Extras

For those who are unaware, The Office was originally a BBC series created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Extras was their second joint venture into sitcom comedic television. At the urging of my friend, Stacey, I finally checked out this second series. It explores the life of Andy Millman - a guy who quit his steady, well-paying job to pursue his dream of becoming a proper actor. Of course, he obviously starts off just getting non-speaking "extras" work - but that's been dragging on for five years now due to the incompetency of his agent. The audience gets to see behind-the-scenes into the world of extras through the lens of Ricky Gervais' pessimistically, dry humor. Cameos galore of major movie stars pop-up throughout the series. Take a look at a clip of Ben Stiller's spot on the show:

Fringe

The fall season of television has started and with it comes a few new programs. Tonight is the series premiere of Fringe on Fox. Fringe, yet another high concept show from creative genius J.J. Abrams - but as entertaining as this show is, it has me wondering why he's recycling aspects from his previous series - most notably LOST.

Fringe begins with a plane, which is highly reminiscent of LOST - you think J.J.'s got a thing for planes?? Plenty of crazy things happened on planes in Alias, too, as Jennifer Garner's character took down nefarious people all around the globe. On this particular plane, we've got what appears to be a terrorist attack with a disgusting, fast acting, flesh melting biological agent (yes, that's right melting - as opposed to flesh eating). Not only that, as we come to find out later the perpetrator of the biological agent was an unwitting pawn as his insulin injection was laced with the mysterious substance. Don't freak out - I haven't revealed anything that will take away from what J.J. is best at - those masterfully creative twists and turns. He still maintains his grasp of the unexpected plot divergence, as well as recruiting a familiar face from...LOST, of course. Although, it also seems as though he's imported the music from LOST, too. I understand this is supposed to be an ominous sci-fi series, but does the music have to be as heavy-handed as it is in LOST - and sound nearly identical?

One of the most fun aspects of the show: Joshua Jackson (of Dawson's Creek fame) is one of the main characters - this makes me very happy. In the midst of all the weird, pseudo-science, government/corporate spy shenanigans - Joshua Jackson excels at his specialty - snarky, sarcastic, quick-witted humor...sigh...it's so good to have him back in prime time again.

Even though this premiere episode proves to be as quick to reel me in as LOST, I dream of a day when J.J. will create another angst driven show like "Felicity" that is void of the sci-fi conspiracy antics and CGI.

Latest Message from Wendy

Just got this via Facebook from Wendy:

Ok so i got internet access again so i thought i would send yall a quick note but I have to copy and paste again cause stinky facebook only allows you to put so many people on message... LAME! Since the last time I wrote it has been crazy, half of our team got a stomach virus so we connected by being sick in the cho (aka the hole in the ground we call a bathroom). I was one of the lucky team members that got sick but we all got through it and God taught us to trust in Him because we luckily got sick before the kids came. We just finished our first week of camp and it was amazing. We had orphans as our first week of campers and it broke my heart to see them leave today, if only I were in a place to adopt there were definetely a couple I would love to adopt. The week was filled with games and bible study. BK and I are roomies and we had the youngest campers and half of them were bed wetters... which was interesting... pray the pee smell will air out soon. The cutest was, BK and I left the room to get ready and came back to see them draging their mattresses outside. Every day these kids start by washing their clothes in buckets with bars of soap so we would stand outside amazed at these kids scrubbing away while we stood watching in the same clothes we have worn for three days... sigh I have become disgusting and dirty, but a cold shower is just torture and no one showers here. These kids were amazing in the knowledge they already have in the Lord so we were stretched in trying to challenge them even more. Also these kids had pretty hard shells when they first got here due to constantly having people come in and out of their lives, so it was a bit of a battle to break through, but by the end of the week they were all hugging on us and sharing their lives with us. Please be in prayer for next week we have our regular campers but they do not know english as well, so we will be even more dependent on our translators.
All but one of the action packers was found, the baby supplies was located... YAY! the action packer that is lost does not have necessay supplies.
AHHH I have to go cause everyone is yelling at me cause we all have to share the computer.
I love you all!!!!
Wendy

Another Message from Wendy in Africa

I know it is kinda lame that I haven't actually written a post in a while, but I assure you that you will soon get your fix of more of my amazing wit and wisdom soon.....but in the meantime here is another message that my sister sent about her trip to Africa (actually she sent it on the same day as the last message - I'm just slow in posting it).


So my first message was ridiculous because i was in such a hurry and could not get myself to calm down and think so let me try this again. Oh and facebook restricts how many people you can send stuff too that is silly. Anyway we are at a girl's school and the girls there are fabulous and just so happy to have us there. They ask us all sorts of questions and love teaching us the language and teaching us to dance. We went to church on sunday and the girls sang to us and it was the most beauticul song I have ever heard. I did not know the words but just to praise God with them was such an amazing blessing. The girls will only be there a few more days and I wish that we were putting on camp for them so we could get to know them better. They love getting their picture taken and want to see themselves because there are no mirrors so many of them have not seen themselves for a very long time. We played volleyball with them and they completely killed us we rematched four times and only won one game. And they are amazing at scrabble and yes we were using english words and they put down words i never would have thought of. Oh and they have such a love for the Lord that I pray I could have that much faith. Today we went to the market and bought way too much stuff but then again I do have a shopping problem. The people there are very aggressive and you have to be careful becuase they will put things on you and then you have to pay for it or somehow get it back into their hands and everything is up for negotiation. The craziest was when we were buying out of the top of our van. Oh the vans we are in are for safaris so the tops pop up so right before our safari we were buying more stuff. I made the mistake of getting out of the van to get my sunglasses from our other van and got completely mobbed and had to be rescued. I thought i was fine but Lucas, one of my teammates got a little worried due to my face issues (aka i don't like my face touched as you all know). As i said before we are at a resort right now so we got hot showers and got to get cleaned. It was the first time since we got here that i got to see myself in a full lenght mirror and it was not a pretty sight, but then again when you haven't showered in four days that is to be expected. This place is just amazing, and beautiful and the people we are working along side with are just so filled with God's love and teaching me so much about loving people well. The team we have is definetly hand picked by God and so far we have such amazing unity and bonding, I pray that continues once we have been together for a couple of weeks and know each others annoyances. I have so much to say. I have so many thoughts going through my head my hands just can't type fast enough 15 min is not enough time!!!! I love this place so much and want to tell you everything. Mainly how amazing these kids are I want to adopt on so bad and bring it home with me. Don't worry Mom, GG, Val and Barbara I am not going to do it, i just want to, they are precious. Plus kenya law doesn't allow me to. You think the airlines would notice if i brought a little boy with me on the plane he could be my personal item. Anyways, Please be in prayer as we continue planning for next week. The kids are finally coming!!!! Also the airport lost a lot of luggage 6 bags and 4 of our action packers and Tiffany's bag and 2 action packer are still missing. Tiffany is the one here with her 9 month old so her bag is vital or we have to get supplies quickly shipped from the states. Also please pray for continued unity as the honeymoon phase ends with this group. oh I have to go because this silly faceboook message thing won't let me send this to everyone. ...(blah blah blah - personal shout-outs to her peeps)...Thank you all for your prayers and I will see if i can find a computer later, but Lances died once we got here. There have been many little blips so i am sure God is going to move in a might way. Ahhh time is almost up!!! I miss and love EVERYONE.

Message from Wendy in Kenya!

My sister left a week ago with a group from Sky Ranch for Kenya. She will be there for a full month! Those of you who know Wendy, also know that she can be quite the princess ;-) Yet, she has dreamed of going to Kenya and ministering to the kiddos over there for several years - and now she's finally doing it! Here is a note that she just sent via Facebook about her experience so far in Kenya:

Ok so it is completely ridiculous that i am in Kenya and on facebook but it was the quickest way to get in contact with all the people I love and who could copy and email this out to everyone else who is not on facebook. This country is BEAUTIFUL and I LOVE it!!!! We don't have campers just yet but we are visiting schools were our campers go. They rush to the cars and just want to touch us, like we are famous and it is one of the most humbling expericences I have ever encountered, because I am so unworthy of this attention. They all love to touch my hair as well and it is completely dirty due to not showering in 4 days. Yes that is right I didn't shower for 4 days but neither did anyone else because it is a cold bucket of water. Oh and yes i have gone to the bathroom in a hole in the ground and it really isn't all that bad, your legs get really strong as well. The food is actually wonderful. But by far my favorite part is the children and i can not wait until camp begins. I just want to take them all home. the first week of camp is orphans from the two orphanages in the area. Oh my goodness i am almost out of time on this computer and I have so much more to say. I am at a resort right now yeah i knwo it is a mission trip but we went on a safari and we saw lots of animails in their natural habitats and it was awesome. Sorry for the awful writing i am typing as fast as i can and the connectino is really slow. I didn't get everyone on this message due to it loading so slow so please pass this on to everyone and let them know i love them - BYE

Stupid freaking internet

If I had a poetic bent, I would write an ode to the crap-tastic internet that we have at the CHP offices. It would be called An Ode to Crap-tastic Internet, and it would rhyme and be pithy and witty with an excellent tempo....it would even be in iambic pentameter! Okay, maybe not iambic pentameter - I mean, I'm not Shakespeare....who am I kidding? I'm not even actually writing a poem, just dreaming about writing a poem and how great it would be at describing how stinking frustrating this internet connection (or lack there of) is. The upload speed is about .000000002 kilobytes per second (kb/s) - or at least that's what it seems like more often than not. And the download speed is marginally better. You might be thinking...for a media ministry isn't it imperative to have a decent internet connection? Yep, it pretty much is but there aren't a lot of choices for us regarding the monopolistic internet providers in Louisville. And have fun trying to create and send out a web-based e-newsletter when the internet connection is sketchier than a televangelist selling prayer scarves.

If I perchance come to mind throughout your day/week/month, send up a prayer for us here at CHP as we slowly make our way through the work day with our stupid piece of trash internet. (Sorry I am not more grateful in this post...I like to be thankful, but this internet is just too ridiculous for me).

Prince Caspian

Several weeks ago, I watched Prince Caspian with my friend Cassie, her husband Tyler, and Tyler's little bro Matthew. First of all, some of you may have noticed this particular film wasn't on my "must-see" list for the summer. This is partially due to the fact that I didn't grow up in a Christ-centered home, and thus never read the Chronicles of Narnia series (nor have I taken the time to read them yet as an adult). I think I had a teacher who read the first novel to our class somewhere along the way in elementary school and had also seen one of the earlier film versions of it. And while I enjoyed the most recent film incarnation of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, I wasn't eagerly anticipating the release of this second film in the series. Yet, as I go back and see that the last film was released in 2005 - I understand a bit more as to why it did not resonate within me as much as this film did. I was only just starting on this journey that has influenced how I relate to God as Father and as Lover. When I saw Prince Caspian, the character Aslan evoked a much different response in me than the tepid one I'd experienced when watching The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. My favorite part of this film happens towards the end (so if you haven't read the book or watched the film - SPOILER ALERT).



Lucy is racing through the forest to find Aslan (who C.S. Lewis has created as an incredible picture of God) because they have finally realized that they cannot defeat the Telmarines without him. As she gets closer to finding him, she is being chased by one of the Telmarines. She finally happens upon Aslan, and he looks as if he might pounce on her as he roars, to which her expression shows the slightest bit of fear mixed in with her unyielding trust. Of course, Aslan is ferocious because he is about to pounce on her attacker - but that wildness and intensity - those are some of the qualities that cause my heart to flutter with yearning for my fierce Lover. In the next moment, he playfully rolls around with Lucy in the grass. The dichotomy of His ferocity and tenderness continues to set me off balance and yet draws me that much closer to Him. That desire grew even more when Aslan and Lucy marched onto the bridge to face off against the Telmarines, and Aslan's guttural roar called up the river waters to dispose of those treacherous people. With that vision of the water towering overhead, raised out of its peaceful rest to come barreling down on those who threaten his beloved - I became overwhelmed with love for this God who is gentle and sweet yet untamed, jealous, and protective. I am in love with a God who woos me with His power and His sweet gifts of sunlight, perfect stormy naps, mild summer days, and evocative writers like C.S. Lewis.

Laugh!

I LOVE to laugh. Which makes another one of my television watching guilty pleasures, so fitting....Last Comic Standing! And since they have to be tame enough for network television, the comedy is fairly clean (not entirely clean, but better than it would be on cable!) This is also one of the few shows that they do not post full episodes for online (which totally sucks - it's lame I tell ya! LAME!) If you're gonna get sucked into it, you have to be willing to catch it on Thursday nights, or be one of those technically savvy people with TiVo or DVR (which I'm not). Here is a montage of the 32 finalists:





So next week, pop yourself some popcorn, grab a Coke, and get ready to laugh at Last Comic Standing! If you become addicted, we'll just all blame my friend Bonnie because she's the one who got me hooked on it ;)

NKOTB

Now, who is not excited about the return of the New Kids on the Block? Come on, now...granted they're not exactly - uh - "new" any more...kinda old, really - but still it's fun to have them back. I remember having a huge poster of Jordan hanging over the desk in my bedroom right across from the bed so I could see his beautiful face each morning. My sister and I had all of their albums on cassette tape, even the Christmas one. We had T-shirts, sweaters, and even an afghan blanket sporting our NKOTB pride. However, our crowning glory of NKOTB fan-dome was that we each had our own NKOTB ken doll...for my sister it was Donnie, and for me Jordan (of course). So as we celebrate their return to pop music, reminisce with me a bit and enjoy one of their former music videos: Step by Step

Step by step, ooh, baby
Gonna get to you girl
Step by step

Step by step, ooh, baby
Gonna get to you girl
Step by step, ooh, baby
Really want you in my world

Step, hey, girl in your eyes
I see a picture of me all the time
Step, and girl when you smile
You got to know that you drive me wild

Step by step, ooh, baby
You're always on my mind
Step by step, ooh, girl
Really think it's just a matter of time

Step by step, ooh, baby
Gonna get to you girl
Step by step, ooh, baby
Really want you in my world

Step, hey, girl can't you see?
I've got to have you all just for me
Step, and girl yes it's true
No one else will ever do

Step by step, ooh, baby
You're always on my mind
Step by step, ooh, girl
Really think it's just a matter of time

Step by step, ooh, baby
Gonna get to you girl
Step by step, ooh, baby
Really want you in my world

Step, step
Step, step by step

Step one, we can have lots of fun
Step two, there's so much we can do
Step three, it's just you and me
Step four, I can give you more
Step five, don't you know that the time has arrived
Huh!

Step by step
Don't you know I need you?
Step by step
Yes, I do, girl

Step by step, ooh, baby
You're always on my mind
Step by step, ooh, girl
Really think it's just a matter of time

Step by step, ooh, baby
Gonna get to you girl
Step by step, ooh, baby
Really want you in my world

Step by step, you girl
Step by step, oh girl
Really want you in my world
Step by step, ooh, baby
Gonna get to you girl

The Bachelorette

Okay, I must confess - I have gotten sucked into (see I'm going to make this seem as though I'm a victim) watching this season of The Bachelorette. I'm not usually a watcher of reality TV. I like Last Comic Standing, but was really only turned on to that show last season. I've caught a couple of seasons of The Bachelor only because it's a favorite of my mom and grandma, and when I would have dinner with either of them on a Monday - that is what they wanted to watch. Of course, it also seems they'd like me to be one of the "lucky" contestants on The Bachelor - but no thanks. That's part of what this particular blog is about. I know this will sound "sexist" or whatever to some, but I am diametrically opposed to The Bachelor. Twenty-five women competing and desperately chasing after the attention of one man (while it is a dream come true for those lazy men out there) makes everything in me well-up with a big, "NO - that is so wrong! You should not have to pursue him!" Yet, (and this is where I'm sure many men will declare that I am sexist - and well tough luck, I'm right and you're wrong)...The Bachelorette is less offensive to me because I believe that men should be the ones chasing and competing for the attention of a woman. And what I find somewhat amusing and also disheartening about this season of The Bachelorette is that many of the men on this show are behaving just as badly (if not worse) than the women on The Bachelor. They are whining like a bunch of gossipy girls! Are you kidding me???!!! Several of the men don't think this Bachelorette is doing enough to find out about them or to talk to them....HELLO! Why don't you stop whining to the group of guys you're hanging out with and go grab some time with her yourself? And not only are they whining that she's not making enough effort to seek them out (which is not her responsibility in the first place - they are the ones competing for her affections) but then they're also whining about the few guys who are making the effort to be aggressive and seek out her attention. Um, don't whine about the guys who are making head-way when you're not willing to step up to the plate. Bunch of whiny-babies...

My prediction for this season of The Bachelorette is that (barring any horribly missteps) Jeremy and Jason will be in the final 3 if not the final 2. I think Jesse also has a chance of being in the final 3. Jeremy is definitely up for the challenge of pursing DeAnna and making his intentions known to her. Jason also seems up for the task. Jesse is just adorable and continues to show progress in being vulnerable before her. The rest of them appear to be in varying stages of whiny-ness. If the guys are as "into her" and think as highly of her as they claim to be, then they better step up soon and take a risk to win her heart. What is up with men taking the easy route? Is it because more women are stepping up and doing the hard work and asking men out? I refuse to do that. Even the secular book, "He's Just Not That Into You" reminds women that they are the ones who should be pursued. Women will do whatever it takes to manipulate, catch, and hold onto a man....but in the end if he's not that into you, he' ll use you for the time being and move onto someone he is actually motivated to pursue all on his own. I'm hoping this Bachelorette picks-off these remaining guys for those who are willing to make the effort and those who aren't.

Spanglish

I remember when this movie came out several years ago people seemed to have rather strong reactions to it. They either liked or couldn't stand it. Having finally watched it, I believe some of the fault for people's disposition towards the film lies in the deceptive way it was marketed to audiences. It was marketed as another Adam Sandler comedy - not as outlandish as most of his other ones, but still a movie full of humor. Yet, this movie is FAR from being an Adam Sandler comedy, and truthfully has very little to do with his character at all. He just happens to be the biggest named star in the film, so the easy way to sell the film is to make it seem as though it's all about his character.

The film starts off as a narrative told in the form of a young Mexican-American girl's college application essay. In it she lays out for the reader the important lessons that she learned from her mother. And what amazing lessons of strength, risk, and integrity they were! After being abandoned by the girl's father, Flor (the mother), stays as long as she can in Mexico to raise her daughter until she feels it is absolutely necessary to move to the US.  Even after they move to the US, Flor raises her daughter in a densely populated Hispanic section of Los Angeles - not making the entry into white suburban America until forced to find a well-paying 9 to 5 job.  Throughout the film, Flor (who is gorgeous) maintains amazing integrity as an example to her daughter of hard work and values.  Men continually make fools of themselves in her presence, but Flor is steadfast in remaining a positive influence in the life of her daughter.  One example is when Flor and her daughter go out to eat.  A couple of business men at the bar decide they'd like to buy her a drink and have the waitress relay this proposition to Flor.  Being the amazing woman that she is, she has the waitress relay the message of how inappropriate it is for them to offer to buy her a drink while she is out to dinner with her very young daughter.  I love it!  Also, in the film Flor is tempted to engage in adultery with the husband of the family that she works for - and while they do engage in a kiss - she firmly puts a stop to it and quits the job afterwards.  For me, the whole film revolved around this woman and what she was willing to do for her daughter and the example she wanted to set for her.  The other characters were background noise to me - some louder and more annoying than others (Tea Leoni's character was obnoxious and INSANE) - for me they only served to emphasize the remarkableness of Flor.  There are many humorous aspects to the film - even some of Tea Leoni's antics are quite funny - but I would suggest watching it if only to admire the strength and grace of Flor in the midst of this chaotic suburban family.

Next up on my Netflix adventures are "Gone Baby Gone" and "Water Horse: Legend of the Deep."

This made me laugh...

I just have to share this comic because it made me laugh...I'm in a weird mood because I've got a nasty headache that's making me a bit nauseous, so I think I'm in kind of a miserably mean mood. Yes, I know this isn't how God is, but it's definitely how I feel sometimes....like now.

Boundaries

Setting boundaries...ugh, what a painful but necessary process. A friend of mine, her husband, is having to go through this very NOT fun process with his parents. And unfortunately, it's a process that I'm not sure really ever has an end - especially when your parents don't ever intend to change. With setting boundaries comes confronting the lies that have been ingrained in your consciousness and subconsciousness for years and years...overcoming those lies and discovering who you truly are in Christ and how He sees you is freeing and draining all at the same time. It requires this crazy paradox of work and rest. Work because you are constantly having to fight against those instinctual responses to your parents and situations in life...And resting in the knowledge and love and acceptance and forgiveness and freedom that comes with being alive and enjoyed by God our ultimate Father in a way that you never experienced with your biological parents. Someone from my home group explained it in a way that I think describes this transition best - it is more than just making a decision to break the familial/generational dysfunctional cycle (although that is definitely a component) but there just comes a point where you break free from the "parenting" (control and manipulation and lies) of your biological parents and rely upon the parenting (guidance and love) of God. For those who grew up in relatively healthy homes where they were cherished, disciplined in love, respected...it seems as though their picture of God as Father isn't all that distorted. However, growing up in a home where performance is key yet also never quite good enough to receive that dearly hoped for desire of being cherished and enjoyed by your parents - well this can leave a person with a distorted view of imagining God as Father. This is where both the work and rest come into play. Working at changing my distorted views of God that aren't true to His nature and love, reminding myself of His Word and promises, but also resting in that same love - crawling up into His lap and open arms, resting in the comfort of the Daddy who enjoys and delights in me the way I'd always dreamed of experiencing with my own parents.

Boundaries are a necessary struggle and in the end ABSOLUTELY worth it. It hurts to set them and feels like you are limiting or damaging your relationship with your parents - not respecting them, honoring them, or loving them as a dutiful child should. However, it is exactly the opposite. By setting those boundaries, I have been freed up to love and enjoy my mom, to accept her for where she is at and for her own struggles. At the same time, her skewed opinions of me (tinted by her own hurts and past) have less and less hold on defining me as I grow in intimacy with my Father and am encouraged by an amazing community of believers (both near and far).

Reading

I've been on a bit of a reading kick, which has been quite refreshing. It has been a while since I've been this motivated to read, strangely enough, considering how much I adore a creatively constructed thought. I don't think I've been this eager to read since probably high school or early college. After being bogged down in textbooks and papers for years on end, studying and memorizing for the test, my desire to read for pleasure turned weak - only appearing in short spurts, or else the book had to be insatiably interesting. Recently, I've read A Pastor's Wife, The Shack, and nearly finished with Blue Like Jazz. And that's the most impressive part - I'm actually finishing the books! There are shelves of books that I started over the years only to be bookmarked and set aside collecting dust and now sitting unpacked in my guest bedroom closet (shhhhhh, don't tell anyone - I still haven't fully unpacked yet! ooops) Which reminds me I've got a couple of novels I need to finish - The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie (divine - classic Hugh Laurie humor with a parody of a 007 Bond character - can it get any better than that?) and Pride & Prejudice by the beloved Jane Austen. What an amazing woman, that miss Austen! I love that her female characters are a combination of wit and grace...oh to be the center of one of her novels...sigh.

Anyways, back to the reading...The more I read, the more I feel like I want to write - but what about? That is always the question that smacks me in the face as I contemplate writing. Nearly each time I sit down to blog, I wonder - what could I possibly have to write about now? I wonder how writers get these ideas for their books. How does that happen, exactly? If I were to write a book, what would it be about? I don't think I'm cut out for fiction writing as I'm not a very good story-teller or at least I don't believe I'm creative enough to develop characters and plot and conflict, etc. I don't have any untold stories swimming around in twisted crevices of my brain. Well, that's not entirely true - I might not have untold stories nesting up there, but I've definitely got ideas for conversations I'd like to have with people or wish I'd had or might have in the future, but then again we all do that - right? (please tell me we all do that - or I may end up in one of those fun padded rooms with the nice jacket that lets you hug yourself...hmmmmm, that might not be so bad) And as for non-fiction - what would I have to say that hasn't already been said? But then again maybe I'm just being too practical about it all...I don't know. Still, there has to be a topic, a theme, a thesis that is the core of an essay or book. What would that be for me? What would I expound on?

But back to my reading - for real this time...If you haven't yet, I'd definitely suggest reading Blue Like Jazz. I know, I know - my first thought of reading it was - ugh - are you kidding me? Everyone and their freaking dog is or has read that book. I've heard enough about it to feel like I've already read it. Is it popular? You betcha! Then, NO, I don't want to read it - geez. But I've been on this reading kick, and then my home group watched one of Donald Miller's DVDs (not the most exciting speaker - at first he seemed almost bored with himself), but I liked what he was saying, and my sister gave me the book as a gift this past Christmas. (Oh, and this is after I'd even given this book to one of my aunts as a gift - I hadn't even read it - but I knew it was popular and people LOVED it, so I figured, "she loves to read, people love it, she'll enjoy it"). Once, I finished The Shack (that is a post all in itself - at some point - when I'm ready to delve back into that still tender ground again), I started Blue Like Jazz. It has been a very quick read because I feel like he writes the way my mind thinks - there is an over-arching order and structure to it with plenty of randomness and tangents that all come together to make the overriding point. And the humor of his seeming randomness appeals to me and my desire for authenticity - it's a very House-ian / Hugh Laurie-esque sense of humor - frank and real and unapologetic. And I don't get the sense from reading him that he's this huge revolutionary that a lot of people keep trying to tout that he is (granted he could be that way now for all I know - the book was published back in 2003) but from this book I don't take that away from what I read. Lots of people like to raise him and this book up to say, "Christianity in America is wrong - turn or burn!" They don't really say that, but they get very emphatic about how wonderful Donald Miller and his grasp of true Christian spirituality....when the book clearly depicts that he's just as self-admittedly messed up about it all as the rest of us. All of that to say, I'd suggest reading it - not because it's popular or will transform your life and relationship with God, but because it's a good read. It's interesting and kind of refreshing to peek in on the thoughts of someone else who is navigating this crazy journey of being a Christian.

More movies!

Good Night, and Good Luck


Not only did I get my super-awesome new haircut this weekend, but I managed to get in some good movie watching. My Netflix rental for the weekend was Good Night, and Good Luck. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this film, it is the story of how esteemed television journalist Edward R. Murrow took on Senator McCarthy and his crusade against the supposed Communists in the U.S. This film was directed and co-written by George Clooney, who also plays the role of Fred Friendly - Murrow's producer. Personally, I feel this film gives us a glimpse of what journalism should be when it is done well. Yes, Murrow took a side rather than strictly reporting both "sides" of the story, but by taking a side and reporting the facts as they were presented in the public forum - he was able to point out the inconsistencies and holes in McCarthy's bulldozing of innocent people. His team made sure to do an impeccable job of researching the facts and footage available to them - what a novel idea in today's speedy journalism of half-truths just to get the story whether it's completely factual or not. It appears to me that most journalists today subscribe to the idea that rather than asking for permission now (or making sure they get all the correct facts), they'll just seek forgiveness (and write a retraction) later. It seems to me that Mr. Murrow was a prophet as he foretold the direction that television news would end up if it continued on it's current path. Some of my favorite Edward R. Murrow quotes:

"We must not confuse dissent from disloyalty. We must remember always, that accusation is not proof, and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another, we will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason. If we dig deep into our history and our doctrine, we will remember we are not descended from fearful men. Not from men who dared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes that were for the moment unpopular...We can deny our heritage and our history but we cannot escape responsibility for the result. There is no way for a citizen of the republic to abdicate his responsibilities. As a nation we have come into our full inheritance at a tender age. We proclaim ourselves as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom wherever it still exists in the world. But we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home." (from his television show See It Now).

"It is not necessary to remind you that the fact that your voice is amplified to the degree where it reaches from one end of the country to the other does not confer upon you greater wisdom or understanding than you possessed when your voice reached only from one end of the bar to the other. " (to the Radio & Television New Directors Association)

"When the politicians complain that TV turns the proceedings into a circus, it should be made clear that the circus was already there, and that TV has merely demonstrated that not all the performers are well trained."

"The speed of communications is wondrous to behold. It is also true that speed can multiply the distribution of information that we know to be untrue." (on receiving the "Family of Man" award)

"Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices - just recognize them."

"We cannot make good news out of bad practice."



Indiana Jones
Sunday afternoon, I took time out of my busy schedule (HA!) to watch the first three Indiana Jones movies: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, and Last Crusade (umm...obviously it was not quite the "last crusade"). All of this was in preparation for the new Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull movie which I immersed myself in on Monday morning. My personal favorite is Last Crusade mostly because of Sean Connery's role as Indy's father. And I know a lot of people knock Temple of Doom as being the weakest Indiana movie, but I like it with all it's slithering "snake surprise" dinner and "chilled monkey brains" for dessert....hehehe...yes, I am one sick puppy :-) And, I would suggest that to keep perspective on the new Indiana film, it's good for people to revisit the first three films - that way there's no building up in your mind of the quality of the previous films. By rewatching them, I could see them for what they were - fun, cheesy, action flicks with silly gags and punny humor. None of the previous scripts were indelibly clever or riddled with amazing dialog. So as you go to watch the new film, keep that in mind. It is a fun, silly, action-filled ride...there are a few spoilers (although seriously no tightly held secrets) but in the event you haven't watched the movie yet and want to be "surprised" by the story line stop reading NOW...




I found it not surprising but quite fitting how they reveal Shia LeBeouf's character, Mutt, to be Indiana's son with Marion (from the first Indy film). Indiana and Mutt's interaction even before finding out this information is quite amusing, but afterwards it's down-right hilarious! Of course, you can guess where all of that is heading from their first meeting when Mutt reveals who his mother is. There are no true "surprises" in this film; you just have to remember to suspend all good sense and enjoy it for what it is. The lamest part of the movie comes at the very end (although still not a surprise) when the crystal skull is confirmed to be from an alien (there is a whole pack of them actually) and there's a this flying saucer type thing at the end....LAME. George Lucas should not have mixed his Star Wars sci-fi genre with the Indiana films - but well it's too late for that now...If he'd only asked me (and pretty much most Indiana Jones fans) he could have avoided that faux pas. However, despite the ridiculous alien aspect of the movie - I believe it is worth going to see on the big screen (although I would suggest a matinée so you don't feel quite so cheated). WARNING: the special effects leave something to be desired - especially considering how far technology has come in this arena. The CGI used by Speilberg (so disappointing) looks about as well done as the last Indiana Jones film, and well that was The Last Crusade made in 1989. Anyways, go enjoy it for what it is - pure entertainment.

And the winner is...

The Katie Holmes bob!



Yes, friends, the Katie Holmes bob won by one vote! Well, that and it was my personal favorite, too - so even if it hadn't won, I still would have gone with it (just being honest!)

Here is the finished look:



Left side:



Right side:

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

This is another movie that I feel everyone (at least every woman) ought to see. When my sister and I visited our aunt in California, we ended up watching this movie at the home of one of the families who had befriended my sister when she worked at Casa de Ama. We had actually watched another film just before this one and got completely sucked into staying for this one because it was just that compelling. The film is based on a true story of a woman who as the tagline says, "raised ten kids on twenty-five words or less." Evelyn Ryan raised ten children with no real help from her drunk husband (more complication than help) by competing in jingle writing contests. This was how products solicited nearly "free" advertising by turning it into a competition. They gave away a one-time prize and used the ingenuity of the competitors for their own gain (delightful), but back to the story. This woman who was skilled in writing and had dreamed of a career in journalism used her skills to keep her large family afloat. And I loved that while her career dreams were interrupted by her burgeoning family, she wasn't bitter or resentful of her children or even her husband. One of the things I enjoyed the most about this film was that through the process of entering all these different contests Evelyn discovered a community of women who were all doing this to help support and supplement their family's income. And those women didn't get catty with one another or steal someone else's idea to get the prize, instead they met together regularly to spur on each other's creativity and encourage one another in their writing. The eldest daughter is the one who decided to tell her mother's story of integrity and strength through this film. Definitely something to look for at your local Blockbuster or add to your Netflix list.

Vote for my next haircut!

This coming Friday I am going in for another haircut. The old one is growing out a bit and getting a little annoying, as I can feel it get caught in the collar of my shirts. It is time to spruce up my new short hair in order to keep it short at least for a while longer. Place your vote in the column on the right! Here are 6 options in no particular order of preference (some much more daring than others):

Option #1: Pretty short



Option #2: Pretty darn short



Option #3: Super short (but I really like the bangs)



Option #4: Short bob (I like this length, but with bangs)



Option #5: Layered bob with bangs (but picture it shorter, my hair is already close in length to this)



Option #6: Katie Holmes bob (2 pics)





And be sure to leave comments about which haircut you like and why :-)

The simple things...

After having been annoyed to the point of exhaustion and frustration by the neediest Labrador known to man, I had to take some time to myself last night. For those who don't know, I have been animal-sitting (dog & cat) for one of my co-workers since last Friday. This dog, while extremely sweet-natured, has some of the worst attachment issues of any animal I have encountered. It follows my every move around the house, which is one thing with a small dog that you can step over...with this big dog...ugh. And she whines, a lot, and barks, a lot, in the middle of the night even. And the cat has also taken up whining - meowing, as some people may term it - whatever, sounds like whining to me. And the cat, who usually will not lower herself to spend time with humans, for whatever reason has been wanting to be close to me - the ultimate cat-hater! It keeps trying to walk near me and wanting to rub up beside me, and I have to keep telling it, "We are NOT friends - GO AWAY." I am allergic to cats, so I can feed it and keep it hydrated, but I do not and will not pet or hold cats, and I will not allow them to rub their nasty, allergy-ridden fur up against me.

So having had enough of the whining and being constantly followed by the neediest dog EVER, I went to my apartment for a night alone. Now, don't worry the poor helpless animals had been sufficiently taken care of - they'd been fed and loved, given treats, let outside, blah blah blah. I didn't leave the house until about 8:30pm so they were fine. I went home to enjoy the peacefulness of my apartment. I popped myself a snack bag of popcorn, melted a teensy bit of extra butter to drizzle on top, and poured some Coke to complete my yummy snack. Then I plopped down on my sofa to watch the one hour season finale of The Office (for the love Jim! you needed to move quicker on the proposal - geez), and Lost (I am sooooo confused this season, I'm gonna have to re-watch them online...like that's gonna help! HA!) And then I slept in my own glorious bed without a whining, attention hungry dog at my side and no barking in the middle of the night! (sigh) It was great. I woke up refreshed and rested and ready to drive all the way back out to the house to feed the animals their breakfast. Only two more days, and then I get a five day reprieve before the next round of animal-sitting. Pray for me...

Summer Movie List

Woohoo! It's that time when all the new summer blockbusters make their appearance on screens around the country :-) I look forward to it every year, and I have compiled my list of movies. Some are must-see and others just look interesting...Check it out:

May 22nd: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Seriously, who doesn't love a good Indiana Jones flick? Harrison Ford crackin' jokes and a whip all at the same time - it's greatness. And this sequel has the added bonus of that young sarcastic genius Shia LaBeouf. I can't wait for next weekend to get here!

June 13th: The Incredible Hulk
As silly as I think it is that they are making another Hulk movie while the disappointment of the last attempt is still somewhat fresh in people's memory, using a completely different actor as Bruce Banner, and yet still keeping the general look and feel of the last Hulk movie (this CGI Hulk looks only slightly less cartoonish compared to the last one), I am intrigued if only because Edward Norton is portraying Bruce Banner. As someone who can easily lead a film or seamlessly fit into the background as a minor character, I look forward to seeing what he brings to the character of Bruce Banner.

June 13: The Happening
I really hope this M. Night Shyamalan movie is better than last couple. Neither "The Village" nor "Lady in the Water" really did much to hold my attention or produce anxious suspense. This time we've got a whole new cast. No star power hold-overs from the last movie as was also becoming rather predictable. Although, we do have a sibling to one of Shyamalan's former actors...Spencer Breslin - brother to "Signs" Abigail Breslin.

June 20th: Get Smart
I have not seen the television show, nor do I know much about it. The only thing driving me to see this film is because I LOVE Steve Carrell and thoroughly enjoy Anne Hathaway. I figure it should be fairly amusing!

June 27th: Wanted
Have I mentioned that James McAvoy is one of my new favorite actors? Granted, this film has quite a star-worthy cast with Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman also headlining. It looks like it should be a nice action thrill ride, but of course I'm most looking forward to seeing my beloved McAvoy up on the big screen again...sigh

July 2nd: Hancock
Yet another fun summer thrill ride of a movie. Will Smith in all his action star glory and Jason Bateman as comic relief, and then there's the "monster" herself Charlize Theron. Yeah, I'm not really a fan of her - kind grates on my nerves, but hopefully her role is minor even though she is billed above Jason Bateman.

July 2nd: Kit Kittredge - An American Girl
Didn't really know about this movie until I was compiling this list, but it has a cast of actors that I typically enjoy: Abigail Breslin, Julia Ormond (haven't seen her do much in a while, so glad to see her in the line-up), Chris O'Donnell, and Joan Cusak. It looks like it will be a cute family comedy. It'll probably end up on my Netflix list, but who knows I might get around to seeing it at the theater this summer.

July 18th: The Dark Knight
I have been waiting for this sequel since the moment Batman Begins ended! Even with all the crazy hub-bub surrounding it because of Heath Ledger's death, I am purely looking forward to it for the sake of seeing Christian Bale shirtless.....just kidding (kind of)... I love the darker look and seemingly plausible nature of the recent Batman movies. Can't wait to see Christopher Nolan's creepier rendition of The Joker.

July 18th: Mamma Mia
I've heard all the rave reviews of the Broadway version of this musical, and the trailer for this film makes it seem like it could at least be a fun, silly escape amidst all the summer action films. Plus, I'm intrigued by Meryl Streep being in this kind of kooky musical.

August 1st: The Mummy - Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
I enjoyed the first two films and the Universal roller-coaster patterned after the films, so I'm hoping this film will be at least an interesting adventure. However, I am thoroughly disappointed again because here is yet another movie with an annoying re-cast...the wife is no longer being played by Rachel Weisz but by Maria Bello. These kinds of re-casts undoubtedly make me think of soap operas who keep key characters but change out the actors that play them like they change the wardrobe.

August 8th: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
The first movie was poignant and displayed a great representation of strong female relationships. I look forward to seeing the progression of these relationships and how the girls continue to lean on one another.

August 22nd: The Accidental Husband
It seems this might be the only true romantic comedy coming out this summer in the midst of all the fun action flicks, and it's at the end of the summer. Oh well, the premise seems thin (per usual) but it has Jeffery Dean Morgan as the leading man, so it's at least worth adding to the list even if it just ends up in my Netflix queue.

Been tagged

Hmmm, not sure about this tagging thing, but I'm game for playing along...

The way to play - copy the information on your site and fill in with your answers, and then leave a comment on my site to let me know you participated. Let's play.

Two names I go by: Kris (mostly by family), Little One or Lucy (Dave Dionne at SYSCO), Princess Peanut ("the old broads" at SYSCO)

Two things I am wearing right now: jeans and a cute coral shirt

Two of my favorite things to do: dance and cook

Two things I want very badly at the moment: to watch The Office and then Lost

Two favorite pets I’ve had: my sweet Grace - the bestest, cuddliest, dog EVER; Penny - she's a close second to Grace

Two things I did last night: Ate dinner and watched "Lars and the Real Girl" again

Two things I ate today: lemon blueberry muffins (yes, a Homemade Gourmet item - miss Becca), Altendorfs' mac & cheese, cream cheese filled crescent rolls (a Kraftfoods.com recipe)

Two longest car rides: Houston to Las Vegas, and Houston to Louisville - driving anywhere from the Gulf Coast of Texas takes a while

Two favorite beverages: Milk, Coke, and red wine

I followed the rules.......uh, most of the time.

A movie you should see

Lars & The Real Girl:
The premise is definitely a little odd - a young man, Lars, who lives in his married brother's garage apartment begins a delusional, yet chaste courtship with a life-size sex doll that he ordered online. Now, I know this sounds like it would end up being one of those gross, ridiculously over-the-top comedies, but it is so far removed from that. Instead, this film is one of the sweetest, most uniquely poignant stories I've seen in a long time. Lars (played by Ryan Gosling) is in his late twenties, living a rather solitary life and cannot stand to be touched. His sister-in-law tries to reach out to him, but his way of coping with life leads him to develop a delusional relationship with a life-size doll. The spectacular part of the film is how the entire town begins to participate with him in his delusion in an effort to help him see that he is loved and does not need this created/imagined relationship - that it is safe for him to interact with the community without her.

As I watched it for the second time this evening, it seemed to me a great picture of how the body of Christ should also respond to the lost and to those who have wandered away. Just as Lars was unable to hear the truth about his delusion in the beginning, so often those who are far from God cannot hear the truth of Him. They have been wounded, neglected, abandoned most likely by the very people who want to bring them the truth. However, building relationships and allowing people to experience the grace and love of Christ opens them up to hearing the truth in love.

Ryan Gosling continues to make his mark as an incredible actor. In this film, he and the entire cast communicated with this inanimate object so well that you often have to remind yourself that Bianca is in fact a doll and not a real person. Add it to your Netflix queue! It's cute, clean, and charming - and a little quirky, but we all need a little quirkiness now and then :-)

City on a Hill Video Blogs

Our City on a Hill video blogs make me happy :) Of course, I think you should check out the website directly to see these amazing blogs, but here are a couple that I particularly enjoy!


What it would be like to be in on a City on a Hill iChat conference call:




Guess what?! Kevin is gonna be out of the office for a whole month!

New Office :-)

Woohoo! Guess who is finally in her new office?...oh yes, that would be ME! I've actually been in it for over a week now, but finally got around to taking some pictures of it today. It could still use a little work as far as adding my own personal touch to it...but I feel like I'm off to a good start :)

Enjoy the pics!

Dancing Queen

Dancing is so much fun...whether it's a choreographed ballet or salsa at friend's wedding, I love it all. I started dancing at four years old. My parents put me in ballet, tap, and jazz, which I continued all the way through the fifth grade. I was briefly out of the realm of dance throughout middle school, but never too far from it (cheerleading isn't all that much different from dancing, really). In high school, dancing and I were reunited. During that time, I was opened up to even more forms of dance - modern, funk, lyrical, military, pom, high-kick, etc. But, it was at a youth camp at the end of high school where I first learned swing. Now that is a blast! One of my sister's friends taught several of us how to swing dance, and the best part was learning all the acrobatics - being tossed around from side to side like a rag doll. And just a couple of years ago, I learned to salsa. After having spent most of my life learning how to dance according to someone else's or my own choreography, learning how to follow the lead of someone else and depending on them was a little annoying at first (I've got some trust issues - okay - geez) but really freeing all at the same time.

Choreographing a ballet, lyrical or modern dance provides me a creative outlet, whereas swing, salsa, and even that good 'ole Texas two-step allow me to relax and follow the lead of my partner. In Texas, I had lots of opportunity to go out dancing, take classes to learn new dances, and to perform choreographed dances at church. Somehow, some way, I'm going to have to find a way to fulfill this need here. It's kind of like Maverick in Top Gun, except I don't have a need for speed (well, actually I do - I like to speed when I drive)..."I feel the need - the need to dance!"

Mmmmmm, food!

I think about food a LOT. It's pretty ridiculous how much I think about food - cooking it, creating new dishes or variations on recipes, baking, the melding of all the flavors in my mouth. Mmmmmm! Like tonight, I'm thinking about making a pizza with a pesto alfredo sauce base, mushrooms, sliced tomato, torn baby spinach leaves, chopped garlic, chopped artichoke hearts, and of course mozzarella (and probably some crushed red pepper - gotta have some kick to it). The problem I run into is that I like to cook but always end up with more than I can eat. Thankfully, a lot of it freezes really well, so I can freeze it in serving sizes and pull stuff out and heat it up whenever. This method works especially well with the Altendorf mac & cheese recipe, and my friend Caran's chili recipe. And also, a lot of times I'll bring in some of the leftovers to share with co-workers.

I also get easily sucked into looking at recipe websites. Several of my favorites are Kraftfoods.com, BHG.com (Better Homes & Gardens), FoodNetwork.com, AllRecipes.com, and most recently and most addictive is ThePioneerWoman.com. This last website has to be my favorite by far, even though the others have LOADS more recipes and I use them more often. The Pioneer Woman website gives step by step instructions with excellent pictures to guide you through the process, and her comments with the instructions are hilarious. I've already noticed several recipes I am eager to test - one which even includes shrimp (Penne a la Betsy), and I'm not that big a fan of seafood!

Since I love coming across new recipes on other friends' blogs, here is a recipe I made earlier this week for a potluck:

Velvet Chicken with Mushroom Wine Sauce

• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup, condensed
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 package onion soup mix
• 6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 6 tbs butter
• sliced baby portabello mushrooms
• salt and pepper to taste
• grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, wine, rice, and onion soup mix. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the stoneware. Place one tablespoon of butter on each chicken breast. Sprinkle mushroom slices over the chicken. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours, or on High for 4-6 hours.

I got this recipe off the side of my Rival slow-cooker's box! I brought the leftovers into the office on Tuesday, and my co-workers who tried it loved it. I've only made it one other time for the girls who regularly came over to watch "24," and they enjoyed it, as well. Definitely an easy and hearty recipe to keep in one's repertoire.

Lingering...

A couple of Sunday's ago, the Sunday school class I attend was issued a 21-day challenge to form the habit of reading the Word and praying each day. Now, over the years I've had inconsistent quiet times, sometimes being consistent for long stretches of months and then dropping off as things get hectic or I get too complacent with where I'm at spiritually. Of late, I've felt kind of adrift - still trying to get my bearings on how to do life in Louisville and work in a MUCH less than routine ministry environment...and well the chaos is definitely being reflected in my significantly less than Martha Stewart (or even Laura Altendorf) house-keeping. And that has also spilled over into my time with Christ being fairly hit-or-miss.......kind of hard to be wooed by Him if you rarely let yourself spend time with Him!

Thus, I have taken up the 21-day challenge. I started it that following Monday, but I've since started over again because I've decided on a better "routine." Here's the thing, for as long as I've ever had to get up routinely in the morning for school or work - I have always had the TV on and have used that pretty much as my guide for my morning schedule. However, I have resolved to no longer have the TV on in the mornings. Instead, after I wake up and shower, make my tea and prepare breakfast - I take my tea and breakfast and Bible out onto my balcony. I set my cell phone alarm for 45 minutes - and settle into my time with God. Now, the reason I set the alarm for 45 minutes is because when it buzzes I "snooze" it for another 15 minutes to allow me some specific time just devoted to prayer. Here's the thing, when I'm reading the Word and meditating and reflecting on it, I often find myself lingering over certain sections. By setting the alarm, I don't have to worry about the time - I can linger as long as I need to on a certain verse or passage because I know I've set aside more time specifically for prayer. Mmmmm, I love that word "linger"...to be slow in parting with the Lord.

In regards to prayer during this 21 day challenge, I am renewing my efforts to pray for whoever that lucky soul is that might be my "future mate" (HA!) Again, this is a prayer that I've gone through spurts of consistency with - actually even more inconsistently than the quiet times really - mostly because I feel silly (and a bit selfish) praying it. As much as I desire marriage and a family - after a while you just get tired of beating the same dead horse into the ground. However, I am finding that maybe part of why I don't praying about it is because 1) It goes back to how I don't always believe that my Father has greater gifts in mind for me than I could ever imagine and 2) by not praying about it then I still have some influence/control over the situation. Instead, by laying it down before Him each morning - it frees me up to keep my focus on serving Him where He has me now. And I am reminded to pray that God would continue to prepare me for whomever I marry. And don't worry ;) my prayers aren't solely focused on me either, I have several friends that I am praying for on a more consistent basis - some who have wandered away from God, or become apathetic, or are experiencing health issues, etc. I just know that I want to be more consistent and intentional in placing all of those needs and requests and hopes and dreams before the throne.

Hmmmm, this move to Kentucky is certainly spurring on the formation of a lot of new experiences and spiritual disciplines! :)

Family

Twice this past week I've gotten to spend some time with my co-worker, Cassie's family at two of her brothers' soccer games. I have to admit I have always envied my friends who have large close-knit families - especially those who have several siblings and/or cousins. My sister and I grew up as the only grandchildren. We had no first cousins, and only a handful of second cousins (most of whom were older by at least 5 years). Plus, you factor in the fact that my mom wasn't too keen on us spending hardly any time with any of our relatives if she could avoid it - and well is it any wonder I envy my friends with all those built in playmates!

Thankfully, God has provided me with several surrogate families throughout the years. First, it was the Morenos. Melissa and I became fast friends in elementary school, and I loved going over to her house where she had two older sisters and an older brother, and then she also ended up with an adopted younger brother. Next, it was the Hemphills. Robin and her family moved across the street from me when we were both in the 7th grade. I was soon invited to their weekly family dinners on Friday evenings which usually included both of her mom's sisters and their families, and both sets of grandparents. Usually, they would go to Larry's Original Mexican restaurant or have dinner at one of the families' homes since everyone lived within nearly 5 minutes of each other! I particularly loved it when we had breakfast-for-dinner :) Often the weekends would be spent with her family at either her brother's or one of her cousins' baseball games. One year, I even went with them on their family vacation on a house boat at Lake Travis. The next family that seemed to adopt me and my sister was the Altendorfs. This occurred around the time I was in college, and I became good friends with all three of their children. It has practically become tradition for Wendy and I to spend New Year's Eve at their home chowing down on fajitas, destroying gingerbread houses, and playing Nertz, Mexican Train, or Spades. And now that I'm up in Kentucky, Cassie has been inviting me to many of her family's events: first their Easter lunch, and now soccer games :)

I think it would be fun to marry into a family like the ones I've been blessed by. And one day, I hope to have a family of my own with three - maybe four kids - and hopefully my sister will pull through in the cousins department ;)

Blind Date #2

Actually, this one was instigated by one of my current co-workers before I ever moved up here. He flew down to Houston for something else but also managed to squeeze in some fundraising. It was at one of these fundraising home groups on a Saturday evening where the wife of the host home (whom I’d never met before), chatted me up during dessert. She found out that I’m single and proclaimed that she had a great Christian guy to set me up with. Turned out this guy was a longtime, childhood friend of her son. Knowing that her son was a pro-baseball player, I figured, what the heck – his friend should be interesting, right? She told me all about him being a pilot for a major airline and what a great guy he is. By the end of the evening she’d gathered my contact info, but I assumed nothing was going to really come of it. However, the next Tuesday I got a text message from the pilot. He’s going to be in town Wednesday through the following Monday (Labor Day), would I like to get together for lunch. Sure, I plan to meet him for lunch on Friday (that way it was my lunch break from work with a specific length of time attached to it – I had an obvious mode of escape if needed). We texted and had a couple of phone conversations before Friday. He did the majority of the talking about being a pilot. I surprisingly tried to interject here and there, but wasn't really given much opportunity to share. I got to the restaurant on Friday, only to immediately get a call that he was running about 5 – 10 minutes late. So, I waited in the entry of the restaurant. As I was waiting my boss and his cohorts from the office showed up at the restaurant. This restaurant was not one of their typical haunts, and they're creatures of habit…ugh...just my luck. They came in and I ended up having to fess up. My boss started to go into overprotective big brother mode, but finally they were seated. Not long after, the pilot showed up. I saw him walking up (hadn't ever seen him before, so I was assuming it was him and it was), my first thought was: “So when people look at me now, do they immediately think – she’d be great for this skinny, kind of geeky guy that I know.” Is that what I evoke in people? My inner dialog is trying to give me a pep-talk, “Okay, so I’m not initially attracted to him, but the conversations so far haven’t been all that bad. Maybe he’s got a really great personality. Sometimes that really changes the look of a guy.” We got seated for lunch with the menus. He asked me what’s good, and I rattled off all the things I’ve had there. He then asked if there were any lunch specials, so I point those out as well. After we’d perused the menu for a while, he decided on the cheese enchiladas which happen to be on the lunch specials menu. When the waiter comes by to take our order, he made sure to point out that he wants the lunch special cheese enchiladas. I placed my order, also for the cheese enchiladas, and then the pilot made sure to verify again that he wanted the lunch cheese enchiladas (those are the only cheese enchiladas on the menu). By this time I was already thinking, I am definitely going to be paying for my own meal. As we snacked on the chips and salsa, the pilot talked some more of how he was looking to buy a place in town. He had already put down several thousand on a condo/townehome with a builder back in the spring, but apparently the pilot had changed his mind about that decision. Now, he and his real estate mom were working to try to get that money back. Are you kidding me?! Good luck with that! Not long after that topic, he mentioned how commercial pilots’ salaries double every year for the first five years before they level out. Most of the conversation overall revolved around money and how he was looking forward to settling down and being based out of Houston and starting a family. The best part was that towards the end of lunch he made a lovely off-color comment about the rise in crime in the Houston area since we acquired a large portion of the Katrina evacuees. He knew how he’d solve that crime problem – he’d ship them all back to New Orleans . To what?! To the ruins and garbage piles that used to be their homes? Are you kidding me? Anyways, that date ended, and he did end up buying my lunch.

Back at the office the guys I worked with revealed they had wanted to play a prank where one of them would have gone over to my table and said to me, “What the heck are you doing here? Where are the kids?” They should have; it would’ve made lunch a bit more interesting :-) No more than an hour passed back at the office when the pilot texted me to ask me out to a movie the next evening. (Seriously, texting is NOT the way to ask a girl out - for the love, it's not as if he was shy about talking). I hemmed and hawed to the end of my work day before finally deciding to give the guy another shot (at the recommendation of way too many people). I asked him what movie he had in mind, and he suggested World Trade Center . Well, I had already seen that film, and it's not something you watch over and over. I told him I'd seen it and not one you watch multiple times, any other suggestions. He suggested Pirates 2 (already seen it) or You, Me, & Dupree. Now, I like a good comedy as much as the next person, but I saw Wedding Crashers with good girl friend and was uncomfortable watching that with her. There’s NO way I was about to subject myself to watching You, Me, & Dupree in mixed company, especially with a guy I’d just met. I had to finally take the reigns and suggest the new movie out that weekend, Invincible – good, reliable, sport flick.

We met at the theater the next evening. He dominated conversation, again, all the way through the previews into the title sequence of the film. Seriously, I, the mute girl, actually tried to talk, and he asked me a few questions, but even when I did talk he practically ran over whatever I was saying with more of his own jibber-jabber. The movie was good, but then it ended. We’re leaving the theater about to part ways, when he asked me out AGAIN for Sunday evening to dinner at his sister’s house. What the heck?! Even if I had been interested in him, I think that would’ve freaked me out. Dinner with your family after two dates and I just met you this week?! Nope, not gonna happen. Thankfully, I actually had real plans for Sunday evening, so I didn’t have to lie. But, he seemed to take it in stride as he mentioned that he’d be back in town in the next week or so, and we’d still keep in touch. However, thankfully, I didn't hear from him again, either. I say thankfully because I'm a weeny, too, and don't want to have to tell the guy I'm not interested. But I still don't give out that lame line, "I'll call you," when I have no intention of communicating with them again. I typically just ignore them until they get the picture, but I'm working on being a better communicator these days and not indulging in my usual response of avoidance. So watch out! If I'm not interested, I'm more likely to be upfront about it now.