I stopped praying and walked across the room to get my Collection of Amy Carmichael's Poems-I didnt even know what I was looking for exactly, I just knew something needed to be said that I couldnt quite get out myself... and then I read these two poems. Yes, they spoke to ME tonight, they quieted all the rambling "what ifs" and "I cants" that littered my thoughts...and all that was left was Peace.
But, I was praying for you tonight as well...and so I leave these words with you, may you have Peace tonight.
Leave It to Me
Leave it to Me, child; leave it to Me.
Dearer thy garden to Me than to thee.
Lift up thy heart, child; lift up thine eyes;
Nought can defeat Me, nought can surprise.
Leave it to Me, child leave it to Me.
Trust in the Wall of Fire. Look up and see
Stars in their courses shine through the night;
Both are alike to Me-darkness and light.
Leave it to Me, child, leave it to Me.
Let slip the burden too heavy for thee;
That which I will, My hand shall perform-
Fair are the lilies that weather the storm.
Disappointed?
Art thou disappointed? Come to Me;
I will never be a grief to thee.
Hurt by hand thou trusted? Come to Me;
Leaves of healing I will lay on thee.
Art thou broken? Come, my child, to Me;
I, thy Comforter, will comfort thee.
Even friends can sometimes changeful be;
I will always be the same to thee.
January 31, 2006
...this is a one.
So it turns out that I spoke too soon. There really werent very many blogs to catch up on...and no one wrote interesting comments for me to read-no one has taken the poll since last night...and there is nothing interesting going on the news...there is nothing for me to look up on imdb.com and I've already replied to every email in my in box that needed replies...as well as writing several other emails to people that hadnt even written me.
So, to fill my time...
The Life and Times at Apartment 420 ( all the things that have happened in our apartment in the last twenty-four hours...that I can think of....in no particular order)
-Katie and I discussed grandparents, memories and families in all their craziness.
-I laid on the dining room floor to help my back which had been "killed" by 8 hours in a foldingchair at Jury Duty.
-Katie stood outside on the balcony and saw I a guy smoking something "special" in his car.
-Cleaned out the lent trap on our drier...only to find that not only did the drier work a million times better...but the lent had collected in the "coolest rainbow pattern ever".
-Realized that my closet cant hold all my shoes. Gave up being organized a long time ago.
-Ate Mac and Cheese-realized I hadnt eaten anything healthy all day. Didnt care.
-Cleaned out the Fridge. While discussing the mysterious bottle of honey that doesnt seem to stop leaking ( it was put in a baggie and continued to somehow get everywhere) in the pantry.
So, to fill my time...
The Life and Times at Apartment 420 ( all the things that have happened in our apartment in the last twenty-four hours...that I can think of....in no particular order)
-Katie and I discussed grandparents, memories and families in all their craziness.
-I laid on the dining room floor to help my back which had been "killed" by 8 hours in a foldingchair at Jury Duty.
-Katie stood outside on the balcony and saw I a guy smoking something "special" in his car.
-Cleaned out the lent trap on our drier...only to find that not only did the drier work a million times better...but the lent had collected in the "coolest rainbow pattern ever".
-Realized that my closet cant hold all my shoes. Gave up being organized a long time ago.
-Ate Mac and Cheese-realized I hadnt eaten anything healthy all day. Didnt care.
-Cleaned out the Fridge. While discussing the mysterious bottle of honey that doesnt seem to stop leaking ( it was put in a baggie and continued to somehow get everywhere) in the pantry.
Entertaining on a scale from one to ten
So, in direct comparison to Jury Duty...my job is insanely exciting and wonderful.
Which is really lucky since I was just told that "you need to work all day if you dont mine, because I feel sick and I cant come in. "
That's ok...just sitting here eating wheat thins and cheese. Yum.
Besides, I need to catch up on my blog reading and emailing...missing a whole day of it yesterday really threw me off ;-)
In other news, there is no other news...stay tuned, I guess.
Which is really lucky since I was just told that "you need to work all day if you dont mine, because I feel sick and I cant come in. "
That's ok...just sitting here eating wheat thins and cheese. Yum.
Besides, I need to catch up on my blog reading and emailing...missing a whole day of it yesterday really threw me off ;-)
In other news, there is no other news...stay tuned, I guess.
January 30, 2006
trials and tribulations
So, today I had jury duty....and I wasnt picked. thank goodness....$7 a day really does NOT pay rent in the real world. And while it was touch and go for a while ( I was in the top 20 and was seated on the front row-meaning, unless they have a good reason they pretty much pick you)...in the end I was sent home with my "thanks for serving your community".
Actually, I have mixed feelings about the whole affair. In a way I wish I was ON that jury because I feel like I would have been more diplomatic than say the women who got picked who said this:
" I really respect the justic system, I was an RN in the ER for years and I saw the things the polic officers would bring in...all drunk and high on drugs ( as she glances over at the defendant)."
Ooooh suuuuure...that kid in the chair over there is innocent till proven guilty....by a women who calls human beings "things".
I looked him up in my yearbook. He was a freshman when I was a senior-which makes him 18...barely.
So, since I was in the top 20 and on the front row...why didnt *I* get chosen, you might ask? Well, I answered all the questions truthfully...and when I found myself singled out standing up infront of 90 other "peers" ...I said in my most honest, truthful and respectful manner:
I HAVE lost faith in the justice system... And yes, if I WERE going to have a prejudice it would be against the state of texas not the defendent. At this point I do not know whether he is guilty, but I would have to think twice before saying he was...for it is truly a weighty matter to say a man is guilty.
Now, looking back on the day, I am even more saddened then when I went into it. I watched as the District Attorney played games with the jurors...I watched as she rolled her eyes every time the Defense Attorney asked for someone to speak up because he was obviously hard of hearing-and i dont think he was paying attention half the time......coming out of retirement to take on a kid who was "obviously guilty"....perfect.
No, I am sad about it all. I am sad that I was the only one who said what I said...or that my words obviously made no sense to a lot of people...
Another women, leaning over to the person next to her as I talked...whispering: "She's speaking up for the YOUTH of this country...my son hates cops too."
It was as if I was talking to a wall....and after all these years, thinking justice was blind...only to find out she's deaf.
Actually, I have mixed feelings about the whole affair. In a way I wish I was ON that jury because I feel like I would have been more diplomatic than say the women who got picked who said this:
" I really respect the justic system, I was an RN in the ER for years and I saw the things the polic officers would bring in...all drunk and high on drugs ( as she glances over at the defendant)."
Ooooh suuuuure...that kid in the chair over there is innocent till proven guilty....by a women who calls human beings "things".
I looked him up in my yearbook. He was a freshman when I was a senior-which makes him 18...barely.
So, since I was in the top 20 and on the front row...why didnt *I* get chosen, you might ask? Well, I answered all the questions truthfully...and when I found myself singled out standing up infront of 90 other "peers" ...I said in my most honest, truthful and respectful manner:
I HAVE lost faith in the justice system... And yes, if I WERE going to have a prejudice it would be against the state of texas not the defendent. At this point I do not know whether he is guilty, but I would have to think twice before saying he was...for it is truly a weighty matter to say a man is guilty.
Now, looking back on the day, I am even more saddened then when I went into it. I watched as the District Attorney played games with the jurors...I watched as she rolled her eyes every time the Defense Attorney asked for someone to speak up because he was obviously hard of hearing-and i dont think he was paying attention half the time......coming out of retirement to take on a kid who was "obviously guilty"....perfect.
No, I am sad about it all. I am sad that I was the only one who said what I said...or that my words obviously made no sense to a lot of people...
Another women, leaning over to the person next to her as I talked...whispering: "She's speaking up for the YOUTH of this country...my son hates cops too."
It was as if I was talking to a wall....and after all these years, thinking justice was blind...only to find out she's deaf.
January 29, 2006
Painful Happiness
Its been a hard day...had to pretty much fight it out all day...sometimes it happens. Sometimes going to church isnt easy.
At. All.
But, all the sermons were good, encouraging...food for the spirit. And in the end I feel like my prayers were answered and I was definitely Helped.
So, its funny...I got an email out of the blue from an old friend and I immediately felt that it was important to email this person...it was important that I gave them some encouragment...that I pray for them...which I immediately started to do... But, then after getting another great email from the person, I just COULDNT reply. It was awful, it was like getting tongue tied in front of fifty people...you feel the great NEED to speak but nothing comes out... I spent all weekend thinking about it and praying about it...practically PLEADING with God to give me something to say...and finally tonight I just sat down and decided to write whatever popped into my head...and low and behold something came!
Whew! Praise God! I cant tell you how much better I feel...like a great weight has been lifted...
It was actually a hard weekend all around...I felt like everything had to be "the hard way." Sometimes I, must admit, I get whiny and I think....whhhhy ooooh whhhhy cant things just be eeeeaaaassssyyyy???!!!!
Remember how I had that huge breakthrough last weekend? Well, it was as if this weekend it was 'testing the theory' weekend. I was pretty much tossed all the possible tests and scenerios in the book....and even now, looking back on the weekend I dont know how well I handled it all. But I did it. At least I didnt HIDE. Right? Hiding was part of my problem anyway...I know its hard to believe-I'm pretty good at hiding my fear once I'm actually OUT in the public eye-but most of the battle happens when I'm still in my room...when I'm sitting there thinking how very much I just want to crawl into bed and stay there where its "comfortable"...where its "safe"....
Oh, how we do love safety dont we!?
No one ever likes to do the things that hurt....the things that may "sting a little"....I wonder how much closer I would be to my Lord if didnt hide from pain as I do!? It has taken me so long to get this far...
Did anyone tell you that being a Christian would be painful? Because it is....it is beautifully painful. Thank God.
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life-I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer,
But this I know with all my hear, His wounds have paid my ransom."
At. All.
But, all the sermons were good, encouraging...food for the spirit. And in the end I feel like my prayers were answered and I was definitely Helped.
So, its funny...I got an email out of the blue from an old friend and I immediately felt that it was important to email this person...it was important that I gave them some encouragment...that I pray for them...which I immediately started to do... But, then after getting another great email from the person, I just COULDNT reply. It was awful, it was like getting tongue tied in front of fifty people...you feel the great NEED to speak but nothing comes out... I spent all weekend thinking about it and praying about it...practically PLEADING with God to give me something to say...and finally tonight I just sat down and decided to write whatever popped into my head...and low and behold something came!
Whew! Praise God! I cant tell you how much better I feel...like a great weight has been lifted...
It was actually a hard weekend all around...I felt like everything had to be "the hard way." Sometimes I, must admit, I get whiny and I think....whhhhy ooooh whhhhy cant things just be eeeeaaaassssyyyy???!!!!
Remember how I had that huge breakthrough last weekend? Well, it was as if this weekend it was 'testing the theory' weekend. I was pretty much tossed all the possible tests and scenerios in the book....and even now, looking back on the weekend I dont know how well I handled it all. But I did it. At least I didnt HIDE. Right? Hiding was part of my problem anyway...I know its hard to believe-I'm pretty good at hiding my fear once I'm actually OUT in the public eye-but most of the battle happens when I'm still in my room...when I'm sitting there thinking how very much I just want to crawl into bed and stay there where its "comfortable"...where its "safe"....
Oh, how we do love safety dont we!?
No one ever likes to do the things that hurt....the things that may "sting a little"....I wonder how much closer I would be to my Lord if didnt hide from pain as I do!? It has taken me so long to get this far...
Did anyone tell you that being a Christian would be painful? Because it is....it is beautifully painful. Thank God.
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life-I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer,
But this I know with all my hear, His wounds have paid my ransom."
January 28, 2006
Poll Results
Well, I've gotten bored of our little poll....so on to something new, but before we do, that final tally:
The Question was "Why do you read this blog?"
10% of you read because, "Abigail's incredible writing style is so great it brings tears to my eyes."
( my personal favorite answer)
20% of you read because, "Laughing at Abigail brings much needed joy to my days."
( the answer that *I* personally gave...yes, I get to take my own polls, thank you very much.)
25% of you read because, "It is updated so very often-meaning I can procrastinate more often."
( the answer that I thought would get the most results.)
45% of you read because, "Abigail is SOOO HOOOT."
( The cop-out answer, for those of you that dont KNOW why you read...hehe.)
Of course, this proves several things...mostly that online polls teach us nothing...
but they are fun anyway, right?
The Question was "Why do you read this blog?"
10% of you read because, "Abigail's incredible writing style is so great it brings tears to my eyes."
( my personal favorite answer)
20% of you read because, "Laughing at Abigail brings much needed joy to my days."
( the answer that *I* personally gave...yes, I get to take my own polls, thank you very much.)
25% of you read because, "It is updated so very often-meaning I can procrastinate more often."
( the answer that I thought would get the most results.)
45% of you read because, "Abigail is SOOO HOOOT."
( The cop-out answer, for those of you that dont KNOW why you read...hehe.)
Of course, this proves several things...mostly that online polls teach us nothing...
but they are fun anyway, right?
grey, like the day...
blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. I totally woke up on the wrong side of the bed. So I am starting this post with a little whining:
It is all grey and wet and rainy outside...and its saturday...therefore PERFECT for sleeping in...but noooo...I didnt get to sleep in....instead I came to work, where I've been waiting for a very late doctor to arrive for the past hour. I mean, SUUUURE, I am being paid to sit here and type this post to you...but I DONT CARE. Sometimes, I just want to sleep in! BOOOOOO!
*end of whining*
Well! I guess its a good thing that I've been sitting here by myself for the past hour-giving me time to 'adjust my attitude' a bit. Maybe I'll even try to be "cheery" when my doctor arrives. maybe. ( so as I typed that the Doctor in question arrived...with Mcdonalds...so THAT'S where he's been! and he didnt even BRING me any! *humph!*)
okokok, seriously, I will try and be a little less grouchy....
On a different note: The poll seems to be going well...though I dont think I'll take it down until I get 25 people-because that only seems right-of course, do I have 25 people that READ this blog? hmmm...I dont really know....But, I do encourage you to vote if you havent yet. And at this very moment I am thinking up some new and exciting poll questions and possible answers! OOoooOooOOOooo fun.
In other news, my doctors Mcdonalds smells uncommonly good...and my own cup of green tea is looking uncommonly unsatisfying.
OK, so this entire post was written without me having had my usual cup of ____, can you guess with all the many hints in this post what I am missing so very much? And dont you agree I should never try to attempt working early in the morning without it again?
It is all grey and wet and rainy outside...and its saturday...therefore PERFECT for sleeping in...but noooo...I didnt get to sleep in....instead I came to work, where I've been waiting for a very late doctor to arrive for the past hour. I mean, SUUUURE, I am being paid to sit here and type this post to you...but I DONT CARE. Sometimes, I just want to sleep in! BOOOOOO!
*end of whining*
Well! I guess its a good thing that I've been sitting here by myself for the past hour-giving me time to 'adjust my attitude' a bit. Maybe I'll even try to be "cheery" when my doctor arrives. maybe. ( so as I typed that the Doctor in question arrived...with Mcdonalds...so THAT'S where he's been! and he didnt even BRING me any! *humph!*)
okokok, seriously, I will try and be a little less grouchy....
On a different note: The poll seems to be going well...though I dont think I'll take it down until I get 25 people-because that only seems right-of course, do I have 25 people that READ this blog? hmmm...I dont really know....But, I do encourage you to vote if you havent yet. And at this very moment I am thinking up some new and exciting poll questions and possible answers! OOoooOooOOOooo fun.
In other news, my doctors Mcdonalds smells uncommonly good...and my own cup of green tea is looking uncommonly unsatisfying.
OK, so this entire post was written without me having had my usual cup of ____, can you guess with all the many hints in this post what I am missing so very much? And dont you agree I should never try to attempt working early in the morning without it again?
January 27, 2006
NEW! EXCITING!
Yes, I am constantly thinking on how to improve your blog-reading pleasure and this is my newest brainstorm:
Since soooo many of you REFUSE to comment because you have to tell us all who you are...I've come up with a new exciting way for you to interact in the blogging world- anonymous polls! That's right! I will ask you a new question every few days and YOU can answer the multiple choice questions without anyone knowing who you are! ANNNND as an added bonus-since you already come back multiple times a day to read comments ( you dont? Well, you should...I know *I* do!) now you can also see the poll results!
Sweeeeet! I know you're going to LOVE this :-)
And if you ARE the commenting type, feel free to leave me poll question suggestions.
Thanks to my dear friend Justin for making this dream a reality.
Since soooo many of you REFUSE to comment because you have to tell us all who you are...I've come up with a new exciting way for you to interact in the blogging world- anonymous polls! That's right! I will ask you a new question every few days and YOU can answer the multiple choice questions without anyone knowing who you are! ANNNND as an added bonus-since you already come back multiple times a day to read comments ( you dont? Well, you should...I know *I* do!) now you can also see the poll results!
Sweeeeet! I know you're going to LOVE this :-)
And if you ARE the commenting type, feel free to leave me poll question suggestions.
Thanks to my dear friend Justin for making this dream a reality.
Ghetto style...
I woke up to the sound of yelling this morning...it FELT like it was 4 o'clock in the morning...but turns out it was 2:30. meh, whatever, once I'm asleep it doesnt matter WHAT time it is! It was a bad time.
Unfortunately(?) the yelling wasnt coming from Formally Known as Evil Neighbor's apartment-because, no matter HOW far I've come in my forgivness and loving ones neighbor ways...it would have been kinda satisfying to call the police on her. Anyway, instead, the yelling was coming from my OTHER neighbors...I share a bedroom wall with them...and last night I shared in their yelling conversation as well. It was seriously THAT loud-and it went on for HOURS.
What I deduced from what I could hear:
A. A women was very very angry about something.
B. Said women had an incredible set of lungs.
C. The anger did not subside though it would take a breather for several minutes every now and then-allowing me to fall back asleep and then be awakened allll ooooover again.
But, even though I had this little incident-I am suprisingly awake and with it today. Probably because I had coffee with Trinity this morning. A nice way to start the day. (Have to soak in as much Trinity and James time as possible because pretty soon they will be James, Trinity and Baby...so crazy! Yet oh-so-exciting. )
Plus...its FRIDAY! *whew* I cant tell you how HAPPY I am about this fact, and while I am working tomorrow I get Sunday off-which is far more important to me than Saturdays anyway.
Plus...Dr.Happy bought Dee and I lunch-wooooo! that man lives through his stomache and every so often ( at least once a week) he will use Dee and I as an excuse to eat out for lunch instead of eating the salads his poor wife tries in vain to get him to eat.
Unfortunately(?) the yelling wasnt coming from Formally Known as Evil Neighbor's apartment-because, no matter HOW far I've come in my forgivness and loving ones neighbor ways...it would have been kinda satisfying to call the police on her. Anyway, instead, the yelling was coming from my OTHER neighbors...I share a bedroom wall with them...and last night I shared in their yelling conversation as well. It was seriously THAT loud-and it went on for HOURS.
What I deduced from what I could hear:
A. A women was very very angry about something.
B. Said women had an incredible set of lungs.
C. The anger did not subside though it would take a breather for several minutes every now and then-allowing me to fall back asleep and then be awakened allll ooooover again.
But, even though I had this little incident-I am suprisingly awake and with it today. Probably because I had coffee with Trinity this morning. A nice way to start the day. (Have to soak in as much Trinity and James time as possible because pretty soon they will be James, Trinity and Baby...so crazy! Yet oh-so-exciting. )
Plus...its FRIDAY! *whew* I cant tell you how HAPPY I am about this fact, and while I am working tomorrow I get Sunday off-which is far more important to me than Saturdays anyway.
Plus...Dr.Happy bought Dee and I lunch-wooooo! that man lives through his stomache and every so often ( at least once a week) he will use Dee and I as an excuse to eat out for lunch instead of eating the salads his poor wife tries in vain to get him to eat.
January 26, 2006
"Reading Room, this is Abbey!"
So, close your eyes and imagine me lounging in front of the T.V. letting my brain "rest" while I watch a DVD...and then the phone rings...and I answer it....
Let me just tell you-it is REEEEALLY amazing that I dont just blurt out "Reading Room, this is Abbey!" without thinking, since I say it a million times a day...in fact, today ( starting now, at 10:23) I am going to COUNT how many times I say it.
Somethings just are imbedded in your subconscious...
Hey, so how's everyones day going? I havent blogged this early in a while! I guess its just one of those days where I am in a more "talkative" mood. Something I havent really been in a while-who knows why? I guess I've had a lot on my mind-you know, personal details-the stuff we so carefully avoid...( ooooh maaaan! I just realized I had started to quote a movie without realizing it! hahaha!)
Anyway, we all know its not true about the "personal details"...I am constantly sharing toomuchinformation with my readers...But, amazingly enough there ARE some things I dont write about! HA! Imagine that!!!!
Actually, I think the reason for the lackluster-take on blogging this week is that I realized just that...words are often not enough.
Example: Most of the time, during my quiet times I write down just about EVERY THING. Its almost like I really cant sort things out well enough in my head-I have to write it down for it to stick-or at least that's how I feel sometimes.
BUT, there are somethings that are too deep for words...too personal even for a personal journal. But, even as I write this I think-is that actually true? I think of some of my favorite authors and I think about how BEAUTIFULLY they express the very whispers in my soul...they put words to very personal feelings...infact, as I read their words I say out loud, "YES! That's EXACTLY how it is!!!"
I guess you could say that is why I love them so much...they are like translators of the deepest communications with God.
I think that type of translating is truly a Gift from God, and as I see how very often I fail at being able to do it on my own-I am more and more thankful for those with the gift...how they have helped and encouraged my spiritual life....how they have put the most important of experiences into words for me!
Let me just tell you-it is REEEEALLY amazing that I dont just blurt out "Reading Room, this is Abbey!" without thinking, since I say it a million times a day...in fact, today ( starting now, at 10:23) I am going to COUNT how many times I say it.
Somethings just are imbedded in your subconscious...
Hey, so how's everyones day going? I havent blogged this early in a while! I guess its just one of those days where I am in a more "talkative" mood. Something I havent really been in a while-who knows why? I guess I've had a lot on my mind-you know, personal details-the stuff we so carefully avoid...( ooooh maaaan! I just realized I had started to quote a movie without realizing it! hahaha!)
Anyway, we all know its not true about the "personal details"...I am constantly sharing toomuchinformation with my readers...But, amazingly enough there ARE some things I dont write about! HA! Imagine that!!!!
Actually, I think the reason for the lackluster-take on blogging this week is that I realized just that...words are often not enough.
Example: Most of the time, during my quiet times I write down just about EVERY THING. Its almost like I really cant sort things out well enough in my head-I have to write it down for it to stick-or at least that's how I feel sometimes.
BUT, there are somethings that are too deep for words...too personal even for a personal journal. But, even as I write this I think-is that actually true? I think of some of my favorite authors and I think about how BEAUTIFULLY they express the very whispers in my soul...they put words to very personal feelings...infact, as I read their words I say out loud, "YES! That's EXACTLY how it is!!!"
I guess you could say that is why I love them so much...they are like translators of the deepest communications with God.
I think that type of translating is truly a Gift from God, and as I see how very often I fail at being able to do it on my own-I am more and more thankful for those with the gift...how they have helped and encouraged my spiritual life....how they have put the most important of experiences into words for me!
January 25, 2006
nursemaid...
So today I spent the whole day being a nurse and a maid...both went rather well...though I do have a killer-as headache going on here...
The "nurse" part was taking care of my sister after her routine procedure (doesnt that sound very official of me?)...she is an excellent patient-in fact, I did very little "caregiving" at all...and mostly filled up her cup with more juice...and went out and got her food and helped her watch movies...yeah, being a nurse is a tough life but somebodies got to do it. ;-)
The maid part was pretty awful, because for once I reeeeeally didnt want to clean the apartment-I've been putting it off for days-hoping that the housecleaning fairies would do it for me-but, alas, they didnt...and let me just tell you...it was gross...and I wasnt in the mood...and the ONLY thing that can make cleaning an apartment better isssssss....waaaait foooor itttttt....NEW CLEANING SUPPLIES! That's right!!!! I went out and bought possibly the BEST Swiffer dry/wet mop/broom....all you have to do is put on these amazing little cloths...clever dry ones that pick up the tiniest bits of dust...and then marvelous wet ones that MOP your floor without all the nastiness that is so often involved in regular mopping ( the gross dirt from the last time you mopped-still stuck in the mop....the inevitable spilling of water everywhere-possibly just when I do it but whatever...etc etc.) Anyway, I could rave on about my Swiffer mop/broom for days but instead I'll continue on with my AMAZING tolietbowl cleaner...these wonderful disposable brushes that you clip onto a long handle...you scrub the toliet with them..and when you are through you just push a button and the brush drops into the toliet where it dissolves...or gets flushed away which every you decide...oooooh! it is magic....and you, the cleaner...do not have to take a dripping brush out of a toliet and stash it somewhere...NO! NEVER AGAIN!!!!
Once again...I could go on for days...but instead I'll tell you about my "magic eraser" spunge that magically cleans away all scum in the bathtub/shower in practically two swips....At first I laughed at the name "magic eraser"...but now...now I do not doubt its powers....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! the power of Clean!
*pause*
ohmygoodness...I just spent an entire paragraph discussing the joys of cleaning products! Its official....I am a freak...
The "nurse" part was taking care of my sister after her routine procedure (doesnt that sound very official of me?)...she is an excellent patient-in fact, I did very little "caregiving" at all...and mostly filled up her cup with more juice...and went out and got her food and helped her watch movies...yeah, being a nurse is a tough life but somebodies got to do it. ;-)
The maid part was pretty awful, because for once I reeeeeally didnt want to clean the apartment-I've been putting it off for days-hoping that the housecleaning fairies would do it for me-but, alas, they didnt...and let me just tell you...it was gross...and I wasnt in the mood...and the ONLY thing that can make cleaning an apartment better isssssss....waaaait foooor itttttt....NEW CLEANING SUPPLIES! That's right!!!! I went out and bought possibly the BEST Swiffer dry/wet mop/broom....all you have to do is put on these amazing little cloths...clever dry ones that pick up the tiniest bits of dust...and then marvelous wet ones that MOP your floor without all the nastiness that is so often involved in regular mopping ( the gross dirt from the last time you mopped-still stuck in the mop....the inevitable spilling of water everywhere-possibly just when I do it but whatever...etc etc.) Anyway, I could rave on about my Swiffer mop/broom for days but instead I'll continue on with my AMAZING tolietbowl cleaner...these wonderful disposable brushes that you clip onto a long handle...you scrub the toliet with them..and when you are through you just push a button and the brush drops into the toliet where it dissolves...or gets flushed away which every you decide...oooooh! it is magic....and you, the cleaner...do not have to take a dripping brush out of a toliet and stash it somewhere...NO! NEVER AGAIN!!!!
Once again...I could go on for days...but instead I'll tell you about my "magic eraser" spunge that magically cleans away all scum in the bathtub/shower in practically two swips....At first I laughed at the name "magic eraser"...but now...now I do not doubt its powers....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! the power of Clean!
*pause*
ohmygoodness...I just spent an entire paragraph discussing the joys of cleaning products! Its official....I am a freak...
January 24, 2006
Lord of the Ring Goodness, Part 3ish
"And here is your brooch, Pippin, " said Aragorn. "I have kept it safe, for it is a very precious thing."
"I know," said Pippin. "It was a wrench to let it go; but what else could I do?"
"Nothing else," answered Aragorn. "One who cannot cast away treasure at need is in fetters. You did rightly."
~
"It seems almost peacful now, after all the turmoil. And safer too, somehow, since Gandalf came back. I could sleep!"
~
"I will come," said Gimli. "I wish to see (Saruman) and learn if he really looks like you ( Gandalf)."
"And how will you learn that, Master Dwarf?" said Gandalf." Saruman could look like me in your eyes, if it suited his purpose with you. And are you yet wise enough to detect all his counterfeits? Well, we shall see.."
~
"Those who listen unwarily to the ( voice of Saruman) could seldom report the words that they heard; and if they did, they wondered, for little power remained in them. Mostly they remembered only that it was a delight to hear the voice speaking, all that it said seemed wise and reasonable, and desire awoke in them by swift agreement to seem wise themselves."
~
"You are a liar, Saruman, and a corrupter of men's hearts. You hold out your hand to me, and I perceive only a finger of the claw of Mordor, Cruel and cold!....A lesser son of great sires am I, but I do not need to lick your fingers. Turn elsewhither. But I fear your voice has lost its charm."
~
"So great was the power that Saruman exerted in this last effort that none that stood withinin hearing were unmoved...Even in the mind of Theoden the thought took shape, like a shadow of doubt: '(Gandalf) will betray us; he will go-we shall be lost.'
-Then Gandalf laughed. The fantasy vanished like a puff of smoke."
~
"Gandalf has grown, or something. He can be both kinder and more alarming, merrier and more solemn than before, I think. He has changed, but we have not had a chance to see how much."
~
"When have I been hasty or unwary, who have waited and prepared for so many long years?' said Aragorn.
"Never yet. Do not then stumble at the end of the road." said Gandalf.
"I know," said Pippin. "It was a wrench to let it go; but what else could I do?"
"Nothing else," answered Aragorn. "One who cannot cast away treasure at need is in fetters. You did rightly."
~
"It seems almost peacful now, after all the turmoil. And safer too, somehow, since Gandalf came back. I could sleep!"
~
"I will come," said Gimli. "I wish to see (Saruman) and learn if he really looks like you ( Gandalf)."
"And how will you learn that, Master Dwarf?" said Gandalf." Saruman could look like me in your eyes, if it suited his purpose with you. And are you yet wise enough to detect all his counterfeits? Well, we shall see.."
~
"Those who listen unwarily to the ( voice of Saruman) could seldom report the words that they heard; and if they did, they wondered, for little power remained in them. Mostly they remembered only that it was a delight to hear the voice speaking, all that it said seemed wise and reasonable, and desire awoke in them by swift agreement to seem wise themselves."
~
"You are a liar, Saruman, and a corrupter of men's hearts. You hold out your hand to me, and I perceive only a finger of the claw of Mordor, Cruel and cold!....A lesser son of great sires am I, but I do not need to lick your fingers. Turn elsewhither. But I fear your voice has lost its charm."
~
"So great was the power that Saruman exerted in this last effort that none that stood withinin hearing were unmoved...Even in the mind of Theoden the thought took shape, like a shadow of doubt: '(Gandalf) will betray us; he will go-we shall be lost.'
-Then Gandalf laughed. The fantasy vanished like a puff of smoke."
~
"Gandalf has grown, or something. He can be both kinder and more alarming, merrier and more solemn than before, I think. He has changed, but we have not had a chance to see how much."
~
"When have I been hasty or unwary, who have waited and prepared for so many long years?' said Aragorn.
"Never yet. Do not then stumble at the end of the road." said Gandalf.
a reallygood post
I've been thinking about it all day long: sometime to write...anything at all, but preferably sometime interesting and entertaining for the MASSIVE READERSHIP OF THIS BLOG ( seriously, the numbers are dropping like the F-bomb on HBO)to find themselves glued to in the middle of the day ( at first I spelled "glued" like "glewed" which, obviously, looked really wrong), ignoring their work and their constant ringing telephones or anyone who might be trying to talk to them, instead, intently focused on my amazing storytelling abilities...
So, I just read over that paragraph and I had to change "massive readers of this blog" to "massive readership" because well, since when do I comment about your physical appearance, dear blog-reader? I shant start today that is fOUR-SHORE!
Anyway, I sadly couldnt think of anything extremely timely or interesting to share with you-which is sad isnt it? But, instead of a well-formed, well-thought-out monologue on the delights of Abigail's Day...how about just random thoughts? HOW ABOUT THAT INSTEAD?! *sigh* It is the best I can do since its almost three o'clock and nothing has happened yet...
~
My apartment complex is becoming increasingly ghetto, and the latest diminstration of that is, instead of putting in a four-digit code to get into our beloved "gated community" , you must find the two wires sticking out of the box next to the gate and "stick them together"...then the gates open. Yes, its true.
There needs to be a website devoted to keeping track of all "80s child stars" and putting up pictures of them now...I would totally go to that website.
I watched the movie
Ocean's Twelve yesterday because I bought the DVD for four dollars...I STILL dont really understand the plot-I even went to the imdb.com website for some insight and they didnt help me at all...
My Aunt Donnave got me hooked on Java Jack's Vanilla Lattes with Cinnamon sprinkled on top while she was here, when I woke up this morning the only thing that got me out of bed was the idea of getting one before work.
One of my favorite things to do is laugh-and my sister and I pride ourselves of laughing "out loud" when we find things funny...its suprising how many people do not practice this method of laughing...I feel sad for them. But, on that note a lady just came into the reading room and she had the greatest giggle ever. I feel confident that everytime she giggles like that people smile. I aspire to be like that...
So, I just read over that paragraph and I had to change "massive readers of this blog" to "massive readership" because well, since when do I comment about your physical appearance, dear blog-reader? I shant start today that is fOUR-SHORE!
Anyway, I sadly couldnt think of anything extremely timely or interesting to share with you-which is sad isnt it? But, instead of a well-formed, well-thought-out monologue on the delights of Abigail's Day...how about just random thoughts? HOW ABOUT THAT INSTEAD?! *sigh* It is the best I can do since its almost three o'clock and nothing has happened yet...
~
My apartment complex is becoming increasingly ghetto, and the latest diminstration of that is, instead of putting in a four-digit code to get into our beloved "gated community" , you must find the two wires sticking out of the box next to the gate and "stick them together"...then the gates open. Yes, its true.
There needs to be a website devoted to keeping track of all "80s child stars" and putting up pictures of them now...I would totally go to that website.
I watched the movie
Ocean's Twelve yesterday because I bought the DVD for four dollars...I STILL dont really understand the plot-I even went to the imdb.com website for some insight and they didnt help me at all...
My Aunt Donnave got me hooked on Java Jack's Vanilla Lattes with Cinnamon sprinkled on top while she was here, when I woke up this morning the only thing that got me out of bed was the idea of getting one before work.
One of my favorite things to do is laugh-and my sister and I pride ourselves of laughing "out loud" when we find things funny...its suprising how many people do not practice this method of laughing...I feel sad for them. But, on that note a lady just came into the reading room and she had the greatest giggle ever. I feel confident that everytime she giggles like that people smile. I aspire to be like that...
January 23, 2006
M is for Monday
This morning my alarm pushed me up out of the deepest, greatest sleep ever...I seriously put water on to boil ( for my coffee) whilest I was still asleep and actually awoke while I was brushing my teeth. Scary. Or IS it? I mean, it would be awesome if I could train myself to sleep while doing all my morning activities and set an alarm at the front door to wake me up as I grab my car keys...yes, that would add a good fifteen minutes to my sleep schedule.
I really dont want to be at work today, I feel very lazy.
I really dont want to be at work today, I feel very lazy.
January 22, 2006
Today, the burden will be cast off...
I had a much needed talk with my Aunt Donnave tonight. As we talked, so much came to light....clear as the sun on a cloudless day....And while I came home and wrote it all down ( as I do with all important things...who can sleep in until its on paper!), and while all the right words have been said-and in a way I know it is already finished in the sight of God...and that my wounds are healed, the victory is His, the lies have been cast down, the bonds broken...truly, it is finished-yet even though I know that, I see that I have probably only scratched the surface of the lies I have believed over the years, luckily with the Lord it is a great delight to the Believer....to be able to, TRULY, leave it in His hands...
"He is like a refiner's fire and like a launder's soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver." ~Mal 3:2
"...therefore strengthen the hands which hand down and the feeble knees." ~Heb12:12
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."~Rom 5:3-5
Yes, it came with such delight tonight when I realized that this burden that I've lived under since I can remember...that I dont have to live under it anymore! I know! You would think I would have realized this a long time ago, right? But, NO!
I actually felt joy in my heart when I saw that this "wasnt normal" that that normal was possible....I mean, I have to admit it still seems impossible to NOT have that fear accompanying me everyday...but I know that the impossible is possible with my God.
Wow, my faith just wasnt big enough! How sobering to realize I let God fix the "fixable" things in my life...but not the tough stuff....because it was tough....but, nope...I WANT it fixed....i dont want to live with this anymore....that's all I can say now-because that's about all Iunderstand of the situation.
But I will say this
Praise be to the Lord God, for all that He does is Just and Good....
"He is like a refiner's fire and like a launder's soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver." ~Mal 3:2
"...therefore strengthen the hands which hand down and the feeble knees." ~Heb12:12
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."~Rom 5:3-5
Yes, it came with such delight tonight when I realized that this burden that I've lived under since I can remember...that I dont have to live under it anymore! I know! You would think I would have realized this a long time ago, right? But, NO!
I actually felt joy in my heart when I saw that this "wasnt normal" that that normal was possible....I mean, I have to admit it still seems impossible to NOT have that fear accompanying me everyday...but I know that the impossible is possible with my God.
Wow, my faith just wasnt big enough! How sobering to realize I let God fix the "fixable" things in my life...but not the tough stuff....because it was tough....but, nope...I WANT it fixed....i dont want to live with this anymore....that's all I can say now-because that's about all Iunderstand of the situation.
But I will say this
Praise be to the Lord God, for all that He does is Just and Good....
January 20, 2006
ugg....I feel fat!
hehehe...maaaan! I ate the best foods today, seriously, I feel like I spent the whole day eating ( not a bad thing!) :
Sushi....mmmmmmmm! Sushi Ya's House Roll rocks my world-and yes, that is the place where Katie and I made a huge spectical of ourselves almost a year ago ( seriously! Was it THAT LONG ago!?)...luckily, I was with Paul and he's all buddy-buddy with Jim ( the owner and the guy that yelled at Katie)....so I may be working my way back into good graces..
after just a few hours...
Italian food....mmmmmm! Went to Union Cafe with the family ( Aunty D. is HERE!!!! yaaaaaay! It soooo great having her here, she is truly a kindred spirit.) and I had the best tortollini ( is that how you spell it?!) and it was fantastic. Finished the night with dessert and I am STUFFED.
I need some water...I'm thirsty...nighty night!
Sushi....mmmmmmmm! Sushi Ya's House Roll rocks my world-and yes, that is the place where Katie and I made a huge spectical of ourselves almost a year ago ( seriously! Was it THAT LONG ago!?)...luckily, I was with Paul and he's all buddy-buddy with Jim ( the owner and the guy that yelled at Katie)....so I may be working my way back into good graces..
after just a few hours...
Italian food....mmmmmm! Went to Union Cafe with the family ( Aunty D. is HERE!!!! yaaaaaay! It soooo great having her here, she is truly a kindred spirit.) and I had the best tortollini ( is that how you spell it?!) and it was fantastic. Finished the night with dessert and I am STUFFED.
I need some water...I'm thirsty...nighty night!
Mush for brains...
You would NEVER know that I slept 14 hours yesterday from the way I'm feeling at this moment in time. I really dont want to be at work-though, I will grant that the indepth, thirty minute chat about eating and food that I just had with one of my doctors WAS fascinating. :-P
Last night I watched the movie Serenity, and while at times I felt like I was evesdropping on some crazy nerd-fest...I would be lying if I said I didnt totally enjoy this movie. I was suprised at how I got into it! And I may and I stress the may...try to track down the DVDs of Firefly ( which is the TV show the movie was based on for those that didnt know)and give them a go one of these days when I'm lacking something else to do ;-)
How's that for a movie plug? heh.
Anywho, I am stuck here at work until 12:30 *whimper*....this week has just been tooooo long for my liking.
Last night I watched the movie Serenity, and while at times I felt like I was evesdropping on some crazy nerd-fest...I would be lying if I said I didnt totally enjoy this movie. I was suprised at how I got into it! And I may and I stress the may...try to track down the DVDs of Firefly ( which is the TV show the movie was based on for those that didnt know)and give them a go one of these days when I'm lacking something else to do ;-)
How's that for a movie plug? heh.
Anywho, I am stuck here at work until 12:30 *whimper*....this week has just been tooooo long for my liking.
January 19, 2006
Beauty Sleep
My blinds broke in my bed room...now they are frozen in time facing the wrong way-so that the sun can sneak in through the slits at very early hours. Its annoying, but I guess I can live with it.
However, last night I was feeling rather sickish ( as I always seem to right before my day off) so I took the opportunity to be a diva and put on one of those eye mask things which block out all forms of light....which is how I slept till 12 noon...and then, took some migrane medicane ( my head was killing me) and slept until 3.
Seriously, if that thing about beauty sleep was true I would be a knockout by now...instead I'm looking a bit rough. ;-)
hehe.
Heading to the video store now...
However, last night I was feeling rather sickish ( as I always seem to right before my day off) so I took the opportunity to be a diva and put on one of those eye mask things which block out all forms of light....which is how I slept till 12 noon...and then, took some migrane medicane ( my head was killing me) and slept until 3.
Seriously, if that thing about beauty sleep was true I would be a knockout by now...instead I'm looking a bit rough. ;-)
hehe.
Heading to the video store now...
January 18, 2006
the fiveoclock news ( the morning version)
Five am this morning I got the greatest, most exciting news! Penny was accepted to Nursing school in Sydney!! :-)
Of course, I dont actually remember if I told Penny congraduations or not...or if I even portrayed how excited I really was...I have a good feeling I answered the phone in my sleep and woke up as she said the words " I got into Sydney."
Anyway, I woke again when my alarm went off at seven and did the appropriate happy dance THEN, instead of at five. hehehe.
I gotta say, I feel pretty special that my friends would call me-day or night-to share happy/sad/exciting/important news with me. I love that.
Anyway, I now have another friend in Australia! Oh, I cant tell you what an answer to prayer this is for Penny and I am SO SO excited for her. If there was ever a person who will make the perfect nurse it is Penny. And I feel that I am truly an "expert" of sorts, since I work in the medical field everyday and see the need for Godly, talented women like Penny in this profession!
In other news, I bought new pens...I was actually writing in my journal a few weeks back and three pens ran out of ink in the space of a journal entry, how is that possible? I guess, this means I really do give every pen equal writing-time. ;-)
New pens give me SUCH a thrill...yes, small joys are what make the day.
Of course, I dont actually remember if I told Penny congraduations or not...or if I even portrayed how excited I really was...I have a good feeling I answered the phone in my sleep and woke up as she said the words " I got into Sydney."
Anyway, I woke again when my alarm went off at seven and did the appropriate happy dance THEN, instead of at five. hehehe.
I gotta say, I feel pretty special that my friends would call me-day or night-to share happy/sad/exciting/important news with me. I love that.
Anyway, I now have another friend in Australia! Oh, I cant tell you what an answer to prayer this is for Penny and I am SO SO excited for her. If there was ever a person who will make the perfect nurse it is Penny. And I feel that I am truly an "expert" of sorts, since I work in the medical field everyday and see the need for Godly, talented women like Penny in this profession!
In other news, I bought new pens...I was actually writing in my journal a few weeks back and three pens ran out of ink in the space of a journal entry, how is that possible? I guess, this means I really do give every pen equal writing-time. ;-)
New pens give me SUCH a thrill...yes, small joys are what make the day.
January 17, 2006
A loveletter to the day...
-Waking up without an alarm.
-Doing my morning devotionals while still in bed.
-Watching the "highlights" of Return of the King and crying at that beautiful scene where Aragorn says to the hobbits, "You bow to no one." Seriously, does it to me EVERY time!
-Chocolate Kisses and goldfish cheese crackers-eaten together, the perfect salty-sweet combo.
-Going to work with good praise songs in your head.
-Having both doctors be in a good mood at the same time.
Perfect!
-Doing my morning devotionals while still in bed.
-Watching the "highlights" of Return of the King and crying at that beautiful scene where Aragorn says to the hobbits, "You bow to no one." Seriously, does it to me EVERY time!
-Chocolate Kisses and goldfish cheese crackers-eaten together, the perfect salty-sweet combo.
-Going to work with good praise songs in your head.
-Having both doctors be in a good mood at the same time.
Perfect!
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