I can't wait for May! And yes, I actually took this picture. Unless Divine Miss M did, and I messed up the folders...which is always a possibility. :)
Friday, February 25
Friday Photo - The Bridger Mountains
I can't wait for May! And yes, I actually took this picture. Unless Divine Miss M did, and I messed up the folders...which is always a possibility. :)
Wednesday, February 23
Thanks, Little Shoe Girl
LSG says she got "Toothbrush" and she and her roommate don't think it's true.
This is me:
This is me:
You are a sock.
You are a cozy, fuzzy, warm-hearted person.
A lot of your friends describe you as a hopeless romantic.
You fall for the opposite sex very easily. But be careful,
because usually you don't know what you are getting into,
and because you are very sensitive, you can get hurt...
especially in early relationships. Also, don't exclude the
cold-hearted from your "want-list", because they just
might be looking for a kind person to warm up their heart....
or a sock to warm up their feet.
Most compatible with: Toilet Paper.
Click here -- What Random Object
Represents Your Inner Self?
Tuesday Quote on Wednesday
One of my favorite Bono quotes.
When those people get up at the Grammys and say, "I thank God," I always imagine God going, "Oh, don't--please don't thank me for that one. Please, oh, that's an awful one! Don't thank me for that--that's a piece of [crap]!"
Tuesday, February 22
Talk about Common Grace!
I met two new people on Saturday. Both asked me out on a date, but the second one I didn't accept, because it was from a 5-year-old girl who knew me all of 20 minutes while sitting behind me at a basketball game.
Her name is Payton, as in Manning. And she is a doll of a little girl - very smart - "Whip smart" her aunt said. A little tiny thing (I'm a sucker for little kids - the ones that are smaller than the rest of their age group) with a black sweater, yellow and black plaid skirt with cutie little knee high boots. She subconsciously moves her hair behind her ears and leans forward in anticipation when she talks. She's five!
Oh, and every few minutes - a little tap on my shoulder - with something like! the tiny kitten her cousin had! and they named him Lewis for "Lewistown" where they found him, and, and, and!
By the end, I had taught her how to cheer for the team (sitting two bleachers below) in her tiny little voice: "Good joooobbb Toooommmm! Goood Jooooobbbb Brett!" (Kudos for Brett for turning around and flashing the sweetest high school boy smile at a little girl and making her night), she'd "practiced" the Majorette routine with the girls, and once again offered a free dinner (of course without asking the proper "authorities!")
The remark over and over from her aunt and uncle? "You missed your calling! You should have been an elementary school teacher"! (If you know me, you know what crazy laughter went through my head!) Also with the "Threat/compliment" that they were going to hire me as a full time nanny!
Chalk that up to teaching Sunday School. You want to learn how to engage little kids? Teach 'em! And is there anything better to teach them than how great and big and powerful is our God?
Well, unfortunately, it was the last home game for the basketball team. So I likely won't see her again until she's 6 (in October, as I found out within 1 minute of conversation with her). But I did catch her address from her aunt - and as I know the Majorette Coach, little Payton might just get her wish of being a majorette - or at least a picture!
To end, I gave my brother this piece of advice "Bro, it doesn't matter if she's 5 or 25 - if you want to get a girl to like you, just compliment her on her clothes!"
What started all this? "Oooh! I like your skirt!"
Her name is Payton, as in Manning. And she is a doll of a little girl - very smart - "Whip smart" her aunt said. A little tiny thing (I'm a sucker for little kids - the ones that are smaller than the rest of their age group) with a black sweater, yellow and black plaid skirt with cutie little knee high boots. She subconsciously moves her hair behind her ears and leans forward in anticipation when she talks. She's five!
Oh, and every few minutes - a little tap on my shoulder - with something like! the tiny kitten her cousin had! and they named him Lewis for "Lewistown" where they found him, and, and, and!
By the end, I had taught her how to cheer for the team (sitting two bleachers below) in her tiny little voice: "Good joooobbb Toooommmm! Goood Jooooobbbb Brett!" (Kudos for Brett for turning around and flashing the sweetest high school boy smile at a little girl and making her night), she'd "practiced" the Majorette routine with the girls, and once again offered a free dinner (of course without asking the proper "authorities!")
The remark over and over from her aunt and uncle? "You missed your calling! You should have been an elementary school teacher"! (If you know me, you know what crazy laughter went through my head!) Also with the "Threat/compliment" that they were going to hire me as a full time nanny!
Chalk that up to teaching Sunday School. You want to learn how to engage little kids? Teach 'em! And is there anything better to teach them than how great and big and powerful is our God?
Well, unfortunately, it was the last home game for the basketball team. So I likely won't see her again until she's 6 (in October, as I found out within 1 minute of conversation with her). But I did catch her address from her aunt - and as I know the Majorette Coach, little Payton might just get her wish of being a majorette - or at least a picture!
To end, I gave my brother this piece of advice "Bro, it doesn't matter if she's 5 or 25 - if you want to get a girl to like you, just compliment her on her clothes!"
What started all this? "Oooh! I like your skirt!"
Saturday, February 19
Friday, February 18
The Long Day is Over
"So If you'll only call me Anne-with-an-'e', I'll try to reconcile myself to not being called Cordelia."
ugghh....
Today was the busiest boring day I've had. Which is typical when I attend one of the events that it seems I'm continually planning. When overseeing an event, I usually start the day around 5:30, which I understand for many people is normal. I however, am usually sleeping for another hour on any given morning. Today it was up at 5:30, work, work, punctuated with a bit of panic, work, work read, read, read, read, lather, rinse, repeat.
Done at 6. And I'm usually pretty good at answering questions, finding fixes and managing problems quietly but after 11 straight hours, my brain is fried.
So mom decided it was a night to revel in the kindness and sweetness of Matthew Cuthbert while giggling at the antics of one Miss Anne Shirley.
The Bro loves this movie! {heavy dose of sarcasm}
ugghh....
Today was the busiest boring day I've had. Which is typical when I attend one of the events that it seems I'm continually planning. When overseeing an event, I usually start the day around 5:30, which I understand for many people is normal. I however, am usually sleeping for another hour on any given morning. Today it was up at 5:30, work, work, punctuated with a bit of panic, work, work read, read, read, read, lather, rinse, repeat.
Done at 6. And I'm usually pretty good at answering questions, finding fixes and managing problems quietly but after 11 straight hours, my brain is fried.
So mom decided it was a night to revel in the kindness and sweetness of Matthew Cuthbert while giggling at the antics of one Miss Anne Shirley.
The Bro loves this movie! {heavy dose of sarcasm}
Thursday, February 17
Friday's picture postponed
My sincere apologies to those who look forward to Friday's picture. I'm going to be away from a computer for a few days. When I do post it (hopefully on Saturday night) You'll see why it was worth the wait. Hopefully you'll think it's as funny as I think it is.
Update on Blind Dates:
So, remember this rant? Well, the Sunday after the date, my cousin, her husband and I went to church, our sister church up in that town. One of our associate pastor's son is the associate pastor there. That sounds strange, but it really makes a lot of sense, if you know both of them. It was great seeing a brother/friend I grew up with preach (the senior pastor was on sabbatical).
Well, Associate Pastor's wife (here, at my church) talked with my mom. I wish I could do a characterization of her justice. She's one of the most knowledgable, theolgically solid women that I know. She'll also just about bowl you over getting to know you - especially if you're new to our church. Powerhouse? Doesn't begin to describe this woman. She's a dear. I love her to death. But she is a force to be reckoned with!
She thinks I ought to go up to this college town and the sister church more often. Which makes sense. I love her son and his wife, and would love to hang out helping out with their kids, see my cousin, be available for...ya know...whatever. BUT, did she mention the cute guy I saw (single, yes) at church as someone to keep my eyes open for? Nope. Mentioned the THIRTY-SEVEN year old philosophy Ph.D. Which, yes, at one point I did date a Ph.D student, but...
37? I'm just not THAT mature!
Update on Blind Dates:
So, remember this rant? Well, the Sunday after the date, my cousin, her husband and I went to church, our sister church up in that town. One of our associate pastor's son is the associate pastor there. That sounds strange, but it really makes a lot of sense, if you know both of them. It was great seeing a brother/friend I grew up with preach (the senior pastor was on sabbatical).
Well, Associate Pastor's wife (here, at my church) talked with my mom. I wish I could do a characterization of her justice. She's one of the most knowledgable, theolgically solid women that I know. She'll also just about bowl you over getting to know you - especially if you're new to our church. Powerhouse? Doesn't begin to describe this woman. She's a dear. I love her to death. But she is a force to be reckoned with!
She thinks I ought to go up to this college town and the sister church more often. Which makes sense. I love her son and his wife, and would love to hang out helping out with their kids, see my cousin, be available for...ya know...whatever. BUT, did she mention the cute guy I saw (single, yes) at church as someone to keep my eyes open for? Nope. Mentioned the THIRTY-SEVEN year old philosophy Ph.D. Which, yes, at one point I did date a Ph.D student, but...
37? I'm just not THAT mature!
Wednesday, February 16
Yes!
It's a good day when you decide to wear an unknown skirt that you think your mom must have given you as a cast off and you put it on and tug at it a little and realize that she must have bought it thinking that it was one of those "hey it looks smaller than it's sized so that's why it hasn't sold" items.
The great part is that when you tugged at it, it fell off. (Which, since your mom is only a size bigger than you, also explains why this particular garment isn't getting a lot of wear.)
So you know you didn't just grow 4 sizes.
The great part is that when you tugged at it, it fell off. (Which, since your mom is only a size bigger than you, also explains why this particular garment isn't getting a lot of wear.)
So you know you didn't just grow 4 sizes.
Tuesday, February 15
(Late) Tuesday Quote
Noise proves nothing. Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she has laid an asteroid.
Mark Twain
Monday, February 14
Confessions of a Valentine's Day Scrooge
So, what happens to Scrooge in the end? Yup, that's right.
Remember this thing I said?
Remember this thing I said?
"Now, I know that there are many families out there who buy one another valentine's gifts and express general feelings of appreciation and love."
Yeah, remind me not to talk, because God loves to do this to me. I get my smartass on and God goes, "Well, I think that this needs to change, just so she sees what a brat she is." And then he has The Madre not only make a really great dinner BUT THEN, she gets us gifts.
(The Bro was especially funny - "What is going on?" So I am a bit vindicated in that it has only been recently that the romantic "special" emphasis on V-day has changed.)
In a moment of pure evil genius, The Madre got Short Circuit, a movie declared by me as "The Best movie EVER made!" at the perceptive age of eight. I believe I also delcared it that I would never love a movie as much as I loved it. I stand by that statement.
We're watching it now-
Quoth The Madre: "The humor is so cute. You can't help but laugh at it."
Ains: "I know. That's why it's The best movie ever made."
{giggles}
Oh, this made my day. And Practical!
The Survival Guide
Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone! By the way - To Divine Miss M: "Work your Wit" made me sad because that would have been the BEST Valentine's day "date" we could have had! As long as we topped off with Dublin Mudslide! I suppose next year :)
As it is, The Madre asked me to dinner, the Second Annual Ainsely-won't-try-to-skin-the-salmon-before-cooking-it-like-she-did-last-year Valentines dinner. Last Year Little Shoe Girl kept me from starting a grease fire. We'll see how The Bro does this year (I'm trying not to giggle).
Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone! By the way - To Divine Miss M: "Work your Wit" made me sad because that would have been the BEST Valentine's day "date" we could have had! As long as we topped off with Dublin Mudslide! I suppose next year :)
As it is, The Madre asked me to dinner, the Second Annual Ainsely-won't-try-to-skin-the-salmon-before-cooking-it-like-she-did-last-year Valentines dinner. Last Year Little Shoe Girl kept me from starting a grease fire. We'll see how The Bro does this year (I'm trying not to giggle).
Sunday, February 13
blah-da-da-da-daahhh-da, Memmm-ries
The Way We Were is THE LONGEST MOVIE EVER.
My poor brother and LSG's Boyfriend. Sheesh, they are patient. Although the LSGB got up after it ended, so does that mean he didn't want to leave before it ended?
I'll tell ya though, Bah-Bwa Streisand is so annoying in it - I can't believe Robert Redford's character stuck with her for the time he did. I mean, granted, I get pretty passionate about things (Caps? I don't use Caps), but real-LEY. I don't think it was that much of a stretch for her to play the outspoken Jewish Communist. But now I can say I saw that movie. I guess This one or This one is next. The Madre says that they're both infinitely better than "The Way We Were."
However - Great Song (when Bah-Bwa's not singing).
And on a completely separate note:
I think I'll start calling LSG's boy "Ghetto phone." he's the only one I know that's used duct tape to fix his cell.
My poor brother and LSG's Boyfriend. Sheesh, they are patient. Although the LSGB got up after it ended, so does that mean he didn't want to leave before it ended?
I'll tell ya though, Bah-Bwa Streisand is so annoying in it - I can't believe Robert Redford's character stuck with her for the time he did. I mean, granted, I get pretty passionate about things (Caps? I don't use Caps), but real-LEY. I don't think it was that much of a stretch for her to play the outspoken Jewish Communist. But now I can say I saw that movie. I guess This one or This one is next. The Madre says that they're both infinitely better than "The Way We Were."
However - Great Song (when Bah-Bwa's not singing).
And on a completely separate note:
I think I'll start calling LSG's boy "Ghetto phone." he's the only one I know that's used duct tape to fix his cell.
Saturday, February 12
Hearts, red, pink, white. Construction paper. It was good then.
Honestly, I try not to be a Valentines scrooge. It's a hard part of me to get rid of, though. Valentines day, with a few notable exceptions (I do love ya, Trae!), has been pretty much a craptastic affair since it stopped being appropriate to make a creative box (usually out of shoe boxes, multiple ones) in order to gain a valentine from every kid in your class. Hopefully your crush was IN your class, and not Mrs. Nave's because then you wouldn't get a REAL valentine, but if he was! Well, the boyish scrawl was that much more meaningful. He obviously practiced a few times to betray his unexpressed feelings. As did you. It was only natural to pick out the most flirtatious valentine for the cutie in the class. He was also smart enough to "get it." (roooiight!) And it was only a matter of time before holding hands in the big monstertruck tire at recess (the one that held TWO couples) was a completed deal.
But that's where my inner V-Scrooge pops his head up. I've absolutely tried everything to make Valentines day less of a huge deal, but in a conversation today with my mom, I realize why I just will hate this day: simply because in our family, Valentines day has been equated with romantic love/lover. (i.e., begging parents to send me flowers so that I wasn't the only 8th grade girl not getting them was returned with "I only get valentine's day gifts for my valentine.")
Now, I know that there are many families out there who buy one another valentine's gifts and express general feelings of appreciation and love. But I think one of my biggest irritations is that I legitimately don't like the holiday. I don't mean to crap on anyone else's Cupid-filled day but I really try to keep it just another Monday to me. (Except that year in college I felt so sorry for myself I went and blew $100 on perfume and clothes. I'll try not to do that this year.)
Ok, so that's pretty much it. Please don't say "God is my Valentine," because I'm not even going to go into what a saccharine excuse that is. Right up there with "Jesus is my boyfriend." Just a whole MESS of ....I don't know. Those words should just never come out of anyone's mouth.
Yes, I know I'm loved, I don't doubt that. Really, honestly loved. It's the emphasis on romantic-love-you're-not-in-on-the-secret-this-is-a-great-time-for-a-Valentines-party-so-that-you-don't-feel-left-out-but-strangely-only-singles-are-at-this-party feel of America's Valentine's 'celebration' that just gets right under the skin.
Well, I know that there are many out there that will just YELL at me because of my scroogeness. The line starts to the left.
But that's where my inner V-Scrooge pops his head up. I've absolutely tried everything to make Valentines day less of a huge deal, but in a conversation today with my mom, I realize why I just will hate this day: simply because in our family, Valentines day has been equated with romantic love/lover. (i.e., begging parents to send me flowers so that I wasn't the only 8th grade girl not getting them was returned with "I only get valentine's day gifts for my valentine.")
Now, I know that there are many families out there who buy one another valentine's gifts and express general feelings of appreciation and love. But I think one of my biggest irritations is that I legitimately don't like the holiday. I don't mean to crap on anyone else's Cupid-filled day but I really try to keep it just another Monday to me. (Except that year in college I felt so sorry for myself I went and blew $100 on perfume and clothes. I'll try not to do that this year.)
Ok, so that's pretty much it. Please don't say "God is my Valentine," because I'm not even going to go into what a saccharine excuse that is. Right up there with "Jesus is my boyfriend." Just a whole MESS of ....I don't know. Those words should just never come out of anyone's mouth.
Yes, I know I'm loved, I don't doubt that. Really, honestly loved. It's the emphasis on romantic-love-you're-not-in-on-the-secret-this-is-a-great-time-for-a-Valentines-party-so-that-you-don't-feel-left-out-but-strangely-only-singles-are-at-this-party feel of America's Valentine's 'celebration' that just gets right under the skin.
Well, I know that there are many out there that will just YELL at me because of my scroogeness. The line starts to the left.
Friday, February 11
Thursday, February 10
This Just-In....
Well, likely my posts will be shorter than normal until the weekend - my job just got crazy busy, and since I do a lot of my thinking of posts during the day and upload them onto Yahoo Briefcase (thank you Yahoo! Best of luck in your war to take over the world! May the Best website win!) to edit and post later in the day, busy work days don't allow for a lot of thinking unless it's "Did I pay that instructor?"
I actually have a great post rolling around in my head. Getting in out onto..."paper" and edited to make sense is harder.
Getting it out into cyberspace? Is that what we'd call it now?
Anyway, stay tuned. I'll be around. Prayers that I'll do my job well are also appreciated ;)
I actually have a great post rolling around in my head. Getting in out onto..."paper" and edited to make sense is harder.
Getting it out into cyberspace? Is that what we'd call it now?
Anyway, stay tuned. I'll be around. Prayers that I'll do my job well are also appreciated ;)
Wednesday, February 9
No, oh please, no.
So, I'm on ABC's site, annoyed that I have to give them my credit card number in order to see the video of this. Deciding against taking the chance that I'll forget to unsubscribe, and thereby swear my first child and all that is good and holy (along with my credit balance) to them, I instead glance down to see an funny headline: Police Say Man Signaled Turns During Chase .
"Ha, Ha!" I think to myself. Then, I read the dateline.
Serves me right for assuming that these types of things only happen in the South.
Maybe he came from the South...!
"Ha, Ha!" I think to myself. Then, I read the dateline.
Serves me right for assuming that these types of things only happen in the South.
Maybe he came from the South...!
Tuesday, February 8
That why it's called a "peeve"
Have I mentioned this before?
Grr. Today was worse than normal. Why is it those who are LOUD decide that they should talk? Why don't the quiet people talk? I guess that's the point....
Grr. Today was worse than normal. Why is it those who are LOUD decide that they should talk? Why don't the quiet people talk? I guess that's the point....
Tuesday's Quote
The only time folks talk about human covenants is in premarital counseling. How anemic. If our God is a covenantal God then all of relationships are covenantal. The gospel is not about how much I love God (I typically love him very little); it is about how much God loves me.
My relationships are not about how much friends should love me, they are about how much I get to love them. No single should ever expect relational impoverishment by virtue of being single. We should covenant to love people, to initiate, to serve, to commit.
~Paige Benton
My relationships are not about how much friends should love me, they are about how much I get to love them. No single should ever expect relational impoverishment by virtue of being single. We should covenant to love people, to initiate, to serve, to commit.
~Paige Benton
Monday, February 7
I am NOT!
Blind dates are always a minefield. No matter what happens or how helpful the person setting you up is, there’s always a bomb looming somewhere. I haven’t been set up a lot, but I’m sure that a lot of the bombs come in the form of the person setting you up. Perhaps a lot of “I’m a good matchmaker and you’ll prove me right.”
Thankfully, I avoided that particular kind of bomb. My cousin set me up, and she’s been on her own fair share of blind dates. Thus the words “Don’t feel any pressure, I won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work out” came out of her lips at least 20 times this weekend, and a few hundred times since December.
No, the bombs that I have been hit with over and over have come from the over 40 set. And I love them, and they me, so I suppose that’s where the pressure (and may I say SERIOUSLY bad theology) comes from. Ok, backing up.
The guy that my cousin set me up with comes from a well liked and well-known Christian family in the city I live in. He lives 2 hours away in the town that my cousin lives in, works with her husband, and generally has a lot of connections to people I know. We run in similar circles, but not identical circles.
And we had a fine time together. I wanted to attend my alma mater’s (high school) out-of-town basketball game, so we went and watched as the other team miraculously had 6 people on the floor at any given time. I hate bad refs. The uncalled for Technical foul against our point guard had my date up in arms, and even though he went to our cross-town rival high school, he started cheering along with me. Both of us being smart-asses, we had a good time really torking off the parents around us. I tried to be good, but at one point passion overcame me and I screamed “Where’s Ashton Kutcher, cause WE JUST GOT PUNKED!”
So, what went “wrong?” Well, he’s not really a Christian. And while I know that’s a silly reason not to fling myself at the alter of marriage (and thereby become “happy.” My life is so “miserable” right now), It –crazily enough – is a major deterrent. I’ll write another whole blog tomorrow about my present place in my spiritual life and how it affected this date.
One small-and-overlookable-but-still-kinda-annoying thing: True, I think it’s because he was nervous, but he walked in front of me by a good 2 or 3 feet each time we walked anywhere. I was in 3 inch heeled boots. Walking on snowy sidewalks in these (very cute) boots is not a fast endeavor. He BOOKED it to the door.
He DID pay for everything! I’m not so selfish to think that every guy out there would have been willing to do so on a blind date, and I do appreciate it.
He IS very funny and sarcastic, which I humor myself as also being. Overall, though, I basically felt as though neither of us were overwhelmed with the other. A strong appreciation, but nothing more.
Which is where the bombs come in. Back in my hometown, what is the overarching messages getting through to me?
Thankfully, I avoided that particular kind of bomb. My cousin set me up, and she’s been on her own fair share of blind dates. Thus the words “Don’t feel any pressure, I won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work out” came out of her lips at least 20 times this weekend, and a few hundred times since December.
No, the bombs that I have been hit with over and over have come from the over 40 set. And I love them, and they me, so I suppose that’s where the pressure (and may I say SERIOUSLY bad theology) comes from. Ok, backing up.
The guy that my cousin set me up with comes from a well liked and well-known Christian family in the city I live in. He lives 2 hours away in the town that my cousin lives in, works with her husband, and generally has a lot of connections to people I know. We run in similar circles, but not identical circles.
And we had a fine time together. I wanted to attend my alma mater’s (high school) out-of-town basketball game, so we went and watched as the other team miraculously had 6 people on the floor at any given time. I hate bad refs. The uncalled for Technical foul against our point guard had my date up in arms, and even though he went to our cross-town rival high school, he started cheering along with me. Both of us being smart-asses, we had a good time really torking off the parents around us. I tried to be good, but at one point passion overcame me and I screamed “Where’s Ashton Kutcher, cause WE JUST GOT PUNKED!”
So, what went “wrong?” Well, he’s not really a Christian. And while I know that’s a silly reason not to fling myself at the alter of marriage (and thereby become “happy.” My life is so “miserable” right now), It –crazily enough – is a major deterrent. I’ll write another whole blog tomorrow about my present place in my spiritual life and how it affected this date.
One small-and-overlookable-but-still-kinda-annoying thing: True, I think it’s because he was nervous, but he walked in front of me by a good 2 or 3 feet each time we walked anywhere. I was in 3 inch heeled boots. Walking on snowy sidewalks in these (very cute) boots is not a fast endeavor. He BOOKED it to the door.
He DID pay for everything! I’m not so selfish to think that every guy out there would have been willing to do so on a blind date, and I do appreciate it.
He IS very funny and sarcastic, which I humor myself as also being. Overall, though, I basically felt as though neither of us were overwhelmed with the other. A strong appreciation, but nothing more.
Which is where the bombs come in. Back in my hometown, what is the overarching messages getting through to me?
~He was probably nervous. Therefore, it’s not good to dismiss him out of hand
~All guys do annoying and thoughtless things
~You’re too picky.
~It’s too bad that it didn’t work out because his mom is so nice.
~Maybe you could have been a good influence on him spiritually.
May I scream for a second? I AM NOT. I AM NOT “TOO” PICKY, AND GOD IS NOT BOUND BY MY DESIRES OR “PICKINESS.” I DO NOT NEED TO RUN AFTER A GUY BECAUSE HE IS UNMARRIED. IT IS NOT “TOO BAD” THAT THIS DIDN’T WORK OUT.
Napolean D: GOSSSHHH!
It just didn’t work, ok? I’m all right with it, from what my cousin says, she’s sure he’s fine with it. We had NOT hung our hats on this date by any stretch of the imagination.
And finally, ya know what? I did “missionary dating" – even though I didn’t really know it at the time. I dated the one guy I really think I fell in love with, even though his intellect outstripped his spirituality by a hundred yards. And I loved his Christian family, his sister is one of my best friends and all of those were major reasons why we dated. So I could be a good influence on him. And ya know what? I got my heart. Stomped. On. in a crass and rude way. It hurt, and frankly, I want a guy who is pursuing God as I am.
And? Every. Single. Person. that loves me battles with hate for “B” for what he did to me. WHY in the world would I do that again?
So I’m not going to, and I’m not “too” picky. Yes, I’m picky. But it is bad theology to doubt that there is not ONE guy out there that God has for me, and that since I’m too picky I ought to be pressured into taking a guy who doesn’t. Even. Like. Church!
May I find the one who is as “picky” as me.
Friday, February 4
Thursday, February 3
Wanted: Indulgences. Will pay top $$.
Editor's note: If you’re sensitive like LSG’s college, just enjoy my story and don’t read the links to Dooce. Just cause I read it and laugh til I pee my pants does not mean you'll find it equally hilarious. In fact, you might find it offensive. If you read my story and decide to proceed to Dooce, consider thyself warned.
Also, a healthy dose of sarcasm when reading my or the LSG's comments is necessary for "getting" this. If you think Dooce is taking me down the wrong path, I welcome your comments. (But mostly because I'm self-absorbed and I like the idea that someone is reading my blog, so keep that in mind.) But until then, I'm going to continue to enjoy the Daily Photo and remain disappointed if it's not Chuck .
Hello Ainsy!
I would like you to know that I got blocked from my internet for 4 days because of your little favorite website, DOOCE!
The Dean of Students sent me an e-mail saying that she reviewed the site that I went to and she said that there is some language that their filter picks up. But she said that it is nothing that should make her think that she should keep my internet disabled. So it is now hooked up.It probably goes on my record that I was looking at porn or something! Anyway no more going there!
Well I will talk to you later, even though you got me in trouble. haha
Love ya
Little Shoe Girl
My Response:
ooohhh. Do you need your older sister to call the dean of students and let her know that I'm going to H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks and leading you down the path of destruction? That it’s all my fault?
No, really, I'm sorry that it happened! :( I guess I should have been more careful, and thought about the fact that when I read it out loud to Mom I inherently edit it for content. Tell anyone who knows you and knows that this happened that I'M the sinner, and that you're sweet and kind and good. Since I'm 2000 miles away, it's a lot easier for me to take the blame for the sinning in our family! (darn it, that naughty sense of humor I have).
And in total irony, you JUST GOT DOOCED! Well, she got fired for saying funny/derogatory things about her job, and you got reprimanded for the same blog, so, in essence....Dooced!
So, do you love me even though you are thisclose to being forever tainted?And You're so wrong. My favorite site is....I don't know. but it's one of those intellectual ones on the side. Honestly. The number of Heather's links I've sent to you matters not.
And since you're down the road to destruction, I'll give ya another little shove. Here's to your big sister leading you "astray"
(Ok, and not really, if you just had butterflies whip up in that tiny little tummy of thine. I'm not really T.H.A.T eeeviiilll.)
Lv ya, Ains
Response from Little Shoe Girl:
Hola!
Yeah I guess you can blog it. But really I did get Dooced. I didn't even think about that!
Now that you know you are a terrible sister who is going to h-ll and sending her sister there too, I hope you repent! NOW!
Anyway I am going to go get some work done.
Get thee to Confession!
Love Little Shoe Girl
Also, a healthy dose of sarcasm when reading my or the LSG's comments is necessary for "getting" this. If you think Dooce is taking me down the wrong path, I welcome your comments. (But mostly because I'm self-absorbed and I like the idea that someone is reading my blog, so keep that in mind.) But until then, I'm going to continue to enjoy the Daily Photo and remain disappointed if it's not Chuck .
Hello Ainsy!
I would like you to know that I got blocked from my internet for 4 days because of your little favorite website, DOOCE!
The Dean of Students sent me an e-mail saying that she reviewed the site that I went to and she said that there is some language that their filter picks up. But she said that it is nothing that should make her think that she should keep my internet disabled. So it is now hooked up.It probably goes on my record that I was looking at porn or something! Anyway no more going there!
Well I will talk to you later, even though you got me in trouble. haha
Love ya
Little Shoe Girl
My Response:
ooohhh. Do you need your older sister to call the dean of students and let her know that I'm going to H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks and leading you down the path of destruction? That it’s all my fault?
No, really, I'm sorry that it happened! :( I guess I should have been more careful, and thought about the fact that when I read it out loud to Mom I inherently edit it for content. Tell anyone who knows you and knows that this happened that I'M the sinner, and that you're sweet and kind and good. Since I'm 2000 miles away, it's a lot easier for me to take the blame for the sinning in our family! (darn it, that naughty sense of humor I have).
And in total irony, you JUST GOT DOOCED! Well, she got fired for saying funny/derogatory things about her job, and you got reprimanded for the same blog, so, in essence....Dooced!
So, do you love me even though you are thisclose to being forever tainted?And You're so wrong. My favorite site is....I don't know. but it's one of those intellectual ones on the side. Honestly. The number of Heather's links I've sent to you matters not.
And since you're down the road to destruction, I'll give ya another little shove. Here's to your big sister leading you "astray"
(Ok, and not really, if you just had butterflies whip up in that tiny little tummy of thine. I'm not really T.H.A.T eeeviiilll.)
Lv ya, Ains
Response from Little Shoe Girl:
Hola!
Yeah I guess you can blog it. But really I did get Dooced. I didn't even think about that!
Now that you know you are a terrible sister who is going to h-ll and sending her sister there too, I hope you repent! NOW!
Anyway I am going to go get some work done.
Get thee to Confession!
Love Little Shoe Girl
I SO should be embarrassed
Last night I worked at The-Job-that-if-I-lost-it-that-would-be-disappointing-but-not-life-altering. And I worked with two of my favorite people - Betty and Adam. Betty's like your grandma - if your grandma don't take no Crap! Adam is a quiet smartass, a few years younger than me, and generally we delightfully give each other a hard time. I think the world of both of them.
And recently I've noticed -hey, Adam's not bad looking. Even though he's not really my type, he's still a blast, and likely it's my relief at being assigned to work with him (he at least knows what he's doing) that makes my estimation of him skyrocket.
So last night, Betty and I are up front chatting - the store was empty, except for a girl Adam was helping in the shoe department. He comes over and says, "{sister store in a different city} is closed, isn't it?"
Betty: "Yup."
Adam: wrinkles nose in slight frustration, just like a kid would do. Turns around to return to customer.
Ains: {whisper to Betty} "He's so cute."
Adam whips around and looks at Ains with a "What-kind-of-crazy-talk-is-that?!" look
Ains: Smiles broadly like the obvious dolt she is. Internal dialogue: Crap. Guess that was bit louder than I intended.
Betty: {full volume} "He sure is." (YESSS! Betty to the rescue!)
Little Shoe Girl says I should be embarrassed. And I guess I am a bit, but I think it's hysterical - every time I think about it, I start laughing. Maybe from embarrassment, but oh well. Makes life at that job interesting and fun.
I guess when you get older, you don't care who knows that you think a cute guy is cute - even if it's him.
And recently I've noticed -hey, Adam's not bad looking. Even though he's not really my type, he's still a blast, and likely it's my relief at being assigned to work with him (he at least knows what he's doing) that makes my estimation of him skyrocket.
So last night, Betty and I are up front chatting - the store was empty, except for a girl Adam was helping in the shoe department. He comes over and says, "{sister store in a different city} is closed, isn't it?"
Betty: "Yup."
Adam: wrinkles nose in slight frustration, just like a kid would do. Turns around to return to customer.
Ains: {whisper to Betty} "He's so cute."
Adam whips around and looks at Ains with a "What-kind-of-crazy-talk-is-that?!" look
Ains: Smiles broadly like the obvious dolt she is. Internal dialogue: Crap. Guess that was bit louder than I intended.
Betty: {full volume} "He sure is." (YESSS! Betty to the rescue!)
Little Shoe Girl says I should be embarrassed. And I guess I am a bit, but I think it's hysterical - every time I think about it, I start laughing. Maybe from embarrassment, but oh well. Makes life at that job interesting and fun.
I guess when you get older, you don't care who knows that you think a cute guy is cute - even if it's him.
Tuesday, February 1
Wednesdays made bearable
Thank you to the Divine Miss M who knows me well and gets me through Wednesdays.
Tuesday's Quote
No one can understand the truth until he drinks of coffee's frothy goodness.
~ Sheik Abd-al-Kadir
Monday, January 31
Baptism
It's about time for a serious post, I think. I actually have a lot of serious posts that roll around my head during the day. It's just a matter of getting them out.
Yesterday, our church witnessed the baptism of a baby that has a cleft lip and palate. The sweetness with which our pastor administered this sacrament was beautiful- I don't believe I'll ever forget that baptism.
Most Sundays, we still have a time of share and prayer - I love it because it allows our congregation of 250 to still know each other more intimately than most mega-churches allow (I've also been a regular attender of a mega-church, and I even now love that church, but it's just not the same).
We were contemplating our own baptism - remembered or not - and one of the Elders stood up and talked about what baptism means in his spiritual life. As he did, I wrote this in my bulletin:
"Just because it (baptism) doesn't mean much to us, it doesn't mean that it has less value in God's eyes."
It's easy for me to forget what my baptism means - I don't remember it. I was a few weeks old.
But God never forgets. We have his sign upon us, and he, our names upon his hands.
Yesterday, our church witnessed the baptism of a baby that has a cleft lip and palate. The sweetness with which our pastor administered this sacrament was beautiful- I don't believe I'll ever forget that baptism.
Most Sundays, we still have a time of share and prayer - I love it because it allows our congregation of 250 to still know each other more intimately than most mega-churches allow (I've also been a regular attender of a mega-church, and I even now love that church, but it's just not the same).
We were contemplating our own baptism - remembered or not - and one of the Elders stood up and talked about what baptism means in his spiritual life. As he did, I wrote this in my bulletin:
"Just because it (baptism) doesn't mean much to us, it doesn't mean that it has less value in God's eyes."
It's easy for me to forget what my baptism means - I don't remember it. I was a few weeks old.
But God never forgets. We have his sign upon us, and he, our names upon his hands.
Saturday, January 29
Book Meme
Via PalmTreePundit by way of TulipGirl : Here's how it works. Copy the list, then remove from it the names of any authors not in your home library, replacing them with names of authors you have. Boldface the ones you’ve added.
Here's my list:
1. Victor Hugo
2. Ken Sande
3. Jeff Shaara
4. John Piper
5. Carolyn C. James
6. John Grisham
7. Linda Brownback
8. Carolyn Kepcher
9. 10. William Shakespeare
If you want to play along, add yours in the comments or let me know you've added it to your blog.
Here's my list:
1. Victor Hugo
2. Ken Sande
3. Jeff Shaara
4. John Piper
5. Carolyn C. James
6. John Grisham
7. Linda Brownback
8. Carolyn Kepcher
9. 10. William Shakespeare
If you want to play along, add yours in the comments or let me know you've added it to your blog.
Friday, January 28
Friday Photo
Our-family's-adopted-"foster-kid"-My-brother's-tennis-partner-my-sister's-boyfriend. AND he plays the guitar. Can you ask for more? I think not.
Ain't it the truth
"The Passion of the Christ was nominated for Best Makeup, Best Score, and Best Cinematography. Apparently, Hollywood thinks that the story of Jesus looks and sounds nice, but it just isn't believable!"
~Jay Leno
~Jay Leno
Thursday, January 27
ow, ow, ow,ow-ow-ow-ow!
In my quest to revisit my 20-year-old body, I did something stupid last night. Smart in every health or nutritionist view, but really stupid.
I climbed on the elliptical machine and moved my legs.
Yeah, dumb, I know. You see, I was doing REALLY good prior to Christmas - I'd worked up to alternating running and walking for close to an hour, added a little home-brew Yoga, you know. I'd gotten myself to peering over that ledge where "Real Results! No Waiting" resides. In other words, I saw the outline of my abs.
Then? oooh, I know why all these health magazines and websites scream "CHRISTMAS WILL KILL YOUR DIET! RUN, RUN AWAY!" Because, Christmas didn't kill my diet and exercise regime - it's hacked it to pieces, a bloodier version of the French Revolution, only this time, I had my cake and my bread, as well cookies, wine and major amounts of every carb Atkins lovers loath. (I'm a carb addict and ever shall be. Mashed potatoes with turkey and stuffing mixed all together with gravy? Only slightly less desirable than a skim Mocha, no whip, with half-a-shot-of-caramel-half-a-shot-of-almond. Skim only because I can't taste the difference because of all the crap I put in it, and I delude myself into thinking that skim will make a difference in the calorie column. Ha! roiiight.)
Added to the First Annual Hack Job by Christmas via my Aunts' great cooking, I got sick, and moving my body in any direction was the very last thing I wanted to do. Besides, I lost my voice. That definitely affects my legs.
So yesterday morning was supposed to be my "Hey, you ate too much Chinese Buffet - 5 doughnuts is NOT acceptable, you'd better get that Arse looking a little less flab, babe" new leaf turning over. As I slept through 5:30, and 5:35, and snoozed through 5:45 and slapped the other alarm at 6:20, I figured I'd do something at night, after 13 hours of work (split between two jobs, mind you.)
So, I skipped blogging for my elliptical date, and decided the Pre-set Fat Burn would be the way to do it. AND I knew I'd be able to, because it alternated fast and slow, the way I did when I was on the treadmill.
FOR 48 MINUTES.
Do you know how many measly calories I burned in 48 MINUTES? 330. That's IT. I eat that in a cookie!
Oh, man, my legs hurt. They're so sore, that pushing my clutch in 20 or 30 times on the way to work was Aaa-gony. Nevermind that I'm wearing 3 inch heels.
I never said I was smart.
I suppose jumping up and down screaming at the TV in celebration after my arse-kicking didn't help either.
I climbed on the elliptical machine and moved my legs.
Yeah, dumb, I know. You see, I was doing REALLY good prior to Christmas - I'd worked up to alternating running and walking for close to an hour, added a little home-brew Yoga, you know. I'd gotten myself to peering over that ledge where "Real Results! No Waiting" resides. In other words, I saw the outline of my abs.
Then? oooh, I know why all these health magazines and websites scream "CHRISTMAS WILL KILL YOUR DIET! RUN, RUN AWAY!" Because, Christmas didn't kill my diet and exercise regime - it's hacked it to pieces, a bloodier version of the French Revolution, only this time, I had my cake and my bread, as well cookies, wine and major amounts of every carb Atkins lovers loath. (I'm a carb addict and ever shall be. Mashed potatoes with turkey and stuffing mixed all together with gravy? Only slightly less desirable than a skim Mocha, no whip, with half-a-shot-of-caramel-half-a-shot-of-almond. Skim only because I can't taste the difference because of all the crap I put in it, and I delude myself into thinking that skim will make a difference in the calorie column. Ha! roiiight.)
Added to the First Annual Hack Job by Christmas via my Aunts' great cooking, I got sick, and moving my body in any direction was the very last thing I wanted to do. Besides, I lost my voice. That definitely affects my legs.
So yesterday morning was supposed to be my "Hey, you ate too much Chinese Buffet - 5 doughnuts is NOT acceptable, you'd better get that Arse looking a little less flab, babe" new leaf turning over. As I slept through 5:30, and 5:35, and snoozed through 5:45 and slapped the other alarm at 6:20, I figured I'd do something at night, after 13 hours of work (split between two jobs, mind you.)
So, I skipped blogging for my elliptical date, and decided the Pre-set Fat Burn would be the way to do it. AND I knew I'd be able to, because it alternated fast and slow, the way I did when I was on the treadmill.
FOR 48 MINUTES.
Do you know how many measly calories I burned in 48 MINUTES? 330. That's IT. I eat that in a cookie!
Oh, man, my legs hurt. They're so sore, that pushing my clutch in 20 or 30 times on the way to work was Aaa-gony. Nevermind that I'm wearing 3 inch heels.
I never said I was smart.
I suppose jumping up and down screaming at the TV in celebration after my arse-kicking didn't help either.
Tuesday, January 25
Monday, January 24
You've got one too. Admit it.
I know you know her. Generally, it's an older woman. Perhaps in your family, she's a grandma or an great aunt or some cousin of Grandma Ethel. Just a little bit. . . . off.
And in our family, she's very old. So, it's quite understandable. Nonetheless... Today I received a belated card for my birthday. It's a very nice thought, but it was the how the envelope was addressed that really cracked me up. This is how it appears in absolute truth:
"Ainsley"
And in our family, she's very old. So, it's quite understandable. Nonetheless... Today I received a belated card for my birthday. It's a very nice thought, but it was the how the envelope was addressed that really cracked me up. This is how it appears in absolute truth:
"Ainsley"
Sunday, January 23
Homer could have been Presbyterian
No, it’s not the only reason I love what I believe. But it certainly rocks.
Being as it’s late, being as I hadn’t gotten my Sunday School lesson finished, and being as I really just felt like one, It occurred to me tonight that I may be the first Sunday school teacher (in a while, anyway. Since Luther perhaps?) that enjoyed a fermented beverage while preparing the lesson for tomorrow.
So, why do I love our system of beliefs? Because it’s very unlikely that any in my church would find that immoral.
And with that, I’m signing off for the night.
Being as it’s late, being as I hadn’t gotten my Sunday School lesson finished, and being as I really just felt like one, It occurred to me tonight that I may be the first Sunday school teacher (in a while, anyway. Since Luther perhaps?) that enjoyed a fermented beverage while preparing the lesson for tomorrow.
So, why do I love our system of beliefs? Because it’s very unlikely that any in my church would find that immoral.
And with that, I’m signing off for the night.
Friday, January 21
The Australian open
What WAS I thinking?! Nothing to blog about? I am an idiot.
It is always a good thing to blog about sports, and there is none in the sports world that can get my sister’s and my attention faster than this man!
If you're wondering why we would cheer on a guy who fell from #1 in the world to #3, and eventually falling to #31 in 2004, you likely would chalk it up to his (incredible) good looks. Yeah, say what you want, but that face with that accent? Definitely worthy. I’m not ashamed of it!
That aside, I think the reason he caught our attention was more his polite demeaner and grace in situations presented to him. And in a world full of preeners and grandstanders, temper-tantrum-throwers, it is an attention-getting thing to stand next to Andy Roddick after losing the ’03 US Open (as Roddick is freaking out) and pay him intelligent, truthful compliments. And not in your native language.
And yes, we love Roger Federer, too. Yes, he’s amazing, and is generally unassuming. He’s just too obvious a choice to love.
So, Here’s to Juan Carlos. Playing tonight in what has been billed as “A wonderful Contest” by the Australian Open website.
Edited to add: Here are the results of that match - unfortunately, #31 in the world isn't going to get a lot of press, so we'll just have to wait for the French Open. We'll watch Federer and Agassi duke it out, wondering for whom we should REALLY cheer for...
It is always a good thing to blog about sports, and there is none in the sports world that can get my sister’s and my attention faster than this man!
If you're wondering why we would cheer on a guy who fell from #1 in the world to #3, and eventually falling to #31 in 2004, you likely would chalk it up to his (incredible) good looks. Yeah, say what you want, but that face with that accent? Definitely worthy. I’m not ashamed of it!
That aside, I think the reason he caught our attention was more his polite demeaner and grace in situations presented to him. And in a world full of preeners and grandstanders, temper-tantrum-throwers, it is an attention-getting thing to stand next to Andy Roddick after losing the ’03 US Open (as Roddick is freaking out) and pay him intelligent, truthful compliments. And not in your native language.
And yes, we love Roger Federer, too. Yes, he’s amazing, and is generally unassuming. He’s just too obvious a choice to love.
So, Here’s to Juan Carlos. Playing tonight in what has been billed as “A wonderful Contest” by the Australian Open website.
Edited to add: Here are the results of that match - unfortunately, #31 in the world isn't going to get a lot of press, so we'll just have to wait for the French Open. We'll watch Federer and Agassi duke it out, wondering for whom we should REALLY cheer for...
Thursday, January 20
Friday Picture
I originally was going to send this to my Eternal Hairstylist (doesn't matter that she's 2,000 miles away. She'll always be my Hairstylist) showing her the new do. This was taken in December, so you can imagine that it isn't quite as vibrant as it was under oh-so-vibrant fluorescent lights. I won't tell you where I was. I might get dooced. That said, I like this picture because 1) I think it's "artistic" and 2) I love my phone, with which this was taken. Ahhh, the wonders of technology! If you don't have a picture phone....Seriously, what kind of hellish contract are you IN??
No where to be, nothing to blog
Well, Friend and I were talking - I continue to berate him on his lack of blogging. Says Ains: "I feel like I should update my blog, but I really don't know what to say."
Friend:(something to the effect of) "Yeah, that's why I stopped blogging. I'm not funny anymore."
Eeehhhhh. Leave me alone. It was funny to me. I can't remember exactly what he said, because I put in a 13 hour workday. Yeah. You'd think I was a workaholic. I'm really not.
I'll think of something better for tomorrow, guys. I promise.
Friend:(something to the effect of) "Yeah, that's why I stopped blogging. I'm not funny anymore."
Eeehhhhh. Leave me alone. It was funny to me. I can't remember exactly what he said, because I put in a 13 hour workday. Yeah. You'd think I was a workaholic. I'm really not.
I'll think of something better for tomorrow, guys. I promise.
Monday, January 17
Thoughts
From Rich Mullins:
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
He will never break His promise - He has written it upon the sky
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
I will never doubt His promise though I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyes
He will never break His promise
though the stars should break faith with the sky
....Truth through poetry.....
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
He will never break His promise - He has written it upon the sky
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
I will never doubt His promise though I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyes
He will never break His promise
though the stars should break faith with the sky
....Truth through poetry.....
Blog something already!
Ok, so I have a friend who blogs. And he stopped blogging a few days ago. Ok, not just a few. I think it's been, like a week.
Hey! I'm bored! when I am, friend, I read your blog!
Except there's NOTHING. ON. IT.
So, see title!
(remember, it's all about me ;)
Hey! I'm bored! when I am, friend, I read your blog!
Except there's NOTHING. ON. IT.
So, see title!
(remember, it's all about me ;)
Soul's Expression
Soul's Expression
Ok, so I'm testing out "blog this" which is an instant ...blogging type ...thing. We'll see what happens.
ETA: Wow :) it works
Ok, so I'm testing out "blog this" which is an instant ...blogging type ...thing. We'll see what happens.
ETA: Wow :) it works
Saturday, January 15
Like a punch in the gut
Paige Benton rocks- I've been familier with her teaching for a while. But this thought/quote/whatever of hers applies to everyone, even though it's in an article on "singleness".
"It is not that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but that life has no tragedy like our God ignored."
Oh, Lord my God, may I never igonore you or depise your desire for my life.
"It is not that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but that life has no tragedy like our God ignored."
Oh, Lord my God, may I never igonore you or depise your desire for my life.
Friday, January 14
Well, yes, in a word...
My response to a friend's email. Says he: "I know what Troy is, silly! I heard it's terrible."
My response:
Yes, if you go into it with high expectations. I heard that it was the worst movies ever. And really? the fight scenes are WAY too long.
Helen and Paris don't have a lot of Chemistry, but I blame that on Orlando Bloom, because he's hot, but not very good at generating the pretense of "I love her and it's believable." He's far too steeped in stage, which is what he was trained to do. You feel NO connection to Helen - her accent is about the best thing about her.
The entire movie, I was like, "Ya know what? Just send Paris and Helen back to Greece and have them killed. Everyone will be much happier." In fact, when Hector brings that up at the very beginning, my gut was saying,"YES! DO IT!" But then I realized that I had another 3 hours to go, so it was unlikely. There's ABSOLUTELY no reason for this war, because frankly, neither of them is likable in the least.
Brad Pitt? well, I do have to say that his stock went up with me. He honestly portrays a man smitten with someone he shouldn't love, although every now and again you get a glimpse of Joe Black, which is disturbing. Also, his 'accent' is distracting. Those two slight things not withstanding, he does a very good job. The scenes of Achilles and Briseis (Bri-say-is - very cool name) are actually very good, which I also give credit to Rose Byrne. She's probably the most believable woman (actress) in the film.
Sean Bean steals his scenes - he's a phenomenal, understated actor, and Eric Bana is believable as Hector. Also? Eric Bana is HOT and a GOOD actor. Specially w/ a beard. Manly Man. mmmm. (Also - 6'3" :) )
So, I would say, the overall premise of having all these huge (and pretty!) actors together is ok, but the director and producers tried too hard ("We want to make it E.P.I.C!") and should have focused on the personal more, and less on the fighting. Which, they did a lot of the personal, too, so I can't see how they'd do it more, but the fight scenes were pretty much unnecessary.
The CG were good overall, because you didn't notice it, except for the 1000 ships scene("The face that launched a thousand ships"*).
The "evil" guys were a bit too evil, but when you have blah actors like Orlando Bloom and the-girl-who-played-Helen-so-badly-I-didn't-even-bother-looking-up-her-name, you have to make up a reason to like them, which means putting absolute evil opposite of them. It still didn't work.
And then Paris (a crap character) hits Achilles' heel (a relatively likable character) and steals from Briseis and Achilles their love, so then you REALLY hate Paris. (Enter Meg Ryan singing "I hate Paris in the Springtime, I hate Paris in the fall, I hate Paris, oh why oh why do I hate Paris? Because My love is theeerrrreee....with his slut girlfriend!" - French Kiss)
Overall? Should you see this movie? Sure, unless you're my mom. (Mom, you'll hate it.) It's mediocre but not off-putting entertainment. And only on DVD, so that you have the ability to skip the fight scenes an get the gist of the plot.
*Ok, and it's a good thing that they did find someone who was beautiful to play Helen. It's also a good thing that the phrase isn't "The personality that launched a thousand ships" because this actresses' personality? It wouldn't have launched a dinghy.
Of course he replied: "Whoa, there cowgirl, that's quite the review! Ever thought of being a film critic? You should post this on your blog."
So I did.
My response:
Yes, if you go into it with high expectations. I heard that it was the worst movies ever. And really? the fight scenes are WAY too long.
Helen and Paris don't have a lot of Chemistry, but I blame that on Orlando Bloom, because he's hot, but not very good at generating the pretense of "I love her and it's believable." He's far too steeped in stage, which is what he was trained to do. You feel NO connection to Helen - her accent is about the best thing about her.
The entire movie, I was like, "Ya know what? Just send Paris and Helen back to Greece and have them killed. Everyone will be much happier." In fact, when Hector brings that up at the very beginning, my gut was saying,"YES! DO IT!" But then I realized that I had another 3 hours to go, so it was unlikely. There's ABSOLUTELY no reason for this war, because frankly, neither of them is likable in the least.
Brad Pitt? well, I do have to say that his stock went up with me. He honestly portrays a man smitten with someone he shouldn't love, although every now and again you get a glimpse of Joe Black, which is disturbing. Also, his 'accent' is distracting. Those two slight things not withstanding, he does a very good job. The scenes of Achilles and Briseis (Bri-say-is - very cool name) are actually very good, which I also give credit to Rose Byrne. She's probably the most believable woman (actress) in the film.
Sean Bean steals his scenes - he's a phenomenal, understated actor, and Eric Bana is believable as Hector. Also? Eric Bana is HOT and a GOOD actor. Specially w/ a beard. Manly Man. mmmm. (Also - 6'3" :) )
So, I would say, the overall premise of having all these huge (and pretty!) actors together is ok, but the director and producers tried too hard ("We want to make it E.P.I.C!") and should have focused on the personal more, and less on the fighting. Which, they did a lot of the personal, too, so I can't see how they'd do it more, but the fight scenes were pretty much unnecessary.
The CG were good overall, because you didn't notice it, except for the 1000 ships scene("The face that launched a thousand ships"*).
The "evil" guys were a bit too evil, but when you have blah actors like Orlando Bloom and the-girl-who-played-Helen-so-badly-I-didn't-even-bother-looking-up-her-name, you have to make up a reason to like them, which means putting absolute evil opposite of them. It still didn't work.
And then Paris (a crap character) hits Achilles' heel (a relatively likable character) and steals from Briseis and Achilles their love, so then you REALLY hate Paris. (Enter Meg Ryan singing "I hate Paris in the Springtime, I hate Paris in the fall, I hate Paris, oh why oh why do I hate Paris? Because My love is theeerrrreee....with his slut girlfriend!" - French Kiss)
Overall? Should you see this movie? Sure, unless you're my mom. (Mom, you'll hate it.) It's mediocre but not off-putting entertainment. And only on DVD, so that you have the ability to skip the fight scenes an get the gist of the plot.
*Ok, and it's a good thing that they did find someone who was beautiful to play Helen. It's also a good thing that the phrase isn't "The personality that launched a thousand ships" because this actresses' personality? It wouldn't have launched a dinghy.
Of course he replied: "Whoa, there cowgirl, that's quite the review! Ever thought of being a film critic? You should post this on your blog."
So I did.
Thursday, January 13
Minnesota Winter Hours
I worked as a temp in MN for about 2-and-a-half years out of college. One of those temp jobs was working for an insurance company – one that insured the cities of Minnesota. I was hired to help out with the sending out of copies of policies. Oh, dear. goodness. Boredom, thou hast a name: it is Insurance.
One good thing was that I made a friend out by working there –Although…. the gossip was that we were having an extramarital affair, I learned after I left (despite the obvious fac that both of us adhering to strong spiritual and moral convictions). I begged, actually, to be reassigned, after being unable to wake up in the morning, because of the depression caused by having to go to a thoroughly horrid job. So, I guess that one good thing was overshadowed by the two bad things.
The other bad thing for that particular job, and my work habits, but overall enjoyable thing for me was that when it would dump snow and or get obscenely cold, the boss would come to work late (she lived an hour and a half away in good weather) and would leave early (who wants to be driving home after 6 or 7 pm?). As would we.
And so, with the white stuff coming down and it being 20 below zero, I have THE worst urge to go home. It’s 1:30.
One good thing was that I made a friend out by working there –Although…. the gossip was that we were having an extramarital affair, I learned after I left (despite the obvious fac that both of us adhering to strong spiritual and moral convictions). I begged, actually, to be reassigned, after being unable to wake up in the morning, because of the depression caused by having to go to a thoroughly horrid job. So, I guess that one good thing was overshadowed by the two bad things.
The other bad thing for that particular job, and my work habits, but overall enjoyable thing for me was that when it would dump snow and or get obscenely cold, the boss would come to work late (she lived an hour and a half away in good weather) and would leave early (who wants to be driving home after 6 or 7 pm?). As would we.
And so, with the white stuff coming down and it being 20 below zero, I have THE worst urge to go home. It’s 1:30.
Wednesday, January 12
Tuesday, January 11
No one will envy me
Definition of a fun night? Washing wallpaper glue off of your friend-landlord-credit consolidator-foster family's 12-foot wall. No, really. An absolute BLAST.
Ok, it wasn't that bad, and I basically got 3/4 of a wall done (my brother had done the other 1/4 a few days ago) in two and a half hours. And I decided to go music-free, which allows you to do a lot of things:
Whistle the new U2 song that isn't Vertigo, but is just as awesome
Pray for your brother's college decisions
Pray blessings on your friend's upcoming marriage
sigh 37 times
And contemplate Randy Moss.
(I never said that they had anything to do with each other).
So, this is what I've come up with. Moss isn't the only one in the NFL (or any other sport, for that matter) that acts inappropriately when they've done something good, great, or moderate. And Moss' quote was something to the effect of "Well, I'm used to catching Hell."
Ok, so fining players $15,000 - or whatever the exorbitant amount is - doesn't seem to be working. Therefore, The Powers That Be of each sport ought to seriously consider this: for every minute of inappropriate behavior, the offending player must spend the equivalent number of hours washing wallpaper glue off of some nice little old lady's wall. Then we’ll make them continue their community service by appearing on Trading Spaces Family.
Now, that's what I call penance.
Sunday, January 9
No gloating.....yet.
But it really IS hard to win 3 games against the same team in one season!
Go Vikes!
Wednesday, January 5
Remembrance
Please pray for and remember Addie, her family as well Blake's family. Here is an article in memorium.
Monday, January 3
You are God, there is no other
Today was a day of grace and tragedy.
For one, it is my birthday - I'm a year older and I feel the march of time.
It's easy for me to forget that life is fragile. I wasn't supposed to be, and that knowledge has shaped who I am. I was chosen, by more than my mom or my dad, though both actively chose me. My birthday reminds me yearly how loved I am. And yet, for the last few weeks, I've forgotten that, and felt a sense of entitlement, and disappointment when expectations that I hold haven't yet been fulfilled.
Tonight, after a birthday dinner that included a very, very nice restaurant, sweet and thoughtful gifts, a flat tire, frustration resulting from said tire, and a few phone calls to friends letting them know that the night plans would be postponed for a bit, I received distressing news.
One of my closest friends in town has introduced me to her dear friend. I enjoy her friend immensely - mostly through anecdotes and a vicarious friendship through my friend. Her friend's husband was killed in an avalanche accident- two years younger than me, married for 2 years and expecting their first child.
Oh. The miserable life we lead - a cursed life. As my friend prayed through tears together, I felt deeply the strong ties that connect Christians, and understand why we call each other "sisters and brothers in Christ." For I really won't be able to do much for this friend of a friend. And yet, I deeply mourn for her, I weep for her and her sweet child. I wonder at the suffering of My Family - and while one could say my immediate family has suffered, I am struck more by the widespread suffering of those also who are my family through Christ, and how they suffer greatly.
I told my friend, this is how I know I'm not God - If I were, I would bring him back for Addie right away. Now. This second.
As it is, I can only remember a man I never met as my brother and weep.
Strange how we are so tied to one another, the universal church. It is a mystery. A mystery of Christianity.
For one, it is my birthday - I'm a year older and I feel the march of time.
It's easy for me to forget that life is fragile. I wasn't supposed to be, and that knowledge has shaped who I am. I was chosen, by more than my mom or my dad, though both actively chose me. My birthday reminds me yearly how loved I am. And yet, for the last few weeks, I've forgotten that, and felt a sense of entitlement, and disappointment when expectations that I hold haven't yet been fulfilled.
Tonight, after a birthday dinner that included a very, very nice restaurant, sweet and thoughtful gifts, a flat tire, frustration resulting from said tire, and a few phone calls to friends letting them know that the night plans would be postponed for a bit, I received distressing news.
One of my closest friends in town has introduced me to her dear friend. I enjoy her friend immensely - mostly through anecdotes and a vicarious friendship through my friend. Her friend's husband was killed in an avalanche accident- two years younger than me, married for 2 years and expecting their first child.
Oh. The miserable life we lead - a cursed life. As my friend prayed through tears together, I felt deeply the strong ties that connect Christians, and understand why we call each other "sisters and brothers in Christ." For I really won't be able to do much for this friend of a friend. And yet, I deeply mourn for her, I weep for her and her sweet child. I wonder at the suffering of My Family - and while one could say my immediate family has suffered, I am struck more by the widespread suffering of those also who are my family through Christ, and how they suffer greatly.
I told my friend, this is how I know I'm not God - If I were, I would bring him back for Addie right away. Now. This second.
As it is, I can only remember a man I never met as my brother and weep.
Strange how we are so tied to one another, the universal church. It is a mystery. A mystery of Christianity.
Thursday, December 30
Wednesday, December 29
Christmas Gift
One of the best gifts I received this Christmas (ok, right after the oh-so-amazingly-soft sherpa robe from my mom) is the book "If" by Amy Carmichael.
Carmichael ministered to Irish Mill workers, the Japanese, and then in 1895 she began her ministry to the children of India until her death in 1951.
"If" is a collection of thoughts on True Love. I'm reading a few each night.
Last night:
If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of
another;
If I can in any way slight another in
conversation,
or even in thought,
then I know nothing of Calvary Love.
~and~
If in dealing with one who does not
respond,
I weary of the strain, and slip
from under the burden
then I know nothing of Calvary Love.
How true, personally convicting, and compelling!
Carmichael ministered to Irish Mill workers, the Japanese, and then in 1895 she began her ministry to the children of India until her death in 1951.
"If" is a collection of thoughts on True Love. I'm reading a few each night.
Last night:
If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of
another;
If I can in any way slight another in
conversation,
or even in thought,
then I know nothing of Calvary Love.
~and~
If in dealing with one who does not
respond,
I weary of the strain, and slip
from under the burden
then I know nothing of Calvary Love.
How true, personally convicting, and compelling!
Trying not to Vomit, Vol. 2
This isn't nearly as gross, but this place is the bearing of my soul, and I promised a friend of mine that I would blog something of importance and humor to her.
iTones, I spilled milk in my car. AGAIN.
Edited to Add:
Ha! I ran down on the local industrial cleaner place and grabbed the stuff that two people have told me works.
My car now smells like orchard apple. (yea!) We'll see about tomorrow.
iTones, I spilled milk in my car. AGAIN.
Edited to Add:
Ha! I ran down on the local industrial cleaner place and grabbed the stuff that two people have told me works.
My car now smells like orchard apple. (yea!) We'll see about tomorrow.
Trying not to vomit
Everyone usually says that they want a dog or cat or something. If they're a dog person, they have visions of a sweet dog meeting them at the door, a softly wagging tail greeting them. I think it's our desire to be missed ("oh, aren't I important!")
I'm presently housesitting the three dogs. And NOBODY mentions dogs' desire to kill sweet, innocent animals, drag them inside and seriously cause the gag reflex to go crazy as you STARE AT THE RIPPED OFF BIRD LEG on the blanket that the Boston was sitting on just a short time ago.
Thanks to my sister's boyfriend for getting rid of the evidence of Violence Against Birds.
I have visions of the owners coming back to a "Godfather"-like moment in their bedroom, but I don't dare look THAT hard for the rest of the poor feathered friend.
eugghhhh!
I'm presently housesitting the three dogs. And NOBODY mentions dogs' desire to kill sweet, innocent animals, drag them inside and seriously cause the gag reflex to go crazy as you STARE AT THE RIPPED OFF BIRD LEG on the blanket that the Boston was sitting on just a short time ago.
Thanks to my sister's boyfriend for getting rid of the evidence of Violence Against Birds.
I have visions of the owners coming back to a "Godfather"-like moment in their bedroom, but I don't dare look THAT hard for the rest of the poor feathered friend.
eugghhhh!
Tuesday, December 28
Prayers and support
If you're interested in the War in Iraq, and need a bit of an inside view, read this:
A Must Read Email From an American Soldier"
Captain Dan and Brian (blog owner) are childhood friends of mine.
A Must Read Email From an American Soldier"
Captain Dan and Brian (blog owner) are childhood friends of mine.
Friday, December 24
Wednesday, December 22
I wonder as I wander...
Every now and again, I wonder if anyone other than my one friend who IMs me daily reads this blog.
I get the sudden urge to post all of the gifts I'm giving this year here, and see if anyone reads it, and ruins their christmas.
Obviously, I'm not as mean as Target.
I get the sudden urge to post all of the gifts I'm giving this year here, and see if anyone reads it, and ruins their christmas.
Obviously, I'm not as mean as Target.
Monday, December 20
Grinch Green
Dear Target Corp,
I was surprised when I heard that you weren't allowing Salvation Army bell ringers outside our local Target store. I was sure I had heard them this year, but then remembered that, no, that was in front of Walmart. And I just want you to know that I'm going to make a concerted effort to patronize that store instead of yours. While I may not be able to get around buying certain items at Target, I pledge to go to Walmart for this year as much as possible.
I hope you reconsider your extremely bad judgment next year. In such a society as ours, I’m sure your very smart and expensive lawyers can find a way to legally allow the Salvation Army to solicit and not bind you to allowing everyone and everything solicit in the future. I’ll trust that you’ll pony up the 9 million you’re denying the Salvation Army this year to pay for your lawyers to do this work.
I’m thoroughly disappointed in you, and also, I’m 26. I have a long life ahead of me, and a very good memory.
Merry Christmas, or something like that. Has the Marketing agency you’ve retained done any tests with changing your official color from “Target Red” to “Grinch Green”?
Sincerely,
I was surprised when I heard that you weren't allowing Salvation Army bell ringers outside our local Target store. I was sure I had heard them this year, but then remembered that, no, that was in front of Walmart. And I just want you to know that I'm going to make a concerted effort to patronize that store instead of yours. While I may not be able to get around buying certain items at Target, I pledge to go to Walmart for this year as much as possible.
I hope you reconsider your extremely bad judgment next year. In such a society as ours, I’m sure your very smart and expensive lawyers can find a way to legally allow the Salvation Army to solicit and not bind you to allowing everyone and everything solicit in the future. I’ll trust that you’ll pony up the 9 million you’re denying the Salvation Army this year to pay for your lawyers to do this work.
I’m thoroughly disappointed in you, and also, I’m 26. I have a long life ahead of me, and a very good memory.
Merry Christmas, or something like that. Has the Marketing agency you’ve retained done any tests with changing your official color from “Target Red” to “Grinch Green”?
Sincerely,
Friday, December 17
unwittingly losing weight
And the reason that you “lose weight with Grape Nuts” is because they use superglue to seal the box AND (just for good measure) the bag inside.
Yet, even the 3M-engineered glue that Post uses is no match for a steak knife in the hands of a famished woman. (Don’t ask why I have a steak knife at my desk).
Yet, even the 3M-engineered glue that Post uses is no match for a steak knife in the hands of a famished woman. (Don’t ask why I have a steak knife at my desk).
Thursday, December 16
Bouts of Insanity
Today is a My Brain Ain’t A-Workin’ Day. It doesn’t really help that a co-worker said good morning, and in response to my poorly hidden “I don’t really want to talk because I just used up my 4 nice words to the receptionist Good Morning,” replied, “I won’t say good morning to you any more because I know you’re not a morning person. Bwhahahah!”
GRRR. Nice guilt trip. Am I going to be here long enough that I’ll need to exchange my cash to Guilt Currency? That’s what I thought.
So, I grudgingly make small talk (IT HURTS MY HEAD) so coworkers don’t think I’m a complete _____ (fill it in with whatever you’d like) and I go downstairs to find a small miracle: New Creamer to feed my coffee addiction! Yea! (It has been said to me that, for all the coffee I drink, I certainly don’t like the taste of it. No, I don’t. I like the creamer and the caffeine kick I get).
Ah, but the coffee gods are not as generous as they have been in the past. While the bottle's title makes one think of Christmas and everything good that swirls around that most sweet of childhood excitement,
GINGERBREAD CREAMER IS NOT A GOOD IDEA.
Thanks Coffeemate, for killing any delight I might have experienced during the best cup of coffee of the day.
Igh. The aftertaste alone may cause bouts of insanity. Which will likely result in small talk.
GRRR. Nice guilt trip. Am I going to be here long enough that I’ll need to exchange my cash to Guilt Currency? That’s what I thought.
So, I grudgingly make small talk (IT HURTS MY HEAD) so coworkers don’t think I’m a complete _____ (fill it in with whatever you’d like) and I go downstairs to find a small miracle: New Creamer to feed my coffee addiction! Yea! (It has been said to me that, for all the coffee I drink, I certainly don’t like the taste of it. No, I don’t. I like the creamer and the caffeine kick I get).
Ah, but the coffee gods are not as generous as they have been in the past. While the bottle's title makes one think of Christmas and everything good that swirls around that most sweet of childhood excitement,
GINGERBREAD CREAMER IS NOT A GOOD IDEA.
Thanks Coffeemate, for killing any delight I might have experienced during the best cup of coffee of the day.
Igh. The aftertaste alone may cause bouts of insanity. Which will likely result in small talk.
The Chicken or the Egg?
When you arrange for a DD to and from a Christmas Party, are you asked frequently if you have a ride home because a) your car is conspicuously missing from the parking lot, or b) because you drink as much as you like, talk excitedly, hug a lot of people, and not execute the “I’m ok to drive” sham, because It Don’t Matter?
That’s what I thought, too.
That’s what I thought, too.
Saturday, December 11
It's harder than you think
typing in a blog entry with a both a laptop and an 8 pound dog on your "lap."
Oh, you noticed?
yep. Changed the template colors, and the template. I'm not a bit fan of it, but I'm still trying to remember my one college HTML course. (bwahahhah!) My brother is coming home over Christmas, so I'll make him help me.
Also, I'll work on getting my sidebar back to what it was before.
Also, I'll work on getting my sidebar back to what it was before.
Thursday, December 9
From 4 days ago
Ains: Is it too early to have the case of the Mondays?
Friend (via IM) : It's never too early. The minute your feet hit the bedroom floor you have the right to a case of the Mondays.
Mom: Absolutely. 12:01 Sunday night is legitimate.
Friend (via IM) : It's never too early. The minute your feet hit the bedroom floor you have the right to a case of the Mondays.
Mom: Absolutely. 12:01 Sunday night is legitimate.
Wednesday, December 8
It's all Matt Damon's fault
So tired that you don’t dare close your eyes while blow drying your hair because when you did that just a second ago you swayed because your body was so desperately close to shutting down and going to sleep on cold linoleum.
And it’s all Matt Damon’s fault for being a good interviewee. And also his mom’s fault for giving him quality genes.
And it’s all Matt Damon’s fault for being a good interviewee. And also his mom’s fault for giving him quality genes.
Tuesday, December 7
oh, mercy. {eyeroll}
If I eat my high fat, high protein trail mix for lunch, I can go home at 3:30. Dare I???
Of course, I’ll be abso-LUTE-ly punch drunk from staring at a computer screen for eight SOLID hours, but I might be able to run for 20 minutes and shower before making dinner.
{mortified pause}
Oh my gosh.
{sigh} I just turned into that woman.
Of course, I’ll be abso-LUTE-ly punch drunk from staring at a computer screen for eight SOLID hours, but I might be able to run for 20 minutes and shower before making dinner.
{mortified pause}
Oh my gosh.
{sigh} I just turned into that woman.
Read it. You'll buy it, I'm sure. I am.
I would be remiss in not linking to the second part of Banty Rooster's review: U2's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
Monday, December 6
Its not for pansies anymore
Otherwise known as Bridget Jonesing:
I got Shape magazine yesterday. It was great. What wasn't so great was my attempt at the "Revolving Crescent." (It's a yoga move.) it includes lunging and twisting your upper body while holding your hands and arms in a prayer-like stance. Sounds easy, or so I thought.
It. Kicked. My. Arse.
I did it ONE time. I was supposed to do it three more times, before going to the next of FOUR moves, each of which I was supposed to do 4 times. If I REALLY wanted my butt kicked, I could also add a "Sun Salutation," inbetween EACH of the 4 moves, which itself has 11 moves. Eleven. I did one. My quads still hurt.
Yup. Yoga: 1. Ainsley: 0
I got Shape magazine yesterday. It was great. What wasn't so great was my attempt at the "Revolving Crescent." (It's a yoga move.) it includes lunging and twisting your upper body while holding your hands and arms in a prayer-like stance. Sounds easy, or so I thought.
It. Kicked. My. Arse.
I did it ONE time. I was supposed to do it three more times, before going to the next of FOUR moves, each of which I was supposed to do 4 times. If I REALLY wanted my butt kicked, I could also add a "Sun Salutation," inbetween EACH of the 4 moves, which itself has 11 moves. Eleven. I did one. My quads still hurt.
Yup. Yoga: 1. Ainsley: 0
This interesting? no.
I can't seem to be humorous or interesting AT. ALL. today. I've tried. I've got fodder. I ran into my ex yesterday. I should be able to write something in a humorous vein. Can I? no. As proven by the last eight sentances.
So I don't expect you to care about these blogs. I'm not sure I care about today's blogs!
So I don't expect you to care about these blogs. I'm not sure I care about today's blogs!
Thursday, December 2
Ode to Ken. Or Limerick. Whatever you like.
Departed is Jeopardy’s Ken
Shall we see him ever again?
A chick done him in
With no second win,
And away ran Alex’s Nielsen.
Shall we see him ever again?
A chick done him in
With no second win,
And away ran Alex’s Nielsen.
Tuesday, November 30
The FACE of the NFL?
Ugh. Sorry. I lived in Minneapolis/ St. Paul for almost 7 years. The sworn enemies of the Vikings are, of course, Brett Fahv-rah and the Packers. I'm a Viking Fan because of living there, and also dealing with obnoxious, displaced Packer fans.
And while Favre is admirable (you can't knock 12 seasons, no matter how much you reallyreallyreally want to), the commentators tonight are drooooollliiiinggg. ("Oh Brett Favre! It's Brett Favre! He hurt his Thumb! It's the biggest news of the 2003 season!")
Hopefully my use of italics expresses my utter disgust with the commentators.
You see, they just referred to Mr. Favre as "The Face of the NFL."
Could they just propose and get. it. over. with??! What would really be interesting is to count how many times the ABC commentators mention Favre during games he's not playing in. My guess would be "far more often than anyone could possibly care about."
And while Favre is admirable (you can't knock 12 seasons, no matter how much you reallyreallyreally want to), the commentators tonight are drooooollliiiinggg. ("Oh Brett Favre! It's Brett Favre! He hurt his Thumb! It's the biggest news of the 2003 season!")
Hopefully my use of italics expresses my utter disgust with the commentators.
You see, they just referred to Mr. Favre as "The Face of the NFL."
Could they just propose and get. it. over. with??! What would really be interesting is to count how many times the ABC commentators mention Favre during games he's not playing in. My guess would be "far more often than anyone could possibly care about."
Monday, November 29
Work
Today was one of the best days at work. At least, what I mean is, I had 5 full days away. And it took about that long for me to become rejuvenated about my job. To think about it as a refuge – a place to go to and “get things done.” Lately it’s been overwhelming, and so it’s nice to be in the middle of the holiday season, where it slows down a lot for me.
Family
We watched the worst movie. Worst in the “We don’t want to admit it was that bad to the guys sitting down here with us, but its so bad that the only redeeming value is the cute guy. Which is obviously why they cast him” way.
It was called “Boyfriend for Christmas” on the Hallmark Channel. The only truly funny moment associated with this movie came 3 days later, when my brother and I were talking about what he ought to do with his life. My advice was that he should seriously consider pursuing acting, with his life goal to act on the Hallmark channel.
His response (via IM): “hahha. Yeah. Right.”
It was called “Boyfriend for Christmas” on the Hallmark Channel. The only truly funny moment associated with this movie came 3 days later, when my brother and I were talking about what he ought to do with his life. My advice was that he should seriously consider pursuing acting, with his life goal to act on the Hallmark channel.
His response (via IM): “hahha. Yeah. Right.”
Music
U2's "How to dismantle an atomic bomb"
This review is one of the best I’ve read, ever. A Masterful job of conveying what is going on in the music, as well as spiritual application.
This review is one of the best I’ve read, ever. A Masterful job of conveying what is going on in the music, as well as spiritual application.
Monday, November 22
Live in Undivided Devotion to the Lord
Our pastor didn’t preach on Sunday; we had a guest. But the week prior, He spoke on being wholly devoted to the Lord. Paul, at first blush, sounds anti-marriage, anti-sex, anti-woman. At least, read through our present day eyes.
But, as Alfred pointed out, Paul was basically giving his opinion from his perspective. The truth within his opinion is that singles have a much less difficult time doing what they want, being independent and self-sufficient. A married woman has many more things that divert her attention than a single woman.
Our world doesn’t preach Paul’s opinion. Generally, It preaches that without a “partner*” you are either pursuing your career, have something seriously wrong with you, gay, or at the very least you’re doing a good job of hiding your unhappiness. And, the world is LOUD. Sometimes deafeningly so. And its not always unbelievers that preach the “World’s” opinion.
I cried for most of the end of Alfred’s sermon – he touched a nerve. I’ve wanted to be married to “Mr. Right” for a long time (see my joking list of “I hope he’s like this” that was started here) – I, along with the confidence of my friends, thought I would be the first one married out of just about everyone.
Interestingly, I’m one of the last. I can think of one college friend who isn’t married or concretely moving toward that place.
The non-coincidence of all of this is that, prior to Sunday, I had recently re-picked up a book (the title has started to bug me, actually). The title not withstanding, it is the single most encouraging book I own for this point in my life, and likely the best book I’ve read within its genre and length.
It reminds me repeatedly that it is not a mistake, the place that I am at right now. If I believe what I teach my Sunday school kids (God is all knowing, and controls all), I must preach, along with Paul, that the place I’m at is precisely where God wants me.
And the minute that I’ll need marriage to bring me to a higher place of sanctification (to be like Jesus), God will not hesitate.
This is what I trust, and cling to.
* this is the latest term that wigs me out. Spouse or Husband or Wife is far more concrete, which is exactly why those terms are on the way out.
But, as Alfred pointed out, Paul was basically giving his opinion from his perspective. The truth within his opinion is that singles have a much less difficult time doing what they want, being independent and self-sufficient. A married woman has many more things that divert her attention than a single woman.
Our world doesn’t preach Paul’s opinion. Generally, It preaches that without a “partner*” you are either pursuing your career, have something seriously wrong with you, gay, or at the very least you’re doing a good job of hiding your unhappiness. And, the world is LOUD. Sometimes deafeningly so. And its not always unbelievers that preach the “World’s” opinion.
I cried for most of the end of Alfred’s sermon – he touched a nerve. I’ve wanted to be married to “Mr. Right” for a long time (see my joking list of “I hope he’s like this” that was started here) – I, along with the confidence of my friends, thought I would be the first one married out of just about everyone.
Interestingly, I’m one of the last. I can think of one college friend who isn’t married or concretely moving toward that place.
The non-coincidence of all of this is that, prior to Sunday, I had recently re-picked up a book (the title has started to bug me, actually). The title not withstanding, it is the single most encouraging book I own for this point in my life, and likely the best book I’ve read within its genre and length.
It reminds me repeatedly that it is not a mistake, the place that I am at right now. If I believe what I teach my Sunday school kids (God is all knowing, and controls all), I must preach, along with Paul, that the place I’m at is precisely where God wants me.
And the minute that I’ll need marriage to bring me to a higher place of sanctification (to be like Jesus), God will not hesitate.
This is what I trust, and cling to.
* this is the latest term that wigs me out. Spouse or Husband or Wife is far more concrete, which is exactly why those terms are on the way out.
Best Part of...
Dogs rock. I don't own any, but I live with 3. They're the funniest dogs - mostly because they are all significantly not similar. The lab is black and HUGE - he just weighed in last week at 92 (NINETY! TWO!) pounds - and for those who are interested in my Bridget Jonesing, that's only 28 pounds lighter than me.
The other two are much smaller - one is 25 pounds, or thereabouts, and the other, 8 pounds. That One, the eight pounder, loves me. She's a little min pin, and as I was once a person who called dogs under 50 pounds "kick dogs," the fact that I enjoy her so thoroughly is a feat of gargantuan proportions.
The other is a Boston. A licky Boston. It is scientifically impossible to have a run-in with this dog without her DNA being in at least 7 places on your body, beyond the 4,583 places she tried to lick you and failed because you RAN. THE. OTHER. WAY.
The best part of my nights are returning to my basement dwelling from wherever I was during the day. 90% of the time, I come home far after my "landlords" have gone to bed, and the dogs sleep in their room. It's gotten cold recently, and the two mile trek from where I usually am to where my bed currently resides has become longer. Or maybe not long enough, cause my little ricer's heater doesn't warm up until the last two blocks.
But each night, when I come home, the Huge Lab is there, at the garage door, greeting me with those sweet sad eyes, making sure I'm ok. And though I'm not family, he looks as if to say, "I knew you were gone, and all is right, now that you're here."
Man and Basement-dweller's best, loyal friend.
The other two are much smaller - one is 25 pounds, or thereabouts, and the other, 8 pounds. That One, the eight pounder, loves me. She's a little min pin, and as I was once a person who called dogs under 50 pounds "kick dogs," the fact that I enjoy her so thoroughly is a feat of gargantuan proportions.
The other is a Boston. A licky Boston. It is scientifically impossible to have a run-in with this dog without her DNA being in at least 7 places on your body, beyond the 4,583 places she tried to lick you and failed because you RAN. THE. OTHER. WAY.
The best part of my nights are returning to my basement dwelling from wherever I was during the day. 90% of the time, I come home far after my "landlords" have gone to bed, and the dogs sleep in their room. It's gotten cold recently, and the two mile trek from where I usually am to where my bed currently resides has become longer. Or maybe not long enough, cause my little ricer's heater doesn't warm up until the last two blocks.
But each night, when I come home, the Huge Lab is there, at the garage door, greeting me with those sweet sad eyes, making sure I'm ok. And though I'm not family, he looks as if to say, "I knew you were gone, and all is right, now that you're here."
Man and Basement-dweller's best, loyal friend.
Sunday, November 21
who needs drugs?
just take your contacts out and put your much. stronger. glasses on.
Walking up the stairs sideways? yup, just put my glasses on.
Walking up the stairs sideways? yup, just put my glasses on.
Friday, November 19
TV
We just figured out how to hook it up so both the computer and the TV have a cable signal going to each. The problem? the computer's sound has a two-second delay, causing you to think the Computer is trying to annoy the TV by doing that childish-I'll-repeat-everything-you-say thing. Of course, we were watching the not so scary I Know What You Did Last Summer, so you might imagine why Mom and I were giggling at Jennifer "I paid big bucks for my" Love Hewitt.
In other news: Never underestimate the fun of the Spanish channel.
In other news: Never underestimate the fun of the Spanish channel.
Lest you doubt it, Yahoo Launch freaking Rocks!
In a moment of mystical star alignment, Launch played both “Dancing Queen” and “I Will Survive” within 5 minutes of each other. My life flashed before my eyes – well, at least my 23rd year.
Anthems, both, of the Onion and those girls that frequented it for it’s easily manipulated DJs, cheap (often free) drinks and fabulously attractive bouncers!
If they start into Violent Femmes, I’ll have no other choice but to buy ticket to the Cities.
Anthems, both, of the Onion and those girls that frequented it for it’s easily manipulated DJs, cheap (often free) drinks and fabulously attractive bouncers!
If they start into Violent Femmes, I’ll have no other choice but to buy ticket to the Cities.
Simplify
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
PR 1:2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
PR 1:3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
PR 1:4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.
Hmm. Simplify! This has been a “thing” for me for the last couple of months. I realize that I got myself tangled into debt. My life is a bunch simpler now, but only by God’s Grace. Hopefully I’ll learn those life lessons well and thoroughly.
These are my simplify choices:
· At some point during the day (preferably early morning), go outside to a place where there are the sounds of nature. For five minutes focus on the sounds and do some deep breathing. It will give you a boost of extra energy and clarity to carry you through your day.
· Make lunch for yourself at least three days a week instead of buying something expensive.
· Make your bed before you leave the house. If you work at home, make your bed as soon as you get up in the morning.
You-all can ask me how I’m doing. Self-accountability is far harder than anyone tells themselves.
Day 1 of 21.
PR 1:2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
PR 1:3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
PR 1:4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.
Hmm. Simplify! This has been a “thing” for me for the last couple of months. I realize that I got myself tangled into debt. My life is a bunch simpler now, but only by God’s Grace. Hopefully I’ll learn those life lessons well and thoroughly.
These are my simplify choices:
· At some point during the day (preferably early morning), go outside to a place where there are the sounds of nature. For five minutes focus on the sounds and do some deep breathing. It will give you a boost of extra energy and clarity to carry you through your day.
· Make lunch for yourself at least three days a week instead of buying something expensive.
· Make your bed before you leave the house. If you work at home, make your bed as soon as you get up in the morning.
You-all can ask me how I’m doing. Self-accountability is far harder than anyone tells themselves.
Day 1 of 21.
The Beautiful and Strange
(See poem-in-side-bar-for-which-this-unread-blog-is-named)
It bothered me that such a beautiful poem would end in such a strange way, so clearly bringing to mind the “Left Behind” books (Or as a one speaker called them, “The Hardy Boys take on the End Times!” Apologies to Mar and Britt – I know you both like that series!) What exactly does Armageddon have to do with expressing one’s self?
So, I rummaged through my dusty books, pulled out my college poetry class textbook, poured myself a cuppa joe, and sat in front of the fire for a long, nice, comfortable read.
OK, I went to Dictionary.com. The fluorescent lighting is killing my eyes, and I’m quite cold, actually. I keep trying to warm up by getting more coffee. The other version sounds a lot better.
So, the key understanding this poem? Ha! That language changes through the ages.
Dread: adj. Inspiring awe
Apocalypse: n. 3. A prophetic disclosure; a revelation.
Peeves, of the pet kind
My throat hurts. Whenever this happens, I freak out and wonder why I don’t keep my Vitamin C (with added zinc!!) with me as often as I do Ibuprofen. (“ah, ee-bee-pro-faeh-no. Uh, ya know, Aspirin?” ~ Juan Carlos Fererro). My mother will tell you I keep them both with me with the same regularity. That is, never.
AGGHHHHHH GRRRRRR!
I wore a dirty shirt to work today. On the sleeve cuff – some mysterious tomato based sauce.
This probably wouldn’t be a big deal to anyone else, but those who know me well will tell you – the most difficult part of the day is figuring out what I’m going to wear in the morning. I HATE it. With the fire of a thousand Novas.
To have a drop of my sister’s abilities in this area would revolutionize my life.
This probably wouldn’t be a big deal to anyone else, but those who know me well will tell you – the most difficult part of the day is figuring out what I’m going to wear in the morning. I HATE it. With the fire of a thousand Novas.
To have a drop of my sister’s abilities in this area would revolutionize my life.
Work
You gotta love coming into the office in the morning, and realizing you can delete all of the new messages in your email inbox. Which brings the number down to a miniscule 320!
Calvin and Hobbes? 29. Boss folder? 171. Emails from friends/family? 217.
Loser moment of the day–-Thinking: “Hmmm. I wonder if I can get those nametags printed by 9? Ooh! Let’s try!”
Calvin and Hobbes? 29. Boss folder? 171. Emails from friends/family? 217.
Loser moment of the day–-Thinking: “Hmmm. I wonder if I can get those nametags printed by 9? Ooh! Let’s try!”
Peeves, of the Pet kind
I would put a moratorium on talking in the morning. And by “morning” I mean, “if my brother were to be asleep at this point in time on a Saturday, it’s defined as ‘morning.’ So Stop. the talking!” Anytime the inhabitants of Earth would like to adhere to my imperial and obsessive desire that would be Just. Fine.
Thursday, November 18
Men
I want to marry a Scottish, Reformed, Military man. Added to that, the voice of Bono.
And yes, I'm fully aware that the laws of nature would dictate that he wouldn't look like Rob Lowe. I mean, really. Who then could possibly resist?
{cough.}
And yes, I'm fully aware that the laws of nature would dictate that he wouldn't look like Rob Lowe. I mean, really. Who then could possibly resist?
{cough.}
TV
Oh. My. Gosh.
The local news just did a piece on Kmart buying Sears. I know it was about that because of the internet. Also, my TV is on mute.
In all of their incredible insight, they chose a clip of a 20 something girl showing a lady of 40 or so the single. largest. bra. I've ever seen. Entire continents have been smaller.
As If we didn't already have generalizations seared into our heads...
The local news just did a piece on Kmart buying Sears. I know it was about that because of the internet. Also, my TV is on mute.
In all of their incredible insight, they chose a clip of a 20 something girl showing a lady of 40 or so the single. largest. bra. I've ever seen. Entire continents have been smaller.
As If we didn't already have generalizations seared into our heads...
Wednesday, November 17
TV
CJ Craig is the new Chief of staff. The West Wing has so jumped the shark.
It's obvious that I need to create a emoticon that shakes its head in disbelief and sorrow.
Edited To Say:
Also? The new little Media guru chick is a poor substitute for Ainsley Hayes, after whom she is obviously written. Only, instead of a smart, leggy Republican opposite Rob Lowe, they seem to think sparks might happen with Toby. Did I say jumped the shark? I meant, going down the crapper.
It's obvious that I need to create a emoticon that shakes its head in disbelief and sorrow.
Edited To Say:
Also? The new little Media guru chick is a poor substitute for Ainsley Hayes, after whom she is obviously written. Only, instead of a smart, leggy Republican opposite Rob Lowe, they seem to think sparks might happen with Toby. Did I say jumped the shark? I meant, going down the crapper.
Bridget Jonesing
I have to think that the author of Bridget Jones simply blogged for a while before publishing her "diary"/novel extrordinaire.
Honestly, because once you start doing this, most of what you think about posting revolves around the current-dieting-bad-habits-and-calorie-intake-obsessive-commentary running continuously through your head. And also wondering if it's remotely possible to make that interesting.
Honestly, because once you start doing this, most of what you think about posting revolves around the current-dieting-bad-habits-and-calorie-intake-obsessive-commentary running continuously through your head. And also wondering if it's remotely possible to make that interesting.
Work
Seriously. Am I the ONLY one who does this kind of job? ALL I want is software to generate a list of weekly things to do based on assigned dates on my already established to-do lists for each of the events I run. Is this REALLY so hard, Bill Gates? Dare I ask too much?
More: Does anyone else think she looks nekkid?
And still more: I should just buy some wedding software and hijack the lists. "Print invitations" will now equal "Print out nametags!"
More: Does anyone else think she looks nekkid?
And still more: I should just buy some wedding software and hijack the lists. "Print invitations" will now equal "Print out nametags!"
My Purpose (Blog related)
Ok, I know it’s boring, but did you have to call it cute?
Already I’ve had to edit it for content ("The voice in my head has always been my mother’s" – Lucy Kelson; Two Weeks Notice. Only this time it wasn’t in my head. It was sitting 10 feet from me). Once again, I fully understand that it is a boring weblog. Do you suppose we'll be able to survive the catastrophe that is this Blog? {Visions of The Day After Tomorrow danced in her head}
Already I’ve had to edit it for content ("The voice in my head has always been my mother’s" – Lucy Kelson; Two Weeks Notice. Only this time it wasn’t in my head. It was sitting 10 feet from me). Once again, I fully understand that it is a boring weblog. Do you suppose we'll be able to survive the catastrophe that is this Blog? {Visions of The Day After Tomorrow danced in her head}
Work (from yesterday)
Cubicles:
Bad: Beige walls of boredom.
Good: Enabling the eating Del Taco without looking like the slop that you are. Slurp Slurp.
Bad: Beige walls of boredom.
Good: Enabling the eating Del Taco without looking like the slop that you are. Slurp Slurp.
Walmart
Note to self: The self-check out lanes are only faster when Billy Jo Bob and Sally Sue aren't ahead of you.
My purpose
To clarify: This is not supposed to be a deep, thoughtful, intellectual blog. I'm really doing this because - well, the same reason anyone else blogs - they think what they have to say is interesting.
I fully expect that you, the only person reading this blog will find it boring.
However, if you want intellectual I highly recommend "Captive Thought"- a blog by Brian Mattson.
I fully expect that you, the only person reading this blog will find it boring.
However, if you want intellectual I highly recommend "Captive Thought"- a blog by Brian Mattson.
Cause you'll be impressed
Actually? Test, test, test, test test. {tap, tap} One, two three? Am I on?
Friends
I officially miss Marsha. Trae called last night, and tradition dictates that once I talk to one, I feel the desire to call the other. We’re a Friendship triangle - I’ve got my Tracey fix, but need my MarMar fix!
Speaking of – MARSHA! Send me some envelopes!!
Speaking of – MARSHA! Send me some envelopes!!
Tuesday, November 16
work
Today is a Slippers At Work day. Forget real shoes, or anything resembling professionalism. Slippers are on, and everyone ought to praise God - death (and the Grandpa look) is averted for many souls, for today anyway.
Monday, November 15
The Soul's Expression
With stammering lips and insufficient sound
I strive and struggle to deliver right
That music of my nature, day and night
With dream and thought and feeling interwound
And inly answering all the senses round
With octaves of a mystic depth and height
Which step out grandly to the infinite
From the dark edges of the sensual ground.
This song of soul I struggle to outbear
Through portals of the sense,
sublime and whole,
And utter all myself into the air:
But if I did it --as the thunder-roll
Breaks its own cloud, my flesh would perish there,
Before that dread apocalypse of soul.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
I strive and struggle to deliver right
That music of my nature, day and night
With dream and thought and feeling interwound
And inly answering all the senses round
With octaves of a mystic depth and height
Which step out grandly to the infinite
From the dark edges of the sensual ground.
This song of soul I struggle to outbear
Through portals of the sense,
sublime and whole,
And utter all myself into the air:
But if I did it --as the thunder-roll
Breaks its own cloud, my flesh would perish there,
Before that dread apocalypse of soul.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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