Don't poke me!

Favorite!

See, he's winkin' at his favorite, Aunt Amy!

Friday

This afternoon, as I sit at my desk, looking for jobs on the internet (which sucks, when you don't really know what you want to do but can only narrow it down to a geographic area of 4 distinctly different states), I thought I'd blog. I've crusied through my favs, the 4-5 blogs I check on everyday, 3 from people I know and love and 2 from people that they know.

It's wierd, the internet. Full of information. Full of people. Full of oddities. What's real? What is imaginary? There is so much communicated that can't really be clarified without actual tone of voice, raise of an eyebrow, shrug of a shoulder. Imoticons don't cut it really. What I say can be taken any number of ways and will often be taken in a wrong way at least once a day.

Who are these people that I converse with, comment upon and let look at my family photos? I know people into the internet dating and whilst I've tried it, I just couldn't let go of the wierdness of it all, I guess. Who knows if they are lying? I mean, people lie all the time and they do so in person as well. Lying takes place for a variety of reasons, some for legitimate protection (I do a bit of this at my job). It's easier to tell in person, I think, though if a person is lying.

Hmmm, this is random. I guess I could find some menial task to do here for 10 minutes and then think of something else to occupy my time. It would be better than eating the cookies in my desk drawer. I'm not hungry and they aren't that good.

I really wanna scrapbook, read, take a bubble bath, get a massage and have a nice looooong winter's nap. Nope, not gonna happen. I'm instead choosing to go to the Christmas party for my grad school cohort. We've been done 1.5 years and I love that we all still get together! THen there are the 2 parties I'm doing tomorrow. I need to get a grip on my reality and say no. OK, what I really need to do is not take my book to bed with me. I read three fluff books in the last 1.5 weeks and started Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin a few days ago. Really enjoying it but should be sleeping instead of reading. But it's good! I love to read! What a gift it is to read a good book. To learn something new, to see something old in a new light. LOVE IT!

aipntmpz

I have the security set up on my blog so the wierdos don't get in. Or is it so the wierdos don't get out. Anyway. This is the 'word' that I just had to type in.

aipntmpz.

What do you think it's dictionary definition would look like? Is it a noun or a verb? hmmm, the things I think of instead of working.

Who's your favorite?

As you can see, I am the most favorite Aunt!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had Thanksgiving in Dallas at Ang & Jeff's. Ruby and I flew in that afternoon and both road in the backseat with the baby while Ang chauffered us around. His mom, Eby, made it all and brought it over. It was YUMMY! Jeff's brothers also joined us and we got a good shot of the family. As you can see, we have much for which to be thankful. In case you weren't aware, little Stuey was about 5.5 weeks early. He's growing and doing well. He's about 8 pounds or so in these pictures. Isn't he handsome!

Some of our favorite poses

Two years ago for my birthday, my parents sent a DVD of old home movies. While my friends and I were watching I was telling them who everyone was. My mother's side of the family has a nickname for just about everyone. My Uncle Bill goes by Starchy. I mentioned that at one point. The next time he was on the screen, one of my friends remarked, "Oh, look, there's Stiffy." Many laughs have been had over that one. Perhaps that's what we should start calling little Adam?

a few more

See, he loves Aunt Amy more - no tears!

He's enjoying a little floor time with the quilt that great Aunt Janet made for him.

more

He loves his Aunts!

Baby Pictures!

As David so astutely put it in the previous post comments: These are not pictures of me as a baby nor are they pictures of my baby, since I do not have one. They are indeed pictures of my youngest sister's baby, Adam Stuart, who even though I'm not supposed to, I call Stuey. (How should that really be spelled, anyone?)

Now, enjoy!

As you know, Aunt Ruby (Sarah), is a bit fond of the Denver Broncos and was so proud of this little gift that she about wet her pants. I don't think Ang (mama) was near as excited.

song from childhood

Not sure what sparked this one, but had to call the fam to get the real words. And now, so I don't forget them later, here they are for all of you to enjoy, too.

It's to it's own tune, which I can't really post here, so just make up your own to enjoy it. This is from way back in grade school Sunday school age.

Two little fishes and five loaves of bread.
With this little bit of food, the multitude was fed.
Who else but the Son of God,
Could do what the people said?
With two little fishes and five loaves of bread.

Aren't ya glad I'm back and running! Next up, baby pictures!

not to worry

While a job would be a great gift to recieve today on my birthday. It is not going to happen, at least not the way that I thought it might. I just spoke with an organization in Kansas that I had interviewed with and they have hired someone else. They are interested in me for another position but I dont' know if I want it. It's grant funded only through Aug, so there will be a great deal of fund raising involved to keep the position not only mine, but around at all.

I know that the fam will be more disappointed than I am. It didn't feel like it was the one. I know that there is something out there. Something stellar that I perhaps haven't even imagined. Until then. I will enjoy my fabulous pink fur Christmas tree that I have decorated my desk with for the last three years and I will smile as I drink up the good Dr. (Dr. Pepper, that is).

Have a beautiful day, my friends!

Happy Birthday to me!

Well, my life is GOOD!

I have a job with nice benefits and many people that I enjoy.

I have a place to live, a car to drive, a family that loves me and many, many friends that think I'm a loon.

And I have cowboys on my mittens. Who needs a husband when you have cowboys on your mittens? (A photo of my mittens would've been appropriate here, I'll see what I can do for you, ya'll are gonna love these mittens)

Oh, I got another awesome birthday gift this morning thanks to my sister Ruby (have we ever told ya'll why I call her that?).

STAMPS WITH MY PICTURE ON THEM! I got them last year with a picture from my grad school graduation on them. This year, this is what they had on them.

Have I mentioned that my life is good!

dum, dum, da dum

Some of you may recall a goal I made for myself about 1.5 years ago. (I know Ruby and the Friar do, they have a tendancy of reminding me lest I forget.)

The goal was to be married by the end of 2006. Good grief, I hope I never verbalized that to my mother, I KNOW she won't forget, who knows what kind of conversations will come up at Christmas time if I told her.

Well, unless God intervenes, and He is a mighty God with the power to do miracles (because that is what it would take), I have to admit that I will not be meeting this goal.

sigh.

sigh.

heaving sigh.

giggle. giggle. giggle.

giggle turning into laughter of insanity and tears.

laughter and tears turning into tears.

tears. tears. and many more tears.

tears coming from a depth so deep, I didn't know it existed.

tears coming at a length so long, I didn't remember when they started.

tears that so drained me that I needed two bottles of water to begin the rehydration process.

tears that bring a weariness that leads to a beautiful deep sleep and a freedom from all that had been buried. hidden. avoided. ignored. feared.

freedom at least for awhile.

stuff

So, it's been awhile so here's some stuff.

I've switched to beta and don't see a difference, really. hmmm. Hope I can remember yet ANOTHER password and log-in.

Tomorrow. Wow. Well, tomorrow is my birthday. 33. Yup. I think I feel older nowing that my cousin turned 16 on Friday. yikes!

Plans for tomorrow? work, then who knows? Had lunch with some friends yesterday and got a great cheese slicer with some new cheeses (I LOVE CHEESE!) and a wonderful handknit scarf. Folks gave me two fun Christmas trees earlier (one is purple and one is white/opalescent).

Still have no new job. Working on that. I have a stellar resume, but not a job yet, so I continue to pray and we'll wait and see. I just read a book based in Colorado Springs and it makes me want to move there even more! I love that place!

Happy birthday eve to me!

My sis

Here she is . . . RUBY ROCKS!

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm flying to Dallas tomorrow to see the baby - STEWIE!

Wanted to leave you with this little treasure that a friend emailed me today.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP,
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS,
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER
STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Oh, for those of you who used to frequent my sister's blog you may have noticed that it no longer exists. She found out that her employer found it - you know, the one to whom she made the remark about not finding a man. He wasn't upset, but wanted to let her know. She immediately deleted it so that people she works with wouldn't read all of her blog.

The moral of the story is to NOT mention where you work by name, people search for that sort of thing, ya know.

So, particularly to the Friar and David, she's sorry and she just doesn't know where you will find anything to entertain yourselves now that her blog is no more. Sigh. What will we all do?

Kissy, Kissy

It's that time of year again, and I've decided that until I find my dream job (which, when I don't know what that is I figure could take for freakin' ever) I am going to continue to apply to drive the Hershey's Kissmobile. So, I've just sent my resume in and we shall see. I know that you are all waiting with baited breath.

Just think of the blogging that could happen with that job!

Spam

How many people hear that and think of that crazy spamalicious meat made in Austin MN?

Anyway, I'm really referring to the crap email you get. I think that I received the best spam ever today. It was from Lord regarding the can. Wow. God does really care about everything.

deep seeded

I am a very angry woman. Not actually at this moment, but deep down, I have so much anger that I know that it frightens some people and has caused me to lose friendships. I'm trying to deal with it but realize that is not very successful for me right now.

Why am I angry? To whom am I angry?

Well, if I had that answer, it would be a lot easier to fix and aleve the anger. Not really sure here which is terribly frustrating for me and makes me angrier, which isn't helpful now is it.

Why am I telling you this, no idea. Thought, really, that as I typed, something might be released or I would be inspired by something to focus on, look at or change.

This is so far beyond me that I don't know where to begin. God is in control and to be honest, I want to be. Even though I know that I suck at it, obviously.

I believe God can heal me, but apparently something is holding me back. Fear of what I am going to have to face. Fear that I'm going to have to take responsibility. Fear often leads to anger. What am I so afraid of.

Well, this didn't really help me at all and I'm wondering if I should even post it but I'm tired of looking at my previous posts promoting my friend's businesses so here ya go. maybe.

I'm not looking for answers, magic pills maybe, just kidding (mostly).

If you'd like to say a prayer for me, that would be appreciated.

Sexy faces

I have many friends who are starting their own businesses these days so here's the place to go for some fresh sexiness for your face. (I hear they have great men's stuff as well!) One of my fav perfumes is from MK - Journey. Just a little tidbit on me.

Attn: Dog Lovers

Be sure to check this out, particularly if your a puppy lover. This is my friend, Sara, who married my friend, Evan.

Too Sexy for the NICU

At less than a week old, Adam is already too cool. He wears his sunglasses at night, too.

Welcome to the family!

Yup, that's my little sister, her husband and the first grandbaby. Adam arrived Oct. 18 at 7:34pm. He was a month early and is on tube feeding, but weighed in at 5lbs 3oz and 18.5 in. He has all his parts and all are well, from what I know. (That would be all his parts are well as well as all those involved are well.)

Have a great weekend and be prepared for more pictures of baby!

Africa

I've been trying to post about Africa, but haven't found any real chunk of time. Forget, no longer waiting, we'll just see what gets written.

I am interested in a paid volunteer position that would put me as a cultural broker between Africa organizations and North Americans traveling abroad to serve in those organizations. It's a year committment and sounds like it would be in either Kenya or Uganda. It's a new position within my church denomination and it hasn't even posted (unless it's out there now).

I never had a desire to go to Africa, but the position is amazing and just what I'd love to be doing. God planted a seed of working with poverty this past spring and I'm seeing that continue to grow with the possibility of this position.

So, as you can see, it's far from a sure thing at this point. I called last week to confirm that I was indeed interested and that I can live on their suggested stipend. The original idea is that the position will be posted this week or next with a start date of Mar. 1.

Who knows?

Anyone been to Kenya or Uganda? What is your high and low from the experience?

So there you have it in a nutshell. I must now return to my regularly scheduled job. sigh.

(SN: have I mentioned that there is a patient on my floor from New Zealand? Everyone loves her! I think that bodes well for your beloved land, she appears to be an excellent ambassador, she's here working on a degree.)

The door shut

I specifically prayed last night that God would make it clear if I was to take that job and open or close the door. The door closed this morning. They have chosen to go with another candidate. The ride was fun though. Now I think I'll go to Africa.

Brag time

That's right. It's a sister's perogative. So everyone stop what you are doing right this moment and go to this link.

Road trippin' for a job

This is the story.

Went to Dordt College in Iowa yesterday (probably on the road for 8-9 hours with all of my stops), Monday, for my second interview for the position of Dir. of Alumni & Church Relations. It was a panel interview with 9 interviewers and me. I left my house (OK, so it's really Pastor Todd & Jenny's) about 6:30 am which is an hour before my alarm goes off on a normal day. I picked up Deb K and away we went. I met the HR gal for a campus tour and lunch at the Grille on campus before the interview. Afterwards, Karissa found me sitting on a bench on campus, talking on my phone (I know, shocker). Ran to the library to look for Deb. Instead, I ran into Brian (Lynnae's brother) and Ken Boersma from back at Sterling College. I then tried out the Humble Bean coffee shop on campus, found Deb and went to meet the real estate agent. Looked at 4 houses and fell in love with one between campus and Casey's Bakery & Pizza Ranch (the most important places in town, right?!).

After dining on a feast of Pizza Ranch buffett with a bunch of students that I know (which was so fun!) we bid a fond farewell and took a few pictures and headed back to MN. It was a looooooooong day, but worth it. The interview went well and it sounds like I will hear some sort of news next week. The goal is to have someone chosen by the third week of Oct when the board meets because they have to interview the top choice.

That's what I know.

It was a good interview and I'm excited about the job. Do I know if that's where God's taking me? Nope, not at all. I thank you all for your prayers. I'm keeping things open and trying to seize the moment.

I'm exhausted today after such a long day and all of that driving. Not to mention that I had a meeting this morning across town at 7:30 (FYI, traffic is good at 6:30 in the morning and it only takes about 25 minutes to get across town, not an hour) connected with my new Creative Memories business.

I am tired! But good tired.

Thanks again, my friends!

Pie anyone?

This, ladies and gents, is one of the things that makes the fair so great - a 813.5 pound pumpkin. I'll let the photo speak for itself.

More State Fair fun

Princess Kay of the Milky Way and her court are always carved in butter. This is one of the princesses this year. The ladies all get to keep their heads to take home. That's a lot of corn on the cob that could be buttered!

Speaking of butter, what a better way for someone from the Pancake Hub of the Universe to start the morning off than with a colossial pancake? Mine are better. I didn't eat it all. (that probably didn't matter when you consider everything else I ate that day.

State Fair

I know that you all have been eagerly awaiting some photos from the state fair, so here you go. Sorry for the delay.

The first is the crew that met up on the last Sat. of the fair. Lynnae, Kara and I did the whole day, starting at 7:30! INSANE! It's a completely different fair that time of day though. Paul and Joy met up with us in the late afternoon.

The best ride of all time has to be the Tilt-a-Whirl. You can see that they have recently redesigned the ride for a faster spin. It works! Chris was game and we both rode it for the first time in years! It was fantastic!

Then you will notice a shot of me wearing my prized purchase "On-A-Stick" Tour. Lynnae is marking off yet another tastey morsal that I partook of this year - meatballs on a stick. Yup, after everything I ate Friday night, the lack of sleep and everything I ate on Saturday, I admit. I went home a got a bit sick. I can't wait until next year!

The next 'treasure' is from the creative arts building and is indeed a DRESS made of SOCK monkeys. Can you believe it! It wasn't the only one either which is craziness. Who would wear this? I do not need that much attention drawn to my bosom, that is for certain.

I love the fair, the joy never ceases!

Bridal fun

The first photo is of the sink that we broke at my friend's parent's VERY nice home. The second is in honor of this past Tuesday. Everyone is snarlin' like a pirate. Note Heidi's hook hand on the far right of the photo. Oh, yea, Heides is the one getting married next month. YEA!

On the job scene

Yup, still talking about a job. I have an amazing resume now and even without it I find myself in line for 2 jobs that I was unaware of just two days ago.

I'm going to Iowa again on Monday for a second interview. So I really already knew about this job, but didn't know that I was still in the running for it at all. I'll have lunch with the HR gal and then interview with a panel of about 10 people.

Secondly I'm looking at paid volunteer position in Africa. It won't be posted until mid-Oct,early Nov. I'd ideally move over there in early Feb, for a year. It would be AWESOME! I'd be called a 'bridger' and would work with the service organizations there and the North American volunteers that come and serve. I'd be the bridge between the two cultures. Amazing, huh. I know you're all jealous, well, except for the Kiwi, SN, who has probably already been to Uganda and Kenya. I'd be living in one of those places. They pay for housing and travel. Amazing. Amazing!

I'm getting into the swing of things with my CM and I am so excited about it! Hoping my sister will have a get together for me while I'm in KS next month (what do you think, Rubes?). Gotta start booking and having more fun! yippee!

Enough for now. I'll find a few pitures and post those for your great enjoyment.

ARGH, MATEY!

Just so that you can prepare for Tuesday, Sept. 19.

You are NOT going to want to miss out on this most awesome holiday!

A huge thanks to the Friar for making me aware of this treasure.

What's new . . .

It's been a whirlwind of a past few weeks. Mostly good, too, praise the Lord!

I'm learning a lot about myself, which is scarey and hard and good.

Here are a few highlights:

Had my resume redone and it ROCKS!

Got a call about a job in PA for an interview, they were great about it, upfront and I said no.

My sister got a job, house and car all in a week or so!

My other sister and I are still working and growing in our relationship.

I bought a few treats for the new baby.

I am house-sitting which also ROCKS! I love living in a house. I don't have to pay the bills or do the yardwork. Man, how can I keep this up? I'm there for 3 months and I love it! Having folks over for pizza and a movie tonight, in fact.

I am teaching jr. high Sunday School!

My book study is starting up again and we're reading, The Life You've Always Wanted bu John Ortberg.

One of the big things is that I have just signed on to be a Creative Memories Consultant and I am so exctied about it! If anyone needs any product, I'm hoping to make the 30-60-90 plan which allows me to build my stock and better serve my customers. It's all still a work in progress, but I'm stoked! I've wanted to sell for years and I really am a scrapaholic. I should probably be seeking therapy, not start selling. Yippee!

There's so much more to come. I'll keep you all posted! Blessings to all!

I like you!

This is how I feel about most of you! I have to say most since there are probably random strangers on here that have never commented and I know nothing about. And besides that, how well do you really get to know people through blogging alone? Regardless, here's to you!

Quick breakfast

A friend just emailed this one to me and I had to share.

ZIPLOC OMELETS
This works great !!! Good when you're alone or when all your family is together. Best feature is that no one has to wait for their special omelet !!!
Have guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.
- Crack 2 eggs ( large or extra-large) into the quart size Ziploc bag (not more than 2 ) shake to combine them.
- Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc.
- Each guest adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake. - Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.
- Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.
- Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed.
- Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process and a great conversation piece .

Imagine having these ready the night before, and putting the bag in boiling water while you get ready. And in 13 minutes, you have a nice omelet for a quick breakfast !!!

Let me introduce -

My friend, Trombone Tim. This is one of his gigs - Power of 10. Hope you enjoy.

OK, so I don't know why this isn't showing up but if you click on the giant space to the left of this writing it will take you to the live footage of the band.

And finally . . .

Just as we were ready to leave, I realized that I locked my keys in my car. Yea. We were in the middle of NOWHERE, and out of habit from living in the Cities, I locked my car. This random guy that came to let me in only charged me $10 and was a classmate of Cindy's in high school (Cindy's in yellow). OF COURSE! These are shots of us wastin' time whilst we wait to get the car unlocked. Good grief, Charlie Brown.



How many pictures later?
And this isn't even the end of the trip! We still hve the county fair to go! There weren't many photos there though, you'll be relieved to know. These were all just so wonderful that I had to share. But it is now time to go home. yea! Praise the Lord for the weekend. I'm headed home for a bit and then off to Chris's for a campfire and SMORES!

Just a swingin'

There really is nothing in life like good friends, a nice breeze and a hammock!

See what you missed?

Man are they strong!

We just couldn't resist these shots! Remember that I'm now an offical photo maniac. You asked for it! Did I mention that I took over 500 in 3 days when we went to the cabin in late June? Yea, well this roadrip was only one day. I'm a maniac, I tell you, I freakin' maniac!

Down on the farm