(Ignore the bluriness. Rindy and the pooch moved a lot, haha!)
Superdog found this lost toy in the recliner. Smart pup.
Playing with her Aunt Rindy is hard work for even a Superdog! ;)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A BFF and the dog
One of my bestest friends, Rindy, came over last night, and, between cheering for the guys who came to mow my jungle of a yard, watching Bridezillas (guilty), and making (and eating) microwave chocolate cake, I was also able to grab some sweet pics of my beautiful friend and sweet Superdog.
(Ignore the bluriness. Rindy and the pooch moved a lot, haha!)
Superdog found this lost toy in the recliner. Smart pup.
Playing with her Aunt Rindy is hard work for even a Superdog! ;)
(Ignore the bluriness. Rindy and the pooch moved a lot, haha!)
Superdog found this lost toy in the recliner. Smart pup.
Playing with her Aunt Rindy is hard work for even a Superdog! ;)
Monday, April 13, 2009
I saw the light
Superman and I were heading back home Friday night after eating dinner with some friends, and David Crowder was blaring in my car. We both were singing pretty loud because we're pretty loud people anyway, and then the song "I saw the light" came on.
Truthfully, I didn't realize that song was even on my iPod. I get stuck on certain songs that I listen to over and over and over like a broken record. I'm sure it gets annoying for those who ride with me. But hearing David Crowder sing those lyrics and to hear my husband singing them as well brought back some wonderful memories from just a decade ago.
Most everybody (RL friends included) will probably find it surprising that I used to sing. I say "used to" because I'm not overly talented. BY. ANY. MEANS. I might can carry a tune every now and then, but it's not something amazing. But, growing up in a small town, singing half-way well brings about opportunities. One of them was the Friday Singings.
On various Friday (and maybe Saturday, I can't really remember) nights when most of my classmates were running the roads and driving around Sonic (even then it didn't seem cool), I was most likely in church. And I was most likely the youngest person IN said church.
There were two churches I sang at on a regular basis -- one on the outskirts of town and the other that my grandfather went to. Usually at the first one, I was not the youngest one (there was a kid about 10 who beat me in the youth category). There'd be about 20 people at the church and all of them -- with just a few exceptions -- would sing one, two, or maybe even three songs.
But what I remember the most was the pastor -- Bro. Butler, I believe, was his name. The man was at least in his 80s, but he was one of the most talented musicians I'd ever met. His wife would sing, and he would -- I kid you not -- play the guitar and the harmonica at the same time. He had some crazy device he'd strap over his shoulders, which would place the harmonica right at his mouth. He halfway joked that when he went to college, he used to play the drums with his feet, too, and was a one man band. He must have had "talented toes" like me...but that's another story for another time.
The other church was smaller in size and in the attendance (usually), but my cousin (who is a wonderful singer) and I would go there and sing (separately -- I did not want to sing with her because she is too good, haha!). About five men with guitars and fiddles would sit behind us when we sang and, even if we had a tape playing, they'd play with the music, too. For me, who is easily distracted anyway, it usually made me jump, but I always felt supported when I sang.
At the end of the night, after everyone had sung, the men at the front would start playing old hymns -- including "I saw the light." And I just remember that as being so beautiful, so joyful, so exciting. People were clapping, tapping their feet -- it was a great experience.
You know, being a teenager at the time, I wasn't always thrilled about going and hanging out with folks 60 years my senior, but now, I am so glad I did. I wouldn't give up those experiences for anything.
I saw the light, I saw the light,
No more darkness, no more night.
Now I'm so happy, no sorrow in sight!
Praise the Lord, I saw the light!
Truthfully, I didn't realize that song was even on my iPod. I get stuck on certain songs that I listen to over and over and over like a broken record. I'm sure it gets annoying for those who ride with me. But hearing David Crowder sing those lyrics and to hear my husband singing them as well brought back some wonderful memories from just a decade ago.
Most everybody (RL friends included) will probably find it surprising that I used to sing. I say "used to" because I'm not overly talented. BY. ANY. MEANS. I might can carry a tune every now and then, but it's not something amazing. But, growing up in a small town, singing half-way well brings about opportunities. One of them was the Friday Singings.
On various Friday (and maybe Saturday, I can't really remember) nights when most of my classmates were running the roads and driving around Sonic (even then it didn't seem cool), I was most likely in church. And I was most likely the youngest person IN said church.
There were two churches I sang at on a regular basis -- one on the outskirts of town and the other that my grandfather went to. Usually at the first one, I was not the youngest one (there was a kid about 10 who beat me in the youth category). There'd be about 20 people at the church and all of them -- with just a few exceptions -- would sing one, two, or maybe even three songs.
But what I remember the most was the pastor -- Bro. Butler, I believe, was his name. The man was at least in his 80s, but he was one of the most talented musicians I'd ever met. His wife would sing, and he would -- I kid you not -- play the guitar and the harmonica at the same time. He had some crazy device he'd strap over his shoulders, which would place the harmonica right at his mouth. He halfway joked that when he went to college, he used to play the drums with his feet, too, and was a one man band. He must have had "talented toes" like me...but that's another story for another time.
The other church was smaller in size and in the attendance (usually), but my cousin (who is a wonderful singer) and I would go there and sing (separately -- I did not want to sing with her because she is too good, haha!). About five men with guitars and fiddles would sit behind us when we sang and, even if we had a tape playing, they'd play with the music, too. For me, who is easily distracted anyway, it usually made me jump, but I always felt supported when I sang.
At the end of the night, after everyone had sung, the men at the front would start playing old hymns -- including "I saw the light." And I just remember that as being so beautiful, so joyful, so exciting. People were clapping, tapping their feet -- it was a great experience.
You know, being a teenager at the time, I wasn't always thrilled about going and hanging out with folks 60 years my senior, but now, I am so glad I did. I wouldn't give up those experiences for anything.
I saw the light, I saw the light,
No more darkness, no more night.
Now I'm so happy, no sorrow in sight!
Praise the Lord, I saw the light!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Why I’m thankful for Easter
I am loved beyond measure.
Angela is hosting an Easter link blog post session for all of those bloggers who would like to post about why Easter is meaningful to them. So…here is mine, in short form. It could definitely get bigger, but for space’s sake, I condensed it. =)
For safety.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
-- Proverbs 3:24-26
I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid;
I will rid the land of evil beasts,
and the sword will not go through your land.
--Leviticus 26:6
For instructions to have a holy life and marriage. For not hiding these verses, not keeping them secret, but giving these instructions freely for all to know and live by.
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
-- 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22
For purpose in life.
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
-- 2 Corinthians 5:20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
--Matthew 28:19-20
For His promises.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
-- 1 John 5:4
He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
-- Revelation 3:5
Because He became like us.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
-- John 1:14
For the resurrection.
Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.
But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.
Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!
-- Luke 24:1-6a
Happy Easter.
Angela is hosting an Easter link blog post session for all of those bloggers who would like to post about why Easter is meaningful to them. So…here is mine, in short form. It could definitely get bigger, but for space’s sake, I condensed it. =)
For safety.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
-- Proverbs 3:24-26
I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid;
I will rid the land of evil beasts,
and the sword will not go through your land.
--Leviticus 26:6
For instructions to have a holy life and marriage. For not hiding these verses, not keeping them secret, but giving these instructions freely for all to know and live by.
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
-- 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22
For purpose in life.
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
-- 2 Corinthians 5:20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
--Matthew 28:19-20
For His promises.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
-- 1 John 5:4
He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
-- Revelation 3:5
Because He became like us.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
-- John 1:14
For the resurrection.
Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.
But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.
Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!
-- Luke 24:1-6a
Happy Easter.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
If you ask for my opinion, don't blame me when I give it...
Mothers and teachers, you will identify here.
Anyone who works in the service industry will identify.
And, as I really think everyone works in public service in some capacity, I think you all will identify.
Ta-stinking-da.
I’m writing this at 2:12 p.m., Monday. It’s cathartic writing. Supposedly.
I’ve had a flood of students since I came back from my dentist appointment. No big deal. I like students, and I like talking to them.
My last one, though…I could have done without that.
Erin* is a very sweet girl. She really is. I can tell from her quiet demeanor and her shy smile, and I think she is precious. However, I wanted to choke Precious’ neck.
She came in my office to ask questions about a story assignment that is due tomorrow. She’s been asking questions regarding it since the beginning, so I’m very happy to help. I like students who care about their grades from the START of the assignment, not after the grade has been posted.
The story was weak. And I told her so. I spent about 15 minutes editing it, showing her where the corrections need to be made.
Erin’s first question sent me reaching for the Advil. As she looked over the several corrections I had made (WHAT??! She ASKED for my help; I GAVE my help. It’s not my fault I’m a SUPER helper.), she asked, “Um…if I don’t make these corrections, what grade will I make?”
That noise you just heard? It was my head exploding.
Please note that while I was looking over her paper, I realized the numbness was gone. I was giddy about this at first…and then that area that had been numb started hurting. UGH.
Not that it’s an unbearable pain by any means. It’s just a little annoying, nothing more. But add the tenseness of this morning with the pain of the afternoon and the stupidity of a student, and I’m pretty aggravated now.
Erin’s second question: “Um…I couldn’t get any more information about this.”
I tried to help her out by explaining what she could do, and THEN the bombshell hits: “Oh, well, I did this interview over facebook.”
WWWHHHHAAAATTT???!!! After I preach and preach about the importance of doing a face-to-face interview, you ADMIT to your TEACHER that you did it over FACEBOOK??!!
Reach again for the Advil.
She did tell me before my eyes popped out (oh, wait, didn’t my head explode? Hmmm…Before my heart stopped. There we go.) that the other interviews were conduced face to face, so I did feel better.
SLIGHTLY better.
So here I am at 2:19 now with my tooth hurting, my body tired, a press release (or two or three, can’t remember) waiting on my desk, a book review (scholarly, not fun) waiting for that last graf, and some other random thing that my colleague keeps bugging me about. Why did I sign up to do that anyway?
Three more days until Easter break.
Anyone who works in the service industry will identify.
And, as I really think everyone works in public service in some capacity, I think you all will identify.
Ta-stinking-da.
I’m writing this at 2:12 p.m., Monday. It’s cathartic writing. Supposedly.
I’ve had a flood of students since I came back from my dentist appointment. No big deal. I like students, and I like talking to them.
My last one, though…I could have done without that.
Erin* is a very sweet girl. She really is. I can tell from her quiet demeanor and her shy smile, and I think she is precious. However, I wanted to choke Precious’ neck.
She came in my office to ask questions about a story assignment that is due tomorrow. She’s been asking questions regarding it since the beginning, so I’m very happy to help. I like students who care about their grades from the START of the assignment, not after the grade has been posted.
The story was weak. And I told her so. I spent about 15 minutes editing it, showing her where the corrections need to be made.
Erin’s first question sent me reaching for the Advil. As she looked over the several corrections I had made (WHAT??! She ASKED for my help; I GAVE my help. It’s not my fault I’m a SUPER helper.), she asked, “Um…if I don’t make these corrections, what grade will I make?”
That noise you just heard? It was my head exploding.
Please note that while I was looking over her paper, I realized the numbness was gone. I was giddy about this at first…and then that area that had been numb started hurting. UGH.
Not that it’s an unbearable pain by any means. It’s just a little annoying, nothing more. But add the tenseness of this morning with the pain of the afternoon and the stupidity of a student, and I’m pretty aggravated now.
Erin’s second question: “Um…I couldn’t get any more information about this.”
I tried to help her out by explaining what she could do, and THEN the bombshell hits: “Oh, well, I did this interview over facebook.”
WWWHHHHAAAATTT???!!! After I preach and preach about the importance of doing a face-to-face interview, you ADMIT to your TEACHER that you did it over FACEBOOK??!!
Reach again for the Advil.
She did tell me before my eyes popped out (oh, wait, didn’t my head explode? Hmmm…Before my heart stopped. There we go.) that the other interviews were conduced face to face, so I did feel better.
SLIGHTLY better.
So here I am at 2:19 now with my tooth hurting, my body tired, a press release (or two or three, can’t remember) waiting on my desk, a book review (scholarly, not fun) waiting for that last graf, and some other random thing that my colleague keeps bugging me about. Why did I sign up to do that anyway?
Three more days until Easter break.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Dentists and Dekker
I can smile, but it’s not a “real” smile. It’s a “I’m-giving-it-all-I’ve-got” smile. But the numbness is wearing off. I’m looking forward to eating some real food when it does, too, not just soup.
I had a cavity filled this morning. I was pretty much a bad patient. I’m not all for the needles and stuff, but I did survive. Shocking, I know. ;)
Also, I have finished Sinner, the last of Ted Dekker’s Paradise series. And…eh. Yeah. It was eh.
It’s a three book series, which is part of the Books of History chronicles. The Paradise novels are Showdown (the prequel, which I would suggest reading first), Saint, and Sinner (the endgame). I enjoyed Showdown and Saint, but Sinner…Sinner took about two weeks to get through. And if a book takes me that long to read, it usually means it’s not holding my attention.
Showdown gave me nightmares – not BAD nightmares, per se, but I quickly decided not to read it before bedtime. It’s CREEPY. No other word can describe it. A group of kids who are sequestered in a monastery near Paradise, Colo., wreck havoc in the townsfolk’s lives by revealing the sins within themselves and showing how fallible people are to act on the devil’s mental suggestions. It has a lot to do with Dekker’s Circle trilogy, too, which made me feel connected with those characters again. I’ll give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Saint tells the story of one of those who survived the Paradise showdown (I won’t say who – it’d give away the ending) and how he comes to terms with what has happened in the past and what he has done to end up where he is now. It has the political intrigue I’ve come to expect with Dekker’s books and enough action to keep the story going. It was not nearly as creepy as Showdown, but it had its own scenes that sent chills up my spine. 4 stars out of 5.
Sinner…eh.
Sinner is about three of the Paradise children who are grown up and, as with Saint, are dealing with the consequences of their actions in Colorado. The plot was slow during three-fourths of the book, but the main problem I had with Sinner was the ending. Too much craziness happened – conspiracies were revealed that I, personally, felt were just thrown in there almost randomly. They did not fit the characters’ personalities. When Sinner ended, I was glad. I was bored of the story. 2 stars out of 5…cause at least I finished it.
Not to say I’m staying away from the BH chronicles, though. Heck, no! In fact, I’m diving into the Lost Books series, which is really a young adult series, but some questions were raised in Sinner that I feel will be answered in this semi-series. I’ll let you know if they are. =)
I had a cavity filled this morning. I was pretty much a bad patient. I’m not all for the needles and stuff, but I did survive. Shocking, I know. ;)
Also, I have finished Sinner, the last of Ted Dekker’s Paradise series. And…eh. Yeah. It was eh.
It’s a three book series, which is part of the Books of History chronicles. The Paradise novels are Showdown (the prequel, which I would suggest reading first), Saint, and Sinner (the endgame). I enjoyed Showdown and Saint, but Sinner…Sinner took about two weeks to get through. And if a book takes me that long to read, it usually means it’s not holding my attention.
Showdown gave me nightmares – not BAD nightmares, per se, but I quickly decided not to read it before bedtime. It’s CREEPY. No other word can describe it. A group of kids who are sequestered in a monastery near Paradise, Colo., wreck havoc in the townsfolk’s lives by revealing the sins within themselves and showing how fallible people are to act on the devil’s mental suggestions. It has a lot to do with Dekker’s Circle trilogy, too, which made me feel connected with those characters again. I’ll give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Saint tells the story of one of those who survived the Paradise showdown (I won’t say who – it’d give away the ending) and how he comes to terms with what has happened in the past and what he has done to end up where he is now. It has the political intrigue I’ve come to expect with Dekker’s books and enough action to keep the story going. It was not nearly as creepy as Showdown, but it had its own scenes that sent chills up my spine. 4 stars out of 5.
Sinner…eh.
Sinner is about three of the Paradise children who are grown up and, as with Saint, are dealing with the consequences of their actions in Colorado. The plot was slow during three-fourths of the book, but the main problem I had with Sinner was the ending. Too much craziness happened – conspiracies were revealed that I, personally, felt were just thrown in there almost randomly. They did not fit the characters’ personalities. When Sinner ended, I was glad. I was bored of the story. 2 stars out of 5…cause at least I finished it.
Not to say I’m staying away from the BH chronicles, though. Heck, no! In fact, I’m diving into the Lost Books series, which is really a young adult series, but some questions were raised in Sinner that I feel will be answered in this semi-series. I’ll let you know if they are. =)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Quotes for Caffeinated Randomness
Some of you might recognize a couple of these, but I threw in some new ones to keep the party going, haha.
Asking 5-year-old Austin* why we celebrate Easter…
Austin: “Because Jesus died on a cross, and he was put in a tomb, and he healed him.”
Me: “Wait, what? Jesus healed who, Austin?”
Austin: (exasperated) “The Easter bunny, of course!”
Me: “I knew you were going to say that.”
Me: "Do you think we're still considered newlyweds?"
Superman: "We'll always be newlyweds."
"I had a dream last night that I was working...I think I should get comp time for that." -- BFF
"At least when we go to my family reunions, we don't get chased by hookers." -- Me to Superman in New Orleans
Student, filling out forms for graduation: “Okay, this is a really dumb question, and you can laugh at me later…but what degree am I getting?”
…talking to a friend who is a new father…
Me: “I need to take Superdog to the vet soon to get her heartworm pills, and then I’ll need to take her again in a couple of months for her yearly check-up.”
Friend: “I’m so glad we got rid of our dog, and I don’t have to do that anymore.”
Me: “Right, cause now you have a kid…”
Friend: “Oh, yeah…”
Dealing with the whole taking-p*rn-Web-sites-off-my-student-newspaper-site...
Superman: “Hey, have you thought about what you want for dinner?”
Me: “I haven’t had a chance to think. I’m removing p*rn Web sites.”
(a few minutes later)
Me: “I’m about to chew out some of my students who are working on the newspaper.”
Superman: “Why?”
Me: “They’re lazy and I hear rumors that they think I'm showing sports preference because I'm married to you. First p*rn, now I'm sleeping with the assistant SID – if only they were lies.”
BFF, watching Bridezillas: “She’s just cranky because she’s hungry.”
"Do you know how to say angel in Spanish? Superdog." -- Superman, playing with the pooch one morning
"Psycho people are like decaf coffee. They have no purpose in my life except to annoy me, and to make me gag." -- Misti
...and for funsies...
"I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right." -- Billy Graham
For more Caffeinated Randomness, visit Andrea!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Superdog's first trip to the puppy spa
Superdog does not like clothes.
She does not like cute little T-shirts, and she's not fond of collars. But she'll tolerate them.
Puddin', Dad's dog, on the other hand, LOVES clothes. She'll help you put her sweater on. Che-che, his other dog, will wear clothes. But not willingly. When she was younger (she turned 15 last month), that little Chihuahua would rip your arm to shreds if you tried to put clothes on her. She's become more leinent in her old age.
Puddin' and Che-che frequent the "puppy spa." They get a good bath and even a bandana tied around their necks when they leave. Puddin' lllooovvveeesss the puppy spa. In fact, one time her bandana fell off while Dad was gone, and she carried it around in her mouth for three days until he came home and put it back on for her.
I decided Superdog needed a spa trip. Needed is the correct word, too, because she needed her teeth cleaned and her nails trimmed...and a good bath. She was very nervous at first, but when I picked her up about an hour later, she was a new dog.
VERY new.
They have little gates placed around the front of the shop where the dogs can run around in their own space, and Superdog was in the very first one. With a pink Elmo bandana.
And RED nail polish.
I laughed SO hard, y'all, I was embarrassed of myself. But my almost-four-year-old dog has NEVER worn nail polish. She looked so confused when I picked her up (and smelled so nice and felt so soft!).
She's growing accustomed to the new "look," though it may only last a night (not sure if Superman is going to walk a dog with a pink bandana and red nail polish). But it's quite entertaining for now!
She does not like cute little T-shirts, and she's not fond of collars. But she'll tolerate them.
Puddin', Dad's dog, on the other hand, LOVES clothes. She'll help you put her sweater on. Che-che, his other dog, will wear clothes. But not willingly. When she was younger (she turned 15 last month), that little Chihuahua would rip your arm to shreds if you tried to put clothes on her. She's become more leinent in her old age.
Puddin' and Che-che frequent the "puppy spa." They get a good bath and even a bandana tied around their necks when they leave. Puddin' lllooovvveeesss the puppy spa. In fact, one time her bandana fell off while Dad was gone, and she carried it around in her mouth for three days until he came home and put it back on for her.
I decided Superdog needed a spa trip. Needed is the correct word, too, because she needed her teeth cleaned and her nails trimmed...and a good bath. She was very nervous at first, but when I picked her up about an hour later, she was a new dog.
VERY new.
They have little gates placed around the front of the shop where the dogs can run around in their own space, and Superdog was in the very first one. With a pink Elmo bandana.
And RED nail polish.
I laughed SO hard, y'all, I was embarrassed of myself. But my almost-four-year-old dog has NEVER worn nail polish. She looked so confused when I picked her up (and smelled so nice and felt so soft!).
She's growing accustomed to the new "look," though it may only last a night (not sure if Superman is going to walk a dog with a pink bandana and red nail polish). But it's quite entertaining for now!
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