I love this. Happy Wednesday!

Dog Gets Surprise Birthday Present

This dog got an awesome surprise birthday present... via SuperViral.TV

Posted by UNILAD on Wednesday, January 6, 2016

One.

One year. Since an argument that was a catalyst for everything that happened these last twelve months. Since I found out who else was in the February intake: the seven people I would be spending my time in Africa with. Fast forward to South Africa, a breakup, Zambia, my best friends wedding, job advancement, traveling to Wisconsin to be with the Hands USA Family, and growing accustomed to a constant state of change. What a crazy year it has been!

For the first time in a few weeks, I finally have time to just "be." As always, I'm feeling unsettled. My Christmas trees are up and my Advent wreath is ready, but aside from that my room is a mess. I wish I could have an extended amount of time to hole up in my room. To take the time to put everything in it's proper place, and to get my head on straight. I feel immensely grateful for this year: for everything that has happened, both the ups and the downs, but I must admit I feel very drained. I'm always unsure. Was I too bold? Too honest? Did I say too much, or not enough? Are my motives understood or misinterpreted? This fire is also fueled by the work I do, under a constant spotlight of coworkers, not to mention constant critique from our customers. And I have memorized some of our medications at the corresponding cells in our robot. Proof I work too much and need to get out more.

A few weeks ago, I did get a chance to break out of the work bubble. I went to dinner and coffee with a dear friend that I hadn't seen all summer. It was a truly great time, I hadn't laughed that much in months! Since then I have been busy with work, Church, Youth Group, meetings, and getting ready for the holidays. I have squeezed in a couple visits to my brother's in Pittsburgh. It is an easy drive, but with traffic I always find it to be tiring. By the time I get home and pull in the driveway, I can feel the tension in my shoulders and I am ready for bed! We took them to the Zoo earlier this month; I made one trip when my nephews were with their mom, and one other when they were around and I had a day off from work. They are my favorite boys and they light up my life! Since my last visit, I have been busy prepping my Christmas presents for them. I have wrapped most of what I had, aside from the clothes (because more are coming) and stocking-stuffers. I still have a few more presents for them coming in the mail.

My other hobbies as of late have included watching old movies I have on DVD, balancing my budget and attempting to be a responsible adult, and of course drinking my weight in hot chocolate on a daily basis. I make my own from scratch: the stuff is worth being savored! And, in case you missed it, yes I did mention earlier that my Christmas tree is decorated. Naturally, since that bit is taken care of, I have been giving some serious thought to another favorite holiday tradition: New Years Resolutions. I know,  I am an over-achiever and make the rest of you look bad, I know - my co-workers tell me this all the time! But there is just something so romantic about the possibility of having a clean slate, a fresh start. And really, I don't ski - what else do you expect me to do with my time for the cold winter months prior to spring. (When I'm not drinking hot chocolate, obviously.) Nothing on my resolutions list is crazy or unpredictable. This is not a complete list, but here are a few of my goals: Run more, pack my lunch everyday for work (takeout is too expensive to inhale on a lunch break alone, it should be savored in the presence of good company), drink more water, spend money more wisely (save more), spend more time intently engaging with friends and family, keeping TV to a minimum if watched at all, and relearning German. I don't know if that is the appropriate term, and I imagine it will start coming back to me. (I studied German for 6.5 years beginning in the sixth grade.) For whatever reason, I got into the German one today. It's been on my wish list forever, probably since I stopped taking classes and actively studying it. I changed my Facebook account language to German, so I will see it everyday, and I rewrote out everything in my to-do notebook in German. (day of the week, date, month, work schedule and anything else currently on my calendar) I also have a German translation of the New Testament. My extended family tend to always have their own gatherings for holidays, so aside from my nephews the holidays are fairly quiet. A few gatherings with friends here and there, but I am hoping I will have enough time over the next month to tie up loose ends and pending projects so I can actually start the new year refreshed with a clear head.

All in all, I am blessed. I am aware of my blessings, and I feel more whole than I have in quite some time. I want to savor this next month, because I know as fast as it will go, the following three chilly months will drag on...

Happy Thanksgiving to all my loved ones near and far!

August

 After last week's killer work schedule... [can I say 'overtime'?!] I came home Friday an hour early, because I was already in the dreaded territory of OT. I spent the evening attacking my closet and by the next morning my determination had set in. Saturday began with a shopping trip for new steel shelf, completely rearranging my closet, my room, moving a bookcase (while it was still full, no less - this is a bad choice, no matter how good it seems at the time), and four movies later... I have a new, fantastic, room spread! I spent the majority of Sunday recovering. Don't worry, of course I made time for disc golf!

I woke up to the crisp, chill of something that seems a lot like fall... While I am in no hurry to rush summer, I have to admit: I'm a little bit excited. I may or may not go out and splurge on some scented candles while my laundry is in the machines. I'm so excited for the promise of these next few months. While there are things in my life I'm not totally thrilled with, I'm pretty happy and mostly optimistic. And of course tonight is the night of nights: The Season Finale of the Bachelorette!!! I'm super excited to see what happens. I can't help it: I'm a sucker for love in the worst way. And I was reading a list of MSN Entertainment's "Who Should Be The Next Bachelor" and look at this gem: (yes I included the link and text: I don't want anyone to be too lazy to see this gem!)

http://tv.msn.com/reality-tv/who-should-be-the-next-bachelor/photo-gallery/feature/?photoidx=7

Who should be the next Bachelor?

James Wolk, "Mad Men" (AMC)
James Wolk plays extremely private office cipher Bob Benson on "Mad Men." Wolk, 28, seems delightfully low-maintenance: When discussing "Lone Star" (a FOX vehicle that ran for only two episodes), Wolk advised women that the easiest way to charm a man was to feed him, suggested that they not take a refusal to dance at face value, and that any woman who doesn't regularly get flowers should move on to greener pastures. This is why they say to keep an eye on the quiet ones.

And again, the wisdom of James Wolk,  "Wolk advised women that the easiest way to charm a man was to feed him, suggested that they not take a refusal to dance at face value, and that any woman who doesn't regularly get flowers should move on to greener pastures." I think I'm in love. With his advice at the very least!

So I'm very excited to watch the Bachelorette make whatever decision she makes, spend more time focused on my family and friends, and enjoying everything Western PA has to offer. For once in my life doing what makes me entirely happy and not sensoring it based on the opinions of another person. Because everyone still in my life will find happiness in my happiness without critiquing me. Everyone in my life can enjoy my joys in harmony, not damper them with conditions or their differing wants. We all love the same things, and that is a blessing.

And, it's the month of my birth! holla!

A Healing Heart

Last night I couldn't sleep. my heart was breaking. I had spent the weekend celebrating my best friend's wedding. the mother of the bride left the rehearsal dinner because the bows for the seat covers at the reception came in the wrong color. I never understood the materialization of contemporary weddings in Westernized countries, but after going to Africa...it's even more perplexing to me. for all the planning and decoration, why wasn't the reception more enjoyable? if all this stuff was to make the bride happy, why wasn't it ensuring happiness for the rest of us? while I had a great time dancing with the friends and family of the bride and groom, the moment I stopped the hollow feeling would return. Finally last night it hit me like a ton of bricks. I miss Africa. I miss speaking in Bemba. I miss having someone to speak in Bemba too. I miss being around people who took the time to really try to understand you and your feelings and help you understand how to use those feelings to grow. I miss being around people who understand what it is to live with so little, and the fact that it isn't so hard/difficult/miserable/impossible as western culture would have us believe.

I know God will use these feelings for something, so I give thanks for that, but I don't know where I'm going next, and that is the hardest part.

Priceless

Lesson #1

Lesson #1: Never laugh at a Nigerian who is trying to tell you something...

Home

After a long series of flights, including an unexpected delay, I am home.

Home. With all my own things.
With my cat, who is adorable, sweet, and full of personality. She sometimes acts more like a dog than a cat.
With our teapot that heats up water to the perfect temperature. No more waiting for my tea to cool or sneaking in some ice cubes.
With my French horn I haven't played since Christmas. With my guitar that I have to learn how to play...

Things don't matter. My cat survived these last two months without me. I can deal with having hot water that is too hot and burning my tongue on a nearly daily basis. I might have to seriously consider taking my French horn to Africa when I go back. You know, mix things up a bit.

I don't feel jet lagged. I do feel like I'm coming down with something. A cold or perhaps another respiratory infection. Maybe flying just does that to you.

I do feel motivated to clean my room. Or at least spruce it up. I haven't lived here for two months, there isn't really anything that needs to be cleaned per-say. Some of my plants have dropped leaves. Yes, I have plants. My African Zebra plant is looking especially sad and in need of some TLC. My fish tanks are in need of some attention. I need to take down some pictures and get rid of some mementos. I need to sell some of my possessions. Living in another country makes you realize what is really important and what isn't. I need to unpack, and do my laundry. I need to update my digital photo frame with my Africa pictures. I need to decide what pictures I will print out. To keep Africa fresh in my heart. What I have seen, experienced, and learned. About Africa and myself. My parents say there is a lot of interest in the work I was doing with Hands. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I'll find out tomorrow I suppose...

It won't all happen today. It can't all happen today. Even without jet lag, I probably have 2, 3 hours tops before I fall asleep. My mind was also working on the flights. I have even more to blog about, but I'll need to process more first. But for now, I am in my North American home. I'll make the most of it for as long as God keeps me here.

Last Hours

I'm down to my last hours in Africa.

Last night I had dinner with Emily and Divine. Emily made me kapenta, shima, cabbage, chakalaka and brussel sprouts as my final African dinner. She then offered me an Australian cookie for dessert, but I digress... Dinner was great. I love Emily, and Divine. I'll miss them both terribly.

After dinner, Emily and I had some girl talk. It's always nice just to sit and talk with another woman. Don't get me wrong, it's nice talking to guys too. And I probably talk more openly to guys more frequently. There is just something special talking woman to woman though. We talked about how God has moved in my life: Africa, America, friendships, relationships... It was just nice, and the timing couldn't have been better as I'm preparing to leave our safe little community and return to America. An America that doesn't understand Africa. Or the Christian community with try to pursue.

After my procrastination, I am finally packed. I went down to the Village for my last prayer meeting this morning. Everyone shared what they learned about me, or why they liked having me here. I shouldn't be surprised, because since arriving here I've been constantly reminded that I don't see myself the way others see me, but I was. I was surprised that the common theme people commented on was my character. How I don't show panic or frustration. How I'm steady. Which is humbling, because I still look back on my first month and imagine a chicken running around with it's head cut off.

I am much harder on myself than is necessary. Peter, from Nigeria!, discussed Jesus' Crucifixion this morning. How if Jesus came back, he wouldn't return to the cross - because that is already complete. Jesus paid all he could pay for our sins.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 6:23 [NIV] 

I deserved to die but, through the sacrifice of Christ, God has been able to forgive me for my sins. It is one thing to know God has forgiven me. It is even one thing to forgive others. My stumbling block is the struggle to forgive myself. Admitting that requires admitting deeper wounds. Wounds that I thought, or hoped, had healed. Wounds that I have to admit are still very real. 

I spent most of my time in Africa not paying attention to these wounds actually. I really thought I was okay. It's only in the last two weeks that things began to slowly unravel. It began with writing a letter. The letter is still in my possession. Of course I had every intention of delivering it. I set out to write it being completely vulnerable and honest. As I was writing it, I felt that the point was for me to write it. It was more important for me to allow myself to put those things down on paper that was intended for the eyes of someone else than it was for the paper to actually make it to that person. Upon arriving back to the Village, I was in culture shock. The Village was practically deserted, compared to when I arrived. But there were still enough people around. The right people to cause me to notice things about my own behavior. Then I had to question why I behave that way. The answer? The wounds I thought were healed.

So here I am. Sitting on the floor of Cat's room in the ladies house, sitting on my laptop next to my luggage and a pile of papers I need to put into one of my carry-on bags. Aware that some people are thrilled for my desire to come back, and hoping that it will be possible. Aware that some people don't seem quite so thrilled - but also aware that they are probably just hard for me to read. And that I'm the last person who should pass any judgment on how those people around me choose to communicate their emotions. Aware of my wounds. Aware that I will have three plane rides by myself to think and journal and process. Before finally landing at home. Or what used to be my home. For now I'm just going to say it's my parents home. 

I would love to come back to Africa. I keep thinking back to Marc's story. He initially came for a two month period, like me. His first two trips were two months in length. After that he decided to come back for a longer period. I remember him discussing his struggle to discern whether he merely wanted to come back or if God was calling him back for a purpose. I feel hopeful that I will be called back, but I also wonder if part of me is so attracted to Africa because it is an easy out. Like running away. I don't realistically think that is it. Still, I want to be sure. I want to be convicted that if I come back it is for the right time and the right reasons and because God has called me back. Not just because I'm 8,000 miles from home and everyone I know and all of their expectations for my life.

But that answer will come in time. For now, I have to go home. I don't exactly want to go home, but I feel the timing is right. I need to deal with the decisions I have made in Africa. How they will affect those whom I love. My parents, my brothers, my dear nephews, and my friends. I was talking to a friend last night and told him that I hope to come back. He is a Christian and wants to be supportive, but I don't think he understands. He said that there are lots of people who have been missing me here (here being the States.) I don't doubt that is true. It's just different. I trust that my loved ones are all capable of going on without me. Of living and growing and thriving. I have always traveled far from home to make a difference in the lives of people who couldn't do it on their own. But it is hard. The idea that I might choose Africa over my family. Or a different country over my family. 

But first...

Acts 26

New International Version (NIV)

26 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”

So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: ² “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, ³ and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
⁴ “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. ⁵ They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. ⁶ And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. ⁷ This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. ⁸ Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
⁹ “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. ¹⁰ And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. ¹¹ Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.
¹² “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. ¹³ About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. ¹⁴ We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,^[a] ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
¹⁵ “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’
“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶ ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. ¹⁷ I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them ¹⁸ to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
¹⁹ “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. ²⁰ First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. ²¹ That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. ²² But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— ²³ that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
²⁴ At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”
²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶ The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
³⁰ The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. ³¹ After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”
³² Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Without you I’m just miles away...

 

They were sitting
They were sitting on the strawberry swing
Every moment was so precious

They were sitting
They were talking under strawberry swing
Everybody was for fighting
Wouldn't wanna waste a thing

Cold, cold water bring me round
Now my feet won't touch the ground
Cold, cold water what ya say?
When it's such…
It's such a perfect day
It's such a perfect day

I remember
We were walking up to strawberry swing
I can't wait until the morning
Wouldn't wanna change a thing

People moving all the time
Inside a perfectly straight line
Don't you wanna curve away?
When it's such…
It's such a perfect day
It's such a perfect day 

 

Now the sky could be blue
I don't mind
Without you it's a waste of time

Could be blue
I don’t mind
Without you it’s a waste of time 

 

Could be blue,
Could be grey
Without you I’m just miles away

Could be blue
I don’t mind
Without you it’s a waste of time

Sweet Housemates

While I've been in South Africa, I've been living with Alicia from Canada. I must admit she's a pretty stellar individual and I'm stoked she is my roommate. We're definitely roommates for a reason, because she just seems to get me in a way that is honest yet non-judgmental. We spent yesterday morning discussing my plight as to whether or not I'm a complete headcase. Surprisingly, she agreed that my thought process was legitimate, and echoed the sentiments that I used to validate my intrinsic perception of myself as a headcase.

This process has felt really organic. I feel like I am a truer version of myself here. Of course, I feel like I notice undesirable characteristics in myself on a daily basis, which is a bit of a downer. I also feel like a complete basket case on a frequent basis. On the upside, Alicia and I started taking walks with Russell. We walked to the Farm today, which takes about an hour if you are walking at a decent pace. I got so sun burnt, but it really helped me decompress a bit so it was well worth it. After our afternoon session with Alicia (a different Alicia) and Tyler, we came back to the Village and Russell and I took a walk 'up stairs' and ended up coming back down to the trampoline in the field. We talked for two hours, poor guy... I unloaded on him, but he was so patient and handled it like a champ. I think it's magnified by living in community, which is good and bad. I love living in such a close community with everyone here, but if you ever have an 'off' day, it just makes it seem that much worse. I'm blessed to have people that are so gracious and willing to listen to my vent.

Then it was dinner with Tommy and Morgan, and movie night! We watched 'Jurassic Park'
Tomorrow we have an early morning with Bentley, and the Hands at Work Amazing Race in the afternoon. It should be a good weekend!

The ABC's of Me: The Africa Edition

I have been in South Africa just under a month. The last for days we were all participating in stays in a local African community. While I've been in the community, aka away from technology and the internet, I had some time to reflect and here is what I came up with. The ABC's of Me: The Africa Edition [Looking back, I'm not sure how it is the ABC's since everything is numbered...but moot point I suppose]

First, let's all take a moment to rock out to some Kanye. I must confess I'm not typically a huge Kanye fan, but it's been stuck in my head the last 24 hours. And quite frankly, after the month I've had, it seems appropriate. [Yes, even after staying up past midnight, I still woke up before 5am. And the first song I listened to was Kanye. If I had twitter, the would be a #AfricaProblems momemt, ha!] If you are feeling so inclined, feel free to enjoy some Jason (what a classic!), some Miley (because this was recommended on my sidebar after watching Jason... Youtube, I question your methods, but still approve.) It's so bad, it's good. Leyton says it's okay, because after all, I'm from the USA. Win.

Anyway... Let's start with the lighter revelations, shall we?
1. It is really bright here, and one way or another, I need significantly less sleep here. If I was home right now, I'd practically be hibernating. I'd honestly need at least 8 hours; here, I can get by on 3 or 4 hours, piece of cake.

2. Thanks to my dad and his awesome genetics, I also eat less here. My tiny Pennsylvanian stomach just can't adjust to this African heat! I also burn like it's my job, but anyone who knows me will also know that is a given.

3. I'm okay with long periods of silence. Maybe more so than the average person. It's interesting because I can sit in a car for two hours and not talk and be completely content, but lately, I can also break out into spontaneous song and/or fits of laughter.

And now it's time for some Taylor, because it would be mildly un-American to leave her off the list entirely.

4. Despite my spontaneous singing and/or fits of laughter, I'm not really that outgoing. Or maybe I am outgoing in a quiet way. [side note: I've been told I don't fit the American stereotype, but I feel like there are a lot, and I didn't ask for specifics, but I'm going to take that as a compliment.] At any rate, I guess I'm just not as talkative as other people here. When I first reflected on this, my immediate response was to chastise myself, there is something in my brain that assumes, that other people assume, that if I'm not talkative I come off as cold. If that makes any sense at all. But then I realized I'm 27 and should just embrace it and move on with my life. [Insert Carly here. She's not American, but she is on the continent, so it will do.]

And now it's time for some Katy. But seriously, how did I get from Kanye West to Katy Perry?

5. I've got mettle. I can throw caution into the wind and just deal with it. I'm hard to rattle. Which I have noticed before, but everyone wants to think they can handle trial by fire, right? But coming here has confirmed that I am braver than I thought. I can handle the big things and be steadfast in unexpected or uncomfortable situations...

6. ...this bravery might be a ruse when you consider the fact that I am also impulsive. Perhaps more so than I originally thought. Potentially to the point of being naive but as I'm not dead yet, and haven't even caused that much damage, let's be honest: I'm just going to roll with it.

One more from Katy.

7. I can deal with the big things, yet somehow I am more annoyed by the little things.

8. I was definitely naive about how this trip would impact my life. Obviously I knew it would, and I was told essentially on a daily basis prior to my flight that it would. I just underestimated the changes it would bring. Maybe I underestimate how whole-heartedly I would welcome those changes...

9. ...I don't think I realized how unhappy I was at home. I put value and energy into areas in my life it should have never been in the first place. It's been a harsh learning curve, but definitely worth it.

10. I am a hot mess. I really don't have it together at all. I haven't really figured out anything either. Except that I wasted my time, along with the time of other people, and energy. I'm pretty much a walking disaster area. [Cue Alkaline Trio because mercy is something I need a lot of!] I suppose a construction area would be more appropriate, and slightly less self-deprecating. But folks, it honestly hasn't been all that pretty. It involved lots of shenanigans, hard questions and conversations, tears, and for a period of 48 hours, I really felt like I was barely keeping my head above water. But it has been awesome, and honestly it might be the best thing I've ever gone through in my life! So I guess I'm a hot mess, but I enjoy it?

11. I really, really hate filtering myself. I have to admit that I pride myself on being an open book. I think it's an awesome quality to have, but I have to keep telling myself it isn't everything. I think the periods in my life that I have been happiest, were also the periods that I was most impulsive. No holds barred, no shame, no filter periods. Delightful as that may be, I have to remind myself to be merciful to those around me. I could easily bare my heart and soul, but that would be caustic to certain people in my life. So I just have to sit here and shut up. I will filter. I won't enjoy it, but I will do it. [After all, not everyone can have my self esteem. The Offspring said it all though didn't they? 'The more you suffer, the more it shows you really care right? yeah!" Okay, that was true, but maybe harsh. Filter back on.]

12. I've learned some hard lessons. Hindsight is 20/20. Looking back, I had a few relationships where I was head-over-heels. I always got burned, so in the future, I tried to avoid certain things. It turns out those things were part of the reason I was so happy in the first place.  I fully realize this won't make any sense at first glance to anyone who knows my relationship history, but it's been a good revelation in the best way.

Now for some Blink. And more. And some more.

13. bonus: I've picked up a Canadian-accent and I'm still alive! At least until I go back to Pennsylvania...

And lastly, here's a little love by the Plain White T's to start off your Tuesday. You're welcome.

Thanks coming on this little journey of retrospection with me, but it's time for me to go see what other shenanigans I can get myself into here in the lovely country of South Africa!

Success!

This post is late, but on Monday Alicia, Mariah and myself successfully got our cartilage pierced at the local pharmacy here in White River! Excellent!

ps - I totally want to go back and get a second piercing after we have our community stays this weekend!

Laughter!

The eighteenth thing I am thankful for is the chance to laugh! (at myself!) I fell/flew up the stairs at work today, literally. I started laughing as soon as I landed, and continued for the following hour. The best part was you can see it on our surveillance system! I watched it about three times and it was still hilarious. (if you missed it, you can see it tomorrow!) But we need to petition for better camera placement to record these events for bloopers at staff parties, ha!

Humpday Humor

Trish: "How does stuff work? it looks too liquidy"
Me: "I don't know, maybe it's a non-Newtonian fluid"
Trish: "Did you just ask if it was a plutonium fluid???"


and then I laughed for five minutes straight


my life = priceless!

Pillow Talk

This past week I've been spoiled. I've had lots of time to spend with an adorable man...

See???!!! What a hunk!!! I cannot believe he is already 5 months old! While I'm not ready to have babies of my own, I can appreciate his joy for life. Constant amazement, joy for new experiences and innocent happiness. Adorable! He's so cute that even the constant slobber and occasional vomit don't make him completely undesirable. (Though it does make me glad his legitimate relatives are always close by!) This is the crawling blanket. He hasn't quite figured out the actual crawling part yet, but we spend lots of time chilling on the blanket with his toys, chiefly his beloved Captain Calamari! It's soft and provides the perfect place for his current adventures and explorations!

"A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book." -Irish Proverb

Oh my goodness. My work hours have begun to send me to that place where I laugh at the littlest things. Out of exhaustion, or maybe just because.

Today I was working with a particular brand of women's shape wear. You know, those compression garments ladies wear under their clothes. This particular company was the original shape wear brand, and the mark that everyone else is chasing. Anway... Well, I was marking down some Size G items. Yes, Size G. Let's just say, I'm 5'3" and I'd have to weigh 295lbs to fit into a Size G. I'm sure this sounded like a good idea... First of all, you can't discriminate based on size. Second of all, I'm sure they thought it was going to be this great, empowering thing for women. So that they could feel beautiful regardless of size. But really? If I actually weighed 295lbs, why would I want to put on this garment? The mere thought sounds reminiscent of stuffing sausage meat into casing... and too tight casing at that! It doesn't sound comfortable! Not to mention that if I was that weight, and I was unhappy with that weight, would I really expect a compression garment to help magically make myself happy with myself? Please... Anyway, yes. I laughed over these garments. To the point that Trish was staring at with with that look. You know the one. The "what the hell is wrong with you" look. I was to the point that I was almost crying from laughing so hard! [Note: If you want to wear these, great! More power to you. If you work out in addition to wearing these garments, even better! I'm afraid they just aren't for me.]

After that little incident... Next was the fax machine. I was faxing an order to one of my most favorite reps! And it was a disaster. It was just one of those days. Nothing was going "right". I normally work in the front of the building and the fax machine is in the back of the building. So I had to walk back and forth every time I tried to resend it. Needless to say I talked to him on the phone three times before the order was finally squared away... I know this rep very well because he works for several companies, in addition to having his own stores. I work with him very closely on one company in particular. And luckily, he likes me. :-)

As trying as the day was, it was good to laugh. With everyone pulling extra hours, and tensions running high, it's easy to get caught up in the stress. It was nice to laugh over something completely ridiculous and remember that my job is in fact just a job. Life goes on. Cue next quote:

"At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities." -Jean Houston

Also, yesterday at work, my boss asked me to show an older coworker, who shall remain unnamed, how to use Facebook. If you knew this coworker... needless to say, laughter abounded!

Trish and I love to sing at work. She starts it 90% of the time. (You can tell how long she's been at work by a) how much she is singing and b) how badly she is botching the lyrics.) We listen to Muzak. Our subscription has some ridiculous amount of stations, which we change all the time because the staff in the two portions of the pharmacy can never agree on what to listen to. Normally the front staff puts on 80s or alternative, while the back staff puts on contemporary pop (ranging from good, ok, I-can-deal-with-it, and bad) or country.

We sang this one on Wednesday. Botched it pretty badly too, might I add.

I finally caved, somehow managed to figure out the band and song title, and looked up the actual lyrics. I'm a chronic repeat listener. And this song is my new obsession! (You know, for a few days anyway...)

Fridays are my double-days. I go in for a shift in the back, and then stay for a shift in the front. The back is always interesting. It is quite different from working in the front. The best quote from yesterday was: "I want to go swimming in Prilosec." Work is definitely always an experience, and normally a good one at that. In the back, I get to be the runner, from the main back area to the drive-through area. Which is nice: there are steps and if we are busy enough (which, on Fridays, we always are) it's like I'm getting paid to work out. :-) There's a little, teeny-tiny window at the drive-through. Everyone who works in the back are short, petite women. This is important because we can fit through the window. At some point every shift, I find myself standing on the tips of my toes so I can fit my entire torso out the window and lean over to the customer's car. (It must be some undefined law of nature: customers always pull too close to the window or too far from the window. there is no middle-ground.) As I'm going through this routine, I always inevitably crack myself up. I feel like I'm in The Wizard of Oz, running around shouting "don't pay attention to the man behind the curtain." And the man behind the curtain is, of course, me.

These references are becoming pretty typical for me. On Tuesday I burst out laughing because a customer has a voice/oration very similar to Templeton the Rat in Charlotte's Web. He really reminds me of the scene after Templeton has been to the fair. "What a night! Never have I seen such leavings! Everything well ripened, seasoned with the passage of time and the heat of the day. Oh, it was rich, my friends. Rich!" I really wanted to show that scene, but this will have to do... (And no worries, the customer had exited the building before my little laughter episode. And poor Trish had absolutely no idea what I was talking about.) I must say that random childhood memories do make life much more interesting though. :-)

True Story...

...I think I'm in love...



Kim and I got our pictures with Ryan!!!
And then she lost her camera...

That happens a lot.
For instance, this ...uh... gem is from my 22nd birthday.
Which none of us saw for a full two years later. Kim found it when she was getting ready to move to Philadelphia.

Attractive, no?

And yes, my friend is passed out. And yes, I am leaning her against the building in the alley.
Sometimes we forgive Kim for losing her camera...