Tuesday, October 31, 2006
So, today is Tuesday, and it's raining, and cold...so we definately need something to life the spirits. So, here are two videos that made me laugh this morning...because I am a morbid freak with a weird sense of humour.
Google Video link
Is it bad that the lifeguard video makes me want to become a lifeguard just to do this?
Google Video link
Okay, I know I am a horrible person for laughing at this one, but seriously I couldn't help it this morning, and the lady beside him was laughing.
So yes folks, it's Tuesday...don't forget to laugh.
Google Video link
Is it bad that the lifeguard video makes me want to become a lifeguard just to do this?
Google Video link
Okay, I know I am a horrible person for laughing at this one, but seriously I couldn't help it this morning, and the lady beside him was laughing.
So yes folks, it's Tuesday...don't forget to laugh.
Labels: Humour
Monday, October 30, 2006
So, in a blog post yesterday I mentioned that there were cops all over my street when I came home from Sarnia yesterday afternoon. Well, when I went out last night they were still there, and this morning - they were still there. I was starting to wonder if my fans had gone out of control trying to get my autograph, when I heard the news on my way to work. Apparently, a domestic dispute happened Saturday evening - and the police responded to the call only to find the man had shut himself into the home. After an eight hour stand-off with the police and various gun fire - the man was found dead in the home. The police are determining if it was a self-inflicted gun shot or from the police.
I guess there is a reason why there are bars on my windows and three locks on my door - as this house is right across the street from me. I'm a little sad by the fact that I missed the shoot-out....but I now understand why the cops were not very excited about letting me into my home.
So yes, just another day in London.
I guess there is a reason why there are bars on my windows and three locks on my door - as this house is right across the street from me. I'm a little sad by the fact that I missed the shoot-out....but I now understand why the cops were not very excited about letting me into my home.
So yes, just another day in London.
Labels: News
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Is lying always wrong? Or are there instances when it is justified?
What are your thoughts?
What are your thoughts?
Labels: Questions
So.....starting Wednesday night I was on a media/internet/phone fast. The goal was for me to cut out all the extra junk in my life so that I could hear God and spend time with Him. I must say, by cutting all the extra's out of my days I realized how much I waste time on these things. So, Friday night I decided to go to this College and Career group....I met some really cool people, and hung out till after 12:30 (I think that's a good sign). I also am going to be playing indoor soccer with these people on a league, which should be a fantabulous workout, to say the least. Last night I decided to head out to Living Worship and support my peeps - and they convinced me to spend the night. Thankfully Julie and her family were nice enough to give me pj's, a sleeping bag, and toothpaste....along with breakfast and stuff.
So yes, a fabulous weekend, some great talks with people I haven't talked to in way to long.
There are cops all over my road, a whole lot of them, and they barely let me go to my house without basically following me to my door. I want to know what happened, but they aren't very friendly - I suppose I could see if they will let me go past the signs and see what happened, though I highly doubt it.
So yes, a fabulous weekend, some great talks with people I haven't talked to in way to long.
There are cops all over my road, a whole lot of them, and they barely let me go to my house without basically following me to my door. I want to know what happened, but they aren't very friendly - I suppose I could see if they will let me go past the signs and see what happened, though I highly doubt it.
Labels: Ramblings
Saturday, October 28, 2006
WANTED:
One male sea horse, willing to marry one female human being with brown hair and eyes. Responsibilities and privileges of said relationship include changing the oil in said female’s car while making sure the car always has enough gas, making the salads for supper, being the strong protector during episodes of CSI, and most importantly – carrying and birthing the babies of this female being with brown hair and eyes.
Any interested sea horses are asked to contact Ms. K (said female with brown hair and eyes).
One male sea horse, willing to marry one female human being with brown hair and eyes. Responsibilities and privileges of said relationship include changing the oil in said female’s car while making sure the car always has enough gas, making the salads for supper, being the strong protector during episodes of CSI, and most importantly – carrying and birthing the babies of this female being with brown hair and eyes.
Any interested sea horses are asked to contact Ms. K (said female with brown hair and eyes).
Labels: Classifieds
You have the opportunity to win ten million dollars (and that is after all the taxes are taken off). There is only one small catch, you have to do one of the following things:
1) Put your children up for adoption.
2) Become a prostitute for a week.
3) Give up your American/Canadian citizenship.
4) Abandon your church.
5) Abandon your family.
6) Kill a stranger.
7) Have a sex-change operation.
8) Leave your spouse.
You do one of those things, and you get the ten million dollars. What would you do?
America responded to this question and here is what they said:
7% would murder for the money. 4% would change their sex. 25% would abandon their family, 25% would abandon their church, 23% would become a prostitute for a week, 16% would leave their spouse, and 3% would put their children up for adoption.
2/3 of the people polled said they would do one or more of the things on the list. Only 1/3 said they would not do any of the things in the list for ten million dollars.
1) Put your children up for adoption.
2) Become a prostitute for a week.
3) Give up your American/Canadian citizenship.
4) Abandon your church.
5) Abandon your family.
6) Kill a stranger.
7) Have a sex-change operation.
8) Leave your spouse.
You do one of those things, and you get the ten million dollars. What would you do?
America responded to this question and here is what they said:
7% would murder for the money. 4% would change their sex. 25% would abandon their family, 25% would abandon their church, 23% would become a prostitute for a week, 16% would leave their spouse, and 3% would put their children up for adoption.
2/3 of the people polled said they would do one or more of the things on the list. Only 1/3 said they would not do any of the things in the list for ten million dollars.
Labels: Questions
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Today I took off work early, for no real reason other then the fact that I was sure my brain was going to explode over my computer keyboard if I didn't take some time to think without distractions. I pulled out of work, and absently watched the rain create patterns on my wind shield - the perfect day for Chapters was of course the obvious conclusion. As I walked through the door of Chapters, I was greeted with that all familiar smell of books and coffee that makes me feel like I am walking through the front door of my home after being away for far to long. So many memories are wrapped up in Chapters for me - coffee with friends, dates, laughter, stealing whip cream off of someone's latte, burying one's self in a comfy chair with a book, and so forth.
I must say, I have discovered a hot drink that I actually like. For those of you who know me, this is a miracle. Nothing like a warm carmel macchiato to take away the chill in my bones on a day like today. I browsed random book sections, all while realizing that I have not stretched my brain for fun in way to long. A few poetry and house decorating magazines later, and my mind had emptied of it's clutter and I could truly think. I must say, there is bliss in being able to truly empty one's mind of the everyday clutter, and try to view life as a whole picture.
Is it weird that carrying around a Starbucks coffee cup while in work clothes and heels makes me feel like I belong in New York in one of those high glass buildings on the 114th floor? Maybe I should take up drinking coffee, just to feel powerful - which of course is something I would laugh at myself for. Nothing like living in a world full of delusions. For some people it's a nice car, or a house they really can't afford to impress their friends and the world - for me it's a cup of Starbucks coffee.
So I found a new mall - browsed through some furniture stores and dreamed of what I could do on a bigger budget. Then I did something new, because after all, one cannot have a crazy brain exploding day without going out on the edge and buying that perfect pair of shoes (that you'll return when your senses return to you) or something of the sort. For me it was Michael's craft store. I bought two rather large canvas' and I have decided to take up some abstract art. Now the abstract part because the world would stop in it's tracks and cry if I tried to paint a human face or something of the sorts. I then decided I should take up knitting, mainly because I was walking through the knitting isle when I decided I should do something different. I figure I can knit a scarf, I mean it's not like it's rocket science.....or is it. I have images of my grandmother knitting, while talking, while reading a book, while cooking, while conquering the world with her red cape and "Super Grandmother" jump suit. I mean, if she can do all that at once, surely I can knit a scarf (and I am not sure why I heard collective laughter when I wrote that last line:)
And that my friends is what a successful break from work does - clears your brain, while giving you energy for the tough choices you need to make.
I must say, I have discovered a hot drink that I actually like. For those of you who know me, this is a miracle. Nothing like a warm carmel macchiato to take away the chill in my bones on a day like today. I browsed random book sections, all while realizing that I have not stretched my brain for fun in way to long. A few poetry and house decorating magazines later, and my mind had emptied of it's clutter and I could truly think. I must say, there is bliss in being able to truly empty one's mind of the everyday clutter, and try to view life as a whole picture.
Is it weird that carrying around a Starbucks coffee cup while in work clothes and heels makes me feel like I belong in New York in one of those high glass buildings on the 114th floor? Maybe I should take up drinking coffee, just to feel powerful - which of course is something I would laugh at myself for. Nothing like living in a world full of delusions. For some people it's a nice car, or a house they really can't afford to impress their friends and the world - for me it's a cup of Starbucks coffee.
So I found a new mall - browsed through some furniture stores and dreamed of what I could do on a bigger budget. Then I did something new, because after all, one cannot have a crazy brain exploding day without going out on the edge and buying that perfect pair of shoes (that you'll return when your senses return to you) or something of the sort. For me it was Michael's craft store. I bought two rather large canvas' and I have decided to take up some abstract art. Now the abstract part because the world would stop in it's tracks and cry if I tried to paint a human face or something of the sorts. I then decided I should take up knitting, mainly because I was walking through the knitting isle when I decided I should do something different. I figure I can knit a scarf, I mean it's not like it's rocket science.....or is it. I have images of my grandmother knitting, while talking, while reading a book, while cooking, while conquering the world with her red cape and "Super Grandmother" jump suit. I mean, if she can do all that at once, surely I can knit a scarf (and I am not sure why I heard collective laughter when I wrote that last line:)
And that my friends is what a successful break from work does - clears your brain, while giving you energy for the tough choices you need to make.
Labels: Ramblings
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name
Labels: Spiritual
Sunday, October 22, 2006
So, I woke up Saturday morning to my two little sisters standing beside my bed with breakfast. That's right, they had got up early and made me breakfast in bed, it was the sweetest thing. I think I could have kids....though Scott tells me that your own kids don't make you breakfast in bed everyday.....so either I have to train them really well....or my husband:)
I went to the same church as last week today - and recieved a very convicting sermon - on how one's view of God can play a big part on how you respond to temptation as it comes into your life. I found it convicting......
This week promises to be insanely busy....should keep me out of trouble though :)
I went to the same church as last week today - and recieved a very convicting sermon - on how one's view of God can play a big part on how you respond to temptation as it comes into your life. I found it convicting......
This week promises to be insanely busy....should keep me out of trouble though :)
Labels: Ramblings
Saturday, October 21, 2006
So last weekend was spent hanging with Gus, Nick, Julie, Laura, Ian and Tamara....good times all around. This weekend was spent with my two little sisters, Grace and Esther. We hit up the Children's Museum, shopping, watching cartoons and so forth. It definately beat working all weekend - I am quite swamped at work to say the least. Looks like I'll be heading to Ottawa and Quebec next week for work....I must say I really do enjoy travelling, though when you do it quite regularly for work....the suitcase develops a hate relationship with you.
Labels: Ramblings
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
I need a quote on leadership for the article I am writing for a magazine. I thought of making my own up, and making them sound like they were from famous people, such as:
"Show me a man without vision, and I'll point to a corpse" Matheus Lukus Blackaby
"Without vision is to be without life" Samuel D. Forgeon, Sir
"A good leader inspires others with his vision" Queen Jane E. Edwards
But then I realized that I suck at writing inspirational quotes, and lawyers check everything, so the whole fake name thing would most likely not work out for me.
So, now I am stuck staring at a blank screen and feeling uninspired on this quote thing.....grrrr
"Show me a man without vision, and I'll point to a corpse" Matheus Lukus Blackaby
"Without vision is to be without life" Samuel D. Forgeon, Sir
"A good leader inspires others with his vision" Queen Jane E. Edwards
But then I realized that I suck at writing inspirational quotes, and lawyers check everything, so the whole fake name thing would most likely not work out for me.
So, now I am stuck staring at a blank screen and feeling uninspired on this quote thing.....grrrr
Labels: Questions
Monday, October 16, 2006
Okay...so I have a fantastic new idea....which I think will totally catch and be very sucessful. People made out of food. I was sitting here craving pizza...but I don't feel like making it. Now, if I was made out of pizza, I could just eat my arm, and I wouldn't have to move and spend time cooking pizza. Of course, the genius of the idea, would be that my arm grows back in three hours after I eat it.
I think this could become a fast catching idea....I'd go for it. Eat a few hormones (basically some McDonald's food) and it messes up your system, and you become made of food. Then you can eat your arm whenever you want!!
Now I really want a pizza arm.
I think this could become a fast catching idea....I'd go for it. Eat a few hormones (basically some McDonald's food) and it messes up your system, and you become made of food. Then you can eat your arm whenever you want!!
Now I really want a pizza arm.
Labels: Ramblings
Sunday, October 15, 2006
I think I may have found a church today...which makes me very excited. The people were very nice at the church, and there was a wide spread of people also, a lot of kids, some older people and youth. Which is exciting for me, because all the churches I've been to seem to have this lopsided congregation, where everyone is like over 65. Not that it's bad, I was just hoping to have some people my age at my church.
I am going to their College and Career group, which I am excited about. They also have small groups Sunday night....and some cool youth outreach programs. So yeah, I'm excited about this and hoping it works out. Church has always been a big part of my life, and not having a church here in London is hard, I feel like half of my life is missing.
On another note, there is construction on like every single street...and it's kind of annoying because it adds about 15 miinutes at least to every trip...grrrumpkins. Oh well, hopefully it will be over soon.
I am going to their College and Career group, which I am excited about. They also have small groups Sunday night....and some cool youth outreach programs. So yeah, I'm excited about this and hoping it works out. Church has always been a big part of my life, and not having a church here in London is hard, I feel like half of my life is missing.
On another note, there is construction on like every single street...and it's kind of annoying because it adds about 15 miinutes at least to every trip...grrrumpkins. Oh well, hopefully it will be over soon.
Labels: Ramblings
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Yesterday I went to Wal-Mart, because I woke up and realized that somewhere in my travels I had lost shampoo and my brush. So, I walked into the store and made a return - the lady gave me $10.11 back in change. I then went and grabbed a brush, shampoo and coke (I know, unhealthy). The cashier rang in my stuff and said: "that will be $10.11." That kind of weirded me out.
Today my landlord's daughter came down and brought me some of my mail that had gone to the wrong mailbox. I opened this letter from an unknown source, and $25 cash fell out. Apparently I had filled in a survey for Canada Post, and they were paying me for it. Weird, though I appreciate the cash.
It snowed today, quite hard on and off all day - and it's only October - weird.
I gave blood today, and I didn't stop bleeding right away afterwards....so the nurse wrapped my arm in this large bandage....weird. Don't worry, everything is fine though.
Today my landlord's daughter came down and brought me some of my mail that had gone to the wrong mailbox. I opened this letter from an unknown source, and $25 cash fell out. Apparently I had filled in a survey for Canada Post, and they were paying me for it. Weird, though I appreciate the cash.
It snowed today, quite hard on and off all day - and it's only October - weird.
I gave blood today, and I didn't stop bleeding right away afterwards....so the nurse wrapped my arm in this large bandage....weird. Don't worry, everything is fine though.
Labels: Ramblings
Every year, English teachers from across the country can submit their collections of actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays. These excerpts are published each year to the amusement of teachers across the country. Here are last year's winners.....
1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.
2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.
3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.
4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. Coli, and he was room-temperature Canadian beef.
5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.
6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.
7. He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree.
8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.
9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.
10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bag filled with vegetable soup.
11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30.
12. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.
13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.
14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph. (Must have just left Math class)
15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.
16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.
17. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant, and she was the East River.
18. Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.
19. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.
20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.
21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.
22. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.
23. The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.
24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.
25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.
1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.
2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.
3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.
4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. Coli, and he was room-temperature Canadian beef.
5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.
6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.
7. He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree.
8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.
9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.
10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bag filled with vegetable soup.
11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30.
12. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.
13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.
14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph. (Must have just left Math class)
15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.
16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.
17. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant, and she was the East River.
18. Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.
19. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.
20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.
21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.
22. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.
23. The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.
24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.
25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.
Labels: Humour
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Well, it's been a while since I wrote one of these posts which have the possibility to offend people. So, as I sit here listening to the rain hitting the glass and the leaves whistling in the wind, I decide to write a post about honesty. Now at first glance, honesty doesn't really seem like a controversial issue. I mean, aren't Christians commanded to be honest, isn't it a virtue that is appreciated by society at large (other then politics:), do we not promote and appreciate honesty? If you had asked me that question a few weeks ago, I most likely would of agreed stating something along the lines of "I've been burned by dishonesty, so I fully appreciate and love honesty in people and myself." I have now come to a different conclusion as life unfolds before me. Now, this post is not a personal jab at people, it is my thoughts on an issue that I have been mulling through my brain, so please do not take this personally (hence the controversial title).
I think people like to believe that they value honesty and want people to be honest with them, but I think that this way of thinking is delusional. You may claim to want honesty (as I would myself), but often when we are given the cold hard facts of honesty, we shirk away from it. I think we have created a society that wants the sugar-coated honesty.
I mean, let's face it, we have grown up in a society that greets each other with "how are you" and expects to hear in response "I am good." We have become isolated individuals, where the closest we tend to get to people is when we are struck in rush hour traffic, or an over crowded elevator. Unless I have an actual connection to you, I really don't want to hear if you had a horrible day, the cat barfed on your son's shoe, you missed the bus, your marriage is on the rocks, and you hate rain.
Even if I have a personal connection to you, there are times when I really don't want to hear about your day or the stuff that you're dealing with in your life. I'll tell you I want you to be honest with me, even if it hurts - but I really only like the honesty that makes me feel good, or doesn't challenge me. We have become experts at wearing masks, pretending that our lives are all together and we don't mess up other then the same things that everyone else struggles with. We tend to give these pious answers such as "Oh, pray for me, I'm struggling with pride, or selfishness."
Now, let me clarify that I am not bashing such requests or saying that they do not exist. But it's like we've put honesty in a nice little box and we never actually spill out the issues in our lives. It's not pretty to say "I've cheated on my wife, I like stealing from my company, I have played out in my mind a million times how I would kill that person I hate." Those are the kinds of truth we don't want to know about people, because it's messy - and it requires work above just the quick "please let Bob be less selfish, or Judy to not be so prideful."
I do not believe that in the name of honesty we should spill out every little thing that's ever happened to us or issue that we are struggling with. But as I look at my own life, I realize that it's really hard for me to be brutally honest with people, because I want them to think I'm this good Christian with my life all together, and my biggest struggles are just the standard - I have pride issues. But, it's not true...there is some ugly stuff that I have/am dealing with, and it's not pretty, and people don't like to hear about it, because it's messy.
I suppose you may completely disagree with me, which you are entitled to do. But I have a feeling there is more then just me who likes the candy-coated honesty that we have gotten used to. I am going to guess that we tend to judge the people that are honest about their lives and it's not really pretty. I'm also going to hope that you will try to live without your mask, even though it's painful - and let other people see that you are a real person who struggles with real issues. My prayer is that I will become more honest, even when it makes me look bad, my prayer is that you will do the same.
I think people like to believe that they value honesty and want people to be honest with them, but I think that this way of thinking is delusional. You may claim to want honesty (as I would myself), but often when we are given the cold hard facts of honesty, we shirk away from it. I think we have created a society that wants the sugar-coated honesty.
I mean, let's face it, we have grown up in a society that greets each other with "how are you" and expects to hear in response "I am good." We have become isolated individuals, where the closest we tend to get to people is when we are struck in rush hour traffic, or an over crowded elevator. Unless I have an actual connection to you, I really don't want to hear if you had a horrible day, the cat barfed on your son's shoe, you missed the bus, your marriage is on the rocks, and you hate rain.
Even if I have a personal connection to you, there are times when I really don't want to hear about your day or the stuff that you're dealing with in your life. I'll tell you I want you to be honest with me, even if it hurts - but I really only like the honesty that makes me feel good, or doesn't challenge me. We have become experts at wearing masks, pretending that our lives are all together and we don't mess up other then the same things that everyone else struggles with. We tend to give these pious answers such as "Oh, pray for me, I'm struggling with pride, or selfishness."
Now, let me clarify that I am not bashing such requests or saying that they do not exist. But it's like we've put honesty in a nice little box and we never actually spill out the issues in our lives. It's not pretty to say "I've cheated on my wife, I like stealing from my company, I have played out in my mind a million times how I would kill that person I hate." Those are the kinds of truth we don't want to know about people, because it's messy - and it requires work above just the quick "please let Bob be less selfish, or Judy to not be so prideful."
I do not believe that in the name of honesty we should spill out every little thing that's ever happened to us or issue that we are struggling with. But as I look at my own life, I realize that it's really hard for me to be brutally honest with people, because I want them to think I'm this good Christian with my life all together, and my biggest struggles are just the standard - I have pride issues. But, it's not true...there is some ugly stuff that I have/am dealing with, and it's not pretty, and people don't like to hear about it, because it's messy.
I suppose you may completely disagree with me, which you are entitled to do. But I have a feeling there is more then just me who likes the candy-coated honesty that we have gotten used to. I am going to guess that we tend to judge the people that are honest about their lives and it's not really pretty. I'm also going to hope that you will try to live without your mask, even though it's painful - and let other people see that you are a real person who struggles with real issues. My prayer is that I will become more honest, even when it makes me look bad, my prayer is that you will do the same.
Labels: Controversial Issues
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
I came home today.....after really being away from my apartment for almost a month now. I must say, it feels good to be home, to not be living out of a suitcase. I love travelling, seeing new places, and meeting new people - but at the end of the day.....it's good to put my feet up and enjoy one of my six chairs in the living room.
As I ran out to get groceries, and then started cleaning my house - I realized something. I cleaned my bedroom and arranged the furniture differently. Which means that London is becoming home. Since moving in I have not moved anything around really - because in my head I will be moving shortly. Since in the past year I have moved five times. So, I consider the fact that I am moving around furniture a good thing - must mean I am here to stay longer then the next month.
I had a great weekend up at the cottage. The colours were absolutely beautiful, and I am convinced I have gained at least 10 pounds. My mom is a great cook, and let's face it - anytime I am not cooking for myself it's a good day!! I had some time to read, which was nice - it's been a while since I sat down and poured through a bunch of books in a short period of time.
I have some tough decisions to make in my life right now - I could use some prayer.
As I ran out to get groceries, and then started cleaning my house - I realized something. I cleaned my bedroom and arranged the furniture differently. Which means that London is becoming home. Since moving in I have not moved anything around really - because in my head I will be moving shortly. Since in the past year I have moved five times. So, I consider the fact that I am moving around furniture a good thing - must mean I am here to stay longer then the next month.
I had a great weekend up at the cottage. The colours were absolutely beautiful, and I am convinced I have gained at least 10 pounds. My mom is a great cook, and let's face it - anytime I am not cooking for myself it's a good day!! I had some time to read, which was nice - it's been a while since I sat down and poured through a bunch of books in a short period of time.
I have some tough decisions to make in my life right now - I could use some prayer.
Labels: Ramblings
Friday, October 06, 2006
The weather is beautiful, the trees have amazing colours, and there is the smell of turkey in the air. It looks like a fabulous weekend coming up. I am hoping that everyone is completely enjoying the holiday and planning on being stuffed with food, I know I am.
Though, this trip to the cottage does mean packing again.....groan....I can't wait to be home at my apartment and finally put away my suitcase and not look at it again (at least until the next trip of conference stuff).
Don't forget to enjoy the day people, it's absolutely beautiful out!
Though, this trip to the cottage does mean packing again.....groan....I can't wait to be home at my apartment and finally put away my suitcase and not look at it again (at least until the next trip of conference stuff).
Don't forget to enjoy the day people, it's absolutely beautiful out!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
I write this blog post with a huge girly (yes you can make fun of the fact that I am girly) grin on my face, and an excited giggle. I just want to introduce you all to Steve, who is now officially my boyfriend (see my flickr account for a picture). He lives in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas (which means a killer accent, even if he doesn't know how to properly say pasta and Mazda:), he is extremely brilliant (just recently wrote his LSAT and is heading off to law school next September), very very funny (I live with constant stomach pain from laughing all the time), extremely sensitive and sweet, and of course incredibly handsome! And those are just a few of his incredible qualities (yes, I'm bragging on him......)
So yes my friends, I've converted to the dark side and am presently dating an American, but if you met him I think you'd completely understand why!!
So yes, all this girliness to say, "Everyone meet my amazing boyfriend Steve - Steve, meet everyone."
So yes my friends, I've converted to the dark side and am presently dating an American, but if you met him I think you'd completely understand why!!
So yes, all this girliness to say, "Everyone meet my amazing boyfriend Steve - Steve, meet everyone."
Labels: Relationships
so, I survived my visit to the States, and am happy to be on solid ground again. I leave soon for the cottage for thanksgiving weekend with my family (can't wait!!) - and then I will be back in my little apartment, in what seems like the first time in forever.
I wore a lot of clothes today on the plane, and yet I was absolutely freezing....silly planes, and I have no really interesting stories to tell about the people who sat next to me on the plane, they all seemed relatively normal.
Did you know that one in every 10,000 people die running a marathon? The average marathon has 10,000 people racing in it. This fact I did not know, but apparently it is true. Maybe I should scratch my marathon dreams off my list of things to do before I die - or maybe I should just put it at the end of the list:)
I wore a lot of clothes today on the plane, and yet I was absolutely freezing....silly planes, and I have no really interesting stories to tell about the people who sat next to me on the plane, they all seemed relatively normal.
Did you know that one in every 10,000 people die running a marathon? The average marathon has 10,000 people racing in it. This fact I did not know, but apparently it is true. Maybe I should scratch my marathon dreams off my list of things to do before I die - or maybe I should just put it at the end of the list:)