Once a month, sometimes twice, I meet with a group of ladies discussing education for women. I have a great time. There are anywhere from 15-20 ladies at each meeting. I am by far the youngest of all the ladies. The next up in age is at least 25 years older than me. It always makes me laugh because I can relate to these women more than I can to women of my own age. This truth does not bother me at all, because these ladies are amazing. They are all so funny, honest, sweet, genuine, and actually interested in each other's lives.
When with these women, I always find myself in the middle of every conversation and never at a loss for words. We talk about the medicines we take, the parts of our body hurting us at the moment, foods we can or can not eat, and our recent trips to doctors. After all of this, we usually move on to the weather, the news,our men, our families, our church and then our dogs. Being the youngest of all of these lovely ladies, I tend to spend a lot of time answering questions about 'these days'. Especially since they are all more comfortable in 'those days'. But being the youngest of a group of ladies that range from 23-94 is actually fun.
This past meeting, I was able to get to know one of these ladies a little bit better. I had met her, seen her, and talked to her on several occasions. I just hadn't really spent a lot of time getting to know her. While talking about our health, the questions were shifted to her. Most everyone was complementing her for being there because she is now 92. Let's call her Julia. Julia can't always hear the best, but she is in the middle of everything! She is the head of several committees and always dressed her best. She is on oxygen, she doesn't carry around a tank. No, she keeps her's in a very stylish bag. (In ten years, when I'm on oxygen this is who I plan to imitate.)
When the conversation shifted to her, everyone was at first asking her how she was doing. She insisted she was doing very well. One lady, a fellow church member of Julia, asked her about her latest with the doctor because she heard she might be on the prayer list. Julia quickly replied, "No. I told them not to waste their prayers on me, because I go to the casino three times a week."
On our way home from the meeting, I was talking with the lady who I rode with. Let's call her Claire. As we were talking about Ms. Julia, I told my neighbor how funny I thought Ms. Julia was. She began to tell me another story about her. Apparently, Ms. Julia was not always the size she is now. She has recently lost a lot of weight. Before she lost all the weight, Claire invited Julia over for coffee. Claire knew how much Julia liked to eat, so she made a loaf of banana bread.
After the first cup of coffee and a piece of bread, Claire offered Julia another cup and slice of bread. Julia said, 'No, I just started a diet. So only bring me two more pieces.' A few minutes later after Julia had consumed most of the bread, Claire inquired about Julia's new diet. Julia quickly informed her it was a VERY strict diet. It was so strict Julia could only go to Braum's 2 times a week now for biscuits and gravy.
When I am 92, hopefully I will remember Ms. Julia and apply her theories to life.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
If I only knew...
Two weeks ago, my husband and I made a change. A big change. After a lot of prayer and careful consideration, we told our 14 year old nephew he could move in with us. He had been living in Louisiana with the rest of his family, but he needed a fresh start. Remembering my years of struggles, I told my husband, if I were in our nephew's shoes, I would want someone to open their arms and their home for me.
So we did.
What an eventful two weeks it has been! There have been great times, scary times, sad times, exciting times, fun times, and I have felt every emotion humanly possible. Our nephew is a great kid. He has an amazing personality and is extremely talented. The first day we went to pick him up from school, we couldn't see him coming out. Finally, he emerged in the middle of a swarm of middle school girls. It amazes me the way these girls just flock to him.
Over the past two weeks, I have learned so much I can't believe my brain hasn't pushed itself out of my skull. First, just when I thought I understood how bad I hurt my parents in high school with my awful attitude, I realized I only understood about 10% of what they felt. Second, living with two boys is not the same as growing up in a house full of girls. It is just so much harder to keep the house smelling nice instead of that awful 'fart, body odor, and dog doo' mixture. Third, there are reasons cliches are cliches. Who knew (besides anyone with a child) when a child is getting a spanking, it REALLY does hurt the parent more than the child.
It has only been two weeks with a 14 year old boy in the house, and I am already seeing things in a whole new light. I can't imagine what raising a child from birth would uncover. But one thing I do know is I will never in a million years be able to repay my parents for all the love, mercy and grace they gave me. I never realized just how fortunate I was to grow up in a loving, Christian home. I can only hope to take all the things my parents did and apply them in a way where one day, maybe I could be half as great to my kids (or nephew) as they were to me.
So we did.
What an eventful two weeks it has been! There have been great times, scary times, sad times, exciting times, fun times, and I have felt every emotion humanly possible. Our nephew is a great kid. He has an amazing personality and is extremely talented. The first day we went to pick him up from school, we couldn't see him coming out. Finally, he emerged in the middle of a swarm of middle school girls. It amazes me the way these girls just flock to him.
Over the past two weeks, I have learned so much I can't believe my brain hasn't pushed itself out of my skull. First, just when I thought I understood how bad I hurt my parents in high school with my awful attitude, I realized I only understood about 10% of what they felt. Second, living with two boys is not the same as growing up in a house full of girls. It is just so much harder to keep the house smelling nice instead of that awful 'fart, body odor, and dog doo' mixture. Third, there are reasons cliches are cliches. Who knew (besides anyone with a child) when a child is getting a spanking, it REALLY does hurt the parent more than the child.
It has only been two weeks with a 14 year old boy in the house, and I am already seeing things in a whole new light. I can't imagine what raising a child from birth would uncover. But one thing I do know is I will never in a million years be able to repay my parents for all the love, mercy and grace they gave me. I never realized just how fortunate I was to grow up in a loving, Christian home. I can only hope to take all the things my parents did and apply them in a way where one day, maybe I could be half as great to my kids (or nephew) as they were to me.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Reacting to Public Apologies
I love sports. Over the past year and a half, I have especially grown to love golf. In learning to like golf, I, like many others, began to respect and admire Tiger Woods. So when I saw the news starting on black friday, I began to feel disappointment towards him, until today.
When I was in high school, I made some big mistakes. Part of dealing with those consequences was standing in front of my church and asking for forgiveness for my inappropriate actions. For anyone who has ever had to give a public apology, they know it is a very humbling experience. An experience not easily forgotten and teaching humility and character.
Over the years, I have had many people I look up to make irresponsible decisions in the public eye. I watched as Dana Jacobson had to issue a similar statement. And also Alex Rodriguez. After these figures issue a public response to their actions, the media reacts. Sometimes in a positive way, and sometimes in a negative way.
As a Christian and as someone who has been in the same position, I believe when someone has the courage to stand up and admit their mistakes, they deserve public forgiveness. It is not my place to decide whether anything said was sincere or not, it is only my place to not hold a grudge. Everyone makes mistakes. In our eyes, some mistakes are bigger than others. Our eyes, however, are not perfect. The reality is all sin is the same in God's eyes.
When a public apology is made, set aside all personal judgements and simply forgive. In the event, you, for some strange reason, end up on the other side of this situation, you would want the same courtesy extended to you. So to Dana Jacobson, Alex Rodriguez, and now Tiger Woods, I appreciate your apology. And I forgive you (even if you don't need or want my forgiveness). And I thank you for standing up in front of the world to admit your mistake and seek out forgivess.
When I was in high school, I made some big mistakes. Part of dealing with those consequences was standing in front of my church and asking for forgiveness for my inappropriate actions. For anyone who has ever had to give a public apology, they know it is a very humbling experience. An experience not easily forgotten and teaching humility and character.
Over the years, I have had many people I look up to make irresponsible decisions in the public eye. I watched as Dana Jacobson had to issue a similar statement. And also Alex Rodriguez. After these figures issue a public response to their actions, the media reacts. Sometimes in a positive way, and sometimes in a negative way.
As a Christian and as someone who has been in the same position, I believe when someone has the courage to stand up and admit their mistakes, they deserve public forgiveness. It is not my place to decide whether anything said was sincere or not, it is only my place to not hold a grudge. Everyone makes mistakes. In our eyes, some mistakes are bigger than others. Our eyes, however, are not perfect. The reality is all sin is the same in God's eyes.
When a public apology is made, set aside all personal judgements and simply forgive. In the event, you, for some strange reason, end up on the other side of this situation, you would want the same courtesy extended to you. So to Dana Jacobson, Alex Rodriguez, and now Tiger Woods, I appreciate your apology. And I forgive you (even if you don't need or want my forgiveness). And I thank you for standing up in front of the world to admit your mistake and seek out forgivess.
Friday, February 12, 2010
'...an old car.'
It is here again. The week that comes every 3-6 months filled with check up and follow up appointments. I wasn’t exactly dreading the week ahead, but after my first appointment maybe I should be. First stop this week, the gynecologist. YAY!
What a wonderful way to start a Monday morning. At least this appointment wasn’t one where I was going to lose every ounce of pride I’ve gained since the last time I came here. Well not at least because someone would be examining all my goodies today. Last month, my doctor changed my Zoloft to prozac. I am a creature of habit, so I despise change. I was desperately looking forward to this appointment to get back on Zoloft. Prozac was not the most delightful change for me.
My bubbly doctor enters the room with his normal perky greeting. Today he is accompanied by two beautiful women, both intimidatingly beautiful. Glad I’m keeping on my clothes today. The nurse practioner and physician’s assistant’s beauty would make any average woman’s self esteem drop 4 points just being in the same room with them, not to mention how comforting it would be to have these two checking out all the imperfections with my goods.
Our conversation begins with me telling my doctor I think my lovely Interstitial Cystitis is bothering me again. To make sure I don’t leave with any integrity, he proceeds to prescribe me with the most popular bladder control pill among t.v. commercials today. Hopefully, they understand what IC actually is and realize I’m not peeing my pants on a daily basis. Yet. Next, we talk about the happy pills. After I tell him the new one makes me cry more than normal, I politely tell him I would like to be on Zoloft again. We tried the change. I did not think it was pleasant. Moving on. Now I begin to tell him recently I have been having migraines and trouble with my Crohn’s disease.
As he is telling me the changes we are going to make on my daily medicines, he begins to explain to me why I haven’t been feeling so good lately. I had told him I worked too much over the holidays and didn’t get enough rest. Complete truth. Apparently, this doctor is so comfortable with me he feels he can say exactly what he is thinking. I don’t know if that is flattering or not. He proceeds to tell me I am like an old car. I run well at slow speeds, but when I begin to run too fast, I get ‘rickety and shaky’. I should stay within the safe speeds. Wow. Precious.
NOTE TO SELF: Never enter a gynecologist appointment thinking it won’t be THAT bad.
What a wonderful way to start a Monday morning. At least this appointment wasn’t one where I was going to lose every ounce of pride I’ve gained since the last time I came here. Well not at least because someone would be examining all my goodies today. Last month, my doctor changed my Zoloft to prozac. I am a creature of habit, so I despise change. I was desperately looking forward to this appointment to get back on Zoloft. Prozac was not the most delightful change for me.
My bubbly doctor enters the room with his normal perky greeting. Today he is accompanied by two beautiful women, both intimidatingly beautiful. Glad I’m keeping on my clothes today. The nurse practioner and physician’s assistant’s beauty would make any average woman’s self esteem drop 4 points just being in the same room with them, not to mention how comforting it would be to have these two checking out all the imperfections with my goods.
Our conversation begins with me telling my doctor I think my lovely Interstitial Cystitis is bothering me again. To make sure I don’t leave with any integrity, he proceeds to prescribe me with the most popular bladder control pill among t.v. commercials today. Hopefully, they understand what IC actually is and realize I’m not peeing my pants on a daily basis. Yet. Next, we talk about the happy pills. After I tell him the new one makes me cry more than normal, I politely tell him I would like to be on Zoloft again. We tried the change. I did not think it was pleasant. Moving on. Now I begin to tell him recently I have been having migraines and trouble with my Crohn’s disease.
As he is telling me the changes we are going to make on my daily medicines, he begins to explain to me why I haven’t been feeling so good lately. I had told him I worked too much over the holidays and didn’t get enough rest. Complete truth. Apparently, this doctor is so comfortable with me he feels he can say exactly what he is thinking. I don’t know if that is flattering or not. He proceeds to tell me I am like an old car. I run well at slow speeds, but when I begin to run too fast, I get ‘rickety and shaky’. I should stay within the safe speeds. Wow. Precious.
NOTE TO SELF: Never enter a gynecologist appointment thinking it won’t be THAT bad.
yeah......okay.......
At six a.m., there is not much on tv. But lucky for me, this morning there was actually something worth leaving the tv on to watch. (Or to glance up at sparatically when I get tired of looking at the computer screen) Maybe I should be embarrassed about what it is I'm watching. I, however, grew up with a momma who makes life a little more interesting by never being embarrassed, and it rubbed off on me. So I'm watching High School Musical 3.
I have never really been one to enjoy musical movies. The only ones I like are old cartoon Disney classics like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. But Rent, or Hairspray, or Mamma Mia!, and all those movies do not interest me one ounce. And this morning, while I was watching (occasionally looking at) HSM 3 I realized why I don't like them.
I like to watch things which could be real. So I have an extremely hard time finding an element in a musical I can connect to. I mean, seriously, who goes around and at any given moment just busts out a ballad and starts dancing and then everyone around joins in singing and dancing. I mean a lot of crazy things happend at lunch during my imprisonment at high school, but there was nobody dancing on a table busting out a random song which just happens to fit whatever situation perfectly.
I mean growing up we would bust out in random song, but it was just me and my sisters being crazy and goofing around. (HA! growing up....yeah we might still do that every now and then...) Even then, it was a song we already knew. And the only way we ALL sang, was if we all knew it. Some of these songs are the thoughts of characters and yet everyone around them just joins in. (I guess this would be possible if everyone had a group of fortune telling friends.)
All this to say, musicals aren't my thing. They seem to be more of a comedy to me, because life just doesn't happen like that. There isn't always a climax in everyday rountines, because sometimes its just boring. There isn't always a one specific moment of glory. There isn't always a happy ending simply because not everybody is as lucky as me.............:)
I have never really been one to enjoy musical movies. The only ones I like are old cartoon Disney classics like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. But Rent, or Hairspray, or Mamma Mia!, and all those movies do not interest me one ounce. And this morning, while I was watching (occasionally looking at) HSM 3 I realized why I don't like them.
I like to watch things which could be real. So I have an extremely hard time finding an element in a musical I can connect to. I mean, seriously, who goes around and at any given moment just busts out a ballad and starts dancing and then everyone around joins in singing and dancing. I mean a lot of crazy things happend at lunch during my imprisonment at high school, but there was nobody dancing on a table busting out a random song which just happens to fit whatever situation perfectly.
I mean growing up we would bust out in random song, but it was just me and my sisters being crazy and goofing around. (HA! growing up....yeah we might still do that every now and then...) Even then, it was a song we already knew. And the only way we ALL sang, was if we all knew it. Some of these songs are the thoughts of characters and yet everyone around them just joins in. (I guess this would be possible if everyone had a group of fortune telling friends.)
All this to say, musicals aren't my thing. They seem to be more of a comedy to me, because life just doesn't happen like that. There isn't always a climax in everyday rountines, because sometimes its just boring. There isn't always a one specific moment of glory. There isn't always a happy ending simply because not everybody is as lucky as me.............:)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Is that a fat joke?
My freshman year at University of Arkansas was the first time of my life I ever studied for a class. Fall midterms were approaching fast, so my roommate and I decided to study early. One night, we locked ourselves in our dorm room saturating our minds with as much information as we could. After I was confident I had absorbed all the western civilization my brain would allow, I decided we needed a break. A much needed break. And from the sound of my stomach, we also needed a snack.
After studying for so long uninterrupted, we deserved a reward. What better than Krispy Kreme? And not the Krispy Kreme you can get at a gas station or walmart. No, it had to be a “HOT NOW” Krispy Kreme. So what if there nearest Krispy Kreme was in Rogers and we were in Fayetteville?! Making sure it wouldn’t be a wasted trip, I called to make sure they were open late. We were in luck. It was 9:45 p.m., and they closed at 11 p.m.
We had been in the car for about 25 minutes, and since I knew we were getting close I was getting excited. It wouldn’t be long before the warm, sweet, melting goodness would be in my mouth and contributing to the dreaded “Freshman 15”. I saw the first sign boasting the restaurants lining Exit 85. Almost there. As I was about to tap the brake to turn the cruise off, I saw a car pulled over with its flashers on. Then I noticed the driver standing next to the car waving his arms around like he was swatting at an invisible swarm of bees. We were two teenage girls. No way we were stopping to help a crazy person and their car troubles. Even if we had known anything about cars, we were to close to the donuts to stop now.
Before I could process the words to tell my friend, “There is an idiot on the side of the road flailing his arms around,” I saw a big strange object in the road. I did not know what it was, but I knew it was not supposed to be in the middle of the interstate. Quickly as I could, I swerved the car to miss whatever this foreign object was. I wasn’t fast enough. Although I swerved, I still felt it hit the car. I spun around and finally came to a stop in the median.
After I felt around and realized I was still alive, I looked to make sure my best friend was still breathing as well. She looked as confused as I did so I knew she was okay. The look on her face told me her brain was still working. As I figured out she was fine, my worry shifted for my car. I knew that every tire I had was blown, not to mention the pile of scrap metal I was certain my car had become in less than ten seconds. I got out of the car to find every tire looked perfect. Not only were the tires fine, the only thing wrong with my car was a small dent on the front right bumper. Still confused, I looked to the idiot with flailing arms who was now running towards me. I knew he saw what had just happened so maybe he could tell me what I hit.
There was no way I could ever prepare myself mentally for what I was about to hear. I yelled at the stranger asking him what I had just hit.
“A chair,” he informed me.
“Really?! What kind of chair makes that kind of dent?”
“An ab lounge.”
An ab lounge. Seriously? AN AB LOUNGE!?! Suddenly my head was filled with all sorts of questions. Why is there an ab lounge in the road? How did it get there? What did my car do to deserve a beating from a late night infomercial? Why wait until I was so close to my destination?
After exchanging insurance information, I got back in the car to drive away.
“What do I do now?” I asked my roommate.
“Get Krispy Kremes,” she replies with a dumbfound ‘duh’ expression all over her face.
As I pulled in the parking lot at Krispy Kreme, I finally let go of every tear I had been holding in since my car started spinning. My friend let me cry for a few minutes, sure it was just a reaction from the stress of the situation. After what she thought was long enough to let me cry without interruption, she finally said, “Its okay, honey.”
“No it isn’t,” I replied.
“It isn’t that bad. He said he would pay to have the damage fixed,” she reminded me.
“Its not that.”
Assuming I would have finished the thought already, she asked, “Well what is it?”
And then came the startling realization leading to my never ending waterfall of tears. “God thinks I’m fat. We were going to get donuts, and what does he do? He throws exercise equipment at my car. This is like the ultimate fat joke…”
NOTE TO SELF: Next time you feel the need to drive 30 minutes out of your way to get “HOT NOW” donuts, don’t.
After studying for so long uninterrupted, we deserved a reward. What better than Krispy Kreme? And not the Krispy Kreme you can get at a gas station or walmart. No, it had to be a “HOT NOW” Krispy Kreme. So what if there nearest Krispy Kreme was in Rogers and we were in Fayetteville?! Making sure it wouldn’t be a wasted trip, I called to make sure they were open late. We were in luck. It was 9:45 p.m., and they closed at 11 p.m.
We had been in the car for about 25 minutes, and since I knew we were getting close I was getting excited. It wouldn’t be long before the warm, sweet, melting goodness would be in my mouth and contributing to the dreaded “Freshman 15”. I saw the first sign boasting the restaurants lining Exit 85. Almost there. As I was about to tap the brake to turn the cruise off, I saw a car pulled over with its flashers on. Then I noticed the driver standing next to the car waving his arms around like he was swatting at an invisible swarm of bees. We were two teenage girls. No way we were stopping to help a crazy person and their car troubles. Even if we had known anything about cars, we were to close to the donuts to stop now.
Before I could process the words to tell my friend, “There is an idiot on the side of the road flailing his arms around,” I saw a big strange object in the road. I did not know what it was, but I knew it was not supposed to be in the middle of the interstate. Quickly as I could, I swerved the car to miss whatever this foreign object was. I wasn’t fast enough. Although I swerved, I still felt it hit the car. I spun around and finally came to a stop in the median.
After I felt around and realized I was still alive, I looked to make sure my best friend was still breathing as well. She looked as confused as I did so I knew she was okay. The look on her face told me her brain was still working. As I figured out she was fine, my worry shifted for my car. I knew that every tire I had was blown, not to mention the pile of scrap metal I was certain my car had become in less than ten seconds. I got out of the car to find every tire looked perfect. Not only were the tires fine, the only thing wrong with my car was a small dent on the front right bumper. Still confused, I looked to the idiot with flailing arms who was now running towards me. I knew he saw what had just happened so maybe he could tell me what I hit.
There was no way I could ever prepare myself mentally for what I was about to hear. I yelled at the stranger asking him what I had just hit.
“A chair,” he informed me.
“Really?! What kind of chair makes that kind of dent?”
“An ab lounge.”
An ab lounge. Seriously? AN AB LOUNGE!?! Suddenly my head was filled with all sorts of questions. Why is there an ab lounge in the road? How did it get there? What did my car do to deserve a beating from a late night infomercial? Why wait until I was so close to my destination?
After exchanging insurance information, I got back in the car to drive away.
“What do I do now?” I asked my roommate.
“Get Krispy Kremes,” she replies with a dumbfound ‘duh’ expression all over her face.
As I pulled in the parking lot at Krispy Kreme, I finally let go of every tear I had been holding in since my car started spinning. My friend let me cry for a few minutes, sure it was just a reaction from the stress of the situation. After what she thought was long enough to let me cry without interruption, she finally said, “Its okay, honey.”
“No it isn’t,” I replied.
“It isn’t that bad. He said he would pay to have the damage fixed,” she reminded me.
“Its not that.”
Assuming I would have finished the thought already, she asked, “Well what is it?”
And then came the startling realization leading to my never ending waterfall of tears. “God thinks I’m fat. We were going to get donuts, and what does he do? He throws exercise equipment at my car. This is like the ultimate fat joke…”
NOTE TO SELF: Next time you feel the need to drive 30 minutes out of your way to get “HOT NOW” donuts, don’t.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I jumped on the bandwagon...
I have been stubborn for as long as I can remember. I am just stubborn enough that when everyone else is putting something crazy on their facebook status, I won't. Just because they are. Or if everyone changes their picture to their celebrity look a like, I won't do that either. (And not just because I don't have a celebrity look a like) However, there is one facebook trend that caught my eye. I didn't post it on my facebook status ( so maybe it doesn't count as jumping on the bandwagon). But I am posting it on here, because I am amazed at how true it is.
So I read where you can go to urbandictionary.com and put your name in, and it will give you a 'definition'. So my curiousity go the best of me, and I did it. I have to share it, because it is so true its crazy!
Jennifer: a fun, outgoing person. generally smart but can be a total blonde at times. someone who likes meeting new people, and smiles a lot. a person who never would just turn on people. a very good friend. someone you can trust. when she's mad, stand clear she might blow her top. but a person who doesn't get mad easily so you dont have to worry about that.
And if that isn't enough.....
Danielle:A.)Traditional; Feminine form of Daniel, meaning 'Judged only by GOD.' B.) Intense, firey female Possessing ability to affect person, place, and immediate surrounding environment. Frequently manifesting such conflicting extremes that the outcome is typically one of lucidity or confusion. The conflict(s) can occur consecutively, concurrent or separate. Other characteristics of Danielle are; abundance of curly locks of hair (red?), kalidescope eyes, descernible voice capable of pitch, tone and volume that cracks Ice, shatters glass, and renders those in ear-shot stunned for moment. Danielle is synonymous with Tardy i;e, NEVER EVER, ever on time generally DST (Danielle Standard Time) run's within a 3 hour conversion =/- ( due at 2 pm will not arrive prior to 2:30 PM but usually by 5PM or somewhere in between)
'DANIELLE' your mostfearless, strong and loyal friend for life, or your most feared, relentless mortal enemy.
wow........
So I read where you can go to urbandictionary.com and put your name in, and it will give you a 'definition'. So my curiousity go the best of me, and I did it. I have to share it, because it is so true its crazy!
Jennifer: a fun, outgoing person. generally smart but can be a total blonde at times. someone who likes meeting new people, and smiles a lot. a person who never would just turn on people. a very good friend. someone you can trust. when she's mad, stand clear she might blow her top. but a person who doesn't get mad easily so you dont have to worry about that.
And if that isn't enough.....
Danielle:A.)Traditional; Feminine form of Daniel, meaning 'Judged only by GOD.' B.) Intense, firey female Possessing ability to affect person, place, and immediate surrounding environment. Frequently manifesting such conflicting extremes that the outcome is typically one of lucidity or confusion. The conflict(s) can occur consecutively, concurrent or separate. Other characteristics of Danielle are; abundance of curly locks of hair (red?), kalidescope eyes, descernible voice capable of pitch, tone and volume that cracks Ice, shatters glass, and renders those in ear-shot stunned for moment. Danielle is synonymous with Tardy i;e, NEVER EVER, ever on time generally DST (Danielle Standard Time) run's within a 3 hour conversion =/- ( due at 2 pm will not arrive prior to 2:30 PM but usually by 5PM or somewhere in between)
'DANIELLE' your mostfearless, strong and loyal friend for life, or your most feared, relentless mortal enemy.
wow........
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
And it really makes me wonder....
What a strange day it has been....
I have felt such a wide range of emotions today. It doesn't even seem like it can all fit into one day. It feels more like a strange week. But I'm pretty sure everything took place within one twelve hour period. Although today was weird, I will take a few mental notes I gathered throughout the day.
Mental Note #1 - Mommas are wonderful. They should not be taken for granted. They like suprises. But next time when pondering what the suprise should be, think. Example: If your mom just told you she is working on her blood pressure (starting a new diet, taking new medicines, things like that...), take flowers instead of a breakfast that consists of 3000 calories.
Mental Note #2 - When you feel like a bad mood is coming on, don't drag it out just because you are a girl. Or because your hormones are nuts. Or just because you can. You don't know what the rest of the day will hold. And maybe, JUST MAYBE, you and your crabby attitude is the last thing someone else needs in their day.
Mental Note #3 - NEVER under estimate the joy a four year old can bring you. As if the eyes and the smile aren't enough, they always end up saying the one thing that seems to get through and melt your heart.
Mental Note #4 - Be a friend. Be a friend to your mom, your dad, your sister, your brother, your cousin, your spouse, your neighbor. And while you are being a friend, remember a friend loves at ALL times.
Mental Note #5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding. In ALL your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
I have felt such a wide range of emotions today. It doesn't even seem like it can all fit into one day. It feels more like a strange week. But I'm pretty sure everything took place within one twelve hour period. Although today was weird, I will take a few mental notes I gathered throughout the day.
Mental Note #1 - Mommas are wonderful. They should not be taken for granted. They like suprises. But next time when pondering what the suprise should be, think. Example: If your mom just told you she is working on her blood pressure (starting a new diet, taking new medicines, things like that...), take flowers instead of a breakfast that consists of 3000 calories.
Mental Note #2 - When you feel like a bad mood is coming on, don't drag it out just because you are a girl. Or because your hormones are nuts. Or just because you can. You don't know what the rest of the day will hold. And maybe, JUST MAYBE, you and your crabby attitude is the last thing someone else needs in their day.
Mental Note #3 - NEVER under estimate the joy a four year old can bring you. As if the eyes and the smile aren't enough, they always end up saying the one thing that seems to get through and melt your heart.
Mental Note #4 - Be a friend. Be a friend to your mom, your dad, your sister, your brother, your cousin, your spouse, your neighbor. And while you are being a friend, remember a friend loves at ALL times.
Mental Note #5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding. In ALL your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Why, why, why
Earlier today, I told my precious husband I started a blog. After his sarcastic ranting of how he doesn't even know me anymore, he asked me why I started a blog. It got me thinking, and I figured the answer to that question is probably important.
Although I am only 23 years old, I have done things and learned things most people my age don't get to until they are in their late 20s or 30s. I'm a little old for my age. And not just in maturity. My insides are old too. I always joke about having the insides of a 99 year old woman. I have Crohn's disease, interstitial cystitis, severe allergies (joy!) and the occasional asthma. Also, I had a exploratory surgery looking to see if I have endometriosis. At the time, the dr said he found nothing. However, every visit since then he has said I do have it. So in december of '06 I didn't have it, but last week he said I did. Add it to the list, I suppose.
Anyway, like most kids, in high school and my first year or two of college I rebelled. A LOT. It wasn't until I started getting sick, I began to change the way I live. When I was finally brought to my knees and changed, I realized just how big of a mess I had made my life.
Three years ago, I spent one restless night at my parents' house. I couldn't sleep. And I remember crying and being frustrated with every part of me. I was raised in a Christian home and I knew how to pray. But somehow I had forgotten what a real relationship with God was. That night, My God reached down and pulled me out of my pit. It was not until then I discovered the true meaning of grace and mercy.
As I began to bask in the love God poured out on me, I made him a promise. For as long as I live, I will share my experience with whoever needs it. No matter what the cost, I won't hold anything about His love, grace, or mercy back. He did not share it with me to hoard. He allowed me to experience Him so I could share with others. So that is why....
Although I am only 23 years old, I have done things and learned things most people my age don't get to until they are in their late 20s or 30s. I'm a little old for my age. And not just in maturity. My insides are old too. I always joke about having the insides of a 99 year old woman. I have Crohn's disease, interstitial cystitis, severe allergies (joy!) and the occasional asthma. Also, I had a exploratory surgery looking to see if I have endometriosis. At the time, the dr said he found nothing. However, every visit since then he has said I do have it. So in december of '06 I didn't have it, but last week he said I did. Add it to the list, I suppose.
Anyway, like most kids, in high school and my first year or two of college I rebelled. A LOT. It wasn't until I started getting sick, I began to change the way I live. When I was finally brought to my knees and changed, I realized just how big of a mess I had made my life.
Three years ago, I spent one restless night at my parents' house. I couldn't sleep. And I remember crying and being frustrated with every part of me. I was raised in a Christian home and I knew how to pray. But somehow I had forgotten what a real relationship with God was. That night, My God reached down and pulled me out of my pit. It was not until then I discovered the true meaning of grace and mercy.
As I began to bask in the love God poured out on me, I made him a promise. For as long as I live, I will share my experience with whoever needs it. No matter what the cost, I won't hold anything about His love, grace, or mercy back. He did not share it with me to hoard. He allowed me to experience Him so I could share with others. So that is why....
Cold, Cold, Go away
Today, if you were standing in my shoes, your feet would be fahreezing! I'm so ready for the spring. Is the snow pretty? Of course. But is one day enough of it? YES! Bring on the warm fronts! You ever get a gift at Christmas you wanted more than anything and as soon as you opened the present all you wanted to do was tear in to it? I got one of those gifts this year...PINK GOLF CLUBS! So since I am so excited to use them, I have seen more snow since Christmas than I have seen in all twenty three of my previous years combined! Of course we get all this snow since I actually want to be outside on the greens. So again I say, Bring on the warm fronts!
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