Okay, so I abhor wasting time by making multiple trips when something can be feasibly accomplished in one. For example, after getting groceries, I only want to make one trip from my car to the house no matter how many plastic bags line my trunk. Despite the fact that this routinely leads to deep gouges up my arms and telling scratches along my entry hall wall. We all have our quirks...don't judge. :)
Yesterday afternoon, I was working outside, but once my rear became numb from sitting on concrete, I decided it would prudent to make use of a comfy chair situated in the window. So I loaded up my books, notebooks, pens, drink, and cell phone, and cautiously opened the door. All was well, until the back swing, when my cell phone took flight and crashed into the Italian marble flooring. (Well...it's really tile, but marble sounds way more posh.)
As I rescued my baby, and only form of communication with the outside world (besides email and blogging, of course), I realized it was only in two pieces. Not bad...phone and battery. Easy enough to fix. Well, not when you break the clasps and the battery no longer attaches. After almost having a panic attack, I immediately embarked on a mission to the cell phone store. Waited in line only to find out they just sold the last battery. Rats! But they were kind of enough to tell me about another store specializing in only batteries. Again, no luck. I'll spare you the minute details, but after strike three and ten dollars in gas, I hit the jack pot. No, I didn't get the battery for free as I was secretly praying for, but a fine gentlemen scotch taped the battery to my phone. Brilliant (in my best British accent).
So now it's back in action for mere pennies...but I have this mysterious rash from where the tape is rubbing on my jaw. If only I had a picture of this trashy, I mean trendy, contraption to share...
Monday, June 26, 2006
World Famous? Nah
I daresay it's time the Topeka Zoo remove the "World Famous" moniker...
While this has been a passing thought over the years, I hadn't scoped birds there since my last field trip in the fifth grade, so I didn't feel qualified to make the final declaration. But considering it was BBQ at the Zoo on Saturday (free food, my friends), I decided to take Angel for a little look-see. I was scammed by grandma into taking her little brother too.
So hand-in-hand we stalked tigers, peered at monkeys, and nuzzled lions (albeit a dead one). Realistically, we could have seen everything in the zoo in under thirty minutes, even dodging oversized strollers and wandering kids. Very few exotic animals are left on the premises and the ones in the cages looked bored and beaten into a sad existence, like Picasso forced to crunch numbers in a cubicle 24 hours a day.
Now, let's get something clear--I'm not a zoo expert. But I doubt I'd drive across town to see this zoo again, let alone come from Zimbabwe or Namibia. So how about being a bit more realistic and changing the name to "The Topeka Zoo--It's All We Got" or "The Locally Abstained from Topeka Zoo"? Ah, yes, my marketing professors would be proud.
While this has been a passing thought over the years, I hadn't scoped birds there since my last field trip in the fifth grade, so I didn't feel qualified to make the final declaration. But considering it was BBQ at the Zoo on Saturday (free food, my friends), I decided to take Angel for a little look-see. I was scammed by grandma into taking her little brother too.
So hand-in-hand we stalked tigers, peered at monkeys, and nuzzled lions (albeit a dead one). Realistically, we could have seen everything in the zoo in under thirty minutes, even dodging oversized strollers and wandering kids. Very few exotic animals are left on the premises and the ones in the cages looked bored and beaten into a sad existence, like Picasso forced to crunch numbers in a cubicle 24 hours a day.
Now, let's get something clear--I'm not a zoo expert. But I doubt I'd drive across town to see this zoo again, let alone come from Zimbabwe or Namibia. So how about being a bit more realistic and changing the name to "The Topeka Zoo--It's All We Got" or "The Locally Abstained from Topeka Zoo"? Ah, yes, my marketing professors would be proud.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
7 Benefits
My pastor shared the seven benefits Paul told us we received once we were saved and I thought I'd list them here, so we can all celebrate together! :) (All verses KJV)
1) We have peace with God: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
2) We have access to God: "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand..." Romans 5:2
3) We have hope in life: "...and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2
4) Our problems have a purpose: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience, and experience, hope." Romans 5:3-4
5) We have the Holy Spirit: "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:5
6) We are loved: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8
7) We have eternal security: "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." Romans 5:9
1) We have peace with God: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
2) We have access to God: "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand..." Romans 5:2
3) We have hope in life: "...and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2
4) Our problems have a purpose: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience, and experience, hope." Romans 5:3-4
5) We have the Holy Spirit: "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:5
6) We are loved: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8
7) We have eternal security: "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." Romans 5:9
Random Thought
I went for a walk the other day and saw a young girl, around eight years old, riding her pink two-wheeled bike along the sidewalk across the street from me. Her long, blonde hair was flowing behind her, and she had a matching pink backpack strapped across her back. She was strolling gracefully along the path, in no hurry.
Like a speeding bullet, a boy, probably 12, came barreling behind her, screaming as he almost rubbed her tires with his own. She was so startled, she yelled in horror, and jumped off her bike, landing in the grass. He gleefully rode past her, snickering, while a devilish smile split his face in two.
So what did I think of? How often do we let someone come up behind us and scare us off course? Did he really mean her harm? No, he just wanted to get a reaction out of her and take her place in the lead. She could have sped up and joined in the race, but instead she stopped and gave him the clear lead without putting up a fight. She gave up too easily. When have we done the same, letting some tiny setback throw us off course? Let's get back on the bike and win the race.
Like a speeding bullet, a boy, probably 12, came barreling behind her, screaming as he almost rubbed her tires with his own. She was so startled, she yelled in horror, and jumped off her bike, landing in the grass. He gleefully rode past her, snickering, while a devilish smile split his face in two.
So what did I think of? How often do we let someone come up behind us and scare us off course? Did he really mean her harm? No, he just wanted to get a reaction out of her and take her place in the lead. She could have sped up and joined in the race, but instead she stopped and gave him the clear lead without putting up a fight. She gave up too easily. When have we done the same, letting some tiny setback throw us off course? Let's get back on the bike and win the race.
Cleaning House
Monday was spent delving through all of my grandmother's possessions. Dividing every material good into piles bound for charity, auction, or the trash bin. This was the first time I have ever gone through someone's personal effects, and I found it extremely interesting.
What was important to her? The antique sewing machine or the latest trendy plate from the mall? Her wedding picture or the closets full of Christmas decorations? How do I remember her?
It made me stop and consider my own house (and life). What would people discover if they looked through my belongings? Would my love for my family, friends, and people in general be evident, or would it look like I spent all of my life holed up reading books? How do I want people to remember me? Maybe it's time I clear out the clutter in my life and house and get back to the basics of what is really important...before it's too late.
What was important to her? The antique sewing machine or the latest trendy plate from the mall? Her wedding picture or the closets full of Christmas decorations? How do I remember her?
It made me stop and consider my own house (and life). What would people discover if they looked through my belongings? Would my love for my family, friends, and people in general be evident, or would it look like I spent all of my life holed up reading books? How do I want people to remember me? Maybe it's time I clear out the clutter in my life and house and get back to the basics of what is really important...before it's too late.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Grandmother
My grandmother passed away last week and is now living her real life in heaven. She struggled through the past year, battling cancer, blood clots, head trauma, and knee surgery. A stark contrast to her now glorified, pain-free existence.
I was asked to write a poem to read at her funeral. I also talked about her life, legacy, and her future, but I will only post the poem here. She signed all of our birthday/Christmas cards with her trademark XXXOOO. As we were sorting through her paperwork earlier this week, I found a birthday card she had written to me in March (my birthday is in November). Her final XXXOOO sent my way, until we meet again. (Interesting, considering the title of my tribute poem.)
I was asked to write a poem to read at her funeral. I also talked about her life, legacy, and her future, but I will only post the poem here. She signed all of our birthday/Christmas cards with her trademark XXXOOO. As we were sorting through her paperwork earlier this week, I found a birthday card she had written to me in March (my birthday is in November). Her final XXXOOO sent my way, until we meet again. (Interesting, considering the title of my tribute poem.)
XXX
OOO
From Heaven’s Angel of Cards
In Corning, 1930, her first breaths were taken,
She grew into a woman, too tough to be shaken.
A Lillis native, then on to Frankfort, her primary residence,
With two brothers, sisters, niece, and Ed and Vera, her parents.
To giving quarters to the quietest grandkid in the car,
Or spending every waking moment down at the bar.
Is how we remember her, healthy and whole,
An exceptional woman with a lovely soul.
Though her life paths were treacherous and the journey was involved,
It molded her into a woman of admirable courage and willful resolve.
The sands of time surrounded her for seventy-five years,
Polishing her astounding character to become shiny and clear.
The extra time God gave us, allowed us to say our goodbyes,
Though we know He was calling her home, to heaven on high.
We longed for a few more good weeks, to make her dreams come true.
A trip to Vegas and one more KU game to cheer the red and blue.
Our hearts are heavy-laden, but we will always remember her impact on our lives.
Her generosity and love, and to be a fighter like her, may we always strive.
Longing to hear her wisdom and the sound of her voice, we may dial 4272,
But she will not answer, so we’ll send our messages to heaven, care of you.
As her daughter brushed away her final stream of tears and professed her love,
Those mementos of misery were laid to rest, while her spirit soared above.
Her family has not lived without her presence for even a day,
Knowing she’s gone leaves a gaping hole in every way.
We can’t seem to fathom life without her here.
Help us, Lord, to celebrate her life and keep her memories near.
But God welcomed her home with an amazing party and feast.
And sang her an original song that rang from heaven’s west to east.
He danced with her in fields full of colors we’ve never seen in any story,
But with every breath we will miss her until our reunion in heaven’s glory.
OOO
From Heaven’s Angel of Cards
In Corning, 1930, her first breaths were taken,
She grew into a woman, too tough to be shaken.
A Lillis native, then on to Frankfort, her primary residence,
With two brothers, sisters, niece, and Ed and Vera, her parents.
To giving quarters to the quietest grandkid in the car,
Or spending every waking moment down at the bar.
Is how we remember her, healthy and whole,
An exceptional woman with a lovely soul.
Though her life paths were treacherous and the journey was involved,
It molded her into a woman of admirable courage and willful resolve.
The sands of time surrounded her for seventy-five years,
Polishing her astounding character to become shiny and clear.
The extra time God gave us, allowed us to say our goodbyes,
Though we know He was calling her home, to heaven on high.
We longed for a few more good weeks, to make her dreams come true.
A trip to Vegas and one more KU game to cheer the red and blue.
Our hearts are heavy-laden, but we will always remember her impact on our lives.
Her generosity and love, and to be a fighter like her, may we always strive.
Longing to hear her wisdom and the sound of her voice, we may dial 4272,
But she will not answer, so we’ll send our messages to heaven, care of you.
As her daughter brushed away her final stream of tears and professed her love,
Those mementos of misery were laid to rest, while her spirit soared above.
Her family has not lived without her presence for even a day,
Knowing she’s gone leaves a gaping hole in every way.
We can’t seem to fathom life without her here.
Help us, Lord, to celebrate her life and keep her memories near.
But God welcomed her home with an amazing party and feast.
And sang her an original song that rang from heaven’s west to east.
He danced with her in fields full of colors we’ve never seen in any story,
But with every breath we will miss her until our reunion in heaven’s glory.
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