Ok, so this may not make sense to you, but it makes sense to me...and on this blog, that's what matters!
I've started a new blog. New vision. New plan. New goals. New blog. It just wasn't enough to revamp this one. So, I'm saying goodbye to Loads of Laughter with Lo and I'm starting to Show Up for My Own Life. Join me, won't you?
www.itsurelooksbright.blogspot.com
I hope to see you there!
Lori
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Monday, July 06, 2009
Camp: Day One
Well. After a crazy two weeks of replanning and replanning and trying to get things to "work out" we are finally here at camp and well into our first day of High School Music Week. Here is a brief recap of the last 24 hours:
Just an hour after camp started last night, we had our very first choir rehearsal. It is always amazing to me to hear 75 kids who may or may not have any musical training/experience and who have never had the opportunity to sing together actually sing together for the first time. This group is incredible. They have such energy and they are already finding a wonderful blend. Everyone seems to be making an effort and even the kids who are not "into" singing are giving it their all. You can't ask for much more than that!
We had a wonderful service last night which touched on being TRANSFORMED into the image of God. Being changed isn't good enough. I think these kids really listened to what was being said and actually started thinking about what was necessary for such a transformation to take place.
Variety Time on the first night is always a little iffy. No one has had the opportunity to get comfortable yet and we aren't quite ready to show off, but we still had a great time. We introduced a few videos to the kids (Check out youtube for Miranda Sings and the comedy stylings of Tim Hawkins), got to listen to Karl sing an original piece which was very special, and enjoyed a skit by Bryson City's own John Thomas White and Rachel Kolodski - with cameo appearance by Amy Leatherwood. Finally, we heard a moving testimony from a very brave young girl that was the perfect way to end the evening.
The most amazing part of the day came at 10:45 - Lights Out cabin check. Marty checked the boys' cabins while Sarai and I headed to the girls'. At 10:45 on the very first night, every light was out, every body was in bed, and there were very few noises to speak of. Now, I'm not sure I want to know what happened after cabin check was over, but it at least started in the right way!
This group of kids has taken no time at all to really gel as a family. They have an amazing sense of humor, a desire to learn, and are all here to have the best camp experience possible. I'm excited to spend the rest of the week with them!
This is not to say that the last 24 hours have been without problems. We have had a few, but nothing major and I am most thankful for that! Keep us in your prayers and I'll keep updating as I can!!
Just an hour after camp started last night, we had our very first choir rehearsal. It is always amazing to me to hear 75 kids who may or may not have any musical training/experience and who have never had the opportunity to sing together actually sing together for the first time. This group is incredible. They have such energy and they are already finding a wonderful blend. Everyone seems to be making an effort and even the kids who are not "into" singing are giving it their all. You can't ask for much more than that!
We had a wonderful service last night which touched on being TRANSFORMED into the image of God. Being changed isn't good enough. I think these kids really listened to what was being said and actually started thinking about what was necessary for such a transformation to take place.
Variety Time on the first night is always a little iffy. No one has had the opportunity to get comfortable yet and we aren't quite ready to show off, but we still had a great time. We introduced a few videos to the kids (Check out youtube for Miranda Sings and the comedy stylings of Tim Hawkins), got to listen to Karl sing an original piece which was very special, and enjoyed a skit by Bryson City's own John Thomas White and Rachel Kolodski - with cameo appearance by Amy Leatherwood. Finally, we heard a moving testimony from a very brave young girl that was the perfect way to end the evening.
The most amazing part of the day came at 10:45 - Lights Out cabin check. Marty checked the boys' cabins while Sarai and I headed to the girls'. At 10:45 on the very first night, every light was out, every body was in bed, and there were very few noises to speak of. Now, I'm not sure I want to know what happened after cabin check was over, but it at least started in the right way!
This group of kids has taken no time at all to really gel as a family. They have an amazing sense of humor, a desire to learn, and are all here to have the best camp experience possible. I'm excited to spend the rest of the week with them!
This is not to say that the last 24 hours have been without problems. We have had a few, but nothing major and I am most thankful for that! Keep us in your prayers and I'll keep updating as I can!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Steps 2-- A LOT!
I have gotten frustrated in the past because there isn't a gym nearby and I've used that as an excuse to NOT workout anywhere. Yeah. Whatever. I work right next to WCU's campus. I pass the Smokey Mountain High School track TWICE a day. I also now have a nice gym less than 10 miles from my house that I could use. So the REAL deal is that I am totally mortified at the thought of other people seeing my feeble attempt to haul my large hiney into the gym to workout! While it isn't much, I do enjoy walking and walking is a heck of a lot better than doing nothing! So I'm making an effort! My PLAN was to get up and walk at the track BEFORE school this week. Well, yesterday was too cold and this morning I OVERSLEPT! But yesterday I discovered that walking around the picnic area of Deep Creek three times is exactly a mile and it is GORGEOUS! So yesterday after our last sign language class and before choir practice, I walked at Deep Creek while listening to some FABULOUS music and looking at the gorgeous park. Today, I hope to do the same before our 24/7 Meeting at church. They may be baby steps...but they still get you somewhere!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Step One
Well, I'm taking charge and making changes. In just a few hours I will be going to church to teach Sign Language Class. This is something I used to love to do. It got to be an extension of my school day when it stopped being an adult/older youth class and became a middle school class. I dread it every Wednesday. I don't enter into this class with an attitude of service or love or patience or anything that I should. I didn't feel God telling me to start this class again. I was much happier when I ended it the first time. I was cajoled into starting it by a few people (parents mostly) and am now miserable because I know it isn't what I am supposed to be doing. So tonight, I am announcing that this will be our last class. When God tells me to start it back, I will be glad to do so! And hopefully He will tell me to start an ADULT ONLY class. (Not that I am trying to tell God what to do!!)
So....pray for me as I go do something I hate to do: let other people down. It's just something that has to change.
So....pray for me as I go do something I hate to do: let other people down. It's just something that has to change.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Deep Breaths
Do you remember being a little kid and holding your breath underwater until you just felt like your lungs were going to burst? The best feeling in the world was that first gulp of air as you broke the surface of the water. It was THAT breath of air that was going to keep you alive. It was that breath that saved you.
I'm taking that first gulp of air today. I'm doing something I never get to do while I'm at home. I'm just taking time. I've walked a mile. I've had an adult conversation. I'm drinking coffee and reading and writing and breathing. I am very aware that I cannot get up every Monday morning and go sit in a coffee shop. Well. I could. But they would eventually turn off my power, my phone, my heat, take away my car and my house. This is not a possibility. BUT. There has to be a way to be able to do the things I MUST do and still make time for me. I know some people who are always talking about ME TIME and sometimes I think about how ridiculous or selfish they are. And maybe some of them DO want more ME TIME than they "deserve", but for the most part, I think my criticism is born out of jealousy.
I think I am at a time in my life where I am so busy being trying to be what everyone else needs me to be, that I have completely lost ME. If I don't get some ME time soon, I'm afraid I'll be lost forever. I don’t want that to happen. I cannot be the person I am supposed to be when I don’t even know me. I am so tired of spending 12-15 hours a day at school, but I don’t know how to do everything I am supposed to do in the time I am given. In the seven hours that I am in school with children not only do I not have time for the grading, planning, and paperwork, but I am creating more work with every student I work with and every lesson I teach. There is no time during the school day to get caught up and getting ahead is laughable. Leaving school, I need to do things for my own home; cleaning, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, redoing the kitchen like I have been literally planning for 6 years. There is no time for that. When I go home I am still working on school stuff or talking to “friends” who only call to tell me their problems and let me help them out of the mess they have gotten themselves in and never ask about my life. (Not that I’m bitter.)
I cannot quit my job. I like eating and having electricity too much. I don’t know how to “get rid” of those people who suck the very life force out of me without feeling guilty that I’m letting someone down or not being a good friend. I don’t do any of those things that I enjoy doing anymore. I read very little. I had been watching movies as my own personal therapy and something that I like to do, but even that has come to a standstill. I don’t even write anymore and that is something that I never thought I would quit doing. It’s something that I need to do. It’s an outlet that I need and I am feeling lost without it.
Being here and away from all the cumbersome things in life, I can see how lost I have become and how miserable I am. I am unhappy at work. I am unhappy at home. I’m not healthy. I am not happy. Now the real question is this: do I need to change me? OR do I need to change the variables around me – my job, my home. Maybe it is time for a move. Maybe it is time for a job change. Maybe it is time for a career change.
I do not plan on having knee-jerk reactions or making irrevocable decisions that are not well-thought or well-prayed out, but I do feel like it is time for many things to change. I need to take my life back from all of these things that have taken it from me and give back to the only One who knows what to do with it!
I am very thankful for the few days I have taken to get away from it all in order to really listen and look and see what needs to happen. I am thankful for safe places to make that discovery in and safe friends to make that discovery with. I cannot tell you what will happen next, but I am predicting big changes. And maybe those are only changes that I will be able to see, but just this once, it kind of has to be all about me. All about me…not in a selfish, thoughtless way, but in a self-preserving, healthy way.
I am going to do what I can do that is best for the children in my classroom, and then I’m going to let it go. I am not a miracle worker and working more hours will not turn me into one. I’m going to make my home a place I want to spend time. I am going to get lost in books that I enjoy. I am going to movies and be scared or laugh or cry. I am going to start a new journal and remember what it is like to sort through thoughts and decisions and situations clearly. I am going to make healthy decisions regarding food I eat, times I sleep, and the activities I sign myself up for. I am going to say No to others more and say Yes to things that will benefit my life. I am no longer going to see how many things I can cram into a certain time frame, but instead, see how much time I can free up during those same frames. I am not going to feel like my self-worth is directly linked to my calendar or the things I have marked off my To-Do list. I am going to answer the phone when my FRIENDS call and let other “friends” leave messages. (If you ever have to leave a message on my phone, please don’t think you have fallen into a “friend” category. My “friends” don’t read this blog. That would be the same as asking about ME.) I am going to make the time for some quality time with God. I have given Him the time…I’m just not sure about the quality lately. That needs to change FIRST.
Now, these are all easy things to say as I am sitting in a coffee shop with nothing else to do today besides pick up my favorite 4th grader from school and go to tea. I am praying for some resolve to make these things happen when I get home and back to my real life. Maybe as I drive through Virginia for 7 hours tomorrow I can find that resolve I’m looking for!
I'm taking that first gulp of air today. I'm doing something I never get to do while I'm at home. I'm just taking time. I've walked a mile. I've had an adult conversation. I'm drinking coffee and reading and writing and breathing. I am very aware that I cannot get up every Monday morning and go sit in a coffee shop. Well. I could. But they would eventually turn off my power, my phone, my heat, take away my car and my house. This is not a possibility. BUT. There has to be a way to be able to do the things I MUST do and still make time for me. I know some people who are always talking about ME TIME and sometimes I think about how ridiculous or selfish they are. And maybe some of them DO want more ME TIME than they "deserve", but for the most part, I think my criticism is born out of jealousy.
I think I am at a time in my life where I am so busy being trying to be what everyone else needs me to be, that I have completely lost ME. If I don't get some ME time soon, I'm afraid I'll be lost forever. I don’t want that to happen. I cannot be the person I am supposed to be when I don’t even know me. I am so tired of spending 12-15 hours a day at school, but I don’t know how to do everything I am supposed to do in the time I am given. In the seven hours that I am in school with children not only do I not have time for the grading, planning, and paperwork, but I am creating more work with every student I work with and every lesson I teach. There is no time during the school day to get caught up and getting ahead is laughable. Leaving school, I need to do things for my own home; cleaning, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, redoing the kitchen like I have been literally planning for 6 years. There is no time for that. When I go home I am still working on school stuff or talking to “friends” who only call to tell me their problems and let me help them out of the mess they have gotten themselves in and never ask about my life. (Not that I’m bitter.)
I cannot quit my job. I like eating and having electricity too much. I don’t know how to “get rid” of those people who suck the very life force out of me without feeling guilty that I’m letting someone down or not being a good friend. I don’t do any of those things that I enjoy doing anymore. I read very little. I had been watching movies as my own personal therapy and something that I like to do, but even that has come to a standstill. I don’t even write anymore and that is something that I never thought I would quit doing. It’s something that I need to do. It’s an outlet that I need and I am feeling lost without it.
Being here and away from all the cumbersome things in life, I can see how lost I have become and how miserable I am. I am unhappy at work. I am unhappy at home. I’m not healthy. I am not happy. Now the real question is this: do I need to change me? OR do I need to change the variables around me – my job, my home. Maybe it is time for a move. Maybe it is time for a job change. Maybe it is time for a career change.
I do not plan on having knee-jerk reactions or making irrevocable decisions that are not well-thought or well-prayed out, but I do feel like it is time for many things to change. I need to take my life back from all of these things that have taken it from me and give back to the only One who knows what to do with it!
I am very thankful for the few days I have taken to get away from it all in order to really listen and look and see what needs to happen. I am thankful for safe places to make that discovery in and safe friends to make that discovery with. I cannot tell you what will happen next, but I am predicting big changes. And maybe those are only changes that I will be able to see, but just this once, it kind of has to be all about me. All about me…not in a selfish, thoughtless way, but in a self-preserving, healthy way.
I am going to do what I can do that is best for the children in my classroom, and then I’m going to let it go. I am not a miracle worker and working more hours will not turn me into one. I’m going to make my home a place I want to spend time. I am going to get lost in books that I enjoy. I am going to movies and be scared or laugh or cry. I am going to start a new journal and remember what it is like to sort through thoughts and decisions and situations clearly. I am going to make healthy decisions regarding food I eat, times I sleep, and the activities I sign myself up for. I am going to say No to others more and say Yes to things that will benefit my life. I am no longer going to see how many things I can cram into a certain time frame, but instead, see how much time I can free up during those same frames. I am not going to feel like my self-worth is directly linked to my calendar or the things I have marked off my To-Do list. I am going to answer the phone when my FRIENDS call and let other “friends” leave messages. (If you ever have to leave a message on my phone, please don’t think you have fallen into a “friend” category. My “friends” don’t read this blog. That would be the same as asking about ME.) I am going to make the time for some quality time with God. I have given Him the time…I’m just not sure about the quality lately. That needs to change FIRST.
Now, these are all easy things to say as I am sitting in a coffee shop with nothing else to do today besides pick up my favorite 4th grader from school and go to tea. I am praying for some resolve to make these things happen when I get home and back to my real life. Maybe as I drive through Virginia for 7 hours tomorrow I can find that resolve I’m looking for!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Something New
Well, it's a new year and I don't feel all that new. I'm a little uncertain of what this year holds. (I guess that means I've lost the crystal ball that told me of my future in years past. Geez.) I guess what I mean is I'm looking some severe education burnout right in the face and I'm not sure what steps will be necessary to remedy it! I don't feel that my calling has changed. I feel that what I'm being asked to do in my job has changed. I'm not so sure the two match each other any more so it may be time to do a little less complaining and a little more reflection.
I used to make only resolutions that I knew I could keep: This year I will gain 10 pounds, not start smoking, and work too much! That way I was a success at the end of the year. Last year, I got rid of a great amount of clutter in my house. This year I would like to get rid of a different kind of clutter. I want to get rid of the things that make me unhealthy. I want to get rid of the unnecessary expenses that make me ...less wealthy. And most importantly, I want to get rid of the things that are pulling my focus away from God. This is not going to be a year of starting new things, but a year of quitting the old! This year I'm gonna be a quitter!!!
I used to make only resolutions that I knew I could keep: This year I will gain 10 pounds, not start smoking, and work too much! That way I was a success at the end of the year. Last year, I got rid of a great amount of clutter in my house. This year I would like to get rid of a different kind of clutter. I want to get rid of the things that make me unhealthy. I want to get rid of the unnecessary expenses that make me ...less wealthy. And most importantly, I want to get rid of the things that are pulling my focus away from God. This is not going to be a year of starting new things, but a year of quitting the old! This year I'm gonna be a quitter!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Countdown Continues
Sometimes, as I get closer to a deadline, panic really sets in. Sometimes, as I get closer to a deadline, I come to the realization that I can't do anything else about it and I just tuck in for the remainder of the time. Fortunately, I am not panicked at this point. I still plan on practicing at least three hours on Thursday and again on Friday, but really, what else can I do? I'll do the best I can. The cantata will happen. People will worship because of what we add to the service or despite my playing, but worship is not dependent upon ME. I like to think that things are about me...but not so much!
As far as presents go. Well, I'd like to be well thought out, in search of the perfect gift and the best bargain and the perfect gift bag....but this year it may be more practical gifts and I may slap a bow on a Target bag. It's still the thought, right??
So, 2 more days of school.
3 more days to practice before the Cantata.
ONE WEEK to get all my shopping and wrapping done.
Take a deep breath and hang on tight!!!
As far as presents go. Well, I'd like to be well thought out, in search of the perfect gift and the best bargain and the perfect gift bag....but this year it may be more practical gifts and I may slap a bow on a Target bag. It's still the thought, right??
So, 2 more days of school.
3 more days to practice before the Cantata.
ONE WEEK to get all my shopping and wrapping done.
Take a deep breath and hang on tight!!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
5 more days
Ok. So now, I have a plan. A schedule. An OCD attempt to make me feel better about all the things I have to do in the next two weeks!!!
After an entire day of practicing piano and then wrapping the TWO gifts I have purchased, I have made a teeny tiny dent in my To Do List. Hopefully, tomorrow will go the way I think it should and the dent can grow.
Brooke - a kamikaze shopping trip sounds like it is exactly what I need. Got big plans on Saturday? :)
5 more days of school.
5 more days of current leadership.
6 more days until the cantata.
11 more days until Christmas.
Some of these countdowns are exciting....some of them are SCARY!!!! Regardless....they are all coming!
After an entire day of practicing piano and then wrapping the TWO gifts I have purchased, I have made a teeny tiny dent in my To Do List. Hopefully, tomorrow will go the way I think it should and the dent can grow.
Brooke - a kamikaze shopping trip sounds like it is exactly what I need. Got big plans on Saturday? :)
5 more days of school.
5 more days of current leadership.
6 more days until the cantata.
11 more days until Christmas.
Some of these countdowns are exciting....some of them are SCARY!!!! Regardless....they are all coming!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
'Tis the Season
to be stressed?? Maybe. All I know is that I am really trying to take steps to stop it before it gets out of control. I spent all day at school today. Everything is ready for school for the entire week so that at least gets us through the rest of the year. Aside from daily grading, I think I'm set there. Tomorrow, I'll spend the entire day practicing the cantata. Actually, I'll spend part of the time rewriting it and the rest of the time practicing it. I'll be very happy when it is over. I am really starting to resent these things that make me wish away this holiday season. I'm not sure what the answer is. I've asked Dad if we can't spend just a few minutes each rehearsal on a different cantata song throughout the year - learning a song a month. I think it makes a lot of sense. He doesn't. So next year, I'll wave my arms around and HE can play. I'm not saying his job is easy...but it isn't quite as easy to spot his mistakes as it is mine!!! My biggest fear is that the cantata will not be what it should be because of me. That's not fair to those who have put it in all the hours at practices and extra sectional rehearsals. No pressure!
The next big stresser is the gift buying. I am usually finished shopping by now. This year, I haven't even started!!!!!!!!!!!!! That doesn't stress me out as much as the fact that I can't think of a time I am free to go shopping until December 20th! Then there's the wrapping!!! I don't want to buy a gift because it is convenient. I like well thought out gifts. I love finding those perfect things. I don't know that there is time to do that this year.
Then there's the travel. Not only do we need to be ready for Christmas here...we need to be ready to travel another 10 hours and have Christmas with family. I soooo want to be there. I sooooo don't want to go. Didn't we JUST get out of the car for Thanksgiving?
On a POSITIVE note, let me just say that my new favorite Christmas song is You're Here by Francesca Battistelli. I have yet to listen to it that it doesn't just move me to tears. I just can't imagine what Mary must have been thinking....but to notice his tiny hands and to know that someday He would stretch out those hands and save the world....that's just AMAZING! And because of reminders like that I am praying that I can let go of all of this other STUFF and really find and keep the focus of the reason for this season.
The next big stresser is the gift buying. I am usually finished shopping by now. This year, I haven't even started!!!!!!!!!!!!! That doesn't stress me out as much as the fact that I can't think of a time I am free to go shopping until December 20th! Then there's the wrapping!!! I don't want to buy a gift because it is convenient. I like well thought out gifts. I love finding those perfect things. I don't know that there is time to do that this year.
Then there's the travel. Not only do we need to be ready for Christmas here...we need to be ready to travel another 10 hours and have Christmas with family. I soooo want to be there. I sooooo don't want to go. Didn't we JUST get out of the car for Thanksgiving?
On a POSITIVE note, let me just say that my new favorite Christmas song is You're Here by Francesca Battistelli. I have yet to listen to it that it doesn't just move me to tears. I just can't imagine what Mary must have been thinking....but to notice his tiny hands and to know that someday He would stretch out those hands and save the world....that's just AMAZING! And because of reminders like that I am praying that I can let go of all of this other STUFF and really find and keep the focus of the reason for this season.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Streams of Consciousness Lead to Mud Puddles and Waterfalls.....
I am finishing up at school and waiting for some CDs to burn so I thought I'd write a short note. The last few months have been really rough and for reasons that I am still trying to wrap my brain around, I have been completely miserable. I've wavered between telling people of my misery to the point of worrying about losing the friends I have and keeping everything tucked neatly away inside until I have a complete melt down in the most random of places. Neither are good choices. I know that God has put me in this place for a reason - even if that reason is to come to a realization that I no longer belong here. I know that He doesn't give us things we can't handle. I also know that I am not handling any of this well...or right. I am so thankful for glimpses of peace and happiness and am sooooo excited about seeing both of those as well as three of my most favorite people on the planet this weekend. (5 if you count the Shanes!) I want to be thankful for the reason and spirit of this amazing season instead of allowing it to stress me to the point of being unable to enjoy or appreciate it! I am suddenly tired of being all things to some people and am anxious to discover who I have really become. Yet, that journey scares the crap out of me too. I want to become very excited about the changes that I hope are coming.
What I am ALREADY very excited about is the idea of seeing some of my very best friends and worshiping with them at tomorrow night's Shane and Shane concert. I am also super excited about celebrating Christmas with them! I can hardly wait to get there and see everyone and watch the opening of the presents! Anyone who knows me knows that I go a little crazy this time of year. I can be a little silly, but I love to watch people open gifts! I wrap some of the craziest things just so I can watch people open them! (I don't wrap single socks when giving a pair - I'm not that far gone, but I do very RARELY put more than one item in a package even if there is room! I like lots of gifts! :) It's just fun!!) So I spent the better part of last night wrapping presents that we will rip into over the next 36 hours and I can hardly wait to load the car and go! At first it was a little stressful to have Christmas so early. It kind of snuck up on me and I was worried about being ready, but I am so glad it is this weekend! Hopefully, I will remember to take many pictures and be able to preserve some of this goodness!!
Wow...this was kind of random in all ways, but that's where I am now! Enjoy!
What I am ALREADY very excited about is the idea of seeing some of my very best friends and worshiping with them at tomorrow night's Shane and Shane concert. I am also super excited about celebrating Christmas with them! I can hardly wait to get there and see everyone and watch the opening of the presents! Anyone who knows me knows that I go a little crazy this time of year. I can be a little silly, but I love to watch people open gifts! I wrap some of the craziest things just so I can watch people open them! (I don't wrap single socks when giving a pair - I'm not that far gone, but I do very RARELY put more than one item in a package even if there is room! I like lots of gifts! :) It's just fun!!) So I spent the better part of last night wrapping presents that we will rip into over the next 36 hours and I can hardly wait to load the car and go! At first it was a little stressful to have Christmas so early. It kind of snuck up on me and I was worried about being ready, but I am so glad it is this weekend! Hopefully, I will remember to take many pictures and be able to preserve some of this goodness!!
Wow...this was kind of random in all ways, but that's where I am now! Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Have I Been Here Before?
It has been so long since I have done this, I'm not sure I remember how! I don't have time to actually be doing this right now, but in case anyone ever looks at this, I just wanted to post some hope - I think I am going to start blogging again! New computer, high speed internet, lack of blocks at school...I think someone is trying to tell me to start again! We'll see what happens. For right now, I just want to try to make my blog look pretty! So bear with me!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Look Ma! No filters!!!
Shhhh. I must type very quietly. I don't know why it is, but my school computer is letting me on blogspot again!!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Maybe I can blog again. Is anyone still out there? Does anyone else want to give this another shot? I actually miss our Musical Mondays and Tell All Tuesdays! Whattaya say? Who's with me?
(I feel like I'm headed off to attack some foreign shore or something! I am so weird!)
(I feel like I'm headed off to attack some foreign shore or something! I am so weird!)
Friday, December 22, 2006
Are we back??
Don't be shocked. I'm blogging.
Kinda - it's a survey, does that count?
Christmas Survey
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate - Egg Nog is icky!!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
They are wrapped!
3. Colored or White lights on tree/house?
White lights
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
nope
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Usually either the day after Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day..this year, not at all.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Any of the veggies - casseroles! (But I really LOVE Peanut Butter Fudge!)
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
Going downstairs on Christmas morning to hear Granny Smith say "Ho,Ho,Ho Merry Christmas" in her deepest voice...while wearing her newly decorated sweatshirt and large colored lights necklace :)
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
The same fateful night I learned about the Tooth Fairy. Thanks Dad. :)
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Not with family. Maybe with friends.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
With all Winnie the Pooh ornaments
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
I like to see it fall. I hate to be cold. And I really hate it when snow keeps me from going where I want to go or doing what I want to do.
12. Can you ice skate?
I've tried, but I'm not very good.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Yes. Do you want to know what it was?
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Jesus, of course! And it is the ONLY time of the year my whole family gets to be together. As more of my family is dying, I'm beginning to cherish even more the rare times we get to be together. We were never fortunate enough to live in the same area with our family so Christmas time is the only 2 days we have all year to actually see each other. It is brief, but it is special. I wouldn't miss it.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Peanut Butter Fudge
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Opening presents one at a time, so that we can actually enjoy what we all get and give and it doesn't go by so fast!
17. What tops your tree?
Nothing this year...tree is still in the box! Usually, an angel
18. Which do you prefer, giving or Receiving gifts?
Anybody who knows me at all knows I want to give the gifts.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
I am not a fan of Christmas music (in December!), but I love It Musta Been Ol' Santa...and ANYTHING Harry Connick, Jr. sings. I also love Child of God, Breath of Heaven, A Strange Way to Save the World, and lots of others.
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
They are ok.
Kinda - it's a survey, does that count?
Christmas Survey
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate - Egg Nog is icky!!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
They are wrapped!
3. Colored or White lights on tree/house?
White lights
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
nope
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Usually either the day after Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day..this year, not at all.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Any of the veggies - casseroles! (But I really LOVE Peanut Butter Fudge!)
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
Going downstairs on Christmas morning to hear Granny Smith say "Ho,Ho,Ho Merry Christmas" in her deepest voice...while wearing her newly decorated sweatshirt and large colored lights necklace :)
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
The same fateful night I learned about the Tooth Fairy. Thanks Dad. :)
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Not with family. Maybe with friends.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
With all Winnie the Pooh ornaments
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
I like to see it fall. I hate to be cold. And I really hate it when snow keeps me from going where I want to go or doing what I want to do.
12. Can you ice skate?
I've tried, but I'm not very good.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Yes. Do you want to know what it was?
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Jesus, of course! And it is the ONLY time of the year my whole family gets to be together. As more of my family is dying, I'm beginning to cherish even more the rare times we get to be together. We were never fortunate enough to live in the same area with our family so Christmas time is the only 2 days we have all year to actually see each other. It is brief, but it is special. I wouldn't miss it.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Peanut Butter Fudge
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Opening presents one at a time, so that we can actually enjoy what we all get and give and it doesn't go by so fast!
17. What tops your tree?
Nothing this year...tree is still in the box! Usually, an angel
18. Which do you prefer, giving or Receiving gifts?
Anybody who knows me at all knows I want to give the gifts.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
I am not a fan of Christmas music (in December!), but I love It Musta Been Ol' Santa...and ANYTHING Harry Connick, Jr. sings. I also love Child of God, Breath of Heaven, A Strange Way to Save the World, and lots of others.
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
They are ok.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
I'm too tired for Things I Love Thursday...So here's a Thursday Tag instead! :)
I AM: a friend, a teacher, a sister, a daughter, a writer, a reader, a listener, and soooo much more
I WANT: time to do everything I need to do and still have some time and energy left for those things I want to do.
I WISH: All my friends lived closer to me!!!
I HATE: not being able to fix things for people. Not like plumbing or electrical things, but those emotional, hurtful, unfixable things.
I MISS: being able to hear from people who are now gone.
I HEAR: kids laughing and playing and being released from the stress of End of Grade Tests.
I WONDER: why. A lot.
I REGRET: Very little. Even the things that would make most people say, "I wish I could do that again - differently" I don't think I would. Without those mistakes I wouldn't have learned what I now know and I would be a very different person. And I'm not sure that's a good thing.
I AM NOT: good at giving up control.
I DANCE: only in the kitchen...and then it has to be the "kitchen dance".
I SING: LOUDLY in the shower and in the car or just hanging around the house - and ALWAYS with ABBA, but I sing more quietly when around other people.
I CRY: when I am sad, angry, too happy, hurt, at Oreo commercials, basically, all the time! I'm not a weeper. It just seems that EVERY emotion, good or bad, can cause me to tear up pretty easily!
I AM NOT ALWAYS: patient. I am not always right. (Someone else should write that down!! I don't say that too very much!)
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: words and music, messes and organized stacks!
I WRITE: things that are important, things I want to remember, things I want to forget, things that make me think, things that make me laugh. I write at night, in dark rooms with only enough light to see what I am doing. I write things that many others will one day see. I write down things that no one will ever see. I write when I am upset. I write when I am happy. I write when I am confused. This year, I forgot to write...until just recently. Its kind of like I suddenly remembered who I am again.
I CONFUSE: laughter with happiness.
I NEED: a nap!!!!
I SHOULD: finish something before I start something else! I should work ONE job only! I should REST a minute!
I START: lots of projects...at the same time
I FINISH: every book I start....eventually! Some take a little longer than others!
I'M GLAD: that I have been blessed with the friends I have.
I LIVE: life really fast. It fills up so quickly and it passes before I know it. Someone slow this down!!
I PRAY: at the strangest moments and I often say the strangest things. I can just see God shake His head at me...of course, He's not shocked by what I am saying! It's not like He didn't know it was coming!!
I SEEK: peace.
I WOULD RATHER: work with children than adults.
I PREFER: to not play games in relationships - in any relationship. I want people to just tell me what they think and feel (tactfully, if possible) and then move forward!
I KNOW: how to make people laugh - usually.
I MUST HAVE: chocolate, books, alone time, music and friends - these are not in the order of importance...usually. :)
I HOPE: to one day find the right man at the right time to share the rest of my life with - but, more importantly, I hope to continue to be the kind of person who is VERY happy with life the way it is...to not sit around thinking that something is missing just because I'm not married or I'm not a mom, or something like that.
OK girls....this is a philosophical tag, but fun nonetheless! Enjoy...and TAG - YOU'RE IT!! Bina, Brooke, Sarai, Kim, Maleah, Beth, Laura - go for it!
I WANT: time to do everything I need to do and still have some time and energy left for those things I want to do.
I WISH: All my friends lived closer to me!!!
I HATE: not being able to fix things for people. Not like plumbing or electrical things, but those emotional, hurtful, unfixable things.
I MISS: being able to hear from people who are now gone.
I HEAR: kids laughing and playing and being released from the stress of End of Grade Tests.
I WONDER: why. A lot.
I REGRET: Very little. Even the things that would make most people say, "I wish I could do that again - differently" I don't think I would. Without those mistakes I wouldn't have learned what I now know and I would be a very different person. And I'm not sure that's a good thing.
I AM NOT: good at giving up control.
I DANCE: only in the kitchen...and then it has to be the "kitchen dance".
I SING: LOUDLY in the shower and in the car or just hanging around the house - and ALWAYS with ABBA, but I sing more quietly when around other people.
I CRY: when I am sad, angry, too happy, hurt, at Oreo commercials, basically, all the time! I'm not a weeper. It just seems that EVERY emotion, good or bad, can cause me to tear up pretty easily!
I AM NOT ALWAYS: patient. I am not always right. (Someone else should write that down!! I don't say that too very much!)
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: words and music, messes and organized stacks!
I WRITE: things that are important, things I want to remember, things I want to forget, things that make me think, things that make me laugh. I write at night, in dark rooms with only enough light to see what I am doing. I write things that many others will one day see. I write down things that no one will ever see. I write when I am upset. I write when I am happy. I write when I am confused. This year, I forgot to write...until just recently. Its kind of like I suddenly remembered who I am again.
I CONFUSE: laughter with happiness.
I NEED: a nap!!!!
I SHOULD: finish something before I start something else! I should work ONE job only! I should REST a minute!
I START: lots of projects...at the same time
I FINISH: every book I start....eventually! Some take a little longer than others!
I'M GLAD: that I have been blessed with the friends I have.
I LIVE: life really fast. It fills up so quickly and it passes before I know it. Someone slow this down!!
I PRAY: at the strangest moments and I often say the strangest things. I can just see God shake His head at me...of course, He's not shocked by what I am saying! It's not like He didn't know it was coming!!
I SEEK: peace.
I WOULD RATHER: work with children than adults.
I PREFER: to not play games in relationships - in any relationship. I want people to just tell me what they think and feel (tactfully, if possible) and then move forward!
I KNOW: how to make people laugh - usually.
I MUST HAVE: chocolate, books, alone time, music and friends - these are not in the order of importance...usually. :)
I HOPE: to one day find the right man at the right time to share the rest of my life with - but, more importantly, I hope to continue to be the kind of person who is VERY happy with life the way it is...to not sit around thinking that something is missing just because I'm not married or I'm not a mom, or something like that.
OK girls....this is a philosophical tag, but fun nonetheless! Enjoy...and TAG - YOU'RE IT!! Bina, Brooke, Sarai, Kim, Maleah, Beth, Laura - go for it!
Wacky Wednesday Tag
1. YOUR FULL NAME: Lori Jean Gilbert...it could be worse, right?
2. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW? Black
3. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? grilled fish (not for breakfast...that was dinner last night!)
4. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Anthony Giordano - weird! but true!
5. THE WORST ADVICE YOU EVER GOT: "If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it is yours. If it doesn't, it was never yours in the first place." I would like to have plunged a fork directly into the eye of anyone who ever told me this when Rob and split up. It was so helpful.
6. ONE THING YOU SWORE YOU WOULD NEVER DO: have a pet bat?? I don't know. I'm sure there are lots of these.
7. NAME SOMETHING YOU FIND ATTRACTIVE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX: sense of humor, sense of responsibility, sense of commitment, great smile
8. SOMETHING YOU ARE PROUD TO SAY THAT YOU CAN DO: Sign Language
9. SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT SO PROUD THAT YOU CAN DO: Get easily frustrated!!!
10. SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU COULD DO: Trust more easily
11. SOMETHING YOU SAY TOO OFTEN: This is a no brainer! "ShutUp!" and "Friend" are frequently uttered
12. SOMETHING YOUR CHILDREN WILL LOVE YOU FOR WHEN THEY ARE GROWN: probably the same things they are embarrassed by: my sense of humor, laughing too much or too loud!, hopefully they will love that they can talk to me without fear of judgment. HOPEFULLY.
13. YOUR BIRTHDAY: May 22, 1974
14. YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE: Bachelors in Education (Deaf Ed., Elementary Ed., Middle Grades Ed., Secondary Ed., Special Ed. and a Reading Certification - I couldn't pick one!)
15. BEST REASON FOR DOING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE: This was more fun than the stuff I SHOULD have been doing. Besides, I've been tagged by everyone I know! :) There's no one left to tag...except Maleah who has apparently given up blogging for the year! :)
Fun! I have a new tag to be done....I'll have to find it and post it next.
2. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW? Black
3. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? grilled fish (not for breakfast...that was dinner last night!)
4. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Anthony Giordano - weird! but true!
5. THE WORST ADVICE YOU EVER GOT: "If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it is yours. If it doesn't, it was never yours in the first place." I would like to have plunged a fork directly into the eye of anyone who ever told me this when Rob and split up. It was so helpful.
6. ONE THING YOU SWORE YOU WOULD NEVER DO: have a pet bat?? I don't know. I'm sure there are lots of these.
7. NAME SOMETHING YOU FIND ATTRACTIVE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX: sense of humor, sense of responsibility, sense of commitment, great smile
8. SOMETHING YOU ARE PROUD TO SAY THAT YOU CAN DO: Sign Language
9. SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT SO PROUD THAT YOU CAN DO: Get easily frustrated!!!
10. SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU COULD DO: Trust more easily
11. SOMETHING YOU SAY TOO OFTEN: This is a no brainer! "ShutUp!" and "Friend" are frequently uttered
12. SOMETHING YOUR CHILDREN WILL LOVE YOU FOR WHEN THEY ARE GROWN: probably the same things they are embarrassed by: my sense of humor, laughing too much or too loud!, hopefully they will love that they can talk to me without fear of judgment. HOPEFULLY.
13. YOUR BIRTHDAY: May 22, 1974
14. YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE: Bachelors in Education (Deaf Ed., Elementary Ed., Middle Grades Ed., Secondary Ed., Special Ed. and a Reading Certification - I couldn't pick one!)
15. BEST REASON FOR DOING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE: This was more fun than the stuff I SHOULD have been doing. Besides, I've been tagged by everyone I know! :) There's no one left to tag...except Maleah who has apparently given up blogging for the year! :)
Fun! I have a new tag to be done....I'll have to find it and post it next.
Monday, May 29, 2006
PS
I meant to write this yesterday, but I was so excited about blogging again that I just forgot!
More Wicked thoughts:
I know that the songs Popular and What is This Feeling are crowd pleasers. Stephen Schwartz even talks about them being "bubble gum songs" that are just there as extras - to bring the crowd in. They are fun and I love singing along with them as much as the next person, but the song that is my new favorite is For Good. Sitting in the theater with two people who are friends like this to me as well as thinking about the amazing friends in my life just made this an even more amazing song - move over Michael W. Smith. A new friend song has hit the world! I just thank God for friends that have touched my heart like this:
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
Thanks friends! I love you all!
Sarai, Brooke, Bina, Kim, Reuben, Dana, Becky, Maleah, Beth, Sarah, John, Jen, Laura, Wendy, Chris, and all the other incredible friends that I have whom I have UNFORTUNATELY not named in this list - I am a better person because of each and every one of you!!!! If I left you off, please chalk it up to a blonde moment.....It wasn't on purpose!
More Wicked thoughts:
I know that the songs Popular and What is This Feeling are crowd pleasers. Stephen Schwartz even talks about them being "bubble gum songs" that are just there as extras - to bring the crowd in. They are fun and I love singing along with them as much as the next person, but the song that is my new favorite is For Good. Sitting in the theater with two people who are friends like this to me as well as thinking about the amazing friends in my life just made this an even more amazing song - move over Michael W. Smith. A new friend song has hit the world! I just thank God for friends that have touched my heart like this:
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
Thanks friends! I love you all!
Sarai, Brooke, Bina, Kim, Reuben, Dana, Becky, Maleah, Beth, Sarah, John, Jen, Laura, Wendy, Chris, and all the other incredible friends that I have whom I have UNFORTUNATELY not named in this list - I am a better person because of each and every one of you!!!! If I left you off, please chalk it up to a blonde moment.....It wasn't on purpose!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Superbly Wicked Sunday
Well, I missed Wonderfully Wild and Wicked Wednesday...or whatever it was supposed to be! Truth be known, I've missed most of this month. I seem to have spent it trying to catch up with myself. My writing today is not an indication that I am caught up, but that I am avoiding everything else that needs to be done. I am actually sitting at school with a mile-long To-Do list and not enough time to do any of it. So blogging wins! :)
First of all, can I just tell you how incredibly blessed I am to have the friends that I have! And what a great Christmas gift...to be celebrated for 5 MONTHS while you anxiously await the arrival of the big event! After our 3 hour interpretation of Wicked all the way to Atlanta (thanks to Brooke's narrative recitation and Sarai's musical rendition...I was in charge of transportation and tech support) we finally made it to our AMAZING hotel room (yeah for Priceline!) where somehow, I became birds and Brooke picked up a little German.
We spent an amazing day at IKEA (See Sarai's blog for the dirt on that experience!) I became the U-Turn Queen! The Cheesecake Factory was INSANE! Nothing can be wrong with a trip to Old Navy or Bath and Body. After all of these incredible experiences, it was hard to even fathom that the best was yet to come!!!
We dressed ourselves up and made it to the theater in plenty of time. I did a superb parking job regardless of what the people in the BMW thought. :) For 2 hours and 45 minutes we were completely drawn-in to the magic of Wicked. I won't belittle the experience by saying that we "rejoycified" or that the whole place was "swankified" but I think magical is a perfect description of the evening. The show was incredible....singers, actors, set, orchestra, everything. Including the people I got to have this experience with. (Who were smart enough to buy their souvenirs (the exact same shirts, keychains, hats, etc.) for a fraction of the cost at which they were offered to us at the theater....we are brilliant, ladies.) It was an amazing night. And to be able to go "home" to our hotel room and have more treasure from the Cheesecake Factory - it was the perfect ending to the perfect day.
To finish the weekend up with breakfast from Cracker Barrel and more singing and shopping was also perfect. It was a great trip. It was a wonderful experience. I'm just glad to have shared it with P-friends! ;) Love you girls!
Ok...look soon for the top ten list! It's gonna happen! :)
Now...must go finish getting my classroom ready for some end of grade testing tomorrow. UGH!!!
First of all, can I just tell you how incredibly blessed I am to have the friends that I have! And what a great Christmas gift...to be celebrated for 5 MONTHS while you anxiously await the arrival of the big event! After our 3 hour interpretation of Wicked all the way to Atlanta (thanks to Brooke's narrative recitation and Sarai's musical rendition...I was in charge of transportation and tech support) we finally made it to our AMAZING hotel room (yeah for Priceline!) where somehow, I became birds and Brooke picked up a little German.
We spent an amazing day at IKEA (See Sarai's blog for the dirt on that experience!) I became the U-Turn Queen! The Cheesecake Factory was INSANE! Nothing can be wrong with a trip to Old Navy or Bath and Body. After all of these incredible experiences, it was hard to even fathom that the best was yet to come!!!
We dressed ourselves up and made it to the theater in plenty of time. I did a superb parking job regardless of what the people in the BMW thought. :) For 2 hours and 45 minutes we were completely drawn-in to the magic of Wicked. I won't belittle the experience by saying that we "rejoycified" or that the whole place was "swankified" but I think magical is a perfect description of the evening. The show was incredible....singers, actors, set, orchestra, everything. Including the people I got to have this experience with. (Who were smart enough to buy their souvenirs (the exact same shirts, keychains, hats, etc.) for a fraction of the cost at which they were offered to us at the theater....we are brilliant, ladies.) It was an amazing night. And to be able to go "home" to our hotel room and have more treasure from the Cheesecake Factory - it was the perfect ending to the perfect day.
To finish the weekend up with breakfast from Cracker Barrel and more singing and shopping was also perfect. It was a great trip. It was a wonderful experience. I'm just glad to have shared it with P-friends! ;) Love you girls!
Ok...look soon for the top ten list! It's gonna happen! :)
Now...must go finish getting my classroom ready for some end of grade testing tomorrow. UGH!!!
Monday, May 01, 2006
Monday. THE Monday.
And all of life comes down to just one thing -
That's to know You and make You known.
Aside from the fact that I think that this is actually TWO things, I LOVE this song and it is stuck in my head this morning...but I'm ok with that.
Crazy day today. Toothache - ugh - I MUST suck it up and call a dentist. Feelin' behind here at school. Must go to Asheville and Mars Hill after school. It's just one of those days!
Everyone should just hang in there!
That's to know You and make You known.
Aside from the fact that I think that this is actually TWO things, I LOVE this song and it is stuck in my head this morning...but I'm ok with that.
Crazy day today. Toothache - ugh - I MUST suck it up and call a dentist. Feelin' behind here at school. Must go to Asheville and Mars Hill after school. It's just one of those days!
Everyone should just hang in there!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
Oh yeah
I really do remember how to do this. I just don't know how to do this AND school AND company AND twins AND travel (yeah for cruises!) AND cleaning AND all that other fun stuff! But things should be falling back into a routine - one that includes the twins again, so I'm super excited and a little exhausted thinking about that - but that routine should help me get back to blogging again! I've missed it...there's just NO time! Anyway, all of that rambling to say - don't give up on me! I'll be back on Monday!! Promise! (I hope!)
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