Cause two blogs are better than one...

I found this from Rachel, and I thought it was fun, so I wanted to share. Here's the description she copied, as did I...

What I want to know is 10 NEW (not the same old thing) things you've discovered that you can't live without and why.

I'm talking practical, here.

Not Jesus or your family ... that's a given.

I'm talking PRODUCTS ... anything from groceries to toiletries to make-up to shoes. This will help us all discover new things we may want to try.

Ta da! My list, in no particular order...

Diet Lipton Green Tea

Delicious! Superman and I drink probably one a day. They're sweet, they're something other than water (my usual drink), and they have zero calories. That rocks.

Born shoes

Born shoes are a little expensive, around $100 for a pair, but you can walk around the world in them. I've had one of my two pairs for over six years already, and they're still in great shape. Plus, they're comfortable and are great work shoes. Highly recommend.

iPod

Is it bad that I watch TV shows on my iPod while my students are taking tests?

My fake Chi

It's called a GER or GRE or something like that, but it's a fake Chi. I bought it at Sally's last year for $60, and I love it! It looks like a real Chi and it straightens my hair like a real Chi -- but it doesn't cost as much!

Crawfish

It's crawfish, not crayfish, and I cannot wait to have some soon!

Bath and Body Works Sweetest Softest Socks on Earth

These socks really are the softest socks on Earth. They're warm, they make my feet feel soft, and there's nothing better than being cozy in PJs with a cup of hot chocolate and wonderful socks on your feet.

Red tulips

My favorite flower. I love them. One Valentine's Day, Superman brought me red tulips and roses. He said the roses were a traditional Valentine's Day gift and the tulips were because they were my favorite flower.

Starbucks

You know, I'm not a fan of Starbucks coffee (other than the Christmas blend -- and only when they make it right!), but their mochas are delicious. When I want coffee, I head to our local coffee shop, but when I want something sweeter, it's Starbucks all the way.

Rokr phone

FYI, my Rokr phone is older and doesn't look nearly as cool as this, but I was psyched when I got it because it was the first phone I had that could take pictures. That's moving on up for me. But my old Rokr died, so Alltel gave me a new one...and I can't get new ringtones on it. But, hey, it's still better than any other phone I've ever had.

Victoria's Secret night shirt

These $10 night shirts are my favorite sleepwear ever. Kudos to Misti for getting me my first one. I now have about three, and they are super comfortable -- great with those BBW socks I was mentioning.

If you want to do this, please let me know! I want to make sure I see your meme! =D

Of all the things to forget

Application form for Super Duper University. Check.

Resume for the mass communications department. Check.

Transcripts sent. Check, check.

Personal essay. Check.

Immunization records. Check.

Letters of recommendation. Check, check, check.

GRE scores. Check.

Check. WHAT??!!

Yep. That’s right. I forgot to send my $30 application fee in to SDU.

Oh, SNAP!

Thankfully, though, I called the SDU grad school at 8 a.m., and we got everything worked out.

But, seriously, who forgets the application fee???

As honest as it gets

(So I might have sat on this blog for a few days...You'll see why...)

I’m a worry-holic. The first step is admitting you have a problem. I do. Not 100 percent sure how to fix it, but I am trying.

And I’m stubborn and persistent. Ask my professors. It got to the point where they wouldn’t answer my twice-daily calls about my thesis (oh, yeah – I called from a different phone, and voila! They answered.).

I’m filling out applications to start work on my Ph.D. This is HUGE for me. I’m the only one in my family (if you count immediate fam – hubby, parents, and in-laws) to get my master’s degree. And God knows that was a trial (more on that in a minute). And now I’m going for the Big One, the Ultimate, the Gold – the Doctorate. Dr. Lois Lane. W.O.W. (And I don’t mean World of Warcraft.)

Naturally, there are a TON of things to be nervous about. A) I still have to be full-time at my present job. B) I have to drive 3.5 hours to Super Duper University (SDU) and 3.5 hours back. In a day. Every week. For like 2 ½ years. C) Did I mention I still have to be full-time at my current job? D) THISISGOINGTOBESUCHSTINKINGHARDWORK!! E) Uh…wait, aren’t we getting ahead? What if I don’t get IN?

Okay, here’s what happened.

A while back, I mentioned that I may or may not have been kicked out of grad school. I finished my bachelor’s (with a double degree, fyi, so you don’t think I’m some slacker) in three years. I had a TOPS scholarship, which means that my tuition was covered by the state. They said since I finished my degree in three years, I could go on another year for my master’s, which would also be paid for. Ka-CHING! Heck, yeah, I wanted to do that!

Superman and I moved our stuff down to New Orleans in August 2005.

Hurricane Katrina wrecked New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005.

We got married Sept. 3, 2005.

I started grad school Sept. 13, 2005, doing an entirely different thing than what I ever anticipated because, as we weren’t in New Orleans, I was not going to seminary (and TOPS had said they wouldn’t pay for my seminary anyway. Losers.).

That’s a lot to deal with in two months. Oh, and did I mention we lived with my father-in-law for three weeks before finding an apartment? I’m not trying to make excuses here, seriously. I’m just letting you know the circumstances.

I started getting my master’s in English. And working about 45 hours a week at a new job. And I was a newlywed. And my work then wasn’t as nice as the work now, so I couldn’t do my homework at work (Did I mention I have a REALLY nice job now?). I’m not a big fan of English, it turns out, even though I did get a BA in it. Sure, I love Jane Austen and my medieval women’s lit class, but I HATED Longfellow and Patrick O’Brien and Chaucer and pretty much everyone else I had to read. And those stupid plays I had to read. Geez, I really hated them.

That should have been a sign to GET OUT, but, naturally, I have to be hit over the head with said sign to get the point.

I was struggling. I was drowning. People around me noticed. I forgot conversations, had no time for leisure, and actually got shingles from the stress. In May, everything crumbled. I made two Cs. That’s pretty much a ticket out in grad school.

Oh, and I would just like to add that very few people in this particular English department helped me out (though I did have a couple of professors that gave me very good advice). I would NEVER recommend getting a master’s in English from this university. My adviser was a piece of work. That’s another story, though.

I was devastated. I was a good student. I knew I was. PLUS, my boss (of now) had mentioned that there was a position for a journalism instructor that would open up the next year – but I had to have a master’s degree – oh, and at least 18 hours of journalism or mass communication if I wanted to pursue my English MA.

(See how dumb I am? I don’t see good things when they practically slap me in the face.)

I was devastated. I could not understand how I would get this job without a master’s degree. And I didn’t want to go to another university. I wanted to go to THIS university.

The associate dean was very understanding and worked with me to reach my goal. I am very grateful to him, because he knew that I was a smart student, but I had overloaded myself (full time student, full time employee. Yeah, I had a GREAT adviser…). He suggested that I resign from University A and attend University B and get a master’s in mass communication – and that he would make sure I was still in good standing with Univ. A. But I could not complete my master’s in English at A.

I thought I had hit rock bottom. I was so upset – but this is how God works. Mysteriously. And for the best.

Can I just say that attending Univ. B and getting my master’s in mass communications was one of the best things in my life? I LOVED my classes, graduated with a 4.0 on my transcript, and I got those 18 hours AND a master’s degree in what I needed to teach here. Plus, I – little naive white girl – graduated from an HBCU: a historically black college or university. More on that tomorrow and why I’m thankful for it.

Plus, you have NO IDEA how satisfying it was to see my old adviser and some of my former professors (because we work at the same university) when I was introduced at the beginning of the year as a new faculty member. I can’t help it. Just letting my adviser know that people who cared about me as a student helped me succeed and now teach at the same university as him was enough.

Oh, and the kicker? While I’m still tentative telling this story (especially to my students), I see how amazing of a testimony it is. I hope my story will be an inspiration for others. God took me from my lowest point and placed me in a position better than I could ever imagine. I have this awesome job with great benefits and love what I do. God is so amazing. Hallelujah!

Okay, all that long story for this: I am a little nervous about being accepted to USM, so please pray for me. I did have a 4.0 on my transcript from University B and had a fairly decent GRE score, but I am worried about those, um, English courses…

But, if God’s gotten me through this, I know He’s got a plan for me for the future. As Beth Moore said, you can’t amputate your past from your destiny. It’s all connected. So…we’ll see what happens!

Podcasts

One question: What podcasts do you listen to? I'm just getting where I really like podcasts, but I'm not good at finding them, so I thought I'd get a little help. I'd really prefer free ones, too, so if you know of any good ones (doesn't matter which genre), let me know! =D

SOAP No. 18: In the Lord's will

Scripture: He (David) said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent."
Nathan replied to the king, "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you." – 2 Samuel 7:2-3

Observation: David no longer was at war with his enemies, and he realized that the ark of the Lord had no permanent place.

Application: I think there are a lot of life applications here. First, David knew his blessings. His enemies were gone, and he was living in luxury. Instead of wanting more, as many of us do today, his attention was right where it should be: on God. “Why is the ark in a tent while I live in this palace?” he asked. He saw his own blessings, knew where they came from, and wanted to glorify the One who gave them to him.

Also, I notice that David sought advice from God’s prophet to do God’s will. I think that’s really important here. I can remember time after time when I made decisions without praying about them – and how badly they turned out. David knew better, though, and he turned to Nathan for counsel and to make sure he was in God’s will. And what did Nathan say? “The Lord is with you.” How comforting that must have been!

Prayer: God, even in this rough economy, please let us remember exactly how blessed we are. We are free. We can worship You without fear of persecution. We have roofs over our heads, people who love us, and security in knowing that You hold us in Your hands. We are blessed. And, Lord, we thank You for these blessings that we have, and help us to also remember that with You, anything is possible.

So I have to tell you what I did Friday

Part of my job is to send out news releases and update our university Web site with said press releases. Naturally, not all the news we receive is “earth-shattering,” but we still want it out there, so we have a section for briefs, or “Newsmakers" (see red circled part).



I was typing up a particular Newsmaker about our English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta, and I typed in a short headline, which is not shown on the Newsmaker portion but will help me find the brief if necessary. I hit submit, and it went online.

On the wrong part.

Instead of putting it in the Newsmaker column to the right, I put it right under, “News at University.” Okay, not so bad, really, right?

Uh…except for the headline.

I used to make fun of this when I was a member of this honor society, but when I was putting the headline in, I didn’t think much about it.

Think about the initials of the honor society…

That’s right. Right below “News at University” was the headline “STD.”

Fabulous.

Thankfully, though, I fixed the problem quickly…I’m crossing my fingers that nobody saw. But for those who might have…I hope they laughed. ;)

Silly excitement

I just got my student reviews back from the last class I taught. Basically, at the end of the class, my students got to fill out a form saying if I was a good teacher, if they learned anything, etc., and then had the option to write additional notes about/to me. Oh, and did I mention that the dean gets to see all of this? Yeah...

As this was my first attempt at teaching, I was more than a little nervous.

But...they were good! Don't get me wrong -- I am soooo not bragging here. I see my flaws as a teacher better than anyone else, and I'm desperately hoping next year I'm better and continue to get better each time (And I think the students were just being nice on their comments.). They wrote such sweet things that it really made my day. I had a LOT of comments, too, which really surprised me...and NONE of them were bad.

"You have been one of the most understanding professors I have ever had. Your patience and willingness to explain things (sometimes more than once) has been the biggest help to me this quarter."

"L. Lane ROCKS! I loved copy editing and hands-on experience. I want to take another one of your classes."

"Thank you! =)"

I mean...who's day WOULDN'T be made with that??

So what's making you happy on this Friday?

Lost in Myspace

I canceled my myspace account today. It was actually a really big deal for me because I am into social networking so much -- which was one of the reasons I got out of there.

I do the whole facebook thing, too, and most of the people I have on my friends list on myspace are on facebook as well. So...isn't that redundant? There were a lot of other reasons, too, none really dramatic or anything like that. It was just unnecessary clutter, basically.

Down with myspace and welcome LOST!! Tonight is the big night, L-Night. I cannot wait! I have a friend who's having a Lost party at his house, so that's where I'll be watching the big show and seeing what will happen to our favorite castaways. Here are my thoughts:

Kate -- From the previews, there's going to be someone who causes trouble for her and realizes she's not Aaron's biological mother. I think this is going to be a big factor in her agreeing to go back to the island (again, though, is the question of HOW are they going to get back?). I'm hoping she and Sawyer will start something up again because, really, I just can't see her with Jack.

Jack -- NEEDS to go back to the island. He obviously, from the flash-forwards, can't handle being reintegrated in society. He needs to lose the beard, stop working with Ben (nothing good ever happens with Ben), and take charge like he did on the island...which is probably why he wants to go back so much.

Ben -- My FAVORITE character, believe it or not. He and Sawyer are tied for the best one-liners. He's obviously got something worked out, and I don't think he made the island disapear. Maybe he moved it or something, but I'm betting he knows where it is. And I'm also curious to see the final showdown between him and Charles (can't remember his last name), because that's gonna happen.

Sun -- I'm hoping really, really hard that Jin isn't dead. And what's she going to do with the baby, btw? Is the baby going back to the island, too?

Hurley -- Hurley had a gun in the previews. If that doesn't scare you, nothin' will.

Sayid -- Who is he working for?? Is it Ben? When did he turn into such a suave assassin? Will he be more of a danger when they all go back? What's going on for him?

Sawyer -- MUST be alive. He's right behind Ben (and right in front of Locke) on my Fav Characters list. It's been three years since the Oceanic Six left the island. I bet Sawyer's in charge of that island now.

Juliet -- I started liking her near the end of last season, and I think I'll like her more this season. I am curious, though, as to what role she'll play this season: leader, Jack's romantic interest (and Kate's competition), spy, doctor? It could be all four.

Locke -- Ah, Locke. How we've missed you. They better make it back to the island soon, because I want to see Locke and Sawyer again!!

Claire -- NOT a favorite character by any means, but WHAT IN THE WORLD is up with her and Jack's dad (well, he is her dad, too, actually...)????? I need to know this!

Just a few more hours until LOST!!!!!

I learned how to spell ‘inauguration’ today…

I witnessed President Obama's swearing in ceremony today. I had not really thought about watching it, to tell the truth. I’ve got papers from last week that still need to be graded (seriously, who’s surprised?), but, as everyone around me was watching, I decided to pull up a live stream from msn.com (as CNN and Fox wouldn’t work – thanks a lot!) and see history in the making.

As a journalist, I was enthusiastic to watch my first (sadly, yes) presidential inauguration. Like at a football game, I get caught up in the moment and the excitement of the people around me. I was a little nervous about Obama’s well-being, too, even though USA Today reported that he has a 70 percent approval rating going into office. But, as we all know, you only need one crazy to stir up some real trouble.

To document this historic occasion, I sat in my office, drinking Harry and David’s Moose Munch coffee and wearing my Ann Taylor pants and shirt and a sweater I purchased from Nordstrom’s – actually, I bought it all (minus the black boots) while in Chicago. I know y’all were all eager to know that. ;)

And here is my almost minute-by-minute account of the inauguration (which, after today, I can now spell).

10:51 – Need to go to the bathroom, but I want to hear Rick Warren’s prayer. I’ll go after that. I’m so glad he’s praying before the swearing in. *Quick prayer for Obama’s safety.*

10:56 – Now Aretha Franklin is singing, and I love her!! Wow, what a voice. Didn’t she and Beyonce have some falling out a few months ago?

11:00 – MUST go to bathroom. Some flute players and whatnot. I’ll go now.

11:03 – Video stream went out while I went to the bathroom. Grrr….

11:04 – They say that Obama’s been prez. for 4 mins now. So…why is he not on stage and the music players are?

11:07 – Stupid video stream went out. AGAIN.

11:08 – Obama’s sworn in. He seems very eager – forgot what to say once, but no biggie. I forgot what to say during my wedding vows.

11:09 – One of the students across the hall (I know which one, haha) just let out a victory cry.

11:10 – “The challenges we face are real…and the threats will be met. We have chosen hope over fear.” He sounds hard core.

11:11 – “As Scripture says, ‘the time has come to set aside childish things.’” Okay…

11:12 – He’s a good motivational speaker. Guess you have to be to become president, though…

11:13 – (referring to economy) “We must begin the work of remaking America…There is work to be done.” No joke.

11:14 – Oh, snap. Now he’s talking about harnessing technology and science. “All this we will do.” You know, I’m all about inventions and using technology and whatnot, but this makes me fearful of stem cell research and cloning and such.

11:16 – Ha! One of his daughters is taking a picture of her dad speaking. Cute.

11:17 – “…safety and ideals”…What? Okay, good, not giving ideals up. I need to pay better attention. “America is a friend of each nation.” Uh….really? I’m not a friend of Iraq. Just a thought. (Though, he did say something about America being a friend of each nation who wants peace, but I didn’t catch all of that.)

11:18 – “Our power alone cannot protect us nor does not entitle us to do as we please…We are the keepers of this legacy, guided by these principles and will meet these threats.” Discusses that we will leave Iraq and work tirelessly to lessen nuclear threat and global warming.

11:19 – (regarding terror) “Our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken we will outlast you and we will defeat you” …“nation of Christians and Muslims and Hindus and nonreligious…we have emerged more united.”

11:20 – “Our common humanity will reveal itself.” “To Muslims: we seek a new way forward; to leaders around world who seek conflict: know your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.” How long is he going to speak?

11:21 – taking about nourishing starved bodies – I’m down with that. “We cannot afford indifference for those outside our borders.” True dat, but we also need to concentrate on the problems in our borders.

11:22 – “As much as government can do and must do, it is the faith and determination of American people that this nation relies on.” Talks about economy, Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, parents being responsible

11:23 – “honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things are old. These things are true…quiet forces of progress. What is required is a return to these truths…We have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world.” He’s going to be in for a rude awakening. I’m not tolerant. Dang.

11:24 – “Every nation and every faith can join together (in inauguration)”…Are we done? Almost…He’s winding down. I can tell.

11:25 – He said “hope” again. I should’ve taken a count of how many times he said that.

11:26 – “God’s grace.” “God bless you and God bless the United States of America.” Okay. And we’re done.

11:36 – Wait, wait, during this dude’s benediction, he just said something about “mosques, temples, or wherever you worship.” HUH? I hate it when pastors do not take a stand.

11:37 – “…yellow will be mellow, and the white will do right.” Again, caught the last end of his prayer, but…really?

Summary? I still don’t agree with Obama's policies or his ideas, and I am curious to see what changes he will make in the coming years. But I’m not worried. Let’s be honest. God’s really in charge, and this election did not take God by surprise. And maybe in 2012, I’ll watch my second presidential inauguration.

Good thing it's Friday...

I'm tired. And lazy. I have papers to grade, but will they get graded today? Probably not.

I may take them home...but it's unlikely I'll grade them there, either. I have too many distractions and a pretty puppy who likes to sit in my lap.

However, I did wake up with a bright smile on my face, and, as I am tired and lazy today (more lazy than tired), I thought I would share with you why I'm so happy about today and this weekend.

1. I will sleep late tomorrow and Monday, as we're off for MLK Jr. Day. Hooray!

2. In connection with No. 1, I don't have to work on Monday!

3. Girls Night tonight!

4. Our church is starting a new women's Bible study on Esther, pretty much my all-time favorite Bible character, on Sunday.

5. Basketball game tomorrow.

6. Everything is just looking rosy right now. ;)

Not earth-shattering events, of course, but I'm quite excited about this weekend and just relaxing and cleaning my house and enjoying Monday off.

And...laziness dictates that I should not have a super-duper amazing ending, so I think I'm just going to end this blog in an incomplete

Going gumbo

I LOVE Southern food. I love Natchitoches meat pies, I love crawfish (the spicy kind that makes your nose run and your lips burn), I love jambayala, I love catfish, I love king cake, I love hush puppies -- I love it all!! There's a reason I was born and raised in the South, and it's all 'cause of the food!

However, while I am a born-and-raised Louisianian, I have never made gumbo. Shocking, isn't it? Luckily, amazing BFF and super-duper cook, Misti, was more than willing to help me remedy this problem.

So, ladies and gentlemen, Misti and I made gumbo last night.



Don't be taken aback by the potato salad (I actually stole the pic from Misti); I'm running by after work to grab some and try it with my leftover gumbo. Apparently, gumbo's excellent with rice OR potato salad. Keep that in mind.

And, as I've already mentioned my love for Southern food, I decided to mention a few other favs of Louisiana:

1. Mardi Gras -- I've actually never been to the New Orleans Mardi Gras festivities, but I do highly appreciate those two days off of work!

2. Swamp land -- Seriously, guys, it's gorgeous in South Louisiana. Browse some of Misti's photography. She knows how to take some great shots of our state.

3. Y'all -- Who says "you all" anyway?

4. New Orleans -- I can't get enough of that place. Not only do we have family and friends down there, but there's the New Orleans aquariaum, the zoo, and, of course, it was the place where Superman and I planned to live after marriage. So, yeah, there's some good memories there.

5. Steel Magnolias -- I actually lived in Natchitoches around the time this was being filmed. One of my classmates was in the wedding scene. Can't remember what he did during that scene, but I do remember that he was in it.

6. Parishes -- I like being different, and I like the fact that we have parishes instead of counties. And that we use a different legal system than everyone else. We should be our own country! ;)

7. Those French-Cajun words I can't pronounce because I took Spanish, but here are some I can pronounce with ease (haha!): Thibodeaux, Boudreaux, Ouachita, Lafourche, etc.

8. Sweet tea. Can't get that up north.

9. Johnny's Pizza. If you've never had it, you are missing the BEST PIZZA IN THE WORLD. I actually had a student from Missouri tell me yesterday that the reason she came to school in Louisiana was because of Johnny's Pizza.

10. Bobby Jinal (haha!). Even though he has cut the budget for higher ed. Boo.

What am I leaving out? And what do you love about your home state?

Pictures from the hubby

While I was shopping til I dropped in Chicago, Hubby went on several different excursions with work: first to Los Angeles then to San Jose then to Hawaii (but only for about 30 hours in Hawaii). Anyway, he was awesome enough to take pictures for me, so I thought I'd share what warm weather looks like (since the majority of us are in sweaters, haha!).

In Los Angeles




Hawaii


Diamondhead


Wakiki Beach


My sweet, wonderful husband


Also, Superdog had an interesting vacation as well at her grandparents' house...

Her pawprints on the couch.


Look at that innocent face. It's almost as if she's saying, "I didn't do ANYTHING bad..."


Happy Tuesday!

Why he really is Superman

I bet a lot of you thought that I just randomly came up with the nicknames "Superman" (for hubby) and "Lois Lane II" (for me). That I'm a bit obsessed with Superman or something. Well...I am. But Superman is my Superhubby, and I thought I'd explain to you why. =)

First off, he saves me on a regular basis. I'm an accident waiting to happen. If there's a .001 percent chance that something will happen, it'll happen to me. Take last night, for example. Superman made me this incredible meal (broiled salmon with crabcake stuffing), and we were putting a little lemon on it for extra flavor. Well, I was squeezing my lemon ON THE FISH and somehow a little bit of the lemon near the skin broke -- squirting a RIDICULOUS amount of lemon directly into my eye. Seriously, when I make lemonade, I NEVER get that much lemon out.

So as soon as I started screaming and crying, Superman calmly led me down the hallway to the bathroom and continued to say, "You have to take your contact out. We've got to get those contacts out." I think he was repeating it because he was not sure if I heard him over my screams. I managed to pull the contact out and then rinsed my eye with water. Had he not been there to lead me to the bathroom, I would probably have just collapsed on the floor and cried.

But the other reason why he's Superman is because of our wedding. We had planned this for some time and had not told too many people of our "surprise." Right after the pastor said, "You may kiss the bride," Superman...well, maybe it's just best if I show you.





As soon as the pastor spoke, the Superman theme began playing, and my husband pulled his tux open and revealed the Superman shirt underneath. Then he kissed me, and we walked down the aisle together as Mr. and Mrs. Superman (Well, the pastor said our real names, but you get what I'm saying.).

I STILL have random people come up to me and say, "Hey, your husband did the Superman thing at the wedding, right?" Yep. That's me. ;)

And that, along with his ability to fly and stop speeding trains, is why he's Superman.

SOAP No. 17: The Man with the plan

Scripture: David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. – 2 Samuel 5:4

Observation: Saul and three of his sons had died during a fight with the Philistines, and as the house of Saul continued to bicker and fight among themselves, David’s house grew. He was made king over Israel.

Application: What really struck me about this statement was the age. David was THIRTY years old. I’m 25 right now, but when I picture myself in David’s shoes, I cannot imagine ruling a nation in five years. I’m not mature enough. I’m not smart enough. I don’t want that responsibility. It seems crazy to me – but it was all in God’s plan.

A lot of times when God tells me, “Hey, why don’t you do this?” I do a little mental double take and respond with, “Are you SERIOUS? Do you know what could or what will happen?” And then He replies, “Yes. I do.”

Oh, yeah…

I’m reaching out of my comfort zone more and more each day, which has been my prayer for some time. I like life. I like my little bubble. I don’t like being uncomfortable – but that’s not what God has called me to do.

God’s plan does not always seem like my plan – you know, the ten year track that I have planned out basically month by month. I started planning it when I got married, and guess what? I haven’t stayed on course at all, but the course I had laid out was not HALF as blessed as the one God led me down.

In case you’re feeling God prod at you to do something and you’re doing the same double take I like to do, just remember: God is smarter than all of us. God knows our maturity level and our responsibility level. And if He tells you to lead or to speak or to pray – as the old TV show goes, Father knows best.

Prayer: God, when You call, I want to answer. I want to be the person You need me to be. I have been placed here, in this town, surrounded by these people, with this job for a reason – Your reason. Please help me remember that sometimes Your timing may not correlate with mine, but as You know the past, present, and future, I will always trust in You. You know what is best for me and my family, and You do have a plan for me that is better than any I could attempt – thank You for loving me.

Funsies

I don't usually post lyrics, but after a slightly hilarious event yesterday and after reading some of your blogs about your own crazies, I wanted to dedicate this blog post (and, hey, why not, the lyrics, too) to -- drumroll, please -- The Crazy People of this World.

Ta da!

Enjoy.

(lyrics by Jonathon Coulton)

Is Bitter there? I'd rather talk to her than Disappointed
Though she's not quite as fun as Good'n'Mad
You'd better put her on
She can change the game
She can make me say I'm sorry

You throw your hands up in the air and swear you didn't know
You think the world revolves around you but it doesn't so
You sit and spin
Baby someone is crazy and it's you
Someone is crazy and it's you
Someone is crazy and it's you

You set the trap
You lie in wait 'til someone trips the wire
Then you jump out to get your feelings hurt
And you act surprised
How did that get there?
Why does everybody hate me?

We're all familiar with the tragedy of being you
It's hard to show you any sympathy when all you do
Is beg for pain
Baby someone is crazy and it's you
Someone is crazy and it's you
Someone is crazy and it's you

You're all alone
Well maybe that's because you're so unpleasant
You might consider dialing back a bit
Put those claws away
Stop the waterworks
Spend a couple evenings sober

The world's against you so you think or maybe wish it was
And at least that way someone would care but baby no one does
Not even you
Baby someone is crazy and it's you
Someone is crazy and it's you
Someone is crazy and it's you.

And feel free, if you dare (LOL), to share an experience with your own personal Crazy. ;)

SOAP No. 16: Hooray!

Scripture: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. – Romans 8:1-2

Observation: Jesus, as He lived the perfect life, has set us free from sin and from death. The book of the law was powerless to do so, but the Son of God came to Earth and was the spotless sacrifice.

Application: I love, love, love the phrase, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Everybody, together: Sigh blissfully. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we are not condemned, that we have a Savior who loves us soooo much that He would do anything – even die on a cross – for us?

I think of all the times I’ve failed Christ in either my actions or inactions and how He continually accepts me, faults and all. And, after forgiveness, those sins are wiped away. W.O.W.

These are just encouraging verses for me, and I wanted to share them with you. We are FREE from sin and death! We are FREE!!! The burden has been lifted off, and Jesus loves us all, you and me! It makes me want to sing! =D

2008 is gone, and welcome, 2009! Remember that God loves YOU and has a plan for YOU this year. Whether last year was good or bad or memorable or forgetful, today is a new day, you have a chance to be a mirror of God, and we are GOD’S CHILDREN. How much better can it get?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please help us remember our place in this world and that we are co-heirs with You and should live as such. Help us to be encouraged this year, to cheer on our fellow brothers and sisters who are discouraged and help them remember how blessed we truly are to be loved by You.

Chicago recap

(The sad thing is this week I will probably do recaps of Christmas break...I'll try to break them up with a SOAP or two.)

Chicago. So. My two aunts and my cousin had planned this trip. We missed the -2 degree temperature, and when we reached the Jackson airport, we found out our plane to Atlanta was delayed by an hour. No biggie, especially since they bumped us up to FIRST CLASS because of the inconvenience. WOO HOO!!!

Or so we thought...

We got to Atlanta with limited problems, but our plane to Chicago was delayed. By four hours. Some fog problems or something like that. Which, we admitted, we'd rather be safe than sorry. But flying in first class for about two and a half hours (on a one and a half hour trip) will quickly become tedious, especially when we found out that we'd been flying around Chicago for 45 minutes -- we just weren't allowed to land.

We then were rerouted to Cincinnati, which, honestly, was a blessing, considering we almost were taken to Lansing, Michigan -- which has NO Delta connections. So, really, it was good.

HOWEVER, what was NOT good was that we were spending the night in Cincinnati. With NO luggage. And guess who did not pack ANYTHING she needed for an overnight stay? Even though we were placed in a very nice Comfort Suites, without my hairbrush or toothbrush (Delta supplied us with those ones that barely do anything) or contact solution or makeup or CLOTHES, I felt like I was quite roughing it.

We FINALLY made it to Chicago around 8 a.m. the next morning. Oh, but guess what? Now our bags were lost. After spending the second day in the same clothing and getting about four hours of sleep the night before, I was not pleased. Not. At. All.

But we were in Chicago, and I did have Christmas money. So what did we do? Shop, of course!

We were less than half a mile from the Magnicificent Mile, aka Michigan Avenue, this amazing collection of places to shop. It was beautiful. I got a gown, some underwear, two pair of pants and three tops. Suddenly, Chicago was looking up.

Our window treatment in the hotel


View from the roof of our hotel


Hello, Ann Taylor! Hello, Nordstrom! Hello, Tiffany and Company (to look, not to spend -- it's RIDICULOUS!!). Hello, Guess!

That night, too, we went to watch "Wicked," which was incredible. I had high expectations for the play, and it exceeded them. I even ordered the book (though now I hear the book isn't good. Yuck.). Seeing "Wicked" was definitely a highlight of the trip.

Inside Ford Theatre


The next day, the four of us headed to the Chicago Art Institute, which I loved. I saw Renoirs, Monets, Georgia O'Keeffe paintings, and even "American Gothic"!! LOVE it!

We also saw The Bean (aka "Cloudscape), which was totally cool. I took tons of pictures of it and of us posing for silly pictures in it. We didn't go ice skating in Millenium Park, though, because the line was wwaaaayyy too long.



We hit the cultural center of the public library in time to hear the last parts of a string concert and then had the opportunity to view the architecture. Beautiful. So much of the Chicago architecture was breathtaking -- so much care and time had been taken to make sure each inch was carefully constructed. It was gorgeous.

Side of the cultural center


The next day (last full day) we headed to the Field Museum, where we saw Sue -- the largest complete set of T-Rex bones available. Sue's head, however, is too heavy for her body at 600 lbs, so it is encased upstairs.







Another highlight of the trip was having high tea at the Drake Hotel (where people like Princess Di and Ronald and Nancy Reagan have stayed). It was way too pricy, but the experience was so much fun. We chose from an extensive list of teas and then were brought out a three-tiered tray filled with scones, banana nut bread, four types of finger sandwiches, and an array of colorful desserts. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Speaking of mouth-watering foods (love that transition, haha!), we did eat VERY well...Chicago pizza, Dunkin' Donuts (hehe), Rosebud's (where people like George Clooney, Oprah, and Alex Trebec had eaten), Tapas (never tried a Tapas before, but basically everyone shares their food, which works for me, because I like eating off of everyone's plate anyway), West Egg (for our first breakfast)...Oh, and did I mention that there was a coffee shop IN OUR HOTEL??!!! It was called Lavazza, and apparently it's the Italian Starbucks, but they only are in Chicago in the States.

If I think of anything else, I'll post it in a later post, but as I've been away from work for two weeks, it's time to get back!

I'm Baaaaccccckkkk!!

Oh my goodness. What a whirlwind week and a half.

This is just my "Hey-guess-what-I'm-back" post; I'll do a better job tomorrow (maybe tomorrow). A few highlights from the holidays:

1. Chicago was a BLAST -- and, for the most part, was fairly warm, 60 degrees one day (what what!). But getting there was a PROBLEM, as we got delayed (though received first class upgrades due to the delay), then got rerouted to Cincinnati for the evening. So not cool. Once we were in Chicago, though, everything was fabulous.

2. New Year's Eve was rotten. Okay, maybe not New Year's EVE, but at 1:30 a.m., Jan. 1, I found myself puking up a lung and possibly a kidney while having 102 degree fever. Why? No clue. Maybe food poisoning, maybe a stomach bug, but at any rate, I was absolutely sure I was dying. Shockingly (haha) I survived.

3. I'm HOME!!! Superdog and I haven't been home since Christmas Eve, and while I enjoyed Chicago and staying with my parents, it is so nice to be at my own home. Superdog may not agree. Granddad gives her human scraps and takes her for super long walks with her "aunt," Pudding (or, as we pronounce it and her vet spells it, "Puddin.").

4. Superman comes home Tuesday!!! I am so excited I cannot hold it!!!!

5. I sent out the Starbucks cards for those of you who won, so you should receive them any day now. Yea!

Hopefully tomorrow I'll get more detailed and do New Year's resolutions and stuff like that. But tonight I must unpack.