Starbucks & Stilettos

If I had known I was going to spend my day running through the hospital, I would have worn my Ugly Friday flats instead of my stiletto tall boots. Luckily, tucked away in those stilettos were some orthopedic shoe inserts!

In the midst of playing hostess to a group of community VIPs who stopped by for SEVEN hours worth of tours and presentations, the mayor called to say that one of the network news stations was coming to do a story with us... in five minutes. Such good news, but terrible timing. So I sent my ducklings off on an impromptu tour and scrambled to find a primo interview spot for my major market reporter. We nailed the interview, then I flitted over to surgery to give a tour. After all, who is more qualified to give a surgery tour than the chick who has seen THREE WHOLE surgeries in her lifetime? Besides, I've watched more than 100 episodes of Grey's Anatomy, which helps me fill in the blanks.

I just enjoyed watching our story on the 6:00 news, and now I sit here on baby watch, as my best friend Tiff waits patiently for her little superstar to arrive.

It's a good thing I had a gallon of Starbucks this morning.

Ketchup (I mean Catchup)

Life has been flying by at warp speed, and I have barely had enough time to sleep, much less write. Now it's a holiday weekend and I am looking forward to three days of peace, with no major plans, no commitments, and no worries. I can't wait!

Today I'm buying my new patio set for my newly built patio, and it kind of feels like Christmas! Shopping for furniture is one of my great joys in life, and this new patio set has been so thoroughly researched that I don't think there's a single set in the DFW area that I haven't sat in. Today I have it narrowed down to a larger set from Wal-Mart or a small one from Home Depot. I just need to measure one more time, and then I'll make the buy.

I have made another major change in my life this month. I began a relationship with a new man, and I think this relationship could be long-lasting. He makes me happier than I ever dreamed he could--I have wondered for some time what it would be like to have this person in my life, but had some hesitations. Then finally one day I decided to go for it, and I have never regretted it.

He's my yardboy. Yes, I will not have to mow my lawn ever again! I didn't think I wanted to part with that $30 a week, but I must say that it's the best $30 I spend. It's well worth packing my lunch a few extra days. I'm extremely allergic to grass, and each time I mow, my eyes swell up, my skin gets irritated, and I can't breathe for a week. And then it's time to mow again! But now, thanks to Aaron the yardboy, I can spend my Saturday mornings doing other things. Thank you, my friend! You have changed my life!

My other news includes:
1. Sister Sarah and I finally booked our trip to New York for this summer! After watching the airline prices skyrocket over the past few weeks, they finally dropped and we got a great deal. We also got tickets to a Broadway show. I can't wait!

2. My roses have finally started blooming again! I didn't kill them!

3. I bought an industrial-strength waffle-maker. The kind that makes those enormous waffles, the kind they had in my dorm at Baylor. I think I may love it even more than the yardboy. I don't know--maybe it's a tie. We've been eating a lot of waffles at my house these past few weeks.

4. I'm going camping next weekend. I'm a little worried that it may be a million degrees, but I guess we can always just sit in the lake if we get hot. I love to camp, as long as it's for short periods of time (this time, two nights) and as long as I'm close enough to civilization to be able to run to get a Sonic drink if I get a craving. I think our trip will meet all my specifications. Which reminds me--I need to go find a swimsuit in case we do go lake sitting.

I'm off to enjoy my Memorial Day weekend! I hope you enjoy yours!

The storm rolling in

I love, LOVE my new patio. Tonight after I got home from school and ate my late dinner, I took my Bible and sat out on the back porch to prepare my Sunday School lesson for this week. We're expecting a big storm tonight, and I've been listening to the wind howl and watching it make my decorative twinkle lights dance as they hang from the roof. We've been bracing for this storm all day... the weatherman promised a doozie, and I was worried I wouldn't make it home before it hit. But now I'm safe at home, and as long as it doesn't blow my house away, the sound of the rain will probably help me sleep. That is, if I don't fall asleep right here in my chair... it's so peaceful.

That white stuff falling from the sky

Today was pretty boring... I took the day off of work and wrote a research paper ALL DAY. Bleh. On my list of things I want to do on any given day, sitting at my computer analyzing articles on weight loss surgery and the accuracy of advertising and Web sites is not very high on my list.

But then it snowed, and everything changed. It's so beautiful, it almost makes up for an otherwise dreary day.

Promises

"So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there... Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled." (Joshua 21: 43, 45)

How great is that? God delivered on every single one of his promises to his people (the Israelites). I'm sure when they were wandering in the desert for 40 years, or when Joshua was leading his people into all of those different battles (it seems like everybody and their dog had to be defeated before they got the promised land), or when they were being chased by Pharoah's men through the Red Sea, that God's promises must have looked pretty far-fetched. I mean, God couldn't possibly deliver on every single one, right? It was just too hard. There were too many limitations. God only had so much to work with.

Oh yeah, but he did. Crazy, huh.

So when I try to put my God into that little box, and try to characterize him with all of my limitations, and lack of imagination, and lack of perspective, it helps to see that verse. Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled. Every single time. No matter how unreachable, how improbable.

So what does that mean for you?

I feel like an underachiever

I have some really cool friends. Many have accomplished some awesome things (successful lawyers, mascots, tv personalities, corporate bigwigs, even a spy), and today I found out another one of my friends has overshadowed my accomplishments.

My friend Ron White went to Afghanistan as a reservist for a year and just sent me a link to his photos. Normally he's just a nationally recognized memory expert who speaks all over the United States (I met him at my first job, and was even given a shout-out on the acknowledgment page in one of his books for my "grammar consulting"). I don't think I would offend him if I said he's just an average joe who set out to do something heroic in support of his country. Way to go Ron, I'm proud of you.

As for something much less heroic, I'm going to be on the radio tomorrow morning to promote the Cowtown Marathon, an organization that I help out with. It should be fun, since I've never been to a radio station before (although I have been on Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, a midnight trucker show on 820 a.m. and Rush Limbaugh... but all of those are because I'm a big dork who used to call into radio shows). Hopefully I won't make a huge goober of myself. I wasn't that nervous (mostly because this isn't the most popular station in town or anything) until I started thinking about how DJ's like to make fun of guests if they say something stupid. I could just imagine my flubbed speech getting played over and over as a teaser while everybody laughs. AT me. Oh my, I'm getting nervous just thinking about it!

Is it wrong that I was tempted to go buy a new outfit for my big radio interview?

Perfect Sunday

Today was just perfect. It was one of those lazy Sundays that involved the little things that I enjoy so much. Nothing exceptional, but simple and comfortable and happy.

After church, I grabbed some Mexican food with friends, then came home for a nap. Then I took the Wonder Schnoodle on a walk around my neighborhood, enjoying the sunshine that has seemed so elusive all week. I love roaming my neighborhood, checking out the new houses and analyzing everybody's landscaping decisions (I have so much to learn, so I love to see what everybody else is doing). The fun thing about my neighborhood is that they're constantly building new houses, so the view changes weekly. Every once in awhile I'll sneak into a new house to see what features they have and compare them to what I did in my house. Sometimes Harley goes with me... if these homeowners only knew that the Wonder Schnoodle has walked all over their home, they might not be very happy with me. Oh well. Sometimes you have to be a rebel.

After the walk, I did a few chores in my yard, chatted with my neighbor Roy and then came in to catch up on homework. It didn't take very long, so now I have the whole evening to do whatever I want. It's the perfect way to start out my week.

These are pretty good

Here's my goal for this week (okay, two goals and an exclamation):

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27


And I pray that you... may have power... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:18-19

(this third one is one of my very favorites)

A good day

It's amazing how the little things can change the course of your day. It makes me so happy to wake up to the aroma of fresh coffee percolating, waiting for me to enjoy the first cup. And then a second. Maybe with a little touch of milk.

I really should set up my coffee maker the night before, so that every morning I can wake up to this little piece of happiness. But I get too busy sometimes. It seems that I get preoccupied doing things that don't matter, and neglect to take care of things that do. Even something as small as preparing my coffee.

So in honor of my coffee (I'm even trying a new flavor tomorrow... French Vanilla instead of my typical Hazlenut), I've made a list of silly things that make me really happy.

• Watering my flowers in the morning.
• The smell of books.
• When my dog cuddles up next to me while watching TV.
• Pay day.
• A fire in my fireplace.
• The smell of barbecue.
• A day with no appointments.
• Pedicures with girlfriends.
• Dinner with girlfriends.
• Sunday afternoon naps.
• Saturday afternoon naps are good too.
• March... when the media starts covering spring training.
• Baseball games.
• Taking my dog for walks around the lake in my neighborhood.
• Knitting.
• The way I feel after I run. Or lift weights.
• Getting a strawberry milkshake on my way home from working out.
• Hot tea.
• Donuts. Kolaches.
• Warm chocolate chip cookies, straight from the oven.
• Knowing that a new episode of my favorite TV show is waiting for me on my Tivo. And I get to skip the commercials.
• A warm day after a string of cold, rainy ones.

I'm off to bed. My coffee will be brewing in just a few hours.

My first love remembered

Tonight I ran into Hobby Lobby to pick up a little girl's birthday present (what do you get a 9-year-old?). I had forgotten just how wonderful Hobby Lobby is. Everywhere I turn are cute decorations, most at 50% off, all calling my name. I don't know why I never go there anymore.

Oh wait, now I do. As I paid for my two candle sticks, my cute shelf decoration that says "smile," some candles and my gift, I remember why I never shop there. Because if I don't go, I won't be tempted to spend my money!

Oh... and I got a really cool art set. Hopefully she will like it. Or at least not think it's stupid.

The News

For the past few days I have been working with Deborah Ferguson, morning anchor for NBC 5 News, on stories to promote the Cowtown Marathon (coming February 23... dust off those old running shoes!). Even though I work with the media on a daily basis, it's always fun to share a few phone calls with someone I watch every morning on TV as I debate whether or not I really want to get out of bed and face my day.

Stay tuned... you may be hearing about a lady who's running the Ultra Marathon to raise money for her friend who had a double-lung transplant. Or maybe the team of 13 ladies who are running the Half Marathon who had never run before in their lives, and who have all lost at least 50 pounds training for their 13-mile race. Or maybe the heartwarming story of a dad and his disabled daugther who will be running their first marathon together.

Sometimes my job is really fun!

Junior High

Today I spoke to a class of 8th graders about the importance of going to college. The basic message was, if you go to college, you will never have any problems and you'll be fabulously rich, and if you don't go to college, then you'll be homeless and miserable. And never have any dates. I threw that part in for good measure. And then I ended up on some tangent about how important it is to be an independent woman who doesn't need a man to build a house. I have probably screwed those poor kids up!

I didn't mention that I know some fantastic people who didn't go to college, and some people with advanced degrees who don't have a penny to their name. I didn't want to confuse them. But I did tell them how fun college can be, and how they'll never regret it if they go. Maybe they got something out of it. Or maybe they were just relieved that their history quiz was postponed for a day because of my visit.

Storms

It rained on my way home from work today. It was a cold, nasty rain, the light kind that dances around and eludes your umbrella, getting you wet no matter how hard you try to avoid it. And of course, ruining what was a good hair day.

Yesterday in Sunday School I taught about weathering storms. Life is so crummy sometimes. Many of my loved ones are going through some pretty rough (and weird) situations, and it's a reminder to me that you've got to prepare for the storm in advance. Once it hits, sometimes it's tough to tell right from left, up from down. During the storm, sometimes all you can do is hunker down and try to survive. The preparation is what helps you get through it.

So here's some of the verses on storms that we looked at. They're good to look at now, when things are going great. When the sun is shining. Stick them in your back pocket, because you never know when you might need it.

John 16:32-33
"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Romans 5:3-5
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Romans 8:18
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

Romans 8:38-39
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Genesis 15:1
“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Also, for those of you who may not be aware, here are some great websites for studying your Bible. I use them a lot when preparing my lessons:
www.biblegateway.com
www.sermoncentral.com
www.crosswalk.com

Insomnia Insights

I cuddled up under my electric blanket this afternoon and took a 3-hour nap--the best possible way to spend a cold Sunday afternoon. Then, tonight I had two Diet Cokes during my long (and enjoyable!) dinner with my good friend Melissa. So now it's 11:30 and I should be asleep, but instead I'm wide awake, knowing that it could be a long time before the sleep that I so badly want finally comes.

Which explains the multiple posts. What else am I supposed to do with this extra time--study?
------------
So I was reading my TIME Magazine today, and there's a special on "The Science of Romance." Now, I'm no science buff, but this was a topic I couldn't resist. The article said that smell is one of the best ways to find a mate. That subconsciously, we can tell from a man's scent if he would make a good partner and father to future children.

Only one problem. I'm allergic to everything. My nose is always stuffy. So where does that leave me?
------------
I saw 27 Dresses yesterday with my sister. It's really cute. I highly recommend it if you like chick flicks. Except, Katherine Heigl looks terrible as a brunette, and they had her wear terrible clothes. Not to mention those awful bridesmaid dresses. It brought back memories to my own bridesmaid mistake.

Right after college I was in my roommate Kim's wedding. I was a size 0 and the smallest bridesmaid dress size they had was a 6, so ordered it without bothering to try it on. The dress came in right before the wedding, and by the time I finally got around to trying on the dress, it was too late to return it. That size 6 was so small that I couldn't zip it up! Nobody had bothered to tell me that bridesmaid dresses run small! I had to run to a seamstress and they had to cut material off of the bottom of the dress and sew it into the waistline so that I could button it. Nothing could be done with the top, so my small size 0 frame was spilling out of the top of that dress. I couldn't breathe throughout the entire ceremony or reception. If I had eaten anything, the top of my dress would have probably exploded and fake diamonds and buttons would have broken out the windows or put peoples' eyes out. It wasn't my best moment.
-------------------
Still not sleepy. But now I'm hungry. I'm going to go grab a snack, grab my TIME and try to work on those ZZZs.

Boys shouldn't line dance

I went dancing for my roommate's birthday (Happy Birthday friend!) at a country & western place in town this weekend. I love to 2-step because it doesn't require any rhythm, which is something that I have in short supply. I'm a terrible dancer. I'm okay with that. But I can 2-step with the best of them, because it requires something I'm good at... practice. And brains. And sophistication (okay, now I'm just full of bologna). You should stop me.

I can country dance, but I can't line dance. That also requires rhythm. And, it's really funny to watch strangers create super-sexy dance moves out of something as simple as a line dance. What's even funnier is to watch guys try to create super-sexy dance moves to impress the ladies while line dancing. It's not pretty. In fact, it's ugly. Very ugly.

Boys just shouldn't line dance. Trust me on this one. You look stupid. Really. I should know.

Too busy for resolutions

I had good intentions to write down my new year's resolutions, but I haven't gotten around to it just yet. I got into such a lazy mode while I was on vacation, that going back to work and the routine that goes with it was tough. Next week I go back to grad school, which means even less free time. So basically, I don't have time to make any major life changes. Here's what I have so far:

1. Get organized.
I did this a little. I just cleaned out my 2007 files to make way for 2008. Having a cute red patent leather storage box helps motivate me to be more organized. I have a thing for storage supplies, office supplies, school supplies... and in 2008, it's all goign to work for me! (hopefully) I also organized a lot of my stuff at work--since I work in marketing, my office is dripping with brochures, newsletters, etc. from the past 10 years. It's a bit overwhelming, so I'm trying to take control. Oh, and I want to keep my shoes in the shoe holder, and not on the floor of my closet.

2. Keep plugging away at school.
So far, I've taken three classes out of 12. That's 25 percent (and all A's so far!). If I take three classes this year (spring, summer, fall) I'll be half-way done with my master's degree this Christmas. Which means I'll have a chance at finishing by age 30. I never thought I'd still be in school at 30, but then again, I never really thought I'd be 30. So I might as well give it a try!

3. Try not to overcommit my schedule.
This means not scheduling something every night of the week. Actually stopping and reading a book for fun, or watching tv. I can't do everything. I have to remind myself of that. Constantly. It's one of my weaknesses.

4. Have a plan for studying the Bible.
I'm currently doing the Beth Moore Jesus study. Before I finish, I need to pick something else. Not just stick with my favorite books of the Bible, but branch out to those books that take a lot more work. I'd also like to memorize 75 Bible verses. I've been hovering around 50 for the past couple of years, it's time to up the ante a little more. I think I can do it.

5. Work out a little more.
I used to run three miles at a time, take weight-lifting classes (even salsa). Lately I've been too busy. I need to get back in fighting form. I'm not worried about weight, but I'd like to work on those muscles! Besides, I just got some cute new running shoes that need breaking in.

Okay, that's enough resolving for now. It's back to organizing those files while I watch another Law & Order SVU episode. I love that show.

2007 In Review

I tend to get sentimental about New Year's. I'm the type that writes out her New Year's resolutions, thinks long and hard about the year that has just past, and looks at a new year as an open book, a clean slate (an ice cream sundae without any toppings!).

Soon I'll post my resolutions (along with a look back at my last few years' resolutions to see how I did). I'm not quite ready for that yet (I've been too busy taking down Christmas decorations). So in the meantime, here's a look back at my 2007.

Where did you begin 2007?
I went to a Stars game, and then over to a friend's house for a party.

Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Yes, I took two grad school classes. School's a lot tougher when you're working full time! (and paying for it yourself!) However, I still have all A's!

Did you have any encounters with the police?
I got a ticket from one of those red light cameras. I think it's unconstitutional.

Where did you go on vacation?
I took a two-week trip to Europe (visited Florence, Venice, Rome, Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Paris) and then a short weekend trip to Washington DC to visit some college girlfriends.

What did you purchase that was over $500?
I made the biggest purchase of my life... a house! I also bought a washer, dryer, oven/stove and refridgerator (gulp). You could probably include two semesters of private college tuition as well. What a year!

Did you know anybody who got married?
I went to 5 weddings: Hailey & Jason, Amy & Keith, Kristin & Phil, Emily & (I forgot his name?), Brad & Jenn... am I forgetting anybody else?

Did you move anywhere?
Yes... into my brand-new house!

What sporting events did you attend?
Tons of Rangers games (probably 20), a Cowboys game, several Stars games, a Mavs game, a Dallas Desperados game, and lot's of volleyball and soccer games. Oh, and I played on a softball team.

Where do you live now?
Texas

Describe your birthday:
My closest friends and family took me out to dinner at my favorite restaurant... Blue Mesa. It was a really nice night.

What's something you learned about yourself?
I learned a lot about what I want, what I'm capable of, and how to take care of a house (and yard!).

Any new additions to your family?
I got a new roommate, Michelle.

What was your best month?
The whole year was nice.

Made new friends?
Yes! We got several new girls in my Sunday School class that have fit right in.

Favorite Night out?
A few nights ago my family sat around the dinner table and told funny stories about my mom. It was a really cool memory. Our catch phrase... "Get over it!"

What do you want to change in 2008?
Not a whole lot, I kind of want to coast...

Overall, how would you rate this year?
9.999

What would you change about 2007?
I would have been nice to have had less homework. I felt like a lot of my free time was drained from writing papers. And I didn't get to knit or scrapbook much--those things are relaxing to me!

Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
Work. It was pretty demanding at certain times this year, but I still really love my job.

Have any life changes in 2007?
I became a homeowner! I'm so proud to be able to say that I bought (actually built) a house without a husband. It's kind of liberating! I'm very thankful that my parents let me live at home and save extra money while it was being built--without them, it wouldn't have been possible.

Change your hairstyle?
I've had the same hairstyle for 10 years... although this week I came "this close" to cutting bangs. But I came to my senses and realized it would make me look 12.

Have any car accidents?
Thankfully, no.

Buy a new car?
Sort of... I bought an old car that used to belong to my parents and sister. It was more reliable than my convertible, and now I won't have to buy a new car while I'm paying for grad school.

Get a new job?
Nope

Do you have a New Year's resolution?
I'll fill you in on those soon... I'm still working on them.

Do anything embarrassing?
This morning I was taking down my Christmas lights from outside, and realized I needed some storage bins from Target. I ran over there, and hadn't bothered to shower or put on make-up (or even brush my teeth). It was probably the ugliest I've ever been... people were turning and staring at me because I looked so bad. All I could do was laugh.

Buy anything new from eBay?
No, but I developed a new love for Amazon, and I bought all of my Christmas gifts online. Only one never arrived.

What was your favorite purchase?
Besides my house... I finally bought a new leather love seat to match my couch. It only took me 4 years to buy it. It only took me 24 hours to commit to building this house, but I think about furniture purchases for years. Go figure.

Did you get sick this year?
I was pretty healthy, until this week.

Start a new hobby?
Gardening. Some of my plants have even lived.

Are you happy to see 2007 go?
Sure... because I have high expectations for 2008!

Drink Starbucks in 2007?
Yes, but my true love is Bon Journo, a little coffee shop nearby.

What are you wishing for in 2008?
A year that's drama-free!

Another Christmas

Another year, another Christmas. This one was really nice. We didn't do a whole lot, but after a crazy-busy year, it was a relief to enjoy some peaceful family time without much stress or commitments.

Tonight we're lighting a fire and firing up the new Wii video game. I hope you and your family also enjoyed a very MerryChristmas. I'm enjoying a few days off of work, where I'm going to get to play with some friends and catch up on my sleep!

Sometimes I bake.

I decorated Christmas cookies tonight. Again. Actually, for the third time this month. I have decorated dozens of cookies--some were beautiful, some were strange, others just messy. I've done this three times, with three different sets of friends. Each time the same thing happened. We had so much fun that we got silly and messy and laughed and had a grand time.

I think I love it because it reminds me of when I was a little girl, and I looked forward to making cookies with my mom. There's something comforting about cooking with loved ones in your kitchen. I'm so thankful that I got to do that this year with some of the people closest to me.

Enough being sentimental. I need to get to bed, because tomorrow is the LAST day I will work in 2006! Yipee!

Sometimes forgiveness is hard.

Matthew 6:14-15:
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

I sold my convertible to a really nice couple back in October. I got a bad vibe from the husband, but the wife was so nice (and so happy to get my convertible) that I pushed those thoughts aside. Besides, I had been trying to sell that car for three months, and was tired of paying insurance on two cars, plus paying for ads in the newspaper. It's ironic that I work in advertising, and yet, I couldn't figure out a way to get rid of that car.

They paid me in cash... all but $100. It's a long story, but I took a check for the last $100 (against my better judgment... a little voice kept telling me to say no, but I was desperate to get rid of that car). When I went to deposit that check, the husband had put a "stop payment" on the check. So I'm out $100, and worse yet, I feel like I was taken advantage of.

I called and talked to him, and he promised to send me a new check. That was on Nov. 21, so it has been a month, and still no check. I called him 2-3 more times, and then my dad called him, and still no answer. I'm so angry about that silly $100! It's not about the money, it's about the principle. I feel duped, and I hate that.

So how am I supposed to forgive this man? This man, who obviously doesn't deserve my forgiveness? This man, who probably knew all along he could take advantage of me and I wouldn't have any options for response? This man, who made me feel stupid?

Surely Jesus didn't mean that I have to forgive EVERYBODY. I mean, some people just don't deserve it. I think I'm justified in being angry, maybe even hating this man who basically stole money from me. He's wrong. I'm right. He deserves to be punished. And definitely NOT forgiven.

Oh wait... my Jesus forgave the very people who crucified him on the cross (Luke 23:34). So why would I think that I'm an exception?