Just call me Prissy the Fabulous. I am not even sure what I said to Andy the other day while standing in his mom's kitchen, but he thought I said something about "Prissy the Fabulous". We decided I would write a children's book by that name, and it would be about a manatee, a walrus, or some other big (and anything but prissy) animal.
You laugh now, but when I've written it and it's selling like crazy, I'll be the one laughing. Prissy the Fabulous, coming to a book store near you.
Dec 29, 2006
Just shake it
Our plane ride home was quite exciting. We had the joy of riding on a very small plane from Rochester to Philadelphia. Luckily, I had ear plugs with me to help alleviate some of the noise. Upon arriving in Philadelphia, we zoomed over to our next flight (why is it the second gate always seems to be MILES away from the one we flew in to?), and even grabbed a bit to eat. I had the joy of eating a turkey wrap that had lettuce in it, which had dirt on it. Good times, nothing like eating dirt in an airport to make traveling fun. But anyway, we were so fired up that we arrived with time to spare, and everything was going smoothly. Then, we boarded the plane....
We sat, we sat some more, and still we sat, no movement. We were then told that the plane had a mechanical problem and they would have to take the plane back to the hangar and we would have the joy of getting off, walking to another gate, and boarding a different plane. Fine, I'd rather be late than dead. So, off we go, a plane load of folks, trying to keep smiles on our faces.
The plane we were on had screens that came down and showed videos (prior to the flight taking off) and scrolled through brainteasers from "Cranuim" during the flight. The screen for us? It had issues! It would come down, click, then go back up (the ONLY ONE on the plane doing this mind you). It was comical. The lady in front of me, following the instructions of another passenger, shook the screen to help it out. It was quite funny, it worked, but then, no picture on the screen. I guess she overshook the poor thing. The picture finally came back on, and all was well in the world.
We sat, we sat some more, and still we sat, no movement. We were then told that the plane had a mechanical problem and they would have to take the plane back to the hangar and we would have the joy of getting off, walking to another gate, and boarding a different plane. Fine, I'd rather be late than dead. So, off we go, a plane load of folks, trying to keep smiles on our faces.
The plane we were on had screens that came down and showed videos (prior to the flight taking off) and scrolled through brainteasers from "Cranuim" during the flight. The screen for us? It had issues! It would come down, click, then go back up (the ONLY ONE on the plane doing this mind you). It was comical. The lady in front of me, following the instructions of another passenger, shook the screen to help it out. It was quite funny, it worked, but then, no picture on the screen. I guess she overshook the poor thing. The picture finally came back on, and all was well in the world.
The end of the holidays
Andy and I arrived safely home Wednesday evening. Granted, it was an hour later than scheduled, but still, we are home. Getting up for work at 4am yesterday was less than exciting, but I seemed to have more energy just by being in my own house.
Christmas was fine, very low key. We got lots of rest, I went a bit stir crazy being inside so much, and we enjoyed seeing his family. It was very strange to celebrate Christmas without a kid in the house, it was way too quiet and calm for my taste. Still, it was nice. We got to spend some time with Andy's brother and his family, which is always fun.
I got some great pics, but those are to come later. More stories too, for now, I will return to pretending to be attentive to my work this morning.
Christmas was fine, very low key. We got lots of rest, I went a bit stir crazy being inside so much, and we enjoyed seeing his family. It was very strange to celebrate Christmas without a kid in the house, it was way too quiet and calm for my taste. Still, it was nice. We got to spend some time with Andy's brother and his family, which is always fun.
I got some great pics, but those are to come later. More stories too, for now, I will return to pretending to be attentive to my work this morning.
Dec 21, 2006
Seriously?!?!
I came across this article today...people are truly amazing!
And then there is this issue because, my gosh, we need more negative role models for our young people. That just rocks, really. My faith in the people of America grows by the second (yes, that's all said with intense sarcasm). I mean really, what are the laws for except to be broken, and as long as you cry hard enough and say how sorry you are, it's not that big of a deal...is it.
Forgiveness, yes, indeed. Not having to suffer consequences? Not so much.
And then there is this issue because, my gosh, we need more negative role models for our young people. That just rocks, really. My faith in the people of America grows by the second (yes, that's all said with intense sarcasm). I mean really, what are the laws for except to be broken, and as long as you cry hard enough and say how sorry you are, it's not that big of a deal...is it.
Forgiveness, yes, indeed. Not having to suffer consequences? Not so much.
Dec 19, 2006
Bye bye to Joel
This morning, Joel headed back home. We have had him here for so long that I'm a bit sad he's no longer going to be here. The good news is the cd he was here working on sounds fantastic, and more importantly, he is pleased with it. Let's share some pictures so you will get a small idea of the fun we've had:
This is what happens when slinkies go bad.
Since Joel was here so long, we figured he should have a stocking too.
This is what happens when slinkies go bad.
Since Joel was here so long, we figured he should have a stocking too.
Dec 13, 2006
Blast from the Past
John 15:13:
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
I have been blessed in my life to be surrounded by amazing people. My family used to tease me that I knew everyone everywhere we went, which was sometimes true. However, I love people, I love learning from them and being challenged by them. I love the different perspectives people bring into my life.
Right now, I am at a place where I want to reconnect with friends whom I have lost contact with. These people are ones whom I love and cherish, and who have been integral in my growth as a Christian and human being. These are people I could talk to for hours and never grow bored, folks who make me laugh until I cry, and people who just make moments better by being present.
Slowly but surely, I am tracking a few folks down. I hate that I have become complacent in my interactions with people and too wrapped up in me to ask how someone else is doing. It feels good to find out how they are dong, where life has led them. Better yet, it is nice to have a way to say "thank you for blessing my life in ways you will never know."
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
I have been blessed in my life to be surrounded by amazing people. My family used to tease me that I knew everyone everywhere we went, which was sometimes true. However, I love people, I love learning from them and being challenged by them. I love the different perspectives people bring into my life.
Right now, I am at a place where I want to reconnect with friends whom I have lost contact with. These people are ones whom I love and cherish, and who have been integral in my growth as a Christian and human being. These are people I could talk to for hours and never grow bored, folks who make me laugh until I cry, and people who just make moments better by being present.
Slowly but surely, I am tracking a few folks down. I hate that I have become complacent in my interactions with people and too wrapped up in me to ask how someone else is doing. It feels good to find out how they are dong, where life has led them. Better yet, it is nice to have a way to say "thank you for blessing my life in ways you will never know."
Strange energy
This is my friend Christine and I. Our husbands claim we should not be left alone together for long periods of time. I have no clue where they get that...I was trying to explain to someone what happens when Christine and I are together. This is what I came up with: when we enter into the same space, a strange energy starts flowing, and we never know what is going to happen. We laugh hysterically, come up with random and ridiculous comments and explanations for life, and just dive fully into our time together.
Since neither of us have family close together, we kind of lean on each other. In fact, I have been asked if she is my sister, which I think is a high compliment. We also have our share of serious discussions, and I love that there is NOTHING we cannot discuss in confidence with one another.
This Friday, Christine and her husband Ray will be coming over to our house. I can't wait, I am already sensing the rise in energy. My funny bone is already tickled, and my face already smiling. I just hope the others can handle it....
Dec 11, 2006
A conglomeration of fun
Saturday night was our wonderful little Christmas party. Since I am too cheap to buy the "professional level" on Flickr, you will have to go here for all the pictures. It was such a fun evening. Kids were running hither and yon, and surprisingly, there was not a problem the entire evening.
I was telling Andy that it was neat to see the wonderful conglomeration of individuals who arrived. Some I know from teaching, the others are from our church. It was neat to see the interactions between them all. Unlike most Christmas parties I have gone to, we did not have a set agenda, no gift exchange planned, nothing. All we did was have folks bring their favorite holiday snack, which made life much easier on us. From there, we just allowed folks to fellowship. The night progressed naturally, without anything being forced on anyone. I loved it! That's me, little miss informal. There was a ton of laughter, good food, and I got to be around folks who make my heart smile. What could be better than that?
We are definitely blessed by the people who have been placed in our lives, and it was even more of a blessing to have them in our home. We really should do this more often....
I was telling Andy that it was neat to see the wonderful conglomeration of individuals who arrived. Some I know from teaching, the others are from our church. It was neat to see the interactions between them all. Unlike most Christmas parties I have gone to, we did not have a set agenda, no gift exchange planned, nothing. All we did was have folks bring their favorite holiday snack, which made life much easier on us. From there, we just allowed folks to fellowship. The night progressed naturally, without anything being forced on anyone. I loved it! That's me, little miss informal. There was a ton of laughter, good food, and I got to be around folks who make my heart smile. What could be better than that?
We are definitely blessed by the people who have been placed in our lives, and it was even more of a blessing to have them in our home. We really should do this more often....
Dec 8, 2006
Sweets...they're good for you
This is in the current issue of Prevention magazine, and can be found here:
Save your heart
Sweet's Better Than Sour
Loving words from--and for--your spouse can protect you both from a heart attack.
University of Utah researchers videotaped conversations between 150 couples and did CT scans of each partner's arteries. If a couple was openly hostile (making comments such as "You can be so stupid"), the wife had a 30% higher risk of severely hardened arteries. A man's risk rose 30% when either he or his partner used controlling phrases like "Do it my way."
Start today
When discussing touchy subjects such as money or the kids, listen with empathy, avoid blame, and focus on the issue at hand. "Disagreements are an unavoidable fact of relationships," says psychologist Timothy Smith, PhD, lead author of the Utah study. "But the way we talk during disagreements gives us an opportunity to do something healthy."
I thought that was pretty impressive. Guess I need to start being nice to Andy now.
Save your heart
Sweet's Better Than Sour
Loving words from--and for--your spouse can protect you both from a heart attack.
University of Utah researchers videotaped conversations between 150 couples and did CT scans of each partner's arteries. If a couple was openly hostile (making comments such as "You can be so stupid"), the wife had a 30% higher risk of severely hardened arteries. A man's risk rose 30% when either he or his partner used controlling phrases like "Do it my way."
Start today
When discussing touchy subjects such as money or the kids, listen with empathy, avoid blame, and focus on the issue at hand. "Disagreements are an unavoidable fact of relationships," says psychologist Timothy Smith, PhD, lead author of the Utah study. "But the way we talk during disagreements gives us an opportunity to do something healthy."
I thought that was pretty impressive. Guess I need to start being nice to Andy now.
Dec 6, 2006
Lessons in Love
After a conversation last night, I began thinking about dating, or the lack thereof, in my own life. I often tease Andy that he is the only guy I've ever really dated. More often than not, I was considered to be "one of the guys" or the one they wanted to "find someone like" (ie: my personality, but better looks and figure). I never thought much of many people, never thought they saw me as more than a friend. What a crazy journey, and usually the result of my own insecurities and feelings of insignificance. There have been guys who have made me feel so small, so worthless, and there was a part of me that listened to what they said. A part of me always knew better, but she didn't get much of a say in what I chose. This sounds like some admission of promiscuity or something like that, and I'm thankful it's not. Through it all, God somehow protected me (the bonus of my insecurity, I never wanted to be too close to anyone), and Andy is the first and only person I have had sex with...and that began on our wedding night. Andy was the first and only person I didn't run like mad from, and part of me wonders why I had that pattern in my life. So, I contemplated this journey of mine, and here's what my brain remembered (Andy has heard these stories, and many are the source of great laughter):
* I got "married" in second grade, twice, to the same guy. I think his name was Donald, I'm not sure though. What happened here? He picked me up, I didn't like it, I slapped him. That ended that.
* Paul Q: we "dated" in 4th, 5th, 6th grade (at various times throughout those years, not 3 years consecutively...not my style you know). What does that mean? We wrote letters, checked yes in the appropriate box, and never spoke to one another when someone else was around.
* Alfred was my first "boyfriend." (again, write a letter, hold my hand, that's the extent, never even went to a movie together) This happend my 8th or 9th grade year. He was the first boy I kissed (at a school dance, and i thought it was the nastiest thing EVER), and when he said, "I love you," I responded with, "ok." The first of many "run away!!!" moments in my life
* JJ (9th grade) adored me, and I knew it. He respected me, respected my parents, was nervous to even ask me out. A friend told me how much he liked me, I hated knowing that. My young self didn't like feeling responsible for someone else, for knowing I could hurt him in some way. It scared the mess out of me, so I was a jerk, brushed him off, and that was that.
* Justin and I met in 10th grade, he played golf. We got along well, snuggled on the way to an FCA event, chatted often, he even took me to a UTEP basketball game where I got to meet Coach Haskins. Justin would have nothing to do with me when I wouldn't kiss him. Again, easier to run than possibly get close to anyone.
* Richard (aka Froggy) I adored. I was his "little angel" according to him. Never dated, never nothing, but man did I like this boy...and what a goof he was. Oh well.
* Caleb, Chris, Cody, Sean: I kissed each of these four, all at VERY different times (different years actually - one in highschool, the other 3 during my college years), and they all acted like it never happened. The first of many times I felt like I was better off hiding from the world, and then I was mad at myself for allowing them to make me feel so insignificant.
* Willie was a great friend, we got along well and spent a lot of time together. We discussed dating, but since it would be serious, I bailed and ran. No kissing or such silliness, but a definite "run away" time for me.
* Jeff (times 2): one I met at church while in college, the other I worked FCA camps with. Both had a way to make me feel like a queen one moment and a wretched human being the next. I began to wonder if I had any value at all as a woman after time with them. It was easier to be the funny one and pretend nothing bothered me. But a lot bothered me, and I hated how they knew when to show up, at just the right times. I think they believed they were being noble in making me feel wanted, but they just made me feel more insignificant in this world. God definitely showed up and protected me because both, I found out later, struggled with sexual sin. I could have easily fallen into that trap, praise the Lord for His protection.
* Dennis and I worked FCA camps together and had a running deal that if either of us were single at 28 or so, we would marry each other. If I had a brain in my head at that time, I would have staked my claim on him. However, God had other plans. He has always been, and will always be, my dearest friend. I trust him completely, and know he will do anything in his power to protect me, Andy, my marriage, anyone whom I love and hold dear really. Some would say he's the one who got away, but that's not true. He's the one God used to help show me my significance. Without his friendship, I probably would have run from Andy when I met him...which would be years later.
* Andy is the only boy I have ever really dated. Since our courtship was long distance, our dating didn't really start until after we were married. By all counts, most don't think we belong together. I'm a social butterfly, he's an introverted intellectual. However, he found it easy to talk to me, and I found safety and value with him. He is the first to make me feel even remotely feminine, the only one who I'll even consider wearing a skirt for (and that is saying something). He lets me be me, rarely rolls his eyes at me, and endures life with me. He should get a gold star, or two. He also makes me laugh, often uncontrollably, until I am in tears. We are like best friends in kindergarten, always laughing, telling secrets, and hold hands everywhere we go.
If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I would say what I told all those girls who were in my huddles at FCA camp, "God loves you deeply, more than any human being ever will. When He sees you, He sees beauty, grace, love, and joy. Be aware of who He has made you to be. There will be people who will say horrible things to you, to try to turn you from the truth. Do not believe them, especially if it's some boy!!!! Do not waste time kissing anyone at all, you will regret it when you get married. Sure it's "just kissing," but why waste time and energy on trash? It will leave you empty and feeling worse, it won't make you feel strong or beautiful, you will be left weak and feeling ugly. If a man is worth your time, he will respect you, your family, your boundaries, and he will fear God. More importantly, you are significant, you are a creation of the Most High God....live like it!"
Maybe, if I had listened to the very speech I gave so many times as I counseled young women, Andy would not have to deal with so much from me. He would not have to endure another "tiff" because I'm feeling insecure, he wouldn't be snubbed because *gasp* he wouldn't do things my way. Maybe, just maybe, it would be a smidge easier to be married to me.
Then again, marriage is hard, regardless of who you are married to. Love is a choice, one that is made daily, especially in marriage. It is not a feeling or something that will "fix" my world, it is the choice I make when I wake up. I choose to believe Andy deserves life to its fullest, he deserves the very best from me, and I choose to give him that. So, even if I'm only feeling like I have a fraction of myself to give, he gets 100% of that fraction (huh?!?! Surely, you get my point). We choose to stand by the vows we made rather than bail out when things get hard. Mainly, we don't want to be liars, more importantly, we made a covenant with God as well as one another. And through it all? We let each other drop the baggage from the past, we help the other lighten our load because it's easier to walk through life hand in hand when we aren't dragging unneeded junk along.
* I got "married" in second grade, twice, to the same guy. I think his name was Donald, I'm not sure though. What happened here? He picked me up, I didn't like it, I slapped him. That ended that.
* Paul Q: we "dated" in 4th, 5th, 6th grade (at various times throughout those years, not 3 years consecutively...not my style you know). What does that mean? We wrote letters, checked yes in the appropriate box, and never spoke to one another when someone else was around.
* Alfred was my first "boyfriend." (again, write a letter, hold my hand, that's the extent, never even went to a movie together) This happend my 8th or 9th grade year. He was the first boy I kissed (at a school dance, and i thought it was the nastiest thing EVER), and when he said, "I love you," I responded with, "ok." The first of many "run away!!!" moments in my life
* JJ (9th grade) adored me, and I knew it. He respected me, respected my parents, was nervous to even ask me out. A friend told me how much he liked me, I hated knowing that. My young self didn't like feeling responsible for someone else, for knowing I could hurt him in some way. It scared the mess out of me, so I was a jerk, brushed him off, and that was that.
* Justin and I met in 10th grade, he played golf. We got along well, snuggled on the way to an FCA event, chatted often, he even took me to a UTEP basketball game where I got to meet Coach Haskins. Justin would have nothing to do with me when I wouldn't kiss him. Again, easier to run than possibly get close to anyone.
* Richard (aka Froggy) I adored. I was his "little angel" according to him. Never dated, never nothing, but man did I like this boy...and what a goof he was. Oh well.
* Caleb, Chris, Cody, Sean: I kissed each of these four, all at VERY different times (different years actually - one in highschool, the other 3 during my college years), and they all acted like it never happened. The first of many times I felt like I was better off hiding from the world, and then I was mad at myself for allowing them to make me feel so insignificant.
* Willie was a great friend, we got along well and spent a lot of time together. We discussed dating, but since it would be serious, I bailed and ran. No kissing or such silliness, but a definite "run away" time for me.
* Jeff (times 2): one I met at church while in college, the other I worked FCA camps with. Both had a way to make me feel like a queen one moment and a wretched human being the next. I began to wonder if I had any value at all as a woman after time with them. It was easier to be the funny one and pretend nothing bothered me. But a lot bothered me, and I hated how they knew when to show up, at just the right times. I think they believed they were being noble in making me feel wanted, but they just made me feel more insignificant in this world. God definitely showed up and protected me because both, I found out later, struggled with sexual sin. I could have easily fallen into that trap, praise the Lord for His protection.
* Dennis and I worked FCA camps together and had a running deal that if either of us were single at 28 or so, we would marry each other. If I had a brain in my head at that time, I would have staked my claim on him. However, God had other plans. He has always been, and will always be, my dearest friend. I trust him completely, and know he will do anything in his power to protect me, Andy, my marriage, anyone whom I love and hold dear really. Some would say he's the one who got away, but that's not true. He's the one God used to help show me my significance. Without his friendship, I probably would have run from Andy when I met him...which would be years later.
* Andy is the only boy I have ever really dated. Since our courtship was long distance, our dating didn't really start until after we were married. By all counts, most don't think we belong together. I'm a social butterfly, he's an introverted intellectual. However, he found it easy to talk to me, and I found safety and value with him. He is the first to make me feel even remotely feminine, the only one who I'll even consider wearing a skirt for (and that is saying something). He lets me be me, rarely rolls his eyes at me, and endures life with me. He should get a gold star, or two. He also makes me laugh, often uncontrollably, until I am in tears. We are like best friends in kindergarten, always laughing, telling secrets, and hold hands everywhere we go.
If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I would say what I told all those girls who were in my huddles at FCA camp, "God loves you deeply, more than any human being ever will. When He sees you, He sees beauty, grace, love, and joy. Be aware of who He has made you to be. There will be people who will say horrible things to you, to try to turn you from the truth. Do not believe them, especially if it's some boy!!!! Do not waste time kissing anyone at all, you will regret it when you get married. Sure it's "just kissing," but why waste time and energy on trash? It will leave you empty and feeling worse, it won't make you feel strong or beautiful, you will be left weak and feeling ugly. If a man is worth your time, he will respect you, your family, your boundaries, and he will fear God. More importantly, you are significant, you are a creation of the Most High God....live like it!"
Maybe, if I had listened to the very speech I gave so many times as I counseled young women, Andy would not have to deal with so much from me. He would not have to endure another "tiff" because I'm feeling insecure, he wouldn't be snubbed because *gasp* he wouldn't do things my way. Maybe, just maybe, it would be a smidge easier to be married to me.
Then again, marriage is hard, regardless of who you are married to. Love is a choice, one that is made daily, especially in marriage. It is not a feeling or something that will "fix" my world, it is the choice I make when I wake up. I choose to believe Andy deserves life to its fullest, he deserves the very best from me, and I choose to give him that. So, even if I'm only feeling like I have a fraction of myself to give, he gets 100% of that fraction (huh?!?! Surely, you get my point). We choose to stand by the vows we made rather than bail out when things get hard. Mainly, we don't want to be liars, more importantly, we made a covenant with God as well as one another. And through it all? We let each other drop the baggage from the past, we help the other lighten our load because it's easier to walk through life hand in hand when we aren't dragging unneeded junk along.
Dec 4, 2006
Who's the chicken with her head cut off?
I feel like we were going at top speed all weekend. One day I told Andy everyone talks about being so busy and having so many places to go during the holidays, but we never do. Boy was I wrong. From baby showers, wedding receptions, to Christmas parties, our weekend was packed. It was fun, don't get me wrong, but what happened to a day of rest?
This Saturday, Andy and I are hosting a Christmas party (yes, pictures will be taken and posted). It will be very laid back, no gift exchange, no dirty Santa, just a bunch of folks gathering for an evening of fellowship. I'm a lazy hostess like that. The only requirement is that folks bring their favorite holiday goodies (see, I don't even have to provide all the food this way). We're quite excited about the shin-dig because it will be a very eclectic group of human beings. I love diversity, and we'll have a house full of folks to prove it. Aaaahhh, the holidays.
Hope you all are staying warm, it's cold cold cold here (but no snow of course, I mean really, what's the point?). Bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and love on those around your. Stay warm today!
This Saturday, Andy and I are hosting a Christmas party (yes, pictures will be taken and posted). It will be very laid back, no gift exchange, no dirty Santa, just a bunch of folks gathering for an evening of fellowship. I'm a lazy hostess like that. The only requirement is that folks bring their favorite holiday goodies (see, I don't even have to provide all the food this way). We're quite excited about the shin-dig because it will be a very eclectic group of human beings. I love diversity, and we'll have a house full of folks to prove it. Aaaahhh, the holidays.
Hope you all are staying warm, it's cold cold cold here (but no snow of course, I mean really, what's the point?). Bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and love on those around your. Stay warm today!
Dec 1, 2006
It's cold outside, but my attitude is better
I am happy to say that unlike what I wrote in this post, my attitude has greatly improved about Christmas. How is that you ask? Well, we have found a better way to spend our money, and hopefully, what we did will bless some kids....who could use some good holiday cheer. Whooppee!!!
The 36 degree weather outside isn't keeping my heart from being warm and full of joy. And how funny is that? It's December 1st and WHAM, here comes winter. Ironic really.
Stay warm today and as you go through your day, find a need others have, and fill it for them.
The 36 degree weather outside isn't keeping my heart from being warm and full of joy. And how funny is that? It's December 1st and WHAM, here comes winter. Ironic really.
Stay warm today and as you go through your day, find a need others have, and fill it for them.
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