Quirks of the Loner

A few days ago I found myself eating frozen custard with one of my favorite people in the universe. Her name is Alicia. She is one of the most brilliant people I know. One my favorite things about her, though there are many of these, is her ability to perfectly articulate exactly what she means. The woman paints pictures with words and leaves no room for ambiguity. This post is not about her.

I just happened to be with her when a man of larger stature sat within ear shot of our conversation. My dear friend and I were discussing something to the effect of the tragic societal affects on the authenticity of children as they age, and this character lingered in my peripheral vision. He faced us, watching us like a reality TV show.

Who knows what he thought. All I know is that this bearded creature reminded me of that computer technician from the first Jurassic Park movie who gets eaten by those crazy spitting dinosuars. The best part was his T-shirt, which said, “Free Comic Book Day, May, 2007″. Yes folks, people like this are not fictional, and I’m delighted by that.

Pooling Observations

So I managed to muster up enough courage yesterday to go to the pool positioned in the center of my apartment complex. Why does it take courage? Because it’s POSITIONED IN THE CENTER OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX! Okay, I don’t really know why the architect decided it was a good idea to place a pool in view of nearly every apartment. Likely it had something to do with convenience. Regardless, for reasons previously mentioned in the modesty post, I gathered my strength and managed to put the possibility of dozens of eyes staring at me out of my mind as I went out to the pool to try to absorb the UV’s. I was on a mission to remedy the whiteness that has spread across my once tan epidermis. To my great delight, I rediscovered the glory of childhood.

As I sat, correcting assignments, I was able to spend the two hours enjoying the presence of several children playing together, and realized I wish I was as fortunate as they. Their lives are incredible. In the splashing and gaming, one little boy grew exhausted and embittered at the speed of his older sister and her friend because of his inability to tag them. The result was perfect.

Now, the reason I am a horrible disciplinarian is because the logic of children perfectly exemplifies how I wish I could respond 9 times out of 10 if it were not socially unacceptable for adults to do so. I cannot, with good conscience, mandate a time-out for someone who either leaves me doubled over in laughter or convicted for my own depravity. The little boy, whom I will call Peter, stood on the edge of the pool with his platinum blonde hair matted to his head in hysterical disarray, arms folded and rage filling his heart, which I concluded from his contorted expression. He was pushed past the boiling point and he could no longer be expected to chase anyone. His sister’s response to her kid brother’s stubbornness was equally cantankerous. “Fine, then you can’t play with us EVER again!” she said, completely devoid of mercy. Her friend agreed to some extent, and poor Peter had as much as he could handle. He proceeded to spend the next half hour trying to get his sister in trouble by telling on her to their father the moment she made anything that could remotely be taken as an injustice.

The thing is, kids never actually mean “never.” It’s like an unwritten rule. “Never” generally refers to a frame of time within the succeeding hour after the statement is made. It’s kind of like getting a penalty in hockey; basically it’s the peer-to-peer version of a “time-out.” Who determines when this penalty is over? Well, very simply, it is limited to the memory of both parties involved. So, we’ll say approximately 15-30 minutes.I forgot, but I love children. Something about them makes me feel normal and at home, and soon I no longer had in my mind the possibility of creepy eyes being on me. Kids are the best.        

I’m in love…

Mwah ha ha ha!!!! Why the maniacal laughter? Because you thought I was referring to something else! No I’m referring to this new theme I just employed for my blog. What does everyone think? I’m diggin’ it.

Word…

So I have successfully managed to steal some time. Today I am regretting how much coffee I have consumed, but not enough to throw away the latte I am currently sucking on.

Yes, Zack and I made a trip back to my home town for a little visit with the rents and some friends. All went quite beautifully, and NO (to all of you eager beavers out there who jump the gun FAR too soon), we are not married yet. Gosh, whatever happened to “take it slow”?

The glorious human (meaning Zack) and I plunged into the 8 hour drive on Saturday at 6:30am and got back on Monday morning around 1:00. Zack got to take the 5 minute tour of where I grew up (population 6,000) and discovered why I am less impressed with quaint towns than he is- the poor chap grew up in the inner city, so it’s to be expected I guess.  I, however, got an hour long tutorial on the inner workings of the automobile, which thoroughly impressed me. MAN! My boyfriend knows everything. No really, I mean everything! I can, at any time I feel uninformed, ask ANY question and within moments have not only the answer to my question, but the history behind that answer.

I want to thank all of you who have been praying for my dad’s cousin Tom who has been fighting leukemia. While my mom and dad were serving Zack and I a fabulous home cooked meal we got word that the disease is in remission and that he does not have to have the experimental bone marrow transplant like they originally planned! Thank the Lord. Please continue to lift him and his wife up in prayer. They need Jesus. 

I think that might be all from me for now. I’m going to try to write something good soon, but until then I guess you’ll have to read this post over and over and over.

Things I Think…

You know what? There is just simply no way of getting out of guessing someone’s gender wrong. For example, I was hanging out with someone the other day… no names… and when this individual opened the door for us, out came “Thank you, sir” from my companion. Nope, the polite person who opened the door for us was not a sir. Definitely an awkward moment when she responded with dejected, “No problem,” that trailed off into the silence of feeling the full brunt of the unintentional insult.

There are few things more funny than watching white people clap to music while sitting down. I can’t clap to save my life, but at least I know that about myself and cease trying unless I am sufficiently close to someone who CAN clap.

I’m discovering “gird your loins” as possibly one of the best phrases to resurrect.

Speaking of the resurrection, I’ve been studying it lately and I have to say, if you want to have a good time, dig up 1 Corinthians 15 and fall in love with it, because it’s just good stuff.  I love 1 Thess 4 when Paul speaks of the resurrection of the saints and the return of Jesus and then says, “Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” You can pretty much defuse any frustration with the phrase, “Hey, Jesus is coming back!” Peter Lewis says this, Without it [the resurrection] Christianity would have been still-born, for a living faith cannot survive a dead savior.  

Is It REALLY Getting That Hot in Here?

We have hit the mid-point of summer and fashion has reached its peak with bold colors and sassy cuts. Who doesn’t love packing away sweaters and dark fabrics for the lighter and careless trends of the steamy months? What could be better than light linens, short shorts, and tiny tanks, all of which are designed for the body type of a model who weighs no more than 120 lbs and stands no less than 5’ 9” tall? Better yet, what could be more ideal than those items being designed by some of the most perverted people in the industry, taking on the responsibility for “making women feel good about themselves”? This season is all about looking sexy, sassy, and flirty. The formula to success is trendy + minimal fabric = confidence, allure, and power. Let me just ask, does anyone else find it disturbing that porn addicts are designing our clothing? Yes, not all designers are addicted to porn, but do we have any idea how rooted in filth this industry is?

Okay, it’s not that big of a deal. I’m an overreacting idealist. I’m overreacting because I’m a “modest person.” But I find it a little nauseating that the same nation who has one of the larger markets for child pornography as a part of its human trafficking as come out with a string bikini for toddlers.  

Happy Anniversary to My Heroes

 I would like to introduce all of you to my Mom and Dad. On July 1 they celebrated their 29^th wedding anniversary! These people are unbelievable. 30 years ago they met and fell in love while beginning their teaching career, and now they are proud parents to my brother, his wife and myself, and of course, proud GRANDPARENTS to my soon-to-be-one year old nephew, who is the cutest kid in the universe.

They are two of the most loving, kind, compassionate, encouraging, goofy, faithful, and generous people I know. My dad has my utmost respect for all that he has given himself to in the way of loving God and being loved by Him. He is unashamedly humble, strong and servant hearted. My mom is equally amazing. She is the type of person you can talk to for hours about almost anything. She loves to love people and make everyone feel included and cared for. Together, they are incredible.

Back in the Saddle Again

You may all welcome me back to the blogging world. I apologize for no change of pace for WAY too long, and I know I’ve lost some of you to the belief that I was the fad-blogger who comes and goes like the wind, but you are mistaken. I was just out of commission.

This week, to my amazement and delight, I was given a new power cord and can now successfully update my blog without that horrifying electrical shock running through my hand as I try to get the busted wire to its “sweet spot” long enough to type something one-handed. Thank you again, Zack, for saving my life. You’re unbelievable. HAPPY REBELLION DAY! ….Fireworks are still flying all over this city. Last night I was at Zack’s to hang out and watch the movie Independence Day and to get yelled at by the neighbors for lighting a little firework called “The Freak Show”, which probably isn’t legal and actually requires the customer to sign a paper that basically makes you promise not to use the product you’re purchasing. Hilarious, but true.

I want to thank all of you who are still praying for Tom, my dad’s cousin who has leukemia. There is no news as of right now, but my family and I appreciate your continued prayers.  

I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to go to Europe really soon. Donations to get me there will be gladly accepted.

All that to say… I’m glad to be back. Now for the good stuff.