out in public looking like you do now?
My hair’s wet because I just got it cut, but that wouldn’t stop me. One of my favorite things to do is roll out of bed on a Saturday and run my errands early… which means no make-up, and sometimes I wear my pj’s. I may enjoy being girly, but I'm not very high-maintenance.
If you could go any place in the world where would you go?
Let’s see, Greece and Spain were at the top of my list, and I’ll be there next summer!
Have you ever made someone so mad that they broke something?
Again, not confrontational.
What is your favorite color?
Pink. I love anything that’s girly. I’m wearing pink right now, actually.
If you could go back in time, how far back would you go?
That's an interesting question. There were times in my life that were a ton of fun, but not sure I want to go back to any particular time.
When is your bedtime?
Usually around 10:30 or 11, but lately I’ve been staying up later to do homework. Gosh, I’m sensing a theme. How boring! I’m not always such a dork, this is only temporary. My fun, adventurous self will reemerge as soon as I turn in my paper and prep for the class I have to teach as part of my graduate assistantship.
Are you quiet?
Only when I'm very, very tired.
Have you ever collapsed on the bathroom floor?
Two Christmases ago I got the stomach flu. The bathroom floor and I became good friends.
Do you like your music loud ?
Yes, especially when I run. And lately I’ve been rocking out to Ozzie and Metallica, Miley and Hanson… anything to distract me from the pain of running.
Would you rather stay home all day, or be out and about?
I love my house, but if I stayed home all day, I’d go nuts. I have to leave for at least a little while to accomplish something.
Last thing you purchased?
I paid way too much to get my hair done tonight, but some things are non-negotiable. I also bought some shoes today during my lunch break.
What's your worst habit?
Sometimes I eat snacks late at night. Oprah says you shouldn't eat after 7:00 p.m., but that's just not realistic. Sometimes a girl needs freshly baked cookies or ice cream at 10:00 p.m., and that's okay.
Plans for the upcoming weekend?
Besides massive amounts of homework? Saturday I’m going for a long run (10-12 miles), and I have a girls’ night out planned. Sunday I’ll have church, and hopefully I can squeeze in time for some flag football.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’ll be 32. Other than that, it’s anybody’s guess.
Where are you at noon every day?
That's one of the best things about my job... no two days are alike. Quite often I have luncheons and board meetings... other times I run to Chick-fil-a or Subway to grab a quick lunch and then head back to work.
How many speeding tickets have you gotten in the last 5 years?
Just one.
Do you keep your closet organized?
It depends on your definition of organized.
What movie are you waiting to see in theaters?
There’s no movies I’m anxiously anticipating. However, I can’t wait to see the presidential debate tomorrow on TV! I guess that makes me a huge nerd.
What is your favorite drink?
Diet Coke & strawberry milkshakes. Hmmm... I wonder if Sonic is still open?
What were you doing at ten last night?
Sitting at my kitchen table doing research for a paper… so exciting. But before that, I did Sister Pedicure Night and then we went to church, so overall it was a pretty nice night!
Are you good at giving directions?
I am directionally challenged. It’s a real disability, I should be eligible for a scholarship.
Last time you cried really hard?
Last Christmas I watched PS, I Love You, and I cried some big, ugly tears. That movie is worse than The Notebook.
What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter?
Peanut butter cookies?
When did you get in your last argument?
I’m not confrontational. Sometimes I want to yell at someone, but I hold it back and just smile sweetly. Or stew.
Do you prefer hot or cold weather?
I love cold nights when I can curl up with my electric blanket and flannel sheets. I also have a "thing" for cute coats and fires in my fire place.
Could you go out in public looking like you do now?
My hair’s wet because I just got it cut, but that wouldn’t stop me. One of my favorite things to do is roll out of bed on a Saturday and run my errands early… which means no make-up, and sometimes I wear my pj’s. I may enjoy being girly, but I'm not very high-maintenance.
If you could go any place in the world where would you go?
Let’s see, Greece and Spain were at the top of my list, and I’ll be there next summer!
Have you ever made someone so mad that they broke something?
Again, not confrontational.
What is your favorite color?
Pink. I love anything that’s girly. I’m wearing pink right now, actually.
If you could go back in time, how far back would you go?
That's an interesting question. There were times in my life that were a ton of fun, but not sure I want to go back to any particular time.
When is your bedtime?
Usually around 10:30 or 11, but lately I’ve been staying up later to do homework. Gosh, I’m sensing a theme. How boring! I’m not always such a dork, this is only temporary. My fun, adventurous self will reemerge as soon as I turn in my paper and prep for the class I have to teach as part of my graduate assistantship.
Are you quiet?
Only when I'm very, very tired.
Have you ever collapsed on the bathroom floor?
Two Christmases ago I got the stomach flu. The bathroom floor and I became good friends.
Do you like your music loud ?
Yes, especially when I run. And lately I’ve been rocking out to Ozzie and Metallica, Miley and Hanson… anything to distract me from the pain of running.
Would you rather stay home all day, or be out and about?
I love my house, but if I stayed home all day, I’d go nuts. I have to leave for at least a little while to accomplish something.
Last thing you purchased?
I paid way too much to get my hair done tonight, but some things are non-negotiable. I also bought some shoes today during my lunch break.
What's your worst habit?
Sometimes I eat snacks late at night. Oprah says you shouldn't eat after 7:00 p.m., but that's just not realistic. Sometimes a girl needs freshly baked cookies or ice cream at 10:00 p.m., and that's okay.
Plans for the upcoming weekend?
Besides massive amounts of homework? Saturday I’m going for a long run (10-12 miles), and I have a girls’ night out planned. Sunday I’ll have church, and hopefully I can squeeze in time for some flag football.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’ll be 32. Other than that, it’s anybody’s guess.
Where are you at noon every day?
That's one of the best things about my job... no two days are alike. Quite often I have luncheons and board meetings... other times I run to Chick-fil-a or Subway to grab a quick lunch and then head back to work.
How many speeding tickets have you gotten in the last 5 years?
Just one.
Do you keep your closet organized?
It depends on your definition of organized.
What movie are you waiting to see in theaters?
There’s no movies I’m anxiously anticipating. However, I can’t wait to see the presidential debate tomorrow on TV! I guess that makes me a huge nerd.
What is your favorite drink?
Diet Coke & strawberry milkshakes. Hmmm... I wonder if Sonic is still open?
Monday, September 22, 2008
I want to be a star
I watched two hours of Dancing with the Stars tonight. Can I just tell you that I want to be famous, simply so I can be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars? Unfortunately, odds are not in my favor... I'm not sure what a 27-year-old girl in suburbia with no unusual talents can do to become a big star. Somehow Kim Kardashian figured it out, but I'm not sure how I would go about getting a reality TV show. I think usually they pick people a bit more scandalous than me.
So I think my best option is to become a ballroom dancing champion. Then I can be one of the professional dancers on the show and get paired with some hunky soap opera star with big muscles and a small mind. And then I can wear the pretty dresses, flashy jewelry, have my hair done, and dance around like a big star while a crowd of admiring fans cheers me on.
Yes, I think I'll add it to my "to-do" list. Become a ballroom dancing champion. I can see it now... I better get to work.
So I think my best option is to become a ballroom dancing champion. Then I can be one of the professional dancers on the show and get paired with some hunky soap opera star with big muscles and a small mind. And then I can wear the pretty dresses, flashy jewelry, have my hair done, and dance around like a big star while a crowd of admiring fans cheers me on.
Yes, I think I'll add it to my "to-do" list. Become a ballroom dancing champion. I can see it now... I better get to work.
Go ahead, stay at home
I’m so behind. This is a national holiday week, and I didn’t even buy a Hallmark card to mark the occasion! What will my friends think? Oh, what a social snafu.According to ABC, this is National Stay At Home Week. It conveniently coincides with the premiere of the new television season. So just in case you had planned to have quality family time around the dinner table, volunteer for your neighborhood patrol group, feed the homeless or get some exercise…
You’ll have to cancel your plans! Pluck your favorite sweatpants from the bottom of your dirty clothes pile, plop yourself down on your couch, grab that bag of potato chips, and enjoy the greatness of Desperate Housewives, a six-hour marathon of Dancing with the Stars, Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy, and that new family favorite, Opportunity Knocks (which looks dumb, but what do I know?). Watching TV is a whole lot better than reading with your kids, solving the energy crisis or ending world hunger. You can do that next week. This week is a holiday! Time to sit lazily on your rear end and be irresponsible! If not, I question your patriotism.
And for those of you who are a bit embarrassed that you forgot to buy me a gift for such a grand occasion... you can make up for it by leaving me a comment telling me which show(s) YOU can’t wait to watch this season! In case anybody is wondering... don't call me Thursday at 8:00 p.m., because I have a date with The Office.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
World's Record (for me)
Today my training partner and I set out to run 9 or 10 miles. We got up at the crack of dawn (my alarm went off at 5:00 a.m. on a Saturday... yikes!) and kicked off our run with a group of other crazy individuals around 6:00.
Neither of us knew the course, which wound its way through the ritzy neighborhoods of Fort Worth, an area I don't typically frequent. The rest of our group wanted to run 12, and when it was time for us to separate and set off on our own for the "shorter" 9-mile run, the directions they gave us were so complicated that we knew there was a 99.99 percent chance we would get lost. The thought of roaming the neighborhoods of Fort Worth, forcing ourselves to run further than we wanted to, was daunting, so we gave in to the peer pressure and did 12 with the rest of the group.
My legs have never been so tired in my entire life. However tired I have been before, I can multiply that by two, and that's how tired my poor little legs were at the end of TWELVE miles. But it's also really cool to say I've now run TWELVE miles. Gee whiz, that's a really long way.
My favorite part of group runs is the breakfast celebration afterward. Eating pastries, or waffles, or sausage, or anything else that's unhealthy is so much fun after you have burned 1200 calories.
The other good thing about getting up early to go for a long run is the LOOOOONG nap you get to take afterward. Sigh. That part is good too.
Neither of us knew the course, which wound its way through the ritzy neighborhoods of Fort Worth, an area I don't typically frequent. The rest of our group wanted to run 12, and when it was time for us to separate and set off on our own for the "shorter" 9-mile run, the directions they gave us were so complicated that we knew there was a 99.99 percent chance we would get lost. The thought of roaming the neighborhoods of Fort Worth, forcing ourselves to run further than we wanted to, was daunting, so we gave in to the peer pressure and did 12 with the rest of the group.
My legs have never been so tired in my entire life. However tired I have been before, I can multiply that by two, and that's how tired my poor little legs were at the end of TWELVE miles. But it's also really cool to say I've now run TWELVE miles. Gee whiz, that's a really long way.
My favorite part of group runs is the breakfast celebration afterward. Eating pastries, or waffles, or sausage, or anything else that's unhealthy is so much fun after you have burned 1200 calories.
The other good thing about getting up early to go for a long run is the LOOOOONG nap you get to take afterward. Sigh. That part is good too.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Super Pretzels Galore!
Hurry, run to the freezer section of your nearest grocery store and buy these... they will change your life!
They have 1 (ONE!) gram of fat per pretzel and they are OH-SO-AMAZING! If only someone would invent microwavable funnel cakes, I would never have to go to the State Fair again!
They have 1 (ONE!) gram of fat per pretzel and they are OH-SO-AMAZING! If only someone would invent microwavable funnel cakes, I would never have to go to the State Fair again!
I'm teaching a Sunday School series on a fantastic book called Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. It's absolutely wonderful--go buy it today, it will change your life.
God has spoken to me in many different ways over the years, but this week he spoke very loudly. Lately it seems like a lot of my prayers aren't being answered the way I want them to. In fact, I feel like I get a bunch of big fat "no's" and I really hate that. So God and I have been duking it out, and I have stubbornly continued to pray the same prayers over and over, just in case maybe he'll change his mind. It’s one of those, “God, pretty please, with sugar on top, can we do things my way?” prayers.
And then this week he hit me in the head with a 2-by-4. Sometimes I need that. Through two different situations I heard him tell me, “I know you really want Plan A, but don’t you trust that I have a better plan for you? Won’t you give me a chance to show you what it is?”
And then I opened my Bible and read this… it’s God speaking to Samuel after the Israelites demanded that they wanted to be like all of the other countries and have a “real” king, and not a judge. God tries to dissuade them, but they won’t listen, and demand a king.
But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so
he prayed to the Lord. And the Lord told him: "Listen to all that the people are
saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as
their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until
this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now
listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will
reign over them will do.”
And then Samuel tells all those Israelite folks that a king will require their sons to be soldiers, put their daughters to work, make them pay taxes, take their best flocks and make them slaves… but the Israelites don’t care, because they want what THEY want… a king.
But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a
king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us
and to go out before us and fight our battles." When Samuel heard all that the
people said, he repeated it before the Lord. The Lord answered, "Listen to them
and give them a king." (1 Samuel 8:6-9, 19-22)
God told the Israelites "no," but they wouldn't accept it. So finally, they got what they wanted... even though it wasn't God's optimal plan for them. In fact, Saul was a disaster.
The Lord has told me ‘no’ many times, and usually I whine and belly-ache and throw pity parties. Then, when he blesses me with something better than what I had hoped for, I feel guilty for being such a whiney thing in the process.
During my first job after college, I begged God to bring me a new, better job, working for a bigger company (and more money… because I could barely afford my rent!). I interviewed for a great job, but he said ‘no.’ And three months later, I was offered the job I have now, which I absolutely love. His way was better.
When I was at my old rent house, one of my roommates decided to move out. I begged God to bring me a roommate so I wouldn’t have to move. Moving seemed like the absolute WORST case scenario. But God didn’t bring me a roommate. Because I was forced to move, it sparked the idea of buying a house, and seven months later (after living with mom and dad and saving all of my money) I had built myself a brand-new house! His way was better.
Or, a few years ago, I prayed that God would help me find a new church, because I really didn’t want to stay at my old one. And God said, “No, you’re not leaving… in fact, I have a new ministry for you!” That was almost three years ago, right before I started teaching my Sunday School class, which I love. His way is always better.
I love that God calls us to be persistent, but sometimes, his way is just better. The answer is sometimes "no." It’s nice to be reminded of that sometimes. I know that his “no” is probably the best thing that could happen to me. And I need to listen.
"My thoughts are completely different from yours,” says the Lord. “And my
ways are far beyond anything you can imagine.”(Isaiah 55:8)
God has spoken to me in many different ways over the years, but this week he spoke very loudly. Lately it seems like a lot of my prayers aren't being answered the way I want them to. In fact, I feel like I get a bunch of big fat "no's" and I really hate that. So God and I have been duking it out, and I have stubbornly continued to pray the same prayers over and over, just in case maybe he'll change his mind. It’s one of those, “God, pretty please, with sugar on top, can we do things my way?” prayers.
And then this week he hit me in the head with a 2-by-4. Sometimes I need that. Through two different situations I heard him tell me, “I know you really want Plan A, but don’t you trust that I have a better plan for you? Won’t you give me a chance to show you what it is?”
And then I opened my Bible and read this… it’s God speaking to Samuel after the Israelites demanded that they wanted to be like all of the other countries and have a “real” king, and not a judge. God tries to dissuade them, but they won’t listen, and demand a king.
But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so
he prayed to the Lord. And the Lord told him: "Listen to all that the people are
saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as
their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until
this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now
listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will
reign over them will do.”
And then Samuel tells all those Israelite folks that a king will require their sons to be soldiers, put their daughters to work, make them pay taxes, take their best flocks and make them slaves… but the Israelites don’t care, because they want what THEY want… a king.
But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a
king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us
and to go out before us and fight our battles." When Samuel heard all that the
people said, he repeated it before the Lord. The Lord answered, "Listen to them
and give them a king." (1 Samuel 8:6-9, 19-22)
God told the Israelites "no," but they wouldn't accept it. So finally, they got what they wanted... even though it wasn't God's optimal plan for them. In fact, Saul was a disaster.
The Lord has told me ‘no’ many times, and usually I whine and belly-ache and throw pity parties. Then, when he blesses me with something better than what I had hoped for, I feel guilty for being such a whiney thing in the process.
During my first job after college, I begged God to bring me a new, better job, working for a bigger company (and more money… because I could barely afford my rent!). I interviewed for a great job, but he said ‘no.’ And three months later, I was offered the job I have now, which I absolutely love. His way was better.
When I was at my old rent house, one of my roommates decided to move out. I begged God to bring me a roommate so I wouldn’t have to move. Moving seemed like the absolute WORST case scenario. But God didn’t bring me a roommate. Because I was forced to move, it sparked the idea of buying a house, and seven months later (after living with mom and dad and saving all of my money) I had built myself a brand-new house! His way was better.
Or, a few years ago, I prayed that God would help me find a new church, because I really didn’t want to stay at my old one. And God said, “No, you’re not leaving… in fact, I have a new ministry for you!” That was almost three years ago, right before I started teaching my Sunday School class, which I love. His way is always better.
I love that God calls us to be persistent, but sometimes, his way is just better. The answer is sometimes "no." It’s nice to be reminded of that sometimes. I know that his “no” is probably the best thing that could happen to me. And I need to listen.
"My thoughts are completely different from yours,” says the Lord. “And my
ways are far beyond anything you can imagine.”(Isaiah 55:8)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Computer Problems
For awhile there I was updating my blog daily. That screeched to a halt this week when I encountered major computer problems. I thought I was going to be forced to buy a new computer (aak!), but one of my IT coworkers came to the rescue and gave me some scotch-tape options to keep my old computer humming for a little while longer. I know I'll need to buy a computer in the next year or so, but I'd prefer to save up for something cool, like one of those iMacs.
It's such a helpless feeling to not know how to fix your computer. Thank you Tyrone for coming to my rescue! Let's hope this works... if you don't hear from me, you'll know it's because my computer is giving me fits.
Today was a fun day at work. One of the boards I serve on met at one of our local TV news stations. Afterward I got a tour and met a weatherman, the news producer, and ran into a couple of reporter friends. I have been pitching a lot of stories lately, so hopefully my visit will help keep that ball rolling. And it's fun to sit here in bed and watch the same news set that I walked around today. Sometimes my job is really cool.
Tonight I went to dinner with Mandi, my best friend from elementary school. We met the summer before first grade and immediately decided that not only would we be best friends, but that we could pass as twins. We never noticed that Mandi was tall with brown hair, and I was short with blonde hair. Details like that didn't matter. Ever since our first summer together, which was spent swimming and playing on the slip-and-slide, hanging out in her "secret" clubhouse (aka--a finished attic her mom converted into a playroom) and picking out all matching back-to-school clothes, our friendship has continued. We don't see each other very often now, but it's so nice to see an old friend turn out to be just as amazing now as she was when she was 6.
I'm behind on posting photos... here's some from about two weeks ago, when a group of friends went to the rodeo. It was so fun to dress up like a cowgirl, although I'm not sure that "Bethe" and "cowgirl" really go together. But it was fun dressing up... kind of like Halloween.
It's such a helpless feeling to not know how to fix your computer. Thank you Tyrone for coming to my rescue! Let's hope this works... if you don't hear from me, you'll know it's because my computer is giving me fits.
Today was a fun day at work. One of the boards I serve on met at one of our local TV news stations. Afterward I got a tour and met a weatherman, the news producer, and ran into a couple of reporter friends. I have been pitching a lot of stories lately, so hopefully my visit will help keep that ball rolling. And it's fun to sit here in bed and watch the same news set that I walked around today. Sometimes my job is really cool.
Tonight I went to dinner with Mandi, my best friend from elementary school. We met the summer before first grade and immediately decided that not only would we be best friends, but that we could pass as twins. We never noticed that Mandi was tall with brown hair, and I was short with blonde hair. Details like that didn't matter. Ever since our first summer together, which was spent swimming and playing on the slip-and-slide, hanging out in her "secret" clubhouse (aka--a finished attic her mom converted into a playroom) and picking out all matching back-to-school clothes, our friendship has continued. We don't see each other very often now, but it's so nice to see an old friend turn out to be just as amazing now as she was when she was 6.
I'm behind on posting photos... here's some from about two weeks ago, when a group of friends went to the rodeo. It was so fun to dress up like a cowgirl, although I'm not sure that "Bethe" and "cowgirl" really go together. But it was fun dressing up... kind of like Halloween.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
First quilt is finished!
My first quilt is complete! If this quilt were a dog, it would be a sad, scraggly mutt that walks with a limp and is so ugly, he's cute. It would be a mutt with bristles and burs stuck in his fur, and feet that track in mud all over your white carpet. But the more you know that mutt, the more you love him and realize that he's way better than any purebred. Because he's yours.
My quilt is kind of like that. Sad, scraggly, a little lop-sided, but something made out of love. It was birthed through sacrifice (namely an unfortunate facial injury), but I'm proud of it, and I enjoyed making it. Here are some photos (if you squint, it almost looks good).
I have already bought the supplies for quilt #2. No old lady patterns for me, this one is going to be pink and brown and sparkley.
My quilt is kind of like that. Sad, scraggly, a little lop-sided, but something made out of love. It was birthed through sacrifice (namely an unfortunate facial injury), but I'm proud of it, and I enjoyed making it. Here are some photos (if you squint, it almost looks good).
I have already bought the supplies for quilt #2. No old lady patterns for me, this one is going to be pink and brown and sparkley.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Wednesday Ketchup
Apparently the "p" key on my keyboard is no longer working properly. It works, but I have to Pound it, and sometimes it still doesn't work. It's just lovely... my computer is slowly falling apart.
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Thank you to everyone who has sent me encouragement or prayed for me over the past few days. You'll be happy to know my pity party was VERY temporary, and I'm back to my old self and feeling ready to conquer the world again. And, my quilting injury (on my face) is starting to heal nicely. It's nice to have friends and family who care.
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I went to church tonight. I love my church. I love the people, I love their focus on ministry, I love that they're Bible believing, outward focused, servant minded... and fun. I have grown a ton in my 4.5 years (gasp) that I've been there, thanks to some wonderful mentors and some encouraging friends who spur me on. So tonight I was at our singles' worship/Bible study, and I walked out drinking my water bottle. Only when I got to my car, I realized I had left my water in the car. Which means I took and DRANK someone else's water bottle! EEEEEEWWWW! Excuse me while I scrape my tongue and gargle some ammonia. I have no idea whose it was. Bleh. Gross. Shiver. Gasp.
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Tonight my beloved Rangers were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Not that I was delusional enough to think that they had a chance of making the playoffs, but something deep inside of me still felt a twinge of disappointment. Another year lost.
Okay, I'm over it now. I'm sure next year will be our year. Just as soon as we get some pitching...
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Thank you to everyone who has sent me encouragement or prayed for me over the past few days. You'll be happy to know my pity party was VERY temporary, and I'm back to my old self and feeling ready to conquer the world again. And, my quilting injury (on my face) is starting to heal nicely. It's nice to have friends and family who care.
--------------------------------
I went to church tonight. I love my church. I love the people, I love their focus on ministry, I love that they're Bible believing, outward focused, servant minded... and fun. I have grown a ton in my 4.5 years (gasp) that I've been there, thanks to some wonderful mentors and some encouraging friends who spur me on. So tonight I was at our singles' worship/Bible study, and I walked out drinking my water bottle. Only when I got to my car, I realized I had left my water in the car. Which means I took and DRANK someone else's water bottle! EEEEEEWWWW! Excuse me while I scrape my tongue and gargle some ammonia. I have no idea whose it was. Bleh. Gross. Shiver. Gasp.
--------------------------------
Tonight my beloved Rangers were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Not that I was delusional enough to think that they had a chance of making the playoffs, but something deep inside of me still felt a twinge of disappointment. Another year lost.
Okay, I'm over it now. I'm sure next year will be our year. Just as soon as we get some pitching...
Monday, September 8, 2008
Cut
Sometimes you're in the midst of a pity party, trying to forget your bad day...
And then you slit your cheek open with a quilting needle.
Don't worry, it only bled a little. And none of it got on my quilt.
I think it's time to go to bed before I do any more damage.
And then you slit your cheek open with a quilting needle.
Don't worry, it only bled a little. And none of it got on my quilt.
I think it's time to go to bed before I do any more damage.
I'm throwing a pity party
I throw corporate parties for a living, throw parties for friends at home... so excuse me while I throw myself a short pity party. I promise, it won't last long.
I had one of "those days" that left my blood boiling and me biting my tongue, and my lip, and my fist in an attempt to not say something I would later regret. It was one of those days that I could only survive by quoting my favorite Bible verses, over... and over... and over.
Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to become angry; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Ephesians 4:1
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:5
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer to everyone.
Colossians 4:6
But now my bad day is over, and I can curl up on my couch and hide from all of the stresses and frustrations and worries and pretend none of them ever happened. I'm going to drink my herbal tea, have some ice cream (because I really DO deserve it today), and watch my new Office Season 4 DVD (hooray! I finally bought it!).
And tomorrow, I will go out and reclaim my good attitude. I will conquer the world! And I will wear cute shoes while I do it!
I had one of "those days" that left my blood boiling and me biting my tongue, and my lip, and my fist in an attempt to not say something I would later regret. It was one of those days that I could only survive by quoting my favorite Bible verses, over... and over... and over.
Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to become angry; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Ephesians 4:1
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:5
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer to everyone.
Colossians 4:6
But now my bad day is over, and I can curl up on my couch and hide from all of the stresses and frustrations and worries and pretend none of them ever happened. I'm going to drink my herbal tea, have some ice cream (because I really DO deserve it today), and watch my new Office Season 4 DVD (hooray! I finally bought it!).
And tomorrow, I will go out and reclaim my good attitude. I will conquer the world! And I will wear cute shoes while I do it!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Hyperventilating before bedtime
I teach Sunday School in the morning. It's 10:45 the night before. My lesson is done. My handout is done. I go to print them out...
and my computer has a nervous breakdown. Which causes me to have a nervous breakdown. First it won't print, then my computer won't turn on, then it finally does turn on, but still no printer. Or internet. I started to hand-write my lesson (who hand-writes anything these days?) and finally got my internet to work. Luckily, sister Sarah came to the rescue--I have emailed her both documents, and she is kindly going to print them and bring them in the morning.
But I'm left with a feeling of utter helplessness. It's one of those moments where I would just like to cry. But I'm a big girl, so I won't. At least, I probably won't. I don't know how to fix my computer, or my printer. I only hope that if I leave it alone for a few days, it will miraculously heal on its own. Because otherwise I don't know what to do. Other than set fire to it, throw it out of a moving vehicle, or use it as a very expensive paperweight.
I'm going to go finish my nervous breakdown and try to catch some sleep.
and my computer has a nervous breakdown. Which causes me to have a nervous breakdown. First it won't print, then my computer won't turn on, then it finally does turn on, but still no printer. Or internet. I started to hand-write my lesson (who hand-writes anything these days?) and finally got my internet to work. Luckily, sister Sarah came to the rescue--I have emailed her both documents, and she is kindly going to print them and bring them in the morning.
But I'm left with a feeling of utter helplessness. It's one of those moments where I would just like to cry. But I'm a big girl, so I won't. At least, I probably won't. I don't know how to fix my computer, or my printer. I only hope that if I leave it alone for a few days, it will miraculously heal on its own. Because otherwise I don't know what to do. Other than set fire to it, throw it out of a moving vehicle, or use it as a very expensive paperweight.
I'm going to go finish my nervous breakdown and try to catch some sleep.
Nine!
I did it! This morning I ran NINE WHOLE MILES at the park! Woo hoo!
You see, a few years ago the thought of running one whole mile was so overwhelming. I have asthma. And I'm a bit lazy. And running makes my body hurt. And I'm too busy. And I don't really like it that much. And it's usually too cold, or too hot, or I ate too big a lunch, or I had a coke. Hundreds of excuses of why I couldn't run, didn't have time to run, didn't need to run.
And then I started to run.
Before today, the most I had ever done was somewhere between 7-8 miles, during my first unsuccessful half-marathon attempt. This morning, when my alarm went off at the ungodly hour of 6:45 (made worse after my late night rodeo adventure, which I will write about soon), all I wanted to do was hide under my covers and avoid the inevitable exercise. Again, my week was too hard, I am behind on my sleep, I felt a little dehydrated, and my body ached. I am so, so good at making excuses.
But my running buddy was waiting for me, and I couldn't let him down, so I willed myself out of bed, in a daze somehow stumbled around my house, found my running shoes, and headed out the door.
And then it happened. The weather was absolutely beautiful. Cool and crisp. We started running, and we never stopped. It was one of the best runs I've had in months. I think it's either that runner's high people talk about, or maybe my body just goes numb and my brain turns to mush as I stare blankly at the endless sidewalk before me, and I stop noticing the pain. Either way, it felt great.
To celebrate, I got a giant latte and a cinnamon roll from one of my favorite coffee shops (Buon Giorno... yum), and now I'm sitting on my back porch, enjoying a quiet, cool morning, getting ready to tackle tomorrow's Sunday School lesson.
You see, a few years ago the thought of running one whole mile was so overwhelming. I have asthma. And I'm a bit lazy. And running makes my body hurt. And I'm too busy. And I don't really like it that much. And it's usually too cold, or too hot, or I ate too big a lunch, or I had a coke. Hundreds of excuses of why I couldn't run, didn't have time to run, didn't need to run.
And then I started to run.
Before today, the most I had ever done was somewhere between 7-8 miles, during my first unsuccessful half-marathon attempt. This morning, when my alarm went off at the ungodly hour of 6:45 (made worse after my late night rodeo adventure, which I will write about soon), all I wanted to do was hide under my covers and avoid the inevitable exercise. Again, my week was too hard, I am behind on my sleep, I felt a little dehydrated, and my body ached. I am so, so good at making excuses.
But my running buddy was waiting for me, and I couldn't let him down, so I willed myself out of bed, in a daze somehow stumbled around my house, found my running shoes, and headed out the door.
And then it happened. The weather was absolutely beautiful. Cool and crisp. We started running, and we never stopped. It was one of the best runs I've had in months. I think it's either that runner's high people talk about, or maybe my body just goes numb and my brain turns to mush as I stare blankly at the endless sidewalk before me, and I stop noticing the pain. Either way, it felt great.
To celebrate, I got a giant latte and a cinnamon roll from one of my favorite coffee shops (Buon Giorno... yum), and now I'm sitting on my back porch, enjoying a quiet, cool morning, getting ready to tackle tomorrow's Sunday School lesson.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Fun night
After such an intellectually draining week, tonight was the perfect reprieve. I was able to sneak in a quick nap after work, then played volleyball with a bunch of my church friends at the park! It was so nice... the weather was perfect, my friends were all in a good mood, and I even managed to get a few serves over! And the best part... I didn't have to use my brain at all!
Both of my sisters came... and it reminded me of just how lucky I am to have such awesome sisters. When the three of us get together, we ALWAYS have fun, no matter who else is around or what we're doing. They're my closest friends and I'm so thankful for them. And I learned something else... my youngest sister Lindsay is a volleyball pro! She was diving and digging all over the place... she definitely doesn't take after her big sister (me).
I'm off to bed... the Benadryl is starting to kick in, soon I'll be in a drug-induced coma.
Both of my sisters came... and it reminded me of just how lucky I am to have such awesome sisters. When the three of us get together, we ALWAYS have fun, no matter who else is around or what we're doing. They're my closest friends and I'm so thankful for them. And I learned something else... my youngest sister Lindsay is a volleyball pro! She was diving and digging all over the place... she definitely doesn't take after her big sister (me).
I'm off to bed... the Benadryl is starting to kick in, soon I'll be in a drug-induced coma.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Lighter
After such a serious blog, I must lighten the mood and brag on myself, and make fun of myself. All of this caffeine is keeping me from sleeping, so I might as well keep writing.
I have been so good lately. Last Saturday, I ran 7 miles (at 6 a.m.!). Last night, I ran 4-5 after class. On Saturday, I plan to tackle 8. Go me. I kind of figured I would have quit this half-marathon thing by now.
Now for the shameful part. Today I ate Chick-fil-a. Twice. For breakfast and lunch. They were handing it out at the hospital and I managed to scavenge enough food to save me from having to actually stop working to eat. I would have had it for dinner, too, but I had a coworker who was hungry, and I gave her my spare chicken sandwich. Yep, I'm selfless alright. And sick of chicken. So for my dinner... some cereal I found in my desk drawer and some cinnamon bread from Starbucks. If you added some Ramen noodles to the list, I'd be back in college.
Yesterday? My awesome diet consisted of quiche, a large meatball sub, Doritos, and four granola bars for dinner... two on my way to class, two after class on my way to go running. And then I topped the night off with cereal around 10:30. Because they say the best thing to do is eat dinner right before you go to bed. I think Oprah had that in a book somewhere.
Sunday? Well, I managed two dinners that night. One from Taco Bell, one from Red Robin. Tacos, burgers, and french fries. Oh yeah, and I also had donuts and barbecue.
Yep, I'm a regular Olympic athlete. On the outside, I'm a lean-mean running machine, and on the inside, I'm one giant clogged artery. But this giant clogged artery is just doing her best to survive, and will get back to eating healthy as soon as her schedule slows down. Don't judge me, just love me.
I have been so good lately. Last Saturday, I ran 7 miles (at 6 a.m.!). Last night, I ran 4-5 after class. On Saturday, I plan to tackle 8. Go me. I kind of figured I would have quit this half-marathon thing by now.
Now for the shameful part. Today I ate Chick-fil-a. Twice. For breakfast and lunch. They were handing it out at the hospital and I managed to scavenge enough food to save me from having to actually stop working to eat. I would have had it for dinner, too, but I had a coworker who was hungry, and I gave her my spare chicken sandwich. Yep, I'm selfless alright. And sick of chicken. So for my dinner... some cereal I found in my desk drawer and some cinnamon bread from Starbucks. If you added some Ramen noodles to the list, I'd be back in college.
Yesterday? My awesome diet consisted of quiche, a large meatball sub, Doritos, and four granola bars for dinner... two on my way to class, two after class on my way to go running. And then I topped the night off with cereal around 10:30. Because they say the best thing to do is eat dinner right before you go to bed. I think Oprah had that in a book somewhere.
Sunday? Well, I managed two dinners that night. One from Taco Bell, one from Red Robin. Tacos, burgers, and french fries. Oh yeah, and I also had donuts and barbecue.
Yep, I'm a regular Olympic athlete. On the outside, I'm a lean-mean running machine, and on the inside, I'm one giant clogged artery. But this giant clogged artery is just doing her best to survive, and will get back to eating healthy as soon as her schedule slows down. Don't judge me, just love me.
Front porch rocking chair blog
Today was a tornado of a day. I didn't get home from work until 9:30. I never do that.
My mind and my body raced all day--from project to project, from idea to idea, from need to need. I'm not only doing marketing for my hospital, but for a sister hospital who is between marketing directors. So today I was buried in projects, dealing with people I have never met, and others I have known for years. It was exhausting, but productive, and rewarding, and fulfilling. My head is still spinning.
But that may be from all the coffee. I did sneak in a Starbucks treat around 6:00 during my short break between work stints.
I didn't really work until 9:30, I actually did homework from around 6-9:30. It just helps to do it somewhere besides my house, which is filled with temptations and distractions. One minute I'm reading some gosh-awfully boring research article on the philosophical differences between theories of semantics and pragmatics, and the next minute I'm picking the lint out of my hair dryer and dusting the top of my refrigerator. Because it really does need it, but I'm too short to notice until times like these, when I'm desperate for a distraction. Anything will do.
So now that I'm exhausted, worn out, emptied out, and drained, I am sitting here on my front porch, enjoying an unseasonable cool evening (I even broke out the pink hoodie for warmth!), sitting in silence in my favorite rocking chair that my dad so kindly gave to me last year when I was going through a particularly tough time. Dads are great like that sometimes. I know mine is.
See, look at me ramble. I have had an extremely introspective evening. I think it's all of the theory research I have been doing. It's so boring that my mind wanders and I find myself pondering the meaning of life instead of the Peircean theory of semiotics. You would do the same thing if you were me.
As I drove home from work tonight, with my windows rolled down and the cool night air blowing my long, disheveled pony-tail, listening to John Mayer on the radio, I thought about how life applies to the theory I'm researching. It's the theory of semiotics, or signs. The theory says that basically every object is simply an object until we apply meaning to it. Once we do that, it becomes a sign, or a symbol, and some of those symbols can take on mythic qualities--like the yellow ribbon which symbolizes a welcome home to a soldier returning from war. Even the word love is a sign, which can have different meanings depending on your life experiences and the context. We all could debate for hours the meaning of love, but that would be a futile and already exhausted debate that leads to nowhere. And I don't have the energy to do that tonight.
So back to sign theory... all of that reading has me thinking about signs in my life. I love my new blue jeans (that I got on sale for just $10... woo hoo!) because they make me feel cute and perky (and the pockets mask the derriere quite well!). They represent my fun, casual side. My delicate gold necklace is a sign that reminds me of my dad, who so sweetly bought it for me at one of his Harley-Davidson rallies (how fun that my dad goes to motorcycle rallies, and even better... that he buys his girls jewelry at them!). My running shoes represent the diligence I'm having to practice to get ready for my half marathon. Those shoes represent a lot of sweat, and soreness, and lost sleep. The flowers in my garden represent my great gardening experiment--can I make it as a successful homeowner or am I sham that doesn't know the difference between a gardening tool and a hair pick? My front porch rocking chairs represent my independence, my dad's sweet gesture of love, and my need to experience occasional quiet amidst all of the turmoil that makes up my life.
But what about my God? Oh yes, he is the great inventor of signs. He's been creating them long before Peirce ever thought of them. From the rainbow, which represents his promise of never destroying his earth again, to (gasp) circumcision (can you say that in a blog?) that marked his chosen people as different from the crowd. Whenever Abraham heard from God, he built an alter to signify the encounter.
One of my favorite signs comes from Joshua, when he led the Israelites into the promised land. First he had to cross the Jordan, and God miraculously parted the water so the people could cross to dry land. And remember, these folks had been wandering in the desert, desperate to finally attain this far-away land that God had promised them but which had seemed so unreachable. So let's just say that this was kind of a big deal. And something that's a big deal definitely deserves a sign.
So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, "What do these stones mean?" tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever. --Joshua 4:4-7
And it's funny. I'm an avid scribbler in my Bible. If you flip through it, you can quickly see which books are my favorite, and which I have taught in Sunday School, because the words are almost unreadable. I have made notes, on top of notes, and as I flip back through my Bible, these words are signs to me... reminders of things I have learned in the past, of troubles I dealt with, pain I felt, grace I encountered, and relief I experienced as I grew with the Word. These are my signs, pointing me toward a better relationship with Christ. Pointing me toward my promised land.
My mind and my body raced all day--from project to project, from idea to idea, from need to need. I'm not only doing marketing for my hospital, but for a sister hospital who is between marketing directors. So today I was buried in projects, dealing with people I have never met, and others I have known for years. It was exhausting, but productive, and rewarding, and fulfilling. My head is still spinning.
But that may be from all the coffee. I did sneak in a Starbucks treat around 6:00 during my short break between work stints.
I didn't really work until 9:30, I actually did homework from around 6-9:30. It just helps to do it somewhere besides my house, which is filled with temptations and distractions. One minute I'm reading some gosh-awfully boring research article on the philosophical differences between theories of semantics and pragmatics, and the next minute I'm picking the lint out of my hair dryer and dusting the top of my refrigerator. Because it really does need it, but I'm too short to notice until times like these, when I'm desperate for a distraction. Anything will do.
So now that I'm exhausted, worn out, emptied out, and drained, I am sitting here on my front porch, enjoying an unseasonable cool evening (I even broke out the pink hoodie for warmth!), sitting in silence in my favorite rocking chair that my dad so kindly gave to me last year when I was going through a particularly tough time. Dads are great like that sometimes. I know mine is.
See, look at me ramble. I have had an extremely introspective evening. I think it's all of the theory research I have been doing. It's so boring that my mind wanders and I find myself pondering the meaning of life instead of the Peircean theory of semiotics. You would do the same thing if you were me.
As I drove home from work tonight, with my windows rolled down and the cool night air blowing my long, disheveled pony-tail, listening to John Mayer on the radio, I thought about how life applies to the theory I'm researching. It's the theory of semiotics, or signs. The theory says that basically every object is simply an object until we apply meaning to it. Once we do that, it becomes a sign, or a symbol, and some of those symbols can take on mythic qualities--like the yellow ribbon which symbolizes a welcome home to a soldier returning from war. Even the word love is a sign, which can have different meanings depending on your life experiences and the context. We all could debate for hours the meaning of love, but that would be a futile and already exhausted debate that leads to nowhere. And I don't have the energy to do that tonight.
So back to sign theory... all of that reading has me thinking about signs in my life. I love my new blue jeans (that I got on sale for just $10... woo hoo!) because they make me feel cute and perky (and the pockets mask the derriere quite well!). They represent my fun, casual side. My delicate gold necklace is a sign that reminds me of my dad, who so sweetly bought it for me at one of his Harley-Davidson rallies (how fun that my dad goes to motorcycle rallies, and even better... that he buys his girls jewelry at them!). My running shoes represent the diligence I'm having to practice to get ready for my half marathon. Those shoes represent a lot of sweat, and soreness, and lost sleep. The flowers in my garden represent my great gardening experiment--can I make it as a successful homeowner or am I sham that doesn't know the difference between a gardening tool and a hair pick? My front porch rocking chairs represent my independence, my dad's sweet gesture of love, and my need to experience occasional quiet amidst all of the turmoil that makes up my life.
But what about my God? Oh yes, he is the great inventor of signs. He's been creating them long before Peirce ever thought of them. From the rainbow, which represents his promise of never destroying his earth again, to (gasp) circumcision (can you say that in a blog?) that marked his chosen people as different from the crowd. Whenever Abraham heard from God, he built an alter to signify the encounter.
One of my favorite signs comes from Joshua, when he led the Israelites into the promised land. First he had to cross the Jordan, and God miraculously parted the water so the people could cross to dry land. And remember, these folks had been wandering in the desert, desperate to finally attain this far-away land that God had promised them but which had seemed so unreachable. So let's just say that this was kind of a big deal. And something that's a big deal definitely deserves a sign.
So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, "What do these stones mean?" tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever. --Joshua 4:4-7
And it's funny. I'm an avid scribbler in my Bible. If you flip through it, you can quickly see which books are my favorite, and which I have taught in Sunday School, because the words are almost unreadable. I have made notes, on top of notes, and as I flip back through my Bible, these words are signs to me... reminders of things I have learned in the past, of troubles I dealt with, pain I felt, grace I encountered, and relief I experienced as I grew with the Word. These are my signs, pointing me toward a better relationship with Christ. Pointing me toward my promised land.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Back to the archives
It seems this time around, the hurricane wasn't as bad as expected. Kind of ironic that I wrote this post exactly three years ago today.
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