It has been a week since I loaded up the truck and moved to the Music City. I was thankful to my friends Adam, Jonathan & Nathan, as well as my brother Chuck for driving up to Nashville and helping unload the truck. I have begun to familiarize myself with the surroundings and really only got REALLY lost today, I decided to take this side road home from church and lost my internal map location. Luckily I could just turn around but it was frustrating not being able to get home by a new way.
I have applied at a few places in town but will have to do more this week. I really need a job but there are parts of me that would prefer to wait till July to get a job. I have just about finished getting my apartment livable, though the kitchen still needs a few more additions of storage fixtures.
I cooked my first meal this week by making a pot of Santa Fe Soup in my crock-pot. This will provide me many meals and I rarely get tired of this as a leftover.
It is amazing how I will still look for people I recognize as I am shopping or driving around town. Logically I know there are significantly fewer people I know in Nashville compared to Auburn but I still do it nonetheless.
I begin school in July, but plan to get back to Auburn for my yard sale sometime this month.
This journey to Nashville has been a huge showcase for God to show his power in my life. The verse “more than you ask or imagine” has been the theme at this stage in my life. Even when things did not go exactly as planned, I was still able to revel in the power of God. I still have my doubts and find myself at times just waiting for something bad to happen perhaps that is where I could use more prayers both of my asking as well as others on my behalf.
While it has only been a week, I am excited to see how God will continue to work in my life.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Career Change and Elusive Peanut Butter
I realize it has been a long time since I have posted anything. So I decided while my chocolate cheesecake was in the oven, I should update you on some big and not so big details in my life.
I am currently full time jobless. Through some circumstances that are neither here nor there, I found myself on April 15 losing my almost 7 year job as Office Manager for the Auburn Church of Christ. Granted I saw the train acoming but had thought it was still a ways away. Luckily, I had just obtained a part time job at my favorite resturant, Niffer's, though at the lake location. The reason for this investigated experience into food service is because I had been looking for awhile at various culinary schools but never taking the thought too serious.
The week before April 15, a group of guys I pray with had prayed over me to help me with this decision. One guy prayed that the answer be clear and the door wide open or something to that effect. So with me losing a job, I realized that perhaps this was the answer. In retrospect, the answer had been there along, though I kept flinging that fleece out asking for re-assurance.
So beginning in July, I will be a student at the Arts Institute in Nashville, to begin my training. I am excited though I hate looking for an apartment and am still trying to determine the pros and cons of moving there early which will mean paying rent in 2 places for 2 months. So we shall see...
In other news, I have been on a search for Fat Free Jiff Peanut Butter, it was readily available till the Peter Pan PB recall and then it disappeared. I have only found it once in 5 weeks and that was only one small jar. So the search continues.
I am currently full time jobless. Through some circumstances that are neither here nor there, I found myself on April 15 losing my almost 7 year job as Office Manager for the Auburn Church of Christ. Granted I saw the train acoming but had thought it was still a ways away. Luckily, I had just obtained a part time job at my favorite resturant, Niffer's, though at the lake location. The reason for this investigated experience into food service is because I had been looking for awhile at various culinary schools but never taking the thought too serious.
The week before April 15, a group of guys I pray with had prayed over me to help me with this decision. One guy prayed that the answer be clear and the door wide open or something to that effect. So with me losing a job, I realized that perhaps this was the answer. In retrospect, the answer had been there along, though I kept flinging that fleece out asking for re-assurance.
So beginning in July, I will be a student at the Arts Institute in Nashville, to begin my training. I am excited though I hate looking for an apartment and am still trying to determine the pros and cons of moving there early which will mean paying rent in 2 places for 2 months. So we shall see...
In other news, I have been on a search for Fat Free Jiff Peanut Butter, it was readily available till the Peter Pan PB recall and then it disappeared. I have only found it once in 5 weeks and that was only one small jar. So the search continues.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Postal Lessons
I am really not sure what can be done about my issue but I just have to express my shock. I am amazed at college students that do not know how to mail letters. I don't mean put a stamp and address an envelope though I am sure there are some students who do not but...last week I walked in to the PO to get my work's mail and this girl was on a cell phone standing in front of the mail slot saying..."I don't know which one to put it in"...I at first thought she meant Metered versus stamped...a dilemma I could understand...Just as I was about to help her she said "I mean there is a small slot and then a big drawer." She could not understand that the drawer was for large volume while the slot was for one or two pieces. I turned my heels and went to my PO Box in disbelief. As I was walking away, she said to her friend on the cell phone. "I guess I will just go outside and mail it" This girl walked into the PO to mail a letter but because she could not decide whether to put it in the large or small slot she walked across the parking lot to put it in the outside bins.
I am sorry but that is not acceptable.
Thanks for letting me vent.
I am sorry but that is not acceptable.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Thoughts while reading my Bible
1. Why is it that Christians will tend to overlook the Old Testament?
2. Who understands grace more...the Gentiles or the Jews?
3. Would I be someone who Paul/Peter would mention in his letters to say hi to?
4. Is it prideful of me to wonder the above statement?
5. Does God speak, if so...what does he say? (Jim Brinkerhoff, campus minister quote)
2. Who understands grace more...the Gentiles or the Jews?
3. Would I be someone who Paul/Peter would mention in his letters to say hi to?
4. Is it prideful of me to wonder the above statement?
5. Does God speak, if so...what does he say? (Jim Brinkerhoff, campus minister quote)
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Thoughts from the shower
1. What did people back in "Little House on the Praire" time period do for shampoo...did they just use soap? If so then why did we change?
2. Does the 360 degree scrubbing bubble thingy really work? If so...I need to invest...cleaning the shower is not my idea of a good time.
3. Why do random songs come into my head...is it God or just the evil gremlins?
4. If I take my shower first, does that make the hot water more accessible to my roommate's shower or vice versa?
5. What in the world did I do when I used to take 30 minute showers...take a nap? No wonder my mom would want me to get out.
2. Does the 360 degree scrubbing bubble thingy really work? If so...I need to invest...cleaning the shower is not my idea of a good time.
3. Why do random songs come into my head...is it God or just the evil gremlins?
4. If I take my shower first, does that make the hot water more accessible to my roommate's shower or vice versa?
5. What in the world did I do when I used to take 30 minute showers...take a nap? No wonder my mom would want me to get out.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Being A Man
The poem below is something I remember my father quoting me at a early age. He is a Kipling fan. Recently I have been challenged in many different ways. Some were as easy as swatting a fly while others it was going against a dragon with the same rolled up magazine. I am not sure if I am living up to Kipling's ideals of a man, but I hope that I have the fortitude to keep going during this season of trials.
IF
Rudyard Kipling's Verse
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream-and not make dreams your master;
If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And-which is more-you'll be a Man, my son!
IF
Rudyard Kipling's Verse
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream-and not make dreams your master;
If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And-which is more-you'll be a Man, my son!
Friday, January 12, 2007
How to worry yourself to happiness
I was talking with a close friend last night and I decided to write a bestseller of how worrying helped me achieve happiness. Of course we were discussing how we both seem to have to learn the lesson of taking one day at time over and over again.
Right now my life is in limbo. Not the most limbo it has ever been but pretty close. I am amazed at how well the great deceiver had me believing that I was in control of my daily life for the past few years. Even though I read...no one is promised tomorrow or do not worry about tomorrow for today has enough concerns. I still think that I somehow do a much better job of controling my future than God does. I mean come on, my track record speaks so much in my favor right? ummm not really.
Perhaps the most prideful thing I have ever done was convince myself that pride is not a struggle for me. Someone ripped that falacy off like ducttape on a hairy arm yesterday. Yes it was painful and still smarts today but I can see more clearly.
The challenging thing is to find balance....how can I trust God with my future yet still search for jobs, careers, future spouse, etc. Do I just lean up against a wall and let God bring these things to me or does he want me to be proactive....
Life is complicated, Thank God for grace.
Right now my life is in limbo. Not the most limbo it has ever been but pretty close. I am amazed at how well the great deceiver had me believing that I was in control of my daily life for the past few years. Even though I read...no one is promised tomorrow or do not worry about tomorrow for today has enough concerns. I still think that I somehow do a much better job of controling my future than God does. I mean come on, my track record speaks so much in my favor right? ummm not really.
Perhaps the most prideful thing I have ever done was convince myself that pride is not a struggle for me. Someone ripped that falacy off like ducttape on a hairy arm yesterday. Yes it was painful and still smarts today but I can see more clearly.
The challenging thing is to find balance....how can I trust God with my future yet still search for jobs, careers, future spouse, etc. Do I just lean up against a wall and let God bring these things to me or does he want me to be proactive....
Life is complicated, Thank God for grace.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Trusting God
So I often wonder how much personal information I should share with the Blog-world. I mean I hear about employers reading personal pages such as myspace and blogs to find out about their employees. But at the same time, my personality justs wants to scream to the world about what is going on in my life. Good or bad. I turn 31 in a few days. God has blessed me despite my failings which are many. He strengthens me despite being so angry with him at times that I shout at him. He gives me peace when I annoy him constantly for things I don't really need. So why is it that I have a hard time trusting him....
In the next few months I will find out if I am out of a job or not. I have done nothing wrong, it is just a domino effect of circumstances. Last Thursday was my day to get mad at God. I felt hurt, betrayed and lonely. A close friend of mine who also is having some rough, stressful days, called me on Wednesday and asked if I wanted to fast with him. I agreed mainly because I knew I needed to even if I did not want to. So we fasted. We broke our fast Friday moring at Cracker Barrel. All during Thursday I was dealing with emotions. I really did not get hungry because I was so focused on "telling" God what he needed to do. Friday morning came and I felt a peace that truely passed all understanding. I could rest in God's ability to provide for me as he has for the past 30 years.
I still don't know what I am going to do for a job. It would be different if I knew what I wanted to do "when I grow up" but I have no clue. I know what I am good at but have a hard time finding people who will hire me because I worked for a church as a secretary. They don't understand how much you give when you work for people you love dearly. While there is a small chance I will get to keep my job, I have already begun the process of finding other employment. I know I will miss my job. But the job changing is not what causes the most stress. It is the unknown, the transition. Worries that I thought I would only face when I became a parent has come in....will I have enough money to pay the bills....Will I have to move....these questions cause stressful moments.
I think back to the man who said to Jesus...I believe, help my unbelief. I can not look at my life and not believe in God's ability to take a worthless person and bless him but in the here and now it is a challenge. So for those in Blog-land who pray....I would appreciate prayers as I face the unknown and that God will provide some employment.
In the next few months I will find out if I am out of a job or not. I have done nothing wrong, it is just a domino effect of circumstances. Last Thursday was my day to get mad at God. I felt hurt, betrayed and lonely. A close friend of mine who also is having some rough, stressful days, called me on Wednesday and asked if I wanted to fast with him. I agreed mainly because I knew I needed to even if I did not want to. So we fasted. We broke our fast Friday moring at Cracker Barrel. All during Thursday I was dealing with emotions. I really did not get hungry because I was so focused on "telling" God what he needed to do. Friday morning came and I felt a peace that truely passed all understanding. I could rest in God's ability to provide for me as he has for the past 30 years.
I still don't know what I am going to do for a job. It would be different if I knew what I wanted to do "when I grow up" but I have no clue. I know what I am good at but have a hard time finding people who will hire me because I worked for a church as a secretary. They don't understand how much you give when you work for people you love dearly. While there is a small chance I will get to keep my job, I have already begun the process of finding other employment. I know I will miss my job. But the job changing is not what causes the most stress. It is the unknown, the transition. Worries that I thought I would only face when I became a parent has come in....will I have enough money to pay the bills....Will I have to move....these questions cause stressful moments.
I think back to the man who said to Jesus...I believe, help my unbelief. I can not look at my life and not believe in God's ability to take a worthless person and bless him but in the here and now it is a challenge. So for those in Blog-land who pray....I would appreciate prayers as I face the unknown and that God will provide some employment.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Happy 100th
According to Blogger, this is my 100th post. I actually was going to post something about how crappy my day was today but after seeing this, I realize I should be rejoicing over the huge occurrence of numerical triumph. So in honor of my 100th post here are a few random things I have learned this week:
1. It is fun looking at old vacation pictures. They remind you of fun times and great friends.
2. Spending time with family can be a wonderful time filled with joy and laughter.
3. You know you are getting old when you are happy about getting a bathrobe for your birthday.
4. Your true friends are people who know your past and love you anyway...whether you knew they knew or not.
5. Raspberry Hot Chocolate and Oreo Cheesecake can make a difficult conversation much easier.
6. Wal-marts never have the exact same layout from store to store.
7. Teaching your dad to ask before messing with the car's thermostat can be trying.
8. Realizing later on that it is better to choose your battles with your dad is humbling.
9. My nephew Brent is really quite good at Taekwondo and is willing to "face" people almost twice his size and age.
10. Second month's car payment is not as fun as the first car payment.
11. Singing about Bealuh Land has a totally different meaning at age 30 than 12.
12. Church potlucks are still a wonderful tradition, and perhaps more true First Century Christianity than many "acts of worship" during the "worship hour."
13. Sometimes you just have to ask for a hug.
14. Missing your roommate is ok.
15. Wishing your roommate would leave is ok too.
16. Having lunch with someone who thinks different than you is better than eating with somone who thinks exactly like you.
17. Buying lunch for college students is food for the soul.
18. Cleaning your room and making your bed is very restful.
19. Jumping on the trampoline can be a great time to spend with God.
20. It is just plain wierd (in a good way) to see wedding rings on your best friends fingers.
21. Dating is a lot more difficult than it was in grade school. I think we should go back to "Do you like me? Check yes or no" Direct and to the point.
22. The Kingdom of God is much bigger than your church family.
23. Not everyone in the world celebrates Christmas with presents.
24. "Rainy Days and Mondays" do always get me down.
25. God speaks through random people.
26. I don't have it as bad as Peter and John in Acts 3 & 4.
27. Isaiah 43 ROCKS!
28. Fear of changing jobs/careers is one of my biggests fears.
29. My grandmother Jones is not old enough to use a walker. (so she says)
30. My grandmother Jones still loves to take pictures from the neck down.
31. 80 ounces of water is a heck of a lot of water.
So I could go on but it is getting late and I really should have already been in bed.
1. It is fun looking at old vacation pictures. They remind you of fun times and great friends.
2. Spending time with family can be a wonderful time filled with joy and laughter.
3. You know you are getting old when you are happy about getting a bathrobe for your birthday.
4. Your true friends are people who know your past and love you anyway...whether you knew they knew or not.
5. Raspberry Hot Chocolate and Oreo Cheesecake can make a difficult conversation much easier.
6. Wal-marts never have the exact same layout from store to store.
7. Teaching your dad to ask before messing with the car's thermostat can be trying.
8. Realizing later on that it is better to choose your battles with your dad is humbling.
9. My nephew Brent is really quite good at Taekwondo and is willing to "face" people almost twice his size and age.
10. Second month's car payment is not as fun as the first car payment.
11. Singing about Bealuh Land has a totally different meaning at age 30 than 12.
12. Church potlucks are still a wonderful tradition, and perhaps more true First Century Christianity than many "acts of worship" during the "worship hour."
13. Sometimes you just have to ask for a hug.
14. Missing your roommate is ok.
15. Wishing your roommate would leave is ok too.
16. Having lunch with someone who thinks different than you is better than eating with somone who thinks exactly like you.
17. Buying lunch for college students is food for the soul.
18. Cleaning your room and making your bed is very restful.
19. Jumping on the trampoline can be a great time to spend with God.
20. It is just plain wierd (in a good way) to see wedding rings on your best friends fingers.
21. Dating is a lot more difficult than it was in grade school. I think we should go back to "Do you like me? Check yes or no" Direct and to the point.
22. The Kingdom of God is much bigger than your church family.
23. Not everyone in the world celebrates Christmas with presents.
24. "Rainy Days and Mondays" do always get me down.
25. God speaks through random people.
26. I don't have it as bad as Peter and John in Acts 3 & 4.
27. Isaiah 43 ROCKS!
28. Fear of changing jobs/careers is one of my biggests fears.
29. My grandmother Jones is not old enough to use a walker. (so she says)
30. My grandmother Jones still loves to take pictures from the neck down.
31. 80 ounces of water is a heck of a lot of water.
So I could go on but it is getting late and I really should have already been in bed.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Life has Broken Out
Life broke out here like the plague. This past month, some events of my past came back to haunt me in a very public way. The church family here responded well and loving for which I am thankful but I also know that it this is just the beginning. I am excited to see God working in my life and that a story I had kept hidden away I can now share as a testimony to God. But it is still difficult in the late night hours when I am alone in my thoughts. The doubts and fears creep in like a fast moving fog. They blind me and I am left with just my faith with waivers constantly. I hope that I will continue to steadfast hold to God for he is the unchanging one.
Sometimes I think that it is easier for me to trust in God when things are unknown because I have no control so all I can do is trust God. I know that there are many many people who love me, yet the idea of people finding out about my past sins/mistakes frightens me every time it is about to happen. I feel like I am withdrawing from those who did not know because I am fearful of rejection. But yet I know realistically that they will still love me if they are truely my friends but the fear is difficult to combat.
While there is relief in people knowing, there is also a difficulty in letting people process and deal with the information in their own time. I have had 11 years to deal with the various components of this but there are now people who are hearing this for the first time and I have to learn to be patient as they process.
For all those in blog-land who read this, I just ask for your prayers as I try to walk boldly with God.
Sometimes I think that it is easier for me to trust in God when things are unknown because I have no control so all I can do is trust God. I know that there are many many people who love me, yet the idea of people finding out about my past sins/mistakes frightens me every time it is about to happen. I feel like I am withdrawing from those who did not know because I am fearful of rejection. But yet I know realistically that they will still love me if they are truely my friends but the fear is difficult to combat.
While there is relief in people knowing, there is also a difficulty in letting people process and deal with the information in their own time. I have had 11 years to deal with the various components of this but there are now people who are hearing this for the first time and I have to learn to be patient as they process.
For all those in blog-land who read this, I just ask for your prayers as I try to walk boldly with God.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Happy Halloween
I have never really liked Halloween. I have always been a scaredy cat and masks really creep me out. However, this year I was asked to be part of the Campus Ministry's Trunk or Treat. So I decided to "Dress up" for the occasion and wear my suit from the wedding I was in the previous Saturday. I also decorated my car...It became truly my toaster on wheels.... We served sandwiches from the car. So here is a picture of me and my toaster.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Over Doing it????
So a few weeks ago I had decided to cook for the campus ministry's men's prayer group. We finally decided on a dessert thing last night at ten. So I pulled out my cookbooks and got the adventursome feeling of stretching my cooking knowledge. I had already made my first cheesecake a few weeks ago so I had to go with something different. So I decided on pecan pie and banana pudding would be my adventure. So I started the week with making a Nut-rageous Peanut Butter pie. It is simple and has to stay in the freezer so that was one dessert down. Then Tuesday night I began the prelimary stuff. Making one of my favorites....4 layer Chocolate Dessert. I have found that it is best if the crust cools completely so I went ahead and baked it. Then I made Tippi's Famous Brownies. I have no idea who Tippi is but people love it when I make her brownies. It has a frosting that goes with it so once again, best if the brownies cool. I also made an apple pie using McIntosh Apples. A first for me as I usually use Granny Smith. But it was more of a creamy apple pie so the sweeter apple seemed better.
So Wednesday morning I began with adventure #1 Banana Pudding. In our church cookbook is "Ethel's Old Fashion Banana Pudding" Now Ethel and her husband ran a great ice cream shop which many an older Auburnite would recongize if I said the "the Flush" So I thought, surely I can make her recipe. Well I couldn't. It was a diaster. I don't know if the book missed a step or what but it was not pretty. So I went to work frustrated.
Midday I called my mom and got her recipe for Banana Pudding. As usual, she came to the rescue. So after work I made my last trip to the store, then got a haircut, then heading home to make a mess of the kitchen.
I started immediately on the Banana Pudding. I now think that EVERYONE should use Cook and Serve Pudding at least once to appreciate just how instant, instant is. I thought my stirring arm was going to fall off. Then I realized that I my time table was getting cramped so I multi-tasked by stirring with one hand and cutting the bananas with the other. I could only cut at every up swing of the spoon but it got the job done. So then while the pudding was cooling, I began to work on the frosting for the brownies. Once that was done, I worked on the Merigine for the pudding. Once again, people should know how long it takes and they will appreciate the dessert a whole lot more. Then I made the 2 pecan pies. Which were easier than I thought, which also concerns me.
So last night I took, 1 peanut butter pie, 2 pecan pies, a 4 layer chocolate dessert, a pan of brownies, banana pudding, and I had a lemon pie my grandmother had made in the freezer so I took it as well.
15 guys showed up, compared to the 20 or 30 I had been told. So needless to say we have more desserts at our house than I ever want. When I returned home, my roommate asked me, "So, when are you going to stop going overboard?" Personally I am proud that I have the overboard gene, I have found I got it from both grandmothers. Leftovers were better than running out of food in their book and so it is with mine.
Everyone enjoyed my desserts. The pudding was not as good as my mom's and the pecan pie was a tad overdone. I hate the whole "wiggle" test idea. But all in all a great time.
So Wednesday morning I began with adventure #1 Banana Pudding. In our church cookbook is "Ethel's Old Fashion Banana Pudding" Now Ethel and her husband ran a great ice cream shop which many an older Auburnite would recongize if I said the "the Flush" So I thought, surely I can make her recipe. Well I couldn't. It was a diaster. I don't know if the book missed a step or what but it was not pretty. So I went to work frustrated.
Midday I called my mom and got her recipe for Banana Pudding. As usual, she came to the rescue. So after work I made my last trip to the store, then got a haircut, then heading home to make a mess of the kitchen.
I started immediately on the Banana Pudding. I now think that EVERYONE should use Cook and Serve Pudding at least once to appreciate just how instant, instant is. I thought my stirring arm was going to fall off. Then I realized that I my time table was getting cramped so I multi-tasked by stirring with one hand and cutting the bananas with the other. I could only cut at every up swing of the spoon but it got the job done. So then while the pudding was cooling, I began to work on the frosting for the brownies. Once that was done, I worked on the Merigine for the pudding. Once again, people should know how long it takes and they will appreciate the dessert a whole lot more. Then I made the 2 pecan pies. Which were easier than I thought, which also concerns me.
So last night I took, 1 peanut butter pie, 2 pecan pies, a 4 layer chocolate dessert, a pan of brownies, banana pudding, and I had a lemon pie my grandmother had made in the freezer so I took it as well.
15 guys showed up, compared to the 20 or 30 I had been told. So needless to say we have more desserts at our house than I ever want. When I returned home, my roommate asked me, "So, when are you going to stop going overboard?" Personally I am proud that I have the overboard gene, I have found I got it from both grandmothers. Leftovers were better than running out of food in their book and so it is with mine.
Everyone enjoyed my desserts. The pudding was not as good as my mom's and the pecan pie was a tad overdone. I hate the whole "wiggle" test idea. But all in all a great time.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Proud Father???
So this morning I was going to visit a dear friend in the hospital. She is one of my favorite people because she is always cheerful and fun. So I went into the gift shop and asked for the craziest balloon they had. They offered me this balloon........
Granted not as fun as my large giant butterfly balloon I got her one time but it would do in a crunch. So balloon in hand, I was walking down the hallway. A nurse walked by and said "Congratulations" Now I am hoping that she was just getting off the night shift because nothing about me or the balloon screamed "New Daddy" Oh well...here is to the baby I never knew I had nor where he is....
Saturday, September 23, 2006
My New Car
Labor Day, my car "Cam-Cam" died. Well actually she was just really really sick. So sick that it was not worth me keeping her alive. So I decided to sell her. She was sold within 4 days even with a bad transmission. So then I had to make an adult decision on what kind of car to get next. I picked it out but only told a few people because I really wanted people to eat their words when they realized what I got, for many had mentioned how ugly this car is. I personally like it and think it as a mini-cooper on steroids. I bought used with under 10,000 miles on it. :-) I am thankful to God that for all the lessons he has taught during this process.
So without futher ado...here is my new car.
So without futher ado...here is my new car.
Friday, September 01, 2006
I was Tagged I promise
Book Tagged
My brother Steve tagged me with these questions about books. Here is my attempt.
1. One book that changed your life: There’s a Monster at the end of this Book. (go ahead and laugh)
2. One book that you’ve read more than once: The Harry Potter Series
3. One book you’d want on a desert island: The Hardy Boys Detective’s Handbook
4. One book that made you laugh: The Mitford Series by Jan Karon
5. One book that made you cry: The Five People you Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom
6. One book you wish had been written: How your High School years, really do affect you after college.
7. One book you wish had never been written: Songbooks with notes.
8. One book you’re currently reading: Abba’s Child, Brennan Manning
9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: Anything by Brian McLaren
My brother Steve tagged me with these questions about books. Here is my attempt.
1. One book that changed your life: There’s a Monster at the end of this Book. (go ahead and laugh)
2. One book that you’ve read more than once: The Harry Potter Series
3. One book you’d want on a desert island: The Hardy Boys Detective’s Handbook
4. One book that made you laugh: The Mitford Series by Jan Karon
5. One book that made you cry: The Five People you Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom
6. One book you wish had been written: How your High School years, really do affect you after college.
7. One book you wish had never been written: Songbooks with notes.
8. One book you’re currently reading: Abba’s Child, Brennan Manning
9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: Anything by Brian McLaren
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Too Busy
Fall is here. Students have attacked Auburn streets like tourist to Disney World. Traffic is horrible and yet people are excited about it. The town seems to swell and grow to accomidate the young. Perhaps that is a good thing, but I am afraid, it has some drawbacks. This town never grows old. Every fall we get a youth booster shot and we feel that we are doing good. This is wonderful. Things are great. I guess this occurs other places too. I am sure when a baby is born or a wedding occurs but those are never on a pattern or schedule. Perhaps we are too busy with all the newcomers to notice those who never left. Our society has changed, there are more older singles and here in Auburn they have no place to call their own. Our town has seen an influx of retirees. They have homes but they are secluded and hardly interact with the town at large. Are we supping the fountain of youth, but the only change is outward. Are we dying inside but look youth and vibrant on the inside? I don't know...I just don't know.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Glenn the Fish's Obit
LARSON
Auburn, AL – Glenn Hall Larson, died July 20, 2006.
Unsure of exact date of birth, Glenn was adopted in January of 2005. He grew up and lived all of his working life in Auburn, AL. He was an able companion to his adopted dad Eric, as well as his uncle, David Duer, and in his later months another uncle, Phil Thorsen. He traveled to Groveland, IL once to visit his father's family and was well taken care of by his grandmother Rosy. Grandma Rosy even sent him back home with some treats to help his color. He lived in 3 homes and enjoyed each one, though his favorite was his name sake Glenn Hall. In the residential hall, he was visited often by various residents and especially enjoyed it when all the staff would meet in the living room and eat his dad's candy.
A private memorial service was held at 12:00 pm, Thursday, July 20th at home of Phil Thorsen and David Duer. It included a three flush salute.
Auburn, AL – Glenn Hall Larson, died July 20, 2006.
Unsure of exact date of birth, Glenn was adopted in January of 2005. He grew up and lived all of his working life in Auburn, AL. He was an able companion to his adopted dad Eric, as well as his uncle, David Duer, and in his later months another uncle, Phil Thorsen. He traveled to Groveland, IL once to visit his father's family and was well taken care of by his grandmother Rosy. Grandma Rosy even sent him back home with some treats to help his color. He lived in 3 homes and enjoyed each one, though his favorite was his name sake Glenn Hall. In the residential hall, he was visited often by various residents and especially enjoyed it when all the staff would meet in the living room and eat his dad's candy.
A private memorial service was held at 12:00 pm, Thursday, July 20th at home of Phil Thorsen and David Duer. It included a three flush salute.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
From "The Message"
God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Cloud or Water
I feel like I am at crossroads and I don't know if God is asking me to wait for a sign like the pillar of cloud or to step out in faith like Peter did. Is it possible to "disobey" God because you are not trusting enough for him to take care of you? I have no idea.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Hellos and Goodbyes
I have returned to Auburn with so many mixed emotions. I just spent a week with a beloved friend who was getting married and in the process met a few more friends who I truely miss now. This was my first vacation to IL that did not have some moment of wanting to be at home. No Bell's palsy, no car messing up. It was a complete vacation and I did not miss Auburn nor the people. I was able to replace most of them with counterparts. You may question the ability to do this in just a week but it happened. I feel like I have had my quota of hellos and goodbyes to last me awhile. Two different people I met last week when they emailed me mentioned how after only 3 days they felt like we were long time friends and they are correct. I know with email we can stay "in touch" but at the same time there is a loss as I know that many of these people I will never see again this side of heaven. There is something so amazing that happens when two Christians meet and bond. I was very blessed by one young man who kept me laughing all week but also was willing to share his heart with me and we were able to bond in our life circumstances.
I also was able to see Eric's grandmother again who reminds me so much of my Grandmother Duer. In fact, she wore a dress for the wedding that I am almost postive Grandma Duer had. Grandma Ruth was her name and she had just suffered the loss of her "boyfriend" to cancer. Her face showed her hurt as she told me how much she missed him.
I also was able to see Eric's grandmother again who reminds me so much of my Grandmother Duer. In fact, she wore a dress for the wedding that I am almost postive Grandma Duer had. Grandma Ruth was her name and she had just suffered the loss of her "boyfriend" to cancer. Her face showed her hurt as she told me how much she missed him.
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