Let the complaining begin! With almost no sleep the previous night (due to big decisions, minor disagreements, and a major lack of pain meds) I awoke (or got up) in the dreariest mood. I curled my hair, I applied make-up and clothing and headed out the door like a zombie. This is two crappy Fridays in a row. My mood was not in concert with the typical Friday orchestra playing in my head. My head was heavy and aching, my mind was clouded and there was only one important thing, one thing that could spur me on......that thing was Starbucks. Due to too much dawdling in my dreariness - I did not have time to cruise by the delightful dispenser of coffee on my way to work. By 9:30 I was practically clawing at my keyboard (as opposed to typing I guess) and I decided that an emergency coffee run was needed. I grabbed my purse, took an order from my equally dreary friend and headed out. When I returned with coffee I found one of my co-workers with his wife and new baby (2 weeks!) visiting. Nothing clears dreariness like the sweet little presence of a newborn. Baby craziness + the coffee were definetely sinking in. Friday might be looking up after all.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday Anyone?
Let the complaining begin! With almost no sleep the previous night (due to big decisions, minor disagreements, and a major lack of pain meds) I awoke (or got up) in the dreariest mood. I curled my hair, I applied make-up and clothing and headed out the door like a zombie. This is two crappy Fridays in a row. My mood was not in concert with the typical Friday orchestra playing in my head. My head was heavy and aching, my mind was clouded and there was only one important thing, one thing that could spur me on......that thing was Starbucks. Due to too much dawdling in my dreariness - I did not have time to cruise by the delightful dispenser of coffee on my way to work. By 9:30 I was practically clawing at my keyboard (as opposed to typing I guess) and I decided that an emergency coffee run was needed. I grabbed my purse, took an order from my equally dreary friend and headed out. When I returned with coffee I found one of my co-workers with his wife and new baby (2 weeks!) visiting. Nothing clears dreariness like the sweet little presence of a newborn. Baby craziness + the coffee were definetely sinking in. Friday might be looking up after all.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Cul-de-sac Partay!
On Saturday we lounged around and slept in late - reveling in our long weekend we had ahead of us. I read as Kyle played his playstation until most of the morning and early afternoon had flown by. We headed out to scout some rental houses and grab a bite for lunch. While driving around we came upon a big famers fruit stand that we had always wanted to try and we ended up with a fresh watermelon, cantelope, grapes, and pineapple. After cruising some more houses we stumbled upon the house we had considering buying several months before and found instead of a sale sign outside, a nice big FOR RENT sign and our hearts simultaneously jumped! We called about the house and are seriously considering making the move from our cozy apartment.
After that excitement we headed home to chop up our fruit and take a big bowl of it to our friend's Cul-De-Sac Party in Riverview. It had originally been a whole neighborhood get together but some confusion about the holiday left it being our lifegroup get together with the promise of the bigger gathering rescheduled in a few weeks.
Here is the gang after the Cornhole championship. We chose teams by means of names in a hat and then began the Cornhole war. The hosts of the evening even provided a grand prize of goodies for the winners. (in case you have never been to the crazy south and haven't heard of Cornhole - I hadn't - it is a game of tossing bean bags into these boxes that have a cut out hole on top. They are quite a bit apart and actually the game resembles horse shoes. There is a hightech scoring system and it makes for a really fun group competition. Kyle and James took home the grand prize, while my teammate and I were the first to be eliminated.
After that excitement we headed home to chop up our fruit and take a big bowl of it to our friend's Cul-De-Sac Party in Riverview. It had originally been a whole neighborhood get together but some confusion about the holiday left it being our lifegroup get together with the promise of the bigger gathering rescheduled in a few weeks.
Here is the gang after the Cornhole championship. We chose teams by means of names in a hat and then began the Cornhole war. The hosts of the evening even provided a grand prize of goodies for the winners. (in case you have never been to the crazy south and haven't heard of Cornhole - I hadn't - it is a game of tossing bean bags into these boxes that have a cut out hole on top. They are quite a bit apart and actually the game resembles horse shoes. There is a hightech scoring system and it makes for a really fun group competition. Kyle and James took home the grand prize, while my teammate and I were the first to be eliminated.
Here are Becky and James posing for their opponent picture ( we took ones of each team but I thought this one was pretty funny).
We also had a battle of RockBand while we were there this was Girls VS. Boys and the guys won, but they played for about an hour and we never practiced and only lost by a few points. This pic is the husbands dancing in the back claiming to be our band groupies. Inbetween the Cornhole and Rockband, Becky taught us gals a new card game called NERTS, we loved it and played very competetivly until about 1:30 in the morning before we all started getting sleepy and had to call it a night - with the promise of another NERTS competetion soon. It is basically a combination of speed and solitaire, I can't wait to share it with more people as it was a LOT of fun. We all found that we were big card fans a thing we did not know we had in common previously.
It was a great night and everyone really enjoyed themselves and the company. Our fruit bowl with fruit dip was an enormous hit as well and at the end of the night Doug was laying claim to the leftovers!
-L
Friday Night Football
After work on Friday, Kyle and I went over to Tampa to meet some friends who had recieved a bunch of free tickets to Tampa's Arena Football game. Neither of us had ever gone so we jumped at the idea to do something new. We met the gang and headed to the St. Pete Times Forum where the game is played. Arena football is a somewhat new sport I believe but seems to have a big following, Tampa's team is called 'The Storm'. Right before the game began the MC came over the loud speaker and asked us to take a moment of silence - the whole crowd got quiet and then they came on again and announced - "You have just witnessed the calm...BEFORE THE STORM!!!!!" there were lots of big bangs and pyrotechnics that went off in the stadium - it was quite a show!
This is the arena and field for the game. It is about half as long as a regular football field and is played with less players than normal football. That is were my knowledge ends. I wasn't too interested in the game itself but the music and little activities during time outs, etc. were reminiscent of college and it was overall a fun experience.
Here is our group - we were way up in the "nosebleed" section - but we didn't care as the tickets were free. Free is always fun!
This is the arena and field for the game. It is about half as long as a regular football field and is played with less players than normal football. That is were my knowledge ends. I wasn't too interested in the game itself but the music and little activities during time outs, etc. were reminiscent of college and it was overall a fun experience.
Here is our group - we were way up in the "nosebleed" section - but we didn't care as the tickets were free. Free is always fun!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Leslie's 13 Design Ideas, Rules/ Guidelines and Mistakes
Today has been a weird day for me. I have been sitting at my desk today quietly working on a project, listening to alternative rock off of Yahoo Music (a genre I haven't really listened to in some time). I have been focused on my work and yet simultaneously working through issues, thinking about life, writing blogs in my head (that hopefully will soon get written and posted), wishing I had an alter ego, and reminiscing about my past - the good the bad and the ugly. I feel different. I feel like something clicked in my head or my heart today that hasn't in a long time. I feel like I am coming out of a weird funk I have been in for way too long. Make sense? Anywhoo- on an entirely different topic: I thought that today my thirteen would be something possibly helpful or informative - a sharing of my professional expertise (or lets just call it my opinion).
13 Design Ideas, Rules/ Guidelines and Mistakes
1. The first mistake you can make when you are designing is to accept the idea that you only have one solution to the space. Such as the couches must go here and this must go there for it to work at all. Sometimes you have to step back and look at the entire room as a blank canvas and push stuff around until it makes sense. As furniture is heavy - I always like to make a quick sketch of the room on some graph paper and then make little cutouts the size of the furniture and start there for a furniture arrangement. Mark your windows and doorways so you have a clear idea of the usable space (i.e. space you have for the furniture and the required space you need to maneuver around the room) and then play around with it till you like it.
2. Never be afraid of color. Color is a very personal thing - not everyone needs to love the color of your rooms or accessories but you most certainly do! I love red - so you will find lots of furnishing in my house to use those colors because they say home and comfort to me. Other times it is not the actual color that people are afraid of but more the quantity or commitment to a color. The best guideline I can give you for color is to start small and add color in and don't be afraid to use 2, 3 or even 4 colors in your scheme. Just choose a dominant (this could be your couch color for example in a living room), then choose one or two sub-dominant colors (these could be an accent wall or even a chair or rug color) and then choose an accent color that you use a smaller amount of. My personal advise when beginning to play with color is to choose a neutral base furnishing and add your color in through paint on the walls, art and pillows, rugs and window treatments. These things are the cheapest so as opposed to a expensive couch or entertainment center - then you can try out new colors more economically by changing an accent wall or switching our your pillow with different ones or fresh slip covers. Some people like to even change their rooms throughout the year from summer to winter decor. You might find warmer shades make great accents in the fall and winter while a cheery blast of bright color in your accessories really brings in the spring and summer. Now if you are really committed to a color then you can go ahead and make a big commitment to a large piece of furniture in a bright color - like I said - I love red - you would know it by the bold red couch that I have in our living room. I have a friend who is more of a neutral and calm color person - he claims that while in our apartment all the bold colors see overwhelming to him. But your home is your home and it expresses you (wait till he sees my future house when I can paint the walls!), I think there home is kind of boring but that is their comfort factor. Wow- that went long..but, color is a big deal!
3. Don't be too rash with decisions, take some time to think the idea through before grabbing a paint brush - sometimes I rush into design decisions and then when I go look at the space I think of all the other options I had and if I real made the best choice. I like to get the idea - sketch it out or hang the paint sample on the wall and then come up with a few more options just so I keep my mind open to possibilities. I used to think that my first instinct was best - but with time I have learned that a design can get better and better if you go away and come back to it a little later - you might get a freshened perspective.
4. Know what you like and stick to your guns - but with that said - watch out for "Too Trendy" items. You don't want to make a big purchase on something that will look alien in your living room in about 6 months. Need an example? Animal Print is a great example of this. It is one of these things that comes and goes in the trend department. This spring the design catalogs were ensconsed in zebra print. Now, if you like Zebra print, you might jump on the trend and buy some throw pillows to accent your sofa, or you might get a nice throw - this would be playing on something you like that happens to be in style. You might use them for a while and then recover them when the pattern got old or even move them to be used in another area of the house for a change. You would not however want to run out and buy a Zebra covered couch or a new bedspread once you saw that it was a new item and immediately liked the look. My professional opinion is always to buy basic classical items that will not go "out of style" and use accents that lean towards the trends if you like them.
5. You have probably heard this before but I think it is important. A basic component of design is Repetition, if you introduce a color into your space in one area, it is a good idea to repeat that color somewhere else in the room. The same goes for shapes. If I purchased a cirular rug for the room, I might choose that shape as a design element elsewhere. I might hang a circular mirror or use globe shaped candles. The important thing is to do it subtley and not have "The Circle Room" b/c you bought everything you saw that repeated that design. Also, don't try to do a lot of different repeating elements - sometimes in design you have to know when to stop adding before that addition begins to take away from the original perceived design.
6. Another Idea to consider is Symmetry. That is completely a preference issue. You could have a very balanced and symmetrical space or one that is asymetrical and is more interesting (I dont want to say unbalanced here b/c an asymmetrical room is not unbalanced it is just not balanced in by a parallel line).
7. A Rule to Design By. Be careful with patterns. Patterns can overwhelm a space. Pattern is an excellent use as an accent but too much can be weary on the eye.
8. Mixing and Matching might not be everyone's style - but I lean to the eclectic when it comes to my own personal taste. I said to be careful with pattern as far as quantity but do not be afraid to put different things together. Design can be an adventure and I love eclectic styles because of the interest you can add with different textures and antiquity of pieces in the space.
9. I must put this in here because it must be said. Camoflauge as a design element is never acceptable. If you are a hunter, then wear it. Please I beg of you - keep it off your walls and furniture. I will add here that I am opposed to stuffed animals and the use of decoration with them - but I would not turn down a client who was trying to achieve that llodge type look. I could not work with camo.
10. Beware of mixing different types of wood and stain. It can take away the nice natural element and warmth that can come with wood as an element in a space. Too many varied wood grains is really not a good idea. There is an exception though if you have wood floors and have a different type of wood furniture. I think the key would be to make a different element in the space the dominant in order to destract from the obvious difference. Let me clarify that it is not a entire house or space guideline - I just think that within a single room - you should be wary of mixing wood grains and stain.
11. This is a simple one and I know that 98% of readers will laugh and not adhere to my opinion on the matter but here it is nonetheless: I dislike unpainted ceilings. Have you noticed that in most residences that the ceiling tends to be white (and sometimes popcorn ;) )? I have to wonder why? Because people typically come in and paint them a color and decorate the space but never consider the ceiling as being a real part of the room. Leaving the ceiling white is leaving it unfinished - unless you have a white color scheme -. Why do we not paint our ceilings? I just don't get it. Let me add here that if they are popcorn ceilings painting them is not a good idea - they should be scraped and refinished as plain gypsum board. Popcorn is a finish of the past and an unattractive and silly one at that.
12. Do it Yourself! I know that if no one asked for help then it seems that would put many designers out of a job but the truth is this: an average American household is not going to be able to afford a designer to come and custom design their house. That is why HGTV and TLC are big hits - same goes for Home Depot and Lowes. These things are not hurting the design industry - if anything it is helping it thrive. It is extremely expensive to pay someone else to design your house, it might not be a bad idea to pay for a consultation for some ideas and direction if you are in dire need - but its reality. I am a commercial designer professionally - but I love residential design and if the housing economy ever picks up I could see it being a larger focus in my career at some point. Don't be afraid to do it yourself. Picking out things and putting a room together is a knack that some people have and others don't. Nothing to worry about - some people have never even given any design a thought and they create beautiful rooms and homes - A natural eye for design is something those creative types are just born with. But techniques and guidelines to follow is a good way to start even if it doesn't come naturally to you. Just know that if you love it and feel at home in it - then it doesn't matter what I think.
13. Watch for clutter. To much stuff can take away from a room really fast. You don't have to be a minimalist - but too much stuff just makes a space claustrophobic and I think can make it feel uncomfortable. I nice balance of decor and necessary furniture with appopriate accents is the best way to go. Too many baubles and collectables can really take away from a room. If you are a collectible type of person - try creative ways of displaying your favorite pieces as opposed to the whole collections (you could even rotate them with others occasionally for a nice change).
Whew! Sometimes I start a Thursday Thirteen Blog and wonder if I will ever get it all written down! Hope you enjoy and have a great Thursday.
-L
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun!
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
My Mix
Ages ago when I was in college and living with roommates a trend was developing (or maybe it was on its downward spiral...not sure; it was the Mixed CD trend. People would download songs from the internet and put them on a CD, give them a funny or descriptive name telling the type and content of the songs on the disc. This was free for quite a while but has since become a major legal issue of stealing songs - but back then it was free and fun. My roommates and I would make lists upon lists of songs we liked of a certain genre and then we would troop over to a friend's computer who had the capabilities of burning the CD and we would have this great mix of songs we loved. Since then Ipods have developed and MP3 players on our phones, etc. Well, I still have all of my mixed CD's and I treasure them as the best collection of music ever! With the purchase of my new car (after the unfortunate demise of the other car) I knew that I must have a CD player and was thrilled when this wish came true and I had a player in my new car. I have been jamming quite a bit with different CD's I have had for ages and the other day I unearthed the collection of Mixed CD's, here are a few of their titles: The Penguin, Leslie's Mix, Leslie Fish, Lovey Dovey Mix, The best songs ever, Our Songs... and I could go on for a while.
There is something about these CD's that just transports me back to that stage of my life. All the feelings that surrounded being in school and living with friends. Those were such amazing times and I will always cherish them. And everytime I pop in a Mixed CD I can relive a little bit of that time. This morning as I was driving to work and unabashedely singing my heart out (to the utter enjoyment of my passers-by) I felt like I was driving to class or hanging out at someone's house before we went out, on my way to the YMCA for my afternoon with the preschoolers, sitting in the computer lab working on a project, walking to class from our house on Ramsey - dodging the ducks at Theta Pond, leading a Kappa Phi meeting, "With thoughts of Kappas far and near....". These disks are like a time warp for me. How does music do that? It just transports you doesn't it. The same is true for high school - if I hear Westlife or N'SYNC all I think about is driving to Pryor with Heather after the obligatory stop at Sonic. I can't hear Bryan Adams without cracking up about Kristin's Birthday where we performed (sadly it is on film so the visual will never leave me either), I will never sit in an Olive Garden without hearing the background music and silently willing it to play that hilarious song about vegetables that kept Heather and I from even tasting our food for a full 1/2 hour of uncontrollable laughter.
Music is so huge to me. It does so much to lift my spirits or remind me of different times whether they be happy or sad. Amazing Grace always reminds me of a funeral although I know that is so far from it's intention. Out of My League by Stephen Speaks will always remind me of a boy who broke my heart. I loved her first by Heartland will always put me back in my Dad's arms as we danced at my wedding. The Man in Love with you by George Strait will always make my heart swell with love for my husband and Colbie Calliat's Bubbly will forever remind me of cutting the cake on my wedding day and the flitting of those butterflies in my stomach and sparkles in my eye.
I know why we worship our God in song, because nothing opens the heart and the mind to give and receive more than beautiful melodies and carefully scripted words of praise.
I'm sure everyone is picking up what I am laying down here. So sing into your hairbrush all you want - I know I do!
That reminds me - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper will always remind me of my time at Ray Bean Camp in Texas where I was a drama teacher and counselor, we had a big sleepover one night in our Activity Cabin and I lead 14 dancing and signing 7-9 years old all the way through the camp and into the cabin heavily armed with bandanas on our heads and our hairbrushes to our lips belting, "Girl's Just Wanna Have Fu - un! That's all we really wannnnnaaannnnnnnt!!!". It was a scene my friends.
lyrically speaking....
Natalie Grant's "In Better Hands"
It's hard to stand on shifting sand
It's hard to shine in the shadows of the night
You can't be free if you don't reach for help
You cant love if you dont love yourself
There is hope when my faith runs out
Cause I'm in better hands now
It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now
I am strong all because of you
I stand in awe of every mountain that you move
Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone
I am safe from this moment on
There's no fear when the night comes 'round
I'm in better hands now
It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now
It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
Its like the world is silent though
I know it isnt true
Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room
So take this heart of mine there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now
I'm in better hands now
I was listening to this song this morning and it just kind of struck me. I love the descriptions, especially "it's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down" - from yesterday's post I reflect and wonder sometimes how we(I) can let ourselves(myself) get so bogged down?
-L
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Rain
Have you ever heard the saying, "When it rains, it pours."? Well, in Florida this is typically pretty true concerning the weather. However the statement is usually used to express an overwhelming flood of drama in someone's world. Pretty much like saying that if one thing goes wrong everything else will follow suit. Well, we are not at all in the crisis we were in a few months ago but we are having some problems with the raining down of too many issues at one time.
It started last Wednesday when Kyle took his truck into the shop to get a problem with his starter worked out that has been ailing him (and the truck) for some time. I took off work to go get him and picked him up.
Sometime between then and the next day we discovered that the floor in my car was soaking wet. Unsure as to the cause and reliant on one vehicle at the time - we dried what we could and the plan was to leave the windows cracked during the day to let the moisture out. The wetness increased throughout the end of the week and into the weekend. By Saturday all the carpet in the car was drenched and we were just scratching our heads and airing out what we could. Then of course it being Florida and impossibly humid, it began to be a bit smelly. On Sunday we had major thunderstorms and rain so nothing to air out the car could be done. On Monday morning we awoke to more rain. As Kyle had been driving to work on his motorcycle (and this would not be safe in the rain) we changed our morning routines around (quickly!!) and he took me to work and then took himself to work in the car. He was called after lunch by the truck place and they had finished the work on the truck. So, he came to get me in Lakeland and then we drove back to Tampa and then back again to Plant City (if you don't have a map handy - let me just tell you that this was a LOT of driving). We had a plan to find somewhere to take my soaked and mildewed car (umm..yeah..it has completely lost that new car smell..) but to no avail as I am on a major deadline and work and Kyle is in meetings all day. Last night Kyle tried to do what he could to dry it out and by this morning we were both completely overwhelmed with this disaster that would soon render my car undrivable.
I took it to a mechanic this morning and in 5 minutes he found the backed up pipe that was causing the drainage ("worst he had ever seen" - I love to here that.)and he gave me a few suggestions to start the drying out process.
Suffice it to say - When it rains, it pours.
Swimming in Frustration,
-L
Friday, May 16, 2008
Fabulous Friday
There is just nothing like a good old fashioned Friday is there? I mean, there is just a feeling of Zen and excitement over the coming weekend and that fabulous knowledge that there is no work for the next two days!
And that is why I can sit here at my desk with a large smile on my face as I draw interior elevations of a school's restroom. On any other day that smile might not be so content - But today my friends, is Friday and I am ever so grateful.
This weekend proves to be one of interest. Kyle and I will be waking at the crack of dawn tomorrow in order to drive to Clearwater for an all day deep sea fishing expedition with his work (who has planned and sponsored the event). There will be quite a few people and it should be quite an adventure. I am sure we will be lazy on Sunday as we recover from a day in the sun and on the water. I am not much of a fisherman and I do not touch bait so I am sure I will have quite a row of teasing to deal with but I am set on enjoying the time. I will take my camera so I have pictures to share of our sea adventure.
Well, I think that about sums up my Friday. I am fairly sure we will be staying in tonight as tomorrow will be an early day.
Have a fun and safe weekend!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
13 Prayer Requests
As I started Thursday Thirteen today at lunch, the only thing that was sticking out in my mind was our lifegroup last night and the prayer requests that were shared. We counted our blessings and rejoiced in the work God has done in each of our lives but we turned to our requests and before long all 5 of us women were near tears over our prayer requests for the night. There is so much tragedy spanning from our local area to other areas of the U.S. and then to the hundreds of thousands overseas from natural disasters in the past week. We all declared it almost unbearable to watch the news as the devastation was grief we could hardly understand. We are praying fervently this week for God's hand to be with all the victims of these tragedies.
1. The victims of the cyclone in Myanmar. Death tolls are soaring higher everyday and the people are desperate for aid. The country is still confiscating the aid sent from around the world. We pray that God will be with these people and with all those who are trying to help in the wake of the disaster.
2. The earthquake victims in China. The death toll is rising as so many people are being found trapped under rubble from the quake. Please be with rescue efforts as they try to help those who are still surviving. Be with those who lost family members and be with the country as they try to find order amongst the chaos.
3. The pastor of our sister church in Brandon was killed in a plane crash along with his 13 year old son. A wife and 5 other children are left behind and a church grieves for their friend and leader. Please comfort this congregation and family as they adjust to this loss.
4. A mother and her two children were found murdered in their home in Tampa earlier this week. As they have found their suspect we just pray for peace for family members left behind as they grieve and struggle with this sudden loss.
5. Tornadoes tore through Oklahoma and Missouri this past weekend leaving destruction behind and 19 lost lives and many injuries. Prayer for courage and comfort as they rebuild their lives in the coming days and suffer the losses that happened so unexpectedly.
6. A member of our lifegroup has a family business that is suffering greatly. They fear that they will have to close down in the next few weeks if things do not turn around. We are praying for guidance and patience for those involved.
7. We are praying for our churches efforts as we begin the Providence Box drive that will take clothes and necessaties to people in need in Honduras.
8. Prayer for leadership in our country especially as we near an election for president.
9. Prayer for soldiers who are over seas in dangerous areas. We pray for protection for them and peace for their families at home.
10. Prayer for those in our lifegroup that are deeply struggling with recent events and hope that the Lord will show them his love and that their faith will be enriched and renewed and that doubt will be driven away.
11. Prayer for encouragment and comfort for all those suffering from loss and doubt and struggle that so easily overwhelms us day to day.
12. Prayer for the church who lost it's pastor that even now the Lord is preparing someone to step into the position and lead the church in a way that honors God.
13. Praise for all the blessings that we have received from God and a prayer for his protection and safety on us as we head into the weekend and another week.
Grief can overwhelm us. Sometimes there is too much and we just want to turn away especially if it doesnt strike us directly. My heart is aching for these many losses of life this week. I feel vulnerable and scared; and yet at times like these when so many people turn away from God wondering how he could allow these things to happen and as start to question their faith I find myself turning to the Lord for comfort I know only he can give and I pray desperately that his hand of grace and peace and healing would be on all those that suffer and that they would know that they can trust in him and that they are safe in his arms. It seems to me that that is indeed what faith in him is. Not just praise when good things happen but trust and coming to him like a child to his father when terrible things happen and grief overwhelms us. If you would, please remember these things in prayer as you go through your week.
"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. " Phillippians 4:6-9
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. " Phillippians 4:6-9
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Every inch counts
If I have learned anything in my three years in the "real world" -as they described it in college- of employment it is this: Every inch counts. Explanation: When I was in school we were not designing real ready-to-be-built plans thus little minute details and inches just didn't consume our thoughts. We were being taught design skills and what things were and how to do this or that; no one was focusing on the actual crazy little details of life in a real architectural job site. When you are designing a building or renovating an existing structure things get down to what I call the "nitty gritty". If I have a column drawn 2 inches off of where it should be - we have a problem and the scariest thing is that the partners at my firm can just look at the drawing and start marking these tiny things for me to fix and I being this intern who is fresh out of school just looks at them confused most often and takes the sheet back to my desk covered in more red ink than can possible exist in one single red BIC pen.
From then to now there is an enormous difference in how I approach everything. Everything is documented, everything is a Big Deal. Whenever I pick a color for something I now write it down, order a new sample to replace that one, start a file for the job...etc. What I use to do is this: Find the color, tell the person who needs it, put the sample up, move on with my life. What I quickly found out was that everything comes back up and is needed again and you need to be organized and quick to find it even if you havent thought of it or seen or done it in 2 years time. Example: One random Thursday I am sitting at my desk and one of my bosses walks by puts some plans on my desk and asks me to send them to so-in-so. I say okay, get the fed-ex ready, type a transmittal and send it out. 4 months later, my boss comes to my desk and says, "Leslie, can you print me a copy of that transmittal you did for the 0964 job a few weeks ago." PANIC! I didnt save it. I didnt make a copy and file it. No proof that it was ever sent. Bad Deal.
Example 2: This morning. My co-worker gets off the phone and says, "Leslie, do you remember that color selection rendering we did for that bank a while ago." I respond - "No." We spend 20 minutes trying to find the job number so we can locate the rendering. We need the colors that we had put together the one day I had worked on or heard of the job (about 2 hours of my life, 2 and a half years ago). Seriously.
I never throw things away at work. I file everything. Document everything in 3 places because you can be sure that if you dont do it - someone will need the information a ways down the road and you wont have it.
The example above is what got me standing outside a bank teller drive thru station with a color wand dodging cars as they went through staring at me wandering what in the world this blonde girl with a pink shirt and skirt (and yes it just had to be windy today) and green leather purse was doing taking pictures of the bank with her camera phone (no camera to be found this morning!) and holding paint swatches up against the wall. Even funnier was the look on the bank clerks face when I walked thru the drive thru and rang to talk to her explaining my purpose. What a day!
Did I confuse you? Well, it was on my mind!
From then to now there is an enormous difference in how I approach everything. Everything is documented, everything is a Big Deal. Whenever I pick a color for something I now write it down, order a new sample to replace that one, start a file for the job...etc. What I use to do is this: Find the color, tell the person who needs it, put the sample up, move on with my life. What I quickly found out was that everything comes back up and is needed again and you need to be organized and quick to find it even if you havent thought of it or seen or done it in 2 years time. Example: One random Thursday I am sitting at my desk and one of my bosses walks by puts some plans on my desk and asks me to send them to so-in-so. I say okay, get the fed-ex ready, type a transmittal and send it out. 4 months later, my boss comes to my desk and says, "Leslie, can you print me a copy of that transmittal you did for the 0964 job a few weeks ago." PANIC! I didnt save it. I didnt make a copy and file it. No proof that it was ever sent. Bad Deal.
Example 2: This morning. My co-worker gets off the phone and says, "Leslie, do you remember that color selection rendering we did for that bank a while ago." I respond - "No." We spend 20 minutes trying to find the job number so we can locate the rendering. We need the colors that we had put together the one day I had worked on or heard of the job (about 2 hours of my life, 2 and a half years ago). Seriously.
I never throw things away at work. I file everything. Document everything in 3 places because you can be sure that if you dont do it - someone will need the information a ways down the road and you wont have it.
The example above is what got me standing outside a bank teller drive thru station with a color wand dodging cars as they went through staring at me wandering what in the world this blonde girl with a pink shirt and skirt (and yes it just had to be windy today) and green leather purse was doing taking pictures of the bank with her camera phone (no camera to be found this morning!) and holding paint swatches up against the wall. Even funnier was the look on the bank clerks face when I walked thru the drive thru and rang to talk to her explaining my purpose. What a day!
Did I confuse you? Well, it was on my mind!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Interesting tid bit
I am reading a book called "The Mystery of Marriage" by Mike Mason. So far I am most intrigued by his style of writing and gift for creating interesting images and connections with marriage, spouses and our relationship with God. Here are a few quotes to intrigue you -
It is a refreshing perspective with wonderful description and detail. Please Enjoy:
"A marriage, or a marriage partner, may be compared to a great tree growing right up through the center of one's living room. It is something that is just there, and it is huge, and everything has been built around it, and wherever one happens to be going-- to the fridge, to bed, to the bathroom, or out the front door--the tree has to be taken into account. It cannot be gone through; it must respectively be gone around. It is something bigger and stronger than oneself. True, it could be chopped down, but not without tearing the house apart. And certainly it is beautiful, unique, exotic: but also, let's face it, it is at times an enormous inconvenience."
"There is an important difference, however, between those who hang on and those who run away, between the marriages that last and are good, and the ones that either break up or else drag on in a state of unresolved tension and neurosis. Both must endure ruin, but the difference lies in the place in which this ruin is experienced. For in those who run away from the intense fire of marriage, the ruin happens in the place in them that is love, and in this place, this glorios and mysterious and delicate capacity in them, really does receive a terrible wound, sometimes enought to impair it for life. But in the case of those who hang on to love and who see it through to its mortal finish, the ruin that occurs, the internal debacle, is not in the place of love (although it may often seem to be happening there), but rather in the place, in the palace, of the ego. And that makes all the difference in the world. It is one thing to wreck the ego. But it is quite another, and indeed the very opposite, to make shipwreck of the soul."
"But how hard it is to give everything! Indeed, it is impossible. One can make a symbolic gesture of giving all, accompanied by a grand dramatic public statement to that effect (which is what happens at the wedding ceremony). But that is just a start. The wedding is merely the beginning of a lifelong process of handing over absolutely everything, and not simply everything that one owns but everything that one is."
Let me tell you, I am normally a fast reader but this book has slowed me down something terrible! Every paragraph I have to stop and consider, stop and think for several minutes about what he is saying and then whether or not I agree and then how it applies to myself and my marriage. I'm sure I will be posting more on my journey through this book. But, I fear it will be a slow journey.
-L
It is a refreshing perspective with wonderful description and detail. Please Enjoy:
"A marriage, or a marriage partner, may be compared to a great tree growing right up through the center of one's living room. It is something that is just there, and it is huge, and everything has been built around it, and wherever one happens to be going-- to the fridge, to bed, to the bathroom, or out the front door--the tree has to be taken into account. It cannot be gone through; it must respectively be gone around. It is something bigger and stronger than oneself. True, it could be chopped down, but not without tearing the house apart. And certainly it is beautiful, unique, exotic: but also, let's face it, it is at times an enormous inconvenience."
"There is an important difference, however, between those who hang on and those who run away, between the marriages that last and are good, and the ones that either break up or else drag on in a state of unresolved tension and neurosis. Both must endure ruin, but the difference lies in the place in which this ruin is experienced. For in those who run away from the intense fire of marriage, the ruin happens in the place in them that is love, and in this place, this glorios and mysterious and delicate capacity in them, really does receive a terrible wound, sometimes enought to impair it for life. But in the case of those who hang on to love and who see it through to its mortal finish, the ruin that occurs, the internal debacle, is not in the place of love (although it may often seem to be happening there), but rather in the place, in the palace, of the ego. And that makes all the difference in the world. It is one thing to wreck the ego. But it is quite another, and indeed the very opposite, to make shipwreck of the soul."
"But how hard it is to give everything! Indeed, it is impossible. One can make a symbolic gesture of giving all, accompanied by a grand dramatic public statement to that effect (which is what happens at the wedding ceremony). But that is just a start. The wedding is merely the beginning of a lifelong process of handing over absolutely everything, and not simply everything that one owns but everything that one is."
Let me tell you, I am normally a fast reader but this book has slowed me down something terrible! Every paragraph I have to stop and consider, stop and think for several minutes about what he is saying and then whether or not I agree and then how it applies to myself and my marriage. I'm sure I will be posting more on my journey through this book. But, I fear it will be a slow journey.
-L
Drained
Drained. I feel completely wiped out today and I am not sure where it is coming from. I am trying to battle some more chaos with the accident and simultaneously trying to get doctor's visits scheduled so I can finally have a means of treatment besides drugs. My medicine gives me crazy dreams and hot flashes (see my Overflow for more description).
So I just feel drained in every way. Are we moving to Brandon? Will the accident and pain be resolved? I miss my girlfriends at home so much I would do anything to just sit and have lunch with them. My parents lives are ever growing and changing as is my brothers and yet I am almost no part at all anymore. At the real heart of it this doesnt even bother me which is even weirder. I could go on and on with questions and little absurdities in my life right now - but in 24 minutes I have to get back to work and not dwell on everything, then I have to switch my dwelling to deadlines and work related things (thank goodness I work in a relatively calm work environment).
Signed,
Perplexed in Plant City
So I just feel drained in every way. Are we moving to Brandon? Will the accident and pain be resolved? I miss my girlfriends at home so much I would do anything to just sit and have lunch with them. My parents lives are ever growing and changing as is my brothers and yet I am almost no part at all anymore. At the real heart of it this doesnt even bother me which is even weirder. I could go on and on with questions and little absurdities in my life right now - but in 24 minutes I have to get back to work and not dwell on everything, then I have to switch my dwelling to deadlines and work related things (thank goodness I work in a relatively calm work environment).
Signed,
Perplexed in Plant City
Monday, May 12, 2008
Orlando
Well, we set off for Orlando Friday after work. It is about a 45 minute drive to Orlando but we were heading towards downtown so it took us almost 1/2 an hour more to get to our destination. We checked into our hotel and relaxed into the hotel life for the rest of the evening. There is something so much more comforting about relaxing at a hotel rather than your own home - and the reason is this: there is nothing there that needs done. At home I would be thinking of laundry or bills or cleaning the fish tank or ....you get the picture. But as we relaxed Friday evening,we really and honestly relaxed. Kyle watched some television while I read a book and then we went to bed early because the next morning would be an early one. Kyle was taking an exam called a NICET exam for certification for his degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering. There are four levels to achieve and his test was for his 2nd and 3rd levels. The test started early in the morning at the University of Central Flordia campus in Orlando. We stayed nearby so nothing tcould go wrong to prevent us from getting him to his exam on time.
Well, after we were up and ready on Saturday, we set off to find the testing site. Now this would seem easy as the campus is circular, the problem was that we couldnt find the correct road to turn in. All the streets are named after Astronomy and Astrology terms which is quite interesting. So there was Libra and Gemini and Star, but we were looking for Pegasus. Finally in the deserted campus we located a police officer who pointed us in the correct direction. I dropped Kyle off for his fun filled 8 hour day of testing and headed back to the hotel to go back to sleep. Of course at this point I realized that sleep was not going to happen so I read my book for a while and then got ready, grabbed a smoothie and headed out to do some hard core shopping. This is my idea of fun. 90 degree weather outside, hair in a messy ponytail and off I went to find some bargains. I was quite successful in my adventure (although my husband would not consider it "success" persay) and was back to pick him up with several treasures to add to my busting at the seams closet. I also found a nice new golf polo for him so he was excited about that (Well, as excited as any straight guy can be about clothes).
We went back to the hotel so he could decompress after a tough day of testing. He felt fairly confident so this put him in a good mood although a very weary one. After a good nap and some lounging we decided to go out and hunt down a good restaurant for dinner.
We ended up at Longhorn Steakhouse where neither had been before and had a most enjoyable dinner and excellent service (this seems to be few and far between down here so it is worth noting).
Afterwards we were completely exhausted so we crashed even earlier than the night before!
On Sunday we snoozed until our check out time and then found some lunch and played a fun 36 holes of putt putt at our favorite course.
It was a great weekend and truly refreshing after a long week of work.
Happy Monday!
Well, after we were up and ready on Saturday, we set off to find the testing site. Now this would seem easy as the campus is circular, the problem was that we couldnt find the correct road to turn in. All the streets are named after Astronomy and Astrology terms which is quite interesting. So there was Libra and Gemini and Star, but we were looking for Pegasus. Finally in the deserted campus we located a police officer who pointed us in the correct direction. I dropped Kyle off for his fun filled 8 hour day of testing and headed back to the hotel to go back to sleep. Of course at this point I realized that sleep was not going to happen so I read my book for a while and then got ready, grabbed a smoothie and headed out to do some hard core shopping. This is my idea of fun. 90 degree weather outside, hair in a messy ponytail and off I went to find some bargains. I was quite successful in my adventure (although my husband would not consider it "success" persay) and was back to pick him up with several treasures to add to my busting at the seams closet. I also found a nice new golf polo for him so he was excited about that (Well, as excited as any straight guy can be about clothes).
We went back to the hotel so he could decompress after a tough day of testing. He felt fairly confident so this put him in a good mood although a very weary one. After a good nap and some lounging we decided to go out and hunt down a good restaurant for dinner.
We ended up at Longhorn Steakhouse where neither had been before and had a most enjoyable dinner and excellent service (this seems to be few and far between down here so it is worth noting).
Afterwards we were completely exhausted so we crashed even earlier than the night before!
On Sunday we snoozed until our check out time and then found some lunch and played a fun 36 holes of putt putt at our favorite course.
It was a great weekend and truly refreshing after a long week of work.
Happy Monday!
Friday, May 09, 2008
What's your Decorating Personality?
You have more of an anything goes attitude toward decorating. Trendy doesn't impress you. You'd rather show off pieces that tell a story and add flavor to your fearless mix of colors, patterns and charming style. You know what works and what doesn't, but you follow your own instincts and find a way to incorporate your favorite flea market finds with cherished family items and natural accents. Your casual, comfortable style always feels like home to you.
Take this Decorating Personality Quiz at www.BallardSweeps.com
Thursday, May 08, 2008
My perfect day would include these thirteen things....
If I had to paint you a picture of my perfect day, it would include these thirteen things. These are things I love and things that make me feel energized, alive and at peace.
1. A bubble bath
2. A good book
3. Brunch with friends at a great cafe'
4. A walk through beautiful gardens
5. A nice peaceful nap outdoors in a hammock
6. A cold fruity smoothie
7. Browsing shops at an outdoor mall
8. Taking my time getting ready for an evening out with my husband
9. A nice dinner in candelight
10. A great movie, munching on popcorn and laughing
11. A quiet moonlight walk with my hubby
12. Back to a good book
13. Crawling into bed with freshly washed sheets and snuggling
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Movie Night
Last night was a good night. After a quick dinner with Kyle I headed to Brandon to meet 4 of my girlfriends to go see the movie, Made of Honor with Patrick Dempsey. Overall it was a great romantic comedy and we all left with that warm fuzzy lovey dovey feeling. It's good to just go out with the gals sometimes... Check out the movie! It was pretty cute!
-L
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Weekend Update
I will start this week off better than last by posting about my weekend on Tuesday rather than the following Saturday. Friday night Kyle and I celebrated our 6 month anniversary (which was actually on Saturday) with a cozy evening at home. As our weekend schedule looked jam packed we decided to have a nice bottle of merlot and a lovely dinner courtesy of Macaroni Grill (Don’t you love Curb Side To Go!). We followed up with my favorite dessert, Lemon Passion..Mmmmmmmm. It was a great celebration and we both enjoyed the good conversation over dinner and dessert.
On Saturday morning I woke up at 4:30 am! I have no idea why but I was wide awake! This is when I found time to catch up on some blogging. I took my car to get it washed inside and out. I am now I true believer in the car wash service stations where you drop off your car and then call your name when it is finished. I know it sounds lazy but it is not much more expensive than doing it yourself and you get to sit in the air conditioned lobby and wait – I am sold.
After the car cleaning; Kyle and I set off for Orlando to meet up with Kyle's friend and roomie from college, Ricky. He works for Enterprise and they were having a giant convention in Orlando for Enterprise Store Managers. There were 8,000 people there and they had filled up 3 hotels! We picked him up along with two of his co-workers who happened to graduate from OSU as well, and headed to lunch at The Crab House where I watched all four of the guys eat their fill of Crab legs and shrimp from the all you can eat buffet, while I munched happily on my gigantic salad ( I don’t do seafood). Afterwards we went to the outlet mall across the street so the guys could look for a few gifts for their significant others. We had planned on enjoying a nice game of putt putt but found ourselves limited on time as Kyle and I had to get back for a graduation party. I had to laugh at the absurdity of being at an outlet mall with 4 guys when normally guys don’t want to even set foot there. We made a few purchases and then drove Ricky and our two new friends, Rush and Andrew back to their hotel. It was a great afternoon of catching up and swapping college stories with the others. We were all at school at the same time at OSU so we had fun finding out how many friends we had in common and reminiscing our favorite hangouts. It was a lot of fun and we were so glad we had made the trip.
We bypassed home on the way to our friend’s party both partially wishing we were going home to rest and relax. But we knew it was an important day and we had promised our presence at the event. Although we showed up towards the end we got to sit and visit with friends and watch Kim open our gag gift (a giant calculator as she is going to be a math teacher) and the custom card I had ordered to be made for her (via MillerManorDesigns). After a while we decided to go eat and continue our celebrating. We had a great time playing pool and video games at Brandon Ale House ( a new place Kyle and I had not been to) and a few more friends trickled in for the party. There was even another party for a USF graduate there and before we knew it we had gained balloons for the event on our table courtesy of the other graduate who ended up knowing Kim.
It was a good night and a very full day and we collapsed into bed completely exhausted and happy from spending time in such good company.
On Sunday I woke up not feeling very well at all so Kyle decided to go to church without me and take his motorcycle (which I will not ride –yikes!) for a change (and to save on gas!). I had to work Sunday afternoon as we are on a big deadline for a large church remodeling project. I began feeling better so I headed out to work while Kyle headed back to Brandon to play golf with our friend Eric and his Father and Father-In-Law. I got home just a little while before him and crawled into bed to read a book. The rest of the evening was peaceful which was a nice change after a busy weekend.
I hope everyone had a good one as well!
(P.S. I have some great pics to add to this post so stop by tomorrow to check them out!)
On Saturday morning I woke up at 4:30 am! I have no idea why but I was wide awake! This is when I found time to catch up on some blogging. I took my car to get it washed inside and out. I am now I true believer in the car wash service stations where you drop off your car and then call your name when it is finished. I know it sounds lazy but it is not much more expensive than doing it yourself and you get to sit in the air conditioned lobby and wait – I am sold.
After the car cleaning; Kyle and I set off for Orlando to meet up with Kyle's friend and roomie from college, Ricky. He works for Enterprise and they were having a giant convention in Orlando for Enterprise Store Managers. There were 8,000 people there and they had filled up 3 hotels! We picked him up along with two of his co-workers who happened to graduate from OSU as well, and headed to lunch at The Crab House where I watched all four of the guys eat their fill of Crab legs and shrimp from the all you can eat buffet, while I munched happily on my gigantic salad ( I don’t do seafood). Afterwards we went to the outlet mall across the street so the guys could look for a few gifts for their significant others. We had planned on enjoying a nice game of putt putt but found ourselves limited on time as Kyle and I had to get back for a graduation party. I had to laugh at the absurdity of being at an outlet mall with 4 guys when normally guys don’t want to even set foot there. We made a few purchases and then drove Ricky and our two new friends, Rush and Andrew back to their hotel. It was a great afternoon of catching up and swapping college stories with the others. We were all at school at the same time at OSU so we had fun finding out how many friends we had in common and reminiscing our favorite hangouts. It was a lot of fun and we were so glad we had made the trip.
We bypassed home on the way to our friend’s party both partially wishing we were going home to rest and relax. But we knew it was an important day and we had promised our presence at the event. Although we showed up towards the end we got to sit and visit with friends and watch Kim open our gag gift (a giant calculator as she is going to be a math teacher) and the custom card I had ordered to be made for her (via MillerManorDesigns). After a while we decided to go eat and continue our celebrating. We had a great time playing pool and video games at Brandon Ale House ( a new place Kyle and I had not been to) and a few more friends trickled in for the party. There was even another party for a USF graduate there and before we knew it we had gained balloons for the event on our table courtesy of the other graduate who ended up knowing Kim.
It was a good night and a very full day and we collapsed into bed completely exhausted and happy from spending time in such good company.
On Sunday I woke up not feeling very well at all so Kyle decided to go to church without me and take his motorcycle (which I will not ride –yikes!) for a change (and to save on gas!). I had to work Sunday afternoon as we are on a big deadline for a large church remodeling project. I began feeling better so I headed out to work while Kyle headed back to Brandon to play golf with our friend Eric and his Father and Father-In-Law. I got home just a little while before him and crawled into bed to read a book. The rest of the evening was peaceful which was a nice change after a busy weekend.
I hope everyone had a good one as well!
(P.S. I have some great pics to add to this post so stop by tomorrow to check them out!)
Monday, May 05, 2008
Happy Cinco De Mayo!
glitter-graphics.com
Well, it is Cinco De Mayo! Anyone else have special plans? As there are a lot
of Spanish speaking people here it is pretty fun to go to a mexican restaurant on
Cinco De Mayo because they have all kinds of food and margarita specials! We have made it a little tradition of ours to go and eat at our favorite place for Mexican food - Mi Casa in Plant City - but I just received a text message from some friends who are going to their favorite place Mojitos - who knows! We may forgo our tradition and join them! The Mariachi Band is always fun to listen to! Anywhoo! Have fun!
-L
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Post Dated: Last Weekend
What a weekend! It all began with some quiet relaxation on Friday night as Kyle and the the other men from our lifegroup had planned a Guy’s Night. They played video games and hung out at one guy’s house and from the sound of it had a fabulous time. I enjoyed some shows that I had recorded earlier in the week and then settled down with a good book and finally drifted off to a peaceful sleep.
On Saturday I woke early and decided to be adventurous and set out looking for a project. I never thought that I would do this when I got older ( I was always dragged against my will when I was little) but here I was garage selling! Since we moved to Florida I have found a lot of fun out of buying and refinishing different pieces of furniture. So I set out to check out what the sales had to offer. I lucked out with my first stop as it turned out to be a community sale. However after some great exercise walking to all the sales I returned to my car empty handed. I guess it’s the summer weather that got everyone going because despite the humidity and early hour many people had decided that it was the perfect day for a yard sale. After an hour or so of searching for a good refinishing project I called it a day with only a cool wire shelf for my bathroom. I had a lot of fun though and passed up some cool things only because we don’t currently have that much room for large scale refinishing. You might be interested to know that since our moving here we have done several cool projects which have furnished some great pieces in our apartment. These projects include a rocking chair, side tables for the living room, side tables for the bedroom, a kitchen table and 2 chairs, The base cabinet for our fish aquarium. All were fun and challenging in their own right but the outcome is even more fun when you have spent a lot of time creating it.
Saturday evening Kyle and I had a late dinner and then traveled to Ybor City, the historic downtown part of Tampa Bay to go to the Improv theater to see Ralphie May perform. If you haven't heard of him it's because he not extremely well known yet. He won Comedy Central's Last Comic Standing on their first season and has since grown in popularity. He has a great stage presence (literally fills it up at almost 400 lbs) and is most well known for his refusal to accept race classification in America. One of his jokes goes like this, "If you want to be so politically correct that we have to call everyone African American or Asian American then white people should have to be called European American.....etc." He is enjoyable to listen to (even though I don't necessarily agree with him) and we were laughing the whole time. I appreciate comics who tell it like it is and he is actually very well read and incorporates a lot of historical data and fact into his routine. Don't misread me though he can be as crude as the best of them as well so I wouldnt tell anyone to go see him if they werent prepared to be offended at some point. Well, anyway it was an enjoyable night and we had fun sitting with another random couple as the show was sold out completely. Here we are with Ralphie May.
The next day we got up early and headed to Baylife, it was an enjoyable and special service called Bring on the Rain and had lots of music incorporated into a message about letting God be our shepherd and leaning on him when the rain comes knowing that he will carry us through the storm. They showed a short clip of a sermon by Rob Bell and it was really interesting. Pastor Mark called it a Hallmark sermon because we watched the video instead of him speaking. He is always joking around like that, his joke was that when we go buy a card at Hallmark it is because we don't know what to say to the person so we find a card, read it and go; "Yes that is exactly how I feel." Then you sign your name and give it to the intended recepient. So that was his sermon, a 20 minute video that said everything he was trying to put into words for the sermon.
Afterwards we had a nice lunch at Tijuana Flats with some friends. It was relaxing and fun to sit and chat about our weeks and about the unique service we had had at church. Afterwards Kyle and I went to the mall for a quick errand and then found ourselves going to PetsMart for a few fish to add to our tank. We ended up with two Bala Sharks we happily names Zig and Zag, they are silver with black tips on their top fin and tail. We also got three splittail Tetras whose bodies are almost see through! we named them The Three Stooges.
We spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning the fish tank and straightening the house before relaxing into a quiet evening of reading with a little Rock Band on the side.
(sigh)
Well, it took we a week to get around to blogging about it, as busy as this weekend looks I hope I am able to document it a little for promptly.
Thanks for stopping by!
On Saturday I woke early and decided to be adventurous and set out looking for a project. I never thought that I would do this when I got older ( I was always dragged against my will when I was little) but here I was garage selling! Since we moved to Florida I have found a lot of fun out of buying and refinishing different pieces of furniture. So I set out to check out what the sales had to offer. I lucked out with my first stop as it turned out to be a community sale. However after some great exercise walking to all the sales I returned to my car empty handed. I guess it’s the summer weather that got everyone going because despite the humidity and early hour many people had decided that it was the perfect day for a yard sale. After an hour or so of searching for a good refinishing project I called it a day with only a cool wire shelf for my bathroom. I had a lot of fun though and passed up some cool things only because we don’t currently have that much room for large scale refinishing. You might be interested to know that since our moving here we have done several cool projects which have furnished some great pieces in our apartment. These projects include a rocking chair, side tables for the living room, side tables for the bedroom, a kitchen table and 2 chairs, The base cabinet for our fish aquarium. All were fun and challenging in their own right but the outcome is even more fun when you have spent a lot of time creating it.
Saturday evening Kyle and I had a late dinner and then traveled to Ybor City, the historic downtown part of Tampa Bay to go to the Improv theater to see Ralphie May perform. If you haven't heard of him it's because he not extremely well known yet. He won Comedy Central's Last Comic Standing on their first season and has since grown in popularity. He has a great stage presence (literally fills it up at almost 400 lbs) and is most well known for his refusal to accept race classification in America. One of his jokes goes like this, "If you want to be so politically correct that we have to call everyone African American or Asian American then white people should have to be called European American.....etc." He is enjoyable to listen to (even though I don't necessarily agree with him) and we were laughing the whole time. I appreciate comics who tell it like it is and he is actually very well read and incorporates a lot of historical data and fact into his routine. Don't misread me though he can be as crude as the best of them as well so I wouldnt tell anyone to go see him if they werent prepared to be offended at some point. Well, anyway it was an enjoyable night and we had fun sitting with another random couple as the show was sold out completely. Here we are with Ralphie May.
The next day we got up early and headed to Baylife, it was an enjoyable and special service called Bring on the Rain and had lots of music incorporated into a message about letting God be our shepherd and leaning on him when the rain comes knowing that he will carry us through the storm. They showed a short clip of a sermon by Rob Bell and it was really interesting. Pastor Mark called it a Hallmark sermon because we watched the video instead of him speaking. He is always joking around like that, his joke was that when we go buy a card at Hallmark it is because we don't know what to say to the person so we find a card, read it and go; "Yes that is exactly how I feel." Then you sign your name and give it to the intended recepient. So that was his sermon, a 20 minute video that said everything he was trying to put into words for the sermon.
Afterwards we had a nice lunch at Tijuana Flats with some friends. It was relaxing and fun to sit and chat about our weeks and about the unique service we had had at church. Afterwards Kyle and I went to the mall for a quick errand and then found ourselves going to PetsMart for a few fish to add to our tank. We ended up with two Bala Sharks we happily names Zig and Zag, they are silver with black tips on their top fin and tail. We also got three splittail Tetras whose bodies are almost see through! we named them The Three Stooges.
We spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning the fish tank and straightening the house before relaxing into a quiet evening of reading with a little Rock Band on the side.
(sigh)
Well, it took we a week to get around to blogging about it, as busy as this weekend looks I hope I am able to document it a little for promptly.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Thirteen Books I have read and loved
Well, I know that I am a day late but I wanted to post anyhow...or I will just make it look like I did it on Thursday and then totally blow my cover by telling you. So here goes...So those of you who know me know that I am somewhat of a reading enthusiast so for this week my thirteen is 13 books I have read this year that I really enjoyed...
1. The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory ****
Synopsis:
Two sisters competing for the greatest prize: the love of a king
When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, she catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled by the king, Mary falls in love with both her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realizes just how much she is a pawn in her familys ambitious plots as the kings interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. Then Mary knows that she must defy her family and her king, and take her fate into her own hands.
2. The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks *****
Synopsis:
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author and America's favorite chronicler of love stories comes a riveting tale of romance and suspense.
3. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman *****
Synopsis:
In this study, Dr. Chapman reveals how different people express love in different ways. What speaks love to you may be meaningless to your spouse. This study contains the key to understanding each other's unique needs. Apply the right principles, learn the right language, and soon you'll know the profound satisfaction and joy of being able to express your love-and feeling truly loved in return.
4. Atonement by Ian McEwan ****
Synopsis:
Set in 1935 England, this "New York Times" bestseller is enthralling in its depiction of childhood, love and war, England and class, making it a profound--and profoundly moving--exploration of shame and forgiveness, of atonement and the difficulty of absolution.
5. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert ***
Synopsis:
The celebrated author of The Last American Man creates an irresistible, candid, and eloquent account of her pursuit of worldly pleasure and spiritual devotion.
6. The Other Woman by Jane Green ***Synopsis:
Jane Green's bestselling novels are rich with wry, clever insights into the romantic lives of her idiosyncratic heroines, winning them a devoted fan base.
If opposites attract, Ellie Dan are perfect for each other. She's impulsive; he follows all the rules. Ellie is a virtual orphan, whereas Dan's family is as close-knit as they come. At first, Ellie is thrilled to be accepted into the Cooper clan and embraces Dan's mom, Linda, as the mother she never had-until she beings to realize that Linda's "mothering" is far more intrusive than even the best daughter-in-law can handle. What can Dan and this mother possibly have to talk about on the phone twice a day? And how has the intimate civil ceremony Ellie always dreamed of turned into a black-tie affair that would rival a royal wedding? Suddenly, Ellie finds herself wondering if it's possible to get an annulment-from Linda.
A hilarious yet touching look at mothers-in-law and what they teach us about ourselves, The Other Woman is a brilliant hit from a novelist whose star just continues to rise.
7. The Choice by Nicholas Sparks ****
Synosis:
Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life-- boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his good-natured buddies--he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door. Despite his attempts to be neighborly, the appealing redhead seems to have a chip on her shoulder about him . . . and the presence of her longtime boyfriend doesn't help. Despite himself, Travis can't stop trying to ingratiate himself with his new neighbor, and his persistent efforts lead them both to the doorstep of a journey that neither could have foreseen. Spanning the eventful years of young love, marriage and family, The Choice ultimately confronts us with the most heart wrenching question of all: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?
8. Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner **
Synopsis:
For Kate Klein, suburbia's been full of unpleasant surprises. Her once-loving husband is hardly ever home. The supermommies on the playground routinely snub her. So when a fellow mother is murdered, Kate finds that the unsolved mystery is one of the most interesting things to happen in Upchurch. She launches an unofficial investigation with the help of two friends and discovers the secrets and lies behind the town's placid picket-fence façade -- and the choices and compromises all modern women make as they navigate between independence and obligation, small towns and big cities, being a mother and having a life of one's own.
9. The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling ****
Synopsis:
Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter has spent 11 awful years living with his mean aunt, uncle, and cousin Dudley. But everything changes for Harry when an owl delivers a mysterious letter inviting him to attend a school for wizards. At this special school, Harry finds friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, as well as a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter. From an author who has been compared to C. S. Lewis and Roald Dahl, this enchanting, funny debut novel won England's National Book Award and the prestigious Smarties Prize
10. The Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling ****
Synopsis:
The eagerly anticipated sequel to the astounding smash hit Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is finally here! No need to wait — Harry's back for his second year at Hogwarts, where the infamous Chamber of Secrets has been opened for the first time in 50 years. The monster that is unleashed is literally petrifying Hogwarts students (turning them into stone, that is), and who is the primary suspect? Harry Potter himself. Add to this some enormous spiders, a Deathday Party, a ghost named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and lots and lots of suspense, and you'll soon find yourself engrossed in another terrific tale in which magic does exist and good eventually triumphs over evil.
11. If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern **
Synopsis:
Elizabeth Egan's life runs on order: Both her home and her emotions are arranged just so, with little room for spontaneity. It's how she counteracts the chaos of her family -- an alcoholic mother who left when she was young, an emotionally distant father, and a free-spirited sister, who seems to be following in their mother's footsteps, leaving her own six-year old son, Luke, in Elizabeth's care. When Ivan, Luke's mysterious new grown-up friend, enters the picture, Elizabeth doesn't know quite what to make of him. With his penchant for adventure and colorful take on things large and small, Ivan opens Elizabeth's eyes to a whole new way of living. But is it for real? Is Ivan for real?
12. Old Friends and New Fancies by Sybil G. Brinton ****
Synopsis:
Originally published in 1914, this charming and original sequel to the novels of Jane Austen intertwines the lives of the most beloved characters from all six Austen novels with new characters of the author's devising. Inventive matchmaking leads numerous pairs of lovers through the inevitable (and entertaining) difficulties they must encounter before they are united in the end. Old Friends and New Fancies is a gratifying read for any Jane Austen enthusiast.
13. Revenge of the Rose by Nicole Galland ****
Synopsis:
Transporting the reader to the brilliant, conniving heart of the largest empire of medieval Europe, Revenge of the Rose is a novel rich in irony and tongue-in-cheek wit, and reveals all the grit and color, politics and passion, of court life in the Holy Roman Empire.
All Synopsis are from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ as they can give you an informative
overview or blurb of the book while I would ruin the story completely.
The rating system is my own. The more stars the more I loved the book and recommend
it to others out there. The books are greatly varied as I like to read all kinds of things from Historical Fiction, Classical, Non-Fiction, and Mystery, plus a few of those girly summer by the beach books. Enjoy!
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When I was younger I had a big group of girls that I basically grew up with and hung out with and talked to daily. There was a kind of core group that did most things together and then we had various other friends who would join in from time to time. As time has gone by and we have gotten married or moved away (or both) we have remained connected and as good of friends as ever. There is just one thing missing. Maintenance. It's not something that we really need because we all know that we will always be friends and always care and be there for each other. What I mean by maintenance is the day to day upkeep of a friendship, more than those bimonthly calls or reading each others blogs. The problem is that that is just about impossible because we all have busy lives and other things going on. So of course we need as we get older to meet and make new friends for that daily friendship, not hindering at all the loyal friendships that we keep with those we love. This has been my greatest struggle in moving away from home. I now realize how different my life is from 3 years ago. I don't have constant friend contact. I have been greatly blessed with friends here but I have struggled to really connect with them. I used to shrug it off just telling myself that friendships are different when you are married or friendships are different when you meet as adults. And this is partly true I understand, but I gotta tell ya..my heart is aching for a friend right now. And here I am in a lifegroup that meets once a week plus does stuff together almost every weekend, with 4 great girls in it that I get along with great. But I still dont feel like I have a friend that I can call and just talk to or someone that I can just do stuff with. Everything our lifegroup does is always in a group - b/c if anyone makes plans then we call everyone and see who is available. But some of the best times I have had is when we go out with just one other couple or if I just go shopping or something with one of the ladies. Kyle was saying just last night on our way home from lifegroup, "We just aren't a lifegroup. We are friends and we do stuff together because of that - not just because we all go to church together- we are really friends." and a few tears fell down my cheek because I knew what he meant but, inside I honestly don't feel as fulfilled with the friendships I have developed. There are newer people in the group that I connect with better and I hope that maybe that will help but for some reason I just feel kind of alone and bored . And I feel like this person that I used to be is inside just trying to bust out. This is going to sound more than awful but it might help make more sense of my problem. There are some people that you meet that you just click with and you just know that you will be great friends, there are other very special and wonderful people that you meet that you just dont click with and they become your friends by more means of circumstance than real friend chemistry. Does that make sense?
Its frustrating me to write this because it is so much on my heart and mind today but I dont feel like I am quite expressing myself as I would like. I will close with this and only those reading buffs might get it completely:
The friendships I have known in my life are like something out of Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells and the friendships that I have made since I was an adult are like something out of a Jane Austen novel. One is exuberant and exciting and there is so much emotion and memories and an unbelievable story and the other is nice and polite, calm and serene. I love Jane Austen, she is my favorite author - But I would rather live between the pages of Divine Secrets.
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