Okay, so I'm sorry I haven't written in ages and I kind of feel bad about it. Almost. Well, not right now though. I don't have time. I have to finish the Twilight Saga. After that maybe I'll have time to talk. Actually, I'll have a lot to talk about, and if Jonathan has anything to do with it, nothing concerning Twilight. I've almost burned his ears off already.

So I'm sitting here admiring this Christmas Tree thinking about life and how come I'm enjoying it all by myself tonight. I feel bad that Jonathan can't spend these times with me. These sweet days when all I want to do is play tennis or go for a walk. It's depressing I guess if I think about it. But then I just think about that sermon, "God is near" and it makes the time go by a little sweeter, even if the clock doesn't tick any faster.

Macy's doesn't know the vast impact it has on me. It doesn't realize how seriously I take those large balloons and high school bands. It isn't there when my heart flutters halfway through the parade and I pray for it to slow down. It doesn't realize...doesn't care, but I could care less. It's the best parade of the entire year. Yay for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. See you bright and early!! One and half days and counting!! Love you and love you Macy!!

I work in that office.

You know, making 100 biscuts for 30 people never crossed Nathan's mind. He automatically assumed (in his very hospitable mind, of course) that every person at work would eat at LEAST 3 biscuits--with gravy--for breakfast, and that at 7am, everyone was going to eat breakfast, and that from those everyones that did eat breakfast, all of them loved biscuits and gravy. MMmmm wrong, but very hilarious that he made 100 biscuits with leftovers for over a week. Almost as funny as the two and a half gallons of gravy he brought along to go with it. 

Two and a half gallons...

This is true. 

Obama and McCain are going at each other's throats. People--friends...are going at each other's throats because of political beliefs. Yes, it's important, but how easily people forget that they are friends when politics are brought into the picture. We're all people right? We're all hurting in different ways right? We are all called to love each other right? We all have different beliefs, and we come from different places. That's what makes it America, and that what makes this country beautiful, so instead of judging others for their political beliefs, lets love them, and see how much further that might take us. :)

Top things I love this week:

1. Pumpkins. I really want to carve one! It brings back memories of the years when I was 12, tick-or-treating around my neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas dressed as a basket of dirty laundry. Best costume of my life. 

2. Blackberry pie. Hello crispy crust. I was sitting at work this morning, and about 9a.m., I began  thinking about a specific time in my childhood. I was in 7th grade and I was friends with a girl named Adrienne Maddox. I went to her house to spend the night once and her mom brought out blackberry pie after dinner. That was 9  years ago. No one should go without blackberry pie that long. Thinking about that gave me a sudden urge to jump into my past, grab a piece, stuff it in (and on) my face and walk around going "Mmm" with purple all over my face. Who cares. It's pie.

3. Shiny things. I love shiny things! I had my silver ring cleaned at the mall the other day and it keeps catching my eye. I saw a detailed black Toyota sitting next to a dirty Lexus at a stoplight. I wanted the Toyota. I love shiny black paint! I love shiny shoes. I love bright shiny Christmas Ornaments. I love clean shiny windows that reflect the sun in the morning on the way to work.  I love shiny hair. I love shiny chapstick and shiny nails. Shiny Shiny. It's just better.

4. Unplanned conversations. I love those great little conversations that make a good day become a great one, like someone nice on the elevator or a sweet little lady at the Post Office. I love sweet people at Target, cute little girls handing out flyers with pink bows in their hair, and conversations with your husband that remind you why you married him.

5. I love 409. It makes EVERYTHING you need to clean easy easy easy to do. 

6. Cold weather. Well, possibly because I love coats, winter clothes, and hot coffee. But still, I love cold.

7. Music. 

8. Silence.

9. Pottery Barn Books.

10. Gas Prices

Today is a fresh day. A good one. A new one. A new one. 

It's crazy how life is up and down and all around. Recently, Jonathan and I have made huge leaps and bounds. I'm working for a CPA firm, and it's great except for deadline days, but it's getting there. Jonathan is the new gameday emcee for the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team, and I couldn't be more proud! Not only that, he makes time to be with me and make me feel loved despite his busy travel time at SNU, his new job (which occupies 41 nights of the year), and video and graphic design work on the side. How amazing is he? I just have one job, and I'm off everyday at 5:30. Uncomplicated. That's how I roll. 

Well, we are blessed, yet again we'll tell you. We're so blessed. Mini is almost 6 pounds now. She is little, but getting bigger. We are hoping to plan a much needed vacation this next May. :) Yes, I'm already talking about it. Any great location suggestions? I'm ready for cool weather to come, which would also mean movies and hot chocolate, Christmas lights, football parties, and snow. 

Fall break is happening right now for the SNUers. I'm a little jealous, but I realize that adult life is not all that it's cracked up to be, and you never get a random day off just because (or week).  I guess I'm okay with that. I got my fall break last year, and well...the 20 years before that.

Hopefully today will be a little better. Well, it will be. It's the day after the tax deadline, Jonathan's coming home from traveling, I got to see Mendy and Tomy this morning :), I'm having lunch with friends, and my house is clean. How much better could it possibly get?

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will praise the Lord at all times. His love will continually be on my lips. I will praise the Lord at all times. I will praise the Lord at all times. (-Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir)

Well Bummer! When I got off of work yesterday (at a CPA firm--which I love!!!), I noticed that the truck made a HIDEOUSLY loud loud noise when I turned it on. Andrew came out to help me and check it out (poor Jonathan was tired and sleeping). Seems that someone cut the Catalytic Convertor off of the underside of the truck--in the parking lot! What??!!! Supposedly, they had some fancy metal cutters called hacksaws? Well, they actually had a ton of fun because they cut the oil lines (for kicks I guess) and who knows what else. So, that's being towed and fixed (with a deductible of course...another bummer). However, I'd like to give a shout out to God, who, through it all, has always provided what we need. He is never lacking in anything. He has made a way for everything that we have ever needed, and we will not doubt that now--not ever. God takes care of his people, and I thank thank thank him now for his many many many blessings, and I can't wait to wake up tomorrow for a brand new day. :) Like mom says, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" But, you might want to watch where you park, and especially if you have a truck. StateFarm says that claims for this exact thing are sky-rocketing all over the NATION.  

Fortunately, it's just a truck, and it's just part of life. It's not a person or someone's feelings, it's just STUFF! And, no matter what happened, it can't be undone. So why in the world should I ever waste a day frowning when it could potentially be one of the best days of my life? How should I know unless I learn to live, and love God with no avail. I have it--that peace that passes all understanding--I sooo have it. 

I love Chicago. I love Colorado. I love Washington D.C. I wish I could say that I loved Hawaii, Alaska, Greece, Italy, London, and Paris, but I can't...well not yet. I will someday love them. I guarantee you this. 

I love Oklahoma a little bit. It has been fairly good to me. I just think Oklahoma is still a little mixed up about the weather. It's fall now, not summer--fall. Oklahoma, pay attention!

I love the ocean, the mountains, and the pine trees. I love the Aspens and the snow. I love the city lights at night and the darkness of the forest. I love the world.

I hope the treasures of the world that are worth being discovered are found. 

"The scenery should never stay the same." -Jon McLaughlin

I agree.

In a new day with new challenges, I have to ask myself, "What is my purpose for today?" Is it to accomplish things? To make money? To help the world economy? Does it really need me anyway? No. No. 

Love others Michelle. Be Jesus to someone Michelle. Be a light, no matter how small, in a very dark world. 

"What does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul..."

Deuteronomy 10:12

...and then I realize, "Oh. I can do that." 

MY 7 THINGS

1. I've started writing a fictional book today. It's a good start. I figure that I have a few ideas, so I will write the beginning of five books, decide which is best, and then run with it. 

2. I don't know what it is about Fall, but it does something to me. It motivates me. It moves me to crave chill music and coffee. It screams, "bring me that hoodie"! Fall loves me and I love it. It's my middle name. Michelle Fall Meisner. It's true. I can't think of a better word. Doesn't it just rollllllllllll off the tongue like water? Falllllll. 

3. I saw new Sharpie pens at Walmart today. I want one. Of course, no one ever needs to buy pens, which Jonathan reminded me of. And he's right. With all the free ones floating around in the world, why buy one? I don't expect any men to understand this, but I think women know exactly what I'm talking about when I say, "Sometimes, you just new new office supplies." It's fresh ink to a writer. It's a new knife for a cook. It's an awesome new graphic for a designer. It's a pair of new shoes for that perfect outfit. Well, except that it's just a $2.79 pen. Well, okay, it's actually half that price because two come in a package. :)

4. Mini's huge. She's around five pounds now and getting big. Her newest nickname is Fatty, but she is actually quite the opposite. Oh Skinny Mini. (insert Jonathan's dog-kissy noises) Jonathan loves her, but he doesn't call her Fatty like me. He just calls her Wiener. She also answers to Shrimp, Lovebug, Devil, and No.

5. I love the song Disturbia. Can we bottle up the energy in that song and sell it in bottles? It is better than coffee. I'm telling you--take that free advice and run with it friends. Watch out, Rhianna's gonna get to you, and she'll have you addicted before you know it. 

6. If you don't buy a pumpkin, I'm calling you a fall-hater.

7. Dance. I promise that it will make your day brighter.

"...I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."

2 Samuel 24:24

Thankfulness

Read 'til the end. The best parts alway come at the end...

You know what? To be completely honest with you, today started out as such a great day, and right now, even through I'm a little worried and slightly paranoid about our future, at five p.m., when I came home from work, it was still a great day. I tucked the hair behind my ears and sang all the way home to the beat of Tenth Avenue North, Chris Tomlin, and even a little, yes, I'm not lying friends, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." Now that--that, made my evening. 

I made some hot spaghetti and talked to my husband about his dreams. I watched the dog bring not one, not two, but four socks out into the living room (we're still not sure where she keeps finding them). We have lived large, and we are so grateful. But right now, right at this moment, I am a little worried. Sure, life after college is fun. Grown-up life is a lot of responsibility and no one washes your socks for you anymore. In fact, no one does anything for you, unless you marry a sweet man, so I guess I got lucky there. But life. Life. It's just such an up and down thing. One day I feel like I have nothing to lose, and then literally the next day, I have nothing. We have nothing. I am poor friends. It's true, and I mean it. Going for your dreams doesn't make money at first. It's a slow start, and that's not true for a few select lucky ones, or perhaps even more than half, but for us, the cards didn't fall that way, and tonight, I look to the Lord, and I thank him for the special life that he has specially selected for me. I thank him for MY gifts and MY talents and I am in awe of his majesty! I THANK THANK THANK HIM for how bountiful and generous he has been to us. 

If it weren't for him, Jonathan and I wouldn't be as far as we are in life. We will never stop giving praise to the Lord Almighty. Because friends, He was, and is, and is to come. Blessed be the name of the Lord. I will never stop saying it for the rest of my life. He gives and he can take away. That's fine with me. His name shall be praised. He is my rock--my fortress, and he is my help in time of trouble. Rejoice with me, and never, never, never forget, what he has done for you. Have you thanked him today? 

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him." 

-Lamentations 3:22-24

::A few things I'm thankful for::

Love

Music

Colors

Imagination

Light

Stars in a night sky

Wisdom from our Grandparents

Disease, without which, we would have no chance to reach out to others

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-Ephesians 5:19-20

I'm so tired. The first day of work will do that to you I guess. Oh, how I love my J.O.B.

3 pairs of socks

2 pair of jeans

3 t-shirts

1 hat

1 rain jacket

1 sweatshirt

1 lined jacket

1 umbrella

1 pair of tennis shoes

1 pair of rainboots

1 tube of chap-stick

1 drivers license

1 turkey sandwich

1 ipod

1 cell phone

1 sleeping bag

1 foldable chair

2 trash bags

and sadly, only 2 arms to carry it all...

I'm sleeping out at Chick-fil-a tonight. Well noon until seven in the morning. Twelve inches of rain are expected to fall before morning, which classifies as a small flood in my book, all for some hot chicken? Yes! But, I guess spending time with good friends and a whole lot of laughs isn't going to be so tragic--just a little cold. 

Have you ever been overwhelmed? Well, editing 700 pages (for free) in one month is a little overwhelming. I am perhaps in a little over my head, but for now, I'm treading. :)

Oh my Job Hunt

Well, there are some things that cannot be skipped on telling, like my job interview yesterday. :) It makes me laugh just THINKING about it. So, let me start at the beginning. I applied at this place called Visual Inventor, cool place really. They have an amazing portfolio for a design firm and they are based in Oklahoma City and doing awesome (without me) work. Anyway, I was so excited for this interview yesterday morning that I couldn't sleep at all on Wednesday night, just waiting for the moment when I could wake up, put on a cuter-than-normal "designerish" outfit and head out the door early. Well, first things first. I used mapquest and that was a no-no. Lost and...lost. I called to ask for some simple directions from where I was which I'm sure was not a huge deal, but notheless, I really just wasn't crazy about making THAT impression first. Oh well right? Well I find this building, well kind of. I parked at a building that I thought was the right one, only to figure out that it surely was not and I had to walk 2 blocks south to the right one. I didn't bother moving my car. I just figured, eh, 1. it would be more time wasted and 2. I didn't want to be late 3. i probably needed the exercise.

Well I walk in, and the man I had talked to on the phone looked EXACTLY like I had pictured him! This rarely happens to me and I was thrilled, of course thinking, oh "it's a sign!" hmmm. Well, I was told to have a seat and he'd be right back. I looked around at the art decor and was highly impressed. This place was legit. The stained cement floor added so much pizazz and the furniture was all artsy-vintage-sleek looking, if that's possible. It was nice. Their name was on a glass cutout hanging who-knows-how on the left wall and it looked amazing, just like a movie. Will this guys comes in, Tim, the owner of the company, and he seems nice enough. He starts asking me these interview type questions, and then I look down at his sheet and realize that he has a stapled PACKET of questions three pages long in what had to be 8pt. font. I mean, we're talking 50+ questions friends, and they were not easy questions. After sitting there for 20 minutes answering "what's your greatest strength?" and "what's your ideal job?" and random scenarios that apparently have a right and wrong answer according to his nods, the questions started getting interesting. "What is 85x3?" and "How many weeks are in a year?" and "What type of phone do you have?" I mean come on. There is a point at which you should stop asking questions and start listening to answers so that you don't have to ask common sense questions because after 45 interrogating stunner questions, shouldn't you be able to tell if you're talking to an idiot? Well, the last five questions were about web smarts. He said they wouldn't be that hard, everyone basically knew most of this stuff. Questions #1: "What if the SDFGLHS modem of the JFIEHDF drive connected to the KLJASFJKLHSF drive which is powered by the OIJDAFJ on the OIHASDFOSAD site. Okay Michelle, what did I just say in web language?" 

Wow. I have no freaking idea Timmy. lol. Never learned those words before. What dictionary are you reading? Then he asked me some more, probably for most web geniuses, common sense questions, but for me "the normal one," (well I thought I was normal until this interview) very hard, and I looked stupid, and I felt stupid, and well, I probably was a little bit stupid...and he continued to waste his time, and then wasted mine by asking the remaining 4 questions and then he said he'd be in touch and I thought to myself, Sir, you don't even want me to do this job. I have a feeling that I would annoy you everyday of the entire year asking you what HJASDFLDASF modems and ASDFJKLHADSFKLH things were connected to. Legit place. Bad match. Yeah...so...loving the job interviews. Never a dull moment right?

Here Skinny Mini!

crunch crunch crunch.

Mini has decided that eating her food on the carpet is much more fun than in the kitchen on the floor (even though we put down a soft rug because we knew that). She grabs ONE PIECE of food, runs all the way to the center of the living room, eats it, and then returns to the kitchen to grab ONE MORE PIECE etc. etc. Oh my word. Who would have known that we picked such a comedic animal! I love her. She's getting so long. Long and strong with a mighty weenie strength. She looks so much like a hot dog now that I forget that she isn't one.

If I ever had the chance to move to Chicago, I would. Simple as that.

HILARIOUSSSSSSSSSSSS

Mini's face says it all.

Thank to all of you who suggested great books to me! I will put them on my list of good ones to read... and bump them up to the top ;) 

Today I have an interview at PotteryBarn, oh yay...it's an in-betweener job but hey, sounds fun to me. I have one on Thursday morning at 10am also that's pretty legit, so some extra prayers would be great. I want to stop worrying about this job thing already so I can get on with life, whatever that is... 

Worst Idea I've ever had

So obviously I love to read. I do. A good book is always a fantastic option. Started one last night around 5pm actually. Finished just a few minutes ago at 11:30 a.m. today. What a cures. Ever read "The Firm" by John Grisham? It's so good. However, to me, an aweful idea. I can't stop reading a good book, and not only was this one good, but so creepy and twisted that of course, I couldn't sleep, and was awake until 6 a.m. listening to odd "noises" around this place and even got up twice to check the front door. But, I continued reading because I wanted to ease the panic and finish the book on a good note right? Because of this dumb book, I now feel sicker than a camel and am exhausted from a night of sleepless turns and panic. It's a book! However, my nauseous stomach does not agree with me and my panic won't go away. Now I stare at everyone as though they are following me. This is ridiculous.

Some great bible verses for thought

"Do everything without complaining or arguing..." 2:14

This one is simple, plain and obvious, but it is also so easily forgotten in a society when everyone wants what they want. We complain about our hair color and argue that our $30,000/year salary should be more. We complain about our meat being overcooked when there are thousands starving in Africa. We complain that we have no money to spend on Starbucks coffee and we have to go home empty handed, and right then, we have already forgotten that millions in the world don't even have a home to go to. We argue about race, when we are wasting so much time loving one another. We argue about parking tickets when we know we weren't following the rules in the first place. We don't realize how much time we waste on the stupid things and the selfish gains. If we could just learn to look up.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. " Philippians 2:3

I'm reminded of one of my very favorite quotes from Mother Teresa who once said, "If you can't feed 100 people, than just feed one." 

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:22-24

He'll be there. Right in time,  he'll be there. I'm learning that as we speak.

ON A SIDE NOTE: I'd like to thank Jonathan for the story about the cracked chips ahoy cookie last night, I think his name was Sammy, yes Sammy. He was lost and alone in that poor cookie jar for 2 1/2 weeks! Then, thankfully Timmy ate him, crushed nicely between a few oreos that took pity on Sammy and took him in, allowing him to be mushed between their white and african american flavors. Timmy got a "magical" package of interesting cookies and lucky Sammy was finally eaten.  I'm glad it all worked out. But REALLY, it's lucky Michelle, because without Jonathan, none of this lovely story would have been possible and I would never have gotten in my minimum quota of 100 laughs per week.

I'm so excited about limes and job opportunities today. It's the best rainy Monday since...well I can't remember. 

Today I saw the FATTEST dachshund walking out of the vet. I mean, I have NEVER seen anything like this in my life. It actually looked like a potbelly pig! It's belly was dragging the ground. That poor dog just eats too many treats. I thought it'd be funny to find a picture that was similar on the internet, but I guess what? It's impossible. After searching for a good 10 minutes, I've realized that the dog was too fat. There are no look alikes!

Today, I want to thank my husband Jonathan, without whom I would not be nearly as cool as I am. He has taught me to laugh a little more, joke a lot, and when in doubt--cut the seriousness. I'm learning to be a better person by watching his life, and I'm pleased with our life together. We are happy people, and happy to us has never equalled more money. I love you Jonathan. 

"My heart flutters whenever I hear his key turning in the door, and I think to myself, oh goody, the party is about to start." -Anne Bancroft

Lord, is my heart soft and beautiful? Is it calloused? Is it just deformed or is it bruised black and blue? Does it need a lift or do I need a complete heart transplant? I'm just not sure, so perhaps as I ask for this, you can help it beat, so that I can feel how the rhythm is supposed to thump next to yours.

Photography

Miss her.

Beloved-Tenth Avenue North

Love of my life, look deep in my eyes. There you will find what you need. Give me your life. The lust and the lies, the past you're afraid I might see. You've been running away from me.

You're my Beloved. 

Lover I'm yours. 

Death shall not part us.

It's you I died for. 

For better or worse, forever we'll be.

My love, it unites us, and it binds you to me. 

It's a mystery.

Love of my life, look deep in my eyes. There you will find what you need. I'm the giver of life. I'll clothe you in white, my immaculant bride you will be. Oh come running home to me.

You're my Beloved.

Lover I'm yours.

Death shall not part us.

It's you I died for.

For better or worse, forever we'll be.

My love, it unites us, and it binds you to me.

You've been a mistress, my wife, chasing lovers it won't satisfy. Won't you let me make you my bride. You will drink of my lips and you'll taste new life.

Gas prices have been on the decline for 27 days now according to CNN. The height of fuel prices occurred on July 16th when prices were an average $4.12 nationwide. Oklahoma is second cheapest in the US. Perhaps we should be thankful and pray for lower prices. Although, I would EXPECT the prices to keep dropping until after the Presidential Elections. After all, we don't want people worrying about the economy right?

Peace to my Okies.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken

Easy Easy. Do you have 15 minutes? Than you can do this!

I use 1lb. of chicken, which is about 4 good sized breasts. I buy them trimmed and cut.

First,  you'll want to heat up your skillet on the stove to about med-high heat. Put about 3 Tbsp EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil) in the skillet. Let this heat up a little bit, oh 2 minutes or so.

Put 2 Tbspn flour in a bowl and add a little salt. Stir this around and cover each chicken breast separately in the mixture. Put these in the skillet with the EVOO and cook the chicken.

Once cooked, add 6 cloves crushed garlic (fresh is best), 4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, 3/4 c. chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1/4 tsp. thyme and 1 Tbsp butter. Let this simmer with the lid on for about 10 minutes. You may want to flip at the 5 minute mark.

Done and Yum!! 

There ya go. Easy as pie.

I know where it came from. It came from my momma, who instinctively taught me to cook too much when people came over so no one went hungry. It was Sarahbeth, who taught me not to eat anything that wasn't "outstanding" because you can always get so-so food. It was Italy, who taught me how to make Balsamic Vinegar Chicken. And tonight friends, we're having dinner. Lots of it, with good friends, good food, and a whole lot of happiness. Here's to Chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and some really good broccoli. Thanks to Brittany Whitman, we'll be having Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies too. I always thought it was a blessing to have a mother that was an incredible chef. 

New times bring new experiences, new smells, new laughs, and new memories. Old times evoke things just as sweet. But, if you don't open your mind to the new, how will life ever grow?

Internet is such a beautiful thing. It's amazing how much you can't do without it. Just think about it. Need a phone number? An address? A map? Need to talk to a person? Need a recommendation or a review? A restaurant reservation or a plane ticket? Need an animal? A wife? Need a new Coach purse or something from Africa? Well thank you World Wide Web. I love you today.

Mini's home!!

2 pounds and 4 oz. later, she's still looking as cute as ever!

No more getting yelled at by random neighbors for washing the dog wrong and "letting" her run away. No more of the cat's sharp teeth connecting with my big toe at 2am. No more leaky showers. No more vacuuming for 9 days to get the hair up. No more. No more free rent. No more space. No more double ovens and trash service just outside the door. No more freezer space and tivo!  No more internet and extra cash. 

Yes new dog! Yes new couch and new furniture and new life! Yes new job and new now! Yes new pictures and new attitude! Yes newly married friends and fun dinners! Yes new car (cross my fingers) and new books! Yes new writing and new publications! Yes yes yes. Yes to life and new life and now and tomorrow and yes. Yes to all the family returning to Oklahoma City! Yes to everything great and new and yes! Yes! Yes yes yes. We're moving!! Yes!!!

random

Thankfulness comes when you least expect it. It's 1:13am and my left arm is asleep making it impossible to type. If i just let it limply try I get this: asdfagrsgedscvfddfdrr... my right hand says that means hello. Anyway, so today was Allie and Ryan Scott's wedding. Beautiful I tell you. Absolutely gorgeous with hanging purple and lime green flowers, good work friends. Way to have a moviestar kiss and a fun wedding. I'm going to Nebraska tomorrow with Jonathan. Sooooo excited to visit the Meisners. It's been too long. It doesn't matter if it's been a day or a minute or a year, it's too long. Those folks are great. So much fun, and I actually think Lincoln is quite a place of mystery. After all, I do see somewhere different every time I visit!! Hopefully next time I'll be working at a coffee shop or something :) My mom and dad are back home still and Rox and Padraic are there too, and yep, they found a house and a field for Conner to run his legs. I'm so jealous that they live so close to my family (As in 30 seconds) but I suppose I could go too if I REALLLLY wanted to. Life's not fair huh? Give and take and then...pick  a place to live right? Well, I'm still job searching, that's right. Nothing new. Ya know, I don't blame people for asking me if anything new is going on and what I'm doing this summer, but my self-esteem really starts to plummet when I have to tell them the same thing...over and over and over. Ya know? It's like, they have no idea they're slamming me, but secretly I'm thinking "oh crap, please ask me what I'm doing this summer so I can humiliate myself just one more time today." Well, perhaps not that harsh, but close. I'll tell you what. Let me trade in my job for writing. Everyday. About everything I want to talk about. I mean, wouldn't that  be everyone's favorite job? Well, my new hobby is tennis. I'm full out just plain over the top ridiculous into it! Have you ever played?! It's so much fun!! I didn't believe it until I tried it, and now I can't stop dreaming about it--literally. I woke up with the urge to play tennis at 6am, only to fall asleep and wait for Jonathan to wake up in a few hours and ask him nicely to join me, but of course, then I slept until 11 so we didn't even make it out until the hot noon sun came out to join us, but, all the same fun anyway. Wanna play doubles? Yessssssss!!!!! you should so call. I'm not quite used to my new racquet, but I'm sure it will wear on me soon, the weight is just a bit heavier, but I like it overall. I want a dachshund. If you know of any really cute brown ones, then yes. I'll take it. Am I random? I get that sometimes, like tonight, Jonathan was making fun of me just a little bit, but now that I read back over my entry, nothing relates so much and it really is quite wierd. I don't apologize though, because as wierd as it may be, it's still my blog right? ha

I'm going to bed now. I'm going to dream about well...probably tennis, coffee, and the long trip in the car tomorrow with my best friend jonathan. I can't wait.

If i wrote my true feelings, it would be a beautiful disaster.

Why is the world consumed with Hollywood wonder? Why do people try in the world? To make more money? To move up in the world, or just to be noticed? Are there good people out there that will help someone just to help them? Are there really hearts of gold in the world, and where are they? They are not in Hollywood.

Why is it okay to slowly reduce our moral standards to nothing? To parade young girls around in next to nothing and teach them to look, dress, and act like our Hollywood meth addicts that we sometimes call actors, singers, and models. Just wondered....

Possess it.

Living in real time, real life, well...real everything, is not always as easy as it appears. Sure things should go a certain way and fall into place just so. What happens when they don't? What happens when the kitty ride you thought you'd gotten on to turns out to be a roaring roller coaster? Enjoy the ride! What a thrill! Let it take you up and down. Memorize the pattern of the wood clinking and relish the wind in your hair as you drop 100 feet going 60 mph. Possess it. Don't waste a moment wondering if you got on the wrong ride, because if you do, you'll get off criticizing instead of appreciating. Appreciate. You got a free upgrade and you didn't even know it!

The Rock on The Hill of Perduncket continued...

...so one day, he was sitting, as he normally did, 24 hours of every single day, basking in the sun's gentle glow, when a squirrel approached, inquiring about resting upon the friendly rock's head. "Excuse me dear rock, but I am in need of a warm place to lay. I've fallen into the stream chasing a nut and now I'm soaked and shivering from the wind. Would you mind if I sat here until I warmed in the sunshine?"
The rock became even warmer at the thought of helping another, but could not speak, for we all know that rocks do not have lips.
"I will not forget your kindness warm rock." said the squirrel. "Thank you very much." And the squirrel curled up on the warm stone.
Just in the distance, there came traveling people. "Can you hurry up Mathis, I've got to be at tea by two!"
"I'm walking as fast as I can father! Please!" said the young Mathis.
"Well, lets not take all day, there is tea to drink and things to talk about." said Father.
"Yes Father." said Mathis, and his pace quickened slightly, even though he was already out of breath from the two muffins he had stuffed his face with just before leaving. Mathis was often a food hog, and had been caught countless times by his father, smuggling cookies and pastries in his trousers, and when caught, his father only demanded that he share them and not tell his mother. This did not help Mathis' mother understand his tremendous weight gain over the past 6 months, especially since he had seemed to be walking a lot more with Father.
"Father, I need a rest. Please, I'm so tired." said Mathis.
"We're almost there son. Only 1 more mile." he replied.
"Please, if I could just dip my feet in the stream and rest for 5 minutes, the journey would be better." begged Mathis.
"Alright. But hurry up son." said his Father regretfully. Father knew he had to stop, or else endure the whining for another 30 minutes. This way, perhaps he could talk Mathis into walking at a much quicker pace or threaten to not stop at all on the journey home. He was a witty man.
As they approached the stream, Father saw something that caught his eye. There was a squirrel. Not just any squirrel, a squirrel that was soaking wet and warming in the sunshine upon a very shiny black rock.
How peculiar, though Father. Rocks are outlawed, but this one must not have heard the news. I will smash it and be rid of it.
As Father approached the rock the squirrel awoke and sat up. "Dear traveler, do not touch this rock, for it is happy, healthy, and black."

"Excuse me? Am I mistaken or are you a talking squirrel?" asked Father.
"Yes, and a very cold one. If you know what's best for you and the other human, you had better scurry off before this rock casts a spell on you. It has already turned me from a human to a squirrel. Now off you go!" retorted the squirrel with very believable athority.
Father was so taken by the squirrel's seemingly true remarks that he backed up immediately, shouting for his son to catch up to him in the woods, and ran off screaming as a crazy person.
"Works every time rockcharm." said the squirrel. "I guess most squirrels don't talk. Well, it's always come in handy. The others should learn!"
The rock was quite fond of the squirrel. He wanted to ask him to stay but could not, after all, rocks do not have lips. So, to show his appreciation, the happy rock turned from a night shade of black to a blood red and then back to black. He was glad for the new friend. He was much more lively than dirt...

A beautiful rock garden

Have you ever tried to lift a huge rock on your own, only to realize that you couldn't do it? It was just too heavy for you, and even though you believed with all of your heart that it was as light as air, and even though you were Arnold Schwarzenegger in your mind, it did not make the rock any lighter. So how does the rock the big move? Perhaps you call a friend, or have the gardener come and help you lift the rock to a different place in the yard. You can't continue work until the rock is gone. It's in the center of the yard, demanding your attention, and you just can't mow around it very close. You have to move it.

We all have rocks like this in our lives. What is your rock? Are you struggling with an anger problem, a disagreement with a friend, materialism, a broken relationship, or an addiction? Some issues can't be fixed on your own just like some rocks can't be moved. We need help from friends, support from those closest to us, and we need the Lord to help us move these rocks in our lives. Let him help you. Don't try to lift the burden alone. The Lord sees and understands these rocks, and yes, he could make them lighter if he wanted to. But, don't you think just for a moment, that perhaps these rocks are there to teach us? Let us be patient, let's trust in the Lord to help us move them, and then let's be willing to help others move their rocks. Each person's rock is different in size and shape. After we move ours out of the yard, only then can we see the beautiful grass that the Lord, our gardner, was trying to grow all along. Besides, a beautiful rock garden is always such a great addition to any yard.

Say what's on your mind. Don't whisper under your breath. The last thing on your mind is important to me. Lets not mess up the already finished disaster. Don't let it get it down. Why don't you sing it out? Breath it out and let it go. I'll keep you. I'll take you in. Don't leave me your mess.

The Rock on the Hill of Perduncket

At the end of a curvy path, not far up the hill, a mile west of Growtall Mountain, and just past a group of  triplet pine trees, there lived a rock--a happy rock--in a small village named Perduncket.

A law was passed in Perduncket by Mayor Loveless that all rocks were outlawed from the village. "They're ruining our perfect green grass! And just look how they are messing up our dirt paths. If rocks are found, may we smash them to bits and throw them into Floataway River!" said the Mayor.

Of course, after this town meeting, all rocks in Perduncket were frightened and moved quickly to nearby streams, riding friendly log ferries to the close neighboring villages of Frozee and Mishnoodle were they were welcomed by amiable boulders. 

The happy rock, however, was the only hard head that would not leave Perduncket. He had other plans in mind...

 

I wouldn't be Michelle if I wasn't thankful for...

Daisies along the path of the Crags.

A night in the basement of a house, waiting for the tornado to pass by.

A patient sister, all 18 years at home...

Completely finished words.

Monster cookies after school.

Willow trees and one awesome tree house.

Kristin Moody.

Camping, shish-kabobs and the night Lake Afton blew us away.

Family reunions, grandma's deviled eggs, and the annual bubble blowing contest.

"There's a hole in the bottom of the sea" song.

Coloring with Lucile.

New socks and sliding on the wood floor in them.

A 6am Colorado sunrise.

A newly lacquered floor and an expensive fall.

Piano lessons in the 3rd grade.

Fair teachers.

Karlee's sense of humor.

Mr. Burger Vanilla Dr. Pepper

One summer of Chaos and Leaving 99.

The best year of my life, spent in Chapman 310.

My roommate Kim, who taught me that eating goldfish and sleeping go hand-in-hand.

Mono. I spent lots of time with mom.

Camp Golden Bell, 1999.

A summer with Spaniards learning to say buenos dias. ?Cual es el tiempo?

A bad haircut at grandma's that took years to regrow (age 7)

"My beeeed." (-Michelle, age 2)

RIght now please.

Right now I want to talk about how fluffy the couch is and how it reminds me of a huge marshmallow covered in expensive graham cracker sprinkles. I want to jump on the bed and see how many times i can touch the ceiling with my head before laying down in total exhaustion. I sooooo want to dust the top of the refrigerator just for fun...and strangely, love it. I can't wait to pick the rocks out of the bottom of my tennis shoes with a toothpick and I cannot stand it how much I want to climb a hill and get my feet so dirty that when I take a shower, I leave dirt rings in the bottom of the tub. I want to do my homework, but opening a book is worse than Chinese water torture. I need a good trip to the zoo and some Vanilla Dr. Pepper. I need a hug from my brother and I need to hear the muffin joke from Roxanne. I want to drive 200 mph--on a motorcyle. As long as it's black, I think I could pull of the hardcore look. I want to type this whole post in the phonetic alphebet but I can't type a schwa unfortunately. Now that...that would be fun.

Austin, Texas

A couple of new pictures from my senior trip to Austin would be a good time I thought, so here's some eye feasting for a fasting soul. :)

I spit on the world

Today I woke up and spit on the world, because it smiled at me.

I knocked down the door and cursed the ground as it gently let me be.

The sunshine kept me warm and well and the grass just made me smile.

And I kicked the dirt in fury as I walked on for a while.

I did not see the fluffy clouds, though white and full of good.

I only saw the cracked old tree where a baby tree once stood.

"That's an ugly tree." I exclaimed as I picked up its last fruit

I threw it down and smashed it in my anger, with my boot.

The tree looked down in sadness as it waved it branches slowly.

"You took my one and only son, the apple I'd been growing.

And carelessly you took, only thinking of yourself.

Now you please be off, and go live life, in your grandest richest wealth."

I needed nothing really, but I took from what he had.

I realized what I'd done just then and I dropped my head, so sad.

The day would not get better, the suns hot rays would never fade.

Then the tree that I had wronged reached out, and with his branches gave me shade.

What happens when I speak Chinese and you speak Spanish? How will we ever communicate with each other? 

I don't know what you're saying!

I hear you.

I see that you mean well. 

Your expressions are nice.

I just don't understand you.

I guess I'll take some Spanish classes. It just can't hurt.

"We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."

-Sam Keen

Two mice

Matilda the mouse lived in a house 

On the edge of a trickeling brook. 

She worried each day

That it would wash away 

And Mike would be swept off the roof.

She swept her house by the stream all day

All the while not knowing that soon

Her mouse house would be

A big pile of debris

And Mike would be mad around noon.

Her brother was coming to visit

And he carried three very good things.

Some wood for a heat

Some cheddar to eat

And horse shoes to work on his rings.

Her brother saw the disaster left

And in sheer disbelief his voice sqeaked.

"Sweet sister!" he screamed, 

"Your house is downstream!

 Who's caused this most terrible leak?"

The water has taken my home now.

Now I don't know where you will find rest.

Please stay here and eat, 

I'll cook us some meat, 

The food 'round here's better than best.

Now Ms. Mouse had a sister that loved 

To quarrel with her mother all day.

She cry with a tissue

And longed for an issue 

To pass all the long day away.

to be continued...

Millions of Moments

I often live for a moment. A small piece in time when everything goes my way, no one talks behind my back. No one corrects me, and I never hurt anyone's feelings. I feel important, loved, and motivated. All that I want to be, I am. It's these moments that I am thankful. I learn good feelings, and then I tuck them away down deep so I can pull them out later when I need them so desperately. 

I often live for another moment. A moment when time freezes faster than air out of the lungs, and eternity agrees to my wishes. I stand there in awe, and I observe the world. I notice the spec and the hole and the ant carrying his bread. I see the misplaced child. I see the unspoken words, and I read the faces of hurting people. 

I often live for a moment. A moment when what I do matters. It may not be seen by anyone, or known by a single soul as long as my life continues, but the Creator knows. So in that moment, I chose truth, I chose real instead of plastic. I chose a genuine frown to a fake smile. I choose grace, even though it may be impossible to give real grace with a genuine laugh. I'll give what I have, and I'll mean it. I choose closed. Life is not an open book. Sure, I'm writing it, but that doesn't mean everyone gets to read it. Perhaps what is on page 10 is only for me and the author.

I often live for final moment. A moment when life stops. When all that reality promises fails.  I know this moment is the battery of my clock, so it keeps ticking, motivating me to be all that I am today, since it will be too late to set back the time when tomorrow's alarm rings.

Beautiful Rain

The rain is coming in the distance, and what is the grass doing? Is it hiding? Is it shuttering and hunching down, scared of the drops? No. It is begging for rain, "Pick me!" it says. 

Do you like rain? Many people compare the metaphor of rain and sunshine to good days and bad days. After rain comes sunshine. True. But, isn't it also true then, to say that after sunshine comes rain? 

Why do so many appreciate the sunshine and not the rain? Sunshine is "perfect" weather so they say. To me, rain is much more beautiful than sunshine. Every raindrop is different. Each a different size, and never falling in the same place as another. Rain has character. Rain brings green and fresh and clean and wet and color and steam and life, and it washes away the old and dirty. Sunshine seems to dry things up, burn them, and even though we need a balance of sunshine and rain to make things grow, rain gives us swimming, so I'm siding with my friendly little showers. :)

Break out those rain boots people and start praying. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to splash in my next puddle!

Don't be a soul waster

There is always a moment.  A moment when we cover our tracks and cross our fingers. A moment when we get home and fall down from the exhaustion of a long day. There's a moment when we get out of town and leave everything, not telling a single soul on purpose where we are going and taking extreme care to leave the map at home. We live for that moment to be lost together. A moment to love and fall in love. With each other, with nature.  A moment to dream of stars and the universe and the color of the grass. A moment to talk to God and listen to his gentle whisper. A moment of imaginary places and believable dreams where we can talk about our future. A place of reckless emotions and wild spirits. There is always a moment.

Be a free soul. Chase it. Do you want it? Go get it. We live in the most affluent society in the history of the entire World. Are you living in it with all the passion your body contains?

No one in the world is like you. Don't you find that incredible?

This is actually Padraic's wonderful little find. I just thought it was too good NOT to pass on :)

http://www.slatev.com/blog.html#genes

enjoy!

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

Matthew 5:41

We had no doubt that we had found the place--the ranch was unbelievable. The huge lodge of a mansion was  unmistakable. The gate welcomed us with a sign that was spelled out in big bold letters with a lasso "Welcome to Rusty Gables." Western Decor engulfed the front yard, and the waterfall fell smoothly over some rustic rock sculptures just across from the horse pasture.

Not many things can be as memorable as 17 light switches in one room and a breakfast from heaven. I take that back.  Perhaps it was that king size bed. If I could have carried that thing out on my shoulders, I would have taken it home! It felt like a swimming pool of feathers. A tub of cotton balls. A sponge the size of Australia. Well, you get the picture.

 

 The log cabin made me miss Colorado. The cowboys made me miss Oklahoma. The bed made me miss my sleep. The food made me miss my mom. And despite it all, it was the most relaxing I've done since my honeymoon a year ago. I'm so relaxed today that I actually ache. 

HAPPY EASTER on another note. He is definitely risen! Lets celebrate!! 

Rigsby

Jack Wallace didn't care that his dog Rigsby dug a hole under the fence. In fact, he loved it. Jack would let Rigsby out and without a thought, he knew exactly where he could find him--back in the corner of the yard (hey, it wasn't seen so easily from the glass sliding door)--digging. Jack used to have a black terrier that was yappy and annoying and Rigsby was anything but that.  He came when he was asked. His long yellow coat was soft and shiny and he would sit patiently to be washed and dried, a far greater feat than Jack's little terrier could ever have done. 

Rigsby would dig and Jack would fill the holes. But something about the holes didn't bother Jack. Rigsby had a curiosity that intrigued Jack. He would find things that Jack didn't know were even in the backyard. He would bring him old pieces of shovel, chewed up dog bones, large stones, and once he even brought him a dying bird that he found on the ground. Rigsby had carried it so gently in his mouth that the bird was not hurt, and Jack was able to nurse it back to health within a week.

They had this relationship, Jack and Rigsby. Jack didn't mind that Rigsby dug holes, and Rigsby didn't mind keep Jack company. Didn't mind encouraging him to run further, didn't mind protecting him from traffic and from the burglar that was trying to break in that warm June night. He didn't mind bringing Jack his newspaper every morning and he never once missed giving Jack a friendly hello when he came home from work. They had a relationship, and even though only one could speak, it never got in the way of their communication. 

I guess Rigsby needed a hole to dig and Jack needed a hole to fill. It worked out well. 

Nearly a month and what have I already wasted?

It's been less than a month and life has not slowed down. The bills still come, the cold air still leaks into the house through an invisible window, and the car still needs to be filled with gas. The dishes still need to be washed, the work keeps piling up, but no matter how fast I finish it, it doesn't matter. Work keeps coming back, like an automatic refillable food dish that dogs who are spoiled enough to shop at Petsmart have.

My classwork tugs on my left arm, demanding my time while my bed pulls me gently to it's soft sheets. "Sleep Michelle," it says. "You haven't visited in two days." Yet still, the classwork has a tougher grip and wins the tug-of-war.

All the hours I spend on worthless work and producing things doesn't matter. No one remembers, and to be honest, although I learn a little, I learn much more from the one person who walks up to me and says, "That was great but what about this error I found?" That's right. All the work, all the time, energy, for a critique? What happened to the thank-yous, the good jobs, the fantastic--"can you show me how you pulled the off"? No, just negativity. 

In a world of so much good, the news only shows the bad. In a world of so much love, the people talk about the hate.

So the laundry HAS to be done, so what? That sentence is false. The laundry NEEDS to be done. Even if you do it today, won't the laundry still be there tomorrow? Absolutely. 

But there are a few things that do matter.

Family.

Friends.

God. 

(and not in that order)

Life is all about getting priorities straight. Once that happens, most people will be retired. 

 

Direction

We all have a direction, we all follow a direction, and sometimes, we all need a direction. Life takes some of us up huge mountains full of new careers and beautiful children. For others, they don't ever see a mountain, and can only recognize deep valleys of disappointment, death, and divorce. Some of those in the world don't choose their path, such as pastors, soldiers, and pilots, and of course Uncle Henry on Christmas Eve when Aunt Ruthie says, "We're going to the in-laws!"

But no matter what, there is always something--a direction. For Christians, it's a still small voice. For chemo patients, it's the doctor's news. For children, it's their mother telling them to go to bed. For me, it's an untold story, much like a breeze on an autumn day. Where to next? What lies ahead? My journey thus far is already better than was ever dreamed possible.

I'm moving, going up a hiking trail in Colorado. I haven't seen all the beauty yet, because I know the real view is from the top, so I'll enjoy the pines and the bluejays along the way, knowing that eventually I'll get there, and the beauty will be entirely worth the climb.

What is love to me?

Love is changing a flat tire in the rain so she doesn't have to.

Love is taking off work early just go with her to that scary doctor's appointment.

Love is genuine--never failing.

Love is telling him not to wear that because it doesn't really match.

Love is reminding her that she is as beautiful on Saturday morning as she is at Sunday church.

Love is saying thank you.

Love is putting your own problems aside to listen to his bad day.

Love is offering a back rub even though it hurts to give with your arthritis.

Love is patient.

Love is 50 Christmases in a row together sharing traditions and unforgettable memories.

Love is selling your car to pay for the new baby.

Love is holding her when her sister died tragically in that accident.

Love is picking her fresh flowers on your way home.

Love is being level-headed when she's not.

Love is about her.

Love is about him.

Love reflects its master after time.

Be love and you will receive it. 

But really, true love doesn't care if it ever receives it. It would do it anyway.

Summersfield

Morgan Neilson lived in a fancy house, drove a new black Lexus--always spotless, and parked in the most coveted of parking spaces at the Washington Summersfield--only seven and a half steps from the front door. Today she sauntered merrily into work on this rainy day (which was 75% of any day) with her olive green umbrella and matching italian leather shoes. Her 5'9" frame walked slowly past the office cublicles where little miss Willamina Frita sucked on her Werther's candy so hard that she almost caused a sore to form in her mouth from the tight pucker that her lips held. Willamina stared at Ms. Neilson like a god as she passed, and Willamina tried without being completely obvious, to sniff her strong Chanel No. 5 perfume. Everyday she gawked  as Ms. Neilson's slim figure strolled the asiles of paperwork and Willamina listened to the sound of her heels as they approached. She sifted through her papers hoping that Ms. Neilson would not stop and say something to her, but all the while, living for the anticipation of every morning. Ms. Neilson passed her desk today. She pressed the up arrow on the elevator with her freshly manicured fingernails, using only her pointer finger and then placed it slowly back by her side, returning to her model posture stance. Her charcoal suit was so perfectly tailored that it was sure to never fit another as well, and even complimented Ms. Neilson's blue eyes and blonde hair. It hugged every curve as if it the suit yielded to her power. 

Her office and only her office, was located on the 7th floor. It was known at the Summersfield as the room of mystery because no one had ever been up there that worked on the filing floor. What was far above on floor number 7 was far in distance, but much closer in Willamina's imagination...

Thoughts of a beautiful life

Because life is beyond our intelligence, light beyond our vision, and love beyond our comprehension, we do not try to understand much more than this:

If there are words to say, may we speak them.

If there are beautiful moments, may we brand them into our imaginations for eternity.

If there are miracles in front of us, may we never be too blind to see them.

Lord Jesus, be near.

If there are thoughts to be had, may we not ignore them with excuses.

If there is hurt in our life, may we surrender it to the Savior.

If there is heartache, may we have the time to heal.

Lord Jesus, be near. Hear us.

For if we are too busy, too blind, and too selfish, we will never see the future for what it really is. It will forever be only a city inside a glass bottle that we may never touch. We may never touch it, for fear of breaking.

Beautiful Song

Ingrid Michaelson, thank you for writing the most beautiful song...

If you were falling, then I would catch you.

You need a light, I'd find a match.

Cuz I love the way you say good morning.

And you take me the way I am.

If you are chilly, here take my sweater.

Your head is aching, I'll make it better.

Cuz I love the way you call me baby.

And you take me the way I am.

I'd buy you Rogain if you start losing all your hair.

Sew on patches to all you tear.

Cuz I love you more than I could ever promise.

And you take me the way I am.

You take me the way I am.

You take me the way I am.

Awkward Woman

Unlike my other stories, this is not fiction...
I am sitting, at this very moment in a chair, a very comfortable brown leather one in fact, and I am content. Well, I was. I am now completely perturbed that my happiness has been compromised by a woman of around 38 years old who decided to take a seat next to me. At this very moment, she's staring at me, looking me over, obviously stupid to the fact that I can see her with my peripheral vision. She needs to stop. She's making me sweat and now I feel some nausea coming on.
If people know in advance that they will be sitting and doing nothing for a long period of time, most will bring something to do, perhaps a book or a homework assignment, or even a cell phone to talk on.

No.

This woman has discovered the fine art of boredom and she is quite content with practicing it. This is one of those times when I wish I had a book to hand to her and say, "Here. Page 37 is really a life-changer." Maybe at least that way she would know something about the world instead of memorize the pattern on my socks and how many ounces are left in my water bottle.

Quarter-life Crisis

Mali wasn't ready to grow up. She was living a world of free gas, expensive clothes, and her mom's credit card. Her freshman year in college had greeted her surprisingly quickly after high school and the transition to college was an easy one filled with boys, a new SUV, and all of the fashionable clothes that the magical credit card could hold. The years of late night runs to Taco Bell and hours spent gossiping with girls was going to end in a few months at college graduation, and life would be great, wouldn't it? For the first time in her life, Mali wasn't sure. Was she really expected to just grow up? 

Her mother had asked her about jobs that she'd applied for, but she just hadn't had the time between shopping, cramming for tests, and attending school parties. What was a job anyway? She'd never even had one. Just over two months to graduation and no plan in sight, her mother had begun to tell Mali that she would need to be responsible for her own life after that summer. She had known it, but she hadn't prepared. 

All of a sudden, she felt a lump in her gut and began to feel sick. Was the money going to stop? How would she ever live? What about her nice car? Where would she get money to go shopping and go out with friends. She hadn't thought about applying for jobs, but she didn't like the idea of dressing up. Maybe she could charge enough on her mother's credit car in July to last her until December when Christmas would bring more clothes and money. Maybe her parents would let her move back in and crash until she could find a real job. They wouldn't kick out their own daughter would they?

The day after graduation, Mali moved back home. Now it is October and her life looks something like this:

2pm-wake up

3pm-eat some leftovers from the fridge

4pm-watch TV

5pm-surf the internet

6pm-go shopping and covet everything in the store windows

7pm-call mom and beg for money to buy everything she coveted all afternoon

9pm-party with friends, watch a movie, or sleep some more

Mali's mom calls it depression, and gives Mali whatever she needs, including attention and zero accountability. In the mean time, Mali learns to be lazy, selfish, and is allowed to be a loser. When does this vicious cycle end? What would happen if she moved out? 

Culture shock.

However, this may be the best thing for her. It wouldn't take her long to realize how to hold a job would it? How to work and sleep and cook. How to have some responsibility. All she needs is a nudge some might say, but what happens when our culture has so trained people like this with spoiled habits that their lifestyles are irreversible, causing only more debt and emptiness?

Umbrella

This woman, you must understand, looked absolutely ridiculous. She was 5'2" and was around the age of 60 as you could tell from her entirely full head of gray hair. To make it even better, she was wearing a clear "helmet" as I call them, that guards little old women's perms from the elements. Hers was no different. Heaven forbid her crown of glory become drenched in the pouring rain since white-haired princesses usually have their hair done only once a week. So what is so special about this woman?

Road rage.

She got a slight case of it when she was bumped by an careless car beside her. She got out of the car she was driving, not by the pull-over-and-come-to-a-complete-stop method, but the swerving-off-the-highway-almost-causing-a-ten-car-pileup method. She screeched her tires loudly, halting just shy of the traffic barrier.

She opened the door and out popped her two little slippered feet followed by the appearance of her short body in a pink fringed house robe--lovely attire for a cold winter's day.

My mind wandered immediately and I wondered where in the world she was going to go in that gown! She got out of the car and turned her back to open the back door of her four-door-piece of some unrecognizable car junk and grabbed two objects, but, from the angle of her bent over and extremely wide derriere, my view was blocked. As she began walking I noticed where the woman was headed as her eyes focused in on the black civic that had bumped her. Her jaw clenched as she made her way slowly up the median to where the car was parked.

I squinted to see if I could make out the objects, but as she neared I noticed what they were--an umbrella and a bible. She shuffled her feet trying to keep her white, well now brown, slippers on as she raised the umbrella above her plastic helmet and shouted a foul obscenity. Her presence was now captivating every driver on the roadway and traffic came to almost a complete halt as granny approached her annoying fellow citizen driver that had so provoked her rage. She crossed the white solid line on the roadway and shuffled herself to his driver-side door. The man was still inside the car, talking on his cell phone since the hit, but seeing this precious old woman, he gladly ended the conversation, opened his door and I assume, was intending to apologize for his bad driving, that was until...HIT!

"Ouch!" he yelped.

She whacked him over the head with her bible.

Whack! Hit!

"Ouch! Stop!" he said firmly.

She changed weapons and put her umbrella a few feet above her head for leverage and brought it down all the harder directly on the man's head at what appeared to be around 80mph.

"Take that you no good driver!"

She hit him again and again, and with each pop she seemed to gain strength and he cowered a bit more. The people on the side of the road began snapping pictures as the man cried for help. Unfortunately, no one could hear his cries for mercy above the roaring laughter. One gentlemen even hung up his phone with the police because he could no longer pronunciate his words or get enough oxygen to speak because of the uncontrollable laughter overtaking his gut. 

"Your momma would do da ezact same thang son. You jus need a good woopin'! It'd do ya some good to read this book!" She handed him the bible and he gladly accepted, realizing that the unnecessary torture would relent if he'd just comply with her request. 

The granny began to walk back to her car, denting his a few more times with her large umbrella on the way.