I hate being a grown up. I hate responsibility: paying bills, rent, cleaning my apartment, doing my laundry without the help of Mom, living alone, paying for my own groceries, spending Friday night watching "Halloween" & writing lameness on my lame blog.
I hate being a grown up.
But, this is where God put me in life right now. This is good for me. It's good that I have to be responsible. It's good that I'm relying on my own means & not anyone else. It's good that I now know how to cook, bake & broil. I made steak tonight. I get to learn all kinds of things. woot-woot...
Friday, October 24, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Speed Dating
This weekend, I've been at the Youth Specialties National Youth Leader Conference in Sacramento. It's been a great weekend so far, but the best story of my time here has been my first experience with speed dating.
If you don't know anything about speed dating, it's basically where a bunch of singles get together, sit down & go on 5 minute "dates" with each other. Everyone sits at a table alternating between boys & girls. So, there's always a girl in between the boys. Then, we talk to the boy on your left for 5 minutes (a "date") & then switch to the boy on your right afterward. Then, the boys move & you do the same thing again.
Well, even though I'm taking the year off from dating (yes, I'm giving God my 23rd year to focus on Him & Him alone), I mustered enough courage to go to Youth Worker Speed Dating at the conference last night. At first, I really was not interested. I didn't want to be embarrassed & I don't really want to date anyone anyway. But, I went with a friend, Annie who is the coolest single girl ever (shout out to Annie!)
So, I'm sitting at this round table with 4 gentlemen & 3 other girls. Honestly, these guys look like they could be my youth. They're all, like 18 years old.
My first date, "sideburns man" literally had the fullest & thickest sideburns I've ever seen. I could have camped out in that forest! We chatted about what we do, where we live, etc. but then, "sideburns" runs out of interesting questions. So, I'm bored beyond relief, so I flat out tell him that I'm not dating right now & I'm just here with a friend. The next 2 minutes is seriously spent in silence. Date over, thank God.
Second date, Lars. He's 18, but looks like he's my age. However, he was way too trendy. I mean the "I obviously buy all my clothes at Hollister or PacSun & have way too much time on my hands to make my hair look this good" kind of guy. 5 minutes of talking about nothing. He's just started college. I just graduated from college. Enough said.
Third date, "Hobbs". Literally, that's his name. He introduced himself with arms & hands flailing everywhere. Finally, he noticed my face (look of horror) & toned it down a bit. But, seriously, this guy was like a big ball of atomic energy ready to implode on Japan. I'm talking loud, bad teeth, arms everywhere, ready to smack me in the face from all of his excitement. I'm pretty sure I saw him doing cartwheels down the halls of the convention center earlier that day. He too was the age of my youth.
Dates # 4-6 aren't even worth mentioning because I can't remember them. No names, no faces, just nothingness...here's yer sign!
Date #7. My rescue guy, Eric! Actually, he knows a friend of mine who is a youth worker in Visalia, CA. Nice guy. Really fun. 28. Obviously, he's not the love of my life, but it was so refreshing having a conversation with someone who was older than me. We also had chatted a little afterward, but I never saw him again. It was like an angel of mercy in a barren dating desert. Praise Jesus!
Date #8. Again, I too blocked this from my memory. However, I have a feeling that he was from Texas & liked football.
In conclusion, whoever thought it would be a good idea to squish 100 single Christian youth workers into a room together & force them to divulge every personal aspect of their personality & lives in 5 minute "dates" was seriously disturbed. I have to admit, though, I had fun.
<><
If you don't know anything about speed dating, it's basically where a bunch of singles get together, sit down & go on 5 minute "dates" with each other. Everyone sits at a table alternating between boys & girls. So, there's always a girl in between the boys. Then, we talk to the boy on your left for 5 minutes (a "date") & then switch to the boy on your right afterward. Then, the boys move & you do the same thing again.
Well, even though I'm taking the year off from dating (yes, I'm giving God my 23rd year to focus on Him & Him alone), I mustered enough courage to go to Youth Worker Speed Dating at the conference last night. At first, I really was not interested. I didn't want to be embarrassed & I don't really want to date anyone anyway. But, I went with a friend, Annie who is the coolest single girl ever (shout out to Annie!)
So, I'm sitting at this round table with 4 gentlemen & 3 other girls. Honestly, these guys look like they could be my youth. They're all, like 18 years old.
My first date, "sideburns man" literally had the fullest & thickest sideburns I've ever seen. I could have camped out in that forest! We chatted about what we do, where we live, etc. but then, "sideburns" runs out of interesting questions. So, I'm bored beyond relief, so I flat out tell him that I'm not dating right now & I'm just here with a friend. The next 2 minutes is seriously spent in silence. Date over, thank God.
Second date, Lars. He's 18, but looks like he's my age. However, he was way too trendy. I mean the "I obviously buy all my clothes at Hollister or PacSun & have way too much time on my hands to make my hair look this good" kind of guy. 5 minutes of talking about nothing. He's just started college. I just graduated from college. Enough said.
Third date, "Hobbs". Literally, that's his name. He introduced himself with arms & hands flailing everywhere. Finally, he noticed my face (look of horror) & toned it down a bit. But, seriously, this guy was like a big ball of atomic energy ready to implode on Japan. I'm talking loud, bad teeth, arms everywhere, ready to smack me in the face from all of his excitement. I'm pretty sure I saw him doing cartwheels down the halls of the convention center earlier that day. He too was the age of my youth.
Dates # 4-6 aren't even worth mentioning because I can't remember them. No names, no faces, just nothingness...here's yer sign!
Date #7. My rescue guy, Eric! Actually, he knows a friend of mine who is a youth worker in Visalia, CA. Nice guy. Really fun. 28. Obviously, he's not the love of my life, but it was so refreshing having a conversation with someone who was older than me. We also had chatted a little afterward, but I never saw him again. It was like an angel of mercy in a barren dating desert. Praise Jesus!
Date #8. Again, I too blocked this from my memory. However, I have a feeling that he was from Texas & liked football.
In conclusion, whoever thought it would be a good idea to squish 100 single Christian youth workers into a room together & force them to divulge every personal aspect of their personality & lives in 5 minute "dates" was seriously disturbed. I have to admit, though, I had fun.
<><
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Reading is Fun!
This past weekend, I literally spent the entire time reading! I had all day Friday off (very rare not to have a youth night / activity scheduled) & part of Saturday off to just read!
My youth & a DCE friend of mine have been talking A LOT about this "Twilight" Series. Now, I'm normally a romance, Nicholas Sparks, Francine Rivers, Christian fiction kind of person. I have adventured into different authors: Dean Koontz & Steven King or is it Stephen King? Anyways, I generally stick with the basics. Nothing too weird. Well, these "Twilight" books (Series of 4 books) are about vampires & warewolves. Haha! I actually liked them. I can see why my youth like them. They're pretty decent & it gets kids reading again. So, I can't complain. I wish they would read their Bible more than fiction, but oh well... I am the DCE afterall.
So, while reading these novels, I realized how many of my favorite books have the same kind of strong male characters: possessing qualities that I look for in a husband. "Pride & Prejudice", "Redeeming Love", "Twilight", "Harry Potter" (well, this one might be a stretch), the Bible. Seriously, all these books have strong male models.
First, "Pride & Prejudice": I'm pretty sure every girl dreams of their own personal Mr. Darcy. Confident, bold, mysterious. I mean, he is a little prideful...or is he prejudice? But, he has some awesome qualities! He's not afraid to speak his mind, stand up for what is right, rescue the heroin's sister & the heroin herself. Wow, what a man! Plus, Colin Firth is very handsome...so is the other guy who plays him w/ Kierra Knightly. Yum.
Second, "Redeeming Love": By far my favorite romance novel. Francine Rivers does an amazing job in her character of Michael Hosea. If he was a real person, I would be all over him like white on rice! His debonair traits? Patient, persistent, persevering, pursuing stud of a farmer! He's strong, handsome, loves Angel (even though she has this thing with running away from him just like the story of Hosea in the Bible) & loves Jesus more than anything! His faith is absolutely amazing & his passion for Christ is amazing! Woof.
Third, "Twilight": Even though the entire series is alright, Edward (main male character) is so incredibly selfless & sacrificial, it's not even funny. He's so willing to make his love, Bella, in every way possible, denying himself is second nature. His passion & love for her, no matter who she is, what she looks like, what kinds of crazy things come out of her mouth, is apparent in everything he does for her. He cherishes her! He denies himself & treats her with utmost respect, love & passion. Holy crow!
Finally, the Bible: The Bible has so many amazing characters that possess all the things above. Selflessness, passion, boldness, honesty, perseverance, persistence, I could go on & on...Jacob loves Rachel (even though there are some complications w/ Leah), Boaz & Ruth, Hosea & Gomer, Mary & Joseph, Jesus & the church, Solomon & his Bride...God does such an incredible job with showing us what a true, loving, God-centered relationship can look like! It warms my heart to know that God is a hopeless romantic like I am!
My youth & a DCE friend of mine have been talking A LOT about this "Twilight" Series. Now, I'm normally a romance, Nicholas Sparks, Francine Rivers, Christian fiction kind of person. I have adventured into different authors: Dean Koontz & Steven King or is it Stephen King? Anyways, I generally stick with the basics. Nothing too weird. Well, these "Twilight" books (Series of 4 books) are about vampires & warewolves. Haha! I actually liked them. I can see why my youth like them. They're pretty decent & it gets kids reading again. So, I can't complain. I wish they would read their Bible more than fiction, but oh well... I am the DCE afterall.
So, while reading these novels, I realized how many of my favorite books have the same kind of strong male characters: possessing qualities that I look for in a husband. "Pride & Prejudice", "Redeeming Love", "Twilight", "Harry Potter" (well, this one might be a stretch), the Bible. Seriously, all these books have strong male models.
First, "Pride & Prejudice": I'm pretty sure every girl dreams of their own personal Mr. Darcy. Confident, bold, mysterious. I mean, he is a little prideful...or is he prejudice? But, he has some awesome qualities! He's not afraid to speak his mind, stand up for what is right, rescue the heroin's sister & the heroin herself. Wow, what a man! Plus, Colin Firth is very handsome...so is the other guy who plays him w/ Kierra Knightly. Yum.
Second, "Redeeming Love": By far my favorite romance novel. Francine Rivers does an amazing job in her character of Michael Hosea. If he was a real person, I would be all over him like white on rice! His debonair traits? Patient, persistent, persevering, pursuing stud of a farmer! He's strong, handsome, loves Angel (even though she has this thing with running away from him just like the story of Hosea in the Bible) & loves Jesus more than anything! His faith is absolutely amazing & his passion for Christ is amazing! Woof.
Third, "Twilight": Even though the entire series is alright, Edward (main male character) is so incredibly selfless & sacrificial, it's not even funny. He's so willing to make his love, Bella, in every way possible, denying himself is second nature. His passion & love for her, no matter who she is, what she looks like, what kinds of crazy things come out of her mouth, is apparent in everything he does for her. He cherishes her! He denies himself & treats her with utmost respect, love & passion. Holy crow!
Finally, the Bible: The Bible has so many amazing characters that possess all the things above. Selflessness, passion, boldness, honesty, perseverance, persistence, I could go on & on...Jacob loves Rachel (even though there are some complications w/ Leah), Boaz & Ruth, Hosea & Gomer, Mary & Joseph, Jesus & the church, Solomon & his Bride...God does such an incredible job with showing us what a true, loving, God-centered relationship can look like! It warms my heart to know that God is a hopeless romantic like I am!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
A Women’s Week at the Gym
I got this in an e-mail the other day & laughed so hard, I cried!
Enjoy!
A Women’s Week at the Gym
Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the heck would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other crap too.
THURSDAY:
Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny witch to find me. Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.
FRIDAY:
I hate that witch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it. Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the stupid barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
SATURDAY:
Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little brat) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, He would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!
Enjoy!
A Women’s Week at the Gym
Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the heck would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other crap too.
THURSDAY:
Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny witch to find me. Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.
FRIDAY:
I hate that witch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it. Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the stupid barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
SATURDAY:
Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little brat) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, He would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!
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