I read an article that reflects on Psalm 37 in Revive, the publication of Life Action Ministries where my brother works. This recent issue was about fear and worry - how appropriate for these times!
Here's the last section, that I need to put on a poster and hang on the wall or something:
"Faith is the antidote to fear. Fearful and faith-filled people experience the same circumstances, but faith-filled people respond by depending on God. Am I a fearful or a faith-filled person?"
There's also a comparison chart that highlights how the two different types of people approach life's trials. I had to check off all the statements on the "fearful people" side. Ouch. Need to read up again on God's promises - and His faithfulness (ahem, which was also the topic of last week's sermon!).
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Ridiculously Awesome Things #1
So I was in the midst of yet another sugar craving in the midst of a house empty of sugar-filled items. (Except for sugar itself, but that would be gross to eat straight sugar. I'm not that desperate.)
Yearning for something sugary, I remembered - there's leftover generic Cool Whip in the freezer from John's birthday last week! Crisis averted.
Don't worry, I only ate 2 bites (ok, more like 5). But as I put it away, I thought about how I am a Cool Whip fanatic (generic equivalents also accepted).
It's not only sweet, but delicately sweet, so that your taste buds aren't overwhelmed to the point of throwing up. I seriously could eat an entire bowl of Cool Whip. Never have though. Perhaps I should add that to my list of things to do before I die? But only after I'm 80, when it won't matter if my teeth fall out.
Yearning for something sugary, I remembered - there's leftover generic Cool Whip in the freezer from John's birthday last week! Crisis averted.Don't worry, I only ate 2 bites (ok, more like 5). But as I put it away, I thought about how I am a Cool Whip fanatic (generic equivalents also accepted).
It's not only sweet, but delicately sweet, so that your taste buds aren't overwhelmed to the point of throwing up. I seriously could eat an entire bowl of Cool Whip. Never have though. Perhaps I should add that to my list of things to do before I die? But only after I'm 80, when it won't matter if my teeth fall out.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Things I've Learned From My Husband
Well, a few things. I am supposed to be packing up our house right now.
(1) Simplicity. Sometimes as I'm cleaning, I'll notice an item that I've had for years and think, "Do I really need to keep this?? Why do I have it?" And the voice in my head is John, trying to make our lives easier. (Not to mention, saving us headaches in the future when we're packing said items. Ahem.)
(2) The art of self-evaluation. If John wasn't so cynical, he would make a great psychologist. He has a gift for reading people. (But no one would visit a psychologist who would say, "The solution is simple: Stop being an idiot and don't do that anymore.") In our four years of marriage (anniversary on Thursday!), he has come to know me better than I know myself. Seriously. He'll point out things that I never realized about myself (both good and bad). It's shocking. I'm either frightfully oblivious to some things or in serious denial. I'm working on getting to know him just as well, though I know I'll never be on the same par.
(3) Frugality. (Stop snorting, John.) It's true. I AM more frugal than I was when I was single (which amounted to about 5% frugal). The percentage still isn't as high as I - or John - would like it to be, but more often, I do find myself thinking "Why do I need to buy this?" when I'm still IN the store, which is even better than thinking it the next day and then returning something.
(4) Relaxation. Anyone who knows me fairly well knows that I like to be efficient. Not necessarily in a multi-tasking sense, but in spending every minute completing tasks and crossing things off my infinite to-do list. In my mind, there's ALWAYS "something" I could be doing. If I need a break from computer work, I can go do laundry or pull weeds. I'll read a book for pleasure as a break, too, but in terms of "just sitting there," "relaxing," and not doing anything else - that just goes against the way my DNA is put together. John has taught me that IT IS OK, even GOOD to sit and (by my definition) "do nothing," and just take a deep breath and enjoy life and the moment. Granted, right now I do that maybe once a week for 2 minutes, but he's working on it.
(5) "Good enough" is an acceptable standard. Not ALL of the time of course, but for a perfectionist to relent and complete something to a "good enough" level, it's safe to say that progress is being made. Instead of killing myself to reach the unattainable level of Perfection, sometimes it's ok to stop at "good enough." My definition of "good enough" is probably still closer to "perfection" than to "average," but I do have more time to enjoy things in life now instead of stressing out about reaching a ridiculous personal standard. I regress, OFTEN, but you'll hear me say "that's good enough" where I didn't say it in the past.
(6) Discernment. For example, just because a book catches my eye and creates a passing interest in my mind, doesn't mean I have to buy it. If it's an author I've never read before, I check the library first, or add it to my Christmas list. This sure has saved us a lot of money! John periodically (and I mean, OFTEN) culls from his books the ones that he didn't really enjoy or won't read again. I've followed his example, critically examining my shelves for books that I wouldn't recommend to someone else. What remains are books that I truly enjoy and love to lend.
(1) Simplicity. Sometimes as I'm cleaning, I'll notice an item that I've had for years and think, "Do I really need to keep this?? Why do I have it?" And the voice in my head is John, trying to make our lives easier. (Not to mention, saving us headaches in the future when we're packing said items. Ahem.)
(2) The art of self-evaluation. If John wasn't so cynical, he would make a great psychologist. He has a gift for reading people. (But no one would visit a psychologist who would say, "The solution is simple: Stop being an idiot and don't do that anymore.") In our four years of marriage (anniversary on Thursday!), he has come to know me better than I know myself. Seriously. He'll point out things that I never realized about myself (both good and bad). It's shocking. I'm either frightfully oblivious to some things or in serious denial. I'm working on getting to know him just as well, though I know I'll never be on the same par.
(3) Frugality. (Stop snorting, John.) It's true. I AM more frugal than I was when I was single (which amounted to about 5% frugal). The percentage still isn't as high as I - or John - would like it to be, but more often, I do find myself thinking "Why do I need to buy this?" when I'm still IN the store, which is even better than thinking it the next day and then returning something.
(4) Relaxation. Anyone who knows me fairly well knows that I like to be efficient. Not necessarily in a multi-tasking sense, but in spending every minute completing tasks and crossing things off my infinite to-do list. In my mind, there's ALWAYS "something" I could be doing. If I need a break from computer work, I can go do laundry or pull weeds. I'll read a book for pleasure as a break, too, but in terms of "just sitting there," "relaxing," and not doing anything else - that just goes against the way my DNA is put together. John has taught me that IT IS OK, even GOOD to sit and (by my definition) "do nothing," and just take a deep breath and enjoy life and the moment. Granted, right now I do that maybe once a week for 2 minutes, but he's working on it.
(5) "Good enough" is an acceptable standard. Not ALL of the time of course, but for a perfectionist to relent and complete something to a "good enough" level, it's safe to say that progress is being made. Instead of killing myself to reach the unattainable level of Perfection, sometimes it's ok to stop at "good enough." My definition of "good enough" is probably still closer to "perfection" than to "average," but I do have more time to enjoy things in life now instead of stressing out about reaching a ridiculous personal standard. I regress, OFTEN, but you'll hear me say "that's good enough" where I didn't say it in the past.
(6) Discernment. For example, just because a book catches my eye and creates a passing interest in my mind, doesn't mean I have to buy it. If it's an author I've never read before, I check the library first, or add it to my Christmas list. This sure has saved us a lot of money! John periodically (and I mean, OFTEN) culls from his books the ones that he didn't really enjoy or won't read again. I've followed his example, critically examining my shelves for books that I wouldn't recommend to someone else. What remains are books that I truly enjoy and love to lend.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Dear Diary
I started writing in a new journal this week. This is volume 21, and the cover is embroidered brown fabric. Not a journal I would have picked a few years ago, and it got me thinking about all the journals I've had.* (As an adult; I'm not counting my Ramona Quimby diary when I was 7.)
1. My first journal, begun on Monday, June 26, 1995. "I have decided to keep a journal of sorts, tracking my spiritual walk." I don't even think you can buy steno notebooks anymore?
3. Journal given to me for my birthday in high school, from my friend E.B.
4. The small, bright strawberries on this journal caught my eye in the store.
6. A journal whose cover consists of books on shelves. A must-have for a bibliophile.
7. Classic Winnie-the-Pooh and books. Nuff said.
8. This cover has (reproduced) signatures of famous authors on it.
9. This is the journal from my time in Papua New Guinea. I was there about 2 months, and I filled up the entire book with descriptions and experiences.
10. Leather journal that one of my college friends bought for me in Italy during his semester abroad.
14. This book had a pocket on the front. It was cool, though I didn't really use the pocket for anything.
16. While we were dating, John went on a trip to Rome and bought me this journal. He wrote a lovely sentiment on the inside cover. =)
20. I bought this journal at an Italian store called Fabriano, when we went to Rome in 2007. Fabriano is an AWESOME stationery store, founded in 1264. The paper in the journal and the cover are hand-fashioned using the same techniques the company used hundreds of years ago. And, of course, it's blue.
21. The newest journal.
The Joy Journal (by Barbara Johnson): Where I write about things that made me happy or made me smile (events big or small).
My next journal (also from Fabriano):
*I realized that I forgot to include one journal! It's been on my desk by the computer, to type up my "O History" posts. So the new journal is actually volume 22.
1. My first journal, begun on Monday, June 26, 1995. "I have decided to keep a journal of sorts, tracking my spiritual walk." I don't even think you can buy steno notebooks anymore?
3. Journal given to me for my birthday in high school, from my friend E.B.4. The small, bright strawberries on this journal caught my eye in the store.
6. A journal whose cover consists of books on shelves. A must-have for a bibliophile.
7. Classic Winnie-the-Pooh and books. Nuff said.8. This cover has (reproduced) signatures of famous authors on it.
9. This is the journal from my time in Papua New Guinea. I was there about 2 months, and I filled up the entire book with descriptions and experiences.
10. Leather journal that one of my college friends bought for me in Italy during his semester abroad.14. This book had a pocket on the front. It was cool, though I didn't really use the pocket for anything.
16. While we were dating, John went on a trip to Rome and bought me this journal. He wrote a lovely sentiment on the inside cover. =)
20. I bought this journal at an Italian store called Fabriano, when we went to Rome in 2007. Fabriano is an AWESOME stationery store, founded in 1264. The paper in the journal and the cover are hand-fashioned using the same techniques the company used hundreds of years ago. And, of course, it's blue.21. The newest journal.
The Joy Journal (by Barbara Johnson): Where I write about things that made me happy or made me smile (events big or small).
My next journal (also from Fabriano):
*I realized that I forgot to include one journal! It's been on my desk by the computer, to type up my "O History" posts. So the new journal is actually volume 22.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Mediterranean Cruise 2008: By the Numbers
I posted .006% of the pictures we took on the cruise, but here are some of the facts:
Countries visited: 5 (Italy, Monaco, Spain, Tunisia, Malta)
Cities visited: 18 (Civitaveccia, Rome, Livorno, Siena, Monteriggio, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, La Goulette, Tunis, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Valletta, Palermo, Mondello, Monreale, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi)
# Gelato consumptions in Italian cities: 5
Saw brides and grooms at different weddings: 3 times
Ruins visited: 3 (Pompeii, Carthage, Rome)
Times I felt seasick: 1 evening (FELT sick, NOT got sick)
Pictures taken: 1,621
Formal nights on ship: 2
Days on cruise: 10
Days at sea on the cruise: 2
Times I checked email/accessed Internet on ship: 0
Books read: 2
Souvenir plates bought: 9
Plates that broke before getting home: 0
Teacups bought: 2
Taxis taken: 1 (Rome)
Put feet in Mediterranean Sea: 2 times
Danced late at night on ship: 3 times
# Times people circled us on the dance floor to watch us dance: 1
Nights I DIDN'T eat dessert on ship: 1
Favorite dessert on ship: Desidera
Ate ice cream cones on ship: Um, maybe 7? (and once, 2 in one day)
Exercised on ship: 2 times (NOT counting miles of walking on shore each day!)
Latest we stayed up on cruise: 2:30 a.m.
Hard Rock T-shirts bought: 2 (Malta, Barcelona)
Other T-shirts bought: 1
Swam in pool on ship: 0 times
Got in hot tub on ship: 1 time
Laid out on deck to tan: 1 time
Took advantage of free room service: 0 times
Found towels folded into animal shapes in our room from turn-down service: 7 times
Ate fish that looked like they took it from the sea and put it on my plate with head, tail, and scales: 1 time (Tunis)
Restaurant brought out the fish I was about to eat to my table, raw, so I could "inspect" its quality before cooking: 1 time (in Tunis, this is customary; we didn't request it!)
Times I got confused about what day it was/had to think about where we were: Lost count
Weight gained on trip: 2.5 lbs
Favorite port/excursion: Malta or Pompeii !
When I got home, mornings I was confused about why no one was available to serve us breakfast: 1
Times I thought what a great trip this was: Lost count!
Countries visited: 5 (Italy, Monaco, Spain, Tunisia, Malta)
Cities visited: 18 (Civitaveccia, Rome, Livorno, Siena, Monteriggio, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, La Goulette, Tunis, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Valletta, Palermo, Mondello, Monreale, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi)
# Gelato consumptions in Italian cities: 5
Saw brides and grooms at different weddings: 3 times
Ruins visited: 3 (Pompeii, Carthage, Rome)
Times I felt seasick: 1 evening (FELT sick, NOT got sick)
Pictures taken: 1,621
Formal nights on ship: 2
Days on cruise: 10
Days at sea on the cruise: 2
Times I checked email/accessed Internet on ship: 0
Books read: 2
Souvenir plates bought: 9
Plates that broke before getting home: 0
Teacups bought: 2
Taxis taken: 1 (Rome)
Put feet in Mediterranean Sea: 2 times
Danced late at night on ship: 3 times
# Times people circled us on the dance floor to watch us dance: 1
Nights I DIDN'T eat dessert on ship: 1
Favorite dessert on ship: Desidera
Ate ice cream cones on ship: Um, maybe 7? (and once, 2 in one day)
Exercised on ship: 2 times (NOT counting miles of walking on shore each day!)
Latest we stayed up on cruise: 2:30 a.m.
Hard Rock T-shirts bought: 2 (Malta, Barcelona)
Other T-shirts bought: 1
Swam in pool on ship: 0 times
Got in hot tub on ship: 1 time
Laid out on deck to tan: 1 time
Took advantage of free room service: 0 times
Found towels folded into animal shapes in our room from turn-down service: 7 times
Ate fish that looked like they took it from the sea and put it on my plate with head, tail, and scales: 1 time (Tunis)
Restaurant brought out the fish I was about to eat to my table, raw, so I could "inspect" its quality before cooking: 1 time (in Tunis, this is customary; we didn't request it!)
Times I got confused about what day it was/had to think about where we were: Lost count
Weight gained on trip: 2.5 lbs
Favorite port/excursion: Malta or Pompeii !
When I got home, mornings I was confused about why no one was available to serve us breakfast: 1
Times I thought what a great trip this was: Lost count!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
A Penny For Your Thoughts (Part 1)
Even though the title is a cliche (that you really don't hear anymore from people younger than 70?), I actually borrowed it from a scrapbook kit that was advertised online. It's an interesting kit, mainly because of the "copper" tin that hold the scrapbook and looks like a penny.
I don't want to buy this kit because I'm not that keen on the contents, but the cool tin and the idea for the scrapbook caught my attention. (If I could buy JUST the tin....) The point of the book is to "celebrate ten years that have brought 'change' to your life."
Since I am currently on the closer side of 30, I really had to stretch it a bit to come up with 10 things. 20 years from now, I'm sure the list will come more easily!
Here's my 10 Years That Have Brought "Change" to My Life:
(1) 1985: Our family moved from Illinois to Kansas, thereby leaving behind our extended family. Most of my cousins lived in the same vicinity, and our families got together often to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Leaving them was pretty hard.
(2) 1994: First semester of college. I came home at Christmas break, and my sister's friends asked, "What happened to your sister?" I had left home a meek mouse and returned, a more confident, outgoing person. Still have shyness issues, but at least I don't act like a mute in a group conversation anymore. Much.
(3) 1998: First trip abroad- and by myself. I'm independent in that I like to do things my way, and I know how I want them done, but I'm NOT independent in the sense that I don't like change and The Unknown scares me. The Unknown drags me, kicking and protesting, toward Change. QED, I avoid situations I'm not familiar with. Traveling overseas by myself was one of my worst nightmares before I actually did it. I spent two months teaching at an MK school in Papua New Guinea, then went sightseeing in Australia and New Zealand on my layovers, without doing any advanced tourist research at all. I just arrived at the airports and somehow managed great 8-hour sightseeing experiences.
(4) 2000: Fell in love with God's Word. Becoming a Christian at a young age and growing up in a Christian home, of course I read the Bible, believed it, and tried to follow God's commands. But that fall, I began to read a chapter of Proverbs in the morning and a Psalm at night, and I finally began to understand what David meant when he wrote about how he loved God's law. I'd had my (almost!) daily Bible reading times over the years, but somehow this season was different; God really used His Word to work in my heart.
(5) 2000: Colored my hair red. My hair had become that worst description a novel can use to describe a pathetic character: "She had mousy brown hair." Not beautiful brunette like Penelope Cruz or Anne Hathaway, but gray-brown hair that was best described as Blah. I met my friend Christy that year also, and somehow on one shopping trip to Walgreens, we bought hair dye. Red hair dye. Ironically, after applying the dye, it was disappointing, not really red at all. After consulting the toll-free Clairol help desk, we went out and bought a bolder red, which provided better (read: more startling) results. Several months and hair appointments later, I settled on a certain shade and found my True Hair Identity.
Part 2 to come later (not in another month - sooner, I promise!).
I don't want to buy this kit because I'm not that keen on the contents, but the cool tin and the idea for the scrapbook caught my attention. (If I could buy JUST the tin....) The point of the book is to "celebrate ten years that have brought 'change' to your life."Since I am currently on the closer side of 30, I really had to stretch it a bit to come up with 10 things. 20 years from now, I'm sure the list will come more easily!
Here's my 10 Years That Have Brought "Change" to My Life:
(1) 1985: Our family moved from Illinois to Kansas, thereby leaving behind our extended family. Most of my cousins lived in the same vicinity, and our families got together often to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Leaving them was pretty hard.
(2) 1994: First semester of college. I came home at Christmas break, and my sister's friends asked, "What happened to your sister?" I had left home a meek mouse and returned, a more confident, outgoing person. Still have shyness issues, but at least I don't act like a mute in a group conversation anymore. Much.
(3) 1998: First trip abroad- and by myself. I'm independent in that I like to do things my way, and I know how I want them done, but I'm NOT independent in the sense that I don't like change and The Unknown scares me. The Unknown drags me, kicking and protesting, toward Change. QED, I avoid situations I'm not familiar with. Traveling overseas by myself was one of my worst nightmares before I actually did it. I spent two months teaching at an MK school in Papua New Guinea, then went sightseeing in Australia and New Zealand on my layovers, without doing any advanced tourist research at all. I just arrived at the airports and somehow managed great 8-hour sightseeing experiences.
(4) 2000: Fell in love with God's Word. Becoming a Christian at a young age and growing up in a Christian home, of course I read the Bible, believed it, and tried to follow God's commands. But that fall, I began to read a chapter of Proverbs in the morning and a Psalm at night, and I finally began to understand what David meant when he wrote about how he loved God's law. I'd had my (almost!) daily Bible reading times over the years, but somehow this season was different; God really used His Word to work in my heart.
(5) 2000: Colored my hair red. My hair had become that worst description a novel can use to describe a pathetic character: "She had mousy brown hair." Not beautiful brunette like Penelope Cruz or Anne Hathaway, but gray-brown hair that was best described as Blah. I met my friend Christy that year also, and somehow on one shopping trip to Walgreens, we bought hair dye. Red hair dye. Ironically, after applying the dye, it was disappointing, not really red at all. After consulting the toll-free Clairol help desk, we went out and bought a bolder red, which provided better (read: more startling) results. Several months and hair appointments later, I settled on a certain shade and found my True Hair Identity.
Part 2 to come later (not in another month - sooner, I promise!).
Monday, May 05, 2008
Morning Reading
I put together some kick-in-the-pants verses, along with some encouraging ones, to read in the morning after my alarm clock goes off, which hopefully will be followed by getting out of bed instead of lying there for another hour, worrying over all the things that need to be done that day. (Obviously, I can get a good start on those things by getting up and DOING them rather than lying about, stressing over the thought of them.) Beginning with my favorite admonishing proverb:
"How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man."
-Proverbs 6:9-11
"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." -Proverbs 13:4
"[Your compassions] are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:23
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." -Psalm 68:19
"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
-2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I'll probably add to the list as I find additional appropriate verses. These are next to the alarm clock, ready for morning.
Even if I'm not.
"How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man."
-Proverbs 6:9-11
"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." -Proverbs 13:4
"[Your compassions] are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:23
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." -Psalm 68:19
"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
-2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I'll probably add to the list as I find additional appropriate verses. These are next to the alarm clock, ready for morning.
Even if I'm not.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
My Everything
Recent events have renewed my appreciation for my husband, for who he is and what he does. God blessed me so much more than I deserved when He brought John into my life. John means everything to me (next to God, of course).
John makes me laugh with his silly sayings and wickedly clever wit.
He knows me better than anyone else, almost reading my mind sometimes.
He spurs me to be a better Christian, wife, daughter, sister, friend.
His self-discipline is an example to this indecisive and easily sidetracked female!
He praises my strengths and dispels my self-doubts.
He plays Scrabble with my grandma.
He values being organized without raising it to the level of being obsessive-compulsive!
He is an English major in disguise; his reviews on his blog are well-written, critical, thoughtful, and insightful - and the words he writes to me are wonderful!
He is a wise financial planner and "saver," who makes me feel secure about our future, no matter what may come.
He is incredibly patient with me.
He values my family (and extended family) as much as I do, even when he doesn't understand our dynamics!
He encourages my hobbies - and knows how to calmly admonish me when they get out of hand!
He will eat almost anything I cook, and would even be happy eating the same 6 meals every week (if I wanted to do that).
He loves to read, possibly more than I do.
He's convinced me to like what I feel are my physical flaws - because he loves every part of me and tells me so, frequently.
He still honors his parents, even though he's not under their roof anymore.
He looks forward to the time when he can lead a Bible study and help others grow in the Word.
He fixes and enhances things on my blog and Facebook profile for me!
He is a hard worker.
He is a confident world traveler who figures things out even when he doesn't speak the native language.
He surprises me by mailing cards to me at work.
He doesn't object when I listen to my Celine Dion playlist on the iPod. And he buys me Celine Dion concert tickets just because he heard about it on the radio!
He listens to all of my stories, like when I recount my weird dreams.
He follows the biblical mandate to be the head of our home, even when it's difficult. (Er, even when I make it difficult.)
He goes to social gatherings with me even though he'd prefer to stay home and read a book.
He hugs me randomly because he knows I need it.
He lets me snuggle against him during a movie even though it might not be comfortable for him.
He means more to me than mere words could possibly describe.
John makes me laugh with his silly sayings and wickedly clever wit.
He knows me better than anyone else, almost reading my mind sometimes.
He spurs me to be a better Christian, wife, daughter, sister, friend.
His self-discipline is an example to this indecisive and easily sidetracked female!
He praises my strengths and dispels my self-doubts.
He plays Scrabble with my grandma.
He values being organized without raising it to the level of being obsessive-compulsive!
He is an English major in disguise; his reviews on his blog are well-written, critical, thoughtful, and insightful - and the words he writes to me are wonderful!
He is a wise financial planner and "saver," who makes me feel secure about our future, no matter what may come.
He is incredibly patient with me.
He values my family (and extended family) as much as I do, even when he doesn't understand our dynamics!
He encourages my hobbies - and knows how to calmly admonish me when they get out of hand!
He will eat almost anything I cook, and would even be happy eating the same 6 meals every week (if I wanted to do that).
He loves to read, possibly more than I do.
He's convinced me to like what I feel are my physical flaws - because he loves every part of me and tells me so, frequently.
He still honors his parents, even though he's not under their roof anymore.
He looks forward to the time when he can lead a Bible study and help others grow in the Word.
He fixes and enhances things on my blog and Facebook profile for me!
He is a hard worker.
He is a confident world traveler who figures things out even when he doesn't speak the native language.
He surprises me by mailing cards to me at work.
He doesn't object when I listen to my Celine Dion playlist on the iPod. And he buys me Celine Dion concert tickets just because he heard about it on the radio!
He listens to all of my stories, like when I recount my weird dreams.
He follows the biblical mandate to be the head of our home, even when it's difficult. (Er, even when I make it difficult.)
He goes to social gatherings with me even though he'd prefer to stay home and read a book.
He hugs me randomly because he knows I need it.
He lets me snuggle against him during a movie even though it might not be comfortable for him.
He means more to me than mere words could possibly describe.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Family Valentine Weekend
I'm on a quick trip to Florida (nice weather change) to attend a friend's bridal shower since I can't attend her wedding. John couldn't come because he had to work. =( On Valentine's Day, we had a family dinner with my mom's cousins who were visiting. Things I've learned this weekend, which includes a lot of family history:
--How to play soccer with a Florida panther.
--When my sister got her dog, he came with anxiety pills.
--My uncles put my aunt in the dryer when they were young.
--My parents have a huge, wonderful old roll-top desk that has always been in our house, for as long as I can remember. When he was in college, my dad bought this old desk, including its accompanying wooden rolly chair, for $10.
--My grandma used to play pranks with her friends on unsuspecting drivers.
--My dad was #297 in the Vietnam draft lottery.
--My sister thinks I'm "submissive."
--How to fold napkins into a heart shape.
But I still haven't learned how to handle missing John when we're apart.
--How to play soccer with a Florida panther.
--When my sister got her dog, he came with anxiety pills.
--My uncles put my aunt in the dryer when they were young.
--My parents have a huge, wonderful old roll-top desk that has always been in our house, for as long as I can remember. When he was in college, my dad bought this old desk, including its accompanying wooden rolly chair, for $10.
--My grandma used to play pranks with her friends on unsuspecting drivers.
--My dad was #297 in the Vietnam draft lottery.
--My sister thinks I'm "submissive."
--How to fold napkins into a heart shape.
But I still haven't learned how to handle missing John when we're apart.
Monday, November 12, 2007
I am not alone!
There are so many other people out there who make lists - by hand - that someone started a blog about it (apparently a long time ago) and now it's a book.
I have already written a few times about how I am a compulsive list-maker (on paper), but this is fabulous news!
Speaking of which, today's to-do list (which I call "TTD" for Things To Do):
--Plan the menu for the week
--Buy menu items at Wal-Mart
--Clean the master bathroom
--Fold clothes
--And, GET SOME WORK DONE: like,
I have already written a few times about how I am a compulsive list-maker (on paper), but this is fabulous news!
Speaking of which, today's to-do list (which I call "TTD" for Things To Do):
--Plan the menu for the week
--Buy menu items at Wal-Mart
--Clean the master bathroom
--Fold clothes
--And, GET SOME WORK DONE: like,
- Return phone calls
- Update work website
- Upload more archives to new work website
- Start processing the next batch of subscriptions
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
The Rules, According to Darra
1. If it's not nailed down, I will chew on it.
2. If there's a bug crawling or flying around, I will find it and devour it.
3. If you blow on my face, I will jump you.
4. You are required to be in my line of sight at all times.
5. If you leave my line of sight, I will find you.
6. If you are in my line of sight, you are required to pet me.
7. If your epidermis is within 2 inches of my nose, I will lick you aggressively.
8. If I ring my bell, you come running.
9. Sometimes, if you're good, I may give you a present. Like a tooth that just fell out.
10. I need A LOT of sleep.
Even if it's not in my bed.
2. If there's a bug crawling or flying around, I will find it and devour it.
3. If you blow on my face, I will jump you.
4. You are required to be in my line of sight at all times.
5. If you leave my line of sight, I will find you.
6. If you are in my line of sight, you are required to pet me.
7. If your epidermis is within 2 inches of my nose, I will lick you aggressively.
8. If I ring my bell, you come running.
9. Sometimes, if you're good, I may give you a present. Like a tooth that just fell out.
10. I need A LOT of sleep.
Even if it's not in my bed.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Long-Term TTD
In my senior year of high school, my schedule didn't quite work out the way I'd planned. I was signed up for four AP classes: Calculus (AB), American History, Language & Composition, and Physics. I loved the first three. After a week or two, I decided I hated the last one. I'd heard that if you hadn't taken regular physics beforehand, that was ok - you could still handle AP Physics.
It didn't take very long for me to realize that:
(1) Physics is a "different" kind of math. Not the kind of math I like.
(2) My AP Physics teacher was a novice. It was obvious that it was her first year of teaching. (Students can tell - they can sense the fear.)
(3) Never listen to someone when he/she says to take an AP class for a subject one has never studied before. For an honors/AP student, I was pretty dumb. And gullible. And apparently, arrogant.
I got my schedule changed, but by that time the "good" classes were taken; only elective classes had openings. I landed in a business class, and for the first time ever, study hall (which ended up as hanging out in the library, getting to know the librarians). I forgot all about that business class until my first year of teaching, when my business teacher, Ms. Routzong, died of cancer.
Hearing the news of her death made me think back to her class, and I realized that Ms. Routzong gave me my humble beginnings as a list-maker. It was in her class that I learned the art of Making A List - how to prioritize, how to prioritize the priorities. A1, A2, A3, B1, B2. I barely noticed I was in a class with freshmen, I was so mesmerized by the beauty of the List.
These days, my lists consist mainly of what groceries to buy and what household chores should be completed that day. Since I have more time on my hands than I've had in years, I dusted off the list that I don't like to look at, the one called "Long-Term TTD" (Things To Do) that includes all the things around the house that I'd like to do but don't have time for and would take a long time to finish.
This list has pretty much stayed the same for 10-15 years and includes things like "Organize all photos, from birth to the present." Basically the list is an idealistic vision of me overcoming my powerful packrat genes to simplify my life and my closets. John tries to get me to sort through drawers and files and boxes to get rid of unnecessary stuff, but it's hard to overcome inherent traits.
All of the photos, both mine and ones ahem borrowed from my parents, were contained in a single file box; I managed to stuff each new round of pictures into the same box without it exploding. This past weekend, I tackled the box with 90% success. Or 100% success, depending on how you look at it. The file box is 100% empty, but there is still a 3-inch stack of photos whose date of origin cannot be determined without parental input.
The red arrows show the two photo storage boxes with the chronologically organized photos. The rest all over the floor are the tragically undateified photos. (Can you tell where I was sitting. I don't know why I like to pull up a floor to organize things. It's my favorite organizing surface.)
All I need now is to buy a billion photo albums to contain them all for viewing; I decided NOT to "scrapbook" them. Do I look like I'm rich?! Plus, I don't like scrapbooking THAT much. Really.
When I went to cross "Organize photos" off my Long-Term TTD list, I realized that since we moved, I've actually knocked 2 other items off the list as well, without even realizing it. Either my powerful packrat genetic makeup is weakening, or John is just that good at brainwashing.
Here's one of the pictures in the box. Technically, it belongs to my parents....
It didn't take very long for me to realize that:
(1) Physics is a "different" kind of math. Not the kind of math I like.
(2) My AP Physics teacher was a novice. It was obvious that it was her first year of teaching. (Students can tell - they can sense the fear.)
(3) Never listen to someone when he/she says to take an AP class for a subject one has never studied before. For an honors/AP student, I was pretty dumb. And gullible. And apparently, arrogant.
I got my schedule changed, but by that time the "good" classes were taken; only elective classes had openings. I landed in a business class, and for the first time ever, study hall (which ended up as hanging out in the library, getting to know the librarians). I forgot all about that business class until my first year of teaching, when my business teacher, Ms. Routzong, died of cancer.
Hearing the news of her death made me think back to her class, and I realized that Ms. Routzong gave me my humble beginnings as a list-maker. It was in her class that I learned the art of Making A List - how to prioritize, how to prioritize the priorities. A1, A2, A3, B1, B2. I barely noticed I was in a class with freshmen, I was so mesmerized by the beauty of the List.
These days, my lists consist mainly of what groceries to buy and what household chores should be completed that day. Since I have more time on my hands than I've had in years, I dusted off the list that I don't like to look at, the one called "Long-Term TTD" (Things To Do) that includes all the things around the house that I'd like to do but don't have time for and would take a long time to finish.
This list has pretty much stayed the same for 10-15 years and includes things like "Organize all photos, from birth to the present." Basically the list is an idealistic vision of me overcoming my powerful packrat genes to simplify my life and my closets. John tries to get me to sort through drawers and files and boxes to get rid of unnecessary stuff, but it's hard to overcome inherent traits.
All of the photos, both mine and ones ahem borrowed from my parents, were contained in a single file box; I managed to stuff each new round of pictures into the same box without it exploding. This past weekend, I tackled the box with 90% success. Or 100% success, depending on how you look at it. The file box is 100% empty, but there is still a 3-inch stack of photos whose date of origin cannot be determined without parental input.
The red arrows show the two photo storage boxes with the chronologically organized photos. The rest all over the floor are the tragically undateified photos. (Can you tell where I was sitting. I don't know why I like to pull up a floor to organize things. It's my favorite organizing surface.)All I need now is to buy a billion photo albums to contain them all for viewing; I decided NOT to "scrapbook" them. Do I look like I'm rich?! Plus, I don't like scrapbooking THAT much. Really.
When I went to cross "Organize photos" off my Long-Term TTD list, I realized that since we moved, I've actually knocked 2 other items off the list as well, without even realizing it. Either my powerful packrat genetic makeup is weakening, or John is just that good at brainwashing.
Here's one of the pictures in the box. Technically, it belongs to my parents....
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Thoughts on 30
Today my husband is married to an even older woman. I couldn’t come up with 30 thoughts on 30, so here’s 10 (in no particular order):
2. My dream job of being an editor is closer than it ever has been. In the mean time, I really enjoy my job and the people at work. This is the first “Christian job” I’ve ever had, so it’s a nice change. I love the time I have by being part-time, and I am seriously considering never getting a full-time job again EVER.
3. I used to read fiction almost exclusively; whatever nonfiction I read was for college, school, or a Bible study – in other words, required, and most of the time I completed it! Now, I have gained a new appreciation for nonfiction on my own, thanks to my husband’s own love of nonfiction. And not having any cable TV helps too. Some books I’ve read in the past few months or am reading currently: Every Man’s Battle (Arterburn & Stoeker), Lies Women Believe (DeMoss), The Power of a Praying Wife (Omartian), The Way Home (Pride), Simply Christian (Wright), The Freedom Writer’s Diary (Cruwell), Funny Letters From Famous People (Kuralt).
4. Since June, John and I have engaged in a no-cable-TV experiment, with a membership to Netflix as a replacement (the one-at-a-time choice). This means unless we watch something we already own, we only “get” to watch 2 movies a week at most, depending on how fast the mail is. I think this has promoted communication, creativity, and communion in our home. We’re still debating if we’ll ever get cable again!
5. God designed gardening for those who have an innate ability to coax beauty from the earth – and for people like me who have little patience. After we moved this summer, it didn’t take very many days of working outside for me to realize, Wait a minute, I don’t get to see any of the pretty flowers and stuff until NEXT SPRING. Good grief that’s a long time. So I look at the bare flower beds and envision the array of colors that will bloom in due course, and settle down for winter with plans of what to plant in March.
6. Bunnies used to be very cute. But not when they eat my plants in the backyard!! I think we finally piled enough dirt at the bottom of the fence that he’ll give up trying to dig back in…. Unless he’s just gone south for the winter.
7. Turning 30 really doesn’t bother me like it does for some people. I don’t know why. Maybe because at least once a week someone tells me I look like I’m in high school. Then the comments stop, and I know it’s time to cover up the gray roots in my hair again.
8. Because of scrapbooking, I am now willing to have more pictures taken of me, even though I am the MOST UNPHOTOGENIC PERSON IN THE WORLD. I could post pictures here to prove that, but why ruin my birthday with reminders?
9. From reading the awesome book, Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, I saw that one of the many lies I have believed is “I can’t help the way I am,” thereby excusing my behavior or attitudes. The truth is, I am responsible for my own choices, and I can be changed through the power of the Holy Spirit. How liberating to know that I DON’T have to be “that way”!
10. I’m 30 years old, I’m married, I (we!) have a house, I garden, I scrapbook, I have a blog. Hm. What to do next….
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
My Security Blanket
I like to make lists. It’s almost a compulsive function for me; they make me feel in control. While brainstorming for a name for my blog, I even made a list of Future Blog Entries. This entry was not on the approved list, but I’m posting it anyway.
The first list that I can recall was created sometime during sixth grade, in Mrs. Byrd’s class. I don’t know if we’d just learned the 50 states and capitals or what, but when I got bored in class, it became a game to try to list all 50 states in alphabetical order, the first time through, without leaving any out (forget the capitals – I’m not that good). To this day, when I don’t already have a list of things to write down when I’m waiting somewhere, I fall back on my trusty states list.
One of the many lists I’ve made over the years was created in high school, that era when dreams and ideals are established, until cruel reality descends after graduation. It was a simple list of general “things I’d like to do someday.” I still have the original list, and here are the items (the asterisks (*) indicate that I actually HAVE done these things, or at least somewhat, as explained in the accompanying side notes):
1. Learn how to fly a plane [who cares – see The Worst Case Scenario Handbook instead!]
2. Learn how to fly a helicopter [ditto]
3. Travel across America by car, without a schedule
4. Visit and learn about: NYC, Chicago*, Atlanta*, San Francisco, LA*, Hollywood*, DC*, Boston, Salem, Dallas, Austin, Seattle [I’ve visited some cities, not extensively, but seen enough of the sights to be appreciative, and now of course, I LIVE near Atlanta]
5. Learn to ice skate*, snow ski, and water ski* – WELL [I’m not GREAT at it, but I have enough skill to enjoy it]
6. Learn ballroom dancing* [next on my list, at John’s urging!]
7. Learn about genealogy, handwriting analysis, photography*, and interior design*
8. Make one great, UNLAUDED contribution to mankind
9. Write a Bestseller
10. Have a role in a movie, however minor
11. Become an editor for a publishing house [editor for a magazine will do, also]
12. Become an English professor* [does high school English teacher come close?!]
13. Become a math professor [I dropped my English/math double major after my freshman year, so this ain’t happening]
14. Learn sign language
15. Gain a rudimentary knowledge of ballet & gymnastics
16. Be able to drive a stickshift expertly
17. Come up with a legitimate question that my AP Calculus teacher can’t answer [he challenged us that we couldn’t find a question he couldn’t answer]
18. Run a 400m in 60 seconds
19. Run a mile in 6 minutes
20. Live to be 100 years old and not be senile [I’ve decided since making this list that I do NOT want to meet this goal – the 100 years part, not the senile part. Why torture yourself??]
21. Be able to read lips
In college, I made another, much SHORTER list with the same theme:
1. Hold a koala bear
2. Swim with the dolphins
3. Hear Itsak Perlman (the great violinist) in concert
So far, I have met 2 of those 3 goals. I had a 10-hour layover in Australia one time and had researched ahead of time where to go hold a koala. It cost $8 (whereas, in the U.S., you know it would have been at least $50 per person or something), and I don’t even remember the actual moment, I was so excited. I don't even care that people make fun of the picture (Chandler Bing voice: Could your smile BE any bigger?). For the other, a kind college friend got tickets to see Itsak Perlman and the Florida Philharmonic in Miami and invited me. Anyone who cares to help make the third item on my list come true, what’s stopping you?
They say if you write down your goals, you are more likely to achieve them. I don’t know who “they” are, but I agree. From time to time, I take out lists like these and remind myself that even the dreams that seem impossible to achieve can come true.
Now I need to go write up my grocery list, which is actually one list I DON’T like to make. Afterward, I will cheer myself up by making a list of things that must be done tomorrow, like find out if I got the job I applied for (see # 11).
The first list that I can recall was created sometime during sixth grade, in Mrs. Byrd’s class. I don’t know if we’d just learned the 50 states and capitals or what, but when I got bored in class, it became a game to try to list all 50 states in alphabetical order, the first time through, without leaving any out (forget the capitals – I’m not that good). To this day, when I don’t already have a list of things to write down when I’m waiting somewhere, I fall back on my trusty states list.
One of the many lists I’ve made over the years was created in high school, that era when dreams and ideals are established, until cruel reality descends after graduation. It was a simple list of general “things I’d like to do someday.” I still have the original list, and here are the items (the asterisks (*) indicate that I actually HAVE done these things, or at least somewhat, as explained in the accompanying side notes):
1. Learn how to fly a plane [who cares – see The Worst Case Scenario Handbook instead!]
2. Learn how to fly a helicopter [ditto]
3. Travel across America by car, without a schedule
4. Visit and learn about: NYC, Chicago*, Atlanta*, San Francisco, LA*, Hollywood*, DC*, Boston, Salem, Dallas, Austin, Seattle [I’ve visited some cities, not extensively, but seen enough of the sights to be appreciative, and now of course, I LIVE near Atlanta]
5. Learn to ice skate*, snow ski, and water ski* – WELL [I’m not GREAT at it, but I have enough skill to enjoy it]
6. Learn ballroom dancing* [next on my list, at John’s urging!]
7. Learn about genealogy, handwriting analysis, photography*, and interior design*
8. Make one great, UNLAUDED contribution to mankind
9. Write a Bestseller
10. Have a role in a movie, however minor
11. Become an editor for a publishing house [editor for a magazine will do, also]
12. Become an English professor* [does high school English teacher come close?!]
13. Become a math professor [I dropped my English/math double major after my freshman year, so this ain’t happening]
14. Learn sign language
15. Gain a rudimentary knowledge of ballet & gymnastics
16. Be able to drive a stickshift expertly
17. Come up with a legitimate question that my AP Calculus teacher can’t answer [he challenged us that we couldn’t find a question he couldn’t answer]
18. Run a 400m in 60 seconds
19. Run a mile in 6 minutes
20. Live to be 100 years old and not be senile [I’ve decided since making this list that I do NOT want to meet this goal – the 100 years part, not the senile part. Why torture yourself??]
21. Be able to read lips
In college, I made another, much SHORTER list with the same theme:
1. Hold a koala bear
2. Swim with the dolphins
3. Hear Itsak Perlman (the great violinist) in concert
So far, I have met 2 of those 3 goals. I had a 10-hour layover in Australia one time and had researched ahead of time where to go hold a koala. It cost $8 (whereas, in the U.S., you know it would have been at least $50 per person or something), and I don’t even remember the actual moment, I was so excited. I don't even care that people make fun of the picture (Chandler Bing voice: Could your smile BE any bigger?). For the other, a kind college friend got tickets to see Itsak Perlman and the Florida Philharmonic in Miami and invited me. Anyone who cares to help make the third item on my list come true, what’s stopping you?
They say if you write down your goals, you are more likely to achieve them. I don’t know who “they” are, but I agree. From time to time, I take out lists like these and remind myself that even the dreams that seem impossible to achieve can come true.
Now I need to go write up my grocery list, which is actually one list I DON’T like to make. Afterward, I will cheer myself up by making a list of things that must be done tomorrow, like find out if I got the job I applied for (see # 11).
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