The random joys of summer abound...
Who knew that a hamburger at a trusty old bar in Dearborn and pleasant conversation with sweet and quirky relatives could do so much to lift the spirits?
There's nothing like helping a friend study for her Spanish exam to remind you just how much vocab you memorized for a day and never really learned. Tengo verguenza! But it did teach me how to say tanktop en espanol... playera. Now that's improvement.
All caffeine should definitely be consumed before 3:00pm to avoid utilizing embarassing outlets for the energy it so readily provides. Tim Horton's Iced Cappucinos are NOT an exception to this rule.
When singing "Cell Block Tango" from the Chicago soundtrack, one must always remember to bleep out unwanted and unnecessary foul language... especially when serenading family members unawares. HE HAD IT COMING!
My fetish for cooking/art/travel shows is really starting to worry me. I find that if I do not change the channel within forty-five seconds of that initial sighting, I'm hooked until at least the next commercial break... if not the end of the show. That's down from my old at-risk-margin of one minute. At this rate, I'll be viewing way too many Emeril cooking specials and learning far too much about underwater basketweaving for my own good.
The cat has lost weight. Not enough, of course, but I remain thankful for small miracles. Now I just need to learn her secret...
Discovering (and re-discovering, as the case may be) the theological wisdom, deep insight, and thoughtful musings of people like Elisabeth Elliot, A.W. Tozer, Joseph Stowell, and Cory Ten Boom is refreshing. Trumped perhaps only -- of course -- by the inspired Word of the Father, Himself. What a blessing to have the time and energy to give these wonderful books the attention, consideration (and the Bible, reverence) that they deserve.
I have not yet made good on my intention to get a tan this summer. This is partially due to my dilated pupil's intolerance of the sun's brightness and due in part also to the unseasonable chill that has left the Detroit metro area afternoon temperatures hovering somewhere around the 65 degree mark, despite optimistic weather forcasts to the contrary. *shock and dismay* But I am resolved. Tan I will be. Soon.
Pride overwhelms me and I cannot resist the temptation to brag that I did NOT give into the American Idol craze that has swept the nation. I found out via my morning newspaper that a young woman named Fantasia (isn't that a movie?) has most recently attained the idol-ness status. Obviously, I was overcome with interest and couldn't avoid the two-inch tall bold letters proclaiming her victory. Right.
Let's NOT consider the talent of bodhran-playing as part of my musical repetoire, k? Perhaps I shall give up. Or be really dramatic and burn it as I dance around, whooping and hollering. Maybe I'll even bust out the poodle socks, Irish dance dress, and tiara for the occassion. Or not.
Dinnertime. General Tsao's Chicken rocks my socks. Except I'm not wearing any... sooo, it rocks my flip flops...?
Later, kids!
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Monday, May 24, 2004
Sounds...
My cat is purring; I think she'll be making other noises soon if I don't go fill up her bowl of Meow-Mix.
The drills and trucks and workers outside are noisily tearing apart sections of pavement throughout my neighborhood. Hello, construction season... goodbye, tranquil subdivision.
During the last half-hour segment that my TV was on, the piercing cries of a newborn resonated from TLC's A Baby Story. Why am I so intrigued and captivated by a show that simply outlines the nine-month process of pregnancy? Good heavens. I really should avoid it.
The phone upstairs in my dad's office is ringing, but as he is currently out meeting various clients and arranging appointments, it will continue ringing without effect until the caller decides to make use of the voice mail option.
A cute little chihuahua (who, truth be told, looks more like snakebait than a member of the canine family) across the street yips and yaps at the muscle-shirted construction workers desecrating the street in front of her house.
Although the Irish music blaring out of my stereo has a distinct and easily discernable beat, I bang and tap my drum randomly in my quest to conquer the talent of bodhran-playing. It is an elusive skill.
The phone again... it is my brother's friend, calling during passing time to find out if I'll be going to their baseball game this afternoon and if I can ask his mother to bring his black game socks. Are these boys really old enough to be in high school?
The drilling has stopped; someone is mowing the lawn down by Sylvio and Bianca's house, Chase and Gunner are running around outside next door, I can hear an ice cream truck's song tinkering through the neighborhood (this early?), and for the first time in what seems like days and days, there is no thunder booming, cracking, or even rolling in the distance. Lovely.
MEOWWWWWWW.
Yep, I definitely should have re-filled her Meow-Mix.
My cat is purring; I think she'll be making other noises soon if I don't go fill up her bowl of Meow-Mix.
The drills and trucks and workers outside are noisily tearing apart sections of pavement throughout my neighborhood. Hello, construction season... goodbye, tranquil subdivision.
During the last half-hour segment that my TV was on, the piercing cries of a newborn resonated from TLC's A Baby Story. Why am I so intrigued and captivated by a show that simply outlines the nine-month process of pregnancy? Good heavens. I really should avoid it.
The phone upstairs in my dad's office is ringing, but as he is currently out meeting various clients and arranging appointments, it will continue ringing without effect until the caller decides to make use of the voice mail option.
A cute little chihuahua (who, truth be told, looks more like snakebait than a member of the canine family) across the street yips and yaps at the muscle-shirted construction workers desecrating the street in front of her house.
Although the Irish music blaring out of my stereo has a distinct and easily discernable beat, I bang and tap my drum randomly in my quest to conquer the talent of bodhran-playing. It is an elusive skill.
The phone again... it is my brother's friend, calling during passing time to find out if I'll be going to their baseball game this afternoon and if I can ask his mother to bring his black game socks. Are these boys really old enough to be in high school?
The drilling has stopped; someone is mowing the lawn down by Sylvio and Bianca's house, Chase and Gunner are running around outside next door, I can hear an ice cream truck's song tinkering through the neighborhood (this early?), and for the first time in what seems like days and days, there is no thunder booming, cracking, or even rolling in the distance. Lovely.
MEOWWWWWWW.
Yep, I definitely should have re-filled her Meow-Mix.
Saturday, May 22, 2004
Post-Op Pondering, Final Cut
* If this is what it feels like to get punched in the face, I don't think I'll be getting in any fistfights in the future... yep, I'm saying goodbye to catfights, kids. Meow.
* Inhibitions about my post-surgical eye and dilated pupil were put on hold last night so I could go out with my friend... put on hold until she innocently said, "yeah, you kinda look stoned... or maybe like a closed-head injury victim!" Yep, back to hermit status.
* I miss my vicodin.
* Having stiches come out of your eye... yes, as in, your eyeball, is really weird. And it hurts and itches at the same time. I won't go into any more excruciating detail than necessary, but dude... I think I can safely say... EEEEEEWIE.
* I just learned that a mother of one of the kids on my brother's travel baseball team is going through chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. She's lost all her hair. I no longer feel like my temporary lack of lashes on my right eye is anything more than a minor inconvenience, and although it is still a daily struggle with vanity, I am reminded that compared to the plights of countless others... this is nothing.
Cut. That's a wrap.
* If this is what it feels like to get punched in the face, I don't think I'll be getting in any fistfights in the future... yep, I'm saying goodbye to catfights, kids. Meow.
* Inhibitions about my post-surgical eye and dilated pupil were put on hold last night so I could go out with my friend... put on hold until she innocently said, "yeah, you kinda look stoned... or maybe like a closed-head injury victim!" Yep, back to hermit status.
* I miss my vicodin.
* Having stiches come out of your eye... yes, as in, your eyeball, is really weird. And it hurts and itches at the same time. I won't go into any more excruciating detail than necessary, but dude... I think I can safely say... EEEEEEWIE.
* I just learned that a mother of one of the kids on my brother's travel baseball team is going through chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. She's lost all her hair. I no longer feel like my temporary lack of lashes on my right eye is anything more than a minor inconvenience, and although it is still a daily struggle with vanity, I am reminded that compared to the plights of countless others... this is nothing.
Cut. That's a wrap.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Perhaps it's just that I don't have the same amount of time to ponder things when I'm at school as I do here at home... I'm not really sure... but one thing I do know for sure is that within the past couple days I've been reminded what it's like to really serve someone out of love, not expecting anything in return. Granted, in at least one of the situations I was rewarded for my efforts in the end, but I had the chance -- for about three hours in one case -- to give of my time and talents without expecting any sort of compensation at all.
This is not an attempt to glorify myself in any way... truly, what really blows me away about this is not that I took these two or three opportunities in the past couple days, but the fact that they stood out to me. If these hours of real servanthood made this significant an impact on me... what does that say about me? What does that say about my everyday attitude about serving others and my typical patterns of Christian service? If I were really emulating the service-oriented attitude of Christ in my daily life, it seems unlikely that these experiences would have so affected me.
I am so thankful that the Lord uses people and situations in our lives to both remind and convict us. If He had not given me these opportunities and then opened my eyes to show me the shortcomings in my heart and my life, I never would have thought to look at these areas on my own. I know that I'll never be perfect... but I don't want to be the type of Christian who walks away from an opportunity to serve. I want the Lord to see me as a faithful, willing servant -- one He could trust with any mission, whether it's to help a friend with homework or take His gospel across the world to a hostile nation. I know this is a process... I'm not there yet, but my prayer is that God will continue to work in my life, teach me, reveal His will for my life, and lead my footsteps on the path He wants me to take to get there. My job is to trust Him. And hold on tight... this will be an incredible ride, as long as I can remember to stay in the passenger seat and let Him do the steering.
This is not an attempt to glorify myself in any way... truly, what really blows me away about this is not that I took these two or three opportunities in the past couple days, but the fact that they stood out to me. If these hours of real servanthood made this significant an impact on me... what does that say about me? What does that say about my everyday attitude about serving others and my typical patterns of Christian service? If I were really emulating the service-oriented attitude of Christ in my daily life, it seems unlikely that these experiences would have so affected me.
I am so thankful that the Lord uses people and situations in our lives to both remind and convict us. If He had not given me these opportunities and then opened my eyes to show me the shortcomings in my heart and my life, I never would have thought to look at these areas on my own. I know that I'll never be perfect... but I don't want to be the type of Christian who walks away from an opportunity to serve. I want the Lord to see me as a faithful, willing servant -- one He could trust with any mission, whether it's to help a friend with homework or take His gospel across the world to a hostile nation. I know this is a process... I'm not there yet, but my prayer is that God will continue to work in my life, teach me, reveal His will for my life, and lead my footsteps on the path He wants me to take to get there. My job is to trust Him. And hold on tight... this will be an incredible ride, as long as I can remember to stay in the passenger seat and let Him do the steering.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Post-Op Pondering, Take Two
I would just like to say that I truly believe it is impossible for one to appreciate the sheer multitude, length, and beauty of one's eyelashes until they have been cut off or in some other way removed. It is remarkable how significant an impact can stem from such a relatively tiny feature.
Praise our loving Father in heaven Who, knowing my vanity (and, I'm assuming, that of others) before I even had mortal form, decided that eyelashes would grow back in time.
I would just like to say that I truly believe it is impossible for one to appreciate the sheer multitude, length, and beauty of one's eyelashes until they have been cut off or in some other way removed. It is remarkable how significant an impact can stem from such a relatively tiny feature.
Praise our loving Father in heaven Who, knowing my vanity (and, I'm assuming, that of others) before I even had mortal form, decided that eyelashes would grow back in time.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Just a Little Post-Op Pondering
Some interesting things can happen when you're under the influence of such substances as demerol, vicodin, and tylenol with codeine. For example, you may be experiencing the effects of one (or more) of these drugs if you, for some reason...
* think you see a Siberian tiger basking lazily in the middle of a frequently-traveled, local intersection. (Heather, think Levan and Schoolcraft, here)
* truly believe that everything you see has a somewhat lime-greenish tint to it, and can't quite figure out why that might be. and I wasn't wearing goggles, either, folks.
* are utterly convinced that you MUST, by ANY MEANS NECESSARY, completely re-style and re-decorate your home to comply with each and every principle of feng-shui. no, really.
* find yourself wondering about the Amish and swimming, if they're allowed to swim in its traditionally accepted format, and what kind of tan lines Amish bathing suits would produce. it's not a bad question, actually.
* dream about yourself as an Arabian princess with your own personal turban, monkey, and waterboy, and see your United States Embassy Ambassador lover (gallantly portrayed by Kenneth Brannagh) running at you through a crowded fruit market with a sword, carrying a bushel of tropical fruits on his head. no joke.
True stories, all. Well, true delusions... or whatever.
Anyway, I'll have the play-by-play and more edge-of-your-seat excitement to share in the near future about the surgery and more of those fun details that I know you're *dying* to hear about my recovery... HAHAHA. Just kidding!
For now...
May I recommend eye surgery for *all* your hallucinogenic desires...?
Some interesting things can happen when you're under the influence of such substances as demerol, vicodin, and tylenol with codeine. For example, you may be experiencing the effects of one (or more) of these drugs if you, for some reason...
* think you see a Siberian tiger basking lazily in the middle of a frequently-traveled, local intersection. (Heather, think Levan and Schoolcraft, here)
* truly believe that everything you see has a somewhat lime-greenish tint to it, and can't quite figure out why that might be. and I wasn't wearing goggles, either, folks.
* are utterly convinced that you MUST, by ANY MEANS NECESSARY, completely re-style and re-decorate your home to comply with each and every principle of feng-shui. no, really.
* find yourself wondering about the Amish and swimming, if they're allowed to swim in its traditionally accepted format, and what kind of tan lines Amish bathing suits would produce. it's not a bad question, actually.
* dream about yourself as an Arabian princess with your own personal turban, monkey, and waterboy, and see your United States Embassy Ambassador lover (gallantly portrayed by Kenneth Brannagh) running at you through a crowded fruit market with a sword, carrying a bushel of tropical fruits on his head. no joke.
True stories, all. Well, true delusions... or whatever.
Anyway, I'll have the play-by-play and more edge-of-your-seat excitement to share in the near future about the surgery and more of those fun details that I know you're *dying* to hear about my recovery... HAHAHA. Just kidding!
For now...
May I recommend eye surgery for *all* your hallucinogenic desires...?
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
I just finished my Sundahl paper and sent it in via email. This means I'm all done for the semester, until I go back and have to finish up my Incomplete for Brit Lit... but I have until the end of September for that. For now, I am most definitely done. Beautiful.
I hope you are enjoying the nice weather and all the fun that comes with being done with exams for the year. Praise the Lord that He has brought us faithfully through yet another semester... He is good!
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us
And now let the weak say "I am strong"
Let the poor say "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks, give thanks
Give thanks, give thanks
I hope you are enjoying the nice weather and all the fun that comes with being done with exams for the year. Praise the Lord that He has brought us faithfully through yet another semester... He is good!
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us
And now let the weak say "I am strong"
Let the poor say "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks, give thanks
Give thanks, give thanks
I really like Michigan Black Cherry Ice Cream.
Headaches, on the other hand, are not very fun.
Earlier today, my adorable neighbor, Nancy, brought me a bonzai tree in a pot... it's so cute! I haven't named it yet, but I'm already feeling attached *wink* It is rather cute with its little stones and white flowers. Kristin, if I can keep it alive until August, we'll have a new botanical addition to Koon #7!
(RIP Richard Simmons the Clown Chia Head 08/03-11/03)
On that sad note... just a few last words to leave you with:
*Congratulations on finishing your finals, everyone -- you can relax now!
*I'm praying for safe travels back home for all of you
*Have a wonderful time at IV Chapter camp, to all who are going!
*Blessings on all of you for relaxing and fulfilling summers!
*Please keep in touch, dear friends. I love you all.
ps. For those of you have asked, my surgery will be on Thursday (May 6th) around 7:30/8:00 AM. I'll be going in for prep around 5:00, and once it starts it shouldn't take longer than 2 hours. Thank you all SO MUCH for your thoughts and prayers -- you have *no idea* how much the Lord has blessed me through your love and kindness. I am nervous, but He has made this infinitely less daunting by providing friends like you to uplift and encourage me.
Love in Christ, Katie
Headaches, on the other hand, are not very fun.
Earlier today, my adorable neighbor, Nancy, brought me a bonzai tree in a pot... it's so cute! I haven't named it yet, but I'm already feeling attached *wink* It is rather cute with its little stones and white flowers. Kristin, if I can keep it alive until August, we'll have a new botanical addition to Koon #7!
(RIP Richard Simmons the Clown Chia Head 08/03-11/03)
On that sad note... just a few last words to leave you with:
*Congratulations on finishing your finals, everyone -- you can relax now!
*I'm praying for safe travels back home for all of you
*Have a wonderful time at IV Chapter camp, to all who are going!
*Blessings on all of you for relaxing and fulfilling summers!
*Please keep in touch, dear friends. I love you all.
ps. For those of you have asked, my surgery will be on Thursday (May 6th) around 7:30/8:00 AM. I'll be going in for prep around 5:00, and once it starts it shouldn't take longer than 2 hours. Thank you all SO MUCH for your thoughts and prayers -- you have *no idea* how much the Lord has blessed me through your love and kindness. I am nervous, but He has made this infinitely less daunting by providing friends like you to uplift and encourage me.
Love in Christ, Katie
Monday, May 03, 2004
Third day at home... and already, the separation anxiety. What is this?
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I'm home and hardly anyone else is. I feel so very out of place... and I miss the 'dale.
I miss my beautiful roommate, Kristin. I miss all of my friends for their various (and very individual) characteristics that make them so wonderful and precious to me... I miss getting up in the morning and walking out my bedroom door and seeing three friends before I've even brushed my teeth... now all I see is my cat. And she's nice, don't get me wrong. But she curls up on my bed at night and makes it hard for me to sleep comfortabley. None of my friends do that.
As much as I'd like to stay and complain more about life at home (just kidding), I gotta jet. Heather and I are going out to lunch (to celebrate the almost-done-ness of her finals), I'm picking up some job applications at the mall, and I've got another eye appointment. Later, kids!
Yay! I just talked to my roomie! Ok, this day just got 10 brownie points!
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I'm home and hardly anyone else is. I feel so very out of place... and I miss the 'dale.
I miss my beautiful roommate, Kristin. I miss all of my friends for their various (and very individual) characteristics that make them so wonderful and precious to me... I miss getting up in the morning and walking out my bedroom door and seeing three friends before I've even brushed my teeth... now all I see is my cat. And she's nice, don't get me wrong. But she curls up on my bed at night and makes it hard for me to sleep comfortabley. None of my friends do that.
As much as I'd like to stay and complain more about life at home (just kidding), I gotta jet. Heather and I are going out to lunch (to celebrate the almost-done-ness of her finals), I'm picking up some job applications at the mall, and I've got another eye appointment. Later, kids!
Yay! I just talked to my roomie! Ok, this day just got 10 brownie points!