presence of God

Sermon Notes from The Salvage Yard on July 28, 2009

These fell out of my much-neglected devotional book today and reminded me of some heavenly insights...
Passage: Genesis 40
Character: Joseph's life after arriving in Egypt
Subject: The Presence of God
The story: The dream life of the cupbearer and the baker

Some thoughts:
- The presence of God on Joseph led to everything he touched being blessed.
- But- the presence of God in my life also means trials, temptation, and suffering.
- God allowed Joseph to interpret both dreams of the cupbearer and the baker. They were similar.
- The culture was spiritually aware, so dreams were used to communicate a message.
- GOD speaks to us in a way that shows we need each other.
- Joseph was doing everything right from the time he stepped in Egypt BUT everything was going wrong.
- Is the presence of God in my life worth it? Worth the uphill struggle? Because even people with incredible willpower will give up. BUT if I cultivate the presence of God in my life, I can keep going.
- Intimacy with God makes doing life worth it.

These thoughts were perfectly timed reminders that even when I am tempted to run off and sin, this would be forsaking the presence of God in my life. A friend named Katie reminded me a while ago that the fleeting pleasure of the world is not worth breaking my fellowship with God. My sinful actions would only bring pleasure for a moment, but sacrificing intimacy with God is never a risk worth taking.

put a little boogie in it

I took a brisk walk today along the beautiful bluff trail at Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve. A gorgeous slice of nature overlooking Lake Michigan just 1 mile down the road from my parent's casa. It was a dreary, gray day with a comfortable Fall air temperature, and it wasn't raining (or snowing for that matter). I walked and prayed and admired the smell of decaying leaves. I stopped to watch the small, subtle movements in the pond water to see if I could catch a glimpse of any frog eyes surfacing in the slightest to check out the human in his territory. I passed many pet owners on their usual animal walking route...some of them shuffling a long out of a sense of drudgery. I ended up sitting on a piece of smoothed-over driftwood on the edge of the Lake- just listening to the waves for a bit. It was therapeutically peaceful. It was at this point that I realized my tissue fell out of my pocket somewhere along the bluff path. I sighed and dabbed at my leaky nose with my hand. I entertained a random thought (I like to call this "sermon aftertaste") considering the meaning of worship and how it works with the word "worthship" before heading back up the bluff.
I spent the remainder of the walk grabbing invisible spider webs off my face and thinking to myself, "I was just here like 15 minutes ago. How could the spiders have reloaded and jumped back n forth between these trees THIS MANY TIMES?!" I was nearing the end of my hike when I suddenly had a large sneeze...probably that crazy spider web stuff triggered the ol' sneeze. Just then, I looked down and to my delight & surprise I had happened upon my half-used tissue nestled in the wood chip bed.
This was providence.
And a good start to the day.
I reached down and used it, then promptly found the trash.
.......................................................................................The End

new kid on the block

i write as the accordion & trumpet dronings of DeVotchKa play on in the background. I appreciate inspiring tunes.

The overly friendly cooks at my new job (the BC) keep asking me if I'm from Chicago.
(Apparently, it is not unusual for employees to travel between Milwaukee and Chicago accounts. I find this ludicrous as the constant traffic in combination with my road rage would eventually get me committed.) Secretly, I find it quite flattering that I don't seem like a Milwaukee-ite to the outside world. I think I'm urban Minnesotan at my core. That's when I discovered the grand world outside of my mid-size suburban life. The comments got me thinking, though. Perhaps I will never find a way to fit in around here and be totally at peace. Does Chicago beckon my name?

How am I doing these days?
I'm confused.
I'm homesick.
I feel lost.
It doesn't seem like God is around.

This is just me writing openly, honestly. Some might criticize my apparent doubt. But relax people, it's just a feeling. I know we're not suppose to trust those. I can give you the correct theological counterpoint til I'm blue in the face, but just let me say what I feel. Okay?

Even though I don't sense God around, I know His fingerprints have been showing up in my life. He's provided two jobs for me. I've met some intriguing people...even a guy named Bryan who is a woman named Asia by night. God has been providing for my needs day by day. I'm fortunate to have two parents who are willing to put up with me- for as long as I need to stay. Not to mention, the amazing support Emili and Jon have been in my life. Their friendship and proximity after 6 years of distance are gifts to me. I do have some kickbutt brothers and sisters around here too ( Jennifer & Andy, Timothy, Danny & Desiree).

It reminds me of a Christian Living book I read one time Far From Home by Joseph Stowell. In it, the author writes something to this effect, Our heart will never be truly at rest until it is at home with the Lord. I know I'm only 25, but I think I'm ready to die now. Living life is too hard. There are too many decisions. Too much confusion. Relational strain and stress to deal with all the time. I'm over it.
Then I'm reminded of the Apostle Paul and how much he desired to be at home with the Lord but he asked God to keep him on earth to be used as long as God needed him. He went through some pretty tough stuff, and God kept bringing him through. Guess he wasn't finished with old Paul, yet.
Or what about that Rachel girl from Columbine. She asked God to use her life for His glory, and God allowed Rachel's death to be the influence and example to millions of people.

What we do in life echos throughout eternity. I like that quote from Gladiator. No matter whether you last a long time or get to exit planet earth well before your prime- the impact of one life focused on Christ is potentially life changing.

Well, this blog certainly ended differently than I thought it would. Funny how a steady stream of thoughts when followed sequentially leads to a different conclusion.

morphing power

Many people have asked how Josh and I's relationship is going since we live in the same state now. I could say so much! It continues to morph and change in so many different ways as God keeps working in both our lives.

I usually just simplify it and tell people, "It's very different!" That isn't a bad thing. I think a relationship done primarily long distance can only grow so much by phone. Even when we did get to see each other every 6-8 weeks- there was pressure to maximize the time together because of the 15-20 hour window in a weekend. Just as quickly as I came into town, I was leaving. Our relationship felt very much like a dream at times. I found myself questioning, "Is this REAL? Does this guy with a beautiful heart really exist?" I was happy/nervous to end the 9 months of long distance + move closer. But the strangest thing is that even though I'm about 300 miles closer to Josh- the remaining 27 miles between us is maddening. I still feel far away. It still feels like a long distance relationship...but it's not.

Isn't that so human?
We're rarely satisfied with the things in the present.

And so, the nights I leave his house, I try to remind myself of how it used to be and how good we have it now. And the words of my mother (and every other close, wise woman friend) come floating through my head...
"Enjoy the season you're in."
(I sigh to myself on the drive.)
And focus on thanking God for the now.

Oz and Lucky 12

I begin this blog with the exhale of a deep breathe. Oxygen is good for the brain. In the words of Dorothy, "We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto." Oh how well Dorothy expressed my emotion to a little dog with long bangs. Sometimes life just takes us places we never could have imagined. We don't remember exactly how we got there, but we fall asleep and wake up in a land filled with magical colors, little people, and a witch with striped socks. *Kerplop* Here I am.
Allow me to personalize how my life is like the Wizard of Oz:
1. My plain black-and-white life begins to feel boring, and I wonder if just maybe I'm missing out on something.
2. The mean lady tries to make my life difficult and intolerable. ("The mean lady" defined as people, things, situations, change.)
3. I secretly wish to fall asleep and wake up in a brand new life away from the present struggles.
4. I do. Suddenly, change happens swiftly and entirely in a grandiose way. I am delighted, yet slightly confused by the sensory overload.
5. Even after meeting Glenda, the good witch, and being bedazzled by her glittery gown... I still feel completely out of my element.
6. Some nice friends join me on the stroll down the yellow brick road. We all have our weaknesses, but we seem to make it together. Even though I try to wander off on my own, and I fail- the friends catch up to me and save my patooty.
7. Bad stuff tries to prevent my progress and swoops down out of the sky. I get "caught up" for a while...even getting trapped in a castle, but my friends eventually rescue me. And the wicked witch melts with one little bucket of water. (Arguably, way too easy of a death for something so threatening.)
8. Right now, I'm just trying to get past the poppy field. Those crazy, gaseous poppies are trying to put me to sleep. I'm getting more sleepy with every step, and the colors are intoxicating. Seems easier to lie down & take a snooze...and press on another day.
9. I imagine just as I have overcome the obstacles before with the help of (God and) my friends, I will eventually reach the Emerald City and sweet talk my way past the gate keeper.
10. There I will see the horses that remind me of my grandma's old skool Christmas tree, and I will get a makeover. I'm hoping this little parallel has to do with a total makeover to my attitude and character and life in general. Because, those things have pretty much bit the big one.
11. Balloon man will leave without me.
12. But I'll be okay because of the crazy ruby slippers. I have had the thing I needed to get back "home" the whole time. But I've been so caught up in everything happening to me, having false hope in the Great and Powerful Oz that I've neglected to see the reality and the helping hand that God has been offering to me the whole time.

Self sufficiency, man. Why can't I just get over myself and let God do His thang? I'll tell you why- because I'm human. I fail. I surrender, and I take back. I doubt, and I cry my eyes out. But God keeps tilting my head back and making me look Him in the face. But I'll tell ya, even though I'm stuck in the intoxicating poppy field right now, I'm excited to know- when all this is done- I'm gonna click my heels and be able to say, "There's no place like home. There's no place like home." ...the arms of the Father IS my home. No matter what my mailing address is.

movers and shakers

I'm about ready to throw a computer out the window. I want to upload pictures to share on here and on facebook, but nothing seems to be working for me today. Curses.

Well, it's official. I have been relocated to Grafton, WI, for about one week now. Alot of people have been asking me how it's going. Hmm. I always stop to consider the question in that moment because quite honestly it changes minute-by-minute sometimes.
I miss-
1. my friends in Minnesota.
2. my radio station- The Current.
3. working two jobs. (At this point, I'll take just ONE job- that'd be nice.)
4. Super Target...one stop shopping
5. having my own tv whenever i want to use it.
6. my rent-a-dog Scooter. (That crazy, senile pooch got to my heart.)
7. eating big lunches & small dinners.
8. FREEWAYS! I'm relearning to drive by paying attention to the speed limit signs because there are seriously small town cops lurking around every corner.
9. high speed internet without time restrictions. (thank you northwestern)
10. unique people wearing unique clothes with unique tattoos and piercings.

But being here... has it's perks.
I enjoy-
1. seeing Josh every other day or so. Knowing he's only a 30 minute car ride away brings joy 7 relief to my heart.
2. spending time with my family members even though it seeems that the pace of their lives has definitely picked up since I lived here last. (Not hard to do- since it's been quite a few years.)
3. the option in my day to take my 7 yr old nephew and 2 yr old niece to the park for a picnic lunch if I want to.
4. helping my mom with household tasks (ex. hanging laundry on the line, cleaning the kitchen)
5. my sister bringing me free lattes which she made at home.
6. being near Lake Michigan again.
7. having Emili and Michelle up the road or down the freeway. : )
8. running into old friends at the coffee shop and catching up on life.
9. church shopping. Can you believe it? I have one week under my belt, and I have found it to be quite enlightening as each body of believers is sure to have its defining qualities.
10. discovering all the ministries reaching out to milwaukee. Glad to know outreach is happening to the 8th poorest city in the nation.

Still a mix of emotions regarding this decision, but I'm reminded of God's words to me which brought me here. My friends (wherever they are) have been an encouragement to me as well. And so, I breathe in & out another double sigh and gear up for the next thing....whatever that is.

goodbye minnie

Here I am again.
Sorry for the absence. It was not intentional, by any means. Blogging just isn't high on the priority list. There's been alot going on...
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7 years
5 homes
1 bachelor degree
1 speeding ticket
4 parking tickets
3 boyfriends
Countless harsh winter days
3 cars (that's right, count 'em)
A dozen or so weddings
... and it's time to leave Minnesota. :-(

Sniffle, tear*
The time has come for me to again uproot and relocate. This time back to the motherland that flows with milk & cheese. While I'm ready for the change, the number of goodbyes seem to be endless. Much love and many tears have been exchanged- only to ease the loss for a moment with a hug. I bustle from dinner date, to pool party, to lunch, to coffee, to Farewell Party...all the while my little bottom dwelling home gets packed up in the wee hours of the night little-by-little. Spaces and shelves clearing off, things being trashed that haven't been touched or used in 2+ years.

There is a season for everything under the sun...

the case of the Angela's

I stumbled upon an old childhood friend some time ago. Maybe some of you with Covered Bridge roots remember her- Angela Joyce. We use to be good friends back in the days of navy blue jumpers and patriotic programs. She friended me on facebook which is when I discovered she's in Arizona trying to make it big with a singing career. There was no doubt in my mind that one day that concert pianist would succeed musically. She had hardcore talent at 9 years old- probably had something to do with her rigorous piano training from the Russian lady. She just recorded her first album in L.A. I'm pretty sure she writes all her music and plays it too. You can hear some of her music at: www.myspace.com/thesoundofangelajoyce

Real potential, yo.

My other friend Angela Thomas taught me one of life's greatest music lessons. Listen to the whole song before critiquing it. Then ask yourself, can you imagine this being played on The Current? Does this artist bring a different sound than anything that's out there? Even if the lyrics are crap, do they have a unique image? Changed my life. Thanks A*

tick tock, diddly dee

My blogging activity has slowed down considerably these days. I would definintely blog more if I joined the millions of Americans and invested in my own personal MAC or PC. But alas, that requires a certain amount of cash flow which is unavailable at this time. Another funny thing is I'm probably the last girl who goes running with her cd-walkman. But you know what? I've heard countless stories about ipods that crash or break after just two years. I've had my trusty cd-walkman for 7 years, I think. As technology advances and adds all those superb features, there's more stuff that can go wrong in the microchip brain.

Clocks. Maybe I'm a dork, but I think programming clocks to read correctly is kind of fun. I enjoy this activity at the start and end of daylight savings time. (maybe for the 30 seconds of entertainment it provides or maybe it's the humorous childhood memory it evokes of dad traipsing around the house at midnight in his pajamas to fix the clocks before he goes to bed...he took much pride in this bi-annual task) But what confuses me is people who seem to love clocks but don't take care of fixing the time. For example, the other day I was cleaning the house (as part of my rental duties) and I was kind of in a time crunch. I just wanted to glance at a clock to see how I was doing time-wise. I kid you not, I looked at 6 clocks in the room before I found one that actually displayed the correct time. I guess my thoughts are- if you aren't going to program your clocks just pack them away or sell them- whatever- 'cause otherwise it's just something extra for me to dust.

Visitation. I'm gettin' pretty pumped 'cause Michelle and Caitlin, two of my closest friends from junior high & up are coming to visit me in 2 weeks! It's not quite girls weekend b/c my bestest friend Emili can't make the trip due to responsibilities back in Belgium. (Not the country, folks- the town in Wisconsin that's a corn island...almost every way into town is surrounded by corn fields) But at least 3 of the 4 ACE High girls will be together enjoying each others company. What to do... I want to take them to Movie in the Park, maybe go to The Dakota Jazz club or The Fineline Music Cafe, and Caitlin needs to shop at Heartbreaker in Uptown (they have scarves galore & she love, love, LOVES scarves).

This just in--> Josh might be coming up to visit in the next couple of weeks too! Otherwise we'd have 53 days in between seeing each other and that's entirely too long. There's a large tribe of people who want to meet him still, so I'll have to make some arrangements while he stays in the Twin Cities. It will be spectacular to spend time with him here on my "stomping grounds".

bite-size faith cheerios

I've been thinking about FAITH lately. Turns out- it's complex, yet simple. As I journaled about this the other night, I realized there are several other basics that get paired with a healthy faith.

For example, surrender.

You can't have a strong faith without surrender.

And it's not just a one time deal- you get to keep practicing surrender with your faith 'cause as crazy, fallen humans we keep taking the control away from God. We keep falling into this grand illusion that somehow our way is better, easier, more manageable because it takes the mystery of how God will choose to work out of the Faith equation.

Then there is the arch nemesis of faith- doubt. Except for doubt could also be the greatest allie to faith. You see, doubt can either spiral you deep down and make you lose your faith completely.

OR

It can be the element that makes you think critically about faith- test it and find that it makes faith emerge stronger, brighter, bolder than ever before. Thus becoming the element you needed to get your rear in gear and put some muscle to that anorexic faith.

See? Tricky.

Anyway- it made me see in a fresh way how much we need the truth of Scripture in our hearts. It's in those moments of doubt and lack of surrender that we are reminded by the Holy Spirit's prompting what IS truth. He is so good to remind us of those things when we begin to sink into ourselves. We/I am so unworthy; but it doesn't matter. He goes to search us out again & again and bring us back into his safe pasture.

This is the great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that we serve. Someone who searches us out when we carelessly wander away from safe pasture. He is worthy of all power and glory forever and ever. Amen.

grocery stores and cowbell

I was overcome last night by cravings. Food cravings of the grandest sort. It was 10:37pm and I wanted a grapefruit. And Muenster cheese.

Before you knew it, I was walking through Byerly's (lovingly referred to as the CARPETED grocery store), in my pajamas. I located the grapefruit- chose the roundest one and headed for the Dairy section. There I located the deliciousness known as Muenster. No other cheese would do. That's what I wanted. A smile of satisfaction crept across my face, and I pranced out of the grocery store one very happy woman. Thus is the freedom of a single lady with a car.

*****************************************

I love songs that use a cowbell. There's something very distinct and quirky about this instrument. I immediately begin to picture Will Ferrell make a fool out of himself- pounding on the cowbell in one memorable SNL skit. Immediate smile.

orange julius

Paco & his bag of chips- I was walking by a fast food place the other day when I noticed this man standing around & behind the building- probably on break. I watched him as he glanced to and fro- upon determining (inaccurately, i might add) that he was not being watched- he took the last crumbly bits hand full of chips and shoved them in his mouth like he was in some kind of Crumbly Chip Eating Contest. It was kinda funny. I smiled to myself and kept walking.

Smooth talker- There's this coworker from another office who calls me sometimes and keeps asking me to talk like radio syndicated host Delilah. She says I have a very nice phone voice. It's calming. Perhaps I should start my own radio show and give people crap advice and play cheesy, older-than-dirt songs to fit the listener mood.

Kodak moments- Organization is sweet. In preparation for relocating my home, I decided to buy some photo albums and put all the pictures that were still in their nice little red photo packets into a book. It took me a long time because there's always the random pictures you stumble upon through the picture piles that should have been in the book on page 5-12, but now you're on page 60. My Type A tendencies finally began to diminish about hour 3 into the project. I finally just created a Randoms photo album. It's very representative of my life, so I'm not too bothered by it. Overall, I'd say it was fun and relaxing and a jont down memory lane. Things I had forgotten that I'd done or experienced. But it was mostly weird because I could remember the exact emotion and moment of the picture taking day. Memory is quite sci-fi.

Husband and Wife Forevah- So, my little brother is going to pledge his love & devotion forever to Desiree this weekend. (Side note: When she tells you to remember the spelling of her name as "It's spelled like desire, but then add an 'e'." ...don't laugh. She really is quite serious about this little memory trick.) Jennifer and I will help with the decorations and have a grand ol' time, I'm sure. More details and pictures on this post-wedding.

Sales calls- Don't ever respond with interest to those auto glass people over the phone. They start to stalk you and not leave you voicemails. Instead, they choose to call every hour until you answer (even if you tell them to leave a message). Seething annoyance begins to rise. What began as a mere curiousity in auto glass coverage turns into being forced to replace a windshield (that really wasn't bothering you very much at all). Lame.

The End.

heavy metal screaming encore

ARRRRRRgh. Smeesh. Blah.

I have not been in the highest of spirits lately. So many thoughts buzzing in my brain. So many things to do. Worry begins to creep in, and I realize I'm doubting God's timeframe.

I just want to get out. I wanna be done and move on with my life. I wanna kiss it all goodbye and not have to deal with stupid "politics". Run--> my natural response to unpleasantness.

This is transition time for me- in so many different areas. A general sense of uneasiness, impatience, and bad attitude pervade my days. I don't like it very much. In fact, I try to pray it all away- but it doesn't work all the time. I feel like such a downer. Then I just want to isolate myself and protect everyone around me from "catching" my mopiness. (Is that even a word? It is today, i guess) Panic tries to creep in as unending, undetermined future spans beyond the horizon.

I have a headache.

*sigh*

stupid adulthood. i curse the day you arrived.

A poem:

wild and free i use to be

coffee and friends abound;

now i'm alone with no one at home

and question marks speckle the room.

The End

(I never said it was good)

David has words.

I was reminded of this passage today and thought I'd share it with my faithful readers.

Psalm 27
A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
4 The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. 5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. 6 Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.
7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! 8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” 9 Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! 10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
11 Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. 12 Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. 13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

this one is for the fans

Much has transpired throughout the last couple weeks. Some of it I won't write about because the ambiguous "they" say- it's not a good idea to write about anything you wouldn't want the whole world to have access too.

("Everybody is kung fu fighting! Fast as lightning...")

I spent a lovely Memorial Day weekend at camp with the family. Well, part of the family anyway... Mom, Dad, Timothy, & Jotham. Is it bad that I really don't feel like being friendly and meeting new people when I'm there? I just get tired of meeting people and being forced into shallow conversation. I'd rather give my family the time & attention I usually can't (due to distance), & catch up with the old friends that inevitably cross my path when I'm at CFS. Timothy & I took a canoe out on the lake and we paddled out to the giant underwater rock in honor of Emili. I try to do that when I'm there- have a moment with the rock on her behalf. Timothy says he's never seen the rock before- I think he's taking crazy pills. Pretty sure he has.

Jotham & I also spent time floating around the lake via canoe. (Can you tell that I prefer them?) He kept wanting to approach the shore so he could see down to the bottom. He started pointing out different pieces of coral. Without crushing his little spirit, I tried to explain that there is no coral in Central Wisconsin freshwater lakes. He also showed me the spots that pirates probably left buried, soggy treasure. This time, I just listened and smiled. Imagination is a beautiful thing.

After going to a camp for so long, all mom & I are really interested in is beach time. Sure, we do the courtesy walk around & see the mini-farm, archery, & air rifles....but we always end up back at the beach- soaking up solar Vitamin D. In my opinion, all good vacations should involve a beach.

Following the holiday weekend, I was able to head home to Wisconi & spend a few days with the boyfriend, Josh. I have been withholding this important information from public forums because I wanted him to meet mom & dad first. Now that we can check the Meet & Greet off the list- I may write more about him in my blogs. (Even though he's kind of anti-blog. Not sure why- as I appreciate it for the artistic expression. To each his own, i suppose.)

Josh asked me what I wanted to do this summer together. I told him (with great exuberance, I might add)... I WANNA RIDE ROLLERCOASTERS! So, we planned a trip to Six Flags Great America with my big bro, Timothy, & Josh's sidekick, Paul. Upon arriving in the theme park, we all decided to conquer the Giant Drop first since we dislike this ride the most. We did it, but I gotta say there were a few of us squirming in our seats and whining like babies as the ride lifted us higher & higher into the air- relief was found as we all screamed like school girls when the ride dropped us several stories down to the ground.

We decided to ride The Raging Bull 'coaster next- upon entering the waiting line corral...I was informed purses were no longer allowed on most of the rollercoaster rides. (A cheap ploy by Six Flags management to eek yet another buck out of you for choosing their overpriced theme park.)

This is when St. Michael appeared out of the masses & offered us the sweetest deal of the day. He will hold my purse if we want to take a free, hour long VIP tour of Six Flags...take us straight to the front of the lines on 5 rollercoasters & let us pick whatever seat we want. Yes, thank you, I will take the front row. What a wonderful & unexpected surprise...thanks to my purple parcel & St. Michael.

(Warning: Before you choose to ride 5 of the most extreme rollercoasters in an hour, it's always good to consider the effect it may have on your stomach. I'm not gonna say who- but someone's stomach didn't hold very well & it was not a pretty color coming up & out.)

It was a great day. We left the park with a great deal of accomplishment knowing we had conquered all the coasters.

Think I'm gonna end it here... sure there were many other things that happened over the week- Espresso by Jennifer, Em & Mel's Coffee Tales, & QT with dear, ol' dad. But, I haven't even started the task I came to the library to accomplish.

Love to you all* :)

eek- ugh- ouch

Oh poor baby finger... you'll be back to yourself real soon.

sooo i sprained my little pinkie finger yesterday. WHO KNEW it would hurt to move your whole hand when the littlest appendage is black & blue & swollen?! I created a makeshift finger splint to hold the finger straight & in place with two large paperclips and adhesive tape.

I thought it would be a really cool idea to try to swing one of my legs over to dismount from the bike when it was still moving. Miscalculating the amount of space needed to accomplish such a maneuver, i lost my balance a little bit and hit my hand really hard on a car side mirror. I do not recommend trying this bicycle trick if 1.) You haven't ridden a bike in a long time. 2.) You're borrowing the bike from someone who is taller then you- thus requiring more balance to stay on.

I secretly have always wanted to sprain a finger, so I count this as an exciting day in my life. One more thing to check off the Life To Do List.

Better go change out my ice pack...

thinking about my arm fanny

Saturday May 16th

Began at 6:30AM...had to get up and be in St Paul at Como Lake Park by 7AM. It was freeezing! We got all set up for the Walk for Life. The masses of people came, registered, & conquerored the 2 mile route around the beautiful, but windy & chilly lake path.

Spent a couple hours riding a bike around the community of Lauderdale surveying the community garage sales. I found & purchased:

- 1 like-new pair of jeans (i'm obsessed, i know)

- New pillar candles (The happy newlyweds tried to sell me their glass votives for displaying too)

- 1 little red backpack for BeAcH DaYs this summer

Also-

* The neighbors are very friendly, as it turns out. I don't know how successful the sales went for everyone because there are many "Free" piles in front of the neighbor's houses this week.

* I ran into a friend from Camp Forest Springs. She was sitting at her friend's yard sale. We chatted it up for quite some time.

* Many people commented on my wrist fanny pack which I have had since I was like 4 yrs old. This is a practical item for any person who plans to garage sale, bike ride, visit amusement parks, or just have a convenient, socially acceptable spot to stash some cash. (Apparently- caring cash in a bra strap is gross to some people...or just plain trampy.)

Enjoyed a 2-hr nap in my cozy, dark nook-of-a-basement.

Went to work at Carlson. Encountered a crazy wedding crowd who liked breaking glassware a little too much and had trailer-trash tendencies. Gave a stranded co-worker a ride home & came all the way back to Minnetonka to closeout the shift. So tired...

St Paul Club reception

Katie & I went to Jill & Jimmy's wedding reception on Friday night. Jill looked gorgeous in a simple off-white dress that had a classic drapery look. Jimmy was quite peaceful, and insisted that Katie & I stay to dance longer... so we did. The overall crowd was dressed in classic, hot-rod fashion with a hint of vintage appeal. Very eclectic. The "Hot Rod gang" broke out into some swing dancing.

I kept wanting to call the happy couple- Jilly and Jim.

Katie & I decided to entertain ourselves during the boring songs.
Please notice my wicked, sweet shoes. (That's the point of this shot)

duck... duck... no goose

FRIDAY! FRIDAY! FRIIIIIDAAAAAY!!!!

It has arrived, people. And there was great rejoicing in the land.

Don't know why I'm so excited since I work everyday this weekend, BUT- i am.

Lately, I have been feeling like Ace Ventura in Ace Ventura 2: The Call of Nature or Evan Almighty in Evan Almighty. All God's creatures are flocking to me. Starting with the duck. I think I blogged about that already, maybe? (Oh dear, I need ginkgo)

- To recap: the duck in the peaceful pond dive-bombed me when I walked out my house one morning recently.

- This GIANT brown centipede with long spindly legs fell out of the ceiling when I was on the phone with Josh. Very scary. I had to supress my gag reflex, lift foot, press down firmly. Eww.

- There were these two silverfish insects hiding behind some of my stuff. They dashed super fast in opposite directions when I surprisingly came upon them. But I used my cat-like reflexes to kill them both with one foul swoop of the tissue.

- Wednesday AM- moth in shower. Thursday AM- moth in shower. Friday AM- moth in shower. What the crap? Where are these furry flying creatures coming from?

- Squirrel hanging out by my car this morning eating his breakfast.

- Mama ducks with ducklings running through 4 lanes of freeway traffic. So sad. I like ducks.

uninspired title

I've been running around like a crazy person these days. There's always some place to go and someone to see. In the midst of all that, I finished Project Runway season 4 (courtesy of Netflix). That's right people, I started up my netflix again. Anxiously awaiting the May 19th release of Friday Night Lights (Season 3?)--> whatever the next one is. Such a good show...highly recommend.

But, I think I hit it. The part in adulthood when life begins to feel routine. I despise routine. I try to pretend like life isn't a routine by seeing different people & doing different things- but each day always starts the same way. I wake up to a double alarm- utilize the snooze feature at least 4 times. (it's getting bad, i know) Disgruntlingly get out of bed and start my coffee maker as I drag myself to the shower. Eyes closed or slightly cracked to see where I'm going. Shield my face against the horribly awful growing lights now illuminating the laundry room part of my basement to mindblowingly inappropriate brightness. (ask me how i really feel...ha) Most of you know how I feel about light in the morning... I can feel the wave of rage begin to rise. Anywho- I shower. Barely managing to open my eyes by the end. Brush teeth, dry hair, makeup, lotion, clothes, coffee, pack lunch, run out the door to inevitable lateness. Argh. Stupid routine. I wanna blow it all off- sleep in, NOT shower, and go lay on the beach for the day.

Dear Summer,

Please come soon. Bring me lots of days with clear skies and bright sun.

Please make me tan.

Your Friend, melody
*

My optimism is tired today. The constant self-disciplined reminder to be thankful I have a job. That I can work extra hours for a little while. Dependable car (knock on wood). Clothes to wear. Food to eat. Church I love. Cell phone to stay connected. *deep sigh* I know, okay? Can you just let me complain for a moment? That'd be great. Thanks.

gold nugget

Found this little nugget of wisdom yesterday in something I was reading...

With God's anointing, there is...

- supernatural power

- unmistakeable boldness

- undeniable authority

- unquestionable effectiveness

leader of the pack

My rent-a-dog, Scooter, checks out his cousin Lola.

This picture makes Scooter look gigantic, but he's a small, little poodle.

Becca and I decided to share a Hawaiian Pizza at California Pizza Kitchen.

How appropriate, since she's FROM Canada.

(She said the ham definitely tasted Canadian.)

A few of my youth group girlies!

They're SENIORS!

(Stephanie, Becca, Alyssa)

*

I've been helping in the Grace Church Roseville youth group for three years now. I've been able to keep building my relationship with the same girls. It's been quite an experience! Who I am now is SO different from when I started. My identity has been re-shaped and re-formed just as much as my crazy 16-18 year olds.

*

Jake, the student director, sent this verse to each of the leaders...

Hebrews 6:9-12 Yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

*

I will be attending a few grad parties this summer and sending my girlies off into the world- hoping & praying that they stay strong & keep growing in their faith. I sure will miss seeing them on a regular basis, but I'm excited for the next stage of college life that they get to experience. And, as many of you know, there is no way to prepare someone for college life. All the life lessons waiting for them are painful, but so worth the journey. I pray that their eyes are opened to new & bigger realities about Christ's love & sacrifice for each of them.

*

My favorite thing about working with Sr High is I get to be crazy & act immature & go on youth events with them & just do life. I like that. I like to see them grow & change. It's exciting to be apart of someone's life like that. The part that gives me the most anxiety was how much they look up to me. I'm just one girl- who definitely doesn't have it all together. Sometimes they think being an adult is easy & I have it all figured out. I don't. I have no clue what I'm doing most of the time. It's in those moments that it's good to show some humanity to them. Share some fears and weaknesses and pray for God's help. Anyways, I hope you can tell I care very much for my girlies. We've learned alot from each other.

*

obscure and unrelated snippits

These are just a few of the thoughts that have trickled through my brain this week. You know when you're riding next to me in the car, and I smurk. I might be having a random thought like this, or I might not be thinking anything at all. ('Cause I'm tricky like that.)
1. I got a tetanus/whooping cough shot three days ago and my arm still hurts.
2. Overgeneralization in progress: I've decided people who shop at Walmart move SO SLOW. Why is this? I mean, compared to the fast paced Target shopper there is a difference.
3. As far as lunch goes, I made a bold switch to turkey instead of ham. Ham seems very winter-ish to me. I'm all about the Spring theme right now.
4. My armpits leak when I am cold. It's not smelly and I wear deodorant, but they still leak. Sometimes just one. I'm happy to say I'm not a freak of society, in fact- this happens to many women.
5. I really hate clutter. Especially the stuff that falls into the 'We'll-keep-this-extra-thing-just-in-case-the-other-one-goes' category. Seriously, keep the nicer one and just GET RID OF THE CLUTTER.
6. Garage sales are nice. Estate sales are better.
7. We burned boxes representing our sins after youth group last night. The firepit was in a medium sized, fenced in area that looked like a giant kitty litter box.
8. Someday I think I will write funny things with a Sharpie all over the stuff in someone's fridge. That way, they'll be smiling for alot of days.
9. I got in trouble at church last night with one of my 12th graders for bodysurfacing down the hall on wheely seats. Grownups spoil all the fun.
10. I've been easily startled, disoriented, and dizzy these days. Sorta feels like having my head in a cloud when allergies attack.
11. Today my playlist includes: Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen, Love Me Two Times by The Doors, Paint it Black by The Rolling Stones, For No One by The Beatles.
12. People waste alot of time in the day by using the bathroom facilities.
13. I have good ovaries, doc says.
14. Why do things magically fix themselves once you get it to the store and begin explaining the problem to the Customer Service people? It sure makes a person look dumb.
15. My alligator Chia pet is growing to mammoth-sized proportions.

I want a gun.

I'm not the type that is outspoken about my political preferences... but I saw this on a bumper sticker the other day, and I really liked it.
I'll keep my guns, freedom, and money- you can keep the "change"!

Also- there is an elementary school in St Paul trying to change it's name to Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary. (http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2009/04/10/7982/daily_glean_will_st_paul_school_be_states_first_named_for_obama)
Ridiculous. The man has only been in office 100+ days and hasn't done anything noteworthy yet.

Cue song...
"Some trust in government, I trust in the name of the Lord my God."

headline: church stolen

I started reading a new book yesterday. One of the volunteers at New Life suggested it. It is a fictitous story about real life reactions to the changing church movement. One point that has stood out to me already is the author's reference to how Jesus interacted with the church in his day. They tried to reduce church to a building that you attended. Jesus challenged the religious thought of his day by repetively showing them 'the church' is people. It's not about what building you come to or what the order of service is or whether you sing hymns or praise songs.

There is a strong movement these days to raise up church communities. That is, a group of Christian people who gather in intentional community to study Scripture and be discipled in their faith. But it doesn't end there, they also make a committment to God and each other to be intentional about interacting with strangers and non-Christians outside of the church group. Sometimes, these intentional communities will start Community Homes to live together and minister to their neighborhoods. I have seen or heard of these community church groups in small pockets from San Diego to Seattle to Minneapolis. Apparently, this Biblical concept is spreading like wild fire. If you think about it, this goes back to the roots of the Christian church. Jesus' disciples would proclaim the Truth of Christ in groups of people in homes, the catacombs, or in outside arenas. Much of this was due to persecution or just not having the money to build large and impressive looking church buildings. In fact, building impressive looking structures was a common practice among pagans in order to appease the god they wanted favor with. It's no wonder that Jesus' disciples met in small groups that could come and be fed spiritually, and then share the Truth with their friends and neighbors.

I have long struggled with this idea of getting non-Christians into our church buildings. If I didn't know anyone in the church that I drive by everyday, what would make me want to step foot through the door? A whole lot of self-motivation and desperate seeking. Not too many Americans have this compulsion. What a convicting point for me to dwell upon. Always be ready to engage with whoever crosses your path to share the love of Christ. Don't get stuck in the "Christian club" rut of working with Christians, going to my Christian church, hanging out with my Christian friends, listening to my Christian music... you get the idea. Don't seal yourself in a bubble. Open up your eyes and see those in the world. We are called to be in the world, not of the world. There's a difference. Think about it.

the morning blues

There I stood- staring at the shoe rack in my closet.

Confident at today's outfit selection- black pants with blue stripes and a white short sleeve top.
"All I need is some blue shoes then I really need to hurry to work."

Upon realizing I do not own blue high heels...

"Shoot! I don't have any shoes to wear!"

Words begin to register with the logic in my brain... (it's still early after all)

"Melody, did you really just think that? Just because you don't own blue shoes doesn't mean you don't have any to wear. You don't need a pair of shoes in every color of the rainbow."

I briefly counter the voice of reason...

"But, it'd be nice."

I roll my eyes at my ridiculous thoughts, sigh deeply, and reach for the black ones.

Another day has begun.

I have a shoe fetish. I like almost everything about them. I like finding them in the clearance section. I am intrigued that the world keeps coming up with new ways to design & display shoes. I like using them as the top notch accessory to finish off any outfit.

The love of shoes began young for me. When I started my first job at The Piano Loft gift shop at the tender age of 14, I got to buy my own clothes (and shoes). One particular pair stands out to me...they were camel colored "beefed-up" Mary Janes. I loved them. My dad tried to deter the love of shoes by referring to them as "clod-hoppers", but it was too late. The shoe world had sucked me in and there was no turning back now. I soon became infatuated with looking taller, I found a pair of black & white athletic shoes...with a 3 inch platform. Granted, they weighed 5 pounds each with all that extra rubber glued on the bottom, but I loved them.
*
One of my first memorable moments of confusion as an adolescent involved shoes. I guess I looked up to my sister for some things. I was amazed at how she could make different outfits with mixing different clothing items. But she had a pair of black, velvet-like Mary Janes. I loved them. I'd wear them in secret and put them back where I found them before she got home. Then- one fine day I saw the same pair on clearance and bought them. When I brought them home, she was angry. I tried to reason with her and promised to never wear them on the same day as her, so we wouldn't match. (Apparently that was a bad thing for sisters to do.) But she exclaimed, "I don't care if we wear them on the same day or not! I don't want you to have the same pair of shoes as me! I'm never going to wear mine again." And she didn't.
*
My shoes tell different stories. I think that's why I have such a hard time getting rid of the ones I don't wear anymore. It's a size 8 memory.

stop the madness

Status: My brand new life has been canceled/postponed until further notice.

******************

This is the part where I refer back to the Lord's last direction to me... "Wait on the Lord." I am beginning to see how very much of our lives is "Hurry up... and wait." Honestly, it's a difficult medicine to swalllow. Here I thought all the chips had hit the floor and landed with specific direction- only to be blindsided with another updraft of turmoil. Sigh.
*
But here's the latest development...
I'm applying to GRAD school!!! Of course, if I am accepted into the program I'd still have the option of turning it down later. But for right now, I am super excited to pursue a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University (Twin Cities). It's a two-year program, taught by practicing therapists (networking is k e y), and would take 2 years to complete. Naturally, there is another year of intense supervision before I could get a license to practice in the state. I really hope this works out because I'd love the challenge of this profession- not to mention being a part of people's healing processes. So, say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed for me.

litter po-po

Often I have glanced at those Adopt-A-Highway signs on the sides of the road and wondered, "What is that all about?" I have attempted to take a picture while driving of one groups name- Upper Midwest Pagan Alliance. (unsuccessful & blurry) Apparently they have taken time outside of themselves to care about issues of litter control. On the way to work today, I noticed our local pagans did an excellent job cleaning up their section of road.

Here are some little known facts:

1. Apparently pagans are okay with referring to themselves as... p a g a n s. (I guess political correctness didn't flush that one down the crapper.)

2. YOU TOO can Adopt a Highway! A minimum committment of 2 years is required.

3. Your group cleans up 2-mile sections of freeway only 2-3 times per year.

4. The state will post a lovely 3'x 5' sign with your group name on it.

(I hope you'd get to keep it after your time expired...otherwise I'd have to accidentally stumble into the illegal pedestrian zone & trip with a chainsaw in the middle of the night. A crime? Yes. But a pretty sweet momento.)

5. This litter control volunteer service is only available in certain states that love the planet...hmm, maybe shoulda saved this post for Earth Day.

*

Now, perhaps you are wondering why you'd take on this volunteer endeavor?

1. Too feel warm and fuzzy.

2. To get a sign.

3. To help "the earth"...or whatever.

4. To get free safety reflective vests and hats and gloves. Maybe boots too. If you get boots with reflective tape- that's a win-win situation. I am SO in.

5. To go on one of the biggest treasure hunts ever. You'd probably be surprised at the random junk that shows up on the side of the freeway. I often wonder about items I see as I drive...like, how does someone lose one shoe? or a mattress? or a bag of tiki torches? Not to mention the stuff that flies off of semi's that could be used creatively for a backyard fort. You gotta think outside the box, people!

invisible people

Can You See Her? by Lisa DePalma

Can you see her? Will you let God show you?

Her face instead of her clothes? Her eyes instead of her body?

Can you see her? Will you let God show you?

She has a name instead of a label, a broken heart instead of a hard one.

Can you see her? Will you let God show you?

The image of God instead of an object of scorn.

Her worth to the Savior instead of her worthlessness to the world.

Can you see her? Will you let God show you?

His heart of forgiveness instead of your heart that judges.

His blood that covers instead of your rules that condemn.

Can you see her? Will you let God show you?

And when you do see, what then?

***************************************

What happens when we open up our eyes to see those who cross our paths everyday?The ones who pass us in traffic, scurry in & out of the grocery store, or wait at the corner bus stop while we sit at the stoplight in our car.

Our heart grows.

It breaks.

It's uncomfortable.

Do we feel compelled to show and share the Love of Christ?

What if they knew we possess the hope of the world, the meaning of life?

Would they reach out and ask?

Or would they shrink in fear of knowing the truth?

Our heart grows.

It breaks.

It's uncomfortable...and inconvenient.

Jesus' command to die to self and to live as Christ

begins to make a little more sense.

As it turns out- it's not about you.

Our pastor has been doing a sermon series entitled Compelled.

We are compelled-

To love others

as Jesus did

See others

as Jesus did

Take time for people

as Jesus did.

But what do I do when the love for strangers grows to be bigger than I can bare? The passion literally wants to explode from my inside? I think, just maybe, it is a mere glimpse of the heart that Jesus had which drove Him to bridge the gap on the cross just so He could be in relationship with His lonely, lost, misdirected sheep.

When you begin to feel your heart yearn & strain for strangers jogging past your house, you have discovered...

A heart that has grown.

A brokenness for the lost.

A discomfort that will compell you to share the message of Hope.

...This is a good thing.

the female cycle

In the past, I have heard that you are more likely to conceive a boy or a girl on certain days of the month if you time it out correctly. For whatever reason (probably my line of work), this thought has often floated in & out of my brain over the past 10 years. Yesterday, I decided to google the ovulation cycle and see what kind of info it gave me. Turns out, it's true. You literally can try to plan the gender of your babe if you are that determined to conceive a boy vs. a girl or the other way around. Anyway, the link I clicked on from google took me to the Ovulation Calendar and it tells you the most & least fertile days of the female cycle. I found it all very educational. This morning when I logged in to my computer, this box popped up and said, "You are not fertile during this time..." I laughed super hard because I didn't know it had downloaded a little desktop icon. So for the next 45 days, I will have a free trial version of the software on my computer, and I will be very informed about the inner workings of my body.

proud to be a pill popper

itchy eyes, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, headache only on the top of my head, congestion.Thus begins another round of, "Do I have allergies? Or am I getting a cold?"
Wanting to be in my best health since I'll be visiting family & friends this weekend, I stopped in at the local CVS Grand Opening & bought some Claritin-D non drowsy off brand to see if this does the trick. It's already been in my system for 30 minutes, and my sinus' are starting to "breathe freer" as the box promises. This should be a good day.

Rastafarian paradise

i overslept today. the sunshine shining through the windows for the first time in days didn't even help. i seriously rolled over and had one of these mental exchanges with myself, "Seriously?! It's morning already? *grumble grumble* I hate this! Being an adult is SO DUMB. Just 5 more minutes." In my personal opinion, waking up is like the worst invention ever. It's always like trying to motivate the sleeping dead. The usual incentives (Looking put together, Having time to shave, Swinging through the Starbucks drive-thru, or Listening to good music) start to not work after a while.

Perhaps it has something to do with the extremely bizarre-o dream I had in the wee hours of the morning involving... One animal abuser lady, Two chihuahuas who were crazed, and A routine the dogs were trained to perform at a strip club. Except for I kept doing the signal that triggered the dogs to perform. Their performance was biting down super hard on my calves and leaving bloody tooth prints.

When I was Melody-in-a-junior-high-body, I use to pretend to interpret dreams for my friends just for fun. A majority of my friends knew I was making it up, but I did have one friend (Tracy) who really believed I could do it. Years later, she called and asked me to interpret a dream about her fiance.

If I were to interpret this bizarre-o dream, I'd say- I've had incredibly too much salsa the last few days. Delicious & nutritious. But messing with the psyche. And- strip club would indicate a need to perform in my life. (not necessarily stripping, but just a performance of some kind) I'm being forced to perform because there is pain involved.

If I could be a scam artist, I would become a dream consultant. HA! There's that word, consultant....not so boring after all. (See previous post Re: possible careers) I would make big bucks off of the associations that people make in their brains while they sleep. I think I'd name my storefront shop- Dream Weaver: What your dreams are saying about you. I'd get a little bell on the front door that makes a delightful jingle when you walk in. I'd decorate with all sorts of mythical, hodge-podge, and strange objects that would just make a person stop and think "Hmph. I wonder where you'd buy something like that." (It would be Papua New Guinea, by the way- or IKEA. Nevertheless, definitely a land from down under)

Portrait of an ENFP

Today I have been thinking about what I should do with my life. For some reason, God keeps bringing the words "bondage breaker" to my head. I googled it. I knew it was a book, but I wasn't familiar with it other than the title. That connected me to "Freedom In Christ Ministries". AH-mazing ministry. Basically a job like that would be the perfect fit...except for they only have a few Field Staff. They are run basically by people who volunteer to go through bondage breaker training and then be the contact person in that specific region. Blast....volunteer jobs don't pay the bills. Plus, I think I'm a little young to be a public speaker to impact change in the masses. Another thing God keeps bringing to my head is "a person of influence". I'm starting to see I might have this gift, but what am I suppose to do with that?! What do all these pieces mean? Why are these words coming to my mind? This virtue of patience is elusive. Once you think you're doing pretty well with it; you realize you have a long way to go.

So I decided to look up my Myers-Briggs strengths finder results... I am an ENFP. (ENFP= Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) They say...
ENFPs generally have the following traits:
- Project-oriented
- Bright and capable
- Warmly, genuinely interested in people; great people skills
- Extremely intuitive and perceptive about people
- Able to relate to people on their own level
- Service-oriented; likely to put the needs of others above their own
- Future-oriented
- Dislike performing routine tasks
- Need approval and appreciation from others
- Cooperative and friendly
- Creative and energetic
- Well-developed verbal and written communication skills
- Natural leaders, but do not like to control people
- Resist being controlled by others
- Can work logically and rationally - use their intuition to understand the goal and work backwards towards it
- Usually able to grasp difficult concepts and theories

ENFPs are lucky in that they're good at quite a lot of different things. An ENFP can generally achieve a good degree of success at anything which has interested them. However, ENFPs get bored rather easily and are not naturally good at following things through to completion. Accordingly, they should avoid jobs which require performing a lot of detailed, routine-oriented tasks. They will do best in professions which allow them to creatively generate new ideas and deal closely with people. They will not be happy in positions which are confining and regimented.
Also-if you wish to continue picking-my-brain an expanded description available... http://www.personalitypage.com/ENFP.html

So there you have it. If you could flip to the back of my brain & check the index on "How Melody Ticks"...you'd get this information. Along with that, these are my suggested career paths and my initial reaction to each...
- Consultant (I don't even know what that is & it sounds boring)
- Psychologist (Great job...more school...mo' money)
- Entrepreneur (You mean, like Rockefeller the oil dude? Hmm- think this requires cashflow too)
- Actress (Dream job...that got crushed by relatives when I was little. Hard to consider now)
- Teacher (Eww. No never. Two words- 'lesson plans')
- Counselor (Similar to my favorite part of my current job-but need more school to go deeper)
- Politician / Diplomat (Uhhh...i'm anti-legalism, so more gov't laws are just as unappealing)
- Writer / Journalist (Strangers really have to like my writing in order for me to be successful)
- Television Reporter (Did you know tv adds 7-10 pounds?)
- Computer Programmer, Systems Analyst, or Computer Specialist (Not much face-to-face time with people...I wanna hear problems, not DOSS mode code)
- Scientist (Uhh...what? Only if I can be a MAD scientist)
- Engineer (In my experience, they lack people skills. Why is this even an option on my list?)

What to do...what to do... *sigh* And so I keep waiting for all the puzzle pieces to fall into place.

spriggs of spring

To celebrate the entrance of the springtime, I have put on:
BLAZE PINK NAIL POLISH
BRIGHT ROYAL PURPLE GLEEVES (arm warmers, as they were referred to in the 70's)
ONE SPARKLY, FANTASTIC BRACELET
>
I find it ironic that even though it's the first day of Spring, I had to wipe a dusting of snowflakes off my windshield this AM. Not to be discouraged, I know old man winter is sure to go before too long.
>
Along with the changing of seasons comes the changing of vermin who try to invade my little bottom-dwelling home.
This week, the ant kingdom made an appearance (with full force, I might add). I thought I could beat them at their game by bleaching the trash can, but they kept growing in numbers. I picked up these plastic square ant poison traps. Those are basically crap. (Make a note of it.) Definitely not worth $4 or $5... The REAL ticket is Terro Ant Poison. Magical, I tell you. I put it out on little squares of cardboard and within 30, nay- 15 minutes the ant population had decreased substantially. By bedtime, only a few wandering scally-wags were left stumbling around in a drunken, poisoned stupor. By this morning, gone. No trace of the little invaders. If Terro ever needs a rep for a TV commercial, I am definitely available for comment or casting. (Plus it would just be SWEET to be in a commercial, whether it be ant poison or microwave burritos. Of course, as anyone SHOULD know- the pinnacle of all TV commercials are the Old Skool Gap ones. Genius.)

Anyhow, that's my story. Ooo! I also had a bizarre dream about mandatory suicide and new shoes and a big black man and trying to last through the end of the world. Yeah, crazy dream, crazy week. All I know is...

SLEEP IN DAY TOMORROW!!! *woot woot*

P.S. Josh said this the other day and it made my laugh. Try to say this 3x fast- "There aren't any fruit snacks in my fruit snacks sack."