My Farcical Existence

RevGal Friday Five: Back to School

2008-09-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Is anyone going back to school, as a student or teacher, at your house? How's it going so far?
No and I thinks of anything else witty to say.
Were you glad or sad when back-to-school time came as a kid?
Being an only child after a few weeks my summers usually get bored and a return to a regular schedule was usually greatly appreciated.
Did your family of origin have any rituals to mark this time of year? How about now?
My parents aren’t really into rituals or traditions so the answer is sadly no. I guess the closest I could come with would be back to school shopping for clothes.
Favorite memories of back-to-school outfits, lunchboxes, etc?
I must admit being a fashionista want-a-be the process of choosing my first day of school outfit was something I always LOVED. I continued this personal ritual through college and sadly into seminary.
What was your best year of school?
I am not sure is I remember. I guess maybe my senior year?

RevGal Friday Five Labor Day Edition

2008-08-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

Here in the USA we are celebrating the last fling of the good ol' summertime. It is Labor Day weekend, and families are camping, playing in the park, swimming, grilling hotdogs in the backyard, visiting amusement parks and zoos and historical sites and outdoor concerts and whatever else they can find to help them extend summer's sun and play just a little bit longer.

It is supposed to also be a celebration of the working man and woman, the backbone of the American economy, the "salt-of-the-earth” nieces and nephews of Uncle Sam. With apologies to those in other countries, this is a Friday Five about LABOR. All can play. Put down that hammer, that spoon, that rolling pin, that rake, that pen, that commentary, that lexicon, and let's have some fun.

1. Tell us about the worst job you ever had.
Pretty much anything in the food service industry. God did not intend for me to be waitress. I was bad, I mean I was really bad.

2. Tell us about the best job you ever had.
Once again I have a hard time name the best so here are the top three (in no particular order). [1] Director of the Children’s Library and Resource Center when I was in seminary. Being surrounded but children’s books and curriculum was wonderful. [2] Not really sure if this counts since it was an internship but the church where I did my internship in seminary. [3] In high school I worked at a dry cleaners. The work itself was boring but the people where awesome and I really had a lot of fun.

3. Tell us what you would do if you could do absolutely anything (employment related) with no financial or other restrictions.
I would be an associate minister with Responablities in Christian Education, youth, worship, and mission. I looking for a job if anyone is interested.

4. Did you get a break from labor this summer? If so, what was it and if not, what are you gonna do about it?
Yes I do get a break but that because I am currently unemployed. Did I mention that I was looking for a job. :)

5. What will change regarding your work as summer morphs into fall? Are you anticipating or dreading?
I think that I have mentioned that I am current in the market as it where.

Bonus question: For the gals who are mothers, do you have an interesting story about labor and delivery (LOL)? If you are a guy pal, not a mom, or you choose not to answer the above, is there a song, a book, a play, that says "workplace" to you?
Not being a Mom when I think work I think Dolly Parton.

Working 9 to 5

Tumble outta bed
And stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
Yawnin, stretchin, try to come to life
Jump in the shower
And the blood starts pumpin
Out on the streets
The traffic starts jumpin
And folks like me on the job from 9 to 5
Chorus:

Workin 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin
Barely gettin by
Its all takin
And no givin
They just use your mind
And they never give you credit
Its enough to drive you
Crazy if you let it

9 to 5, for service and devotion
You would think that i
Would deserve a fair promotion
Want to move ahead
But the boss wont seem to let me in
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me
Mmmmm...

They let your dream
Just a watch em shatter
Youre just a step
On the boss mans a ladder
But you got dream hell never take away

On the same boat
With a lot of your friends
Waitin for the day
Your shipll come in
And the tides gonna turn
An its all gonna roll you away

2nd chorus:

Workin 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin
Barely gettin by
Its all takin
And no givin
They just use your mind
And you never get the credit
Its enough to drive you
Crazy if you let it

9 to 5, yeah, they got you where they want you
Theres a better life
And you think that I would daunt you
Its a rich mans game
No matter what they call it
And you spend your life
Going funny if you want it

3rd chorus:

Workin 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin
Barely gettin by
Its all takin
And no givin
They just use you mind
And they never give you credit
Its enough to drive you
Crazy if you let it

Fade:

9 to 5, yeah, they got you where they want you
Theres a better life
And you dream that I would daunt you
Its a rich mans game
No matter what they call it
And you spend your life
Going funny if you want it

RevGal Friday Five: Fall Transformations

2008-08-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

For this Friday's Five, share with us five transformations that the coming fall will bring your way.
Bonus: Give us your favorite activity that is made possible by the arrival of fall.

1. Completion of my requirements for ordination
2. Permission to look for a job as an ordained minister in Presbyterian Church (USA)
3. The ability for the first time in my life to live 100% financial independent
4. The possible of my next move being my last for at lest 5 years
5. Moving forward

Bonus: fall means the coming of October and is my favorite month of the year and here is why. (1) Fall is finally here (2) Fall is finally here so it starts getting cool (3) Fall is finally here so you can drive with the windows down, the music turned up all the way and sing at the top of you lunge, annoying everyone around me (4) Fall is finally here so I can wear my oh so cute sweaters, shawls, and other cold weather gear (5) Fall is finally here so there is just something about the weather that makes me want to go to football game (6) Four words – State Fair of Texas. You name they fry it (included coke this year), cattle, and one of the largest Farris wheel’s in the world, can you ask for much more. (7) The monarch migrations is at it highest (8) Halloween, ok I know that Easter really should be my favorite holiday but I love Halloween. Dressing up, wearing elaborate make up, pretending to be some else (if anyone can name the culture reference I just made I will give you a gold star), and handing out and overdosing on candy, what can I say I love it. (9) The leaves change but north Texas has nothing on the colors in Georgia (10) Carving Pumpkin, the like one crafty thing that I am good at. (11) I have reason to watch Hocus Pocus. Bette Milder, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Mijimy, and a talking cat. (12) Other fabulous movies that are a must watch during the month of October: Sleep Hollow (both the Tim Burton and the Disney versions), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Let’s Do the Time Wrap Again), The Shining (hhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeee’s, Johnny), Beetlejuice (Beetlejuice, Beettlejuice), Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Practical Magic, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Bedknobs & Broomsticks (you have no clue how much I loved this movie when I was a kid), Ghostbusters I & II, the Haunting (the 1963 version, the new was crap), Carrie, Young Frankenstein (I love to role in the hay), Clue (I have always wanted Miss Scarlet’s Dress), Teen Wolf, Gremlins, The Worst Witch, The Goonies (Hey, Yoooooooou Guys), Arsenic and Old Lace, and Halloweentown. (13) The craziness of Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas has not yet started (14) The days get shorter (15) The sun sets sooner (16) Taking walks in the crisp air (17) Apples are at their best (18) Lots of evil laughing (19) Having a reason to drink hot chocolate, tea, and Starbuck’s Carmel Apple Cider (20) Elvira Mistress of the Dark (21) Having a reason to curl up under a blanket, with my dog and at lest on of my cats in front of a fire with a book or good movie (22) I will miss the honking of geese migrating (we don’t really have geese here) (23) The smell of the cool air (24) Like marking items off a to-do list or days off a calendar the planting that was done back in the spring and summer has reached its completion. It is time to harvest the fruit of months of hard labor. I love completing things (I particularly enjoy marking things off of lists and days off of calendars. I am sure that says something about me but I am not sure what.)

Why I think the Olympics is a Symbol of Hope and World Peace

2008-08-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

RevGal Friday Five - God Days of Summer

2008-08-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

It's August. An oppressively hot and humid month where many of us live.

I remember the Al Pacino movie though not much about the plot. Just that it was very, very hot. And he had giant sweat stains on his shirt.

As I pass through this year's dog days in my felon ridden neighborhood (OK, just two housefuls. But isn't that enough?), I am trying to focus on the blessings apparent around me, past and present, that I might not notice, necessarily. In that spirit, this week's Friday Five goes thusly:

1. What is your sweetest summer memory from childhood? Did it involve watermelon or hand cranked ice cream? Or perhaps a teen summer romance. Which stands out for you?
See my answers to question #3 in RevGal Friday Five . . . Hot Town, Summer in the City... from Friday, June 22, 2007: Paraphrase: A Mission Trip that my youth group took to Wyoming.

2. Describe your all time favorite piece of summer clothing. The one thing you could put on in the summer that would seem to insure a cooler, more excellent day.
I don't know if I have one all time favorite but generally I love wearing dresses an skirts year round but there is something about them during the hot summer months feels nostalgic to me.

3. What summer food fills your mouth with delight and whose flavor stays happily with you long after eaten?
I first thing that comes to my mind is summer salad. It what we made (and continue to make) when it 100 degrees outside and its just to hot to turn on anything in the kitchen. It a concoction of cottage cheese, bell peppers, onions, lemon juice, jalapenos, and just about anything else you want.

4. Tell us about the summer vacation or holiday that holds your dearest memory.
It would most definitely be the vacation I took last summer with my BFF. We went to LA and had an AMAZING time. WE have been friends since junior high and even way back then my friends dream was to go to California and be on The Price is Right. We had always planned to go when we both had enough money but . . . then . . . Bob Barker announced he would be retiring and that was it, we started planning. If you want to full scoop here is our website.

5. Have you had any experience(s) this summer that has drawn you closer to God or perhaps shown you His wonder in a new way?
It would hard to not be shown God's wonder in a new way and work in Children's Hospital. Particularly since the area's of the hospital that I cover are the pedantic intensive care unit and the level one trauma unit emergency department. I of course can't speak in specifics but I am sure that you can use your imagination.

Bonus question: When it is really hot, humid and uncomfortable, what do you do to refresh and renew body and spirit?
I am not sure if I do one particular thing. The only thing that is comes to mind is going to the movies which is always refreshing.

RevGal Friday Five & Farcical's Long Awaited Return to the Blogosphere: Lock Me Out, Lock In In

2008-08-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

How do you amuse yourself when road construction blocks your travel?
It depends on my mood on that particular day since this is the Friday Five here are five:
1) Make/edit/rearrange playlists on my MP3 player,
2) Call people I have been putting off calling,
3) Listen to NPR but I guess that I do that 90% of the time I am in the car anyway,
4) Sadly I have been known to clean my upholstery but that’s only if traffic isn’t really moving,
5) Listen to the CDs I keep in my car but having listen to in forever

Have you ever locked yourself out of your house? (And do you keep an extra key somewhere, just in case?)
I don’t think so but that really seems like something I would do. I have locked my keys in my car more times than I care to mention here.

Have you ever cleared a hurdle? (And if you haven't flown over a material hurdle, feel free to take this one metaphorically.)
I can’t think of any literally hurdles but I can’t of many metaphorical ones. The biggest would mostly like be the gifts and challenges I have been given from being dyslexics. Even spelling the word correctly was a hurdle I had to deal with today

What's your approach to a mental block?
Uh . . . well . . . hmm . . . Sorry couldn’t help the bad joke. Usually I try to put down whatever it is that I am blocked from and do something else for a while. Then when I came back I will have fresh eyes and usually the mental block is dislodged.

Suggest a caption for the picture above; there will be a prize for the funniest answer!
USA latest immigration policy

I am Still Here

2007-08-27T15:46:00.001-07:00

It has been a while since I checked in and since today was my first day of my yearlong residency at Children’s Medical Center. First things first I still LOVE my new apartment. Me and my roommate are doing well and once everything finds a home everything will be perfect. Frankie is still not sure about all the noises outside but he is generally happy wherever Mom (that’s me) is. Tonight we have a welcome to the Village dinner at the Country club. (a side – I honestly never thought that I would be a person who belongs to a country club so I fill like I need to explain, they call it the village country club but really it is more like a community center. They have a workout room, tennis, pool and stuff like that. There is no golf course and membership is a benefit of being a resident.) So that should be cool. At lest it is free food.

As for my first day at Children’s. It was long, It was boring, and I am tired. I will be back to Wednesday after orientation is over and the “real” work begins. I still have moment of “OMG what have I gotten myself into” but I think that feeling will lessen but I am not sure it will ever go away. I will let you kow.

It Takes a Village . . .

2007-07-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

The REALLY big news is I have an apartment but the story is so cool I have to share. Friday, July 13 around 3:30 pm I get a call from my good friend Trisha. Trisha knew I wanted to get an apartment and would prefer to have a roommate but the share was not going well. Anyway Trisha call me and said that she there was a women that she worked with that was looking for a roommate and she felt that we would get along.

Trisha “Are you free tonight?”
Me “Yes”
Trisha “Would you mind being set up on a blind date?”
Me “Sounds great, what’s the plan?”

So the three of us, Trisha, Vicki, and me meet that evening for Tapas. We talked about what we wanted in an apartment, our habits, the fact that I have dog, all things you discuss when thinking about living with someone. And as you can imagine we also had the religion discussion me being (well in the process of) Minster. Vickie assured me she had no problem with that as long as I didn’t mind that she was Hindu. This was my response “your Hindu that is SSSOOOO cool.” Could I be any more of a religion nerd?

Moving forward, after a few hours of food and good conversation Vikkie and I made plans to meet the next day to look at some apartments that we, individual had been looking at. So the next morning we meet, looked at three apartments, and by 2 pm we where filling out the lease paperwork.

It’s a brand new complex so we will be the first people to ever live in our apartment. It has a great location to shopping, grocery, there is a HUGE bookstore practically across the street which is right next to a drive thru Starbucks, hello caffeine. The complex is part of what they call an apartment community knows as "The Village" that is made up of something like 40,000 people. As members of this community we get free membership in “The Country Club”, which has a tennis courts, sports ledges as well as a restaurant and a bar. We also get access to a concierge service, which does everything from maid service, to gift wrapping, dry cleaning, and flower delivery. Of course you have to pay for that stuff. Kind of cool right.

Vickie has to be out of her old apartment by the end of the month and once we got all of our stuff together (proof that I will be working at Children so that can get a discount, insurance, electricity, ect.) we meet today (Wednesday) during Vickie’s lunch hour and signed our lease and got our keys and remotes to the gate (sound of keys being shook and laughter of excitement).

We plan to start moving some stuff in this weekend. There proble will be very little moving for me since I have to preach (poutie face) . (Whiny) “I want to play with my new toy and I write a stupid sermon. Boo, Hiss.” My guess is that we will probably move the big stuff (bed, dresser, TV, ect.) out of the storage unit, there home for the past two years, maybe the last weekend of the month but I don’t think that I (and Frankie) will move in permanently until the middle of August. Me “you are so sweet, thank you for offering, I would love your help moving. Do you have pickup truck or access to one?

RevGal Friday Five . . . Hot Town, Summer in the City...

2007-06-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

...or town, or suburb, or hamlet, or burg, or unincorporated zone, or rural area of your choice---pretty much anywhere but the southern hemisphere, it's summer. (Australians and others, consider this an invitation to take a break from winter for a while.)

Favorite summer food(s) and beverage(s)
I find it difficult ranking things but here are the first things that come to my head (1) summer salad [bell peppers, green onion, lemon juice, and cottage cheese, thing my family invented] (2) lemon chills at an amusement park (3) push-ups, (4) cherry lemonaid, (5) I have to stop now because I SO VERY hungry and this isn’t helping
Song that "says" summer to you. (Need not be about summer explicitly.)
Once again difficult to rank (1) Summertime, Porgy and Bess, (2) Summertime, DJ Jazzy Smith and the Fresh Prince, (3) the theme song to Cadyshake, (4) the theme song to National Lampoons Vacations, (5) The Boys of Summer, Don Henley, (6) Low Rider, War, (7) Summer Nights, Grease, (8) just about anything you can snag to (somehow I managed to live in South Carolina and never learn, (9) and of course the afor referenced Lovin' Spoonfulf song of summer, which I have always thought was "hot time, summer in the city", (10) I could go on but I will stop now . . .
A childhood summer memory
If you consider the teens year childhood, it would have to the Mission Trip that my youth group took to Wyoming. I just felt like everything I had always wanted was finally falling in place and that’s all I going to say about that.
An adult summer memory
The summer I spent working for a church Myrtle Beach. I would spending time with my friend Stacy M. tanning on the beach on a fairly regular basis. I miss Stacy M. and I also miss the beach but I really miss my friend (she now lives in the Northeast). Now I am sad . . .
Describe a wonderful summer day you'd like to have in the near future. (weather, location, activities)
Three words beach, beach, and that right the beach. It would be before the oppressive heat takes over. As for a specific beach, as long at it connects to the ocean and has sand I am a happy girl. Finally, I have to be miles away from anything that resembles a schedule. Lying on the beach for hours preferable with an adult beverage with a little umbel or tropical fruit protruding from the top, swimming, body surfing, mid-afternoon naps, dress for casual dinners. This how ever is very unlikely to happen in my near future.

Optional: Does your place of worship do anything differently in the summer? (Fewer services, casual dress, etc.)
Not really . . . the youth and children generally dress more casually but that is about it. Our head of staff usually goes out of town for a major portion of the summer as well. Which is good for me because it has created an opening in the worship leadership schedule for everyone’s favorite fascicle preacher (I refer you to the two posts proceeding this one). However we have decided to permanently change a few this summer. We just start workshop rotation for the children Sunday school (it about time) and we changed the timing of the 9:35.9:45 service and classes. I still haven’t figured out what that’s all about. We are also having only one adult Sunday School this summer. I am teaching the class on the Presbyterian Church's understanding of Gal 3:28 with regard to women in the church. (with sense of sincere excitement) I can't wait, I am SO excited. We also add two new staff members (yeah Kristin & Jeremy). So far they have my stamp of approval, not that that in anyway matters to anyone but me.

The break of "I will never . . . "

2007-06-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

I am currently doing something that I said I would NEVER do. Something that you can do for free at hundreds of thousands other place in the world. (Sheepishly) I am currently using, and paying for, an Internet connection at Starbucks (hang my head in shame), please don't tell anyone. (with disgust) I just don't understand why I have to pay $10 for only a one time 24 hours connection, when I can go to Atlanta Bread Co. or thousands of other eateries, bars, shops, and cafes where its free. But this is close to my house and . . . well . . . its not my house therefor it make a great place to write. I have been here for almost 5 & 1/2 hours (plus 3 or 4 hours yesterday) and I need a break from sermon-world. I am to lazy to get in my car and drive the mile to my house just so I can check my email. Maybe this will motivate me to come back tonight or even tomorrow because lets face it I get a lot more done than I do at home. I wouldn't leave until the sermon was done (what ever that looks like) but alas I must, at some point leave my sermon writing haven for need of a printer because I can't edit on a computer screen.

As for the sermon its a little wried because I have a feeling about this that I don't frequently have. I think this one might be good (which is a very forgien feeling for me because they usually feel terrible to me). But I have miles of words to go before I sleep, and miles of words to go before I sleep.

Back to the world of pay internet.

Oh Where, Oh Where, Could Miranda Have Gone

2007-06-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

I promise I haven’t dropped of the face of the earth. Since it has been a month since I shared, I thought I would give the every popular bullet point run down of my life

My trip to LA was AMAZING. We had so much fun. I can’t wait until our next trip.
No the airline has yet to find my luggage & yes I have turned in all the appropriate paperwork to be compensated for its lost. (Even thought I know that it is at DFW under a counter somewhere, and no one is bothering to look at.)
It is so cool to say I know where that is when I see LA stuff on TV. It’s sad how excited I was when Paris Hilton was taken back to jail how excited I was because I had driven by her house. Yes, I am aware that is very sad.
My home church has hired a new youth minister and I am totally excited. First he went to Columbia, you don’t even know how amazing it is that they even looked at someone who went to Columbia. I haven’t done the exact math but if I had to guess I would say that 85% of the ministers we have EVER had went to Princeton. Second, he and I overlapped by one year. Even thought we didn’t hang out with the same group Columbia is so small that it’s hard to know just about everyone on campus. Much to my relief he did recognize me when he and his wife came for their on site interview. Finally, because we graduated from the same program I know that he has had a VERY good education and will have SO MUCH to offer our church. His first day is this Sunday.
Today was the last day of VBS, thank God (oh did I type that out loud). It was a great week. Our theme was hot air balloons, which was kind of cool since that is a rather unique theme. I taught the discovery time which was a sciencie thing where we did very simple experiments that reinforced the message of the day. I had varying degrees of success but the kids seemed to like enjoy it and that is all that matters. Today we had local Ballooning group come out to the church and they were supposed to put up their balloons but alas the weather would not cooperate but they still set up the baskets and light the burners and the kids where able to look inside the baskets and touch part of the envelope which they would have not been able to do if they has been full of hot air. But it is now over and I am very, very, very tired.
For the first time I have been extended an invitation to preach at my home church. You don’t even know what a big deal this is. I am and TOTALLY FREACKED OUT. I have preached for classmates and professors, strangers, most of my family, and church where I have done internships but there is something about this that makes its so much scarier. Between wanting to make my church family proud and the rarity receiving an invitation I haven’t been this anxious about preaching since my first sermon at seminary. So your prayers would be greatly appeared on June 24 and July 22.
Since Crossroads (youth groupie thing for 4th & 5th grade) does not meet during the summer I have been hanging out with the youth and having a total fun time. I will return to my 4th and 5th graders in the fall but I have really enjoying the change.
Today they aired the Bob Barkers last Price is Right and that makes me very sad. I am so glad that Terri and I had the opportunity to see him before he retired. He has had a lasting impact on most people born in the last 35 years and there is a little part of my child that is now gone.
Still a little freaked about my residence at Children’s but that won’t change until I actually walk in the doors my first day on August 27.
The Tour de France is almost here and it is going to be interesting with no clear front runner. July would not be July without the Tour.
I have officially decided that Facebook is SO much better than My Space and it has become my new obsession.

I know there is more but that is all I can think for now.

RevGal Friday Five . . . Books, Books, and More Books

2007-06-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

Fiction what kind, detective novels, historical stuff, thrillers, romance????
the best answer I have at this moment is children’s literature. I am still recovering from seminary and have to struggle a persistent need to only read “work” related material.
When you get a really good book do you read it all in one chunk or savor it slowly?
If I am a bored enough and the book is good enough I can read a book in one sitting but for the most part I stop and start.
Is there a book you keep returning to and why?
There are several that read (or had read to me) when I was a child (refer to answer #1). I am not entirely sure why I like to reread them.
Apart from the Bible which non-fiction book has influenced you the most?
Thought I know that they exist but after a week of VBS they have temporally been removed them from my brain.
Describe a perfect place to read. (could be anywhere!!!)
Somewhere quiet (but not library quiet), with a variety of comfy places to sit, well light, blankets if it is cold, well air-conditioned if it is hot, and completely devoid of televisions (sadly I find it very hard to resist them).

Checking in on the Adventures on the Trip to LA

2007-05-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Terri and I have started a Travelblog to record our adventures on our quest to get on The Price is Right. We are going to try to give daily updates with pictures and maybe a video or two. So starting Sunday, May 20th look for me on:

Come On Down . . . The Trip of a Life Time

Say Hello to my Purple Friend

2007-05-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

I once again feel like a whole person. My new phone arrived today and it is soooo cool. All I have to say is it's a limited addition PURPLE phone.

All I can Say is Gross

2007-05-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

I am sorry but that is just not natural
A Sweet So Sour: Kool-Aid Dills

It Getting Harder and Harder to Breath . . .

2007-05-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Our tickets to Jay Leno (going not by my choice) arrived today in the mail. We got tickets for Monday and Wednesday. Well Wednesday is Price is Right Day so we can't possible go that day so Monday it is. I really like the group Maroon 5 and their new CD drops the week we are in LA and I thought the was a pretty good chance that they might be on Jay Leno when we are there. I know that schedule can change but right now Maroon 5 is scheduled to be on the day that we have tickets (I am not sure the onomatopoeia for screeching like a little girl at the top of my lungs but I am sure you can imagine.)

OMG, 9 days until we leave, 10 days until Maroon 5, and 12 days until The Price is Right. If next week doesn't come fast enough, I think I might die of over excitement.

RevGal Friday Five . . . Potato, Po-tah-to Edition

2007-05-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

Mac? or PC?
PC
Pizza: Chicago style, or New York?
I am not sure if I have every had real Chicago (have never been there) or New York style pizza so I am not sure if I have enough information to make that call.
Brownies/fudge containing nuts: a) Good. I like the variation in texture. b) An abomination unto the Lord. The nuts take up valuable chocolate space.[or a response of your choosing]
I don't might and will happily consume brownies with nuts but I would prefer they not be their.
Do you hang your toilet paper so that the "tail" hangs flush with the wall, or over the top?
I am an over the top kind of girl because I have been told that you are less wasteful that way.
Toothpaste: Do you squeeze the tube wantonly in the middle, or squeeze from the bottom and flatten as you go?
I don't use toothpaste in a tube.

Bonus: Share your favorite either/or.
Paper? or Plastic? When it comes to grocery bags paper, I like how they stand up by themselves. When it comes to money plastic because I never have have cash.
Cat? or Dog? Yes, please. They are so different, they have very different thing that I love about them but they both provide unconditional love.

The Loss of a Dear Friend

2007-05-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

Earlier today my cute little pink phone decided to take a swim in the washing machine. A new one has already been ordered.

Goodbye my sweet phone, goodbye.

FYI . . . 10 days until I leave for Los Angeles and 13 until The Price is Right.,

Adventures in Tie-Dyeing . . .

2007-04-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I tie-dyed with my 4th and 5th graders. Besides having blue hands for 4 or 5 days all of the shirts turned out amazing. Particularly the shirt of one of our leaders and . . . well . . . it didn't really turn out the way he had hoped. But I haven't laughed that hard in weeks.

And the Winner Is . . .

2007-04-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if I have told you that I had applied for several year long residency as a hospital chaplain. I was excepted at all of the places I applied so I went with my first choice. Well after what seems like forever I can finally share with you where, as of August, I will be a full time chaplain for a year. I will be a chaplain at Children's Medical Center of Dallas. In the side column you will find a new countdown clock that is counting down until my first day. I am excited but I think that I am more freaked out than anything else. Next year will be interesting.

RevGal Friday Five . . . At This Moment

2007-04-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Wearing – Navy Blue Columbia, Light blue athletic shorts, & the pair of flip-flap that where given to me by a family friend. They have a bottle opener in the sole.
Pondering – youth Sunday, life, the future, and . . .
Reading – sadly nothing at moment
Dreaming – of normalcy
Eating – BBQ Chips & Diet Cherry Coke

Sigh

2007-04-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

I have was born and raised in North Texas the heart of tornado allie but today I experienced something that I have never experienced before. Just about an hour and half ago the warning sirens went of in my neighborhood. I was home by myself and I have never been so scared in my life. I still feel a bight like I’m trying to catch my breath.

RevGal Friday Five . . . Denial Issues

2007-04-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Are you a regular patron of dentists' offices? Or, do you go
a) faithfully, as long as you have insurance, or
b) every few years or so, whether you need it or not, or
c) dentist? what is this "dentist" thing you speak of?
I am defiantly an A, my mother is in the health care industry so I have been trained to take such matters very serious.

Whatever became of your wisdom teeth?
All four was removed two days before Christmas my freshman year of college. Let’s just say that it made Christmas dinner less than exciting for the rest of the family.

Favorite thing to eat that's BAAAAAD for your teeth.
I don’t know if it’s bad for you teeth or not but I have gotten to the point where I can’t eat popcorn with floss in arms length. I CAN’T STAND having those little cornel things stuck between my teeth and in my gums.

Ever had oral surgery? Commiserate with me.
The closest thing I have had to oral surgery is having my wisdom teeth removed.

"I'd rather have a root canal than _________________."
(A) Sitting through a Presbytery meeting without any breaks?
(B) Watch animals or children being hurt . . .

Bonus: Does your dentist recommend Trident?
Somehow I don’t think so.

I'm Done, I's Done, I'm Done

2007-04-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Last night was my last on call [Hoot, Haller, Jumping, Boogie, Party, Dance, Dance]. It was just about one the easiest I've had. Exciting moment of the evening, last night I saw brain matter. That's all I am going to say about that but . . . I'M DONE, I'M DONE, I'M DOME.

In other news, I have decided to do a year-long residency as a hopsital chaplian. I was offered a poition yesterday but I am still wait to have my second interview at my first choice location. At lest I know that I have a job and my second choice, the one that has already offered a job, would also be a great place to learn.

Guess what I got in the mail today . . .

2007-04-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Today is a Day that I will remember for the rest of my life. Why, you ask. Because today is the day that our trip is LA becomes official. No we have had our plane tickets and hotels reservations for months. Today we received the whole reason we are going to LA in the first place. Today we received our tickets to THE PRICE IS RIGHT starring Bob Barker. We have tickets number two and three, I wonder who got number one. I get butterflies just thinking about it. Now we have to decided what we are going to put on our T-Shirt (it has been reported on the blogs that you have a better chance of getting on stage if you wear a shirt you made). We where thinking something with the get you pets spaded or neutered thing but we are tied to it. The suggestion box is now open. Let me have ‘em.

Its Not What Your Movie Can Do For You, Its What You . . .

2007-04-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

One day you come home from work, school, or just running errands and you go about that daily ritual of checking the mail. As you are looking through deciding what is important, what is junk mail, what you need to share, as well as what to do with a letter addressed to someone who lives in Iowa (I live in Texas) or addressed to your deceased grandfather who died in the mid-eighties (this actually happens about once a year) there it is. Somewhere between the Christian Century, InStyle, and a Potter Barn catalogue you find a letter addressed to your legal, yet not frequently used full name. That came only mean one thing, its from big bother, that right its from our county government. Investing further you realize that the return address label says, du, du, du, Jury Services. That right your truly your truly for the first time in her life (well at lest the first she wasn’t in school or living in an other state) has been call for jury duty. Part of me thinks that it might be cool to see home the justice system works while any other part of me, a large part, hopes that my called profession will eliminate me from serving (plus I was called on a Monday which is the when I supposed to be in seminar at the hospital). Here is how Monday went.

I left my house a hour before I was schedule to be there (8:45am) and headed north to the suburb about 15 miles await where they county seat is. After missing my exit and a short drive for a McD diet coke and made my way to courthouse, annex B first floor. After drive three lamps around the dozen or some parking lots, I find a place on the street. I walking in to a generic looking building, following the signs I made my way to the end of hall where two court officers. I handed an officer my summons, he removed the a port at the perforation and hands it back to be along with a pamphlet entitles “Juror’s Handbook”. I make my way into a large room with rows of folding chairs in three sections with two aisles. The room is filled with a few hundred people, most of whom where watching CNN Headline News that is on the large screen. I make my way to the far side of the room and I find a set right off the one of the center aisle. Not soon after I sat down and opened my magazine a women wearing a very attractive yellow suit stands in front of CNN and informs us that we are going to watch a short video about the jury process after which a judge will come in and start the process of disqualifications.

I found the video very interesting. The first few shots are very short clips from three or four movies, yes that right movie, not the Texas Supreme Court Judge who hosted the video or a welcome to Jury Duty. It video starts and the first we see a video clip from The Verdict a classic legal drama, but that was followed by Legally Blond, flowed by a few others. There where three a major points (how Presbyterian) starting with an intro followed by a short law history lesson and jury service fact and fiction. Through the whole thing there were clips of judges, lawyers, former jurors, as well as person involved in the trial. They use clips from movies to aid in making their points. Here is a list of movies that I recognized: Twelve Angry Men, Reversal of Fortune, Presumed Innocent, To Kill a Mockingbird (Attics Finch is a great explain of a good lawyer plus it is classic example of American law system), My Cousin Vinny (a very funny movie, I still can’t believe that Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for that, My biological clock is TICKING LIKE THIS), the TV show Law & Order, Lair, Lair (yes that right the movie with Ace Venture himself Jim Carey), Hung Jury, and Kramer vs. Kramer. To be honest I really didn’t pay much attention to what the video was supposed to be informing me about (I checked out when I start to explain why the Magna Carta important) because I was to busy trying to figure out all the movies that they showed.

After the video ends the women in the yellow suit comes back to the front. Evidently the judge is not quite ready, it will be about 10 minutes, and she turns on back on CNN. I return to my magazine and after a few minutes Ms. Yellow Suit pops back up and says this: “I am about to say something that I have never said in my six years in the positions.” What on earth is she about say I not sure what to make of this. She continues “the courts are closed today and everyone gets to go home.” Which was went with a short cheer. She processed to inform us that because we showed up for jury duty we cannot be summoned again for two years. She dismissed us and like a bottle neck on a highway we back up behind each other push to our freedom. I shot a dirty look to the people who say things like “I guess this means I get a free day off.” No such luck for me. I hoped back in my, oh so very cool new car and headed to the hospital in south Dallas (about 25 miles away). So I was there for a grand total of 25 minutes.

All in all it did feel a bit like a waist of time. Not the jury system as a whole but the particular circumstances of my experience. Hopefully I will be summoned again in the future. I really think it would be cool to be on jury, at lest once, as long as it’s not no the same day as seminar.

Last Nights On-Call Shift

2007-04-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

I wrote this this past Monday night when I was on-call, since I can't post while at work I am just now getting around to posting it:

My on call shift provided me with a lot of new experiences as well as a large quantity of them.

Here is a run down:

I had 3 trauma ones (those are the REALLY bad ons's)
I had 3 cpr's
I also had three deaths
I saw them use a heart defibrillator and yes the body really does jump
I learned that when they are doing chest compressions it cause air to come out of other parts of body.
I saw a gun shoot wound to the side of head
I saw a girl who couldn't be more than twenty, step and take responsible when the other six adults in the room where unwilling or unable.
I had a very frivolous conversation with a paramedic (come on with a night like this who wouldn't take a chance to change to topic)
Although we get any police offers in the ER, last night I meet my first Homicide Cops. The where just like Lenny and Green on Law & Order . . . except they both were white . . . and neither of them could be mistaken for skinny. I am talking trench coats and everything.
I had my first case where I was the primary Chaplain that made the local news (no I can't and woun't tell you which one).
Hours of sleep, 3/4 (as in 45 mintues)

RevGal Friday Five . . . Holy Week, Batman!

2007-03-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Well, the Clergy Superbowl is almost upon us, and so, I offer up this Friday Five (with apologies for the irreverent title):

Will this Sunday be Palms only, Passion only, or hyphenated?
Palm, it has been Palm since I was a kid and it still is.
Maundy Thursday Footwashing: Discuss.
Why not?
Share a particularly meaningful Good Friday worship experience.
I once heard a reading of a medical description of the crucifixion.
Easter Sunrise Services--choose one:
a) "Resurrection tradition par excellence!"
b) "Eh. As long as it's sunrise with coffee, I can live with it."
c) "[Yawn] Can't Jesus stay in the tomb just five more minutes, Mom?!?"
D) I don’t feel qualified to answer this question seeing as I have never attended a sunrise service. I have never attended a church that had one but I have always wanted to go to one.
Complete this sentence: It just isn't Easter without . . .
Children

Bonus: Any Easter Vigil aficionados out there? Please share.
I love Easter Vigil, some of the most powerful services I have ever been to.

What's Your Southern Sign

2007-03-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

I thought this was cute.

Some of us Southerners are pretty skeptical of horoscopes and the people that read them. If we are to ever fully understand all the star signs and the people they represent, we need symbols that all true Southerners understand: See the list below...

I am a Armadillo (i have underline the part that are SO not me)

ARMADILLO (Nov 23 - Dec 21) You have a tendency to develop a tough exterior, but you are actually quite gentle and kind inside. A good evening for you? Old friends, a fire, some roots, fruit, worms, and insects. You are a throwback. You're not concerned with today's fashions and trends. You're not concerned with anything about today. You're almost prehistoric in your interests and behavior patterns. You probably want to marry another Armadillo, but a Possum is another somewhat kinky mating possibility.

OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try.

CHITLIN (Jan 21 - Feb 19) Chitlins come from humble backgrounds. A Chitlin, however, will make something of himself if he is motivated and has lots of seasoning. In dealing with Chitlins, be careful they may surprise you. They can erupt like Vesuvius. Chitlins are best with Catfish and Okra.

BOLL WEEVIL (Feb 20 - March 20) You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. You love to stay busy and tend to work too much. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don't worry about it.

MOON PIE (March 21 - April 20) You're the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. A cinch to recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies. Big and round are the key words here. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. It's not going to be easy. You always have a big smile and are happy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Maybe not.

POSSUM (April 21 - May 21) When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about-it attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy but seems to work for you. You are a rare breed. Most folks love to watch you work and play. You are a night person and mind your own business.

CRAWFISH (May 22 - June 21) Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you're hanging around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to the golf course, and the bathtub to the living room. You tend not to be particularly attractive physically, but you have very, very good heads.

COLLARDS (June 22 - July 23) Collards have a genius for communication. They love to get in the melting pot of life and share their essence with the essence of those around them. Collards make good social workers, psychologists, and baseball managers. As far as your personal life goes, if you are Collards, stay away from Crawfish. It just won't work. Save yourself a lot of heartache.

CATFISH (July 24 - Aug 23) Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, although one's whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You Catfish are never easy people to understand. You run fast. You work and play hard. Even though you prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life, you are liked by most. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.

GRITS (Aug 24 - Sept 23) Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese, gravy, bacon, butter, or eggs and a good time. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you well. You are pure in heart.

BOILED PEANUTS (Sept 24 - Oct 23) You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best, your friends and loved ones, may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.

BUTTER BEAN (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Always invite a Butter Bean to a party because Butter Beans get along well with everybody. You, as a Butter Bean, should be proud. You've grown on the vine of life, and you feel at home no matter what the setting. You can sit next to anybody. However, you, too, shouldn't have anything to do with Moon Pies.

I Sware My Car Is Smarter Than Me

2007-03-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

So here it is, my new wheels

(and such beautiful wheels they are.)

It hard to tell in the pictures but it is a deep pearliest green.

Here is one of the bazillion cool things that my car does. Below is a picture of the key but get this. You don't have to put the key in the ignition to start the car. As long as the key is in the care you turn the ignition and it starts.

It doesn't yet feel that really is my car. Like I will wake up tomorrow and it still have to drive the bur.

Catching up, non-slicited indorments, the year to come, H**L has Frozen over, and new wheels

2007-03-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

So I haven’t been so good about the whole regular blogging thing so is a list of what is currently going on in My Farcical Existence

First and for most regarding my last post and the Presbytery meeting nothing could have gone smoother. The whole experience was just a reminder that God’s providence is an amazing thing. The night before I realized that the president the Presbyterian school of where I went to college would be doing a look-at-the-amazing-things-we-are-doing-please-(money)-support-(money)-our-(send-your-children-to-us-&-money)-work. Which is great because I look support Schreiner in any way I can but. Well Dr. Summerlin is one of my favorite people and I love to tell people that I was on the committee of students that hired him (well, not exactly, it’s a long story). During the time between the worship and the call to order of the meeting I went to find him to let him know that I was there. Frank our Director of Church Relations had also come to join in on the Pro-Schreiner band wagon. Well early on the meeting is when Dr. Summerlin gave is yeah-Schreiner speak and he used me, by name, as an example of the work that Schreiner is doing (first non-solicited plug for your truly). Moving forward to the part you care about. There where five of us being examined for candidaticy, two before lunch, three after. I was number two on the list which means I can eat my lunch without worry. So the guy before me goes up and does find, no questions. Then it is my turn (holding breath). I did very well (so I have been told, I am not a very good judge of these things) and I was also not asked any questions (thank God, thank God, and did I say Thank You God). The minister moderating the meeting at this point was a wonderful woman I got to know a few years back when we both serviced on a planning team for a youth conference at MO-Ranch. So before you asked for the vote she said how honored she was to be sharing this moment with me (non-solicited Miranda plug = 2, the other 4 candidates = 0). As I am sure your have guessed that I was approved and besides the two hour drive there and back it was an enjoyable experience. Any I think that is all I have to say about that.
I have come to realized that I need to do a year long CPE residency. Note the Need and not want. There are still things that I working through that are best addressed in the CPE process, plus I can’t really do anything fore a year. So I have applied to two programs here in Dallas. First is to say with program I am in now at Methodist or a different hospital that I have always though would be cool to work at. My only concern is that the second option, the I am most excited about, is known to have a lot of competition for there places. I sent my application in on Monday and I am just waiting to here something. Either way both will provide a challenging working environment and I am sure many unique learning experiences.
I got a call from the associated from my church asking if I want to assist her in worship in two weeks. OMG, you have no clue how big this is. They usually reserve assisting for elders only. Unfortunately I have already made plans to visit my best friend that weekend so I couldn’t but she informed me that it had been decided to incorporate me and an another women who is in the process , to the worship schedule. Seriously you don’t have any idea how BIG this is.
There might be a vroom-vroom in my not to distant future. Ding-Dong the burb is gone.
After over a year of feeling like I was standing still, I finally feel like I am moving forward, and (I can’t believe I am about to quote Martha Stuart) that is a good thing.
72 days until The Price is Right

Moving Forward

2007-03-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is the day. After almost five years as and inquirer, going before my session last July, and going before COPM in December, I will be going before Presbytery tomorrow. In Kilgore no less. I will take any prays I can get.

If you don't understand any of the above don't worry your not Presbyterian. Without getting to complicated this is the penultimate (second to last) step in the process of ordination and it is really scary.

RevGal Friday Five . . . Renewal

2007-01-26T08:35:00.000-08:00

In my office the other day, two church members asked about the boat on my table. I told them it was a gift from a seminary classmate, a reminder of the work and teaching of our professor, Kirk Jones, author of Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and other Caregivers. He always reminded us that Jesus went to the back of the boat and took a nap.

Not surprisingly, I could not find an image of Jesus resting. Preaching from the boat, yes. Calming the storm, yes. Walking on water? Oh, my, yes! But no one seems to want to picture Jesus taking his rest.

In this week that looks unlikely to hold a complete day off, I am pondering renewal. List four ways you like to relax or give yourself a break. Then name a fifth, something you've never been able to do, a self-care dream.

Taking Frankie (my dog) for walk or to the dog park or going for a bike ride.
Going a craft project (that I might actually have hope of finishing) in which I would include painting pottery.
I guess that I should say getting my nails done (and the occasional pedi) but I really consider that upkeep much like a shower, which I guess would also count as time in which I relax or given myself a break. To that end I would also have to include putting on make-up which I find a very cathartic routine.
Catching up on my favorite TV shows. What on earth did we do before Tivo.
A full day at a really expensive spa. Message, facials, body raps, ect.

Cal-i-forn-i-a Here We Come

2007-01-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

IT'S OFFICIAL . . .
Terri and I made our flight arrangements and our hotel reservations. Price is Right here we come.

Sorry for Trying to Save Your Loved One

2007-01-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

So I was on-call last night and there is something that really just don’t understand. There were two patient who can in as part of a car accident. Part of my job is sitting with families while they wait for news on there loved ones. So I headed down to the family room where four or so family members where standing outside the door. I introduced myself and gave my usual non-informative information (I just spoke with them, they seem scared, ect). Thought people get frustrated that I can’t give them more information but they usually understand. Well it was not frustration that I was received from these family members it was hostility. I am sorry that the doctors are not willing to take time out of caring for your loved one to come and explain everything to you. I know that it is frustrating, and that is always seems like it takes forever but you getting angry with a Chaplin of all people will help you any. One of patients was hurt partially bad and the doctors wanted to make sure before telling the family that their loved one most likely will never walk again. That’s a pretty big deal and something that you want to make sure of before telling anyone. I know that they are just worried. And I know they are reacting to their sense of helplessness but making the medical staff dislike you not really the best way to get what you want. “You can catch more flies with honey” anyone.

RevGal Friday Five: Countdown Edition

2007-01-12T08:06:00.000-08:00

Please count down five living people you admire and tell us a little something about why they make your list. These could be famous people or people you know personally.

I am not good at ranking things so the below are simply the first five that came to mind and are in no particular order.

My friend Teri. She has been to so much during her life and despite being dealt several REALLY crappie cards she is still and amazing person who doesn’t let anything stand in her way.
The older sister of a friend of mine from college. Despite the fact that she got pregnant at 15, she graduated from high school a year early, finished a 5 years college program in 3, and set out on her own, all while being an amazing mother.
My high-school Sunday School teacher and friend Ms. C. She has lead an amazing life in which she has had to make hard decisions but she was never willing to compromise who she was and what she believes. Plus she has been teaching the Senior High Sunday School class at our church for over 20 years. I mean who cool is that.
My College Mentor – not only is she one of the most stylish, poised, and all around amazing women I know, she spends her retirement encouraging the next generation of church leaders.
The mothers, fathers, and grandparents of the babies I met in the NICU – they are going through something that most of use can’t even imagine in our worst nightmare. Even thought they have done everything right, never missed a doctors visit, taken every vitamin, there baby still comes five weeks, ten weeks, even 15 weeks before they are do. They spend every free moment with their child and grandchild, hoping and praying for miracle. And more often than not that miracle comes and the baby gets to go home and become a person able to achieve amazing things.

The Gospel According to Ugly Betty . . . Part 1

2007-01-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that when I heard that they were taking a Mexican Telenovela and turning it into a prime time soap opera I was more than a little skeptical. And with a name like Ugly Betty my there was no way I was going to like this show. Boy was I wrong. It has become one of favorite TV shows and it is tied for my favorite new show of the season. I could go on and on about how beautifully they took the uber-over-the-top nature of Telenovelas and translated it into something the American audience could appreciate without loosing the outlandishness that make telenovelas, telenovelas. But there is just something about this show “that preaches”.

First, is the whole premise of the show. There is this young woman who is considered Ugly and she works in a world of beauty and fashion. But even thought she is surrounded by underwear models, time and time again she is the one who stands as the shinning example of good up against things like vanity, ruthlessness, and greed. This can be seen in her job when she stresses of lying to save her and her co-workers jobs and ultimately tells the truth. You can also see it in her home life in which she has a loving and extremely supportive family. While all the beautiful and wealthy characters have little to no relationship with there family and if they do it is a tenuous one at best. She struggles of her loyalty to a boyfriend who is a good guy, while struggling with her interest in another man. She rarely lets the mean things that her coworkers who to her effect her self esteem or self worth.

I know what you’re going to say this is exactly a new concept. But there is just something about this show that is different. Serousily you need to watch this show. ABC Thursday night at 8/7 central.

FYI. I graduated from high school with the guy wearing the yellow tie.

Who Exactly are they Supposed to be Motivating

2007-01-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

This morning at church we had a “motivational speaker” (not by choice of the teachers) in Sunday School. He was a former professional football player who only played a few years because of his addition to drugs. He wasn’t that bad but he defiantly was not reformed (tisk-tisk). So this got me to thinking why is it that the vast majority of so called “motivational speakers” are male and former athletes. To be perfectly honest I could care less that this guy happened to play professional football. Why is it that you never find these people who used to fashion designers, doctors, or CEOs. Perhaps this is why most are also male seeing that there are very few women’s professional sports (well at lest respected ones).

Random News & Updates

2007-01-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was the best one we have had in the past few years. Moment of note: Mom, Dad, and me sitting in the living room all wearing the headlamps that I gave the family for Christmas, I know is was total something that you had to be there for but we laughed for hours. I think part of what made it so funny was the fact that these where not like really headlamps (i.e. the kind one would find at stores like REI). They were ones that we had at the bookstore if that says anything. There are more like small travel lamps that happen to strap to be able to your head. Gifts of note: a new hair dryer that dries and straightens at the same time and an orbital sander (I will refer a previous post to help you to understand Santa’s need to encourage me to start a project I have been talking about since July). Power tools fun …

I went before my presbytery committee a few weeks ago to be approved to move on to the next step in “the process” (candidacy). Let’s just say that the experience was not what I would call fun but I was approved and I will go before the floor of Presbytery in March. That is really all I wish to say about that

Christmas Eve, Eve some girlfriends I have know since I was a kid and I decided to have an old fashion sleepover. Make-up, nail polish, cheesy movies, girl talk, pajamas, junk food, pizza, and the addition of adult beverages made the evening very enjoyable. We have decided to make the event an annually tradition. I have to highly recommend making your own Irish Cream. It was sssssooooooo good!!!

I discovered that when my contract at the bookstore runs out next month there is no other positions for me at this time. So if I want to say with the bookstore I would have to move to a new location and I don’t really want to move. Not sure what I will be doing. Very sad … I like my job at the bookstore …

Has anyone been watching the new ABC show Ugly Betty, its bases on a tella novella and it is a fabulous show. Anyway, yesterday I relized that I gradated from high school with one of the actors on that show. He plays Vanessa Williams’ assistant, Marc. His name is Michael Urie, we weren’t like friends or anything but I knew who he was which is a little amazing since there were over 1,300 people in our class. Isn't that so cool. You know what this means? This means I am only one degree away from Vanessa Williams and Salma Hayek (the shows producer) how cool is that.

The bookstore Find of the Week

2006-12-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

The Chosen Keyboard

It is described as such:
“The Chosen Keyboard stickers set is a real mitzvah! Just peel an apply to any gentile keyboard for the ultimate Hebrew hardware makeover, So easy, even my idiot son0in-law could do it. Re-Positionable Vinyl Stickers Set. If you schmutz it a little, don’t kvetch they’re easy to move.
WARMING: This Keyboard does not work on Saturdays.”

Keys of note:
Backspace – Oy Vey!
Enter – Mazel Tov
Space – A Little Space Couldn’t Hurt
MS key – Star of David
Ten key zero – Bopkis

I bought four (he, he, he)

Under the "You-Have-Got-To-Be-Kinding-Me" Heading

2006-12-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

Joel Osteen the board game.

RevGal Friday Five . . . Adventually

2006-12-01T22:31:00.000-08:00

Here are five questions about Advent for this first of December:

Do you observe Advent in your church?
I think I might cry if we didn’t.
How about at home?
Some of my favorite holiday memories are of me and mom reading our churches daily advent Devotions around our Advent candles.
Do you have a favorite Advent text or hymn?
The Taizé song Wait for the Lord.
Wait for the Lord, Whose Day is Near,
Wait for the Lord, Be Strong, Take Heart
Why is one of the candles in the Advent wreath pink? (You may tell the truth, but I'll like your answer better if it's funny.)
It is a post-feminist recognition of the feminine qualities of Christ.
What's the funniest/kitschiest Advent calendar you've ever seen?
I am sure that I have seen then but I can’t think of one at this moment.

2006-11-30T19:54:00.000-08:00

With inclement weather (well at lest inclement or Texas) things at the bookstore where . . . . shall we say slow. As a casher with very few people to “ring up” and in an effort to find something to do, anything to do, I was helping out one of my fellow co-worker by putting romance novels that were not “moving” into our super buy packs (a deal where you can get like 6 to 9 books for $5). So as I am stuffing books into clear bags I realized that I just don’t get romance novels. I am sorry but titles like Pure as a Lily and He’s My Solder Boy, just don’t excite me. In more than a few cases they actually repulse me. I feel like I am missing out on an important part of being a girl. I know that it’s not like a crucial part of being a girl but still I feel like I am missing out . . . but not enough to actually read one.

By the way I would just like to say that Men in Tress is a REALLY great show.

It's Going to be Big and It's Going to be BAD

2006-11-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am hour short of the end of my second on-call and frankly I am scared. “Scared” you say “why scared?” Well since I took the “hot” pager around 8:30 am there has been very little going on. No traumas, no CPRs, no death, only a few administrative things, a consolation or two, and one family that requested that a Chaplin pray with them. Well there was that weird guy that they found wondering around the hospital who refused to leave with speaking to a Chaplin (I would tell you more that but to be honest I didn’t really understand what happened). So unless south Dallas goes crazy in the next 55 minutes this will be my second “easy” on call. So you know what that means. The comic cards are stacking higher and higher against me and there will be a future on-call shift (hopefully not in the distant future) that will be for lack of a better term the on-call shift from H E Double Hockey Sticks. That’s mean Trauma after Trauma followed by CPRs after CPR which means many unfortunate deaths. I have a felling it is going to be big and it is going the bad, really bad, really, really, really bad.

Now there is only 47 minutes to go (tick, tock, tick, tock)

Happy Thanksgiving and De-Lurking Week . . .

2006-11-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

One of the RGBPs made Thanksgiving week the de-lurking week. If you've been lurking around, show yourself, even if it just with a hi, Happy Thanksgiving, or whatever.

This is Miranda, I am the Chaplin on call, did some page me

2006-11-14T05:13:00.000-08:00

Last night was my first on call shift at the hospital. To say that it was an unusual night is an understatement. Here is how things went.

1300ish
The phone system in the hospital goes down. That means not calling other departments, no paging system, no receiving calls from outside and no making calls out.

1630
I am given the HOT pager and officially become the Chaplin on Call.

1800ish
Discover that constructions crews have cut a southwestern bell line and that are working of fixing our phone issues. Our phone problems have made local news. Internal calling is now working but still no paging or no outside calls in to out.

1900ish
Went to cafeteria for dinner. Cheeseburger, fries, and a French Vanilla cap.

1945
Received call from the floor asking for a consult tomorrow (this) morning. Make note.

2100ish
Paging system appears to be working.

1145ish
Head up stairs to sleep room where the bed has not been changes. Make bed, change close, and being attepment to sleep a little after midnight.

0003
Receive my page of the evening. It is for a cab voucher. Get dressed head down stairs and back up to deliver. I then head back to sleep room and again change close and again attempt to go to sleep with infused on attempt.

0400
Wake up and begin to get ready when I realize that I still have an hour before my alarm goes off. Not really sure why I thought that I needed to get up.

0445
Get up, attempt to touch up makeup, get dressed and realize that once again I have woken up before my alarm and figure it really does not matter now. I fished packing up my things and strip the bed and call housekeeping, maybe they will come today. I then head done to the PC office where everything is where I left it. No voice messages.

0545
Called to same day surgery to witness documentation.

0603
Called to ER to offer pastoral care to the wife a patient who spoke no Spanish. I tried to say what I could in Spanish and told the ER staff to call it they needed anything else

0645
Started writing this run down of the evening.

0700
The Today Show has just come on and I am thinking about heading to the cafeteria for a bit of breakfast. One hour and 26 minutes left in my on call shift. Three hours and 56 minutes until I have to at the bookstore for my eight hour shift.

Friday Five: Nothing But the Tooth

2006-11-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

The Tooth Fairy
Big fan. I like the idea of believing in something that is so fanciful.
Flossing
One of the great struggles of my life.
Toothpaste Brands
I care more about the bottle than the brand
Orthodontia for Adults
If you have the money and that a strong of a felling about it why not.
Whitening products
A good thing gone bad. There is just way to much stress on it these days.

CPE

2006-10-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

I have seen dead children and youth as well as adults. But today I saw my first dead baby. He had only been in his mom’s womb for ten weeks but he was full formed with arms, legs, and a face. He was beautiful and this will not be the last since I will spend the next six months in Labor and Delivery, Neonatal Intensive Care, and High Risk Pregnancy. (sigh) that all I really have to say right now.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 30th

2006-10-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

From It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Lucy Van Pelt: Alright alright! Let's bob for apples! This is the way you do it.
Schroeder: Yeah Lucy! You should be good at this! You got the perfect mouth for it!

From The Goonies
Andy: Watch this. [Data's father takes a camera out of his jacket & proceeds to take a picture but the film falls out. Andy starts laughing]
Andy: He's just like his father.
Data: [in Chinese] That's okay daddy. You can't hug a photograph.
Mr. Wang: [in Chinese] You are my greatest invention.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 29th

2006-10-29T18:21:00.000-08:00

From Sleepy Hollow
Ichabod Crane: Katrina, why are you in my room?
Katrina Anne Van Tassel: Because it is yours.

From Beetle Juice
Adam: We're not completely helpless, Barbara. I've been reading that book & there's a word for people in our situation: ghosts.

From Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Lion: [in reference to humans] Friendly lot. Don't mind them visiting. Wouldn't want them living here.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 28th

2006-10-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

From Beetle Juice
Adam: Barb, honey... we're dead. I don't think we have very much to worry about anymore.

From It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Linus: [to Charlie Brown after Sally just ripped him a new one] You've heard of the fury of a woman scorned, haven't you?
Charlie Brown: Yeah, I guess I have.
Linus: Well, that's nothing compared to the fury of a woman who has been cheated out of trick-or-treats.

From Sleepy Hollow
Ichabod Crane: Katrina, I might have killed you. Why have you come?
Katrina Anne Van Tassel: Because no one else would go with you.
Ichabod Crane: I am now twice the man, & it is your white magic.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 27th

2006-10-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

From Bedknobs & Broomsticks
[during the soccer match]
Charlie Rawlins: Foul! Foul!
Carrie Rawlins: They're only animals.
Charlie Rawlins: That's no excuse for dirty football.

From Clue
Wadsworth: ...& to make a long story short... All: Too late!

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 26th

2006-10-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

From It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Linus: Never jump into a pile of leaves with a wet sucker.

From Clue
Colonel Mustard: There's still one thing I don't understand.
Mrs. White: One thing?

From The Goonies
[while trying to escape the crumbling cave]
Mikey: What about the loot?
Brandon Walsh: What about our lives?

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 25th

2006-10-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

From Sleepy Hollow
Ichabod Crane: It was a headless horseman.
Baltus Van Tassel: You must not excite yourself.
Ichabod Crane: But it was a headless horseman.
Baltus Van Tassel: Of course it was. That's why you're here.
Ichabod Crane: No, you must believe me. It was a horseman, a dead one. Headless.
Baltus Van Tassel: I know, I know.
Ichabod Crane: You don't know because you were not there. It's all true.
Baltus Van Tassel: Of course it is. I told you. Everyone told you.
Ichabod Crane: I... saw him. [faints]

From Clue
Mrs. White: Life after death is as improbable as sex after marriage.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 24th

2006-10-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

From Hocus Pocus
Max: [Allison & Dani try attacking Billy] No, no! He's a *good* zombie.
Dani: Hi Billy!

From Clue
The Chief: Good evening. Have you ever given any thought to the kingdom of heaven?
Mrs. Peacock: What?
The Chief: Repent. The kingdom of heaven IS at hand.
Miss Scarlet: You ain't just whistlin' Dixie.
The Chief: Armageddon is almost upon us.
Professor Plum: I got news for you - it's already here.
Mrs. Peacock: Go away.
The Chief: But your souls are in danger.
Mrs. Peacock: Our lives our in danger, you beatnik.

From Practical Magic
Sally Owens: Since when is being a slut a crime in this family?

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 23rd

2006-10-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

From Beetle Juice
[Evaluating her new home]
Delia: A little gasoline... blowtorch... no problem.

From Clue
Mrs. Peacock: Everything all right?
Colonel Mustard: Yup, two corpses, everything's fine!

From The Goonies
Mikey: [to One-Eyed Willie] Hi Willie. Oh, I'm Mike Walsh. You've been expecting me, haven't you? Well I made it. I beat you. I got here in one piece... so far. [lifts up Willie's patch]
Mikey: So... that's why they call you One-Eyed Willie... One-Eyed Willie. [takes a breath from his breathalizer]
Mikey: We had a long comment, huh, Willie? You know something, Willie? You're the first Goonie. [the rest of the Goonies show up]
Mikey: Yo. Hi guys. How's it going? This is Willie... One-Eyed Willie. Say hi, Willie. Those are my friends... the Goonies. [pauses]
Mikey: How long have you guys been standing there?
Brandon Walsh: Long enough, Mikey. Long enough.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 22nd

2006-10-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

From Bedknobs & Broomsticks
[as all of Miss Price's belongings come alive thanks to a magic incantation]
Miss Price: That's my nightgown.
Mr. Browne: [dancing with it] Is it really, my dear?
Miss Price: Yes, & I'm not responsible for its behaviour.
Mr. Browne: Obviously not, my dear.

From Clue
Mrs. White: He was always a stupidly-optimistic man. I mean, I'm afraid it came as a great shock when he died, but he was found dead at home. His head had been cut off &, so had his, umm... you *know*.

From The Goonies
Andy: Do you think there's really any treasure here?
Mikey: Andy this whole ship is a treasure.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 21st

2006-10-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

From It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Linus: I've learned there are three things you don't discuss with people: religion, politics & the Great Pumpkin.

From Clue
Mr. Green: So it was you. I was going to expose you.
Wadsworth: I know. So I choose to expose myself.
Colonel Mustard: Please, there are ladies present!

From Practical Magic
Sally Owens: What would you do, Gilly?
Gillian Owens: What wouldn't I do... for the right guy?

Things that Miranda has noticed since starting to work in the world of retail . . .

2006-10-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at how many people still use cash. I really had thought that most people used debit or credit cards and that cash had gone the way of shag carpet and avocadoes green refrigerators. Thought the written check has. In the 28 hours I have worked behind the counter at the new and used bookstore like less than ten people have used checks.
I have a new found respect for anyone who does a job that requires them to stand to extended periods of time. After a few hours on Monday, seven hours on Tuesday, an additional seven hours on Wednesday, four hours on Thursday and I am tired. It is going to take me awhile to get us to this. Any of you who know me, know how bad my feet are and how truly difficult this is. n the up side maybe being on my feet this much will help me lose a little weight.
On a side note, I sold a book to a gentleman in his late 60 early 70 on trantric sex . . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

there are just something you don’t want to think about.
PS everyone will be getting books and other things sold by, oh, I don't know maybe a new and used book store for Christmas and your next birthday

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 20th

2006-10-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

From Sleepy Hollow
Ichabod Crane: It is truth, but truth is not always appearance.

From Clue
Professor Plum: What is your top-secret job, Colonel?
Wadsworth: I can tell you. He's working on the secret of the next fusion bomb.
Colonel Mustard: How did you know that?
Wadsworth: Can you keep a secret?
Colonel Mustard: Yes...
Wadsworth: So can I.

From The Goonies
Mikey: Don't you realize? The next time you see sky, it'll be over another town. The next time you take a test, it'll be in some other school. Our parents, they want the best of stuff for us. But right now, they got to do what's right for them. Because it's their time. Their time! Up there! Down here, it's our time. It's our time down here. That's all over the second we ride up Troy's bucket.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 19th

2006-10-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

From Hocus Pocus
Winifred Sanderson: Don't you see? All Hallow's Eve has turned into a night of fun where children dress up in costumes & run amuck!
Sarah: Amuck! [dances around]
Sarah: Amuck, amuck, amuck, amuck, amuck - [Winnifred punches Sarah in the stomach]
Sarah: Ugh!

From Clue
Professor Plum: Is there going to be a cover up?
Wadsworth: Isn't that in the public interest? What could be gained by exposure?
Professor Plum: But is the FBI in the habit of cleaning up after multiple murders?
Wadsworth: Yes. Why do you think it's run by a man called Hoover?

From Beetle Juice
Beetlejuice: These aren't my rules. Come to think of it, I don't have any rules.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 18th

2006-10-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

From Beetle Juice
Otho: Ugh. Deliver me from L.L. Bean.

From Clue
Colonel Mustard: How many husbands have you had?
Mrs. White: Mine or other women's?
Colonel Mustard: Yours.
Mrs. White: Five.
Colonel Mustard: Five?
Mrs. White: Yes, just the five. Husbands should be like Kleenex: soft, strong & disposable.
Colonel Mustard: You lure men to their deaths like a spider with flies.
Mrs. White: Flies are where men are most vulnerable.
Colonel Mustard: Right!

From The Goonies
Sloth: Hey, you guys!

I Promise I Have More to Say Than Cheezie Movie Quotes

2006-10-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday was my second day at hospital and things very slowly are becoming less scary. I am not sure how much of my experience I feeling comfortable sharing but I will try to give occasional insights into how the experience is going. In a few minutes I will be heading to my third shift at the “new and used bookstore”. So far I am enjoying it although it is more challenging than I thought I would be because there is a lot of memorization. So far the people I work with seem nice and a little of bet, like me and the few who know what I do (or will do) for a living have not reached in a you-scary-me kind of way so that is good. Anyway got to run, the call of a books at half the price are calling.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 17th

2006-10-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

From Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Officer: You there, which way to Pepperidge Eye?
Workman: Couldn't say sir. It said on the wireless to paint out the sign posts in case the Nazis drop in.
Officer: I'm not a Nazi. I'm a British officer.
Workman: That's what you'd say if you was a Nazi, isn't it sir?

From Clue
Mrs. White: Are you a cop?
Mr. Green: No, I'm a plant.
Miss Scarlet: A plant? I thought men like you were usually called a fruit.
Mr. Green: Very funny.

From Practical Magic
Sally Owens: All I want is a normal life.
Aunt Frances Owens: My darling girl, when are you going to understand that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage!

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 16th

2006-10-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

From It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Linus: [to Sally as she walks away with everyone else] Hey, aren't you going to stay to greet the Great Pumpkin? It won't be long now. If the Great Pumpkin comes, I'll still put in a good word for you. [Realizes what he just said]
Linus: Good grief! I said "if"! I meant "when" he comes! [Calmly]
Linus: I'm doomed. One little slip like that could cause the Great Pumpkin to pass you by.

From Clue
Professor Plum: What are you afraid of, a fate worse than death?
Mrs. Peacock: No, just death, isn't that enough?

From Beetle Juice
Otho: What happened to the people who lived here?
Delia: Oh, they died. Hey, look, an indoor outhouse.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day – 15th

2006-10-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

From Sleepy Hollow
Katrina Anne Van Tassel: I have shed my tears for Brom... & yet my heart is not broken. Do you think me wicked?
Ichabod Crane: No... but perhaps there is a little bit of witch in you, Katrina.
Katrina Anne Van Tassel: Why do you say that?
Ichabod Crane: Because you have bewitched me.

From Clue
Mrs. White: It's a matter of life after death, now that he's dead I have a life.

From The Goonies
Mikey: Goonies never say die!

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day - 14th

2006-10-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

From Clue
Wadsworth: Professor Plum, you were once a professor of psychiatry specializing in helping paranoid & homicidal lunatics suffering from delusions of grandeur.
Professor Plum: Yes, but now I work for the United Nations.
Wadsworth: So your work has not changed.

From The Goonies
Chunk: Mikey this is great! We only have old chaunaka decorations in our attic. What's this stuff all about?
Mikey: It has something to do with my dad being the assistant curly, curny.
Brandon Walsh: [Smacking Mikey on the back of the head] Curator.
Mikey: That's what I said. You always contradict me, I knew what I-. There was an exhibit. About the history of Astoria & these are the rejects.
Chunk: Kind of like us Mike... The Goonies.
Mouth: I'm not a reject.
Mikey: Take that stuff off. You're going to get me in trouble.

Friday Five: Creature Comforts

2006-10-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's the arrival of crisp October, my favorite month. Or maybe it's the fact that the divine little miss m has been sick all week (and if the baby ain't happy, ain't nobody happy). Whatever the reason, my thoughts have been turning to cozy creature comforts--those activities and spaces that just make a person feel good. And so...

Comfort beverage
Diet Coke, Peppermint Tea, Hot Chocolate
Comfort chair
Couch or a big recliner perfeably with a warm blanket
Comfort Read
To be honest I usually don’t turn to reading for comfort so I guess I go to Texas Monthly and Fashions Mags when I don’t want to think.
Comfort television/DVD/music
West Wing, Gilmore Girls, movies from my childhood like Bednobs and Broomsticks and mindless companies like Caddyshack and Seems Like Old Times, and the Oh, Brother Where Art Thou sound track.
Comfort companion(s)
Frankie (my dog) and Bud (one of my cats).

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day - Friday the 13th

2006-10-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

From Hocus Pocus
Winifred Sanderson: WHY? Why was I cursed with such IDIOT sisters?
Sarah: Just lucky, I guess.

From Clue
Mr. Green: But this is ridiculous. If he were such a patriotic American, why didn't he just report us to the authorities?
Wadsworth: He decided to put his information to good use & make a little money off of it. What could be more American than that?

From Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Eglentine Price: Treguna, Makoidees, Trecorum, Sadis Dee!

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day 12th

2006-10-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

From Sleepy Hollow
Lady Van Tassel: You're just in time to have your head cut off.

From Clue
Colonel Mustard: Wadsworth, am I right in thinking there is no one else in this house?
Wadsworth: Uh, no.
Colonel Mustard: So there is someone else in this house!
Wadsworth: Sorry, I said no meaning yes.
Colonel Mustard: No meaning yes? Look, I just want a straight answer. Is there someone else in this house or isn't there? Yes or no?
Wadsworth: Uh, no.
Colonel Mustard: No there is, or no there isn't?
Wadsworth: Yes.
Mrs. White: [throws glass into fireplace] Please!
Colonel Mustard: Well, there is still some confusion as to whether there is someone else in this house!
Wadsworth: I told you there isn't.
Colonel Mustard: There isn't any confusion or there isn't anyone else in the house?
Wadsworth: Either. Um, or both.
Colonel Mustard: Just give me a straight answer.
Wadsworth: Certainly. [pause]
Wadsworth: What was the question?

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day - 11th

2006-10-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

From Beetle Juice
Otho: Don't mind her. She's still upset because somebody dropped a house on her sister.

From Clue
Cop: And why are you receiving phone calls from J. Edgar Hoover?
Wadsworth: J. Edgar Hoover?
Cop: That's right. The head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Colonel Mustard: Why is J. Edgar Hoover on your phone?
Wadsworth: I don't know. He's on everyone else's, why shouldn't he be on mine?

From Beetle Juice
Lydia: I myself am... strange & unusual.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day

2006-10-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

From The Worst Witch
Grand Wizard: Once in a purple moon, there is a special young witch who shines above the rest. Often she goes unnoticed, because she is always out of step. I have seen this girl trying to fly. Oh yes, I have. I've seen her at play & how her friends treated her. A true witch isn't always one who comes out on top of the tests. A true witch has witchcraft in her at all times, & this is what you have, Mildred Hubble. And so, Ms. Cackle, I ask you to make the rest of the day a half-holiday.

From Clue
Professor Plum: Maybe the brandy was poisoned!
Mrs. Peacock: [immediately drops her glass full of brandy & continuously screams]
Mr. Green: [tries to wrestle Peacock onto the couch & stop the screaming, eventually gives up, & slaps her across the face as the rest of the group stares] Well, I had to stop her screaming!

From Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Charlie Rawlins: [reading a container, disgustedly] Poisoned Dragon's Liver?
Eglentine Price: [repeating matter-of-factly] Poisoned Dragon's Liver.
Paul Rawlins: Did they poison the dragon, or just the liver?

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day

2006-10-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

From Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Eglentine Price: I don't believe in giving animals ridiculous names. I call him Cosmic Creepers, because *that's* the name he came with.

From Clue
Miss Scarlet: Why has the car stopped?
Professor Plum: It's frightened.

From Sleepy Hollow
Katrina Anne Van Tassel: I think you have no heart. And I had a mind once to give you mine.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day

2006-10-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

From It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
[Lucy scoops out the innards of the pumpkin]
Linus: Ohh. You didn't tell me you were gonna kill it!

From Clue
Colonel Mustard: And are you the host?
Wadsworth: Me, sir? No, I'm just the humble butler.
Colonel Mustard: And what exactly is it you do here?
Wadsworth: I buttle, sir.

From Beetle Juice
Delia: I will live with you in this hellhole, but I must express myself. If you don't let me gut out this house & make it my own, I will go insane & I will take you with me.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day

2006-10-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

From Sleepy Hollow
Ichabod Crane: Villainy wears many masks, none of which so dangerous as virtue...

From Clue
Colonel Mustard: Why are you screaming?
Mr. Green: 'Cause I'm frightened!
Colonel Mustard: Of what?
Mr. Green: Screaming!

From Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Charlie Rawlins: No fried foods? How d'you keep your health?

October 1st through 6th

2006-10-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

Here is my week in review

Had a CPE interview and I start my extended unit on Monday
Interviewed with and was hire by a local new and used bookstore (I will not us its name but if you are from the Texas you can probably guess which one it is) for a part time job. It will be three days a week for 8 hours a day. I forget to ask how much I would be paid but I honestly didn’t care. At this point any pay check will be nice. I start next Thursday.
Thought it is not the life I could live I was reminded this week that Amish are an amazing and faithful people. Their ability for understanding and forgiveness leave me felling humble and thankful that there are still a few communities in the US that respond to events of unquestionable brutality with forgiveness instead of the end of spear, syringe, or boom. We could all learn a lot about forgiveness and community from these humble and simple people who struggle to live in way that they believe is faithful.
With this whole Foley debacle got me thinking that I am not really sure if I know what a congressional page is or who they are chosen or what exactly is their function is on the Hill. So I of course went to the source for all information Wikipedia (House Page, Senate Page). I really want to know why people choice to do this. Put aside the coolness of working on the Hill and the potential political contacts you can make I really can’t understand why you would want to do this. The summer sessions I get but the fall and spring terms last three to four month. That is four to three months away from your family and friends. Four to three month of classes starting at 6:15 and 6:45 and evening that sometimes go to midnight. Clearly there are people who find this experience worth wild. I am defiantly not that person.
In reference to my post of October 1, “Why October is my favorite month” I have already watched Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown as well as Halloweentown II and Halloweentown High, both of which are just as stupid as the original but will not make my list of October must movies.
Also in reference to my post of October 1, “Why October is my favorite month” the fall weather has yet to arrive in north Texas. So I wait . . . for it will come . . . much like the Great Pumpkin is must believe otherwise it will pass you by.
Frankie continues to amaze me in obedience class. Most everything we did this week Frankie did with perfectly. That it except for down (lay down) I just can’t manage to get him down and leave it still need a lot of work.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day

2006-10-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

From Halloweentown
Aggie Cromwell: Being normal is vastly overrated.

From Clue
Wadsworth: Ah, but he was your second husband. Your fist husband disappeared also.
Mrs. White: Well, but, that was his job, he was an illusionist.
Wadsworth: Yes, but he never reappeared.
Mrs. White: HA! Well, he wasn't a very good illusionist.

From Practical Magic
Aunt Jet Owens: And this is what comes from dabbling; I mean you can't practice witchcraft while you look down your nose at it.

RevGal Friday Five . . . Civic Duties

2006-10-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

It's that season of the year when lawn signs are sprouting as surely as flowers in the spring; elections are just around the corner. And so today we bring you a Civic Duty Friday Five.

How old were you when you voted for the first time?
I am pretty sure that I was eighteen.
What was the contest at the top of the ballot?
I think it was a gubernatorial primary. I don’t remember who I voted for but I am sure that they didn’t win.
Can you walk to your polling place?
Yes.
Have you ever run for public office?
No.
Have you run for office in a club or school or on a board?
Yes. My freshman year of college I ran from president of my class, did win that one. The next year I ran for executive secretary and I won that one but I only lasted a semester. It was way to stressful and if I was going to be that stressed I wanted it to be for something I cared more about, like campus ministry. I was also the president of Campus Ministry for three years and the founding member and president of your Presbyterian student organization for three years. I have also served on Presbytery committees and camps and conferences planning teams.

October Movie Festival Quotes of the Day

2006-10-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

From Hocus Pocus
Winifred Sanderson: You know, I've always wanted a child. And now I think I'll have one... on toast!

From Clue
Mrs. White: He was deranged, he was... lunatic. He didn't seem to like me very much. He had threatened to kill me in public.
Miss Scarlet: Why would he want to kill you in public?
Wadsworth: I think she meant he threatened, in public, to kill her.
Miss Scarlet: Oh.

From The Goonies
Stef: This is ridiculous. It's crazy. I feel like I'm babysitting, except I'm not getting paid.

Update on Life

2006-10-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

Thought it is not technically for sure yet I will finally start my CPE on Monday. I will be doing an extend unit at “unnamed” hospital located in south-ism Dallas. The program will go to the end of April and I am terrified.
Tomorrow I have an interview at a local chain of new and used bookstore that is located very near our home. It will be about 24 hours a week. I think it will be a cool job.
Last week Frankie and I had our second obedience class and despite all expectations Frankie is the star student. Things that we use to have to coax him to do (ie, getting is his create when we leave the house) he now does of his own freewill. I many ways it is utterly bizarre. So far sit is going very well. Touch (an attempt to get his attention by touching his nose to my hand) and look (also an attention getter) are going pretty well. Shake has a way to go.
This is my 100ith post. Happy 100 to me . . .

Why October is my favorite month:

2006-10-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

Fall is finally here
Fall is finally here so it starts getting cool
Fall is finally here so you can drive with the windows down, the music turned up all the way and sing at the top of you lunge, annoying everyone around me
Fall is finally here so I can wear my oh so cute sweaters, shawls, and other cold weather gear
Fall is finally here so there is just something about the weather that makes me want to go to football game
Four words – State Fair of Texas. You name they fry it (included coke this year), cattle, and one of the largest Farris wheel’s in the world, can you ask for much more.
The monarch migrations is at it highest
Halloween, ok I know that Easter really should be my favorite holiday but I love Halloween. Dressing up, wearing elaborate make up, pretending to be some else (if anyone can name the culture reference I just made I will give you a gold star), and handing out and overdosing on candy, what can I say I love it.
The leaves change but north Texas has nothing on the colors in Georgia
Carving Pumpkin, the like one crafty thing that I am good at.
I have reason to watch Hocus Pocus. Bette Milder, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Mijimy, and a talking cat.
Other fabulous movies that are a must watch during the month of October: Sleep Hollow (both the Tim Burton and the Disney versions), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Let’s Do the Time Wrap Again), The Shining (hhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeee’s, Johnny), Beetlejuice (Beetlejuice, Beettlejuice), Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Practical Magic, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Bedknobs & Broomsticks (you have no clue how much I loved this movie when I was a kid), Ghostbusters I & II, the Haunting (the 1963 version, the new was crap), Carrie, Young Frankenstein (I love to role in the hay), Clue (I have always wanted Miss Scarlet’s Dress), Teen Wolf, Gremlins, The Worst Witch, The Goonies (Hey, Yoooooooou Guys), Arsenic and Old Lace, and Halloweentown.
The craziness of Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas has not yet started
The days get shorter
The sun sets sooner
Taking walks in the crisp air
Apples are at their best
Lots of evil laughing
Having a reason to drink hot chocolate, tea, and Starbuck’s Carmel Apple Cider
Elvira Mistress of the Dark
Having a reason to curl up under a blanket, with my dog and at lest on of my cats in front of a fire with a book or good movie
I will miss the honking of geese migrating (we don’t really have geese here)
The smell of the cool air
Like marking items off a to-do list or days off a calendar the planting that was done back in the spring and summer has reached its completion. It is time to harvest the fruit of months of hard labor. I love completing things (I particularly enjoy marking things off of lists and days off of calendars. I am sure that says something about me but I am not sure what.)

My Theme Song for October

2006-10-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Well, its a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
neath the cover of october skies
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
And Im trying to please to the calling
Of your heart-strings that play soft and low
And all the nights magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush

Can I just have one a more moondance with you, my love
Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love

Well, I wanna make love to you tonight
I cant wait til the morning has come
And I know that the time is just right
And straight into my arms you will run
And when you come my heart will be waiting
To make sure that youre never alone
There and then all my dreams will come true, dear
There and then I will make you my own
And every time I touch you, you just tremble inside
And I know how much you want me that you cant hide

Can I just have one a more moondance with you, my love
Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love

Repeat 1st verse

One more moondance with you in the moonlight
On a magic night
La, la, la, la in the moonlight
On a magic night
Cant I just have one more dance with you my love

Moondance by. Van Morrison,

Life Can Begin Again

2006-09-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

I am once again a complete person. My laptop is back and as good as new.

My thought of the day:

At what age do you become too old to shop at Claire’s? (I admit nothing)

No Computer . . . Much Cry

2006-09-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

My laptop is sick . . . and I am sad. Much to do and no computer to do it on. Thank goodness we know a guy who fixes computers for a living.

RevGal Friday Five . . . Boo, Boo Alert

2006-09-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

1) Are you a baby about small injuries?
It really depends who I am around. It I am around my parents, yes. If I am around people I don’t know, not necessarily.

2) What's the silliest way you have ever hurt yourself?
When I was a senior in high school I was on a weekend youth trip and we where staying in a average m/hotel. The door to the room had one of those security latches that has a small ball on a stick with a hoop that you fold over it (the alternative to the chain latch). We where getting ready to for Saturday evening events and there where a number of my fellow youth sitting in the hallway. I went to open the door to get my friends attention and that little ball at the end of the stick went strait into the center on my forehead. I had a perfect cylindrical white bump in the middle of my forehead for several weeks. Metal against your skull not fun, it REALLY HURT.

3) Who took care of your boo-boos when you were a child?
Mom and occasionally my grandmother who lived with us.

4) Are you a good nurse when others have boo-boos?
I like to think so.

5) What's the worst accidental injury you've suffered? Did it require a trip to the Emergency Room?
As a teen I had weak ankles and had a tendency to sprain my ankle on a fairly regular basis. Once again on the youth trip this time to South Padre I was running out of the water I stepped in a whole that was hidden by the surf. My ankle instantly swelled to three times it size. Think that I had broken my ankle the EMT’s drove me to Brownsville, over an hour away, because there is not hospital in South Padre only a clinic and the radiologist was on vacation. Of course it was not broken but I still left with a semi-cast on crutches. Four days later after a flight from South Padre to Dallas and Dallas to Boston my toes looked like little vena sausages (both of these flights where pre-planed family vacation).

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2006-09-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

So it’s finally here. The new fall television season starts today. There are a few shows that have decided to make an early start of it. Since I really have noting better to I will share my thoughts and feeling about the good, the bad, and the just plain sad.

Shows that have already started:
August 30th – Bones (Wednesday 7p CST on FOX)
As Lost is to Gilligan’s Island so CSI is to Bones. Where CSI most of the time has a pretty good since that “this could really happen” with Bones there is a feeling of “this is how things might be, if we lived in the future”. But it just the since of fantasy that really make the show interesting and fun. It kind of cool think that it might be possible to identify the ID of bones simple by placing their measurements into a computer and get a perfect 3D reparation of that person in this cool bubbly thing. Frustrations: I that hooking but two main characters (Bones and Booth) can mean the end of others wise fabulous show (one word Ed). But I really wish they would get on with and the addition of one of Booths former girlfriends to the cast, as Bones supporter no less, has really thrown a wrench in the whole thing. I do anticipate that love might be afoot in the grow relationship between Angle and Jack seems to be going somewhere, even if it takes the whole season to get any where. All in all the first three episodes have been pretty decent entertainment.

September 5th – House (Tuesday at 7pm CST on FOX, note the new time)
I must start this review with a confession. I find Dr. Gregory House strangle attractive. I not sure why this man who is drug-addicted, narcissistic, and total devoid of human compassion is so hot but he is (I am sure that if he happened to be really person I would truly despise him). The first two shows where pretty good but I am still decided if I like the plot move the writer have taken with regard to his leg. Will the pain come back? Will he be as good of a doctor with the pills? These are all hanging over our head and we will just have to tune to find out the answer.

What’s on tonight’s viewing schedule:

7:00 pm CST – The Class on CBS. This is a new show and has had mixed edging on bad reviews.

7:30 pm CST – How I Met Your Mother on CBS. This show barley made it thru last years and time will only tell if it can make it another year.

8:00 pm CST – Two and a Half Men also on CBS. I must admit that I would have never thought that this would be a good as it is but it is a really good show.

8:30 pm CST – The New Adventures of Old Christine on CBS. Despite it rock start this mid-season replacement and it Emmy winning lead Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine.

9:00 pm CST – Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip on NBC. If you could predict the potential of show based on the previous performance of the actors old shows Studio 60 should be a block buster. With Matthew Perry who has been under the radar since the end of friends and formal political pundit from West Wing Bradley Whitford this show has a pretty high standard to maintain. It great to see Steven Weber back on the small screen after the end of Wings almost 10 years ago. With Amanda Peet (The Whole Nine Yards), D. L. Hughley, Sarah Paulson, Nathan Corddry, Timothy Busfield, and Michael Stuhlbarg (thirtysomething & West Wing) rounding out the cast this will hopefully be the new Monday Night juggernaut.

In other Non-Visual Media Reviews:
If you missed Terri Grosse’s interview with John Hagee on Fresh Air listen to it on the web. Let’s just say that an interview between an EXTREEMLY conservative (and some might say radical) Minister and a liberal lesbian reproter was strange, weird and like most of what John Hagee’s says more than a little scary.

My, Oh So, Exciting Week in Review:

2006-09-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Monday:
I started volunteering in the church library. I love the library (especially ones where you don’t have to be as quite as a church mouse). I enjoyed getting to know a wonderful woman who has made the Library he mission. We had fun sharing stories and getting to know each other.

Thursday:
Frankie and I had our first obedience class (actually I had our first obedience class since for the first class we where not supposed to bring our dogs). We are taking the class at a local community college whose mascot is a Thunderduck (whatever that is, but you have to admit that it is at lest a cool name). Next week we will be working on sit but I just hopping that I don’t have to hold him the whole time. I give you an update on how things go.

Saturday:
I wonderful Trisha had a Papered Chef party. This was my first adventure in the realm of Papered Chef and I had a lot of fun seeing some old friends and buy kitchen stuff I probably could have lived without (the two and half Pink Martinis I had probably didn’t help with any of the above). I was great fun and I can’t wait for my chopper thing to get here. Aside: I did find it a little distressing that I was SO excited my kitchen ware. I have always loved cooking but since I have spent the past year as a “house-daughter” I never really imagined that I could be so domestic (no that there is anything wrong with that) and freakily I am not sure how a feel about that.
Later that evening I had dinner with a lovely woman from my church and we just had the best time talking, sharing stories, and just getting to know each other.

Today:
I have officially competed three weeks of Senior High Sunday School and my feelings are mixed. The first week was a wash because the whole time was spent welcoming the incoming tenth graders and then writing a group covenant. Last week it was the Miranda Show and it hard for me to be objective. We were talking about the Middle East and that is not the easiest topic to talk about, especially in my particular neck of the woods. I have decided that talking about sex would have been much easier (how many of you could say that). My other teachers seemed optimistic but most of these people have knew me most of my life so who knows if they are able to be objective. Today as a sort of continuation of last week we where talking about peacemaking. I was not teaching and I think that it went ok but whole knows with youth sometimes. Next week we move on to less heavy topic and I am hoping that I can gain a better idea of where or not they are getting it. We will see.
Can home from church and took a nap with Bud and Frankie. What is about a rain day and two four-legged friends that make it such great nap day. That was today

What is Exactly Are They Going For . . .

2006-09-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Who new I could even find Christ in my cup . . .

I am not sure this if this is serious or not.

RevGal Friday Five . . . Brushes with Greatness

2006-09-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

David Letterman used to have a feature on his show called "Brushes with Greatness." Members of the audience would share stories of encounters with famous people. And so...

Tell us about a time you met someone famous.
Let’s see . . . I have meet Kinky Freedmen (singer, songwriter, author, humanitarian, independent candidate currently running for Texas Governor) when I was in college. He was friends with one of my professors and local Kerrville celebrity (to be perfectly honest it hard to live in Kerrville for four years and not meet him). And being the religion nerd that I am I have to mention Shirley Guthrie (former professor), Walter Brueggerman (former professor who gave me an A), and Kathleen Norris just to name a few.
Tell us about a celebrity you'd like to meet.
My mother has met several extremely famous people through a professional organization she used to be on the board of. A few of the people she meet where great but the vast majority of them left her disappointed and disillusioned (I mean some of these people where down right mean). With that said here is my list: Ann Lamont, Mickey Tuetul, Susan Sarandon, the whole Manning family, . . .
Tell us about someone great who's *not* famous that you think everyone oughta have a chance to meet.
Ms. C, my high school Sunday School teacher. I think she is about the most amazing person I know.
Do you have any autographs of famous people?
us people?My mother has collected signed books for many years so I do have several books that have been signed by their author/illustrator. Perhaps the biggest of these would have to be that I have a signed copy of ever book John Grisham has ever written. I also went to Fan Fair (country music festival in Nashville) when I was ten and got autographs from Randy Travis and the Judd’s (to be perfectly honest I have no clue where they are at this very moment).
If you were to become famous, what would you want to become famous for?
The first thing that I ever wanted to be (besides a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, give me a break I was 5) was to be a fashion designer. Since I cannot draw it would have to be for fashion merchandising (and who gets famous for that) or as a personal shopper (I would have been a fabulous personal shopper). In real life the only thing that I would become famous for would be fame on a small scale like Christian Education, but I really don’t see that happening.

Bonus: Whose 15 minutes of fame was up long, long ago?
Here is the top ten (in order): 1. Paris Hilton, 2. All female school teachers who have slept with their severally underage students, 3. Paris Hilton, 4. Katie Couric, 5. Paris Hilton, 6-10. did I forget to mention Paris Hilton.

Forgive A Moment of Self-Pity Vanity

2006-09-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

I am sorry but my vanity is going to take over for a minute. I was very lucky to have made it through my teen years with a limited amount of acne. So why is it that I turned 25 a year and a half ago and I have rarely been without a pimple since? Wasn’t I supposed to grow out of this? I will admit that my skin care decimate has never been very in-depth (basically if I couldn’t do it while laying in it wasn’t going to happen). So a few months ago I decided to be more proactive (this has nothing to do with the product of the same name). I obtained a “spot treatment” in a tub which did seam to make them go away faster but their number where not decreasing. Since I have had a sun burn or two and I do have a few scares both from acne and childhood accidents I decided to try this mask thing designed to help with acne scares. I do have to say that I have loved this product and it have notice a difference but it really doesn’t help with the zips. So a few weeks ago I decided that I was not going to the zits have control and get over my “lazy” skin care attitude. So last week I tried their special three-step treatment designed for adult acne (one of which required water, so I decided that bathroom was better than the bed) and I was not really impressed with the way it made my skin feel. So I went to a few web sites, did a little research and chose two different products (one of which also required a sink) and last night was the first night I used it. All in all I liked the way it made my skin feel and look but I awake to a gigantor pimple on my temp, one of those ones that REALLY hurts. So my question is at age will I have to no longer deal with these invasions on my face? So I will give the new two-step process a week or two because I know that sometimes acne treatments make things worse before they get better. So I am off to the bathroom to fight the good fight in the name of clean skin.

You have Got to be Kidding Me…

2006-09-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

So the question of the day is this: who made the decision to show the movie The Towering Inferno on this of all days? Perhaps the worst part is that I actually watched part of it (not by my choice, mind you I was not in control of the remote).

The Loss of a Stranger

2006-09-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

Why is it that people we have never meet face to face but have interred our homes on a regular basis through the lenses of the small screen come to feel like friends? I have been pondering this for the past few days as a world mourns the death the Crocodile Hunter. I guess it part of it has to do with the shocking and sudden nature of his passing but there is something more to it. The energy and passion he poured onto the television screen and the fact that we became so familiar with his family. His father, wife, daughter, son, and even his dog made regular appearances on his shows and played an important part of everything he did.
The enduring image that I will carry with of this son, husband, father, and friend is one of the few quite moments from his show. He was traveling in a jeep through an area of land that had just been burning in an effort to clear land. Thought this is a necessary evil in land management he was worried about all of the small creature that did not have the opportunity to the escape the flames. He found a lizard, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, barely clinging to life as most of it body had been burned. Steve Irwin, the man known for wrestling with alligators and handing the deadliest animals in the world, with tears in his eyes grieved as one of the smallest of God’s creations passed from this world. He held the creature until it drew its last breath. This man truly loved all animals and all of God’s creatures have lost an advocate and friend.
I feel so silly speaking about a celebrity as if he was a personal friend but their was just something about this particular man that made us all believe that the person he was on TV was the person he was in real life.

If Miranda where in charge of the Primetime Emmy’s

2006-08-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

Outstanding Drama Series – 24 I don’t think so Grey's Anatomy, House, and farewell salute to The West Wing would have been much better.
Outstanding Comedy Series – I am sorry but Arrested Development is the most undervalued show.
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program - The Amazing Race again, come on, Project Runway disserves some serous props.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – ok not a big fan of 24 (in my option that show should have not lasted past the first year) so pretty much anyone else would have been better. Although the stult to his dad was nice.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series – and perhaps the worst of all was anyone choose Mariska Hargitay over Kyra Sedgwick who plays one of the best female characters seen on the small screen in years. Seriously if you have not seen The Closer you have to check it out.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – much as I love Blythe Danner it would havee nice to see Sandra Oh or Chandra Wilson recognized for their work on Grey's Anatomy.
Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program – I think that everyone would agree that it is unconceivable that Stephen Colbert lost to Barry Manilow. Although it did lead to some great comedy later in the show.

Now that I have that off my chest I feel a little silly that I can this much about television programs.

Another Time Wastign Internet Site

2006-08-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

I don’t know if y’all have discover Urban Dictionary if you haven’t you have to check it out. It is great source for anyone who works with youth. It kind of like Wikipedia and you can add to and edit entries. Beware: there is little no editing of people language so the site is not really appropriate for our younger readers.

I highly recommend doing a search for “God” it is very interesting to see what people have to say.

I’m Melting . . I’m Melting . . .

2006-08-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

It is currently 11:13 pm and 92 degrees outside. There is a heat advisory until 4:45 am. It sad when the tempature only reaches 98 degrees and everyone gets excited.
Can anyone tell me what this thing they call rain looks like . . . I have forgetten.

Welcome to Texas, Ya’ll

Thoughts While Doing the Laundry

2006-08-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

I hate doing whites because they are primarily made up t-shirts and therefore requires excessive amounts of folding
Why is it that you also find the one sock when you have already started the while and all you have left are darks?
I am undecided on the whole putting you bra in the dryer viruses letting them air drive
Perhaps the thing I find the most frustrating about doing laundry is it virtually impossible to have everything you own clear at the one time . . . because you always have the cloths you are wearing. Therefore their will ALWAYS be MORE laundry.

Hero Worship and Their Fall from Grace

2006-08-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

My family and I follow cycling like other families’ follow professional football or college basketball. It is a sport that I love and enjoy and that is why I desperately want to believe that the allegations against Floyd Landis doping are not true but that has become increasingly harder during that past two weeks. I know that no one if perfect and even ministers have moments of weakness and in Floyd’s case stupidly but there still a desire to believe that it is possible. If they are true, as said as it might sound, I would feel betrayed by someone I really thought was an amazing athlete and an all around good guy. If they aren’t true, at this point that really does not matter, the damage has been done, and his career as it is now is over. Anything else he might accomplish will forever be tainted by the events of the past few weeks. And these events will also forever affect the lives of his wife and daughter, and his conservative Mennonite parents. It will be these people that will have to reconcile the person they thought their husband, father, and son was with the reality of his humanness.

Friday Five: Broadway

2006-08-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

This week we have a treat: a guest Friday Five composed by NotShyChiRev (who is perhaps one of the coolest people ever!!!). Enjoy!

Describe the last play or musical you saw. (At least provide the what, when, where, and why). What was your opinion of it?
The last musical I saw was back in the fall and it was THE BEST musical I have ever seen. WICKED.
All time favorite play? Musical?
Up until this past fall my favorite musical was Kiss Me Kate. Honorable Mention: Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly, Rent, Urinetown. My favorite Operetta which is commonly mistaken for a musical is the Pirates of Penzance.
“The Producers,” “The Philadelphia Story,” “Hairspray,” “The Wedding Singer”…all were movies before they were musicals (okay “The Philadelphia Story” was a play and then a movie, and they changed its name when it became a musical, but whatever). What non-musical movie do you think should next get the musical treatment?
Good question . . . Candyshack . . . The Princesses Bridge . . . On a side note I would like to say that The Producers (the original movie with Zero Marcel and Gene Wilder was like 300% best than it musical reincarnation).
Favorite song from a musical? Why?
To chose one is way to hard so here are my top five (in particular order). 1. Popular from Wicked, 2. Brush Up Your Shakespeare form Kiss Me Kate, 3. Seasons of Love from Rent, 4. Hello, Dolly from Hello Dolly, 5. What is Unrinetown from Unrinetown. Honorable mention: almost every Gilbert and Sullivan wrote which are primarily Operettas but are frequently lumped in with the musical categories.
The most recent trend in Broadway musical revues is to construct a show around the oeuvre of a particular super-group or composer, where existing songs are woven together with some kind of through story. The most successful of these (“Jersey Boys” (The Four Seasons), “Mamma Mia” (ABBA), “Movin’ Out” (Billy Joel)) have made a mint, but many (“All Shook Up” (Elvis), “Hot Feet” (Earth, Wind and Fire)) have bombed. What great pop/rock singer/composer or super-group should be the next to be featured, and what might the story-line be for such a show?
Madonna . . . The Who . . . Pink Floyd (oh i guess that call that The Wall . . . is The Wall considered a musical?)

The Stupid Thing People Do . . .

2006-08-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

On Monday I attended a funeral in north Mississippi. The service was at a church and was followed by the graveside which was about 10 miles away. I am not sure if they do this in other parts of the worlds but in the southern USA when a funeral procession passes you pull to the side and stop in reverence. This extends beyond people in cars, a group of men doing road works stop, removed their hard hats, and placed them over their hearts as we passed. I have been in funeral processions in the past that passed by an elementary school where a teacher was escorting her class in a single file line from one building to the next. As soon as she noticed our procession she had her class stop as we passed. I know that something in the south seem backwards or out date but this is a tradition that I have to like very much.

Back to this past Monday, as is usual we were lead by a police car with it light one, followed by a van with the pall bearers, then the Hurst, followed by cars (and seeing that we were in the south a few pickups) with the family, and final any other people who were in attendance. The first three mile of our journey where in town where everything went as it usually does. The remaining seven or so was on a state highway and it on the highway that this southern tradition of pulling over and stop got interesting. The car I was driving was only one car away from the Hurst, containing the one of the decedent’s sons, his wife, and one of this children. In the car behind me were the decedent’s sister and brother-in-law. These processions generally do not go at highway speeds (70 mph), so we where coursing between 15 to 25 mile an hour in the left lane. About four or five miles out of town I notice a white BMW with a back set full of cloths approaching in the right lane (fopa #1). Then she pulls behind me and sits there for about five minutes. Then she moves back into the right lane and increases her speed, soon passing me and the car in front of me (fopa #2). What we know about this person at this point; she drives a BMW with Mississippi plates, she appears to be between the ages of 18 and 25, she attends a local university, she also happens to be a member of a sorority that has a reputation (wink, wink), and she clearly didn’t learn anything her mother ever taught her (southern expression).

Here is where things get weird. Suddenly as she is about to pass the Hurst she pulls back into the funeral procession and is now directly following the Hurst. So it looks like this Hurst, BMW, car with son, and then me. (fopa #3). At this point we are only a half mile from the cemetery. As the processions pulls into the left hand turn lane the BMW suddenly decides to pull into the right lane, then onto the shoulder, and finally comes to a full stop (fopa #4). Fortunately, this invasion did not affect our recognition of the life of the one who had passed and actually provided us with a great deal of fun later as we joked at her expense.

Question I would have liked to ask the driver of the white BMW:

Did you not know it was a funeral procession? If so why did you continue in the manor you did? And if not when did you realize?
What was so important that you felt it was more important than a tradition that honors the dead?
Why did you pull over only after we turned?
AND WHY ON EARTH DID YOU PULL IN BEHIND THE HURST?

A Varity of News from Miranda’s Life

2006-07-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

Some of you might remember that last month I was sharing my frustration with my church and the struggles I have been going through, well since then the whole thing has done a three sixty (see post from June 21, 25, & 27). First last night I finally meet with my session (congregational governing body) and it could have not gone any better. During the special called meeting I was approved to move on the Presbytery (regional governing body) to be approved to move on Candidacy the penultimate step to ordination.

Second, this past Sunday my High School Sunday School teacher, and one of my absolute favorite people in the inter world, living or dead, asked if I would like to be part of the Senior High Sunday School teaching team this coming fall. She has been teaching this class for like 20 years and she thinks enough of me to ask me to be apart of it, needless to say I was EXTREMLY honored and said yes. On a side not, I was a little surprised by the chose of curriculum she is think of using (David C. Cook, Real Life Downloaded) I have already read several of the lesson and some are good, some are adaptable, and some I wish I could burn. This is if I believed in burning things that one does not agree with. If any one has any experience with the Bible-In-Life curriculum or the Real Life Downloaded please let me know what you think. I will defiantly have do to some major editing but some do have some good stuff.

In Other News. The American domination of the world’s hardest sporting event has extended beyond Lance Armstrong’s seven wins to an eigth year. The world’s fast Mennonite, Floyd Landis won with a 53 second lead after announcing two weeks before that his hip would need to be replace following this years Tour, then “hitting the wall” on the stage 16 ending eight minutes behind falling to 11th place, to an epic recovery a day later that would catapulted him to third place only 30 seconds behind the leader and the yellow jersey. Like the Miracle on Ice, Jackie Robinson’s signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and Nadia Comaneci achieving a perfect 10, this is one of the greatest stories in sporting history.

On that note I am going through Tour de France withdrawal. Now that it’s over I am not really sure what to do with my mornings. On 345 days until the 2007 Tour de France starts on the streets on London.

Finally, for my fellow CTSers I found it hard to not laugh during this past Sunday worship service when the Hemorrhaging Women was read. Ahh, memories of four years ago . . .